Meet the Models: Jared

June 15, 2011Leave a comment

Jared migrated to Chicago from a small town in Ohio and now thrives in this new metropolis he calls home. A gifted painter, his ghostly creations infuse viewers with both curiosity and wonder as they gaze through a fog of paint where faces peer out from under the surface. Jared’s stunning art defies his cool and friendly demeanor.

Infinitely approachable with his grizzly beard and soft smirks – Jared spends his hours away from the studio reading, philosophizing, brewing coffee, napping, and canoodling with his dogs Frankenstein and Vera.

Press: Featured on Style Network

June 8, 2011June 8, 2011Leave a comment

What’s better than running an eco-friendly indie business? Getting some love for it from the major league players! Check out the article “Fashions with a Conscience” from the Style Network’s mystyle website featuring none other than Pierogi Picnic front and center. The “In Bloom” tunic dress is one of my favorite designs and it’s great to see that I’m not the only one who thinks so. Love the love.

Signature Packaging: DIY Envelopes Tutorial

June 6, 2011June 6, 20111 Comment

One of my ongoing goals with Pierogi Picnic is to make every part of my business “beyond green.” Much like “beyond organic,” I want to go farther than expectations, beyond green washing and marketing ploys to really reduce waste, reuse materials, and do it in style.

One of my all-time favorite ways to do this is hand craft mailers out of used cereal boxes. This was one of my first Pierogi Picnic innovations when I got started in 2008. The tutorial below will show you how you too can make these fun packaging pieces using leftover cereal containers you may have stashed in your cupboard. Continue reading →

Comfy, Chic & Customized: Swim Wear Revolution

May 21, 2011May 21, 20111 Comment

If you’re anything like me you have a love/hate relationship with the beach. The soothing sound of lapping waves, the warmth of the sun, and the smells of sun tan lotion are sharply jarred by feelings of vulnerability and discomfort as your swim wear moves, shifts, and bulges in every nook and cranny of your body.

No matter how in or out of shape, all women fight this losing battle. And with the traditional swim suit materials only adding insult to injury the time has come to start a swim wear revolution!

By creating a new line of eco-friendly, custom fitted, vintage inspired swim suits – Pierogi Picnic is empowering you to hit the beach in comfort and style.

Each piece in the new line will be custom made to the wearer’s measurements out of soft and breathable upcycled cotton. The suits will be lined for fit and modesty and will include tailoring designed to flatter any figure. And the best part? The designs will be bright, colorful and affordable!!!

Keep your eyes peeled for the launch of the new line this June.

Cute as a Button: DIY Earring Tutorial

February 12, 201111 Comments

I made a trip up to Evanston yesterday and took a stroll down Main Street. I love the feel of the blocks with the narrow street and local mom and pop shops. I peeked into Dave’s Rock Shop and perused the ancient fossil collections and bought a box of fragmented pyrite. I also swung through Healthy Green Goods to scope out their new shop layout. But the real mission of my journey lay just ahead – Vogue Fabrics.

Whenever I visit Vogue I know I’m in for a long stay. I have to block out at least three hours of time for each excursion. My goal that day was to find elastic for new spring headbands – but I quickly found myself distracted by their wall of designer and vintage buttons and instantly planned my Saturday project: new button earrings!!!! Continue reading →

DIY Gifts: Peppermint Mocha Body Scrub

December 21, 2010December 24, 2010Leave a comment

If you’ve run out of time to shop for that special someone this holiday season – and don’t dare go out in the blizzardy snow – then make this year’s gifts DIY. There’s tons of things you can put together last minute for someone who will appreciate time, effort, and creativity much more than a purchased good.

So to give you a little inspiration I am sharing one of my personal favorite concoctions – Peppermint Mocha Body Scrub! Unlike the fattening espresso drink of the same name at Starbucks – this luxurious scrub is actually good for you! Made with ingredients found in the kitchen, its exfoliating texture and delicious smell will transform your bathroom into a foodie spa extravaganza. Follow this recipe to make a brew as a gift for the last person on your list – or simply to indulge yourself. Continue reading →

Sustainable Style: Holiday Gift Guide #1

October 29, 2010June 8, 2011Leave a comment

I know it’s a bit early to think holiday shopping – but those of you doing it online know that it takes some time before the items reach your doorstep. So a little planning now can save you a lot of trouble later. With this in mind, here is my first collection of eco-friendly gift suggestions to get you thinking: