Tag: vintage

Inspiration: Suitcase Dresser

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One of my goals this month is to re-organize my studio to make fabrics easier to find and to ‘unclog’ the creative block messiness encourages.

So I’ve been hunting for ways to do so while keeping things green and aesthetically inspiring. That’s why I fell in love when I found this suitcase dresser! Easy enough to make on your own – this idea take vintage luggage and transforms it into a utilitarian designer’s dream! I don’t have the space to make something like this now – but I am keeping it in mind should I ever decide to do away with my current dresser.

Inspiration: Vintage Ochre Skirt

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I heart things like a maniac on Etsy and am also now a super Pinterest user. Between the two I collect image upon image of beautiful fashions, unique clothing, and inspiring outfits. But when I found this adorable corduroy skirt on Astral Boutique’s Etsy something made me stop. Maybe it’s the super cute over-sized bow in the model’s hair. Or perhaps it’s the breezy white blouse combined with the bold color of the skirt. Or maybe it’s a combination of all of the above! No matter the reason – I simply had to share this photo as it instantly brought a smile to my face.

New Designs: Stormy Weather Skirt

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Dropping temperatures don’t have to equal over-bundling and under-styling. Fight the chill by throwing on a pair of leggings, boots, long sleeve fitted top and a skirt for instant comfort and glamor.

And if you’re looking for the perfect piece, my new  “Stormy Weather” design fits the bill! Boasting ruffled fabric at the waist and a bubbled lower hem, it creates a slightly a-line shape that’s not just cozy, but also flattering. My favorite detail? The reverse applique rain drops! Filled with vintage lace, the contrast between the fabrics’ textures, plus, the whimsical cutout, make it an eye-catching detail that won’t go ignored.

New Designs: Pumpkin Spice

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You know those cool autumn nights where all you want to do is cuddle up in a warm knit sweater and read your favorite novel? That’s exactly what I was channeling when creating this new design! Reshaped from a vintage men’s sweater, this top boasts a cozy over-sized fit, 3/4 bell sleeves, a vivid pumpkin hue and an embellished lace collar. Perfect for wearing with leggings and slippers – I can’t wait to curl up in one of my own!

Indie Biz: Revamping Vintage

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One of my favorite design challenges is finding frumpy vintage clothing and re-imagining them into modern user-friendly pieces. What’s so satisfying about the process is that it’s completely spontaneous. I don’t pre-plan and go out to find fabric. The fabric finds me.

As I’m hunting down t-shirts, sweaters, lace, and other materials for my classic Pierogi Picnic designs I sometimes happen upon a 60s dress or 70s skirt that has an interesting shape or print. I immediately size it up, looking at the quality of the garment, and envision it in a new form.

Friends who have come along for my fabric hunting adventures always smirk in disbelief when I grab a pleated, floor length, shoulder pad-filled frock and pop it in my cart. Weeks later when they see the outcome they are amazed!

“How did you know?” – they ask

“It’s just me following my intuition” – I reply

Any indie handmade business owner knows that there’s only so many reproductions we can pump out before we become fatigued by our craft. That’s why having an outlet to let spontaneous creativity shine is so important! All of us need to take a step back, experiment, and enjoy the stream-of-consciousness process of just letting go and having fun with a creation.

So next time you’re in a creative rut and looking for a way out – grab some raw materials and start to enjoy your craft once more. Who knows – maybe you’ll find your own token eighties frock.