Finds: Warm & Toasty

January 8, 2014February 25, 2014Leave a comment

With half of the nation in a deep freeze this week – I thought it appropriate to bring you a collection of goodies that will having you feeling warm and toasty in no time!

These beautifully crafted items were all hand-selected by me to help you think cozy thoughts in these blistering winter temps. So stop what you’re doing, grab a warm beverage, and explore the sites of these talented artisans. I guarantee that you’ll like what you find!

p.s. If you’re already gift-hunting for Valentine’s Day – this collection should give you some great ideas!

Handmade Boots by Rita J Felt
Warm Vanilla Brown Sugar Scrub by Blackberry Ranch
Couples Hand-Holding Mitten by With Love From Emma
Knitted Ear Warmers by Yes Jess
Organic Fair Trade Drinking Chocolate by Flying Bird Botanicals
Goat’s Milk, Cocoa Butter, Oatmeal Bath Bombs by Kissmibella
Winter Scenery Art Print by Malobi
Heart Knit Boot Cuffs by Senur Sasa
Whipped Shea, Mango and Cocoa Butter by Fatty’s Soap Company
Knit Hand Muff by Ovinity
Spicy Chocolate Truffles by Epic Edibles
Minimalist Winter Wall Decor by Raceytay
Rose Vanilla Cuticle Cream by Swamp Angel
Knitted Cosby Skirt by Pierogi Picnic
Scalloped Fingerless Gloves by Cookieletta
Pocket Hand Warmers by Worme Wool

Designs: The Dodger

October 10, 2013October 9, 2013Leave a comment

Oh boy – do I like a man in dapper duds! Maybe it’s the Dr. Who fan in me – but bow ties, hats, scarves – you name it and I’m there!

Finally acknowledging this lust for gentlemanly accessories I’ve decided to focus this season’s menswear on fun little additives. My hope is to help guys be a bit more posh than the dude next door.

First up in the new collection is what I simply call, “The Dodger“. Inspired by the “No Sweat” men’s sweatshirt that has become one of my all-time best-sellers, “The Dodger” works off a similar design premise: chic, comfortable, and tangle-free. With a fun color-blocked design and subtle military-inspired details, these new cowls are sure to be a hit with no-nonsense guys who want to add a pop to their cold weather wardrobes.

Here’s to decking out the boys in lots of fun accessories this season!

Inspiration: Jayson Home

February 19, 2013March 6, 20134 Comments

It’s winter in Chicago which means I’m starving for visual inspiration. There’s only so much pinning a girl can do! So on a recent Saturday afternoon I embarked with my equally eager hubby to Jayson Home to get my creative juices moving again.

If there’s ever been a place to whisk away the winter-blues it’s this eccentrically elegant home and garden center in the heart of the Lincoln Park shopping district. Filled with a cacophony of furniture odds and design ends this beautiful boutique expertly choreographs each and every display. Moody reupholstered furniture combine with brightly colored accent pieces, one-of-a-kind handmade dishware and fair-trade imports. To bring together such a wide variety of aesthetics and make it seem this fluid is artistry at its finest.

Setting trends in furnishing and design, Jayson home is the perfect place to escape on a dreary gray afternoon. Snapping pictures left and right, I know I took lots of notes and will be playing out some of their ideas in my own place. Whether it be with pops of potted plants or delightfully tacky prints, this is the place to go for a fresh dose of inspiration for the home this season!

Trends: Lovin’ the Leggings!

January 22, 2013January 21, 2013Leave a comment

Throughout most of the country we’re bundling and living in layers to keep the cold bug from biting. One of the very best trends that continues to stick around, season in and season out, are those lovable stretchy pseudo tights: leggings. Whether you believe they’re pants or not – one things for sure – this fashion trend has become a staple beyond the eighties. Whether you’re wearing them to be a bit more demure in a mini – or if – like me – you’re rockin’ them as part of a chunky winter ensemble, you know there’s nothing more comfy or snug as a good pair of footless cotton leggings.

In ode to this oh-so-dear-and-near-to-me piece of apparel, I’ve compiled my favorite printed and dyed pairs to inspire you to go beyond the solid and try a bolder or brighter look. Whether you go high-end or DIY, hopefully these fun varieties will inspire you to take this popular and functional piece of clothing to the next level…all while staying warm and cozy! Continue reading →

Item of the Week: Cosby Skirt

January 9, 2013January 6, 2013Leave a comment

What’s cozier than a soft knitted skirt made to fit your curves? One that also makes you reminisce of a time long gone by!

My fun-loving Cosby Skirts bring you the best of both worlds! Made from pre-loved 80s men’s sweaters, these fun pieces will take you back decades to a time when geometric shapes, bold colors and funky textures ruled!

Each Cosby skirt is handmade from meticulously chosen fabric – making sure each is absolutely itch-free and slightly stretchy – giving the final product a comfy and fitted feel. One of my most popular pieces at in-person events, these skirts are easy to wear and can be dressed up or down for any event.

Truly one-of-a-kind, you won’t want to miss out on these uniquely wonderful minis!

Press: Feelgood Style

October 24, 2012October 24, 2012Leave a comment

I know I’ve been talking talking and talking about cozy fall sweaters and designs. Well, I’m comforted knowing I’m not the only one obsessed with this fall fashion staple!

Becky Striepe included my Sugar Free upcycled cardigan on the site Feelgood Style in a spread on eco-friendly snuggle-worthy tops for the season. View the article on Fall Style here and check out the rest of the blog – you’re in for a treat!

Press: Handmade Men

October 3, 2012September 30, 2012Leave a comment

You know it’s truly autumn when all your cool weather items are the hit at every event and are being featured on blogs and treasuries. The latest (and I think greatest) of my designs is currently highlighted on the fantastic site “Handmade Men” which sets to bring the handmade lifestyle to online shoppers.

In a feature entitled “Hot Picks! Handmade Hoodies” they included my “Sir Cycle” upcycled cowl hoodie. This is a piece that I handcrafted for a customer’s boyfriend last winter, and it’s since become one of my all-time favorite designs. So I was thrilled that the creation made it into this style savvy site. Be sure to take some time to explore the entire site for more chic and casual handmade creations.