All White is Overrated :)

I have really been loving the idea of a bride not having to be in white head to toe. Shoes are one of the parts I think a woman can really go all out with and still remain traditional with the dress. It adds a splash of fun and color - it can also be the way to tie in the color of the bridesmaids dresses. Here is a collection of ones I have liked as I have come across them over time. Whether they are Louboutins or J.Crew - these are all super cute!

Felt good to sew again!

It had been far too long since I had last done a sewing project, so what better time than a baby's first birthday!? Here they are, the blanket and dressed I sewed for baby Tveen :) Check back soon for a picture of her wearing the dress!

The pattern for the dress is my own take on one from {Mani-Mina} on Etsy. The pattern for the flower was found on {Sew Ritzy Titzy}.

I was gonna just wrap it in a usual gift box, but I felt like using a plain brown bag instead and dressing it up with some paper and ribbon I picked up at {Paper Sky} here in {San Luis Obispo}.

DIY Ruffled Belt

This was a great find! Belts have become a real wedding trend lately - could be attributed to {J.Crew} - so here is a way to have this chic style incorporated in your special day without spending tons of $$. Check out {100 Layer Cake} for step by step instructions. This belt was inspired by a headband made by crafty Rachel over at {Heart of Light}.

The Strapped Big Bag

I came across this bag on the {Definition of Self} Etsy shop yesterday and then saw it on a few other sites today - it is becoming pretty popular! The Strapped Big Bag is large purse or a good sized tote that is crisply designed and can comfortably carry all of your daily needs in one bag. It closes shut with 2 magnetic snaps. I gotta have one!

J.Crew Tees!

I had a few gift certificates to {J.Crew} back from my graduation but haven't been able to use them since we don't have a store in San Luis Obispo. This weekend I finally had the chance and needless to say it was quite difficult to stay within the range that the certificates would cover - too much cuteness to handle for the summer! I guess it is better that we don't have a store here? So here are just two of my great finds :) Two techniques I really want to try now!

Tiny Whales

This great Etsy shop, {Tiny Whales}, is all about merging the gap between infant and children's clothing. This is being done by creating fun, imaginative, and modern designs that are loved by all ages. I am not surprised that the most common question they receive is from adults wanting the same thing in their size! They are breaking the mode of having girls only wearing certain colors and designs and the same for boys. The goal is to have babies looking hip and stylish through their choice of colors, bold prints and modern graphics. The motto is that rules were meant to be broken and therefor they are changing the way children should be dressed.

A couple weekend projects :)

Aside from recovering from being sick all week, running errands, and doing laundry this weekend - I got in a few hours of sewing :) Here are some of the results.

Zelaya

{Zelaya} is dedicated to creating clothing, handbags, and accessories that embrace fair trade values and transcends trends through traditional and classic design with a contemporary feel. The products embody nature, tradition, and simplicity - products are handmade out of biodegradable and renewable materials, and are designed to they eliminate the use of metallic or plastic buttons and zippers through the use of alternative fastening methods. Zelaya draws inspiration from three main sources: traditional Salvadoran culture, nature, and contemporary life.

BeanPickleSprout Creations

I fell in love with these adorable creations. These beautiful potholders, onesies, towels, and pillows are made by a mother of 3 in Colorado Springs. The name {BeanPickSprout} is a combination of the nicknames of her children. She sews in her spare time and products are handmade to order. The bibs are made from a cotton {Amy Butler} print fabric and are coordinated with Gerber Onesies. The fabric applique has been sewn to a piece of felt before being added to the onesie for added durability. SO CUTE!!!

Studio Ten and a Half

I have a true love for package design and these two pieces I saw in the portfolio of {Studio Ten and a Half} really spoke to me. They are an independent graphic design firm, based in London. Whether they are working on large projects or small, they are dedicated to producing unique yet effective solutions. They work on brand identities, editorial design, exhibitions, corporate literature, signage, packaging and websites. Studio Ten and a Half was founded by Charlotte Bolton and Jessie Earle in 2007. They met while working at London's {Pentagram}, moved on
to to work at other agencies, then moved back to London to start their own company.

I love the crisp, clean, and simplistic design of the {Heidi Klein from England} packaging with the beautiful touch of tissue paper with a subtle design. It is cohesive yet adds a slight touch
of something to break up the two-color solution. This solution represents a store that values
high quality.

The second set of packaging is the identity for {1860}, a tailored range of suits by Greenwoods Menswear. I loved that they incorporated the traditional chalk markings of tailors, which was intended to put an emphasis on the heritage of the company. The identity was then applied
to their packaging, promo pieces, and the annual brochure. I find this solution to be very
elegant with a bit of a personal and traditional, yet somewhat contemporary feel due to the
chalk markings.

Orla Kiely Designs

I came across this {designer}, Orla Kiely, this morning and was really drawn to the style. Then I realized this was a really recognizable pattern I had seen before on notebooks and other products. Her colors, patterns, and textures all work well together to create designs for her complete women's clothing line, accessories, housewares, and travel. She has developed a signature style over the past decade and is dedicated to the practicality of her designs while maintaining the quality. She started this business with her studio and flagship store being in London, but products are sold in outlets around the world.