brunch with mirjam

Today I had brunch with Mirjam and her gorgeous kids! She designs her own patterns and of course, creates all of her pieces. A while back I made a collection called flower girl with one of her dresses in it - I just can't get enough of them! Whether you're from the 70s or just 70s at heart, this shop is perfect for you! And we love that they are actually made out of vintage materials. 1. Tell us a little about yourself I graduated ten years ago from Fashion School as a designer in Amsterdam. I've had my own small woman’s wear label for a few years and worked freelance in fashion. I've always been interested in 3-dimensional, sculptural ways to construct clothing and experimented a lot with patterns and working with fabric right on the mannequin. My work used to be conceptual, minimalist, often asymmetrical and with details like folds and pleats, but was always quite wearable. Now I do something totally different. I'm having fun making kids clothes out of my treasured collection of vintage fabrics, making pleasantly clashing combinations of patterns and using funny appliqués. It was relieving to notice that when I could get rid of my mind when I was making things I became immensely productive and had so much more fun! It was like my brain had been in the way all the time. 2. What is your craft? Both sewing and pattern making. Now that the design and fabrics are doing most of the work, I keep the shapes and silhouettes simple. And to think I hated sewing when I just graduated! I now can see all the endless seam ripping and trying again and again did lead to something. I enjoy it immensely to be able to make all the things that appear in my head. 3. What inspires you? Right now it's the amazing fabrics I can get my hands on. I love making combinations, standing before my huge four-door closet, pulling out different pieces, and just let the ideas evolve. When I have a golden combo I make several different items in it, also because it can be hard to say goodbye to my work when it sells. And to feed my head and have fun I try to find solutions for the restrictions in shape, size or condition that my fabrics usually have. Like I did with the seventies ovenmit in the 'warm hands pants'. 4. Do you have any advice to give to other indie designers? Ha! Well I'd say, make sure you use materials that you have unlimited access to, in case you'd like to have your work produced in series. (my problem right now :() And, although these two things don't always go together well, I think and notice recycling is very hot. As it is becoming fashionable to 'buy and think green', I have a feeling it won't be long before there will be a big demand for items that help buyers express that they think and buy green! This is an area where we can still beat the bigger companies, because in our products it will be directly visible and not only on the label. Another tip: For designers that feel they get a bit stuck in their routine, as we all do sometimes: Switch off your brain when you're making things from time to time and let coincidence or unforeseen circumstances be your set of boundaries to work with, just to have fun and see what you'll come up with. It will be like entering in your own contest, where you will win if you can surprise yourself! 5. What's your recent favorite item you've made? My Swiss tea towel Cow dress. I found a super cute vintage swiss souvenir tea towel with Shepard’s bringing their cows up the hill along a winding road. It was nice and rare enough to frame. I combined it with two other fabrics and made a dress out of it. I wanted to keep it for my girl, but she preferred a variation I made of it, so I will list it in my shop soon... 6. What is the first thing you can remember making by hand? I was six and I was sewing a flat fabric structure from different scraps, symmetrical, like a tiny patterned rug or quilt. I remember my mom asking me why I didn’t make anything real. I guess she meant something 3 dimensional. When she had a good look she saw what I was doing and praised me for my creativity, which made me glow with pride. 7. Where do you sell and when did you decide to start selling your work? I have my simple but sufficient website where I sell my stuff here in Holland and I sell on Etsy, which I love! My customers are so sweet and enthusiastic it always gives me energy and inspiration to make new things. 8. Apart from creating things, what else do you enjoy? Photography, relaxing with friends, vintage fabric hunting, going to Amsterdam, which I miss so much! And going on outings and picnics in the weekends with our kids in the 'bakfiets', a 'boxbike'. 9. What three words would describe you the best? Creative, feminine, impulsive. 10. What/Who is your latest indie crush/designer? Roshekie's dolls I found on Flickr, and Etsy shop too.

golden stars in the midnight collection

I've always loved mixing gold and silver together, it's such a nice contrast, but a lot of people are scared to do it, I've noticed. This outfit is a softer approach. I've started with a lovely dress from the wonderful Seed Clothing; it has got a gorgeous grey metallic finish. Accessorize with a sparkly gold vintage clutch that has a gold chain so you can swing it around (weee!), gold/brass captures the pretty pinks in the lovely hairpiece, and of course, an oxidized silver anklet with gold balls gracefully jingling on it. NOTE: anklet is actually a bracelet, but if you be a little creative, it can be used as an anklet (yay! two things in one!). So... dress ::: Seed Clothing clutch ::: Vintage Closet hairpiece ::: Be Gurple anklet/bracelet ::: Jenna Appleton

1 dot on a canvas collection

When I made this collection I immediately thought of the word "Zen" matched it perfectly! Until I looked in the dictionary - turns out it is to do with Buddhism - oops! Today we are going a bit simple, but still with amazing items. Sort of what is in the museums these days - 1 dot on a canvas. I'd probably wear this with my favorite jeans - what about you? Leave me a comment! necklace ::: ish designs shoes ::: El Diablo Shoes shirt ::: oak clothing

strawberry picking collection

The perfect outfit for strawberry picking, just add red flippers from eldiablo shoes, or ballerinas from anthropologie, and you're set! STRAWBERRY PIN/BROOCH :: moon parade RED CROPPED SWING JACKET :: inaluxe STRAWBERRY KEYHOLDER :: bloody bunny FARMERS DAUGHTER TOP :: chesterella SUMMER SKIRT :: forever 21

yellow/gold & blue collection

It's nearly Winter in Australia (or it at least it feels like it!) so even though it is gloomy and cold, WE can still shine with these fabulous yellow accessories, and shirt! Grey and yellow is one of my favorite colour combos, probably because I just LOVE contrasts. RING - Starry Designs LIPBALM COZIE - Bea G. BANGLE - Liana Kabel HAIR PIN - Atelier Kanawa TEE - 5 Trillion SKIRT - Supre

quiet night collection

Whether your family/house mate is away tonight, or you live alone, it's time to spoil yourself, and what better way then having a quiet night with heaven natural skin softener/moisturizer, and/or a candle of your choice, comfort in chocolate flower print bloomer undies, and oh my! Irish cream beyond belief brownies! Watch your favorite movie, or read your favorite book.

brunch with tara m.

Today I was lucky enough to have brunch with Tara M., a Canadian designer in North Korea. Her work is delicate and refined, with organic goodness in there too, and photography I probably would have up on my walls. You guys are in for a treat! 1. Tell us a little about yourself Well, I'm a fairly serious person, so beware, because this interview may be hideously boring! I grew up in a small town in Northern Ontario, Canada. I *love* nature and animals. I have a weird obsession for creating personalities for my pets and I like to make them have conversations with each other, my guests… and even me when I’m bored. Yes, I’m a little weird. I’m not afraid to admit that! Right now I’m living in South Korea, teaching English and making lovely earth-inspired baubles. 2. What is your craft? My craft… hmmm… That’s hard to pin down exactly. I started out sewing, then I switched to making jewelry, then I started doing fabric art… Currently I’m mostly working on making decadent, nature-inspired jewelry. 3. What inspires you? Nature. Sounds cheesy, but the beauty of the natural world inspires me all the time. I look outside and I can’t believe that nature produces such rich, sensuous, things. When I buy stones, I’m struck with awe at the fact that they were dug out of some cave, from deep within the belly of the earth. I just stare at them and think how lucky I am that I get to touch them and transform them into a work of art. Nature has so many beautiful things to offer us, and I try to capture that in my work. 4. Do you have any advice to give to other indie designers? 1) Go with your gut. 2) Don’t be committed to any one thing in terms of your designs or products. 3) Evolve as an artist and producer. I know so many artists who flounder after a few years of success because they never change their style or palette to match current trends. 4) Evolve as a person. Growing as a person and enriching yourself will enrich your work. Enrichment will make your work more complex and interesting. 5. What is your favorite thing that you have created recently? How recently? Well, I make a lot of beautiful jewelry. But my favorite things to make are my fibre art pieces. I have been working on a series of portraits made out of felted wool. The portraits are all of women seen nude from the waist up. I really like making these felted pieces because the women are all a reflection of my experiences. It’s always a surprise how they will turn out, what expression they will wear, how they will look, what experience sits inside them. 6. What is the first thing you can remember making by hand? Oh god! I love this story. I come from a family of sewers, and so I knew how to sew from about 6 or 7 years old. I made a turtle out of an old skirt of mine. The turtle was black, with white polka dots. I sewed the turtle with the seams out. I was so embarrassed because I screwed up with the seams and I threw the turtle out. Now, I really wish I had saved it. If I had that turtle today, it would be my most prized possession. 7. Where do you sell and when did you decide to start selling you work? Right now, I am only selling my work on Etsy, because I’m halfway across the world in Korea. I would love to sell elsewhere, but it would be so hard to peddle my work from here. I decided to start selling my work on Etsy because I had a load of gorgeous jewelry piling up. I actually planned not to do any art when I came to teach in Korea. I wanted to take a break. But after six months of hiatus, I started getting the creative itch. So what started out as a hobby, has turned into a very small business, and I hope it will bloom into a sustainable business when I get back to Canada. 8. Apart from creating things, what else do you enjoy? I enjoy watching stormy weather. I enjoy eating pizza. It’s my favorite food! I love hanging out with my boyfriend. I also love staring at beads. Seriously. I’ll just sit and stare at beads. I don’t move them, I don’t touch them, I just stare at them. 9. What three words would describe you the best? Intelligent, interesting, interested. 10. What/Who is your latest indie crush/designer? The force behind the creations on www.bonspielcreation.etsy.com. I ordered some things from her, and her work inspired me to start creating again. 11. Anything else you would like to say? Everyone has been so supportive of my work and my future plans, so all I want to say is: Thank you! ----- Thank you so much Tara! The cupcakes were gorgeous as well, even though they were cyber!

gywan collection

This reminds me of the richest orange liquor chocolate cake made by a dear old friend of mine who taught me crochet, 4 foot, who has the whitest, silkiest hair. Gywan. [Too bright? I am sure aurris would be more than happy to make you a tan shrug] a. Vintage 1960s Yellow Flower Box Purse - bowl full of jelly b. Diamond Rib Knee Highs - sock dreams c. Indian Vine Tube Dress - free people d. Hybrid Heels - anthropologie e. Soft Slouchy Shrug - auriis f. Princess Earrings - jennifer morris beads

sun collection

The sun is shining, and the weather is sweet. You can smell apricots fresh off the tree, the caramel you just bought and left in the car (that is now melting), and the sugar cubes that are meant to be for tea, not to be eaten on their own (oops!)... 1. Sunstone cluster ring - Starry Designs 2. Harissa wristlet - Meringue Shop 3. Sunstone and amazonite earrings - Katesza Bone 4. Medallion halter - Forever 21 5. Sophie skirt - Style Scene And what about... -----style seen------- starry designs --------cserdan-------- tip: wear a plain grey or brown shirt with the style seen shorts

big is beautiful

this week i will be examining the world of the handbag, the clutch, and the pouch/wallie. today's investigation took me to the land of large handbags. i love big bags. you can pack absolutely anything in them and have room to buy more things to add to your stash! Here are a few of the specimens... big is beautiful... included in this collection: (from left to right, top to bottom) the blue ume by eirene verde satchel by DrikaB nina by shagpile groovy feel good tote by moral fabric rini by neiko designs

make me pretty...

so, lately i haven't been feeling too pretty. it's getting hot in the desert, which means hot wind blowing in my face forcing tiny desert particles into my shallow wrinkles making them look much worse than what they already do. i thought i would throw some great, delicious body goods together and see if i can't find that person i was before the hot wind and wrinkles... i offer a big moisturizing toast to all of us who need a bit of pampering. included in this collection: 1. green teas & cukes organic sugar scrub by lush box inc. 2. good karma fizzies by vintage body spa 3. fresh, bees wax candles by daisy cakes soap 4. pomegranate lime soap by soap 5. variety of body lotions by gudonya 6. brown sugar & fig body butter by sugar lips

looking chic for cheap collection

This collection was made by the wonderful Heather, and her inspiration was "Just A Note Flat Cards" from Broadway Paper. Mix-'n'-Match these affordable pieces for some adorable looks: a. Button Babydoll Top in Yellow (also available in blue) from Alloy: $32.50 b. Pleated Pencil Skirt from Forever21: $17.80 c. Claire Jacket at Forever21: $34.80 d. Revolt Straight Leg Marble Wash Jeans from Alloy: $34.50 e. Skinny Black Patent Belt at Forever21: $5.80 f. Splurge-worthy Rosecut Amethyst Filigree Ring by Becky Kelso at Ylang23: $675.00 g. "Colt" Open Toe Sling-backs in black (also available in fuchsia, bronze multi, and tan multi) by Nicole, at Zappos: $68.95

dear spring collection

It's spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you've got it, you want - oh, you don't quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so! ~Mark Twain included in this collection: 1. aglow earrings by ms belle 2. love at first sight by nutraj 3. jeffery campbell rainbow flats found at nordstrom 4. bohemian gauze shirt found at forever 21 5. cowboy johnny jeans from true religion 6. hummingbird original etching by printman 7. white pilar friday wristlet by zakiyaa

meet me...

meet me in the garden where the butterflies dance.... included in this collection: gourmet raspberry danish puff by the country baker yerba matte chai tea by tea noir anna ring by my little store vintage floral slip dress by salvage life umbrella earrings by clever girl simone stretch ballet flats from target butterfly garden collection from target

green natural collection

Ahh, green, the colour of... envy!? Well, ha! Green is my favorite colour, so I wonder what that says about me! :D The wonderful Janick of Nea Wear, and Fonetik (blog), made this suuuuuurperb collection. Wrap} Pverbenero Hand bag} Hollyhawk Shoes} Anthropology Stringcourse} Loobyloucrafts Earrings} Stamp Ring} GreenLeafAndOwl Chart Letterpress} Satsumalynn

a golden pattern collection

spring is a flirt, a coy little thing, liking to show a bit of leg and then getting mad that someone actually looked. oh, the indecision of spring and it's beautiful golden flowers, sunlight, and bees. why must you tease so? muttsy wonder pieced a wonderful collection together that reminded me the warmth of the sun and how much i am sure it is missed by all of those getting pummeled by the recent storms coming through. thankfully, i get sun almost 365 days out of the year! HA-HA! but then again, i live in the desert so i will probably age a lot quicker than those having to shovel their cars out of the snow...bleg. included in this collection: - Floral Tie Front Dress: BCBG Maz Azrie - Cabana Shoes: Michael Kors -Sunshine & Cinnamon Clutch: rocks on the hill -Golden Thailand Mini Journal: beetle lady - Lampwork Earrings: chloes creations - Glass Pendant: willow glass have a great day!

you are my sailor

go grab your life-jackets, beach towels, and anchor in on this swanky sea-side goodness. thanks paper flower girl for this fabulous collection. included in this collection: Ring by Bea G Earrings from Hannah Zakari Slippers from Accessorize Dress from Anthropologie Bracelet from Hannah Zakari Tote bag from Urban Outfitters toodles.

cirque eloize - rain collection

i am going to cirque eloize "rain" tonight, so i thought i would put a collection together with eloize in mind! i am really excited. i guess it actually rains on stage!!! yeay for drama! included in this collection: a. after the rain mixed media by boubelina2 b. charlotte dress from forever 21 c. ring me up by curly girl glass d. paul frank camera clutch from fred flare e. satin ballet flats from forever 21 enjoy!

keepin' it simple collection

keepin' it casual. included in this collection: 1. coral dragon fly pendant by vintage with love 2. tube top from urban outfitters 3. knit clutch by part pencil 4. burmuda short from target 5. sunglasses from target 6. apt 9 espadrilles from kohls 7. luctor et emergo perfume by aromatic body oils

urban collection

sprinting toward a runaway cabbie, strolling past endless boutiques while sipping on a green tea frappuccino, at the dog park right off comm ave. in the middle of the city, no matter where you are, you will be stylin' in this terrific get-up created by janick of nea wear. this collection includes: top by katsai jeans from "AG" adriano goldschmied bag by bandamy shoes by madeline earrings by boldsimple necklace by hello berlin thank you janick for the perfect urban outfit!