grandpa sweaters

 

A couple of things I learned during this weekend's blizzard: 1) Although it certainly is not considered chic, nor intelligent to state-I enjoy television. I missed it, along with my heat. 2) Grandpa sweaters are warm and awesome. I love them and if I could choose one article of clothing as my favorite, it would be the grandpa cardigan- wool and with the elbow patches, please. 

 Images: rockyouruglychristmassweater, labelandthread, juxtapost,forever21, vanityfair shopbop

clever charlotte

clever charlotte is the brainchild of two gals who grew tired of searching for sewing patterns that were just right for their young daughters and instead created them! The result of their efforts is the site clever charlotte , part shop for the wonderful, modern patterns and part blog (with helpful sewing tutorials).
I am quite smitten with the chickadee blouse and skirt, but all of it is really terrific.....

 All images: Clever Charlotte

winter hats for little heads

Image courtesy of Aliexpress via google

There are so many adorable and functional options out there for tots' winter head wear. Not only are hats necessary in these bone-chilling temperatures, but they always make for great gifts. After checking out the selections, I am convinced I need to expand the chapeau collection of my little ones!

This sweet gnome hat just makes me smile.

Snuggly pixie hat courtesy of BigLittle via etsy

The "hoo hat" looks like one of those pieces that gets passed down through a family- it has the heirloom look about it.

Hoo Hat- Upcycled Felted Wool Owl Hat- Blue, Orange and Green- Sz. Large courtesy of hoohats via etsy

Something to brighten even the greyest of winter days....

Teal Blue Hat with hot green flower courtesy of onajeans via etsy

On the Running with Scissors blog, Jessica talks about making this monster hat from an old McCalls pattern....I was immediately jealous and also regretted, for the bazillionth time, that I never learned to sew.

Monster Snow Hat courtesy of Running With Scissors

Another fleecy, stylish choice that would a giant hit with my little guy.

The Robot Hat courtesy of katiesegel via etsy
A knit aviator hat for those mighty tiny winter wanderers.

Aviator Hat courtesy of MaryYarns via etsy

Two teddy bear caps warm and cozy enough to bring on hibernation- I love the soft look of the cashmere in the first and the gorgeous blend of autumn tones in the second.

Cashmere newborn baby animal ears hat- chocolate mocha courtesy of thejunebride via etsy


Bear With Me Ear Flap Baby and Toddler Hat (Fall Colors with Stripe)-Ready to ship - courtesy of BuggyD via etsy

newdressaday

Before

After

I am totally impressed with the site newdressaday.com. It is the handiwork of Marisa, who (after being sparked by the film Julie & Julia) decided to tackle her own year-long creative endeavor. She blogs:

The only shopping that I’ll be able to do is that of pieces that have been used and worn already. So long to mall trips and hello to sifting through piles of vintage pieces at flea markets and at neighborhood garage sales. Each day for the entire year, I’m going to introduce a new piece into my existing wardrobe that I’ve found from these places. On top of this, I’m giving myself a budget of $1 a day.

At a time when folks are growing more aware of recycling and re-purposing, her blog is not only creative and humorous, it is inspiring.

As a non- sewer, I was constantly fascinated by how she could hem and stitch her way into a whole new look. I was particularly charmed by the non-glossy, funny presentation of her creative process and the slew of "before and after" photos.

There are only 25 days left in Marisa's self appointed challenge- you should check out her blog before her year is up!

Images courtesy of newdressaday.com

Thursday, Amy Butler everything, and Etsy

Image courtesy of MaisyandAlice

It has been a while since we posted a Thursday and Etsy collection, so I figured it was about darn time. There have been many occasions, when I am in an Etsy trance and clicking through all of the handmade goodness, that I find myself drawn to Amy Butler designs- her patterns on fabric or paper are always eye-catching and beautiful. 

So, this Thursday post is all about Amy Butler and how she pops up in all sorts of Etsy shops. These are just a few ways you can incorporate her design in your world ....and make it that much more color filled and delightful.

For your home- some gorgeous accent pillows, a set of cheery table linens, or a truly unique laminated tablecloth.

Image courtesy of rubystella

Image courtesy of BellaBeeDesigns

Image courtesy of modernmyrtle

For gift giving- from birthdays to bridesmaid gifts, a clutch like this would be much appreciated...

Image courtesy of PoppyPunch

And a fun gift for the hostess....the perfect apron.

Image courtesy of sassyapron

For parties- a set of vibrant, coordinating hats, some sweet cupcake toppers, and potential garland or place cards can be found to brighten any celebration.

Image courtesy of gigglesapu

Image courtesy of ElizabethSt

Image courtesy of jaimemancilla

For the baby- a sassy bib/burpcloth duo, the ideal summer dress, booties that will be the talk of the town, and an outfit for your favorite little lady.

Image courtesy of LittlePigeonCrafts

Image courtesy of margeandrudy

Image courtesy of outofthebox

Image courtesy of mekokids

For you- one of those bags perfect for all of your busy days or a cozy and stylish lap quilt made just for those lazy nights.

Image courtesy of girldesvignes

Image courtesy of shancee

A little Amy Butler for everyone!

old is new

Vintage Strawberry Baby Dress courtesy of babyhank on etsy

I know Mae has posted about her love of vintage baby clothes before and I completely agree with her. They are so beautifully detailed and the craftsmanship is incredible- like pieces of delicate fabric art.

After looking through the selections at Baby Hank Vintage on Etsy, I started thinking about how even though I could not buy the pieces for my now gargantuan (and stain prone) toddlers, I would love to get a couple and use them as art for the nursery. That way the sweet little strawberry dress I noticed could brighten my day for a bit longer than the couple of months it would have fit my daughter.

It seems the right selection could work in other rooms as well-

Nursery photo courtesy of apennysavedblog.com

Image courtesy of Eddie Ross

Image courtesy of Eddie Ross

There is a great step-by-step guide on eddieross.com that explains how his art- vintage baby clothes and accessories displayed in shadowboxes- came about and even where he found the beautiful clothing.

I also like the idea of displaying your own children's once worn tiny treasures mentioned on ohdeeoh.com. A framed baby shirt, or the cap and booties your little one wore home from the hospital, is a simple, beautiful piece of nostalgia and art all in one....

Image courtesy of ohdeeoh.com

Canvas Classics

Lands' End has debuted a new line called Canvas. They are dubbing it essential pieces for an effortless style and I have to agree. The clothing seems timeless - the type of stuff you can wear season after season, changing up the look with new accessories and pops of color.

As much as everyone loves to be current and with the trends, there is something to be said for the true classics in fashion. 

 

All images courtesy of landsend.com