But I ordered another Emily McDowell print for the kids new bunk room.
I know... I know...
This way - I figure I can put the endearing Peter Pan quote I showed y'all yesterday on the top bunk with Macho... and this very fitting one on the bottom where Miss Thing will sleep.
I just couldn't resist it. It's just tooooooo perfect for my little misfit. :)
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When I was on vacation with my family back in June, I received a voice mail from a friendly, unfamiliar voice. It went something like this... "Hi there, this is so and so... I'm a fashion designer... I make hippie clothes.... been in business since 1994... looking to elevate my brand with fresh photography and design... and I think YOU might be the one to do it."
Say wah?
Me?
Serious?
I dialed him back - only to find out - that not only was I not hearing things - but he was indeed serious.
Still... I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop. There had to be a catch, right?
Wrong.
When I got back... I met with him... we chatted about his vision... I threw out some ideas... and we were off. That was it. Shocking, I know.
He was an absolute DREAM to work for. Totally not a micro-manager at ALL. He just let me run with this project. Hiring the models, hair and makeup, choosing locations, making arrangements for props. He and his team were there to back me up with whatever I needed. Again, I say - DREAM come true.
So I dialed up three of the most beautiful people I know. Jenna. Casie (who flew in from Columbus.) And MK. The best part - they had amazing chemistry the day of the shoot. Which really made the photos sing.
We had marvelous "Blue Sky" kind of weather that day... and all hands were on deck. When their crew came with the clothes - we set out to divide and conquer. Nine hours later - it was a wrap.
Then the real work began. Culling the shots down to the best keepers. Ediiting them with a particular tone and style - an earthy - homegrown feel - while still keeping with the integrity of the garments themselves. And finally bringing the design& layout spreads that would eventually become the catalog pages to life.
** That part was almost like digitally scrapbooking for hire! Except with the perspective of a consumer. I had to show some restraint... let the clothing do all the talking. Keep it clean and simple, yet still bold.
When I sent of the first few proofs off to Phil for approval/critique - I held my breath.
When he gave the thumbs up to continue - I was elated!!! What I'd held in my mind's eye was now a reality - and the boss was impressed.
A few weeks later - we were off to press. And I'm so proud to say that for the first time in the company's history - TWO versions of this catalog will go out. A wholesale (as was their custom) and a retail version.
When the printer sent me an advance copy of the real thing - hot off the press - I did about sixteen laps around my kitchen island. Jumping up and down and yelling at Clark, "It' looks like a REAL catalog."
He was all... "Well, duh."
Well put.
I'm expecting a case of these this week so that I can distribute some locally.
If you are interested in receiving one - please leave a comment below. I'll contact you for your mailing address and be sure you get one.
As you look at the clothes below - keep in mind they are made fair trade, many with recycled or sustainable materials. Your purchase of these garments support, designers, seamstresses, and a family oriented group of people with jobs right here in Maryland.
And me.
Without further ado - I'm so so proud to present...
Blue Sky | Fall Collection 2012
all of these styles are now available online at
Huge thanks go to :
Phil, Alex and the entire Blue Sky team - what an honor it was.
Jenna, MK and Casie - love you all. My beautiful friends!
Jenny & Bill at Discovery Farm - your kindness is overwhelming.
Tim & Noah at Rise Up Coffee - you boys are as rad as your beans.
KJ and Richard - the VW bus was the dopest prop we could've asked for. Our 4th model!
My Shelby - girl - you are the cream in my coffee. Love you to pieces. The best photography assistant a girl could ever wish for.
Can't wait to begin work again for the Spring 2013 line... Shoot is at the end of October!
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Hey guys. Sorry I had to bow out last week. Nothing major happened. I just didn't have enough hours in the day. You know the drill. I just granted myself a week's reprieve from writing (but continued to jot down ideas for this week) and buckle down.
So.... that's that.
In other news..... Hi-ya hi-ya hi-ya September!
Anyone else excited? I love September and October... they are great months in my opinion. Perfect weather... lots of changes in routines. New TV shows hitting the airways (not that I watch much on cable)... I feel more inspired to cook and bake and generally be crafty. I just love fall.
Who's with me?
So... since I altogether skipped August - I figured I'd hit the ground running with a fresh installment of CURRENTLY LOVING.... September Edition. Mmmm-kay?
1 :: Yes, yes... trying the grow out thing again with the dang hair. My conundrum is this... I'm getting lots of grays... Sad, but true. So I know that COLOR is most definitely in my future. Therefore, I'm thinking I'll have to give up my beloved relaxers - lest I fry the living SH@T out of it trying to relax and color at the same time. If I can't relax - I can't go short... the short curly haired thing just doesn't become me.
I'm doing what I can to stay the course. To try to inspire myself with pins from Pinterest like this....
How awesome are those hilights right? I'm a good 8-12 months away from this length, mind you... But again... I'm doing what I can....
Conversely, I have to utterly abstain from pins like this one...
just makes me wanna snip, snip, snip.
2 :: Chobani Vanilla Chocolate Chunk Yogurt
Please tell me someone out there has had this. Wow - it's like having chocolate chip ice cream anytime of day and not feeling all that guilty. Thank you Chobani Gods.
3 :: Lululemon Sweater Top
Scored this puppy on SALE... Woot. Hellllloooooo fall. (In fact, it still on sale... 3 colors y'all. Click the pic to be taken to the link. :) - Yer welcome.
4 :: Pretty Little Liars on Netflix
The past few weeks of work have been a bit stressful so I've mindfully tried to set aside some "down time" to just chill out... Entre.... PLL on Netflix. I can queue up an episode anytime I wanna and it's become quite the little addiction. :)
I'm currently on like episode 3 of Season 2 (the first two seasons are on Netflix - and the third just wrapped on ABC Family - but I think the web episodes are still running online).
It's good fun. And Ian Harding - who plays Ezra Fitz is just sooo boy next door cute. :)
5 :: My Fitness Pal App
I've been on the LB gain train for a few months. I know its all the editing and grazing going on here at casa de la Pegher... Gotta move my hiney and shed the extra jiggle I've packed on this summer - or I know I'm going to have one of those "get the winter clothes out of the attic - and nothing fits" meltdowns in front of the bedroom mirror in a wee bit.
That just can't happen.
So... I figured there MUST be an app for that, right?
And here it is...
My Fitness Pal - I especially love that I can just scan the barcode on whatever I might feel like eating and it automatically calculates the calories, fat content, etc. into the daily food journal. It's genius. It also tracks - your weight gain/loss, exercise habits, water intake, food diary, and more. Totally check it out. It's free in the App Store.
6 :: Fleabags for JCrew
Coveting this marriage of two of my fave brands. I'm loving this bag.... like L-O-V-I-N-G it.
7 :: Bass loves Rachel Antonoff Flats
Speaking of amazingly harmonious marriages of talent and industry... Bass + Rachel Antonoff = LOVE
and here is the love child... which I ordered for just $55.00 via My Habit on Thursday...
8 :: Watermelon Tomato & Feta Salad
Been eating this a LOT... it's easy peasy to make. And has an incredible and unusual mix of flavors.
Just combine - chopped watermelon, crumbled feta, heirloom tomatoes, chopped fresh basil, cracked pepper.
9 :: Strawberry Big Bump Blanket from DivineKnits.com
Heading to photograph two little twin beauties today... can't wait to use my newest prop. Waited a good 4-6 weeks for this baby. Can't wait!
This photo is from the Devoted Knits website - and was taken by Rachel Vanovin
10 :: Perfectly Manicured Red Nails
I haven't had a good mani/pedi in a loooong time. Since vacation in early June. Ahem.
So I went for one last week. And now my nails are a perfect shade of red... this one from Sephora, in fact.
Hilarious.... the name of the shade is "High Maintenance" Maybe so... but not when it comes to my nails, sadly.
Now I feel that all is right with the world as my fingers peck down on the keyboard with these freshly polished tips :)
Hope you all are having a glorious Labor Day!!!
Welcome back!
xoxox
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Hey guys,
As you know I'm hosting a month long Stella & Dot trunk show here for my bestie Casie. She's a brand new stylist with the company and I'm trying to help her start off with a bang!~
Well! Aren't WE all lucky that this month happens to be the month where they transition from the Summer to the Fall Collections so now we have twice the selection to choose from.
I asked Casie to send me some info about some of the super hot looks from the fall line...
This is the new FOUNDATION BRACELET ($39) which benefits the Stella & Dot Foundation...
comes in red too...
Here's what the foundation is all about...
Our mission is to create positive change in women's lives through education and economic empowerment. Through the sale of the Stella & Dot Foundation bracelets and charms, and through the generosity of your direct donations, all net proceeds will support ACCION USA, buildOn, and Girls Inc.
These are also Foundation Bracelets from the last collection and are also priced at just $39...
Here are a few more of Casie's faves....
PROSPER BRACELET (was $34 - now $23.50) - I think this would make a great teachers gift!
SERPENT BANGLE (was $49 - now $34.30)
Some of my FAVES from the new FALL Collection are....
TEMPEST NECKLACE $198 - it's a statement piece for sure - but WOW!
if big and bad ass isn't quite your thing...
how about this little ditty...
WITH LOVE NECKLACE $69
and finally...
I love the VINTAGE STUD EARRINGS $29 - great color combo for fall...
Please do check out all the new digs - and tons of the Summer Collection has now hit the SALE department!
The trunk show will remain open until July 30 - but I'm noticing lots of stuff is selling out (especially from Summer) so take a look!
You can access the show
And stay tuned... I'm doing a giveaway later this week!
:)
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Happy Monday y'all! I trust you had a warm and enjoyable weekend? Ours was HOT HOT HOT!!! With a side of HOT.
Anyway - down to business here. As you all know, last Monday I embarked on a new photo adventure, shooting my first ever clothing catalog front to back. I'm still making my way through the images and spiffing them up in Photoshop...thanks for asking. It's coming along. I'll be beginning the catalog layout design this week (fingers crossed)!
So my "sister from another mister" - Casie - flew in from the midwest to kindly be one of my models for the shoot. She was actually here for a visit just a few weeks before with her little boo.... I wrote all about that HERE.
Like many of you... Casie is an enterprising, creative young mamma too. She just turned in the keys to her full-time day job to pursue another path - going into business for herself and enjoying the time with her little one-year-old hunk a burnin' love. Like many of us - she was looking for more of a work-life balance and this opportunity gives her just that.
I can't say that I blame her. He really is too stinkin' cute.
Casie has started a business as an independent stylist for a line of jewelry called Stella & Dot.
Have you seen this?
It's FABULOUS.
Being a jewelry designer myself - I completely appreciate this brand's aesthetic and craftsmanship!
So to help her begin her new career with a bang I've decided to host a VIRTUAL trunk show!
I know many of my blog readers are mom's themselves and can appreciate her leap of faith here - not to mention, I know many of you are fashionistas, always looking for something special to dress up your wardrobe.
Look no further...
Here's what you can do to check it all out!
CLICK THIS LINK TO BE REDIRECTED TO MY PRIVATE TRUNK SHOW
this is what you'll see...
I should also mention that now thru JULY 4 - all of the sale items are an
ADDITIONAL 20% OFF!
I'm posting this little badge to my right side bar under "SHOP" for easy access...
and there's always $5.95 flat shipping direct to your front door. :)
Here are a few of my personal faves....
The Cameron Pendant - $79
The Renegade Cluster Bracelet in Gold - $59
The Tribute Bracelet (rose gold) - $36
The On The Mark Necklace - $59 (this one is tiny and suuuper cute). Great for layering.
The Serenity Small Stone Drop Earrings - $34
So go on - check it out!
Think of those on your birthday lists!!!
Or treat yourself!
Go! :)
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Ok... I had a completely unrelated post scheduled for today. A photography session recap, actually.
Then my girlfriend Casie sent me this and I almost fell out of my chair reaching for the Kleenex.
Enjoy!
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Ok people, I'm here to give it to ya straight.
I uploaded the digital layouts I shared with you in Monday's post to Persnickety Prints on Friday, April 13 at 4:40pm.
At 6:30 - I walked out of my Zumba class and I had an email on my phone that the prints were already shipped.
Say wah?
Then on MONDAY around 2:30pm when my nice mailman, Tyler usually stops by - he handed me this very nice and sturdy box containing my order.
From UTAH to Maryland that fast! AND - for only $5 shipping I might add.
Fer reals.
Let's see. Sturdy packaging - me likey :)
The 12x12's were in a sealed plastic sleeve altogether... as were the 8.5 x 11's. Then both plastic sleeves were stacked on top of one another and were taped down on another piece of cardboard backing to ensure none would get bent or damaged.
This pic was after I'd already torn it all open to examine everything. I just couldn't wait. I was too excited.
Oh yeah - and I apologize for these photos - it was very late in my kitchen on Monday night when I took these. Yucky overhead light and I was in a hurry.
In any case - things were packaged perfectly.
There was an itemized invoice with a sticker, noting that it had been inspected for quality by someone at the lab before shipping. And, there was a cute little promo card tucked inside a well offering a deal on a future order.
Still smiling!!!
Now onto the prints themselves. Just one look and feel and I was a Persnickety believer. The photo paper was great! Fuji Crystal Archive (which is sensational paper, people. -- Just trust.)
Everything was absoutely sharp and perfect and the pro lustre matte finish was creamy and beautiful and professional.
I really can't think of one downside here...
So - just to recap...
Easy to use website.
Reasonable pricing.
Super fast turnaround.
Expert packaging and an outstanding quality product.
Ummmmm. I'm sold, baby.
So sold, in fact, that I was compelled to call them yesterday and tell them as much.
I spoke to a very nice guy named Devin. I told him that I'm a pro photog... and that I've used all sorts of professional and consumer labs and I was really impressed with their whole shebang.
And I asked him if there was some kind of card he could send me that I could slip into the CD/DVD's that my clients purchase digital files on. I really love referring my clients to a great high-quality consumer/pro lab for their prints - and well - they simply had me at hello.
He was just so darn sweet.... he's gonna make me up some custom ones with my logo and all.
Devin and Persnickety staffers - if y'all are reading this - you guys are awesome. Can't wait to work with you more. Devin, I'm going to be emailing you all the information you requested today!!
I'm feeling Persnickety. :)
That's fun to say.
Happy Wednesday!!!
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Still savoring the "reading" of my new cookbook by my "BFF, Ree." Anxious to dig in and try some new cowboy food. :)
This book is my current bedtime ritual. A lot of it is good solid review for me but I'm picking up a little trick or two along the way. This is a great fundamentals book for any of you guys just starting out with your DSLR's.
Crushing on these Nine West wedges I saw on Nordstrom.com .... Feel like they would go with a ton of stuff.
Someday, maybe.
Speaking of crushes... I knew Zac Efron's manly, "all grown up" tide had begun to turn when I saw him in Charlie St. Cloud... but WHOA....
Hello Lucky One.... Coming to a theatre near me April 20. Can I get an AMEN?
I am ALL. OVER. THAT!
Shew......................
................
Ahem.
Back to my list....
Is it hot in here?
Yes. Yes.... the list.
Where were we?
Oh, right.
How about these little cuties? My sister in law gave me (aqua) one filled with index cards she cut in half and stamped with the days of the year. So I could easily write down a little kiddie quip or whathaveyou. Loved the gift - and love the bowls... So many uses... from Anthropologie.
I'm in terrible need of a new office chair... I want something comfortable - cushy - that I can sit in and edit for long stretches of time....
This one from Urban Outfitters is really affordable considering it's an upholstered piece... and looks like a cross between an armchair and a desk chair.
Totally loving the new "My Life" series of products from Paper Coterie. You customize them using your Instagram photos... :)
Speaking of Instagram... did you know that Facebook acquired them yesterday for a BILLION dollars? And what's more - Instagram produces NO revenue. It's a FREE app that makes NO money, created by a couple of Stanford graduates. Amazing.
How's THAT for percieved value!
And speaking of Apps... do you guys know about Postal Pix?
It's awesome. It's a MUST download if you like to use your iPhone to take photos. You are just a couple of taps away from enjoying prints of those on the go moments - delivered in one to two days.
How about a little fashion?
I've been loving a few of the items from Madewell's lastest line...
Sandbar Sweater - great with something contrasty underneath.... it's a large knit that you can kinda see thru....
Wellspring Tank.... same idea - see thru - great layering piece. Would look great with a light blazer.
Best Mate Belt.... love nautical accents.
Finally. I'm renting some photography gear right now. Among the batch - is the Nikon SB-910 Speedlight Flash.
LOVE it. It's like a sonic boom compared to my SB-600.
Ahhh well... put it on the list!
xoxo
Happy Wednesday!
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I totally love TOMS. I own several pair myself - and have purchased pairs for both of my littles. Comfy - understated - classic.
Even more, I love their mission. I love that one guy had an idea, was relentless, saw his idea become reality, and as a result has affected millions of people. It's an awesome story... and it's still being told.
I read a week or so ago that TOMS had paired with Essie brand nail polish for their DAY WITHOUT SHOES campaign. Essie developed a special color called "Barefoot In Blue" just for the event, which raises awareness for the TOMS One For One mission.
Well - a couple clicks later I found myself on a special Facebook page - and so naturally, "I LIKED"
Yesterday - a package was in my mailbox.... for free baby.
Don't know about you - but my feet will be bare and my toes blue on April 10th.
How about you?
xo
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