Pierogi Picnic: Layers Away peter pan collar printed tank top

Tis the season for wearing lots of layers as each hour of the day brings a new temperature. That’s where the new “Layers Away” design comes to the rescue!

Created using a home-made silkscreen and pre-loved tees, these uber soft, comfy and chic tanks are great for wearing on their own or under cardigans, chunky sweaters or dresses. With the cutesy peter pan collar print and neutral colors – they’re a great basic to add to your wardrobe!

You know spring is really here when you see the tulips and other cool weather bulbs pushing out their leaves and bursting into color. It’s no wonder then that designers find it hard to resist the allure of bright colors and floral motifs in their own work. Every which way you turn you’ll be confronted with electric hues in flowery blooms. 

From home goods to fashion pieces – the trend is truly contagious. And for good reason! Who doesn’t want some color in their life after a long and grey winter?! To help inspire you in how to harness the brilliant and happy power of neon florals – I’ve curated the following items from some of my favorite Etsy vendors. Enjoy!

Unexpected Electric Florals: Design Trends

1. Chickens Love Tattoos art print by  Corella Design

2. Fantasy Floral vintage textile art by April Awakening

3. Cushion Covers in Floral A. Fluro pink by Aqua Door Designs

4. Floral Bird Spring illustration by Laurel Howells

5. Floral Print Heeled Shoes with Socks printable art by Didi Fox

6. Vintage Flower Power T-shirt from Pierogi Picnic

7. Neon Floral Backpack by Shaun Design

8. Sunset Cat art print by Teva Gallery

9. Spring Geometric Statement Necklace by Boo and Boo Factory

10. Vintage Tribal Embroidered Textile from Woman Shops World

11. Floral Printed Watercolor Leggings by Mess Queen New York

12. Neon Triangle Statement Necklace by Fable and Lore

13. Chrysanthemum Serious original art by Jess Hartridge

North Carolina 2013

Needing a breath of fresh air and a temporary escape from city living – my hub and I embarked on a one week adventure to Appalachia.

Spending several days in the Pisgah National Forest in a beautifully renovated antique cabin at Brown Mountain Beach Resort, we enjoyed leisurely hikes, canoeing and fresh locally made foods. The couple who recently acquired the stretch of historical cabins imparted their  enthusiasm for all things green and homegrown. Not only is this treasure of a resort striving for true sustainability, both financially and ecologically, they’re also pet-friendly. Talk about hitting up the right demographic! David and I will be sure to swing through again in the future with our mini goblins in tow.

After a few days of R&R in the park, we embarked on a visit to Asheville, the self-proclaimed “foodtopia” of the East. With a penchant for the arts and slow processes, both with foods and products, this tiny city nestled in the smoky mountains was refreshingly low key. With live folk music pouring from the bars, an abundance of local handmade crafts, direct-from-farmer restaurants and a thriving arts scene, this town of 50,000 was a pleasant surprise. We enjoyed gallery hopping in the River Arts District and leisurely strolls between the many boutiques. A true gem with much more to be discovered – I foresee us swinging through Asheville again in the near future – to do some more in depth exploring.

Is there a close vacation destination near your home that offers sustainable and local foods? If so – share your suggestions for regional trips in the comments! We’d love to know where you go to escape!

North Carolina 2013 (6)

North Carolina Asheville (18)

DSCN0860 DSCN0921Curve Art Studios: Ceramic Designs Read the rest of this entry »

Pierogi Picnic: Meet the Models - Charlene

Charlene is a woman near and dear to my heart. A fellow entrepreneur and first-generation American, this vivacious and effervescent spirit glows from the inside out. Whether she’s out playing basketball at the park or volunteering at the local food pantry, Charlene’s an active part of both the American and Assyrian communities. But that’s not all that sets her apart.

In the fall of 2010 her world was shaken when her, then fiance, canceled their big day – suddenly and without warning – just three weeks shy of the occasion. Rather than succumbing to the shock of the breakup, Charlene turned her focus outwardly to help other women in similar situations.

“After not being able to find helpful resources online I decided to start an online network to help others who had a similar experience.” Launching “My Wedding Got Cancelled,” Charlene created a virtual community that connected current and ex-brides with one another’s stories and goods – providing both sides a chance to connect.

The website and network provide:

  • Professional licensed marriage and family councilors to assist in break-up coping.
  • A personal page for each person to share their story, make friends, and seek help.
  • Each member with an option of opening their own online store where they can sell their unused wedding and engagement materials.
When Charlene’s not busy building her business or spending time in the community – you can find her deepening her faith and playing the Viola. When asked which vegetable she would be if given the choice, Charlene replies “potato because you can do so much with them.” What a fitting choice considering her own resilience, resourcefulness and fortitude. Go Charlene!

Pierogi Picnic: Color Crazy Fashion

You know that the season’s-a-changing when people starting peeling back layers of black and grey to reveal bright and bold hues underneath!

Pining for pops of color after a long and dreary Chicago winter, it seems my palette is also bursting with pinks, yellow and saturated blues. From neon blouses graced with prints to colorful vintage finds that have been altered for a contemporary fit – there’s a definite theme to the Spring Pierogi Picnic collection!  Take a peek at all of this season’s creations in our color-lovin’ Facebook album. 

Here’s to a season of rainbow hues!

I love love love playing up each season in my home using knick knacks and materials that are already strewn about our place.

So when  curating the look of my home for Easter and spring, I thought it would be fun to put a creative twist on the traditional symbols of the season.

Can you spot the themes?

pierogi picnic a touch of spring (3)

For this fun and vivid display I collected all the bird-like objects that I had dispersed throughout our apartment and brought them together on a runner of bright green moss.  Compiling items with a similar shape, theme, color, texture or size is a great way to make an  ”instant collection” with pieces you already own. Not a dime spent here!

pierogi picnic a touch of spring (6)

I’ve been obsessed with brass vintage figurines this past year. Having found a set of bunny statues a couple years back – I have found myself moving them around the apartment at the shift of each season. But with it being spring – they are front and center on my side tables.

pierogi picnic a touch of spring (5)Feathers feathers feathers! They’re so easy to find and there are endless ways of using them! Whether collected in vases or strewn across the fireplace mantle with twine and washi tape – these natural (and trendy!) wonders add an airy texture to any space.

pierogi picnic a touch of spring (4)

These pillows! I just couldn’t stop myself when they appeared in an email newsletter from fab.com. These unique animal plushies are created when artist Kristin Loffer Theiss draws out the image using thread. She then scans and prints the design onto the fabric and stuffs each with filling and love! The result is a collection of unbearably adorable pillows! Here I’ve collected several of the more spring-like animals together to sit upon my re-upholstered vintage chair. Read the rest of this entry »


WGN Chicago Style Files: Upcycled Sweater Cowl

We are super stoked to report that our newest “Take A Bow” spring cowl was featured on Chicago’s WGN news yesterday! The Style Files segment focused on made in Chicago seasonal accessories. So thankful to Marris Callahan of My Daily Find for including us in her curated collection of favorites! 

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