Renegade Craft Fair - here we come!

Ah, Renegade.

I can't even begin to explain what it's like to be a vendor at the Renegade Craft Fair.

It is viewed as the very pinnacle of indie craft fairs to independent makers like myself. It is the biggest, the hippest, the most inventive, and it's in one of my favorite cities, Chicago. It is at the top of the wish-list-shows of makers across the country. Indie crafters say they feel like "they've made it" when they are juried into this show and I can't blame them. Just look at the talent that will be lined up on the street in little white tents!

This year will be our lucky number 7 as a vendor at this show, and it has consistently been my best craft show of the year. Each time I've received the acceptance email, I throw my hands up in the air and then immediately book the closet B&B to the show! Then I plan where we will eat, what we will do, how I will tweak my display, what I will buy as I race around the show before it gets too crazy (which is about 15 minutes after it officially opens)...

So cheers to you, Chicago and Renegade Craft fans - we'll be driving your way in just a few short days. In the meantime I'll be holed up in my studio getting ready!

Fashion Friday: 1 Dress, 3 Looks

Being able to take one garment and style it multiple ways is an important fashion skill. Whether you're on a limited budget, on vacation with little suitcase room, or just working with what you've already got in your closet, versatile core pieces are a must! For this Fashion Friday, we thought it'd be fun to demonstrate how to take one dress and one pair of earrings and create three distinct looks. Our foundation piece is a tangerine shift dress paired with our River Rocks earrings.    

Look 1: 

We decided to pair the vibrant frock with patterned tennies, a day tote and baseball cap. This outfit creates a casual look, perfect for grocery shopping or running errands with the kiddos.   

a. Twill Baseball Cap by J.Crew

b. Floral Keds by Taylor Swift for Keds 

c. Stripe Canvas Tote by Henri Bendel

Look 2: 

This look is a bit more polished with the addition of a petite scarf, cross body leather purse and jeweled flats. We'd wear this outfit to lunch with the girlfriends or even a casual date night. 

d. Handkerchief Scarf by The Elder Statesman 

e. Rhinestone Embellished Sandal by Calypso St. Barth

f. Tan Messenger Bag by Tory Burch

Look 3: 

Our third look is ideal for a fancy dinner or cocktail event. The classic dress is easily glammed up with a sequin clutch, leopard pumps, and shimmery hair piece. 

g. Bow Claw by Henri Bendel

h. Leopard Print Stiletto Heel by Kurt Geiger

i. Confetti Clutch Bag by Edie Parker Jean 

Fashion Friday: Farmer's Market

Open Air Markets may be one of our favorite things about summer. What's not to love about shopping local for fresh produce and cheese, baked goods, and other treats in gorgeous weather?

Farmer's Markets are definitely all about casual comfort and laid back style - our favorite kind of outfit to wear! Here is a sweet ensemble that merges of-the-moment boho style and just-rolled-out-of-bed. The white peasant top combined with cutoffs is the classic foundation, the hat adds summery peasant style and metallic accents add effortless glamour.

1. Textured Summer Straw Hat by J.Crew 

2. Dixie Sunglasses by Quay 

3. Downing Tote Metallic Leather by J.Crew 

4. Boyfriend Jean Shorts by Rag & Bone 

5. Hazy Highlands Top by Free People 

6. Embellished Leather Sandals by J.Crew 

7. Stem Earrings by Freshie & Zero