A Trend, A Treasure Hunt, and Time with the Parents!

Trends come and go, and while I enjoy the spectacle of it all - I am generally tentative to jump on board. I tend to gravitate towards quality basics and eclectic statement pieces that I simply love and know I will not tire of quickly. To my surprise, one trend I am enjoying is this kimono-inspired soft jacket look. They are an easy way to add a pop of color or print to your basic pieces. They are also great to travel with as they can be worn with shorts during the day, as a swimsuit cover up, and even dressed up at night. 

Photo Courtesy of MissWhiteSmith Blog

My Purple Boho Big Shirt

I made a beautiful purple one, that sold rather quickly- and it has inspired me to make a collection of them. One size fits all, in an array of prints. Scouring everywhere for awesome fabric in beautiful colors and prints is what I love to do and lends itself perfectly to this project. I have already tracked down some of the materials online. It's pretty amazing with technology that you can buy vintage fabric from France- so excited for that to come in! Next, I will take my fabric hunt on the road. My parents are flying in from Louisiana this morning and I'm so excited! They are going to be Brooklyn residents for the next couple of days and it will be great to just spend some quality time with them. After hanging in New York - we are going to do a little road trip up the coast Mystic, CT and Newport, RI perhaps. I plan to derail the trip a couple of times for some fabric treasure hunting, I just can't help myself! Have a lovely memorial day weekend and I will report back soon!

As always, many thanks for following along on this creative journey! 

Be Well!
xo
 Erin 
http://www.erinelsie.com
Follow me on Instagram: ErinBlank_Designer

1 Men's Shirt = 2 Chic Pieces

1 Men's Shirt = 2 Chic Pieces

Inspiration and ideas can truly come from anywhere and I am usually always taken with a great print. I was delighted to find this subtle, deep, and beautifully printed Men's Hawaiian shirt in a thrift store, perfectly suited for soft and easy summer pieces. Luckily it was a very large shirt, and the fabric quality was very well preserved. I am so happy with the end results- 2 lovely pieces that have given knew life to this awesome fabric from this once discarded shirt. My process goes way beyond just making a garment. Here, I'm just sharing a small glimpse behind the scenes of this particular project. 

1. Let the fabric speak to me

2. I always thoroughly wash my materials. That can be quite the task when you live in NYC in a 5 floor walk-up and your laundry is in the basement, but it's always a good workout! 

 3.If I'm working with a thrifted garment, once I have a general idea of what I want to make, I strategically take the item apart. It's also a neat way to sometimes analyze and learn new construction techniques. 

4. Draping and pinning my design together; this is the stage that the design changes the most and is truly the most fun and creative part for me. It's where everything starts to take shape and become an actual garment.  

5. Sew all the pieces together. Sometimes stressful, sometimes therapeutic, and a skill that I always try to perfect. 

6. Hand-finishing- this is what I believe distinguishes a well made garment from the rest. True craftsmanship and quality are important to me. 

 Blue-Green Midnight Tropics Sundress

 

Shop Here

 Blue-Green Midnight Tropics Sundress

Shop Here

                              Thanks for following along on this creative journey! 

Be Well!
xo
 Erin 
http://www.erinelsie.com
Follow me on Instagram: ErinBlank_Designer

Dear Mom, 7 Days of "Thank You": Day 7

Happy Mother's Day to all the Mother's out there! Today I'm wrapping up "Dear Mom, 7 Days of "Thank You."

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Day 7  - A brief History and Happy Mother's Day Mom! 

Ever wonder why there is an official "Mother's Day" on the calendar? Here's a brief history courtesy of History.com . (You can read even more by clicking that link). I think the history behind Mother's Day is a good reminder of the strength and power of women and women leaders. It's hard to believe that there was a time when we couldn't own property or vote? Women were the ones who rose up and made these things possible. My mom is certainly a strong lady, and I feel lucky to have her as a role model and mother. 

Happy Mother's Day Mom! 

MOTHER’S DAY: A Brief History 

The roots of the modern American Mother’s Day date back to the 19th century. In the years before the Civil War (1861-65), Ann Reeves Jarvis of West Virginiahelped start “Mothers’ Day Work Clubs” to teach local women how to properly care for their children. These clubs later became a unifying force in a region of the country still divided over the Civil War. In 1868 Jarvis organized “Mothers’ Friendship Day,” at which mothers gathered with former Union and Confederate soldiers to promote reconciliation.

Another precursor to Mother’s Day came from the abolitionist and suffragette Julia Ward Howe. In 1870 Howe wrote the “Mother’s Day Proclamation,” a call to action that asked mothers to unite in promoting world peace. In 1873 Howe campaigned for a “Mother’s Peace Day” to be celebrated every June 2. Other early Mother’s Day pioneers include Juliet Calhoun Blakely, a temperance activist who inspired a local Mother’s Day in Albion, Michigan, in the 1870s. The duo of Mary Towles Sasseen and Frank Hering, meanwhile, both worked to organize a Mothers’ Day in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Some have even called Hering “the father of Mothers’ Day.”

(courtesy of History.com)

My mom in dresses that she made herself :) 

Hope you had a Happy Sunday everyone!

Love You mom! xo,
-Erin
http://www.erinelsie.com
Follow me on Instagram: ErinBlank_Designer

*Readers, thanks for taking the time to share in my creative journey*

Dear Mom, 7 Days of "Thank You": Day 6 - "Roots and Wings"

With Mother's day coming up, I'm taking some time this week to reflect on how things I have learned from my mom influence me everyday.  Here is day 6 of "Dear Mom, 7 Days of "Thank You."

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Day 6  - Dear Mom, Thank you for giving me "Roots and Wings." 
This is one can best be summed up by this great quote: 

“Give the ones you love wings to fly, roots to come back and reasons to stay.”

-Dalai Lama XIV 

I love New York, but I know that it will always be my second home. Louisiana is home; It is inspiring to me, it's part of me, it's where most of my family is- it's where my roots are. As much as I know my mom misses me being close to home, she has also always encouraged me to fly. She knew at a young age that I was going to take off and has always been supportive. Thanks, Mom! 

(Amazing roots in Kauai - I couldn't resist)

Happy Saturday everyone!

xo,
-Erin
http://www.erinelsie.com
Follow me on Instagram: ErinBlank_Designer

*Readers, thanks for taking the time to share in my creative journey*

Dear Mom, 7 Days of "Thank You": Day 5

With Mother's day coming up, I'm taking some time this week to reflect on how things I have learned from my mom influence me everyday.  Here is day 5 of "Dear Mom, 7 Days of "Thank You."

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Day 5  - Dear Mom, Thank you for all of the little things. When I say "little things," I mean all of the innumerable things that mom took care of day in and day out. They often may go unnoticed and unacknowledged, and so today I say thank you for all of it.  

-for all the driving me around, making sure I got to sports practices, friend's houses, and wherever else I needed to go

-for all those home-cooked meals

-for the loads and loads of clothes washing, and for being an expert at stain removal ;)

-for all of the constant grocery shopping, I know we were quite the eaters!

-for always being there in the crowd to cheer me on in whatever sporting event I was participating in at the time

-for making sure I always had whatever I needed

-and for all of the little things that you still do for me

xo,
-Erin
http://www.erinelsie.com
Follow me on Instagram: ErinBlank_Designer

*Readers, thanks for taking the time to share in my creative journey*

Dear Mom, 7 Days of "Thank You": Day 4

With Mother's day coming up, I'm taking some time this week to reflect on how things I have learned from my mom influence me everyday.  Here is day 4 of "Dear Mom, 7 Days of "Thank You."

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Day 4  - 

Dear Mom, 
Thank you for always speaking up, and for being my fearless defender and supporter. 

This reminds me of a quote that I like a lot. The first time I heard it, it made me think of my mom. 
"The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don't have any." - Alice Walker

In so many different scenarios in my life, my mom has always been my feisty supporter and defender. It doesn't matter how big or small the injustice, she's not afraid to speak her mind. When I was a teenager, I'd get so embarrassed in some of these moments; but in my adulthood, I look back and feel nothing but gratitude and admiration.  

xo,
-Erin
http://www.erinelsie.com
Follow me on Instagram: ErinBlank_Designer

*Readers, thanks for taking the time to share in my creative journey*

Dear Mom, 7 Days of "Thank You": Day 3

As Mother's Day approaches, and I thought about what I can do to show gratitude toward my mom, I reflected on how things I have learned from her influence me everyday.  Here is day 3 of "Dear Mom, 7 Days of "Thank You."

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Day 3 - Thank you, Mom for the confidence to live without limits. 

Even in 2014, it can still sometimes feel like you are a girl in a man's world, but my mom never made it feel that way for me - I feel empowered and have my mom to thank. 

 Fishing is one of my family's favorite past times, and we ladies do not disappoint. We all knew if mom was in the boat, she'll probably catch the the biggest fish- and the most. One day I could be playing dress up in her old party dresses with way too much blue eyeshadow on,  another I could be covered in mud- and she was okay with that. She was very much a tomboy child herself. I spent lots of time sewing, but also playing sports outside with my brothers. 

Family Fishing! 

Flag Football, fun times!

She never discouraged me on the things I wanted to try. When it came time to pick a major for college, she help me discover and decide on Fashion Merchandising and Consumer Studies, and never made me feel less "smart" because I wanted to get into fashion instead of engineering. I could be a lady, as well as strong and smart. When I decided to move to New York on my own, despite her obvious motherly concern- she said, "Go for it!" and that she always knew I would end up here. When I quit my corporate job to work freelance jobs in order to to focus on my own designs; she again, supported me and has never discouraged my crazy dreams.

 I never felt like I had to fit into a stereotype and I think that helped develop confidence in the person I am and in my abilities without comparing them to others. As I forge my own path, confidence is key. Believe in yourself, and live without limits.  

Happy Wednesday!

xo,
-Erin
http://www.erinelsie.com
Follow me on Instagram: erin_e_blank

*Readers, thanks for taking the time to share in my creative journey*

Dear Mom, 7 Days of "Thank You": Day 2

                     

                              

As Mother's Day approaches, and I thought about what I can do to show gratitude toward my mom, I reflected on how things I have learned from her influence me everyday.  In response, here is day two of "Dear Mom, 7 Days of "Thank You."

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Day 2 - Thank you, Mom for sharing the joy of cooking...and eating!

 It's certainly a fact that being from South Louisiana and loving great food go hand in hand. I'm lucky to be from a family that truly epitomizes this. They love to eat, and more importantly know how to cook. My brothers and I all enjoy cooking and it's no doubt something we got from our mom. Weeknights there were always home-cooked meals and Sundays were filled with big lunches. Eating my mom's food is truly one of the highlights of going home to visit. Food at home is never overly fancy or pretentious, but comforting and full of flavor. Stews are one of my favorite comfort foods and my mom's Chicken stew in particular. White beans and rice are something that's hard to explain to those that have never had them in south Louisiana, but done right they are so delicious and the perfect compliment to fried seafood. My mom's are the best...and how about a crispy fried egg...yum!

Many people think that most New Yorkers don't cook, but I certainly do. Daily, I work with my hands and when I need a break from my design work, cooking is a sort of therapy. To me, it is relaxing, creative way to work with my hands and comfort the soul after a long day (or night). I try to replicate some of my mom's food here, but some dishes I still must wait until  I visit home to get my fix!

One of mom and dad's best collaborations, fried fish and shrimp with white beans!

Crispy Fried Egg :)

Big Pot of Stew! My version, it's getting better with time...

...and always on rice.

Thanks Mom!

xo,
-Erin

http://www.erinelsie.com
Follow me on Instagram: erin_e_blank

*Readers, thanks for taking the time to share in my creative journey*

Dear Mom, 7 Days of "Thank You": Day 1

As Mother's Day approaches, and I thought about what I can do to show gratitude toward my mom, I reflected on how things I have learned from her influence me everyday.  In response, here is day one of "Dear Mom, 7 Days of "Thank You."

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Day 1 - Thank you, Mom for instilling that can do, hands-on, power to create.

As a little girl, my mom made me lots of clothes, which she often let me edit with her. We'd shop around in department stores, talk about the ones we liked, and then she'd recreate our own version of them for about 1/3 the price to perfectly fit me. Sometimes there was even a custom bow to match. In retrospect, I love that this was not simply my mom forcing me into a dress she made, but us collaborating on a dress for me. She'd often make her own patterns out of freezer paper or wax paper if needed. She always had the attitude, "We can make that,"- never intimidated and never afraid of failure or being hand-ons. Mistakes were always creative opportunities. This applied to most any craft project or school project. She taught me all her fundamentals of sewing and gave me a new respect for quality and craftsmanship. She even nabbed me an old dress form from the late 50's to work on. It is the one I learned to drape on, still my favorite, and the one I use to this day.

Learning to create with my hands empowered me and made me approach the world in a different way. It is my world now and I'm not looking back.

Thanks Mom! Love You!


-Erin

http://www.erinelsie.com
Follow me on Instagram: ErinBlank_Designer

*Readers, thanks for taking the time to share in my creative journey*