Saturday, December 3, 2016

Beanies Baby! (with a Twist!) + 25% Off in My Online Shop!

Beanies Baby! (with a Twist!)

 https://www.etsy.com/listing/496199687/ivory-navy-spotted-norwegian-wool-turban?ref=shop_home_feat_4

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It's that time of year. It's finally gone from the cool fall temperatures to colder Christmas-y temperatures! Beanies become a winter staple, so I decided to spice up the traditional beanie with a little but of style!


At this time of year, thrift stores and consignment shops become inundated with discarded sweaters. You can find a super lux cashmere sweater, discarded because of a tiny hole. Why not give this discarded cashmere a new life! Now friends also pass along sweaters they can no longer wear and I have quite the stash of cozy fabrics. 

 https://www.etsy.com/shop/ErinElsie?ref=l2-shopheader-name&section_id=15009853

I am so happy with how these are coming out! 

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 https://www.etsy.com/listing/496199687/ivory-navy-spotted-norwegian-wool-turban?ref=shop_home_feat_4

 https://www.etsy.com/listing/496271603/golden-cotton-turban-style-beanie-winter?ref=listing-shop-header-0

Another twist - this cozy style has plaid wool from a recycled vintage skirt, lined in soft merino wool!

 https://www.etsy.com/listing/223434666/black-jewel-tone-plaid-wool-beanie?ref=shop_home_active_9

 https://www.etsy.com/listing/496271603/golden-cotton-turban-style-beanie-winter?ref=listing-shop-header-0

How about flannel from a recycled men's shirt, lined in soft merino wool!

 https://www.etsy.com/listing/223421390/green-navy-plaid-cotton-wool-beanie?ref=listing-shop-header-3

What a sweet special gift these would make? You can shop right now in your pajamas from this blog post ;)


Have a lovely weekend friends!

xo,
     Erin 

Also, save 25% Off on all ErinElsie items, like this dress with the offer code KindnessAlways25. Lots of other great, one of a kind gift items popping up in my online shop everyday! 



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Wednesday, November 30, 2016

A Farewell to Fall (with an Upcycled, Vintage Tablecloth, Wrap Dress Project!)

A Farewell to Fall 🍁🍂
(with an Upcycled, Vintage Tablecloth, Wrap Dress Project!)


 Of course I would make a dress out of a vintage table cloth...





I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving everyone. As the holiday season is here, I thought it only appropriate to share this farewell to fall, upcycling project with you!


I originally picked up this fall-feeling, oversized tablecloth while on a thrifting adventure with my mom in my Louisiana hometown. Pictured above with some of the other fun items from that thrifting trip, you'll hear more about the other fabrics from that trip in spring/summer! 

It was huge and covered in a cornucopia of fall foliage. I immediately knew I wanted to create a whimsical dress out of it! 



 I'm really excited about how it came out! It's a super easy to wear, generously sized wrap dress. While the print is super fall feeling, I think the heavy dose of green would also make this dress beautiful in the spring! The sleeves have a little bit of drama, and are trimmed in recycled denim, along with the neckline. I also tried to use a lot of the original green trim from the table cloth. 


 https://www.etsy.com/listing/495708307/farewell-to-fall-maxi-wrap-dress?ref=shop_home_active_1

The back has a gathered detail with a generous amount of fabric. It drapes so beautifully. 

 https://www.etsy.com/listing/495708307/farewell-to-fall-maxi-wrap-dress?ref=shop_home_active_1

 https://www.etsy.com/listing/495708307/farewell-to-fall-maxi-wrap-dress?ref=shop_home_active_1

Also, change the dress up by wearing it as a statement making kimono.  

 https://www.etsy.com/listing/495708307/farewell-to-fall-maxi-wrap-dress?ref=shop_home_active_1




As our harvest season comes to a close, for most, the holiday season is full on. If you're going to be gift shopping, please try to patron makers via online shopping sites like Etsy,  your local shops, or hand-make a gift!


Happy December Everyone! Thank you for stopping by,  

xo,
     Erin 

Also, save 25% Off on all ErinElsie items, like this dress with the offer code KindnessAlways25. Lots of great, one of a kind gift items popping up in my online shop everyday! 


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Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Bed Sheet Beauty - My Latest Upcycling Project!

 Clothes with Stories: Bring on the Sunshine!

I'm in the middle of making a lot of more fall feeling pieces, but the stressful vibes of of the past weeks drew me to this latest project. I halted the other projects, and pulled out this bold yellow fabric that I had previously put away for the season. 


My dear friend Emilia was packing to move to California, and she gave me one of her old bed sheets. She had these fancy, beautiful organic cotton sheets with a rip in them. I think in most circumstances, this sounds super weird for someone to give you their old bed sheet; but not in my world! I love that she was discarding good fabric, and thought of me! Also, I miss her and now I have this little commemorative project. 


The fabric was great, and instantly I had design ideas popping into my head. I wanted the designs to be a little ode to the idea of being wrapped in a bed sheet and I'm excited about how they came out! 


Emilia Sunshine Super Skirt

I love a maxi skirt, and I love the idea of wearing them all year long. you don't have to put them away for the winter - just throw a sweater on top! The waist of this skirt is full of soft and stretchy elastic, making it one super generous size. The slit adds a little bit of sexiness and keeps the bold color and layers of fabric from being to overwhelming.



Emilia Sunshine Wrap Dress

It's about to be that time again, where people escape the winter months to enjoy a warm and sunny resort. I hate fussy packing. I love a dress that you can just roll into your luggage, shake it out, and throw it on! This is a perfect resort dress. The generous elastic and wrap style translate into such easy glamour. Throw it on and go from the beach to dinner!

 https://www.etsy.com/listing/478475062/emilia-sunshine-wrap-dress-reclaimed?ref=listing-shop-header-0

 https://www.etsy.com/listing/478475062/emilia-sunshine-wrap-dress-reclaimed?ref=listing-shop-header-0

Also, this reversible top was the first piece I made during the summer and it's already sold! 


Color makes me happy, and I hope it this brought you a little joy too! Keep living in the light everyone!    

xo,
     Erin 

Also, save 25% Off on all ErinElsie items with the offer code KindnessAlways25. 


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Monday, November 7, 2016

Coffee Talk & Clothes with Stories

Coffee Talk & Clothes with Stories


Monday!

Hello friends. A new week ahead of us. I like to start off my week with a little positive reflection. Trying to build a creative business can be hard and this keeps me positive in the challenging times.    

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The NYC Marathon!

Sunday was the New York Marathon. What a positive way to kick off a new week. Even though we live in this big city, I often am comforted by a collective camaraderie! From that stranger who held the subway door for me, to cheering on the marathon; we celebrate and accept our differences, support the dreamers, and come together at moments like this! Thanks for the good vibes, NYC. Congrats to the accomplished marathoners from all over the world and country- you did it! 

 

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Clothes with Stories!

ErinElsie is all about clothes with stories. I thoughtfully select and curate unique fabrics and thrifted finds. I love the idea that I am adding to the story of that fabric by turning it into a collectable item that someone will own and cherish. Even better, is when my friends and family contribute by giving me vintage bits and fabrics. It's awesome to get fun packages in the mail that are not bills :)


My Aunt Delsie recently sent me the most thoughtful gift! She made this picture using buttons. She's so creative and crafty! The bonus is the sweet handwritten note.  


This was not the first package my Aunt Delsie and Uncle Mike have sent me and I cherish every little bit. I'm turning this vintage bit, along with some others into collectible pillows. Coming soon!


I turned some vintage blouses they sent me into these bold little summer dresses for my new baby twin nieces. My first effort into little baby clothes-making! 


I also have a box of goodies from one of my dear old friends and creative contributors! She hits flea markets and estate sales with her mom. Although we live far apart now, she'll send me a little curated box of goodies. I always love every item and I can't wait to go through this one. I'll share the details soon!



On that grateful note, have a super week everyone. Thanks Aunt Delsie, Uncle Mike, Jessica, Mom, all the friends who send me things- your inspiration keeps me going!

xo,
     Erin 

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Wednesday, November 2, 2016

Dangle, Dangle! Hand-stiched earrings...



I hope you all are having a good week! Sometimes over the weekends I need to take a break from my larger sewing projects. When you do it all, the design + construction, it can sometimes drain my creativity. My fingers rarely remain idle though, and this past weekend I stumble onto some tinier projects. 

Earrings! Denim, leather, velvet, silk...beautiful remnants that took on a beautiful transformation! I love a bold earring, but they can often really stretch and strain your earlobes. I love the idea of these fabric earrings; a super bold look, without killing your ears! Plus, I never let really awesome fabric go to waste. 


 https://www.etsy.com/listing/489070357/reclaimed-denim-earrings-hand-stitched?ref=listing-shop-header-2

 https://www.etsy.com/listing/489023381/denim-leather-earrings-hand-stitched?ref=listing-shop-header-3

 Shop this blush silk and velvet earrings!

 https://www.etsy.com/listing/489070357/reclaimed-denim-earrings-hand-stitched?ref=listing-shop-header-2

 https://www.etsy.com/listing/475750488/green-velvet-and-lavender-silk-earrings?ref=listing-shop-header-0

 https://www.etsy.com/listing/489110495/green-velvet-and-blush-silk-earrings?ref=shop_home_active_2

 https://www.etsy.com/listing/489023381/denim-leather-earrings-hand-stitched?ref=listing-shop-header-3

 https://www.etsy.com/listing/475750488/green-velvet-and-lavender-silk-earrings?ref=listing-shop-header-0


Have an awesome rest of your week, friends! Stay tuned fore more updates and blog posts. Thanks for taking the time to catch up with me,

xo,
     Erin 

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Thursday, October 27, 2016

ErinElsie, Lately....



Happy fall ya'll!

 The ErinElsie blog has sat idle for a couple months, but everything else in my world has certainly not been so. As a busy holiday season approaches, I'm taking a little moment of reflection. Here's what's been going on with ErinElsie and I lately. 


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I've moved!

I really loved our little studio apartment and felt a little sad when we decided to make the move. But despite the sentiments, we needed this! We were busting at the seams; and for our lives and businesses to grow, we needed more space and storage. After living in a tiny place, this new place feels like a mansion! As crazy as moving is, it can be a great cleansing process. I feel like at this point in our lives, my husband and I don't really have junk. Everything we own is something we need and/or it has value to us - and I love that. Also, we have a gem of an outdoor space now! Yay!      


***

Markets, Markets, Markets!

One of my goals for this year was to really start getting ErinElsie out there, especially in person! Since June I've been in several markets. Meeting customers in person and getting feedback about my work has been super meaningful. Also, meeting so many other artists and entrepreneurs has really motivated me. It's comforting being in an environment of people that understand this hustle! 




***

Orders, Orders, and Reviews!

I get orders from all over the world and I love it. What's even better, is when those customers take the time to write 5 star reviews. I care a lot about the quality and details of the pieces I make. The genuine and positive feedback gives me life!  




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Family time!

Lastly, this month I headed to my hometown Thibodaux, Louisiana for 10 days. It was a much overdue visit full of fishing, eating, relaxing, and visiting with family over pots of coffee. It's good to check out of your everyday life and get back to your roots sometimes! I love my family, cherish it, and never take it for granted. 

You just can't beat the comforting foods of your homeland. Mom's crab stew, Dad's fried shrimp, our freshly caught fried catfish - you can't get that in New York City!


I also did some thrift shopping and bargain hunting with my mom. It's become a ritual of our visits, and per usual I had some great finds. Some great potential ErinElsie materials, and a few items just for myself :)


***

Alright, all these new ErinElsie items are not going to make themselves- I've got to get back to work! Stay tuned fore more updates and blog posts. I'm going to try and keep this somewhat regular- we'll see. Thanks for taking the time to catch up with me!

xo,
     Erin 


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