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 

Follow along the journey of ErinElsie and *Textile*Repurposed*Style.* Subscribe by email in the sidebar of my blog or sign up for Bloglovin!

Other Links:

✰ Website: http://www.erinelsie.com

✰ Instagram: https://instagram.com/erinelsie_official/ 

✰ Instagram: https://instagram.com/erinblank_designer/

✰ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/ErinElsie/360147150720430

✰ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ErinElsie_Inc

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!      

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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! 




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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 :)


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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 

Follow along the journey of ErinElsie and *Textile*Repurposed*Style.* Subscribe by email in the sidebar of my blog or sign up for Bloglovin!

Shop one of a kind items in the ErinElsie shop!

Other Links:

✰ Website: http://www.erinelsie.com

✰ Instagram: https://instagram.com/erinelsie_official/ 

✰ Instagram: https://instagram.com/erinblank_designer/

✰ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/ErinElsie/360147150720430

✰ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ErinElsie_Inc

An Ode to the Teeshirt with these Unique Upcycled Tote Bags!

An Ode to the Teeshirt with these Unique Upcycled Tote Bags!

It doesn't get more classic than the teeshirt, especially those favorites that you wear until they are literally falling apart! My husband has lots of these. Unique teeshirts, many are from concerts or travels over the years and carry so many stories with them. He handed some over to me in disrepair, and I was inspired to create some wearable art using the unique designs of each tee shirt. A friend gave me some old curtains a while back, and I thought the sturdiness of the fabric would be perfect for the base of a simple tote bag.    

I used some fabric glue and then hand stitched around the teeshirts with colorful thread to give them a clean finished edge. I'm so happy with the results!

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Brooklyn 2 Faced Upcycled TeeShirt Tote 

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The Florida Rocker 2 Faced Upcycled TeeShirt Tote

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Get more detailed info and shop these and other totes in my ErinElsie Etsy Shop by clicking here!

Have a great week!

xo,

     Erin 

Follow along the journey of ErinElsie and *Textile*Repurposed*Style.* Subscribe by email in the sidebar of my blog or sign up for Bloglovin!

Other Links:

✰ Instagram: https://instagram.com/erinblank_designer/

✰ Instagram: https://instagram.com/erinelsie_official/

✰ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/ErinElsie/360147150720430
✰ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ErinElsie_Blank

✰ Website: http://www.erinelsie.com

Hot Summer Nights! A Simple Upcycling Project with High Impact Results.

Hot Summer Nights! A Simple Upcycling Project with High Impact Results. 

Greetings!

It is officially summer now, and it certainly is feeling like it here in NYC. With temperatures rising and summer events filling up my calendar, I took some time to do a quick upcycling project for myself. I got a little burned out on my rotation of dresses and decided to do something different this time. 

Way back in September, I shared a couple of potential vintage upcycling projects with you. And as life happens, I didn't get to work on all of them right away. I thought if ever a time to tackle this bold yellow number, summer is it!

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Before:

Below is the entry from my original blog post, the before photo, and the results! 

The Unflattering Yellow Jumpsuit

I know yellow is not for everyone; but while I have a summer tan, I thought if I'm ever going to sport it, now's the time. This 70's era vintage jumpsuit was sent to me by a dear friend for the very reason that I might find the potential in what it could be. I am intrigued by it's possibilities and the creative part of me is taking on the challenge of transforming it. 

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The Project:

I normally am a fan of a good jump suit, especially for easy summer dressing. With this one, the gathering at the waist was just not working plus the bold yellow color from head to toe was a little overwhelming. 

After some deliberation, what I thought would be a more complicated project had a surprisingly simple solution. I just decided to cut it apart and refinish it into 2 separate pieces. I had some other soft yellow remnants that I incorporated and I thought it would further help to break up the bolder yellow color.   

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After:

The result is a bold 2 piece outfit that can easily replace a dress for a fun summer event! Showing just a little peek of skin breaks up the bold yellow and makes this look more flattering. The crop tops of the 60s have come back in a major way and can be super chic if worn right (just keep the rest of the look less revealing).

The top is comfy and can be worn with a regular bra, which is great if your dancing the night away! 

Also the pants are super floaty and fun, it's almost like wearing a simple pull on skirt. 

Another great result of this project is that I now have 2 great pieces to work with! The pants were adjusted to be worn with a lower heel or flats. This way I can also use them for different looks like the casual one below. I pair my favorite chambray shirt with everything! It's a good neutral piece to counter the bold yellow. 

I also like the idea of pairing them with a simple black top! Easy breezy...

It's nice sometimes to take a little time to transform something for myself! Thanks for reading and enjoy the rest of your week friends!

xo,

     Erin 

Follow along the journey of ErinElsie and *Textile*Repurposed*Style.* Subscribe by email in the sidebar of my blog or sign up for Bloglovin!

Other Links:

✰ Instagram: https://instagram.com/erinblank_designer/
✰ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/ErinElsie/360147150720430
✰ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ErinElsie_Blank

✰ Website: http://www.erinelsie.com

Giveaway Winners and SALE time!

Hope you all had a great week! 

I'm happy to announce the winners of my Mother's Day Giveaway! A big congrats to Sylvia and Jill! Thanks to everyone who took the time to enter, and please know that the winners were chosen at random through the website affiliate I used for this contest. I promise I will do more of these in the future so please stay tuned! 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Also, I've discounted some items in my shop up to 40% off! You can check that section out by clicking here: SALE! 

Shop the SALE!

Have a great weekend, Happy Mother's Day wishes, and thanks for visiting! 

Cheers,

 - Erin

http://www.erinelsie.com 

Follow along my every day on Instagram:@ ErinBlank_Designer

'Tis the Season! It's Cold Out! (and Getting Cozy in the Workshop)

It's Holiday time in NYC, and even though it's getting very cold out- the lights and decorations around the city can be truly infectious. The busy Holiday season inspired me to create some cozy gift-ables that you can truly feel good about- winter accessories made entirely with repurposed materials. In the workshop right now; I'm making some beanies from reclaimd wool, cotton, and cashmere sweaters, along with some lux plaid scarves with classic and gorgeous vintage Pendleton fabrics.  

coral-cashmere-slouchy-beanie

Also, I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend! I'm leaving you with a few pictures from ours in Rhode Island. We spent the weekend at a beach house with family and friends that feel like family. The lovely views didn't hurt either!

Okay, this elf needs to get back to the work! Gift-ables coming soon. Thanks for following along everyone! 

Cheers,

-Erin

http://www.erinelsie.com 

Follow my every day along on Instagram:@ ErinBlank_Designer