SHOP | Mint to be peach

I wanted to drop in and talk a little about all the new items in the shop and how it all came to be.  I think I found the first fabrics that started it all back in November.  I knew as soon as they were released that I had to make something beautiful with them. These gold metallic fabrics sold out quickly everywhere and I'm lucky to have snagged some!  (It looks like reorders will be in May/June, but until then, supplies are very limited!)  Then I was on the hunt for a gold fabric to pair them with for our Doubletake Clutch.  I knew when I found this metallic gold linen that it was meant to be.  I love that these are made of such great, unique, high end fabrics that you just can't find everywhere.

I've already had a few bridal requests for these, so if you're thinking they would make great bridesmaid gifts, let me know!  The fabric is limited, but I'll do what I can to hunt some down for you!

Of course, I added a few new zippered pouches in these gorgeous metallics, too.

I love all of our scarves, but I knew I wanted to add something a little more special, a little bit fancier, a little more elevated to pair with our new clutches.  For these, I had a particular type of lace in mind and was on a mission to find it!  I'm hoping to add more colors in the future, but I think the cream and tiffany blue are perfect for now.  I think these are such a beautiful, feminine accessory and I love that the lace is a little unexpected for a scarf.  What a great way to dress up a cotton dress for a baby or bridal shower or for church!

This last product is one of my favorites!  I first released wristlets last summer and they were so well received, but I knew I could do better!  Our new design is gusseted, allowing for there to be a little more room inside without really making the bag any bigger and I love the color blocking on these.  I love how these mojave fabrics tie in with the colors in the metallic clutches, but with a more casual, edgier print.  I have definitely have plans to add more of these in more fabrics!  Wristlets are such a great staple in your handbag collection!  These can go easily from cosmetic bag to purse with just a quick switch of the contents!  And you can't beat being hands free, whether you're trying to manage little ones or just out shopping.

I've always loved working on new products on shopping for fabric and I love how this collection came together.  The colors are soft and pretty and there's a product for everyone!  Tell me, what's your favorite???

LIFE | A blog post about not blogging

This is a blog post to let you know why I haven't been blogging.  In photos.  From Instagram.


I made some new clutches.  With metallic gold linen.  Yum.

I made lace scarves.  And will hopefully have the tiffany blue restocked by next week!

 I designed new wristlets and made fun video about the process.

I've been spending lots of time with this kid.

We had brunch with the Easter bunny.

I designed new marketing materials.

We hunted for eggs.

I made a summer dress.

 And did some pattern testing.

And we've started watching Mad Men on Netflix.  So as soon as Gabe is in bed, we settle in with some wine or tea and try to make it through at least 2 or 3 episodes!  I plan to be back to a little more regularly scheduled programming next week with a few new outfits and a post about the inspiration and background for our newest designs.  (Maybe it's time for an editorial schedule...).  Hope to see you again soon!

WEAR | These are the days

Motherhood is interesting, isn't it?  Much desired (for many of us), so exhausting in so many ways, so rewarding, so messy, so full of love.  I know that these are the days.  These 1000 or so days of his life when he's home with me.  When I'm his world.  That's it, about 1000 days before he goes to preschool and starts exploring the world on his own, with other people.  And I only have a couple hundred of those 1000 days left at best.  And yes, I'm counting them down, but I'll miss him, too.  But lets be real, it doesn't always feel like these are the days when I haven't showered, when I'm working my way out of an endless laundry pile, when I'm cleaning up bathroom accidents from potty training.  Those do not seem like the days, but even in those days, there are the moments.  An unexpected hug, a hand tugging at me to "come play", a quiet observance as he quietly sings a song to himself that I've been singing to him since he was born.  In those moments, I know in fact, that these are the days.  As I type this, I have 30 pounds of love cuddled up next to me watching his favorite cartoon (Dinosaur Train - highly recommend for the toddler boy crowd).  His little head on my shoulder, asking to cuddle because he's "sooo cold", I don't know if today will be a special day, but I know that this moment is.  (I also recommend reading THIS).

Shirt:: J. Crew // Jacket:: Evy's Tree // Necklace:: Anthro // Earrings:: One Little Belt // Pants:: Target  // Shoes:: TOMS via Zulily

LIFE | On the run

I've recently recommitted to running.  Well, I say that just about every week, but this time I mean it (and I'm sharing this here to help hold myself accountable)!  My running journey started about 6 years ago.  I had a deployed husband, a little weight to lose, and time on my hands.  A girlfriend and I decided to sign up for a 5k and I started the Couch to 5K program.  That first 5k wore me out.  It didn't feel good and it wasn't fast, but I finished it.  I kept signing up for more 5ks and kept running, despite not really enjoying it.  After a few months, the running got easier and I enjoyed it more.  I had made myself a runner.  I ran regularly and it kept me in shape.  

I don't know that I have ever LOVED running.  I've never experienced the "runners high" or anything like that.  But I loved what it did for me and how I felt afterwards.  In fact, I ran through the first 2 trimesters of my pregnancy (with doctor supervision; always check with your doctor about an appropriate exercise program for your pregnancy) and largely credit running and staying active during pregnancy for my quick and easy labor and delivery).  

Fast forward to last summer, we moved to Albuquerque and literally went from running at sea level to running at 5500+ feet.  Holy elevation!  I went from being in some of the best running shape I had been in (running a few 10ks prior to our move) to not being able to catch my breath.  Around that time my husband and I joined a Crossfit gym and loved it.  I still ran, but it wasn't my primary form of exercise anymore.  I've struggled with Crossfit since we've moved to Tucson due to childcare and scheduling issues and quit my membership there recently.  I'd love to go back to Crossfit again when time allows, but for now, running it is.  And this is my accountability!  

Now, let me just say, I've never been fast, I don't go very far, and I always take walk breaks.  You can go slow and walk a little and just squeeze in those 3 mile runs when you can and still be a runner!  And you're lapping everyone on their sofa!  

Want to know what makes running a little easier for me???  Aside from the obvious essentials like good shoes (go get fitted!), comfy clothes (I admit it, I'm addicted to Lululemon!), here a few things that I won't run without!

1. My BOB jogger: This was a baby shower gift from some very sweet friends of ours and is at the top of my list!  Runs just wouldn't happen without it!  I love hitting the road sans stroller because lets face it, between the dog and the stroller and Gabe, I'm negotiating 100+ lbs while I'm running, but running Gabe-free isn't always an option.  When it starts feeling heavy, I just remind myself of the extra calories that I'm burning by pushing it.  Plus, it's nice to have a place to put my phone, water, and the inevitable doggy bag that I have to pick up along the way.

2. Nathan Handheld Water Bottle: I use this when I'm able to go on a stroller free run.  We live in AZ where it's dry and only getting hotter.  This fits nicely in my hand and doesn't bother me at all when I'm running.  When it's really hot, I fill it with water and put it in the freezer.  Then it defrosts on my run.

3. Lululemon Swiftly Headband: I have bangs and running with bangs is not fun.  This headband stays put, is comfy enough to wear all day (and I often do), and is easy to toss in the machine and wash.  Bonus points for coming in fun colors.  And shipping is free if there's not a store near you!

4.  Garmin Forerunner: Ok, let me just say, this thing looks ridiculous on my tiny wrist.  I think there are smaller models available now that probably don't look like a cell phone, but I wear this for every run, even the short ones.  It's kind of like having a treadmill on your outdoor run.  I love knowing how fast I'm going, how far I've gone, how many calories I've burned, etc.  I know that there are a lot of apps now that can do this for you, but I don't always take my phone on runs (especially without the stroller) and those apps didn't exist when I bought this, oh, 5 years ago.  I have used the Jeff Galloway apps when training for longer races, but I love this for everyday runs.  I'm also one of those people who likes things to end on a pretty number, like 3.0 miles, 350 calories, or exactly 30 minutes.  In fact, I often find myself going a little further just so I can end on a nice, round number.  

What are your fitness must haves???