Stockpiling the Greens

I'm a little Miss Green Thumbs... I come by it honestly, with a farmer dad and a gram who can turn a begonia into a shrub (this is hardly an exaggeration).  These pics are from the indoor 'greenhouse' I currently have going on in my dining room.  This has got to have been one of the weirdest springs on record, weather-wise anyway.  It's been everything from hot to cold to snowing this May.  I'm a patient gardener though... I don't usually let myself get too into it before June 1st - just because the climate here is so insanely dodgey some springs.  

My absolute favorite thing about spring is getting my hands in the dirt and container gardening.  I love it.  LOVE.  I'm not a huge 'flower' gal, my planters are almost strictly foliage.  This year I'm going to choose one variety of BRIGHT orange flowers (to match my hammocks) to throw into the foliage mix and maybe some Blue Salvia as well - otherwise, it's going to be Coleus-heavy with a variety of other foliage plants for texture and shape.  

Latte, homework and then a rainy night in with Jenna-Loo... Sounds like an okay kinda day to me!

K.

New to Dove Tree: Taupe & Vintage Lace, Cream & Natural

Here's a few more dresses that will soon be available in my shop... both with loads of raw edge design, both with lacy detail and both made with soft jersey knit.  I'm thinkin' about making another of the first dress for myself, it's got some serious seasonal versatility going on.

The U2 concert last night was AMAZING, of course.  We had a great time and I would definitely do it alllll over again.  Last night's fun combined with a soggy sorta day is making for a mellow Monday.  I'm thinking a little more homework and a nice warm bowl of soup are in order!

Hope ya'll had a great weekend!

K.

---The Cream and Natural dress is a wee bit big on me, so please pardon the mis-fit : ) 

New to Dove Tree: Cotton Candy

This isn't how I would normally style the tops... but you get the idea.  These 3 gathered-waisted little candy-colored numbers are made of SUPER comfy jersey knit... soft and stretchy, but hey!  Still cute to boot : )

It's Sunday and I'm off to the city with some friends for a supper out followed by a U2 concert.  It's a little chills out for an outdoor event, but I'm thinkin' we'll forget alllll about the weather when the music starts - Can't wait!

Happy Sunday ya'll!

K.

Inspiration:

* All images from Pinterest *

"Old" has always inspired me.  As a kid, I would beg my dad take me out to his different farm yards on Sunday afternoons to explore the old outbuildings and have other such vintage-y adventures.  There are two buildings in particular that I could never get enough of... one, an old abandoned farmhouse, was completely stripped by antiquing thieves (hmm) and has since been dismantled.  The other was a workshop on a different yardsite.  There were trails of what looked like arrows embedded in the cement floor that I loved to follow... to no end.  As it turns out, these were actually the foot prints of some ancient chicken - what can I say, my imagination has always been in fine form : )

I'm still infatuated with all things old... and I still have a favorite old building on the farm.  Yup, you guessed it -  a barn.  A beautiful old used-to-be-white barn.  What inspires me there is the history behind the building, the wide plank floors in the loft, the MASSIVE beams running every which way, the old iron hardware, the wavy glass and the weather-beaten paint.  It's just OLD and it's just BEAUTIFUL.

And now that I'm thoroughly inspired and primed to draw... off I go!

K.

Trunk Show: Racked, Packed & Tagged

Here they are, all the newbies - racked, packed and tagged!  I can't quite explain it, but there was something kinda fun about seeing everything tagged with a Dove Tree i.d. card (info on the back).  I also added a sweet little bronze dove to each tag as well.  A grand total of 29 items of clothing were loaded up to show at the WFI Launch Event - and about the same number of accessories... most of which will end up in the Etsy shop in the next week or so.  I'll be doing an update in the shop... new items, new prices on old items, that sorta deal.  I'll start sharing snapshots of individual items this weekend too... preview for ya'll before it hits the shop.  I'm super excited about this rack of work and some other secret piles going on in the workshop for a fun project coming up this summer - yippee!

Thursday!  That's as close to Friday as it gets people : )

Enjoy!

K.

(If you are a quick counter, you'll be thinking: "Hmm, that doesn't look like 29 items."  You're right.  The stuff already shown on Etsy didn't make the photos because not all of the fabric colors and textures were cohesive with the new pieces... and I'm kinda obsessed like that.  Who doesn't like a pretty picture?!)

what.i.wore

Details:

Sunglasses - Wet Seal

Necklace - vintage

Cardigan - Urban Behavior 

Dress - Mossimo

Sandals - Target

Springy lil' dress for a warm spring day...  It's all about shed-able layers for May in Manitoba - you just never know when the temperature will rise (or fall, unfortunately) by 10 degrees.  This seems like one of those chilly morning/warm afternoon sorta days.  No complaints from me however, I'm a layers-lover : )

K.

--- Check out my new wardrobe section in the sidebar... what.i.wore posts will all be stashed in there so you can peruse them all in one place. ---

Trunk Show: Prep & Piles

I didn't do an inventory until two days before the show... until then it was piles: to-go, to-stay, and undecided.  Piles are kinda my drug of choice, I absolutely can't exist without them.  My organization methods are maybe just a little unorthodox - a scattered method for a scattered mind?  I think so!

Anyway, these pics give ya'll an idea of what the work surfaces in my studio look like when I'm in production mode - cluttered, but pretty : ) 

More show biz pics soon!

K.

what.i.wore

Here's another lil' peek at what's new and on the way to the Etsy shop.  I made a double of this one for myself - it's what I wore to the trunk show last Thursday... more on that sooooon : )

G'night world.

K.

Gone Fishin'

1. Learning to Fly Fish Top - ModCloth

2. Fair Feather Friend Scarf - ModCloth

3. Style Takes Shape Tote - ModCloth

4. Palmer Baggy Pant - Citizens of Humanity Jeans

5. Ring Me Up - ModCloth

6. Mid-Afternoon Meander Flat - ModCloth

7. Animal-Print Aviator Sunglasses - Dolce & Gabbana 

8. Hat Me at Hello - ModCloth

It's been a good while since my last wardrobe throw-down.  I based this outfit around the 'Style Takes Shape Tote' from ModCloth... I LOVE it.  This is exactly the kind of get-up I'd love to spend any warm weather weekend in... fishing or no, it definitely has laid-back-at-the-lake written all over it.

Today... It's SHOW TIME and hey, even though I'm wildly nervous, I'm actually feeling like I've got 'er under control (knock on wood).  After that, I may just put up the ole GONE FISHIN' sign myself.  Not sure when I'll be back to the workshop and the blog world... soon.  And armed with lots of pics of the goods I did-up for the show :)

K.

Sneak Peek...

Just wanted to share a lil' peek at something hanging on the 'to-go' rack for tonight... It's the ROSE MALLOW skirt and hmm, I kinda wanna keep it : )

K.

what.i.wore

G'mornin'!  Feels like I'm getting a late start today... or maybe I had an early start if you count working until the wee hours?!  Either way, I'm lookin' a little zombie-esque this morning : )  The 'to-do' list from yesterday took a beating (thanks for your help Jenna-Loo!) and today I'm left with half the pricing, all the photographing and finally - the tagging.  Packing-up will be a Thursday morning gig and then it'll be SHOW TIME.  I'm definitely plotting a RELAXING long weekend ahead, just a bit of a push for the next two days and I'll be hitting the hammock (mojito in-hand)! 

Off to tackle the rest of that list and catch some sun later this afternoon...

K.

--- Here's the link for anyone local wanting to check out the Launch Event ---

what.i.wore:

Sunglasses - Joe Fresh

Shirt - Bluenotes

Necklace - Forever 21

Bracelet - Dove Tree

Belt - Forever 21

Denim Shorts - American Eagle Outfitters

Sandals - Target

Mail Call: Hair Wear

I do enjoy getting packages in the mail - who doesn't, really?!  It's especially fun when it slips your mind that you're even supposed to be anticipating something fun in the mail.  That was the case with the cute vintage-y headband I ordered from Melisa at Pie N' the Sky a while back.  It's adorable and I can't wait to wear it... I'm sure it will end up in a summer wardrobe post sometime.

TWO last items to hem and then the sewing mission for the week is complete.  That leaves me with a bit of a daunting list of other pre-show errands:

-size, price, name each piece

-tagging

-create an inventory/price list

-print order forms

-pick-up run of new biz cards, tags, etc

-photograph items

-pick-up odds like hangers, receipt book, etc

-get a cash float

-pack-up clothing rack, table, chair, etc, etc, etc

Am I missing something?  Probably.  I'm sure there are a lot of people out there with better organization skills than I was, ahem, blessed with... feel free to make suggestions.

Wish me some lucky fortune getting all these tasks done - I'm gonna need it!

K.

what.i.wore

Saturday was the first sunny and warm day in a looong time... It was a great evening to sneak a little hammock time and then get out and relax with friends over a later supper - perfectly laid-back and comfortable. 

Here's the (unfussy) details: 

Necklace: Forever 21

Tank: Target

Belt: Forever 21

Bracelet: Dove Tree

Jeans: American Eagle Outfitters

Moccasins: Target

It's MONDAY.  That means it's not so long until THURSDAY.  Only a couple more days before the Winnipeg Fashion Incubator fashion show and boutique market for me to get a few more pieces done... and to price, tag, and photograph the whole lot.  I haven't done any tallies yet, there are just stacks of tanks, dresses and skirts kinda strewn about my workspace.  

(Eek!  It will all come together, right?!)

Coffee is a MUST to make this the most productive MONDAY on record.  However, it's also GORGEOUS outside, so it won't be without a sunny break or two : )

K.

Going Once, Going Twice

"Powder Pink" and "Blue Skies, Yellow Trees" went to a new home last week.  Usually it's hard to part with pieces that I create for my own enjoyment (without the parameters of custom work)... but these two found a fantastic new home where I know they'll be enjoyed : ) 

More in the mornin'!

K.

Sarah.Seven

Hey-Hey for the second time this afternoon : )  Just popping back in to share a few pieces from a designer that has inspired me for years.  Some day I hope to own a beautiful Sarah Seven dress.  The palette is so powdery and her designs are purely feminine... *swoon*

K.

Editors

Pull the blindfold down 

So your eyes can't see 

Now run as fast as you can 

Through this field of trees 

Someone turn me around 

Can I start this again? 

I'm workin' away over here with the iTunes on shuffle and thought I'd share my favorite of the lyrics from this Editors song.  I also find the shots of the blue-hooded girl running through the trees at the end of the video especially beautiful...

Maybe I'll be back with more tunes later : )

K.

L I P { 6 }

I've never really been into spending big money on make-up... especially lipsticks and glosses because hey! I don't ever want to be limited to just one!  At $6/pop, these JOE brand lip lovelies are a steal and they come in all sorts of pretty hues.  These are the six that I'm currently cycling through... The everyday choice lately has been the 'honey' gloss.  It's just so versatile - love it!

Couple more hours of work left for me tonight... can't wait to share pics of the tops, dresses and skirts that are coming together up in the sew-shop : )  Soon.

Nighty night!

K. 

what.i.wore

This is a real inside scoop here - what I wear on soggy days spent locked up in my workspace sewing my heart out.  It's all about these 3 components when I'm busy in the zone:

-Flexibility: I'm addicted to cross-legged sitting (when my foot isn't on the gas), so it's tights or yoga pants here. 
-Comfort: Slacker cotton shoes with hemp soles will do just fine, paired with clothing in cozy fabrics like knits, cottons and wool.

-Un-Fussy-ness: For me, the mop ends up in my face often so my hair is UN-styled in what I call my "Whitney Port Bauble" (to keep it OUT OF MY WAY of course) and then there's the specs for those times I forget to blink (oh, and to help me see those teeny tiny stitches).
*** Just a note: I'm not actually mad in the first photo, it just looks that way when I squint.
*** Just another note: Sorry to give you a heart attack Mama-Gracie - I know you never wanted 3 Kari's (it's just an illusion, give your head a shake lady).
And in case there's something you dig about this lazy ensemble, here's the info:
Necklace - Forever 21
T-shirt - Target
Sweater - Urban Behavior
Tights - Dynamite
Slip-ons - Forever 21
Alright, now I'm just procrastinating... back up to the sewing factory!
K.

Shape: Chevron

I just love getting mail... especially when it's something as gorgeous as this Triple Chevron Necklace I ordered from Moorea Seal on Etsy.  You can also check out Moorea's blog for a great daily read and links to her other creative endeavors.  Personally, I enjoy perusing her illustrations and checking out her wardrobe posts... she is one talented gal! 

Back up to my lair this morning.  There's a stack of cut/pressed items to stitch together... boy is it nice when the ironing part of the sew-show is done.

K.

what.i.wore

Sunglasses - American Eagle Outfitters

Earrings - Joe Fresh

Dress - Forever 21

Belt - Urban Behavior

Shoes - Wet Seal

Just a quick lil' wardrobe post to end the day --- this was me on Saturday, ready for wine fest... Simple little get-up for a day out with the gal pals.  Yes, I would also wear this to the post office or grocery shopping, because I just am that much of a girly girl some days.  

Nighty night!

K.

--- Oh and if you're into browsin' tonight - check out Pie N' The Sky for an interview series with her sponsors... HERE ---

re.FRESH

Finally.  Finally, the world outside my window is coming alive again.  It's been a late start this year, which makes the green peeking through everywhere all the more sweet.  I just had to sneak out for a bit on Friday to capture my yard at this stage.  There are blooms and buds everywhere you look, the trees are leafing-out and the birds are chirping... *happy sigh.*

It's supposed to be a wee bit soggy here this week - which is fine by me, sunshine only distracts me and BOY do I ever have a lot to do before the trunk show next week.  Reviewing the to-do list makes me instantly anxious, so I won't get into it... I WILL get the coffee going and get back to the cut-cut-press-sew-cut rhythm on this rainy Monday morning.  The weekend with the girls was relaxing, wine fest was great and I got some hammock time in yesterday - so I'm refreshed and ready to get at the week!

K.

what.i.wore

This is NOT what I'm wearing today... BUT it is what I wore yesterday.

Here's the skinny:

Sunglasses - American Eagle Outfitters

Top - Forever 21

Necklace - Forever 21

Bracelet - Dove Tree (Hey! That's me : )

Belt - Forever 21

Jeans - Gap

Shoes - TOMS 

One trend that I was a little leery of this season is cropped tops.  I MUST admit, I am 100% converted to the short and sassy side.  I've only got one each (tank, tee, sweater) and I'm going to try to keep it that way, but it will be hard to avoid buying every last one I see - I just love 'em that much.  The other thing that is atypical for me here are the wide leg jeans.  I'm a skinnies girl all the way.  I'm not sure when it will happen, but eventually skinny jeans may *gasp* no longer be so readily available.  It's going to be a hard time for me, so I'm bracing myself and hmm, trying to embrace other forms of denim while I'm at it.  You may recognize the TOMS shoes from the photos I took of them on my dining room table - here.  I like the way they relate to the belt and the pattern in the top.

Sewing, running and sewing on the docket here.  It's gonna be a busy Friday, but it will all be worth it tomorrow!  The girls are heading in to the city for Wine Fest and other adventures.  I can't wait to sample some great vino - the trouble will be deciding which to bring home with me.  Yum.

If you have a second, pop over to Lune Vintage blog to check out the lovely sponsor intro post that Jill wrote on Dove Tree - here.  There are tons of great links and posts to browse through on her blog and if you're local, you can check out her beautiful products in person - here.

Happy Friday everyone!

K.

The Two-Eight

Today I'm officially leaving the mid-20s club... Here's some random thoughts and notes comin' to ya live from my head-space on the 28th birthday:

1- I miss my sister, even more after about 100 text messages this morning... aw, Kimmy, just come home already!

2- I can't wait to spend the afternoon outside in the sun with my gals.

3- I'm also looking forward to going out with friends tonight - yeah, the secret's out people!

4- Hmm, I'm feeling a mini mid-ish-life crisis coming on...

5- Lately, I've really been pondering goals and wishes for the year (I think this potentially ties into the impending crisis - Lol).

6- And another note on that wavelength... I'm feeling big changes/choices coming my way.

7- (Are the last three notes really all just one big note?  And does this count as a note?  Or just a sidebar?) 

8- Lastly, I'm happy to be where I am, doing what I'm doing, and so grateful to be surrounded by so many incredible people!

All over the place?  Kinda.  I'll save sorting my brain-space for tomorrow : )

Hope ya'll have a great Cinco de Mayo!

K.

TOMS

No breaking news here, TOMS have been keeping feet comfy and eco-friendly for some time now.  I just love the color and pattern of my new pair from the Safari collection and had to share 'em.  Not only are they sustainable, but vegan-friendly and hey, they feature some recycled bits too.  If you need any more convincing, for every pair purchased TOMS gives a pair of shoes to a child in need.  

(Besides all of that, they are crazy comfortable and way too convenient.)

End of shoe plug.  And no, this post was not sponsored in any way by any one : )

Breaky... er, lunch... and then I'm off to Bloom for the afternoon!  

K.

Pie N' The Sky

Melisa from Pie N' The Sky did a wee interview with me and you can check it out here.  Also be sure to check out the rest of her sweet posts - my favorites are from her series called "Home Sweet Apartment."  Melisa has great taste in interior decor and she is sharing some GREAT finds through these posts!

K.

Cute as a Button Contest

I just entered "Powder Pink" into the Cute as a Button Contest going on over at ModCloth.  I'm not usually one to enter contests, but I like the idea behind this one - let's face it, buttons ARE cute!  Ya'll can head over here to vote... And if you're so inclined, I'd love it if you sent a little vote-lovin' my way : )

K.

what.i.wore

Outfit details:

Sunglasses - Wet Seal 

Scarf - Forever 21

Sweater - Urban Behavior

T-Shirt - H & M

Tights - Target

Boots - Aldo

Uh huh, that IS snow on my boot.  On May 2nd.  Geez.  There's just a bit of the white stuff kickin' around, but otherwise it's a beautiful day out!

Back to sewing with me : )

K.

photo.UP.date

 I finally got around to posting some of my photos in the Fine Art section of the sidebar this weekend - wish me luck keeping it updated in the future!  Ha.  Organization - zero.

To be perfectly honest, I found the weather yesterday a wee bit depressing.  I ended up making a pot of coffee, attacked my 'to-do' list and worked on planning for the fashion show coming up in a couple of weeks (eeeek! less than 3 weeks to go).  

Today I'm SO happy to see the sun out and the ridiculous snow melting.  Smile on my face, check.  Now for a quick walk to the coffee shop to fuel the sewing fest this afternoon and I'll be conquering Monday. 

Hope ya'll have a great day!

K.

exhibit.ED

 

"Blue Skies, Yellow Trees"

(details)

Hmm, I guess this is about as rebellious as I get - blue + yellow = green.  Oh my.  Yeah, so this piece took up  exactly half of my display space at the WAC "Green" show.  It is a big fella (check out the specs here).   

I'm going to spend this icky Sunday trying to avoid looking out the window because EW it SNOWED last night.  I find it so disturbing that it was 20 degrees out on Friday (that's celsius for you American folks) and somehow snowing on Saturday.  

Welcome here May.  Hopefully some of you out there are having a warm and sunny May Day!

K.