Spring Has Sprung

This time of year reminds me of New England when the leaves start to bud and the daffodils begin to push their way to through the ground.  Living in Southern California we don’t notice the changes as much since things are green here all year round.  Spring has always meant new beginnings for me or a chance to start fresh.   I am kicking myself into high gear.   I just got a new sofa from Pottery Barn.  My sofa was over 14 years old and I loved it.  I would have kept it except the rolled arms felt dated from my Shabby Chic days. The problem with a new sofa is it comes with wanting new chairs, new art, new colors, new accessories, etc.  Then, I start to look at everything in our little beach house and  want to redo everything.  Now, I’m driving people crazy with pictures of chairs, paint swatches, and inspiration ideas.  I will keep you posted on what I decide.  I have some ideas and sources of inspiration on my "My Living Room Redo" boards on pinterest. Check it out and let me know what you think.

I’ve also joined Weight Watchers to rid myself of my post surgery weight gain.  My roomie from college and another friend of mine are doing  it as well so it’s been great motivation and actually a lot of fun.  I can’t wait to fit in my skinny jeans – goal is by the end of May.   I’m also attending the weekly meetings which, has been a great source of inspiration for me.  Lot’s of “Things to Do” this spring but loving every minute of it.  How about you?   Enjoy the images below.  Some yellow to help put some spring in your step!

Yellow = Friendship

Yellow = Happy

This is my wish for you today!

Photo Credits:  Via Pinterest (Sources Unknown).  If you know the actual source please email me and I will add it.

It's a New Year ~ I'm feeling Sassy and Strong

Happy New Year Everyone!   As you all may or may not know from my last post, 2011 was a challenging year. I'm finally feeling like myself again and look forward to getting back to blogging. My creative energy is back and I'm feeling it in all aspects of my life. I cannot wait to get started. I took the week off from work and had hoped to get a jump start on blog posts but unfortunately, I got sucked into Pinterest. Boy, if you haven't used this site, get ready. I intended on cleaning my room and getting organized today. It's 12:33 PM and I'm typing this and in between playing on Pinterest. You can view my boards at http://pinterest.com/peggyandfritz/.   I am just getting started. If you are already on there let me know so I can follow you.

I got a new lap top for my birthday from my boyfriend - nice guy :) I'm trying to get use to the keyboard. It has the number keyboard on the side and shifts the actual letter keyboard to the left. I'm trying to get use to typing off center. It's making me crazy so if you see a lot of typing errors that's why! Well time to actually go get some stuff done around the house. I'm looking forward to reconnecting with all of you. Nothing like a little leopard print to bring out the sass in a girl. I'm ready to roar this year! How about you? What are you looking forward to in 2012?

Feeling Sassy in 2012 by peggyandfritz featuring felt hats

Betsey Johnson vintage leopard coat
$348 - modcloth.com

Hunter wellington boots
$306 - coggles.com

Sperry Top-Sider deck shoes
$50 - dsw.com

Alexander mcqueen clutch
£845 - matchesfashion.com

Betsey Johnson logo watch
$105 - macys.com

Dorothy Perkins leopard print jewelry
$17 - dorothyperkins.com

John Lewis Women felt hat
£88 - johnlewis.com

Fur shawl
£13 - mylabel.co.uk

Small Town Designers with a Big City Designs

Who knew we had so much talent bottled up in one little town.  I met Ann Lightfoot while chatting the girls from Frock (yesterday's post).   They told me I really should go down and check out her jewelry.  I so was smitten with the two chunky necklaces she was wearing, I had to see for myself.  Her jewelry was being displayed at the Lori Warner Studio/Gallery which is host to a number artists and designers featuring jewelry, handbags, textiles, and art. Here’s a brief bio on Ann courtesy of www.loriwarner.com:

“Ann Lightfoot's simple yet elegant jewelry designs are inspired by the natural materials she works with. "The color, cut and shape of a stone dictates each design," says Ann, who creates each of her unique pieces by hand, using precious and semi-precious stones and the finest linen, silk or sterling silver.

Ann's jewelry also reflects her interest in other cultures. After graduating from Harvard College, where she earned a degree in History and Literature, Ann ran a teaching program in Bangkok, Thailand. She has also worked with Cambodian refugees in Thailand, for a non-profit organization in Paris and for a French cosmetics company in New York. Ann's first jewelry designs were created out of jade medallions and vintage glass stones found in a Shanghai antique market, and she continues to use fine Asian, South American and African beads and pendants in her designs.”

Her work has been featured and exhibited at museums and art galleries and as well as major publications such as Lucky Magazine and Bon Appétit.  You can see below some samples of her designs. She has everything from dainty and simple to chunky and exotic.   They’re simple stunning and have a very organic quality to them.  You feel like you are wearing a piece of the earth.  No further explanation is needed by me, her pieces speak for themselves.

Handmade Collar of Sterling Rings and Moonstone on Silk

Fan of Natural Agate Slices on Billowy Silk

 

I tried the one below on and it was stunning.

I wanted the one to the far left (see below) but it was a little out of my budge.  They look great layered. 

She has a range colors. She has a lot of neutrals, pinks, and here are some of the soft blues featured below:

Her jewelry is being featured in DKNY in London and South Coast Plaza in Orange County.

To top it all off, while I was in viewing Ann’s pieces, I saw this tall brunette who looked familiar.  I haven’t been home in so long (keep in mind everyone knows everyone where I grew up) that I was blanking out on her name. I took a gamble and said, “Jackie?” She said, “Yes.”  I said, “It’s Ann Shumbo.”  We had an OMG, I haven’t seen you in years moment and then a chuckle. We both went to high school together, were cheerleaders, and haven’t seen each other since college.  Come to find out Jackie was living in Maui for a number of years and started making handbags (see below) and had made her way back to the East Coast after meeting her hubby. Little did I know, her bags have been featured in many small boutiques including Fred Segal.  A major score for a designer.  How cute are these bags?  Check out her adorable bags which you can see at Jacqueline Kangley's website.

Imagine a girls luncheon or night out on the town!

The perfect little black dress handbag.

 

Well it seems these designers know where Chester, CT is ~ they know an “IT” place when they see one!

 

CONTACT:

Lori Warner Studio/ Gallery is located at:

21 Main Street, Chester, CT  USA  06412  -  MAP

Phone:  860-322-4265

www.loriwarner.com

All photos credits are from www.loriwarner.com and Ann’s Face book page where you can see more of Ann’s jewelry designs and Jacqueline Kangley’s handbags.

FROCK TO THIS STORE

The first store on my New England tour is Frock.  A place, I know my readers will love. It is small clothing boutique shared by Trish Ginter and Laura William-Larson.  Two amazing independent designers who have a love for fashion. Trish left the Big Apple and Laura left San Francisco for the small town charm of Chester, CT.   However, they did not give up their fashion sense or big city ways.  They brought a little hip and cool into a much needed area.  They have created quite a following with the locals and make everything “in house”.   Both have their own blogs Whosiepie by Laura  and MerGirl by Trisha which, are a must read for those that love fashion, creativity, and up-cycling (a term they use where they take materials, recycle and repurpose them to create an upscale garment).  I encourage you to check them out.  The store is tiny but has a mighty presence.  When you first step in, you feel like you’re in a showroom at the mart, viewing samples for buyers for hip trendy LA boutiques.  Step to the right and you are instantly transported to a cutting room where the designers create their magic.  Spools of thread decorate the windows, sewing machines are off to one side, a large cutting table sits in the middle of the room with lots of fabric samples strewn below. If you see something you like, but maybe the color or fabric is not quite what your looking for or you need another size, just peek below the cutting table and the girls will help you find something that will work for you and like magic make you a new one.

I witnessed this myself when a neighboring boutique designer (being featured tomorrow) walked in as I was shopping. I couldn’t help but over hear her talking about the blouse (made by the Frock girls)  she was wearing and how much she liked it.  It looked like a modern day top, paired with two necklaces from her own jewelry line, which was on display two doors down.   The girls suggested, I pop in and see her trunk show.  As I was browsing, she was trying on a jacket, which was mixed with denim and another fabric on top, the shape was fitted and tied at the waist.  Well, it screamed my style.  We all started talking and I found out,  she buys pieces from them all the time.  She was very sweet and said since you live in LA, try it on and if you like it, go ahead and take it because they can  make me another one. I couldn’t do that.  Therefore, I just tried it on for size and Trish said she could do something similar and showed me some fabric pairings (she likes to mix fabrics).  I told her I’m a simple girl and she pulled out some creme fabric and it was just perfect.  How’s that for custom work? They make everything from grocery bags, yoga bags to tops and dresses.  They do it all. If you can’t get to Chester, not to fret, they have found a way to reach the masses.  You can find their designs on www.frockshoppe.com and Smashing Darling, a website that was co-created by Laura, for independent fashion designers, as a way to feature their designs across the U.S.

 

 

 

 

 

Trish (see below), one of the owners.

Love the vintage wood ironing board in the center of the room. 

This is similar to the style of a top I purchased when I was in the store. Similar design but different fabric.

Additional designs below by the Frock Girls (see below).

Look at this lovely hand dyed gauze dress.  So sweet for spring or summer. 

I picture someone with tousled hair in a wide brimmed straw hat paired with simple flat sandals wearing this  knit stretch crochet lace dress or for anyone attending Megan’s (beachbungalow8) hubby’s Walk With Sally's White Light Event, you can kick it up a notch and pair it with some strappy high heels. 

This sweater just feels so cozy.  Perfect for those Connecticut winters.

She recycled two wool sweaters to create this skirt. Isn’t this genius?  I picture this with a cool pair of Frye boots and a simple cashmere top.  Reminds me of something my friend Quinn would wear.

 

This is the jacket I was telling you about.  The cut worked perfect for me.  I like things fitted.  Can’t wait to see the one she is making me in all creme/ivory.

 

They had told me about the one they did over the holidays in all creme with the frayed edges and of course, I found a photo in their portfolio. Mine will be similar to this.  Perfect for LA. Throw it on with  a pair of jeans, some chunky jewelry a pair of heels and your off, looking cute as can be.

My favorite type of neckline (see below).  This style is always flattering on everyone.

This reminded me of a Pucci Dress.  Fun, whimsical, but I could see it paired with high heel boots or a pair of great strappy sandals.  I love the cowl neckline.

If you’re visiting the shoreline of Connecticut, make sure to stop in and meet Trish and Laura.  Not only are they talented but super sweet. Check out their blogs as well.  I’m so happy that they have chosen our little town to spread their wings.   Makes going home feel good, knowing, I can get a little fashion in Chester, CT without being swallowed up by Lilly Pulitzer.

Frock Shoppe

11 Main Street

Chester, CT  06412

Open Wednesday through Saturday 12-5 PM

 

PHOTO CREDITS:   My camera battery died and I couldn’t get back to the store to photograph it so all photos were taken from Sue Burdick Photography, Whosiepie Blog, MerGirl Shop Blog, and Smashing Darling

I love hearing your comments, it makes my day! Stop by Peggy & Fritz and let me know what you think. http://www.peggyandfritz.blogspot.com/

Anthropologie & Weddings

Everyone is jumping on the wedding bandwagon. J Crew has opened a new wedding flagship store in New York and now Anthropologie  is  launching their new BHLDN collection of wedding dresses, gowns, shoes, and jewelry. In true Anthropologie style, the photos are beautifully done and look very elegant.  Unfortunately, the styles don’t fit my body style. I’m more a Carolyn Bissette Kennedy dress girl.  I was just surprised at the price points.  Take a look for yourself at some of the dresses they are offering.  What’s your take?  I feel like everyone is copying J Crew, the best form of flattery I guess.

The collection below:

 

To view Anthropologie's new BHLDN Collection click here.   It’s very dreamy to scroll through the pictures.  What are your thoughts on the new collection?