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Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Ruche and a Special Project
I love Anthopologie just as much as the next gal, but with a target market of a combined income of $200K and an average cardigan costing a c-note, well, it's not exactly a place for every day shopping. {Wouldn't it end up covered in mac&cheese and pb&j anyway?} In contrast, I recently stumbled upon this fantastic little online boutique, called Ruche, where I was impressed with not only the selection, but the prices as well. Plus, I think it's great to support a female entrepeneur and also purchase something that won't be worn by your stylish, yet national-conglomerate-clothed counterpart. In fact, I found the little brown shoes below too good to pass up.
When the CPSIA threated to put my shop out of business, my plan B was to make items for women. In fact, I bought fabrics and materials that inspired me, but ended up sitting in a bin along with lots of other materials purchased on ingenious whimsy. When my shoes arrived, they called for some unusual accompaniment. Also, for the first time in months, I am almost caught up and to a place where I am not buried under 40 orders. Thus, feeling lighter and inspired, a vintage-y, asymmetrical little jacket popped into my mind. Here are my initial sketch and swatch ideas.
Who knows if I'll ever really get around to it, BUT I think those little burst of passion are what help me not lose myself in the sea of motherhood. I try not to be too negative, but I've been feeling discouraged with Aidan as of late. Just today, Aidan came home hitting his head with both hands in a repetitive sort of way. I asked him where he learned this, and he told me the name of a little boy in his PPCD class. *sigh* Still apprehensive about what to do there. Aidan wants to stay home all the time and screams (truly, screams) if we take him out of the house too much. A great comfort to me amidst this struggle has been discovering myself and who I am. When I was in college I wanted to get my Ph D. While I still think more schooling might be in my future, I think art and design is where I am most myself. Heck, I'd rather read a home fashion magazine over Pascal, Voltaire, or Aristotle any day of the week and twice on Sunday. I guess I'm saying that Mia Joie has helped me discover my natural strengths. Anyway, I'm rambling now... but I'm curious if motherhood has brought you closer or further from your you-est you, if that makes any sense.
Well, if my combination of lack of sleep, copious amounts of coffee, and self-actualization is a bit too much for you, at the very least enjoy the lovely designs of Ruche. If you talk to Mai (the owner), tell her I said hi!
*Note*
I'm sorry, but spell check does weird things to my pictures, so try to see past my typos :) Also, Ariana, I have not forgotten about you! I am hoping to crank out all my skirt and apron orders tomorrow. Also, I know, I said I would be posting another give away and went back to add it in and already had a comment (which I loved and will respond to soon, once I fix Mia stinky-pants.) Freebie--coming soon... swear!
When the CPSIA threated to put my shop out of business, my plan B was to make items for women. In fact, I bought fabrics and materials that inspired me, but ended up sitting in a bin along with lots of other materials purchased on ingenious whimsy. When my shoes arrived, they called for some unusual accompaniment. Also, for the first time in months, I am almost caught up and to a place where I am not buried under 40 orders. Thus, feeling lighter and inspired, a vintage-y, asymmetrical little jacket popped into my mind. Here are my initial sketch and swatch ideas.
Who knows if I'll ever really get around to it, BUT I think those little burst of passion are what help me not lose myself in the sea of motherhood. I try not to be too negative, but I've been feeling discouraged with Aidan as of late. Just today, Aidan came home hitting his head with both hands in a repetitive sort of way. I asked him where he learned this, and he told me the name of a little boy in his PPCD class. *sigh* Still apprehensive about what to do there. Aidan wants to stay home all the time and screams (truly, screams) if we take him out of the house too much. A great comfort to me amidst this struggle has been discovering myself and who I am. When I was in college I wanted to get my Ph D. While I still think more schooling might be in my future, I think art and design is where I am most myself. Heck, I'd rather read a home fashion magazine over Pascal, Voltaire, or Aristotle any day of the week and twice on Sunday. I guess I'm saying that Mia Joie has helped me discover my natural strengths. Anyway, I'm rambling now... but I'm curious if motherhood has brought you closer or further from your you-est you, if that makes any sense.
Well, if my combination of lack of sleep, copious amounts of coffee, and self-actualization is a bit too much for you, at the very least enjoy the lovely designs of Ruche. If you talk to Mai (the owner), tell her I said hi!
*Note*
I'm sorry, but spell check does weird things to my pictures, so try to see past my typos :) Also, Ariana, I have not forgotten about you! I am hoping to crank out all my skirt and apron orders tomorrow. Also, I know, I said I would be posting another give away and went back to add it in and already had a comment (which I loved and will respond to soon, once I fix Mia stinky-pants.) Freebie--coming soon... swear!
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12 comments:
A few posts back you hinted that you will be hosting a giveaway soon and I have since been checking your blog like it's my job and I was so happy to see this post because:
A. I love the store you recommended and will be sure to check it out the next time I can justify buying a new piece for myself and not my daughter (whose closet is about four times the size as mine).
B. After a long winter I have found that strength in myself has really pulled me through. Being a SAHM can be especially challenging when there's no one to give you a pat on the back, or even a thumbs up (not yet at least). I have found that you rely on the ability to know who you truly are well enough to give yourself kudos when needed. And to know that no matter what degrees I hold(journalism and writing), this is what I was meant to do.
Don't you love it when random strangers post about their common feelings :)
Ok, you are so bad for me. Not only can I not resist your baby clothes for my daughter, now you are enticing me with adorable women's clothes. My husband is probably going to limit my viewing your blog!! With that said, what adorable stuff and so reasonable, thank you!
Hey Girl! Love the jacket idea and the fabrics you've chosen. Can't wait to see the final product if you get around to making it! I'll have to check out that site you shared too! Always looking for a great buy!
Greetings! I just got the headband I ordered for my 11 month old. I love it! The fabrics are so soft, natural and beautiful! I can't wait to order more of your designs. Ciao! Nikki
What an awesome clothing store...so inspiring! The shoes take the cake though, they look uber expensive and very tres' anthropologie (I cannot tell you how I lurk within their sale racks....).
Thanks for sharing the link!
---I love your cardigan idea!!!----
Sara
Few... took later to check back in than I thought.
ClothesMinded, I do love when other moms can identify. Take today, for example. These things all happened in 10 minutes: I sat on a dirty toilet seat (wish I could say it was pee), found that Mia was in the garbage again and spilled the entire coffee filter of grinds over the floor, and ran outside b/c Aidan was screaming like a limb was broken, only to discover he had thrown one of his toys over the fence. That's a lot of drama for 10 minutes! Not losing ourselves as individuals and as women (not only mothers) is essential to staying sane.
Nikki,
So glad you were pleased with it! Like I said, posting a giveaway to the first post soon. :)
Absolutely love the store you recommended, her pieces are awesome and soooo reasonable! I definitely have marked a few faves for when I have some money to spend!!
Motherhood is a challenge at times but those challenges always make me find strength I never knew I had! I often love reading other blogs(such as yours) to see how other mom's handle things. When I find a real down to earth mom, who says "I struggle" more than "I've got this mom gig down!" I find amazing strength and encouragement to keep plugging along as I am!
Having this ability to connect with other mom's half way across the globe has really helped me see myself in the truest light. When I see honest, open, real people like yourself, it makes me realize I am just as vulnerable too :)
First off I just want to say how much I love reading your blog. You inspire me in so many ways.. your creativity are something I look forward to every day. :)
I totally feel lost in motherhood at times. That is why I am always so thankful for my business. It gives me "purpose" among the poop and pacifiers. I love being a mother and a stay at home mother even, but sometimes I am dying to just run! Then I always go back to feeling guilty when I have those thoughts. Very strange this motherhood thing is! But a blessing as well..
LOVE the fabrics and such for the jacket! Can't wait to see it come to life!
Too bad you live far.. I'd love to chat with you over coffee!
You guys are in my prayers!
Blessings
ok stinkin' typo! I meant to put "your creativity and wit are something I look forward to everyday." oops.
Rachel, I'm glad I'm not the only one with the occassional desire to head for the hills. The reality is that motherhood is hard and wonderful and terrifyingly difficult all at the same time! Isn't it funny how it can go from bliss to madness in 0 to 90 seconds! You're so sweet! I'm going to dig up those html codes for you... sorry it's taken me so long. They are buried some where...
No worries Jessica. I can't wait to see your jacket. I think motherhood has made me realize who I really am and my priorities.
As much as I love being a mom, I wish I could get a day off at least once a month just to do whatever I want all by myself with no children demanding this and that. And when I come home... find the house immaculate and welcomed with smiles...maybe some day.
Ariana, lol, that's a really tall order, though I'm sure you deserve it!!!
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