Winterfair 2010

Just did my first show. All in all pretty good. I found it to be a great learning experience.

Shop Spotlight #2 Brazen Betties

"Be fearless without being foolish." That is the idea behind Brazen Betties, a fabulous boutique located in Torrington, CT. The owner, Julia Sloan, has such an eye for fashion. Her shop features clothing, accessories, home accents, and artwork created by connecticut designers and artists only. It will serve as one of the only outlets in Connecticut that fashion designers have for exposure and exhibition in the state. Some of the artists you can find there include Daniela Vlad Sudios, Past Forward, Rebecca Reinbold Couture, and you can also find my bags.

If you find yourself in the area, you have to stop in. You can also visit Brazen Betties on the web at
http://www.brazenbetties.com/home.php

Shop Spotlight #1 Indigo Lily

So I decided it would be nice to start spotlighting some of the wonderful shops that carry my bags. I am always talking them up to everyone and don't know why I didn't think to do this sooner.

This week the focus is on Indigo Lily. I love this shop. It is located in Colchester, CT and is awesome. The proprietor is Carissa Pizzi. Ok, this is funny, her maiden name is Carissa Brown and I am Carissa Black, get it? Anyway, she really has an eye for bringing in fabulous Connecticut artists.

Her shop has a mini anthropology type vibe going on. You can find beautiful, unique jewelry, soaps, pottery, bags from yours truly, and just about anything else you might be looking for. It is a wonderful place to buy a gift for someone special or to just pick up a little something for yourself.

Here is the link to her shop's homepage
http://www.indigolilycompany.com/default.html

Ruffles, Ruffles, Everywhere!

Who doesn't love spring? The birds are singing, the thermometor is rising... and ruffles are everywhere. I love them and am so happy they are making such a strong fashion statement this spring. My favorite way to wear them is to pair them with something a little bit edgy. A bit of black leather combined with a sweet demur ruffle and I am in heaven!

I just listed some new items in my etsy shop www.gardencris27.etsy.com all with this great little bit of cuteness. More to come this week.

LIfe With Boys

I have two little boys. Dirty, bug loving, bad joke telling little boys. The other day this is what I found next to my sewing machine. Is nothing off limits to the imagination of little boys?

My Bag was in Good Housekeeping

Ok, for everyone that has been asking me to see the picture, here it is. I was really excited to have my bag in the June issue.

A much needed vacation...

Everyone needs one right? You bet! I just got back from a week long trip to Lake Placid. We had a ball. I had never been there before and was pleasantly surprised. We did some shopping and got to check out the ice rink where the miracle on ice took place. The highlight of our week was our family climb up Whiteface Mountain. It was incredible to see my 5 year old and my 8 year old scamper their way to the top. The trip was 12 miles roundtrip with a 4867 ft elevation gain. It is truly amazing what kids can do.

It was nice to close up shop for awhile and step away from the sewing machine. Tomorrow, back to work!