Category Archives: inspiration

Early Morning Run

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It is my absolute pleasure to introduce you to Lisa of Early Morning Run. Lisa and I have known each other for years. We first met when she started as an intern at my old company. She ended up signing on for full time and was a pretty remarkable woman to work with. Lisa is motivated, organized, curious, caring, and quite frankly, one of the sweetest gals I know. Her blog is a destination for daily health inspiration with writings on everything from her running adventures, to meal plans, to training schedules, to book reviews, and more. I’ve become a particular fan of her weekly series, 5 for Friday. And mmmmmm… check out her recipe page for some yummy tips for healthy cooking!  I thought it might be nice to pass a little bit of the inspiration that I find in Lisa’s blog on to all of you!

I’m very honored to have Lisa as a guest blogger today. Please do head on over to her site to read more!

Without further pause… meet Lisa:

(Lisa, after the NY Marathon!!)

When Erin asked me to write a guest post for her blog, I was absolutely honored. Erin is someone I’ve admired for a very long time. She’s one of the most kind, fearless, creative, intelligent, and selfless people I have ever met. I’m sure many of you know this first hand and can appreciate how overjoyed I was to receive an invitation to occupy space on this lovely blog!

I write mostly about running, food, farmers markets and other things that fit with the healthy living theme I like to focus on, but it all started around running. I began running about four years ago out of necessity. After moving from Michigan and the comfort of family and friends, I was along for the first time, in New York City and my sweet tooth and loneliness took control. I started working out and then I found out about the New York Road Runners and the constant stream of races they produce in Central Park. I knew it would be the motivation I needed to start running and hopefully, lose some weight! It wasn’t long before I fell in love with running and knew it was something I’d want to do for as long as I was physically able.

When I run, I feel free. My mind wanders. I feel strong, even on those not-so-great days. Running has allowed me to explore not only my own neighborhood, but foreign capitals. I have made lifelong friendships and learned many things about myself. I have found strength and confidence. In the same year, I underwent brain surgery and also finished my first marathon.

It’s a funny thing what running can do for someone. I love that you don’t have to finish a marathon to be a runner. You don’t have to be blazing fast to be a runner (I am one to know!). Some fantastic runners are blind, or use prosthetics. It’s not always easy, but the reward is amazing. Watching the sun rise and feeling the crisp cool air of a new day as my lungs and legs carry me on a new adventure is overwhelming and invigorating. All you need is a little desire (and a cute running outfit doesn’t hurt either!).

(Lisa and her husband after the Turkey Trot in NYC)

JPL on Thistle & Clover

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I’m honored and frankly a bit giddy to have been asked by the gals over at Thistle & Clover to contribute to their holiday guest post series. [You remember a little feature on T&C right here on JPL back in May] I like to live vicariously through their posts and pretend that I still have a shop back in good ol’ NYC;). Please take a moment to head on over and check it out! While you’re there, take a peek at some of the fantastic items in their shop. Loooooooooooove!

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Just Plain Lovely on Thistle and Clover

(a peek at what you’ll see over at T&C)

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it’s a stitch!

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[image from Design*Sponge - click here for more!]

A few weeks back, I discovered DIY instructions for a pretty awesome tote bag by Renske on Design*Sponge. Being the wanna-be crafty gal that I am, I immediately shared my discovery on Facebook, with a feeble request for sewing machine donations. I wasn’t truly expecting a reply, and figured if push came to shove, I could try sewing the bag by hand. Shockingly, I actually got an offer from a former high school teacher of mine. He mentioned that he and his wife had an old one kicking around that didn’t get much use and he’d be happy to see if off to a good home if I could swing by and pick it up. Conveniently, he lives just about 10 minutes away from the new house, so J and I drove on over for a visit.

It was pretty fantastic to see my old prof after about 15 years. He looks just the same and had the same light-hearted demeanor that I remembered from my school days. He and his wife were incredibly welcoming and kind and offered up a few memorable anecdotes. I have no doubt J and I will head back for another visit very soon. So, thank you to Peter and Jean:). My first sewn creation goes out to you!!

Without further delay, may I introduce to you the latest addition to my crafting family, the Singer:)

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Now, I haven’t operated a sewing machine since I was roughly 14 years old, but I remember holding my own back then. I’m looking forward to taking this beauty for a spin. It might be a little ambitious to start with Renske’s tote, but I’m an ambitious gal. Get ready for a guided tour of my attempts coming later this Fall. I’m sure that you seasoned sewers will get a huge kick out of it;). Maybe you’ll even offer up a tip or two? Wish me luck!

Lonny Magazine

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Welcome to your new home design inspiration. Founded just last year, Lonny Magazine is an online ‘zine dedicated to interiors, design projects, textile trends, DIY ideas, and much more. Think everything you miss about Domino with a new twist and a super easy to access online platform. It’s hip, it’s free, and it’s easy to browse and fun to discover. I got lost in some of their feature design spaces today and couldn’t help but share a few of my favorites. Check out Lonny right here… and check out more off these fantastically constructed spaces here. And just because I’m curious, what are some of your favorites design destinations (online or off)?

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[all images courtesy of and © Lonny Magazine - please click here for more]

studio space :: leoworks

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Where to begin with the lovely Nicole… at the beginning, perhaps? We first met as teacher and student. She was the instructor for an introduction to jewelry making class I took before settling on my path as accessories shop owner. We got along tremendously well. She shared her experiences, schooled me on NY’s thriving artistic community, spent many an evening helping me rearrange and refashion my shop, gave insight on life, and was always ready to lend an ear with troubles, concerns, or news about extraordinary things. Nicole’s jewelry line, Leoworks, was a Clarabella staple, available in the shop from day 1. Trunk shows, sample sales, jewelry classes… we tried it all. My customers loved her, loved her designs, loved her energy. She is a skilled teacher… an amazing woman. She has a special knack for creating beauty, both in her designs in and her day to day life. She exudes strength.

Back in May, a weekend visit to New York coincided with an open studio event at Nicole’s new Redhook, Brooklyn-based studio. She had shifted to the new space after I moved away from NY, so I saw the event as a chance to take a peek and catch up with my girl;). We both took a few photos and Nicole was kind enough to answer a few questions for me after the fact. Lovely people… Meet Nicole.

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Leoworks

the website :: the etsy shop :: the fan page

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Just Plain Lovely: Hi Nicole:) Thanks so much for taking a moment to chat with me!!

Nicole Gagne, Owner of Leoworks: Hey Erin, my pleasure!

JPL: Let’s get started by finding a little bit about you… where are you from?

NG: I grew up in Montpelier Vermont, which seems like the smallest capital in the Country.  There is something wonderful about living your childhood in nature, spending your summers happily lost in the woods for whole days.  I’ve just past the point where I’ve lived half my life in nature and the other half in culture: New York City…I came down for college and haven’t left!

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JPL: Where do you live now?

NG: I’m in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, where I’ve been for the last 7 years.  This is the first neighborhood I’ve lived in the city that hit it’s trendy period at the same time as I hit it… I have usually moved out of a neighborhood before it’s ‘cool to live there,’ but I like Billyburg still.

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JPL: Where is your studio and how long have you been there?

NG: My new studio is in Redhook. It’s an artists’ studio building called ‘Screwball Spaces’ and I’ve been there for almost a year.

JPL: Tell me a little bit about the building and the community of artists within…

NG: As you have seen Erin, it’s quite a nice scene at Screwball!  It’s a whole floor above a storage unit with a gallery and a ceramics studio, next to a big city park.  There is an amazing collection of artists ranging from painters to sculptors, wood workers to ceramicists, photographers to jewelers!

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JPL: What do you like most about being a part of a community of artists?

NG: When I first started designing my own collections, I had a loft in Manhattan where I would get up, make coffee and go in the next room to work.  When I moved to a studio space, I realized how nice it is to be creating within a group of common energy and not in a bubble.  What I love the most about these new studios is the way in which the artists are really committed to the community.  The owners built 99 nice spaces, set up a gallery space to be able to show the artists’ work and have openings.  They really put their hearts into it everyday!

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JPL: Take me through your studio a bit… what is your favorite piece there?

NG: My studio is a corner space with windows on two sides and a beautiful view of the freeway!  I’ve been told it’s very homey there, but I feel like I’ve set up a very functional space with a lot of ornament…how could I not, since my work is inspired by beautiful things?  Oh boy, what’s my favorite piece?  I still have a neon hand-blown glass teardrops lamp that I made in college. I keep it visible to remind myself how much I like to create lighting and to blow glass.  And the die-formed oil votive, pictured, I made as a sketch for a candelabra commission.

JPL: You’ve got quite a collection of antiques… furniture, tools, etc… where do you find all of these pieces?

NG: I’ve been a scavenger of uniqueness since I can remember…growing up in a rural setting, I would spend my Saturday mornings with my grandmother hitting all the lawn sales and flea markets looking for the perfect piece!  I really have to go piece by piece in my studio now to tell you where I got each one…but even my tools have a history and have had others people’s hand working their magic!

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JPL: The windows in the studio are amazing… do you find that having such an abundance of natural light affects your designs at all? does it make you want to be in the studio more often?

NG: I absolutely have to have natural light to work. It’s easier on my eyes while working so close up.  Having the windows and the view is also healthy for my eyes to be able to focus on distance throughout the day.  It doesn’t affect my designs as much as the making of each piece by hand but I am able to add detail that you might not be able to see otherwise.  I can consider the texture on my metal pieces to be what makes them truly unique.

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JPL: How long have you been practicing your craft?

NG: I got my BFA in metalsmithing in 1994 from Parsons School of Design and immediately began a 6 year career designing for other companies.

JPL: How did you get your start?

NG: In 2002, a collaborating designer (from a former Jewelry job) and I decided to create a collection together.  We had a trunk show at my loft, then decided to try to sell to some of the local store. The representatives in one of the first stores that we went into said they were Japanese reps looking to launch a group of New York designers in Japan. Two months later we had a huge order…it was 0-60!  Since 2006, I’ve been on my own with Leoworks and continue to have a solid following in and around Tokyo.

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JPL: Do you turn to friends and family for inspiration and have you ever designed a piece for someone in particular?

NG: I’ve done many one-of-a-kind pieces for my friends and family in addition to other commissions.  One Christmas I made a series of necklaces for each person in my family. They each had a hand-cut sterling silver key on a silk cord to remind all of us that we have the key to each others’ hearts.  I’ve made many engagement and wedding rings which are especially fun because, as with all custom pieces, I’m creating something truly personal to the wearer.  I love to get the chance to look inside a person and reflect that beauty through my own aesthetic.

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JPL: I’ve seen you work with casting, hand-hammered designs, wire-wrapping, beading… what is your favorite method of design?

NG: There are endless techniques to create jewelry and endless possibilities within each technique!  With Leoworks’ jewelry, I’ve found the hammering of raw metal to be inexhaustible and still can’t wait to see where it leads me next.  I’ve been able to maintain the exclusive use of cold connections too, no soldering, fusing or casting.  With custom work, I like to explore all techniques, but I especially love die forming, a way of making a 3-dimensional shape using a die to form two identical yet mirror opposite shapes.

JPL: Where do you find your inspiration?

NG: My collections are usually drawn from the seasons and upcoming trends, but I always find a distinctive theme that works in the genre of Leoworks.  One of the ways I’ve found solid inspiration is to travel, find something indigenous to a place or create a collection around the culture itself.

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JPL: Do you have a favorite metal or stone that you like to work with?

NG: I really love bronze for it’s warm color and hardness factor. It looks as precious a gold, but antiques beautifully.  And I love stones, all of them!  I’m so glad I get to also work with color and combinations of colors.  I prefer to buy beads that are Indian made because they are hand cut and have an unassuming quality to their preciousness.

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JPL: You’re not only a designer, but a teacher as well. What types of classes have you done and would you consider offering private instruction?

NG: Well, that’s where I met you isn’t it?  I started teaching about 7 years ago at a workshop in Manhattan, specializing in basic jewelry techniques.  It’s amazing to me that some of those initial students have gone on to start their own collections!  I gave instruction of some specific techniques that one of my previous students wanted to learn, which she has now incorporated into her pieces. I got to teach some one-night workshops at the beautiful accessories store Clarabella, which were also very successful!  Since the move to the new studio, I haven’t been focused to set up group lessons, but am certainly available for one on one.

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JPL: I know you and know that types of friends that you keep close. Do you feel that having so many artistic people in your life affects your own designs? Does is foster a stronger spirit of independence?

NG: I’ve always believed that you attract the same kind of energy you give out.  Having so many friends that are successful artists confirms that my actions are moving me in the right direction.  They also give me the motivation to take the risks that come with supporting yourself with your art.  You also see that your individuality is what brings you together and you can take from their experience and apply it to your own.

JPL: What advice would you give up and coming designers?

NG: That it isn’t all about what you’ve made… it’s about You, the person who created it and your conviction behind it.  From the pragmatic business side, again it’s not only about the actual pieces made, it also helps to complete the process by having photographs, line sheets and press kits.

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JPL: If you could pick anywhere in the world to visit right now, where would you go?

NG: Oh that’s hard!  I started traveling back in high school, my first trip was to the former Soviet Union, and I haven’t stop since.  India has been high on the list for years now, but Africa has been calling me lately.  I went to Marrakech in April and only got a taste…

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JPL: Who are some of your favorite designers?

NG: First and foremost, Alexander Calder. He has had a huge affect on me, even long before I knew he had done jewelry.  Current jewelers include Philip Crangi, Ten Thousand Things, Padma Laksmi, Ted Muehling, & Gabriela Dela Vega.

JPL: Define your personal style… how do you feel that affects your own designs?

NG: I like simplicity and color.  I think the way I combine colors in my jewelry is similar to the way I put outfits together.  I’ve often called this ‘asymmetrical balance’ in my work and the same could be said for my style.  Even when I wear patterns, I like to combine them in unusual ways.

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the favorites

Author: At the moment it’s Steig Larrson with his amazing trilogy, but before and usually: Murakami.

Musician: Jose Gonzalez is in my headphones every other day.

Drink: A favorite for years and hard to get in just any bar: Negroni Sbagliato–Campari, Martini Roso and Prosecco (translates the ‘wrong negroni’)

Flower:  Lilac for it’s scent

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[a special thanks to Nicole for being as lovely as always and for some of the pictures you see above. ]

Readers… stay tuned for a second feature this Fall. I’ll be showcasing Nicole’s new line for Leoworks!

missed connections

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You: were eating a gigantic chocolate chip cookie while wearing skinny jeans on the L train.

Me: sitting across from you twirling my hair in a mini skirt.

A piece of the cookie crumbled to the ground and I giggled. You caught my eye, winked and offered me a bite. Let’s get together and eat some cake.

If you’ve ever happened upon the missed connections section on Craigslist, this little scenario won’t sound all that strange. The site allows people to write notes to someone with whom they felt a connection was made, but didn’t have the guts in the moment to ask for a number, or maybe did, but got turned down. I’m sure the situations are varied, but they are generally all pretty entertaining to read. I especially love the NY version which always seems to have a good stories about hipsters, girls with tattoos in Williamsburg, or people in pink tutus outside clubs on the Lower East Side.  Maine’s is a little less quirky, but still worth a read every now and then.

I don’t frequent missed connections, rather I’ll wait for someone to send me the good ones, or I’ll roll on over to Sophie Blackall’s genius blog, Missed Connections. She’s this amazing illustrator who has given a new image to these lost stories online. Her renderings are captivating, beautiful and will often give me a little chuckle. After first finding  her site, I started poking around a little more. I learned that she’s got a fabulous website for her non-missed connections illustrations, she creates children’s books, populates a second blog with her work, and seems like the kind of gal who I’d like to invite to tea topped off with a snifter of brandy or something;). I love her style and hope that someday I’ll have a reason to hire her for something lovely!

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Sophie Blackall

the missed connections :: the blog :: the etsy shop :: the website

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Red Book, Blue Book, $40 – by Sophie Blackall, buy here

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Color Changing Dress at BBQ, $40 – by Sophie Blackall, buy here

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You Left Your Coat Here Last Winter, $40 – by Sophie Blackall, buy here

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Ice Skating in Central Park, We Collided, $40 – by Sophie Blackall, buy here

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Unbelievable Moustache on the C, $40 – by Sophie Blackall, buy here

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We Shared a Bear Suit, $40 – by Sophie Blackall, buy here

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[all images by Sophie Blackall]

Unabashed Apparel

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Twitter is a magical place. I know, I know… you’re thinking, ‘this gal is crazy!’ But I’m serious;). Maybe I’m not online 24/7 tweeting about my every move, but I am on there daily, checking out news stories, learning about new shops, and discovering new designers. Last week, I got a ‘follow’ notice from Unabashed Apparel. I clicked on the website to learn a little more and was taken to a charming site with some pretty darn fabulous designs. Wearable, stylish, eco-conscious… everything a gal needs these days. I sent a quick note off to mastermind, Sarahbeth Larrimore and received the nicest response in return.

From our first interaction, I knew I’d made a  friend in Sarahbeth. She is kind, generous, intelligent and creative. The kind of gal who you meet and feel like you’ve been friends with for years. A read-through of our conversation below will show you what I mean! Please enjoy, send a hello to Sarahbeth and buy some of her fabulous designs!!

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Unabashed Apparel

the website :: the blog :: the online shop :: the tweets :: the fan page

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Meet Sarah Larrimore, the brains, the brawn and the beauty behind Unabashed Apparel

[hint: she's the one on the right!]

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Just Plain Lovely: Where are you from?

Sarahbeth Larrimore, Unabashed Apparel: Rural Cackalacky. I mean Ru-Ral

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JPL: Where do you live now?

SL: Asheville NC

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JPL: What do you love most about your area?

SL: Living in mountains so old with such a great great grandfatherly feeling, and a very vibrant and community driven arts scene in town.

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JPL: Where does the name Unabashed Apparel come from? What does is signify?

SL: We’d need a novella for that one. [JPL note: for a start, check this out]

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JPL: How did you get your start in clothing design?

SL: My godmother is one of the most talented seamstresses I’ve ever known and she was always sewing up amazing creations for me growing up. I started dreaming up my perfect and favorite things I wish were out there when I was a wee teen and then got interested in how you create patterns to fit the dreaming. I loved simple beautiful pieces – couldn’t find them and started drafting, draping and generally going about everything by the seat of my pants. Man – I cringe to think back on those early trial and error years.

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JPL: What were you up to before Unabashed Apparel came to be?

SL: I seriously have always designed and created. There wasn’t really a before – there were experiences bending my road this way.

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JPL: Tell me a bit about the organic and eco-conscious side of your business.

SL: The fabric industry is incredibly toxic and harsh on the environment and workers. We have a lot of work to do towards better standards and safer practices environmentally and for humanity. Organic farming solves some of the problem. There are still fair trade issues and issues of waste. We have to both work to improve the industry and to change the way we view clothing and its lifespan. Cradle to coffin, I want to know I’m doing my best to design and produce clothing that is conscious, responsible, and lasts, if that means it takes longer and nets less monetarily – I’ll take that trade with a hearty smile. I am an environmentalist, a humanitarian and a fashion designer. All of those are equally important to me when it comes to my business. But you know what – organic burlap can so be sexy trussed up the right way.

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JPL: Where did the concept for your current line come from?

SL: S/S 2010 – was all about my favorite things: daybreak, swedish design, linen, the first star in the evening, and that capable can-do woman of the 1930s.

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JPL: What are you current favorite designs in your shop?

SL: Ah – the floor length linen shirtdress and the simple scoopneck tee. Oh and the lambsear henley. Ah – one more… that crinkly starlight dress. I wear the heck out of it. I layer it with everything and throw it in the wash. It looks better a bit worn.

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JPL: I noticed something on your blog about a wedding dress… do you do custom designs?

SL: I create 1 or 2 custom wedding dresses a year when I have a bride that just gets to me. I love a wedding and when I have someone come along and say words to me like: “rich red – party dress wedding gown” – and “You make it look fabulous and decide everything else” – how can I say no? If the project really speaks to me I’ll do it.

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JPL: Do you work on your own, or do you have helpers?

SL: I design all my bits. I draft, often dye and always sew it all up. I expect to have a couple of great gals to help me out on the sewing production part of it soon. I’ve been working on Unabashed Apparel for 9 years now and I have to say, without the help of all the women in my life I would really be lolling about on the veranda wailing and gnashing my teeth. The Unabashed people I know pat me on the back, dust me off and sometimes say, ‘that looks like crap.’ I depend on all of them. Some of them help with communications, marketing, and repping the line. I have a fabulous stylist and they all work for clothing. As my friend, Apple, reminds me, it takes a village, and there are always free rooms in mine…

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JPL: Do you work out of a studio, or out of your home and what do you like most about your work space?

SL: I have the best of both worlds. I have a small farmhouse and the entire upstairs that was once the farmer’s 3 daughter’s bedrooms is my studio space. There are lovely gabled eaves and a sense of the young women who told their secrets and dreams to each other. The most important thing: I have a door to shut when I need a break or to clear my head.

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JPL: Who are some of your favorite designers?

SL: I adore Maggie Norris. She is such an amazing American Couturier. Nicole Miller, Ralph Lauren and Donna Karen for your staple large designers. Alabama Chanin – wow – just a thank you to that gal. She totally understands and is a founding creator of the need for responsible, conscious, and beautiful fashion design. Gary Graham. Kara Larson makes a line of dresses that are fabulous and answered the questions of a young gal just starting out. Both the designs and the story behind Rodarte please me to no end. Eileen Fisher… she created something simple that women really needed.

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JPL: Define your personal style… how do you feel that affects your own designs? From where do you draw your inspiration?

SL: I’m a Southern girl picking up hay bales in faded denim and a navy merino wool wrap, a New England daughter of the Salem witch trials, a history major in a linen shift studying the timber and mud in the Moravian buildings from the 1700s, a Scandinavian modern artist who refuses to wear anything but grey and white, a curvaceous bartender with wine painted nails playing the fiddle on a fire escape in NYC, and a West coast gal wearing blue ticking and plaid, steering a boat alone out on misty waters. A tad disheveled – with a too-loud laugh. Bosom friends and heartfelt talks over wine and bonfires. The quiet and solitude. My designs are certainly a dance between my style and the influences of the unabashed women I know. The seasons, literature, historical dress, and a bit of fairytale or a long southern yarn thrown in for good measure weave their way in.

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JPL: What advice would you give up and coming designers?

SL: I think what I’d say to them I’d say to anyone working towards their heart’s desire: You have to design for yourself. If you don’t you’ll be lost when rocky weather sets in. Don’t design for fame or money, design because at the end of the day, that’s what you’d be doing anyway. Look to your elders. These women have been sewing to clothe themselves, their families and in great artistry. They have so much to teach us.

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JPL: I love that you do gratitude Fridays on your blog… how did that come to be and how long have you been doing it?

SL: Thank you. I had a moment when Unabashed apparel was finally in its stride – finally what I envisioned and evoked the style and fulfilled the need I saw out there. I poured it all into the business and was exhausted – writing out the things I have to be grateful for restores me.

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JPL: If you could pick anywhere in the world to visit right now, where would you go?

SL: There’s a small island you can’t get to but by boat with 1 greying and decaying fishing shack and nothing else off the coast of NC. I’d give a lot to have a tiny boat and go there. Ask me again in the fall – I’ll say on a road trip up to the coast until the car can’t go any farther in Maine.

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JPL: Lastly… I saw a few sneak peek photos (on your blog and on Jana Busbin‘s site) of the SS11 line and am in loooooove. When can we expect to see those designs in stores?

SL: It is such a measure of restraint to be so excited about a line and not be able to show it!!! I’m still itching to debut the fall/winter 2010 line. It will start to debut in July – we’re so excited about it. There’s a whole hint of story that goes with it. As far as S/S11 – it will start to peek around the corner in late January. Ah the torture!

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the favorites

Author: Toni Morrison, Neil Gaimon, J Ruth Gendler

Musician: Patty Griffin, The Wailin’ Jennys, and the now defunk The Duhks – my heart’s still broken.

Drink: Bloody Mary – the more olives and the hotter it is the better. I couldn’t live without coffee.

Flower: ​Spring – Muscari & Lambsear; Summer – Hollyhocks, Sea Holly & Nasturtiums; Fall – Lumina Pumpkins; Winter – Dark Hellebores

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** Many thanks to Sarahbeth for being such a lovely gal;)

[all photos by Jana Busbin for Unabashed Apparel - please check her out!! fabulous photographer with a lovely blog!]

smitten…

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I can’t for the life of me remember how I first found smitten kitchen. I’m sure it was on one of my ‘web crawls’… I do remember, however, that it only took 5 minutes of perusing the site before I was hooked. I’m no master chef, but something about this site makes me want to experiment. Maybe it’s the range… maybe it’s the ‘surprise me!’ link on the main page that always takes me to a new and exciting culinary destination. The tales and recipes come Deb and Alex who describe their adventures as “fearless cooking from a tiny kitchen in New York City”. You’ll want to do a little exploring trust me. The writing style is fantastic, familiar, and kinda makes me want to move back to NY just so I can be friends with Deb. She personalizes her recipes with anecdotes and fantastic imagery. She makes me want to be a better cook!

the website :: the fan page :: the tweets

Saturday night was destined to be a mellow one. It’d been a long week and I knew that J and I would be hanging at home. I decided it was time to move past our typical stir fries and quesadillas, time to work on a little culinary expansion. Enter smitten kitchen’s hefty list of recipes.  I knew I wanted something vegetarian, something healthy and something I felt I could actually accomplish.

Introducing Couscous and Feta Stuffed Peppers. Mmmmmmmmmm.

[note: I realize this post isn't quite as effective without imagery... I didn't take photos of my version, thinking I would just show you what the recipe should ultimately look like and have since realized that I'm not allowed to post Deb's photos. Sad, but understandable. I hope you'll check her site out for the full experience and follow the links below for some SUPER yummy treats. I vow to try each of the recipes below at least one and will post my own photos throughout the summer!]

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It was a surprisingly easy recipe and my finished product actually even looked like theirs. [note: the photo above is from smitten kitchen] The whole process took about 45 minutes with very little heavy lifting. The result was super yummy. J was impressed and maybe now slightly less concerned about his future of dinners cooked by yours truly;).

Want to jump on my bandwagon and have your own smitten kitchen love affair? Check out some of these delectable treats and fire up your oven. Then call me to let me know when the french toast will be ready;).

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Boozy Baked French Toast

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Coffee Toffee

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Black & White Cookies

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Homemade Pop Tarts

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As if this weren’t already enough… smitten kitchen also has an area of the site dedicated to baby food. So, parents far and wide, take note! There are currently only 2 posts, but if the sheer amount of recipes and posts on this site are any indication, we can assume there will be many more. This is me hoping, with fingers & toes crossed, that someday I’ll work up a series of questions, interesting enough that Deb and Alex will be thrilled to answer in order to become a JPL spotlight.

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Thistle & Clover

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I’m a bit of a giddy gal. I can’t help it! I’m about to unveil my very first boutique spotlight!! I couldn’t possibly be more thrilled to introduce you to…

Thistle & Clover

I’m sure you’ve noticed that I’m a devoted admirer of independent designers. If not through what you’ve read here, then through my days at Clarabella. The whole basis of my old shop was to herald the independent, to tell the stories of the up-and-comers. Thistle & Clover has taken this concept to a whole new level. I’ve been impressed with owners Camilla Gale and Rand Niederhoffer since they opened T&C’s doors back in 2008 and am constantly drawn to their alluring line up of up-and-coming designers. Each piece is hand-picked to fit with the shop’s unique and accessible aesthetic. Open calls for new artists intermingle with trunk shows and new line launches. They’ve managed to open the shop of my dreams, while also making me long for NY again, just a little bit!;)

I was lucky enough, last week, to catch a moment with these savvy fashionistas. Lucky for me (and for you!) they were kind enough to answer a few questions. I hope you’re as excited about what they have to offer as I am!!

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Lovely people, meet Rand and Camilla, owners of and geniuses behind the magnificent Thistle & Clover:

Pop in to their Fort Greene locale (221 DeKalb Avenue) while visiting NYC and satisfy your need for instant gratification (don’t you have it too??) on the online shop (accessible from the main website)!

the website :: the diaries :: the tweets :: the fan page

the interview

Just Plain Lovely: Where did you two meet?

Thistle & Clover: We met while studying abroad at St. Andrews University in Scotland.

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JPL: When did you first come up with the idea for Thistle & Clover and how did you get it all started?

T&C: We decided to open T & C over a romantic dinner at Grotto in the LES. The idea was to carry new, exciting designers that you couldn’t find elsewhere that were also wearable. We handpick everything in the store. So it really does feel like you’re walking into a good friend’s closet. We sell pretty cocktail dresses, tailored work shirts and basic tanks & tees along with more fashion forward pieces like statement necklaces, high-waisted skirts and oxford shoes.

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JPL: Is there any significance behind the name?

T&C: The name alludes to the song, Crimson and Clover that we listened to a lot while we were formulating our plans for the store. We substituted Crimson with Thistle, which is Scotland’s national flower and the place we first became friends! [JPL note: I've had this song in my head all week!! I love it! check it out here]

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JPL: What made you settle on Fort Greene for your shop location?

T&C: We wanted to pick an area that felt like a true neighborhood and wasn’t already saturated with boutiques. Fort Greene is an amazingly diverse and friendly community. We’re so lucky to be here.

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JPL: How do you find your new designers?

T&C: We’re constantly on the look out for labels that our customers will respond to. Our Open Call is definitely a big part of that. But we also attend every New York trade show, lots of showrooms, use word of mouth recommendations, and keep up to date with hundreds of blogs, magazines and newspapers.

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[Dress by Dace]

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JPL: When did you first come up with the idea for your open call? Have you been doing that since you opened?

T&C: The Open Call evolved organically out of our primary mission: to support the work of young up and coming designers. We wanted to find a way to reach out to new fresh talent, who wouldn’t otherwise have a chance to show their work to buyers.

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JPL: Are there any guidelines for submission?

T&C: There is only one must for our Open Calls: You have to be from the NY-area. Otherwise, it’s completely first-come, first-served. We see collections that are both fledgling and established. It really runs the gamut. [JPL note: learn more about the open call here. This season's has just passed, so keep checking back for the next round!]

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[ring by Blanca Monros Gomez]

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JPL: Could you ever see yourself designing a Thistle & Clover line to sell in addition to the independent designers you work with now?

T&C: We currently design a small collection of jewelry under the Thistle & Clover label (pretty 14K charm necklaces and studs), but haven’t designed any clothing as of yet. There’s a first for everything though!

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[necklace by Thistle & Clover]

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[necklace by Thistle & Clover]

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JPL: What are you favorite events to host at the shop?

T&C: We love hosting trunk shows at the store. They give us a chance to let our customers meet their fave designer face-to-face, and showcase a greater selection of their merch at an excellent discount! We also give a party to celebrate the launch of each subsequent issue of our online editorial lookbook “The Thistle & Clover Diaries.” (www.thistlecloverdiaries.com)

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JPL: Do you still seek out new designers or do most of your lines come to you from the open calls that you hold?

T&C: We definitely seek out designers apart from those that visit us through our Open Call. What’s nice about the Open Call is that though a line may not be right for us at that instant, we encourage the designer to keep in contact with us so that we can oversee their progress. We just picked up a line for Spring that way.

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[Dress by Edelweiss]

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JPL: Do you both act as buyers?

T&C: Yes, absolutely.

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JPL: How is it to run a business with a good friend? how do you settle disagreements?

T&C: It’s wonderful and incredibly rewarding, but as in any partnership you have to work at it. Our friendship has evolved into something more like a “significant othership.” We speak a different language that our other friends cannot understand, and have to make sure we carve out time for us to be friends sans store. Over the past 2 years, we’ve had to be vigilant that no disagreement escalates to the point of no return. Usually now, if we really disagree on something (say specifically a piece of clothing), we pass on it. If we’re not unanimously for it, chances are our customers won’t be either.

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[Dress by Geren Ford]

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JPL: Do you have any plans to expand?

T&C: Not as of yet. We’re just in that 2-year groove right now. Being the only 2 people at the store, we’ve gotten to know our regulars: Their taste, their families, their lives etc. If we expanded, we’d lose all that.

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the favorites :: Rand

Author: Galt Niederhoffer, EO Wilson and Dave Eggers

Musician: The National

Drink: Oh. The now extinct Pravda Rosemary Martini

Flower: Anything picked out by the girls at Saipua & Nicolette Camille Floral Design

Favorite Lines: Alison Lewis, Wren & Trovata

Design Inspiration/ Style Icon: Alexa Chung, Maggie Gyllenhaal, any and all editorials by Lula editor Leith Clark

the favorites :: Camilla

Author: Philip Roth, Edith Wharton, Truman Capote, John Updike

Musician: Bob Dylan, Florence + The Machine, Adele, The Band

Drink: Wine

Flower: Lily of the Valley, Peonies and Lilacs

Favorite Lines: Celine, Ann Demuelemeester, Isabel Marant and Vanessa Bruno

Design Inspiration/Style Icon:  Both my mother and mother-in-law. Both have impeccable taste and personal style.

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Thanks so much ladies!! It was an absolute pleasure!

[all images courtesy of Thistle & Clover]