My favorite thing about spring (aside from pretty dresses and open toed shoes) is being outside. I love my yard, and spending the evenings on the deck unwinding with a drink while I fire up the grill is a little piece of heaven. My backyard is just big enough for an intimate patio, some gardening space and a hammock under the trees. This year I decided I wanted some additional planting space and since much of the yard is shaded, a few raised garden beds in the sunniest space beside the patio seemed like the perfect solution. I had an old firewood box we had built a few years back and were no longer using. It was the perfect size, just a bit too tall so I decided to cut it in half and use both the top and bottom for two of the frames. After the box was cut in half, I added some screen to each of the bottoms to cut down on the weeds and still allow for drainage. Now the fun part…decorating!

Outdoor Patio Paint and Brushes

MATERIALS:

1. Outdoor Patio Paint

2. Paint Brush/ Sponge Applicator

3. Stencils or Stamps

I decided to do some simple stencils in some of my favorite bright spring colors. (I recommend using an outdoor patio paint that will stand up to the elements a bit better than standard acrylic paints.)

Simply place the stencil on the frame and start painting! You could also use stamps or freehand the design. Once you’ve painted in the first design, remove the stencil, re-position it and repeat until you’ve achieved the look you want.

TIP: I found that wiping the stencil on both sides between applications made the design come out cleaner.

Once you’ve finished painting and everything has dried, you can position the boxes and dig a few inches under where the box will sit. This levels the ground and gives the box some additional stability.

Now you’re ready to fill the boxes with soil and add your favorite plants! I like using a mix of black dirt, mushroom compost and potting soil. Just make sure to thoroughly mix all the dirt to evenly distribute all the nutrients.

I liked the distressed look of the original wood with the stencils so I decided not to stain it. I also added a few pieces of wire fencing to protect the plants (and to keep my curious puppies from digging them up.) I’m happy to have the added space for more veggies, and recycling the old firewood box gave me a new use for something that would have ended up on the curb…now just add water and watch it grow!

Tagged: DIY garden, DIY home decor, DIY raised garden beds, fashionable gardening, fashionjenn, gardening, outdoor living, outdoor paints, raised garden beds, recycle wooden boxes ]]> http://fashionjenn.com/2012/05/15/diy-project-recycled-stenciled-garden-bed/feed/ 0 fashionjenn Outdoor Patio Paint and Brushes Stencils Let's paint! http://fashionjenn.com/2012/05/08/the-look-for-less-woven-totes/ http://fashionjenn.com/2012/05/08/the-look-for-less-woven-totes/#comments Tue, 08 May 2012 20:43:35 +0000 fashionjenn http://fashionjenn.com/?p=1650 Continue reading »

Oh Darling Vintage
937 1/2 Monmouth St
Newport, KY 41071

Woven bags are one of the hottest trends for summer, and  if you haven’t noticed I’m completely obsessed with handbags!

While I am a designer and usually carry my own creations, I do have quite a collection of  bags I could never part with… and well, it just keeps growing.

There’s just something about a straw clutch or beach bag that screams summer and is a great way to add a twist to your favorite maxi dress or swim suite.

On a recent trip to Newport, Kentucky  (which I must say I have not had the pleasure of visiting as an adult) I was thrilled to find some fantastic little shops and vintage stores.

I was heading to lunch and was pleasantly surprised to see Oh Darling Vintage, and simply had to stop!

The small store was packed with great vintage clothes, accessories and had lovely tissue paper flowers suspended from the ceiling with a friendly face behind the counter.

And there it was, an adorable woven tote with big bold green and turquoise flowers. It wasn’t like any of the other woven pieces in my collection and for $12.00 it was a must buy.

It’s a structured bag with two folding flaps at the top secured with a loop and woven button and it was in mint condition.

Thrilled with my fabulous find I headed back to my car only to discover another great little re-sale store.  They had this amazing crushed velvet chartreuse couch that appeared as though it had

The green couch that got away!

barely ever been sat on. I was in love…but unfortunately I don’t drive a truck and shipping the couch back to Chicago would have cost twice the sticker price of $65 with 30% off “all furniture special” they were running that day.

(I’m still heartbroken about the sofa) but I did manage to find another straw tote bag I couldn’t resist. It has a colorful woven triangle pattern and wooden button closure, and it totally matches my favorite crocheted bikini.

My fabulous $12 find at Oh Darling Vintage!

My $5 re-sale shop Tote

Many designers are adding woven handbags to their lines this year that are absolutely gorgeous, so if your into splurging on one here are my favorites:

Anya Hindmarch
Ipanema Straw Clutch
$595

Bottega-Veneta-Woven-Tote

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Both of them are great additions to your spring/ summer wardrobe and they aren’t too trendy that they’ll be completely outdated next season. Or you can spend a Saturday afternoon discovering some great little places right in your own neighborhood, and who knows what fabulous treasure you might find?!

Tagged: Anya Hindmarch, Bottega Veneta, fashionjenn, Oh Darling Vintage, shopping on a budget, summer totes, the look for less, vintage handbags, woven handbags ]]>

Now that the weather is getting warmer, it’s time to pack up the sweaters and jackets and pull  out our favorite summer clothes… (and of course do some shopping!)

While having lunch with my best friend Babs, she mentioned that she had several summer skirts

in her wardrobe and was tired of wearing them with the same old tops and accessories from last year.

I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to make her the subject of  my first wardrobe re-style segment.

The Mission:

Take her three skirts and update them for this season

The Guidelines:

1. Budget friendly: Purchase new pieces that are on trend as opposed to staple investment pieces.

2. Multiple use: New items must also compliment other outfits currently in her wardrobe.

3. Re-use: Re-incorporate some accessories from her personal collection to compliment the looks.

Item to re-style:

Black and White I-Kat Skirt – $0

What we purchased:

1. Lightweight loose woven summer sweater in lime green from Forever 21 – $12.95

2. Beaded sandals from Ross – $12.99

3. Handbag – The Blakeman Bag by Fashionjenn (Already in her wardrobe) – $0

4. Wooden Bracelets (Already in her wardrobe) – $0

5. Beaded Pendant Necklace from Forever 21 – $9.50

6. Multi-colored seed bead strand (Already in her wardrobe) -$0

7. Seed bead collar Young’s Beauty Supply – $1.99

Grand Total: $37.43

After our shopping trip I thought it would be fun to photograph our purchases and make a inspirational style board to share! The lime green sweater was one of my favorite finds, it’s super lightweight and will look great with a pair of boyfriend jeans. The sandals are cute and trendy and compliment several maxi dresses Bab’s already owns…and you can’t beat the price! Our two new necklaces were inexpensive and paired with a string of long seed beads the three pieces make a bold boho-chic statement.

The whole look is easy and comfortable, perfect for a weekend shopping trip or a casual alfresco dinner. I think our mission was a great success and Bab’s has a fabulous new look for spring!

So now it’s your turn, grab you best shopping buddy, few items from your closet and give it a shot. I’d love to see what you come up with!

Check back with us next week when we tackle two more budget re-styles.

xoxo

~FJ

UPDATE: To reserve your bag visit the Kickstarter Campaign, donate, and you will be the first to receive a bag from the collection.

~April 15th marks a very big day for me, the launch of my Kickstarter Campaign!~

I’ll never forget the very first handbag I made back in 2003, I made it out of am old leather jacket, recycled leather belts and a cream cable-knit sweater.

Since that Saturday morning nearly 9 years ago the adventure into the world of handbag design has brought me here, to this moment.

We all have something that we love, that inspires us, that makes us push ourselves to create, to take chances and grow. (Mine just happens to be handbags)

I love making handbags because to me they are the most personal accessory a woman has.

I think of handbags like friends, they’re always at your side no matter the day, no matter the weather.

They carry our life when we’re away from home. To me, women’s handbags tell the world the story about who they are, what they love and where they are going.

Over the years I have been lucky enough to design and make many custom creations for friends, family and clients. Throughout the process I’ve learned many new techniques, perfected my skills and listened carefully to their feedback. Every new bag came with it’s own set of challenges and there were things that didn’t work and a few design nightmares, but those moments have all been learning experiences. Nothing worthwhile is easy and success is only enjoyed when you have others to share it with.

That is why my favorite part of the process has always been seeing the look on someone’s face when they unwrap their new bag.

Last October I decided it was time to take the plunge and find a manufacturer that could produce my handbags with the care and attention that I would give them. I spent many hours researching and visiting potential factories and was lucky enough to find one right here in Chicago. It was very important to me personally to find a state-side  manufacturer and be able to support the local economy as well as the Midwest Fashion scene. I was also able to find leather and hardware sources right here in the U.S. and though the prices are higher, they make up for it with quality.

Turning over my handmade samples, sketches and patterns was a bit surreal as I had become accustomed to handmaking every bag myself. But seeing how they crafted the stamping dies from each of my pattern pieces and then create my production samples was so exciting!

Being able to share what I love to do with everyone who has supported me is what has been the driving the force when the journey seemed to difficult. The next step is placing my very first order with my manufacturer and to do this I have a minimum order I am required to meet before any bags can be made. Launching a Kickstarter Campaign will allow me to offer the very first handbags made to all my friends, family, fans,supporters and believers at a very special discount. To make this possible I need your help: On April 15th we will be hosting a Kickstart Fashionjenn Launch Party in Chicago. It’s an open invite to anyone who would like to come by to view, try on and order their favorite handbag. Refreshments and champagne will be flowing and it will be a great opportunity to meet some fellow Chicago fashionista’s!

(If you don’t live in Chicagoland don’t worry, you will be able to contribute to the campaign through Kickstarter and order a bag at the special price too.)

To reach my goal I need your help, you can share my story with a friend and they can share it with their friends, and together we can tell our story.

By supporting me, you are supporting not only my work and my dream, but local Chicago businesses and the Chicago Fashion scene.

(And getting some killer handbags that will make you the envy of every fashionista!)

xoxo

~Fashionjenn

The Explorer, This slim bag offers enough space and protection to carry your beloved tablet or laptop without compromising on style. There is a handle on the flap and a removable leather shoulder strap. Seen in the photo with a file folder, this is IDEAL for keeping your slim notebook computer or tablet device of any size, safe and sound while you run around to meetings or go out shopping! Available in Italian Tobacco Croco, Metallic Platinum Leather, and Royal Blue Croco.

The Explorer has a removable pad to protect your laptop or tablet (Interior of Explorer Handbag)

The Dindia Tote!

This full sized, all leather tote comes in 3 colors; platinum, black, and metallic apricot. It has a removable strap and removable laptop padding if you want to convert it after work. Built to last, this solid tote with reinforced leather handles will go the distance with you and let you bring everything!

The Dindia is a 18" wide handbag that can fit any laptop

The Jipsea: This over-sized, front flap, carry all comes in 3 colors as well. Beige, Purple, and the Turquoise pictured here. It’s fiercely adorned with spikes and braided leather fringe. She’s a beast and is quality built to take all you have to give and has a removable cross-body strap so you can go mobile. The Jipsea also comes with a removable laptop pad so it can go from business to pleasure in a snap when you find it possible to leave the laptop on the desk!

Jipsea Bag

*All FashionJenn Handbags are Made in America.

If you haven’t heard, it’s my honor to tell you that I have been invited to show a collection at Midwest Fashion Week 2011. Midwest Fashion Week (MFW) began in 2006 when Catou Couture fashion designer Berny Martin, discovered a need for an outlet to allow local, national, and international designers, models, stylists, and photographers to showcase their talents. I’ve designed a new collection for the season and this is an amazing opportunity for me to share it.

I’m looking forward to showing a re-imagined, evolution of my Signature Collection with some smart and highly functional handbags. A handful of entirely new pieces  will round out the showing.

The fall air is also bringing me closer to nature, natural (bold) colors and materials, these things inspire me lately. Structured shapes and refined finishes put a feeling of luxe and lasting quality to the natural materials. While I may find myself going back to the tried and true classics of fall fashion for a look, it’s always a good time for a ‘statement piece’ accessory, especially a handbag.

I’m REALLY excited that I get to show this new season in my hometown of Indianapolis. It means a lot after living outside of Chicago for the last ten years to get to come home and be part of this years show (extra butterflies). I really hope to get a group of friends and relatives to attend (hint, hint). Alas, these next four weeks (and sadly the show as well) will be gone in a flash, so I am going to make this one to remember, I hope you all enjoy it!

I know fall fashion is in full swing but I couldn’t help making one last super bright bag…besides it was for someone who will be taking it on an end of the summer vacation and she specifically asked for “obnoxious yellow” The outer bag shell is constructed with a textured yellow coated fabric so it cleans up easily with mild soap and water. The shoulder straps and chain handles are removable so it can be worn across the body or carried over the shoulder.

I’ve also been experimenting with recycled items and discovered that deconstructed Red Bull cans are an excellent material for creating one of a kind jewelry. All you need are a few embellishments and a bit of vision! I used a fine grit sandpaper to remove most of the original paint and to remove any sharp edges. I treated each piece with a little black enamel paint and then sanded it off in certain areas to give it some texture. I finished them with an enamel gloss and added a few gems and some chain. It’s super light-weight and looks fabulous paired with a plain t-shirt or a dress!

A study in buttery textiles and matte black gems make a bold but subtle statement.

Screened -In Clutch

 

Some Denim Rocks Clutch

It’s been quite a while…I hit a serious creative block after months of burning the midnight oil and the seemingly endless Chicago winter. It was all I could do to keep myself sane! It was one of those blocks when nothing seems to come out right, your fingers are clumsy and your brain feels like it’s going to bleed out of your ears if you have to think too hard. Needless to say I needed a fresh perspective so I took a trip to Puerto Rico to bask in the sun and feel the sand between my toes. When I returned I began to wonder if I had completely killed every creative bone in my body as I still couldn’t stand the sight of my sewing machine and the thought of being trapped indoors was a bit daunting. I spent some time gardening and sure enough I was bitten by the creative bug once again!

Though I have been a lifelong fan of enormous bags I decided to embrace the idea that less is more and make some fun summer clutches. There seems to be so much less stuff to lug around in the sunshine, a pair of shades, lip gloss and some plastic are all a girl needs!

Emerald City Clutch

Clearly Disco Clutch

I really love clear lucite accessories but I wasn’t sure how I would like the idea of a clear handbag. I decided to experiment with two different ideas using black mesh window screen for one and circular mirrored tiles and gems for the other. The idea of being able to see all the contents of your bag with just a hint of privacy is actually pretty user friendly. And they are extra handy if you are out and someone spills a drink on your bag since you can clean it up in a snap with a paper towel. I also loved mine at the pool it compliments most bathing suites and adds that little something special.

As we all know denim is super-hot right now and I do love some jeans but sporting any variation on the  “Canadian Tuxedo” is a big no-no! I guess you could say I like denim as an accent and that goes for for handbags to. Huge denim bags can get tacky but a clutch can compliment your favorite jeans or adds a casual twist when dressing up. My denim design came from a pair of recycled jeans that I treated with a bleach wash and added a distressed screen printed graphic and some over-sized gems. The inside has a spacious pocket and clear ID card holder with Velcro on the inside flap so you can easily flash that ID without hassle.

I found some delicious micro-suede and though suede is often thought of as a fall textile the juicy colors totally remind me of summer. The Emerald City Envelope Clutch is simple and bright…perhaps the perfect bag for your trip down the yellow brick road.

And since function can be fashionable I made a pouch, well clutch, or is it a shoulder bag? Whatever it is it’s very transitional. It assembles or disassembles into three different bags using metal clips. The long strap can be worn over your shoulder or across your body and it comes off completely. You can then transform the bag into a small shoulder bag with the  short chain strap or connect both sides of the short chain strap to one clip and carry it as a wristlet. However you wear it it’s the color of Orange Crush and just as tasty!

The Orange Crush

All four of these bags are one of a kind and will be available tomorrow on my Etsy Shop but I will happily accept additional requests or customizable options just send me an e-mail!