Stitch Weekly Favorite

This is such a weird time of year for retail. I want to put out all my new spring items, but it is technically still the middle of winter. (Even if it has been unseasonably warm) Anyway, here I think I struck a nice compromise: jumpsuits, one made of a sweater-like fabric with long sleeves, the other a busy sleeveless number with a pattern that screams, "SPRING!" (Well, it definitely screams something.)

Honestly, they are just lots of fun.

Good morning, blog world.

I hope today finds you all with a full cup of coffee and a challenging but fun to-do list. 

My to-do lists are always long, but not always fun. 

I don't mind though because I get some strange sense of satisfaction checking each item off one by one.

My to-do lists for the foreseeable future include some really fun projects I'm doing at the store. (Also accounting, but I hate that.)

I digress...

I just wanted to stop by to say, "hello," "good morning," and "I haven't forgotten about you!" 

I just have a reallllllly long to-do list. 

Happy Friday!

cupcakes and kittens

 My weekend was just swell. I made new friends, ate good food, did some organizing, and finished up a project. Last night we visited the home of our lovely friends, Chad and Shelby, where Shelby and I baked the most disgustingly girlie cupcakes. They tasted like heaven, so we figured it was fine.

Stitch Weekly Favorites

I have decided to start a series of posts that preview some of my favorite items we have featured in the shop for the week. We'll see how it goes, and (as usual), I would love feedback. Since this is the first, I have to beg you to bear with me. I promise they will get better.

My favorite dress we featured this week:

1970s perfection. Mmmmm.  

I'm going to be honest... The 70s aren't my favorite decade. I'm more of a mid-century kind of girl. That being said, every once in a while I run across a piece from the 70s or 80s that I absolutely love. The top of the dress is a sweater that's a heathered green with orange and white stripes, and the bottom is hunter green polyester. Perfection.

I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend. I'm off to dinner with friends.  

have you met my dogs?

Okay, I realize I have mentioned my dogs somewhat frequently, but you have to understand that when you don't have kids, your pets are your kids. In fact, I think I'm already that annoying mom who wants to show everyone 1500 photos of my babies and convince people they are the cutest babies there ever were. Maybe that's strange, but I'm going to pretend it's not. If that's at all bothersome, you should probably stop reading now.

Meet Stella Jane Darling

Stella came to live with me my junior year of college at Oklahoma State University. My roommate, Jennifer, and I weren't allowed to have pets, so she was a secret puppy. We once snuck her in an eco-tote into her cousin's (who was and incredibly up-tight RA at the time) dorm room. We laughed until we cried when she revealed herself by sticking out a sassy little paw. When I moved to Arkansas, Stella Girl was my only roommate. She and I have spent lots of time just the two of us, and I don't know what I would have done without her. She has such a personality. She sits like a human, bites her nails, and likes to give high-fives (but only when it's her idea). She likes belly rubs more than anything in the world. Needless to say, Ty knew it would be a deal-breaker for us if he didn't love Stelly.

Meet Edie Maurine Farrow

Edie was an impulse buy. Ty's birthday was coming up, and when we saw the man selling puppies in the Wal-Mart parking lot, I knew Ty wasn't leaving without one. We still have no idea what kind of dog she is. The man we bought her from swore she was a shih tzu, but he spoke very little English, and we have decided maybe he was confused? We say she is part cat/ part dog. Giving Stella a friend was such a good idea, I couldn't believe I didn't think of it sooner! Edie loves to cuddle more than anything. In general, her behavior is pretty terrible, but she gets away with it because of her cuddles and smallness and cuteness. Also, as you may or may not be able to see, her ears are WAY too big for her head, in the most adorable way possible. We love her so much.

days off

The past few days have consisted of:

1. Wonderful movie with wonderful friends

2. A little project Stitch is doing for Ozark Guidance Center's Walk a Mile event

3. Lots of True Blood with my true love

4. Another visit to Crystal Bridges with the above mentioned wonderful friends

I have no complaints. Tomorrow it's back to work.

Stitch Giveaway!

Darcy, a wonderful customer and blogger, is doing a giveaway for a vintage locket she purchased at Stitch. Check it out here for your chance to win!

I hope everyone has a lovely weekend!

xoxo

Why vintage?

photo courtesy of Sally Clem

It was brought to my attention by a family member that this might be an interesting topic to tackle, so here goes....

I first started selling vintage with this girl in college. There are a great number things I find appealing about it. I could easily write a novel on each of these points, but I will try to keep it short and sweet.

The most obvious is that it's trendy. Yes, I know every hipster and their record collection is into shopping vintage. I get that, and probably like many of you, I'm not immune to such fashion trends. I love keeping up with them, and I think what one wears is an extremely valid form of art and self-expression. It's how we tell people about who we are without even talking to them. That being said, as a fashion trend, vintage is appealing because, more times than not, you are getting a piece that is truly unique, a piece that probably no one else you know can say they own.

Vintage is (often) timeless. I have always loved old things. I love the idea of a piece of jewelry, a dress, or even a table cloth having a story and being present for a bit of history. It some how makes its existence more meaningful to me; it's the idea that this item was appreciated or even loved enough that someone took care of it so it could be around to enjoy for years and years. That is, in my opinion, a pretty amazing thing.  Also, it should be pointed out that every modern designer is somehow inspired by trends from the past and finds ways to recycle or re-work them. Why? because they were great ideas to begin with (re: timeless).

Vintage is an eco-friendly alternative. Are any of you aware how many clothing items end up in landfills? Go ahead and google it because it might just blow your mind. The realization that some people actually like clothing from 30, 40, 50, 60, etc years ago can really do a lot to prevent that from happening. All it takes is the understanding that there is a market for these items, which is definitely something I see happening more and more.

Finally, vintage is usually budget friendly. Everyone knows we are in a recession, and most of us are not immune to the effects of such an economic climate. (yep, I'm talking to the 99%) Not only is it typically inexpensive, but my overall opinion after years of experience shopping for and wearing vintage clothing, is that it is usually better quality. I'm not saying there aren't exceptions, just that from my experience your getting a better product for your money. Who doesn't love that?

So, as it turns out, my post was a little bit long-winded after all. I have lots more I could say on the subject, but at the risk of losing your attention, I'll stop. :) I would absolutely love to hear your thoughts on the matter.

Inspiration

True to my New Year's resolution, I am slowly finding my way back to my former bookwormish ways. I am beginning the year reading Hemingway's A Moveable Feast. I've just started, but I'm totally in love. I haven't read a lot of Hemingway, but I have read plenty of other writers from the Lost Generation, and I love the ex-patriot lot of them. I remember a paper I wrote sophomore year of college comparing the Beat Generation to the Lost Generation. (While we're at it, I miss writing papers!) So far I am loving the passages where he writes about writing. Obviously you all know I'm not a writer, but I think one can still be inspired by someone who is as committed to their craft as Hemingway is to writing. A couple of days ago I read a passage from the beginning of the novel where Hemingway discusses how after finishing a story he is, "always empty and both sad and happy, as though [he] had made love." I love that quote so much. I just love the idea that he puts so much of himself into his writing. That is how I want to strive to be with the things I love. If you put that much of yourself into something, how can you ever have regrets? (Yes, I am aware that Hemingway was, by many accounts, a troubled and complex individual, etc etc, but that isn't what I'm talking about here) Sorry for the ramble, I was just hoping this might hit someone over the head the way it did me. Find inspiration any where you can. Look around because it's always there.

Behind the Scenes: Stitch Spring 2012 Photo Shoot.

First of all, how do you guys feel about the new look of the blog? I felt like maybe it was a little bit necessary, since the former header implied that this blog was solely about kaitlyn+ty+love. It is a little bit, but I'd like to write about other things as well.

Getting on with it....

One of my absolute favorite parts about owning a vintage clothing store is styling and planning for our photo shoots. My goal is to improve each time. Of course, we are just a small little store, but I really want to showcase the quality of our timeless apparel and accessories. Plus, it is one of the only times Ty and I get to work together on any kind of creative level, which is so great. I can't tell you guys enough how talented he is, so I will just have to show you!

I'm in love with making inspiration boards. I did it for the first time with this shoot, and now I see they are so beneficial. Even when you don't stick to it 100%, it's nice to have your thoughts outlined visually.

Here are a few of my favorite shots:

 (Note- Ty did this entire shoot using film. Also, to check out the shoot in full, go here)

Could Christen and Shelby be any more beautiful? I was totally blown away by them. As you can probably tell, I'm not extremely comfortable in front of the camera. I planned the shoot for 3 girls, but one of my models was under the weather and had to cancel at the last minute. Hopefully I didn't mess up the shoot too much.

Also, I thought it would be fun to share some shots that didn't quite make the shoot because, well... you'll see. :)

Clearly, we had lots of fun. Let us know what you think!

Flea markets really are the best.

Ty and I both love going to Flea Markets. Luckily, we have a pretty decent selection around here.  I really enjoy the randomness of it all. You really never know what you will find, or if you will find anything at all. Sometimes you get really lucky, and other times it is a total bust. Either way, the process is always fun. Here are a few things we have purchased while flea marketing in the last couple of months:

 1. Our  globe

 Ty and I both love maps of any kind and have been looking for just the right globe. I'm pretty sure we found it.  This one caught our eyes because of the unique colors. (and for only $5... even better!)

2. Thread village picture

I really liked the bright colors in this picture. Our kitchen is largely done in primary colors, so it was pretty easy for us to find a home for this one.

3. Children's pillow.

Nope, I don't have any kids. Someday, though.... and I love all of the adorable fabric patterns on this pillow. So we bought it. Whatever. We'll just have to save it for later.



Stitch's Valentine's Day Window Displays

Hey guys.

I just thought I would share some photos of Stitch's new window displays.

First of all, let me explain that we are very limited with our display space largely because our store is mostly underground. This makes the window situation difficult (but not impossible!) because the window begins fairly high on the wall. You'll see what I mean.

In the spirit of Valentine's Day, I decided to go with chalkboard hearts for the themed display. This works especially well for a store because I am able to write little notes to passersby (ie- we have a rack of dresses that are 50% off!)

I chose to use the lids of paper mache boxes for this project largely because they were the only thing at Hobby Lobby that was around the size I was looking for.

I poked holes in the lids to thread the fishing wire through, giving them a floating appearance from the street. It looks more visually appealing than ratty string.

I then spray painted them with chalkboard paint, and started writing and doodling.

This is how they turned out!

I was pretty happy with them. They are a little small, but that is okay with me because this way the focus is still on my lovely little dresses.

2012, you better be good.

(A couple of snapshots from New Years Eve: Left with my friend Em, Right with my friend, Shelby)


I have never made New Years resolutions before. I guess I just always considered them to be cliche goals that never get accomplished. This year, though, I have decided maybe written out goals aren't such a bad thing. Besides, I love making lists.

1. Do one thing each month to spruce up our home. I have so many ideas for things I'd like us to do both big and small. Maybe I will even chronicle it here for you all to see :)

2. Turn my sewing studio at Stitch into a room that inspires me to create and a room that drives me toward greater productivity. Right now, it is just a bit of a mess :/.

3. Read more. Gosh, I never thought it would be necessary for me to make this a goal. I LOVE to read. But, ever since starting Stitch, I find that almost all of my energy goes into doing things for the store/researching ideas for the store/thinking about the store. I want 2012 to be a year where I make time for all of the things I love.

4. Take a trip with Ty. In 2010 we took a trip to Jacksonville, FL, and in 2011 we went on a late honeymoon to NYC. Even if we aren't able to go somewhere big, I'd really like to keep this tradition alive.

5. Take more photographs and develop more pictures.

6. Grow this blog into what I want it to be: a place where I can share things both personal and professional and a place where I can share what inspires me. This means the focus of the blog will probably be changing a little bit, but please stick with me. I appreciate the few readers I have so much.