Krista Lund Photography = Adorable

I just had to share these pictures I just received from Krista Lund Photography!  Her work is so great.  I was totally taken by her work when I stumbled across it several months ago. 

Anyhow, I emailed her to see if she would be interested in working with SLD...and lucky for me she said yes! :)  I love looking at her Facebook page and seeing what she's up to. :)

I've always struggled taking good pictures of my 2-bit trousers.  It's so hard to show how they fit (I call them yoga pant like...but how would you describe them?) and Krista just did a great job capturing her little cutie in these patchwork pants.

I also love love love this photo of her little girl twirling around in a Prairie Dress.  It's the exact carefree feel that I think matches SLD. :)

Thanks Krista for sharing your amazing talents with me!!

xo,
Shari

Ups and Downs......

No, it's not that dramatic, nothing major going on here!  Ups and downs usually become major though.  But these "ups and downs" are about my absolute dreaded topics....

PRICING.

There, I said it.  Wouldn't it be wonderful to have a business, and not have to think about pricing?  Yeah, only in my dreams :)

A lot of people have been advising me to raise my pricing.  I went to a workshop for artisans a few weeks ago, and the point was reiterated over and over, that artisans have to remember to pay themselves (really!?).  Then others tell me to  just go ahead and do it, and that I don't need to announce it.

I'm having a hard time doing that.  I respect each of my customers so much.  Yes, YOU. :)  I love that I know your kids names, or what you ate for dinner last week via our friendships we've formed on facebook and via email.  I love that I know if your child has sensory issues, so I ensure to use the smallest amount of Fray Check possible on your dress.  Or that your daughter is taller than most other three year old's so I can add an extra inch to your dress if you need it.  I love these friendships and relationships, and wouldn't want to just raise pricing without explaining it to you.  It just wouldn't feel right.  Nor does it feel right to not let you know that this is a bigger struggle than you can imagine for me.

Fact is, I have a small business not just to create cute, fun clothes, but to also earn a living for myself, and my employees.  I am so grateful to have Ellen working at SLD full time, and two other part time seamstresses in town who help me gear up for big projects like my upcoming Zulily event (eeeek!) or my craft fairs.  These folks need to make a living too.  And, we all happen to live in a glorious place called Jackson Hole, WY, where living doesn't come too cheap ;)

Anyhow, I'll spare you the details.  But, after a lot of deliberation and number crunching, and telling my bookeeper to leave me alone for several months because my brain could not handle the whole "cost of goods" numbers I was seeing..... I decided that the time has come....  in order to keep SLD going pricing will have to increase by small amounts. 

It's been an internal struggle, because I want to create accessible clothing for kids.  I want to make stuff that any Mum out there can just buy.  But my realization is that these pieces are not mass produced in countries with small living wages, and also the limited edition nature of SLD does not make 'production' very cost effective.

So, over the coming days and weeks you will notice prices starting to go up.  I'm hoping that you still can get on board and remember the quality and unique styling of SLD, and the individuals behind the clothing that you support. :)

Now, you wanna hear about the Down part of "Ups and Downs?"  Since Up is about my prices increasing...the Down will be about prices Decreasing!  A Black Friday sale at SLD.  Stay tuned to find out more.....

Stay tuned.....

xo,
shari

Sustainable Thinking....

I've been thinking. And thinking. And thinking some more. Way too much thinking going on around here. ;) But I had to do this thinking to make SLD sustainable for years to come. You know I'm an open book, so here's the dilemma.

There are three things that have been super important to me for SLD. One of a kind clothing, upcycled clothing, and quirky clothing. These are the main tenants of what I am about. But the first and second items are also the two things making SLD currently unsustainable.

How? Take one of a kind (ooak) as our first example. It just dawned on me recently why I am so exhausted. Not just physically or emotionally (what mother with a job or two isn't? ;). But creatively. I mean, there's lots of creative juices always flowing, don't get me wrong. But when my dresses, pants, tees etc are all one of a kind, do you know what that means? It means that I create and design each and every single one of those pieces. Each fabric is selected, switched around, selected again, paired with something else, cut.... That's over 1,000 garments this past year. That's coming up with three new designs, every day, of every week. Phew. No breaks allowed ;)

It also means photographing each and every piece, editing the photos, and listing each one of a kind item. It takes hours of each day. I wish there were two of me. :) Maybe even three so that one can go work out since I never seem to find the time ;)

The next item is upcycled. Upcycling is really important to me. I admire upcycler's work so much, because it's always a challenge. A challenge to hunt for the 'new' treasures of upcycled fabric, then figure out how to best use it, what parts are good, or not so good... It keeps things fresh. It keeps things eco friendly. And it keeps things unique in a sea of mall clothes.

The combination of those two things make for a non sustainable business model though, when I am also primarily trying to keep the clothing affordable and accessible. Sad, I know. And trust me, I am so not trying to be a downer. SO, like I said, I've been thinking, and thinking....

And....I think I've come up with a way to maintain my one of a kind upcycles, while sustaining the business. Yipppeeee. :)

SLD will soon be offering a selection of dresses/tees and pants that are a mix of 'made to order' and at the same time 'one of a kind.' My plan is to create some garments that have predominantly all the same elements so that the same dress can be purchased in multiple sizes, yet throw in a twist of upcycled fabric that will be different in each garment. Say the flutter sleeves, or back panels of pants, or who knows what else just yet! LOL. But my point is, I plan to make it work by combining my old 'business model' (haha, as if I ever had one! ;) with a new one that will hopefully allow me more time for me to create, play, spend time with my family, and not feel too pressured to constantly be re-inventing the dress...so to speak.

I hope all this makes sense. I'll explain more as I start making these items...but I felt that since some of you have been with me right from the very start, you deserve to know what I am thinking about how to constantly improve and grow SLD. In fact, I am participating in three art fairs this summer, which means in just under four months, I need to create over 900 pieces for these shows. Eeegads. Can you see why I need to make some changes around here to make it work?

I hope you will feel free to give me your feedback. You are a huge part of SLD. I would not be here without you. And thanks for all your support by shopping handmade.

xo,
shari

Really, a year is only 365 days....

We always say, "where has the year gone," or "it's just flown by."  This year has been different for me.  Nope, I'm not talking about our calendar year, but the SLD year.  The year that's come, gone, yet I think I can remember pretty much every single day... that year. 

I started SLD nearly a year ago.  February 24th, 2010 was my first listing.  And sale.  :)  THRILLING day for me. 

This is what I sold:

 There was pretty much no way I was ever going to start a shop had my friend not urged me on.  I am so so grateful to you Ashley that you did. :) Ashley, is the brilliant mind behind the adorable clothing label Lil Blue Boo. 

Yup that's my Finley wearing some classic LBB.  Pretty stinking cute :)

And when the next day I put up another listing.  And had another sale, well, you pretty much could say I was jumping through the roof with excitement.  Really????  You're buying my stuff??  You like it??? WOW. 

Here are a few of my very favorites from that first week:

And check out how this:

 Became this:

(Well, there's one thing that hasn't changed in a year....LOL....my product photography was never very good, and look how much better it looks ON!)  I hear that ALL the time!  LOL


Well, I've been saying 'wow' pretty much everyday ever since :)  Seriously.  WOW!!!!!!  I cannot believe how far we've all come!!!  Hello, remember my unwilling model, my dear Finley, just a year ago?

And now...hello!  The changes she's gone through a year too is outstanding!!!

So, it's time to celebrate and commemorate!!  For the next six days, leading up to my one year anniversary, I'll have some exciting stuff going on....including a giveaway via Project Run and Play, some Facebook fun, and a release of my new anniversary screen print.  Sounds pretty fancy, aye?  ;) 

I'm going to be releasing a new print which will grace tees, skirts and dresses, and a HUGE amount of each sale will go toward funding a woman in a third world country, and EMPOWERING her with a micro loan to start a SEWING business!!  She is SLD in the making.  :)  Not like I'm massive hot stuff or anything, but what I am doing is living my dream!  I'm supplementing my family income, thus providing more for our family and my dear daughter.  The exact same things this woman is reaching for in her own world, under her own different circumstances.

Anyhow, here is a sneak peek:

I am so excited to share it and help get you some cute clothes and raise money for another woman just like me :)  How cool is that??!!!  Yay :)

So, stay tuned...check back here, and on my facebook page...for some fun this next six days.  And I promise some lame trivia too!!!

Thanks for seeing me through these 359 days.  You ARE awesome :)

xo,
Shari

Introducing New Fall Top and sights of Jackson Hole

Here's a sneak peak at my new Fall top. :) It's my first prototype and needs a few tweaks, but Finley loved it! It's sleeveless, so of course meant for layering and pair with leggings or jeans (If your kid will wear them!) are you are set to go! It's called The Lauren Jumper.

I was shocked that I needed a BUNDLE more of squares to make the signature SLD style go on a diagonal! But as a friend said, it totally looks vintage like that which is exactly the look I was going for....vintage meets funky!

We walked around downtown Jackson Hole yesterday re-discovering some sights and sounds (the 6pm nightly 'shootout at the town square scared the daylights out of Finley...where they recreate "Annie get you Gun" scenes, cowboy gear and all).

All of these pix were taken on my iphone, so excuse the poor quality. But we had such a great time I just have to share as many as I can!

The new Lauren Jumper in action: Finley picking berries downtown Jackson.

Checking out some of the outdoor sculpture...



You know Finley loves any books...she wanted to check this one out.





This is the amazing new Center for the Arts building in downtown Jackson. Finley loves this sculpture installation (as do I!)






Ok, I got into doing some cheesy little photo edits. :)

We went to a new local gallery and Finley was hanging out under this Warhol...so I had to turn her into a piece of pop art!

Oh, and ........ Lesson of the Day! Here is my new LOTD button :) What do you think?

Do not take Finley to the shootout again, or a shooting range, or hunting.
As if this pacifist - vegetarian mum would do that anyway ;)

xo,
shari

4th of July hits this Canadian Household!

So I've neglected the blog, I've neglected cleaning the house, I've neglected leaving feedback, I'm even neglecting packing for my upcoming move (Eeeek, only 2 weeks away!!) BUT, I won't let a holiday pass me by :)

I just finished 4 new Penny Pants for 4th of July, to complement this dress that I finished yesterday....

Here's a sneak peak at the pants....There's a size 18-24m, 2T, 3T and 4T in this pile. It doesn't look like much, does it? LOL....but they took a lot of time!!

Uploading them to my etsy shop between 10-11am PST :)

While I'm here on the blog, remember the Fugly Knit swap I participated in? I turned this pile of knit into a two piece halter set.....




Well, I also sent this bunch of hideousness.....



to Olivia at the fabulous and always sold out Olivia's Ultimate and finally got pictures of Finley in it today!!! (Notice she was unable to use our tie dye, which I am oh so thankful for ;)

Any outfit that can make my less than active and coordinated girl scream "Hey, I think I can do ballet in this outfit!!" is a massive winner in my books!! Look at her go!!!

Thanks Olivia :)

And while we're on the subject of Fugly Knits, don't forget the Great Ugly Knit Upcycle Contest Ashley over at Lil Blue Boo is hosting!! I cannot wait to see what everyone comes up with!!!!

OK, that's enough blogging for me for the day..... I guess I need to go pack/clean/leave feedback now ;)

xo,
Shari

The Penny Pant is here!

I'm way behind on my blogging. And there is good reason for it! I've been contemplating my blog direction, and I have an idea that I have been wanting to do for a loooong time, but not so sure I can keep up with it!! Soooooo...I'm stalling. I'm really, really good at that. Oh, but Finley is way better :)

Anyhow, I figured the blog must break the Penny pant news. I am so excited about this style! I realized that Finley, a soon to be 4 year old, STILL wears her 24 month Old Navy knit pants (um, now as shorts to sleep in) and I looove that. How do pants last so long? Elastic waistband (which I too am thankful for on my Old Navy shorts after late night snacking ;). Kids don't get wider, they just get more narrow and tall, making the Penny pant perfect for YEARS!

Here they are in a 3T and 4T in action :)









Finley loves them and is designing her own pair....stay tuned!! :)

xo,
shari