• April 4th 2012

    Y’all know I have a thing for the word magic. Maybe too much? Nah. How can there be too much?

    While I love a good old bippity boppity boo just as much as the next fairytale lover – these little daily bits of sparkle are making my week:

    This morning I was sitting with my coffee – typing business emails and checking the clock for yoga time (magic in and of itself) and low and behold – the fedex dude drove up & delivered to me a big old box marked Pumpkin Hill (what I sentimentally call the house) it was chock full of fancy french broad chocolate. With no sender’s name.

    And then there was this quote from a friend:

    “Seriously y’all, have any of you looked in a mall lately? Its like an alternate reality in there! Who wears that stuff!? and then Unabashed apparel gives us the new season. Thank you universe… all is well again.”
    Now that’s some powerful robin’s breast puffing out type of stuff.
    And handmade ginger tea.
    And a business elf. I’ll share her one day.
    And an early green spring.
    And another amazing collection in the shop. Ready to find friends and new homes.
    And that you’re ready to make its acquaintance too.
    Shop Update happened. Go check it out. Because I hear the mall is full of neon.
    photography by Jen Lepkoski
    p.s. those shorts? Look good on a curvy gal too.
  • Naiad

    Posted in: Miscellany, S/S12

    March 1st 2012

    Myth. Deep pools and secret watchers. Woman or Fable? Reach out but there are only trees swaying in a summer wind. We traveled deep into the forest for the tales of S/S12. The thing to know about getting too close to her heart: she always takes a price.

     

    Visit our Collection Page to see the S/S12 Ides of Summer Collection. Check back to learn more about the jewelry artists and collaborators in the coming weeks.

    All photography of s/s12 by Jen Lepkowski
    Models: Jenn Meyer & Colette Johnson.
    Makeup Artist: Serenity Eyre.
    Stylists: Susan Johnson-Smith & Hallie Richards.
    Botanical Silver Jewelry by Mani Designs.
    Enameled Bangles and Cuffs by Bullfinch & Barbury.

  • February 22nd 2012

    It’s supposed to be 68 degrees tomorrow. 68!
    I can’t really claim that winter has her icy shawl around my shoulders any longer. The mildest winter I’ve ever experienced seems to be on its quiet way out the door.

    Hyacinths are blooming. Daffodils have long since been up and nodding and someday soon we’ll have fans in hand.

    Soon we’ll debut s/s12. For now, take a peek on the front page. Summer’s magic is slyly whispering to me.

    She’ll meet us soon.

    All photography of s/s12 by Jen Lepkowski
    Models: Jenn Meyer & Colette Johnson.
    Makeup Artist: Serenity Eyre.
    Stylists: Susan Johnson-Smith & Hallie Richards.
    Botanical Silver Jewelry by Mani Designs.
    Enameled Bangles and Cuffs by Bullfinch & Barbury.

  • September 14th 2011

    Bower Dress

     

    Hylas Dress

    Photography by Jen Lepkowski. Styling by Susan Johnson-Smith and Hallie Richards. Makeup by Serenity Eyre. Silver Botanical Jewelry by Amber Mahler of Mani Designs. Bangles by Lia Bowen of Bullfinch & Barbury.

  • E-p-i-c

    Posted in: S/S12

    August 30th 2011

    Yes. We know how to go big.

    Turquoise Ball Sat. night – gorgeous – the models that represented Unabashed apparel did so with poise, grace, and righteous charm.

    Jenn was my model date. We were home by 10:30 -sadly, in order to be fresh for our 7am call.

    The next day we got up and out with our caravan of models, stylists, makeup artists, and captain of logistics.

    I come from talented folk. My godsister and my godmother came along to add their experience and wiles to the shoot. They have worked professionally on fashion shoots and shows for decades. They are certainly one of the driving reasons I got this obsession of fiber, thread and magical fabric art in my blood.

    We arrived and set to work. I could wax on about all the dangerous & reckless things we saw people doing: jumping from 60 feet into water, carrying wee babes in one arm with dogs on leashes in the other hand, rock jumping, etc. oh there were some death defying acts. We shook our heads and remained reserved and cautious.

    Our models were beauty, our makeup artist inspired, our photographer in the utter groove and our stylists choices – pitch perfect. The nymphs and dryads were completely with us, dancing and singing and twining vines about our enchanted day.

    And then one nymph went wicked and my godsister fell in ankle deep water onto a pile of angry looking rocks.

    Epic.

    And when the gal does something – there’s no half assed way to it. The wrist was thoroughly and completely broken. A lot.

    But let me tell you – she is my all star hero. She was utterly composed, calm, practical and a downright trooper.

    The whole group pitched in and did their part to turn our hard moment into the right action. I am blessed with capable, powerful and wise women folk.

    As our white faced, tough-as-nails gal walked her way out of the forest, she said, “Sb – finish the shoot.” And we did. Epic.

    Her spirit is the stuff of legends. I’ve never met a more gracious, talented lady. Such strength, such spirit. She is absolutely Unabashed. (And you know she had her own fashion shoot waiting in the ER – iphone in hand, because her sense of humor is wickedly wonderful.)

    There’s always more to the tale, but we’ll leave it there for now. I’ve learned a great deal about courage and grace this weekend.

    Wow.