A world of handmade

It's been a while since my last post, and a lot's been going on. I'm looking at running my first market stall for Georgia's Closet, which has me very excited but also very busy making enough stock to get there in November or December.

Along the way, I've been researching markets of all kinds, but in particular handmade markets. If you hadn't noticed, there's a flurry of handmade markets, stores, websites and articles about handmade goods, born out of everyone's love for unique goods that are made with love and offer something special.

It just so happens that we've also been doing a few road trips this month and have managed to stumble across some fabulous stores that appealed to my love of handmade. My ultimate favourite is My Place at Bowral, in NSW's Southern Highlands. I LOVE this shop, it's full of beautiful fabrics and ideas that I could have spent all day there. Check them out at http://www.myplacebowral.com.au/

We also visited a couple of handmade kids markets, these are relatively new in Sydney but I can tell they're really going to take off because the stallholders these markets attract produce beautiful things and the market 'owners' are really passionate about what they do. With Christmas coming up, if you have the time check out one of these markets and you'll find some great buys for Christmas. A few of my faves are Hide and Seek, Poppyseed Markets and Billycart Markets. Make sure you check out their websites for market dates and maybe soon you'll see Georgia's Closet there too.

On another note, you may have noticed we have a new logo!! I'm so happy with our logo, I think it perfectly represents the look and feel of Georgia's Closet. Fantastic work from Kim at Boutique by Design, she designs beautiful work for other WAHMs (Work-at-home-Mums) and small businesses.

I'n working busily on summer dresses, skirts, shorts and bloomers. To order any of these, email me at georgiascloset@gmail.com

Enjoy this warm weather and dressing your little one in beautiful Spring-inspired clothes!

Vanessa
xx

Shoes are a little girl's best friend

I've been thinking a lot about how I can give my customers more value out of this blog and somehow (yes unimaginably so!) my mind wandered to shoes. Since Georgia's walking...or should I say running...so confidently now, I've started putting shoes on her whenever we leave the house. But I must say that it's hard to find the right shoe for a little one - and very importantly, shoes that will match gorgeous party clothes as well as casual ones you won't mind getting wrecked in the event of toddler mischief.

I'm addicted to buying soft soled, leather shoes for Georgia. Not only are they light on her feet, they're flexible too, which is super important when toddlers are learning to walk. Check out this guide to buying baby and toddler shoes for some great info on what to look for, how to buy and some great links too. Soft leather shoes come in so many styles and colours that you'll be sure to find a pair to perfectly compliment any outfit and will probably find it hard to choose just one or two!

I recently went into a beautiful little baby boutique for some dressier shoes for Georgia as she previously only owned these heavy, thick soled black Mary Janes. I ended up choosing a gorgeous pair of chocolate brown moccasins by Bobux that will match any colour outfit and still looks quite dressy. I now officially love Bobux shoes, they have so many styles to choose from and are a great price too, given how quickly Georgia's little piggies have been growing lately. Check them out and choose a pair to match your little one's favourite Georgia's Closet dress!

Speaking of dresses, I've been feeling guilty that I make all of these dresses to sell and poor Georgia gets left out....I guess it's like a mechanic who never services their own car, in a way! I had a beautiful piece of fabric which I had wanted to make something for her out of, so I set about putting together a gorgeous peasant dress for her....and here it is.

I'm also taking orders for this style of dress in sizes 1 to 5, at $45 it's a bargain for a party dress, and if you prefer a more casual look, I can make it without the bow for $40. As the Aussie dollar's been so strong lately I've stocked up on fabrics and I have some stunning fabrics that will suit this dress perfectly too. Email me at georgiascloset@gmail.com to place your order.

I'm loving that the sun is shining and Spring is nearly here, so here's to plenty more sunshine!

Vanessa
xx

Spring fashion fever takes hold

With all of the talk about David Jones and Myer launching their Spring collections, I couldn't help but get inspired and started thinking about what looks I'm going to put out there for Georgia's Closet this Spring, especially when today was such a gorgeous sunny day. And while we still have a few more weeks to shiver through, Spring is only around the corner and I'm looking forward to creating some of the cutest Spring looks for 2010.

Another inspiration came to me when I took a trip to my favourite store today, Country Road and I'm loving all of the gorgeous bright colours for this season. If you're familiar with our clothes already, you'll know that Georgia's Closet tends to favour lovely printed fabrics - modern patterns that really stand out and have people asking you 'where did you get that?' So this season won't be any different, but I'm bringing out some unusual pieces, gorgeous dresses, bold floral prints, girly twirly skirts in our popular patchwork style, bright, happy PJs and bloomers....

...yes bloomers. Last year, before Georgia's Closet was created, I scoured the shops high and low to find inexpensive, cute bloomers in plain and pattern for Georgia. Rather than spending upwards of $20 for these, I (or actually Georgia) sadly went without. When thinking of my Spring/Summer collection, bloomers instantly came to mind so keep a look out for bloomers in plain and patterns - and we may even have a special deal where you can buy a dress and bloomers set.

And of course, not forgetting the boys this Spring - I'm working on super cool shorts in funky fabrics that will make yours the best dressed little man at the beach, playground, anywhere!

Keep and eye out for the Spring collection via our Facebook page and online store....here's to a quick few weeks of Winter and bring on Spring and all its sunshine and good fun!

Til next time,
Vanessa
xx

mini luke, online shopping and more!!

So yes it's been a while since my last post, but with good reason. First of all I was busy finishing Georgia's jacket for her 1st birthday party. I'm so happy with the result, it has little red apples on it and suits her perfectly! As well as this, there was tons to prepare for the big day but all went off without a hitch and Georgia had a fantastic day.

I've also been super busy launching our boys' range of clothing.....and deciding on a name for the boy's stuff - you'll remember the online competition held in June. Amelia McKee, mum to Oscar, suggested 'mini luke' which I absolutely love and so there you have it......mini luke by Georgia's Closet is born! Keep an eye out for hoodies and PJ's both on Facebook and at http://www.madeit.com.au/georgiascloset

Speaking of Facebook, I'm very excited to be launching our online Facebook store! Many people have asked how this will work and it's really pretty simple. Through the Georgia's Closet fan page (http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Georgias-Closet/335599849932?ref=ts), I have a tab 'Shop Now' where fans will be able to purchase directly online. It's all ready to go, I just need to build up some stock to place up on the site.

This week I discovered another reason to love Georgia's Closet, so am very pleased to share this story with you. Georgia has had this little rash on her neck, a red, raised blotchy patch which I put down to the tags from her PJs and clothes rubbing constantly. I removed the tags off all the offending items and got some ointment so it's on the mend....however the point of my story is this. All Georgia's Closet and mini luke pieces come with iron on dot labels (I use those from http://www.mooo.com.au/ and love them!) so never will there be a huge chunky tag annoying your little one and causing irritations.....see just one more reason for you to love Georgia's Closet!

On that note, time for me to go. Keep checking our Facebook page and be the first to experience online shopping at Georgia's Closet. I have a few more ideas up my sleeve for the coming weeks too so stay tuned!

Vanessa
xx

Boy's hoodies are on their way!

Due to popular demand we're soon to be in the business of boy's clothes! So in light of this exciting new venture, we need a name for our boy's line of clothing....and we need your help!! Put your creative hat on and come up with the best name for our new collection and you'll win a boy's hoodie in the size of your choice (sizes 6 months to 5 years). Email your entry to georgiascloset@gmail.com by June 20.

Aside from this exciting development, I've been super busy organising Georgia's first birthday party and making her jacket to wear on the big day....this got me thinking about what's practical for kids to wear to parties. Aside from the fact that they're likely to get ice cream, chocolate and cake all over their gorgeous party clothes, you also want them to be comfortable and not pulling at their clothes all day....or worse taking them off!!

Opt for nice, soft fabrics to suit the weather (soft cottons in summer, cord or denim in winter) and preferably go with long sleeves in winter so you won't have to chase after your little one with a jacket all day - have you ever noticed kids hate wearing jackets when it's 10 degrees outside?

For colour choice, obviously avoid white wherever possible, printed fabrics are great because they don't show stains as much - and you're more likely to spot your dearest running off if they're not wearing something common like black, blue, red, pink etc....which is where I put my sales pitch in about our new hoodies - made in cute, designer printed fabrics they'll keep him warm, it can be dressed up or down and you'll spot him a mile away since he'll be the best dressed boy at the party!

Have fun and stay warm.....and don't forget to enter your name suggestion before June 20!

Vanessa
xx

Bundles of new fabrics.....

Despite my best efforts, I went crazy and bought a whole heap of new fabrics today. Georgia and I went out to get just a couple of things but I must have looked like a crazy woman with rolls of fabrics hanging off the pram, trying to steer around and hurry at the same time. As you probably know, shopping with a baby is never easy, shopping for fabrics in almost impossible....but it was lots of fun and I wouldn't have it any other way. Georgia already has quite the eye for fashion!

At the moment I'm leaning towards wintery greys and dark denims which will contrast well with some great cotton prints I bought. I also picked up a great crimson sateen fabric which will be perfect for a new top I'm going to make soon. Stay tuned, I'm very excited about it....wish it came in adult sizes!

I'm just putting the finishing touches on the latest order I have, another jacket in a super cute cow fabric from Korea. It's taken me longer than I hoped.....getting back into the swing of things after holidays and also being at work two days has thrown me. After this order, I'm hoping to get started on the jacket I want to make for Georgia's birthday, I've been planning on doing it for ages but orders have been keeping me busy. Not that I'm complaining in the slightest!

Lastly, I'm thinking about starting to sell my creations via in-home parties, let me know what you think of this and I'll keep you updated as I work things out. Til next time, keep warm!

Vanessa