Heather at the home office recommends checking out this Philly photographer this week before his show ends! Manuel Dominguez Jr.‘s photography is currently on display at Benna’s Cafe in South Philly. Heather also recommends trying the most delicious coffee and tea beverages she has ever tasted, especially the Open Fire made with soy milk.
Heather bought a print of the photo above! Her favorite part is that they are watching Rock of Love on the TV!
A comment on uwishunu (a Philly happenings blog) claims Manuel is the modern Norman Rockwell, so get there this week to check it out (show ends May 8).
Now you can write reviews of Free People stuff you have purchased. Let other customers know how much you loved it, how it fits, or what you like to wear it with. Free People employees will be writing reviews too, letting you know something special about the design, or sharing their favorite items. Check out this review by a customer named Edanna for the Spanish Tiers Skirt:
“It goes with everything and is perfect for going to class, or just wandering around town. It is so beautiful in person and has a more hippie vibe than the picture is showing. It is also the perfect length for boots or heels. Sandals as nice too. Easy to dress up with a nice top, or just pair with a t-shirt.”
We now ship to the UK!!! Check out this link for all the info.
I spotted these on Bloesem. Ladak blankets are designed by Jantien de Wilde and Jane Stroink in Amsterdam. The blanket is made from a tough material of recycled sweaters, blankets, jeans and even parts of mattresses. They then embellish with pretty lace and trims. Not only are the blankets made from recycled materials, but 15% of the proceeds will go to a shelter for the homeless in Amsterdam. Your comfort is theirs!
I’m not sure if you can order these on the US, but it is a great idea to embellish an old blanket you might usually use for picnics.
The ultimate tree cozy! Via pan-dan
Here is Rosie!!
and a note from her owner…
I was actually on the hunt for an English Bulldog, but came upon Rosie and loved her immediately! I wanted a female dog I could name Rosie Ruby, and when I saw her, she looked like a Rosie Ruby to me. She is my first dog and she is a handful! But she’s very sweet and good protection since I live alone.
Name: Rosie Ruby
Nick names: Rosie Monster, Rosie Posie, The Beast, Poop face!
Breed: American Bulldog
Likes: Everyone, squeaky toys, digging up the flowers in my yard, taking over the whole bed, and a good belly rub.
Dislikes: People with there hoods up. Boxes, mannequins, and ceiling fans are scary!!
Favorite friends: Indi, Brownie, Baxter and Keegan
Rosie is a great dog! I love that monster!!
I am definitely a big fan of Samantha Lamb’s photography, I know many of my fellow crafty bloggers are too. Sam is exhibiting her work in NY with an opening this weekend!
Samantha tells me that prints and coffee table books will be available, there are about 21 framed pieces, and she will be playing great music. Plus, this is a perfect opportunity to check out the In Good Company Workplaces, a space for women entrepreneurs.
If that isn’t enough to entice you, here are some of the photos…
We just opened in Canoga Park, CA! Here’s a few photos; come say hello! (How much do you love the pinwheels in the bike basket?)
Westfield Topanga Mall
Canoga Park, CA 91303
(818) 716-8069
Mon-Sat 10am-9pm
Sun 11am-7pm
Last week was Mill Week. Once a year we invite all of our fabric mills to visit the office so they can get a better sense of what FP is all about, meet with the designers and production team, and take a look at what we are working on. One of our vendors brought a donut tape dispenser, and our designers kind of loved it. Our vendor said she would send one from China, but when the knits team opened the box, she had sent a whole bunch!
So the knits team had a fake donut party. They are easily amused.
A few people asked how they can buy the FP tutus from the photo I posted. We do not have them for sale, but Luren from the display team has some tips.
To make these tutus, Luren used camisoles from past FP collections and petticoats she found on the internet. But you can make your own!
It’s easy to make a tutu: just find a color range of tulle and netting at your local fabric store and a thick band of elastic. If you have a sewing machine you can sew tiers of tulle onto the elastic band in a pleat-y way, folding an inch of the tulle under itself and sewing that inch, then folding more tulle under and sewing that inch so you’re making pleat after pleat after pleat right on the elastic band.
You can make several tiers of pleated tulle on a thick elastic band. Then you can add little bands of pleated tulle onto the bottom of the layers of tulle for extra bulk. We layered bright colors under pastel colors so that when you saw the tutus from below you got a special surprise pop of color.
Then we sewed them to Free People camisoles. The effect of this can be achieved with your homemade tutu or any tutu you can find at a thrift store or a dance shop. Most dance shops carry the donut style tutu (really big and thick around the waist) and the more relaxed skirt-y tutu. You can just pin the tutu to the bottom of the camisole all around and then use a needle and thread to whip stitch them together.
Good luck!
Luren (see this entry to learn more about Luren)
One of our myspace friends did this adorable illustration! Check out her page for more equally great drawings. Thanks criticdarling!
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