Charming Necessities Blog
facebook
twitter
pinterest
instagram

Friday, December 30, 2011

Just Launched! Spring Boutique Clothes for Girls

I am so very happy to announce that 3 of the 5 girls clothing collections I have planned for Spring have been launched!  Genteel in Pink, Genteel in Yellow, and Enchanted are available HERE

Daydream will also be launching within a few days, and Graceful is due to be released in a couple weeks.  Boys Tie Shirts and matching Shorts will also be available at the same time as the Graceful collection.

Each collection includes a knot dress, halter swing top, capri pants, retro sunsuit, matching hair accessories, and lace leggings! 





Charming Necessities Boutique © 2011 Images and/or content may not be taken from this site without written permission. All rights reserved. DO NOT COPY

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Spring 2012 Collections will launch on Friday!

I am so excited to launch the first two Spring collections on Friday!  There are some new designs, including a ruffled sun dress, halter swing top and capri ruffle pants; as well as old favorites like knot dresses and retro sunsuits.

Photography  by the amazing Artsy Tartsy Photography.




Charming Necessities Boutique © 2011 Images and/or content may not be taken from this site without written permission. All rights reserved. DO NOT COPY

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Planning for Spring 2012 and some sneak peeks

I am SO EXCITED about Spring 2012!  After lots of planning, things are coming together perfectly!  It takes a bunch of behind the scenes work to launch new collections.

First I have to decide on fabrics to use.  I keep in mind the season that I'm designing for {in this case, spring} as well as what holidays are a part of that season, what specific colors have done well in the past, and also what the trends are.

Then I have to make sure I'm not buying all the same general colors, I want to make sure that I have a good selection of different prints and colors.  I know my customers have different tastes, so I try to have lots of options!  If I were designing just for my girls I would probably make all pink dresses.  LOL ;)

Once I have my fabrics and any trims I want to use selected - I decide on what staple pieces I want to do, as well as what new designs I want to bring in.  The possibilities for new designs are endless, so I have to narrow it down to a few sets of outfits {which takes forever!} that I think will work well for the season.

When I have an idea of the outfits I'm going to make - then I have to decide how to use best position the fabrics with any given piece.  I take into account the colors and patterns of the fabric and try to use them in a way that makes the outfit flow well and is aesthetically pleasing.

Usually I just write down where I want to place fabrics in a notebook, but this year, I decided to be fancy schmancy and give myself a better visual.  I can't draw to save my life {thus the reason why sewing is my creative outlet! ;)} but here are my planning "maps".



When I have everything mapped out on my papers, then all the pieces get cut out.  Here are my maps organized by type {ie dress, pants, top..}, and my pattern folder. 


So after this point I didn't take any pictures until the clothes were finished.  Why?  Because it looked like a bomb went off in my studio.  I can't stand unorganized spaces and let me tell you - it was driving me crazy!  Piles of cut out, unfinished clothes were all over the place.  Remember that I have to work on new things in addition to working on current orders, so its definitely a stressful time.

After the clothes are made then I had to make up some made to match hair accessories.  Ooooooh I am so excited about them - but I will leave that for a surprise when the collections launch in early January.

There are a few other surprises I have up my sleeve, but you will see those soon!

Three of the five collections for Spring are out to photographers - and the last two will be going out this week.  I am so grateful to be able to work with some amazingly talented ladies - and can't wait to share their stunning work with you!

For now, here are a few more pictures of some new designs coming for Spring:




Charming Necessities Boutique © 2011 Images and/or content may not be taken from this site without written permission. All rights reserved. DO NOT COPY

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Ready to Ship Upload Tomorrow on Facebook!

Here is a peek of the fabrics for tomorrows Ready to Ship Upload on Facebook!



Monday, November 28, 2011

CYBER MONDAY Facebook Fan Exclusive Sale

I am holding a CYBER MONDAY sale for facebook fans!  Head on over to the Charming Necessities facebook page for 15% off select knot dresses and ruffle pants!  Ends tonight at 9PM EST.

Here are the items on sale!








Thursday, November 24, 2011

Charming Necessities Black Friday Sale


The biggest Charming Necessities sale of the year!  If you are  fan of Charming Necessities, now is the time to stock up on your favorite pieces.  Sales are few and far between in my shop.  Valid on both http://www.charmingnecessities.com/ and in my Etsy shop.  Savings is automatically deducted at checkout on my main site, and orders through the Etsy shop will get a refund for the sale % through papyal.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Monday, November 21, 2011

Thanksgiving Outfits for my Twins

Its not often that I have time before a holiday to sew for my twin girls.  And if I do happen to have time I'm so over sewing that I usually do something quick for them.  This year though, I had these gorgeous out-of-print fabrics that I purchased specifically to make them Thanksgiving outfits.

Since we have multiple family dinners during Thanksgiving, and don't do anything big for Christmas {just Christmas dinner with the 6 of us}, I wanted to make them something extra special.

I also have a bazillion ideas running through my head for spring 2012 and so it was a great opportunity for me to try out some new things!

After I cut out the peasant dress with apron and ruffle pants, I had leftover fabric.  I HATE to have small amounts of fabric left, so I used what was left to make a cute peasant shirt. 

My girls adore their new clothes, and that's really what its all about!  <3







Charming Necessities Boutique © 2011 Images and/or content may not be taken from this site without written permission. All rights reserved. DO NOT COPY

Friday, November 18, 2011

Charming Necessities on Celebrity Baby Scoop

Wooo hoo!  In case you missed it, or aren't a fan of Charming Necessities on Facebook - yesterday the Ma Cherie Peasant Dress was featured on the Celeb Baby Gear: Get the Look Series!  So neat!  Here's a screen shot - click the picture to follow the link to the actual article.  :)


Saturday, November 12, 2011

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Direction

Some of you may have noticed that a lot of hair accessories that used to be available on Charming Necessities are now gone.

I wanted to update all my fans and customers on the direction Charming Necessities will be taking.  Its not a huge change - but one that is critical for CN to continue running smoothly.

I will be carrying a select amount of hair accessories from now on.  Mostly headbands made to match my collections plus a few other items that are good sellers.  There are many many places online to find basic flower headbands and hair bows, so I will continue to carry the more unique pieces and of course items to match the clothing I make.

As most of my fans on facebook know - I have four children.  I homeschool my 7 yo son - and this year I am also doing pre-school with my 4 yo son.  So during the day {when I used to use free time to make hair accessories} I am now doing school with my boys.  My nights are dedicated to sewing, and since I really have no extra time now, I needed to "de fluff" my site and focus on where I want CN to be going.

I sell much more clothing, and I think that other than the Mini Top Hats, most customers know CN for the dresses and sunsuits and so on.

I want to thank my customers for keeping me so busy!  I am so thankful that you all love Charming Necessities so much.  My current turn around time is 4 weeks for clothing, however I am happy to say that I am getting orders out about 5 days earlier than that right now. 

Lastly, I am going to *attempt* to hold a Ready to Ship event once a week.  I will try to allocate one day a week to sewing ready to ship items, since here has been such a great reception to previous ready to ship uploads!  But I say "attempt" because there will be weeks where my order load will be such that I won't be able to make ready to ship items, I will have to use that day to work on regular orders.  I will keep you up to date on my facebook page!

I will leave you with this - my sweet boys taking a trip to the post office with me.  :)


Friday, October 28, 2011

Charming Necessities Ready to Ship Sale

I will be holding a Ready to Ship sale on the Charming Necessities Fan Page today at 4PM EST!  Items will be very limited quantities{1-2 per size} and this sale will be first come first served. 

PLEASE READ : The last ready to ship sale I posted individual pictures and listed the size beneath. This time - I will post ONE picture of the dress and then list the sizes and qtys available under the picture {example:  size 2T {1}, 3T {2}, 4T {1}, etc}. 

In order to purchase a size - you will need to post your paypal address and the SIZE you need.  I will then go down the list and the first person to post a particular size {ie. 2T} will get that size. 

I will send the winners an invoice through Paypal to pay – you do not have to have a Paypal acct, you can use a credit card without logging into Paypal.

Buyer has 24 hours to pay invoice, otherwise I will relist the shirt for sale.

These are ready to ship and will ship out 36-48 hours after payment has been made.




Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Sneak peeks at Spring 2012 released!

I'm so excited to show you a sneak peek at two collections for Spring 2012!  I just love these whimsical prints!  These two collections wil be launched in January, stay tuned.


Friday, October 21, 2011

Celebration Sale!

The Charming Necessites Facebook page just reached 10,000 fans!  I am so thankful for all my wonderful fans and customers!  Without them, Charming Necessities would not be where it is today.

To celebrate, I will be having a site wide 10% off sale - starting tonight at 5PM EST.  Sale will run through 5PM EST Sunday Oct 23rd. 

Please note that this sale is ONLY valid on purchases made during the time frame specified above.

Happy shopping!

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Charming Necessities in US Weekly

If you are in line at the store this week - pick up the Oct 24, 2011 edition of US Weekly and flip to page 30.  You'll see Honor Warren in the Ma Cherie Peasant Dress!  I am so excited!


Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Fall Girls Clothes - Knot Dress, Peasant Dress, Ruffle Pants, and more in Key To My Heart Navy/Fuschia

Key to My Heart Navy/Fuschia is the last addition to my Fall 2011 Girls Clothing Collections, and it is so gorgeous!

The colors are lime green, navy, fuschia, pink, and a bit of turquoise.  Not traditional fall colors, but beautiful if you want something a bit more modern!

The collection consists of a Knot Dress, Peasant Dress, Long Sleeve Peasant Top, Ruffle Pants, Bustle Twirl Skirt, and matching Flower Headbands.

Photography by the amazing Abby Caldwell Photography!


Knot Dress, Long Sleeve Peasant Shirt, Ruffle Pants and Flower Headband


Another picture of the Knot Dress, Long Sleeve Peasant Shirt, Ruffle Pants and Flower Headband



Reverse Knot Apron Top, Long Sleeve Peasant Shirt, Ruffle Pants, and Flower Headband


Long Sleeve Peasant Top, Bustle Twirl Skirt, Ruffled Knee High Socks and Flower Headband


Peasant Dress with Ruffles, Ruffled Knee High Socks, and Flower Headband


Isn't she darling?!  <3

Charming Necessities Boutique © 2011 Images and/or content may not be taken from this site without written permission. All rights reserved. DO NOT COPY

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Boys Tie Shirts - coming soon!

I am excited to announce that I am bringing back the Boys Tie Shirts!  After many many requests from my customers to make items for boys - I have decided to start making Tie Shirts again.  They make wonderful gifts for baby showers, and are also adorable for pictures!  My boys always get complimented when they wear their tie shirts out. 

Here are some pictures from earlier this year, when I offered the tie shirts on my site:



I will be offering tie shirts in boy prints - as well as in fabrics to match my girl's collections {when possible}.

I hope to have them listed on my site within the next two weeks - so check back soon!

Charming Necessities Boutique © 2011 Images and/or content may not be taken from this site without written permission. All rights reserved. DO NOT COPY








Thursday, October 13, 2011

Peasant Dresses - versatile and adorable!

The most popular dress in my shop in the moment is the Peasant Dress with Ruffles.  Specifically this dress:



One of the key features of this dress is that it grows with your child!  Once its too short to be a dress it can be worn as a tunic with leggings or jeans.

This style peasant dress is available in four additional collections: 









Charming Necessities Boutique © 2011 Images and/or content may not be taken from this site without written permission. All rights reserved. DO NOT COPY




Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Honor Warren wearing Charming Necessities!

I was so thrilled to learn over the weekend that Honor Warren was out and about with her mom, Jessica Alba, wearing a dress I made!  Pinch me I must be dreaming!

 I hope that she continues to enjoy her Charming Necessities peasant dress, it looks so precious on her!  :)


More pictures can be seen HERE.

The Ma Cherie Peasant Dress is available for purchase HERE.  It is part of my Fall 2011 Collection so it is shown on my site with long sleeves.  Want it made with short sleeves like Honor's?  Just leave me a note in the box at checkout and I will make short sleeves instead!


Saturday, October 1, 2011

Extra Large Chiffon Rose Flower Headbands - Le Grande Fleur


Take a peek at these gorgeous new chiffon flower headbands!

Le Grande Fleur is a extra large {5"} chiffon rose attached to a stretch lace headband.  As with all the flower headbands at Charming Necessities, the headband can be made to fit girls of any age!  Newborns, Infants, Toddlers, Big Girls, Teens, and beyond.

 These fantastic headbands are definitely a statement piece!

There are 10 colors to choose from:  white, ivory, gray, black, turquoise, navy, purple, red, hot pink, and light pink.

Photography by my sweet friend, Jeni at Artsy Tartsy Photography {except for the first and last pictures}.

All the colors currently available.

Pink Le Grande Fleur

Turquoise Le Grande Fleur

Black Le Grande Fleur

Gray Le Grande Fleur

Red Le Grande Fleur {how perfect is this for the holidays?!}

Purple Le Grande Fleur

Hot Pink Le Grande Fleur

Love these?!  Click here to shop!

Charming Necessities Boutique © 2011 Images and/or content may not be taken from this site without written permission. All rights reserved. DO NOT COPY