Fall Boutique Clothes - Knot Dress, Peasant Dress, Peasant Top, Ruffle Pants and Twirl Skirt in Key To My Heart Celery/Coral

I recently recieved some modeled pictures of the Fall 2011 Key To My Heart Celery/Coral Collection!  I am in LOVE!  A big thanks to Carrie T Photography for the gorgeous pictures!

This collection includes a knot dress, peasant dress, peasant shirt, ruffle pants, twirl skirt, reverse knot apron top, ruffled socks, and two matching headbands.  Whew!

Sage green, yellow, rust red, coral, and a touch of lime green definitely say "fall"!  The fabrics are a fun mix of antique keys and lockets, modern florals, geographic shapes.

Peasant Dress with Ruffles, Ruffled Knee High Socks, Petite Posy Flower Headband

Long Sleeve Peasant Top, Ruffle Pants, Reverse Knot Apron Top {left}, Knot Dress {right}, matching flower headbands.

Long Sleeve Peasant Top, Bustle Twirl Skirt, Ruffle Knee High Socks, matching Shabby Victorian Headband

A new flower headband, Petite Posy, in Sage.

Made to match Shabby Victorian Flower Headband

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

Owning a Boutique and being a WAHM

This morning I'm sitting here doing admin work {printing out new orders, writing due dates on them, and organizing all the papers} while my girls run around in their Tinkerbell pjs and watch Dora.  My boys are in the other room playing cars {Dora mixed with car noises just doesn't work}.

I have lots of orders to work on.  I mean, A LOT of orders!  After the feeling overwhelmed, I think about how lucky I am do to what I do.  I am able to run my business out of my house, and stay home with my kids.  I can do something I love, and I am so thankful to have wonderful customers who enjoy my products!

There are certainly days when I feel like I am stretched too thin - most days really.  BUT I wouldn't change it for the world!  My little business has become much more than I ever anticipated it would - and its growing by leaps and bounds!  :)

For a WAHM, its not so simple as listing your items for sale and then making the items and mailing them to the customer.  There are so many behind the scenes "jobs"!  You have to be a customer service representative, packer, shipper, accountant, blogger/facebook{er?} LOL, merchandiser, buyer, advertiser, photographer, photo editor, web site manager, and description writer, on top of being the designer and maker of your items.  You have to {attempt} to be organized, keep track of due dates, repurchase supplies when you are running low, keep your eyes out for new products, and the list goes on!

Its definitely a crazy road, full of detours and bumps, but I think that being a WAHM with a thriving business is the best job in the world!

I want to give a sincere THANK YOU to all my customers and fans who have helped me build Charming Necessities.  Your support and patronage is the reason that Charming Necessities is what it is today. 

THANK YOU!!

XOXO,

Jenni

Girls Boutique Clothing - Knot Dress, Peasant Dress, Ruffle Pants, Peasant Shirt and more for Fall 2011!

Well, its me again, saying that I have completely dropped the ball on blogging.  ):  I have been so busy working on getting fall items made and shipped out to be modeled and photographed, as well as working on current orders - my poor blog has gotten neglected. 

There is soooo much to post about but I will start with two Fall collections for today!

Recently, Damsel in Sky and Damsel in Lilac were launched for Fall 2011.  The collections were photographed by the incredible Jennie from Helmuth Photography.  She did the most amazing job!

Each collection includes multiple pieces, that can all be interchanged to create the outfit you want.  There is a knot dress with apron, peasant dress, ruffle pants, bustle twirl skirt, long sleeve peasant shirt, ruffled knee high socks, and matching flower headbands.

Damsel in Lilac Knot Dress, Long Sleeve Peasant Top, Ruffle Pants, and made to match Flower Headband.

Damsel in Lilac Ruffled Peasant Dress and matching Flower Headband

Damsel in Lilac Long Sleeve Peasant Shirt, Reverse Knot Apron Top, Ruffle Pants and Flower Headband.

Damsel in Lilac Long Sleeve Peasant Top, Bustle Twirl Skirt, and Ruffled Knee High Socks

Damsel in Sky Apron Knot Dress, Long Sleeve Peasant Shirt, Ruffle Pants, and Flower Headband.

Damsel in Sky Ruffled Peasant Dress and Flower Headband

Damsel in Sky Long Sleeve Peasant Shirt, Bustle Twirl Skirt, Ruffled Knee High Socks, and Flower Headband

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

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

2011 Ma Cherie Collection - Knot Dress, Peasant Dress, Ruffle Pants, Twirl Skirt and Peasant Top

My newest collection launched recently - Ma Cherie.  A beautiful collection in french inspired damasks, modern florals, and sweet polka dots!

I am so excited too, to show off my first collaboration!  MiaMoo Designs is a sweet shop full of adorable chunky necklaces for girls.  This style necklace is very trendy right now, and I love the texture it adds to an outfit.  Katie designed a necklace to match the Ma Cherie Collection and it is a perfect finishing touch for all the outfits!  Check out her website and facebook page.

Fall 2011 embodies all that sets Charming Necessities apart from other boutiques!  Gorgeous handmade boutique clothing in many styles {knot dress, peasant dress, top, skirt, pants, etc} as well as fashion forward made to match hair accessories.  You can mix and match the pieces to create the look that YOU want!  Items are sold individually so you have a choice.  Just want a dress?  That's great!  Want a few different looks?  Purchase a Knot Dress, Ruffle Pants, and a Peasant Top - then your little one can wear the dress and pants one day, peasant top and ruffle pants another day, and even the peasant top and knot dress with a pair of leggings another day!  There are many different ways to mix and match pieces.

The main colors for this collection are pink, black, tan, and a coral pink.   The damask fabric and polka dot fabric have a small french writing in vintage typewriter print.  So sweet!

Photography by Artsy Tartsy Photography.

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

Knot Dress, Peasant Top, Ruffle Pants and matching Felt Flower Headband

Peasant Top, Ruffle Pants, and matching Felt Flower Headband

Ruffled Peasant Dress, Ruffled Knee High Socks, and matching Flower Headbands

Peasant Top, Ruffle Pants, and the Charming Necessities original design, Reverse Knot Apron Top with matching Flower Headband.

Peasant Top and the new Bustle Twirl Skirt, with matching Ruffled Knee High Socks and Flower Headband.

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

Holiday 2011 Noel Boutique Peasant Dress, Knot Dress, Ruffle Pants, and Hair Accessories

Charming Necessities' Christmas 2011 Collection has launched!

Introducing Noel {Holiday 2011}

The collection includes a Knot Dress, Peasant Dress with Apron, Ruffle Pants, Lace Edged Peasant Shirt, Ruffled Swing Jacket, and matching Flower Hair Accessories!

The fabrics are just gorgeous!  Vintage French Inspired Christmas is a good way to sum it up!  The fabrics feature french writing, medallions, birds, holly berries and poinsettia, in classic Christmas colors of red, green, and gold.

Photography by the amazing Artsy Tartsy Photography!

Christmas Knot Dress, Peasant Top with Lace Edged Sleeve, Ruffle Pants, and Shabby Victorian Flower Headband 

Christmas Peasant Dress with Apron and matching Shabby Victorian Flower Headband

Ruffle Swing Jacket, Peasant Top with Lace Edged Sleeves, and matching Flower Hair Clip

Shabby Victorian Flower Headband

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



Garment Care

Just a little note to let you know the best way to care for your Charming Necessities outfits!

I use 100% cotton, designer fabrics.  Why?  Well for a few reasons.

1.  Designer fabrics are quality fabrics, of course.  They are sturdy, yet soft, and also wash and wear well - unlike their cheaper counterparts that fade after the first wash and then don't look so pretty anymore.

2.  100% cotton is a great choice for little one's skin.  Its breathable and, well - COTTON!  ;)

3.  I want to use the newest and trendiest prints for my collections!

Some quick info about 100% cotton fabrics.

All fabrics are pre-washed in a free and clear detergent before I cut and sew together any garment.  The reason for this is that there is a starch applied to fabrics when they are put on bolts and washing gets rid of that. 

Also {this is the most important reason}, cotton fabric can shrink when washed, especially the first time.  So, the fabric is pre-shrunk when I go to cut it, and you don't end up with a size smaller once you wash your item for the first time!

The best way to care for your outfits.

While you can just throw your garments in the washer and dryer just like other clothing, a little extra attention will keep them looking their best longer.  My twin's wear 50% Charming Necessities clothing and 50% store bought items.  These are the methods that I have found work best for their boutique items.

1.  For stains, spot treat as you would normally do.

2.  Wash on cold or warm water {extremely hot water can shrink and fade the cottons}.

3.  For drying, you CAN put your items in the dryer with everything else.  BUT cotton can wrinkle if left in the dryer too long {and pretty much everytime I leave stuff in the dryer too long LOL}.  So make sure you take the clothing out as soon as the dryer is done.

OR {this is my favorite method - but I don't do this every time I wash}

Hang your cotton garments to dry.  Especially those with lots of ruffles.  I usually take the items right out of the wash, shake them out a few times and straighten out the ruffles and straps.  This way you avoid wrinkled outfits - and don't have to iron!  {I hate ironing. ;-] }

Today's Sweet Steal - 10% off TWO collections!

This Week's Sweet Steal is 10% off the Springtime in Paris Collection and the Feelin Groovy Collection!

These collections include a knot dress, pillowcase dress, ruffle pants, flower headband, mini top hat and other items.

Sale valid only on purchases made today (on http://www.charmingnecessities.com/) and not valid on previous purchases.

Sale ends at 9PM EST tonight!

Happy Shopping!

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

Summer Knot Dress, Reverse Knot Apron Top, Ruffles Pants and more - Good Day Sunshine Collection

The Good Day Sunshine Collection includes a Knot Dress, Reverse Knot Apron Top (new design!), Pillowcase Dress, Pesant Top, and Ruffle Pants, along with matching hair accessories!

Gorgeous flower prints in pumpkin orange, apple green, and yellow make this collection the perfect transition from Summer to Fall.

Knot Dress, Ruffle Pants, and matching Fascinator

Peasant Top, Reverse Knot Apron Top, Ruffle Pants

Peasant Top, Ruffle Pants, and matching Shabby Victorian Flower Headband

Pillowcase Dress and matching Flower Headband

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

New Flower Hair Clip - the Fleur De Boucle

I have added a brand new flower hair clip to my collection of high fashion hair accessories!

Introducing the Fleur de Boucle Hair Clip - for babies, toddlers, and girls!

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

NEW - Shabby Victorian Flower Headbands

The Shabby Victorian Flower Headbands are now available!  Currently offered in 13 colors, including pinks, blues, purples, turquoise, white, yellow, and chocolate. 

These beautiful flower headbands feature a shabby, handmade flower, accented with a sparkling rhinestone center, and attache to a double ruffle velvet elastic headband.

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

Sweet Steal Preview for June 15th

Tomorrow's Sweet Steal is......................wait for it.................

15% off all Lace Petti Rompers!!!!!!  Originally $27.00 - for one day only they will be $22.95!  What a steal!

Lace Petti Rompers are available in White, Pink, Purple, Yellow, Red, Hot Pink, and Chocolate.

While you are shopping, grab a Mini Top Hat Headband or A Touch of Royalty Fascinator and you'll have the most adorable outfit for photos!

Sale price is only valid on purchases made June 15th, 2011, and NOT valid on previous purchases.  Rompers will return to the normal price Wednesday night. 

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



Announcing Sweet Steals - Featured Merchandise at Sweet Prices!

For the summer I will be running a "Sweet Steal".  Every Wednesday a featured item will be on sale, for 24 hours only!

The Sweet Steal will be announced on Tuesday here on the Charming Necessities Blog.  Subscribe or follow my blog to be the first to know what the Sweet Steal will be!  The Steal will be announced on Wednesday morning on the Charming Necessities Facebook fan page.

The first Steal is going to be a Sweet one, so you don't want to miss out!



Backstage Saturday Series - June 11

We have family in town this weekend, so I'll keep this week's Backstage Saturday short and sweet!

I had a few special orders this week, including a Apron Peasant Dress made in the Carnival Ride Collection.  It is just adorable!  So fun and bright, I love it!

Also a customer wanted Haute Couture Knot Dresses for her daughters but she wanted the switch fabrics around a bit so that the girls coordinated but weren't "matchy matchy".  They turned out fab!

A peek at some new hair accessories!  New colors are up on my site in the Old Hollywood Feather Headbands, and a new size Mini Top Hat - Fair Lady Petitie Top Hats!  So sweet and perfect for newborns.  Will be listed soon on my site.

Have a great weekend!

Backstage Saturday Series - June 4

It was a busy week as usual here at Charming Necessities!

Not only did I have a lot of sewing to do, I had a bunch of hair accessories and mini top hats to make!

I forgot to take pictures of most things - including a super sweet Knot Dress and Ruffle Pants set in Pretty Pretty Princess. 

I worked on a bunch of Vintage Beauty Sunsuits - and I have 6 more to cut out and make today.  EEK!

I posted these on Facebook - but I had to share again.  How FAB are these colors for summer?!  The skirt on the left is from the Feelin Groovy collection - and the skirt on the right is new, from the Carnival Ride collection.

A customer requested the basic peasant top in these colors for her daughter.  What is it about peasant tops?  Even in a solid color they are just so sweet and girly!

Also a customer request - Ruffle Pants in the Haute Couture Collection.  These will be available on my site soon!

Some mini top hats ready to be put on headbands!  Pink is by far the best seller.

And I just have to share a few amazing pictures I have gotten for Charming Couture {women's accessories} and some new girl's mini top hats, fascinators, and feather headbands.

I am so blessed to work with so many amazingly talented photographers! I want to be like them when I grow up!

Photography by Abby Caldwell Photography!

Photography by Artsy Tartsy Photography!

Photography by Haleigh Rohner Photography! 

Photography by Laura Brett Photography

Photography by Helmuth Photography!

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