Charlotte Magazine asked me to create some Hems & Hers pieces featuring fur and feathers. I'd never worked with those materials before, so not only was this a technical challenge, but a creative one as well... the best kind of challenge. In fact, this process even brought about a new style - the Sadie Shift! Hope you enjoy these new pieces... all are for sale. The dresses (with trim) are $120 each, and the skirt is $75. Email me at hemsandhers {at} gmail {dot} com if you're interested... they can ship today!
The Sadie Shift... featuring a drop waist, pockets and a pencil skirt. As shown with fur collar trim. Size 4. $120
Caroline Strapless Dress As shown with a feather-fringed hem. Size 4. $120 The Susan Skirt. As shown in brown herringbone tweed with a mink faux fur waistband. Size 6/8. $75
I'm pretty predictable. When I have fabric choices in front of me, 98% of the time I gravitate to the bright, flirty, whimsical and preppy. Pink and green? Check. Animal print? Yes, please. Seersucker? Without a doubt.
It's always fun for me when a client chooses a fabric that's unexpected. Whether it's a deeper, richer color palette or a print that didn't catch my eye, I'm always eager to discover just what that fabric will become.
With its shades of ruby and ice blue, this Belle skirt happened to be one such instance. I was a bit dubious about it being too dark, but as you can see all my fears were for naught. This is the perfect piece to wear for the holidays without looking like you've donned the dreaded "CHRISTMAS SWEATER."
If you read Polka Dots & Protein Bars, you know that one of my favorite people on the planet is aHr from Southern Sunshine. A real life friend and delightful blog writer, this cutie always brings a smile to my face.
Ave contacted me a few weeks ago to create a Carolina blue Belle skirt for her (a fellow NC State alum, ARH is beyond selfless by wearing a color to support her beau's alma mater). I was tickled to death when I received this picture in my inbox. Ave shows you how to make a Hems & Hers piece weather appropriate by pairing it with long sleeves, leggings and flats. And not to be mistaken for a Tar Heel, Miss Southern Sunshine wisely added an unexpected pop of red to complete the look.
Here are a couple of shots of my sweet sister at ADPi Family weekend rocking her Caroline dress in style. Instead of the ruffled halter, though, she opted for a more simple halter style. I think you'll agree that she is looking presh.
I always think that every piece I make it my favorite, but this time, I think I'm serious. This Hannah dress and Belle skirt are for a friend of a friend who's heading off to Mexico for fun and adventures. I'm so thrilled that Hems & Hers will be along for the ride. We're going international... it's a fiesta!
Those of you who have been around the blogosphere certainly know Queen Bee Swain. One of my favorite bloggers (as a read and as a friend), I was ecstatic to make a lovely little Hannah dress for her. The Queen was kind enough to send me this picture and attached note about her Hems & Hers experience.
"This fetching dress arrived on my doorstep in early September and has proved to be a fantastic transitional piece as the temperatures take a nose-dive. It is so comfortable, easy to wear and attention-grabbing, I can't help but strut a bit more than normal when I sport the Hannah dress out and about. You know that you have a great piece when you've received compliments on it within minutes of sitting down at your desk- even men paid praise for this cheerful frock. I've had so much fun playing around with what is paired with it- because beggars cannot be choosers- the lady in my office that took this pic did not capture the whole ensemble, but I was wearing this with my favorite pair of riding boots to give it a further autumnal touch. Great pieced with or without a belt too!"
I am so excited about this skirt. I know I say that all the time, but this one may truly by my new favorite fall piece. It's no secret that I love both bright colors and houndstooth. The way those two come together on this fabric is just perfection. I can't wait to see Krissy sporting this around town as the temperatures get cooler and cooler.
Phew! Life has been crazy for these little sewers (the needle and thread variety - not the breeding ground for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles). So what have we been whipping up? Pretty threads, of course. These are just a small sampling of what we've been putting together, so keep your eyes peeled for more shots coming soon.
Plus: Hems & Hers visits the Big Apple this week!
Cute Emma belted her Hannah dress (far right) for an adorable game day look.
The Belle skirt for another Carolina gal.
Pink + Brown + Amy Butler = a tres fab Belle skirt.
This weekend I went with my dad and sister to Knoxville for the amazing Tennessee-Georgia game (45-19!!!). We were up early on Saturday to go to the Tennessee-Georgia game with our grandfather; HOWEVER, Saturday morning dawned damp, chilly and gray, which meant I wasn't able to wear the Susan skirt I made for the game - complete with buttons and ric rac trim. I adore this skirt - the fit, the flair, everything - but I doubt I'll be wearing it much, so I'm offering it up to my Hems & Hers readers (particularly Tennessee or Clemson fans, but I won't discriminate if you just love orange, like I do). This skirt will fit sizes 6-8 as a high-waisted skirt, and size 4 at the natural waist. The skirt is $50, and if you're interested, shoot me an email... I'll get it in the mail tomorrow!
Lest you think that Hems & Hers specializes solely in warm weather clothing, I chose to turn my newest Belle skirt into the perfect Southern weather transitional piece. By pairing this pretty gray piece with a turtleneck and gray ruffled booties this morning, I stayed perfectly in season and weather appropriate all day.
Here at Hems & Hers, animal prints are always in vogue. When not overdone, these prints exude fun, sophistication and class. Whether it's oversized giraffe, leopard or zebra, we love taking a walk on the wild side. Check out these shots of the Susan skirt looking ferocious.
One of my very favorite parts of the entire Hems & Hers process is selecting fabric. Orders have been pouring in over the past two weeks, and the material you ladies have selected has been fabulous. Here's just a peek of some of the beautiful eye candy! All of these fabrics are also available as belts from SuZeeBee - one of the best ways to jazz up your wardrobe.
As a self respecting NC State alum, I should be ashamed by all the Carolina blue fabric abounding in Hems & Hers Headquarters I and II (my house and Little's). I have to say, though, I'm loving the cute styles that have been hitting the mail all week. Check out how the same fabric takes on totally different looks in Belle and Hannah styles!
When sweet Hannah told us she needed a Lilly dress for Rush, we knew just what to do. We ordered two yards of Lilly fabric and set to work. The result? A precious shift in punchy, flirty Lilly. Can you tell which one didn't come with the $100+ price tag?
This post doesn't require many words from me. Let's just pause and admire the sheer cuteness of my sister wearing her Carolina blue Belle Skirt to Saturday's game.
While "tie-neck dress" and "pleated A-line skirt" are descriptive and functional, they just don't capture the feel of the Hems & Hers collection. We have been lucky enough to have input, feedback and suggestions from some of the sweetest girls around, and to honor them, we're renaming the line to reflect their own personal styles.
1. Pleated A-line Skirt - This Hems & Hers bestseller was suggested and first made for one of my best friends (who I'm also lucky enough to see every day at work). Henceforth, this beauty will be called The Belle Skirt.2. Tie-Neck Dress -Another bestseller, the tie-neck dress is adorable, flirty and fun, just like someone else I know. The lovely lady who gave us the idea for this dress is a fellow Wolfpack-er and a total cutie. Allow me to introduce you to the, The Hannah Dress. 3. Ruffle Neck Halter - My personal favorite and newly dubbed The Caroline Dress. 4. V-Strap Dress - I love, love this dress, and it will forever have a special place in my heart, as it was the first dress we created. To celebrate it's originality and the girl who rocks it like no other, my sweet, sassy Baby Sis, it is The Anna Beth Dress. 5. Slim A-line Skirt - A chic, sophisticated, dressier option that The Belle, The Susan Skirt is a classic, and a staple for every wardrobe.
My dear friend Kat, a new client of Hems & Hers has been oh so supportive of my little venture and created a Hems & Hers fan page on Facebook! Seriously, folks, she's the best. Click here to the view the page and become a fan!
We've been busy at Hems & Hers this week. A skirt, dress and this precious top hit the mailbox to travel to their new owners. I loved Lexiloo's choice of this fresh Amy Butler print. This tie-neck tunic style will look amazing over jeans and leggings, and the subdued, pretty color palette will be ideal to welcome the autumn season.
My mom just completed this adorable skirt for a fellow Tennessee fan, and I'm in love with it. I can't imagine many people looking cuter than Ms. Samma this football season. A precious skirt or dress is always a nice change from jeans and a school t-shirt on game days, don't you think, ladies?
This pretty fabric has been sitting in my cabinet for a couple of months, and I didn't know what to make out of it or how it would translate into a garment. When Miss Queen Bee Swain asked for a tie-neck dress out of it, I was a little nervous, but my fears were instantly assuaged when I saw how gorgeous it came out. The combination of pinks, oranges and browns makes this an absolutely fabulous transitional and fall piece. Paired with tights and boots or over a turtleneck, this little beauty is much more than a one-season wonder.
Thank you for your order. I can't wait to start creating your custom piece. Please email me at hemsandhers@gmail.com before you buy, so we can begin the process! Once the fabric is selected and ordered, I will have you use the PayPal button to process payment. Thank you!
Caroline Strapless Dress 
The Susan Skirt.
You know that you have a great piece when you've received compliments on it within minutes of sitting down at your desk- even men paid praise for this cheerful frock. I've had so much fun playing around with what is paired with it- because beggars cannot be choosers- the lady in my office that took this pic did not capture the whole ensemble, but I was wearing this with my favorite pair of riding boots to give it a further autumnal touch. Great pieced with or without a belt too!" 
Cute Emma belted her Hannah dress (far right) for an adorable game day look.
The Belle skirt for another Carolina gal.
Pink + Brown + Amy Butler = a tres fab Belle skirt.
2. Tie-Neck Dress -Another bestseller, the tie-neck dress is adorable, flirty and fun, just like someone else I know. The lovely lady who gave us the idea for this dress is a fellow Wolfpack-er and a total cutie. Allow me to introduce you to the, The Hannah Dress.
3. Ruffle Neck Halter - My personal favorite and newly dubbed The Caroline Dress.
4. V-Strap Dress - I love, love this dress, and it will forever have a special place in my heart, as it was the first dress we created. To celebrate it's originality and the girl who rocks it like no other, my sweet, sassy Baby Sis, it is The Anna Beth Dress.
5. Slim A-line Skirt - A chic, sophisticated, dressier option that The Belle, The Susan Skirt is a classic, and a staple for every wardrobe.
