Fly

This is Swigg

I discovered This is Swigg in the fourth issue of Blueprint Magazine. This cute graphic design studio not only designs great print pieces but also quirky and fun product lines. Visit them here.

Pickleboots

This little boutique in Park Slope Brooklyn is a great destination for beautiful custom-made bedding for kids. You choose what you want to have made (duvet cover, pillows, etc.), then select fabric from their extensive collection of fun swatches, and WaLah! you have the perfect handmade gift. Pickleboots 178A Lincoln Place, Brooklyn, NY 11217

Call to Artists Feature

I love these drawings by aspiring children's book illustrator and writer, Tiffany Douzart. For more information on how to submit your own artwork click here.

Laura Dawson

Cute clothes by independent designer, Laura Dawson.

Tatyu: Made in Ethiopia

I love these beautifully handcrafted objects from Tatyu, a fashion design company based in Ethiopia. Tatyu uses traditional materials and techniques reflecting Ethiopian culture with a contemporary twist.

Fun Photography

I love the color and playful compositions in this photography. To see more click here.

Call to Artists Feature

Here is another artist who responded to my call for artists post. I'm really diggin' Zachariah's illustration style. His use of muted colors and loosely drawn shapes reminds me of vintage children's books.

Trend Watch: Patchwork

I'm already a big fan of mixing patterns, so one can understand my fascination with the patchwork trend. It's fun on furniture, beautiful on quilts and obviously fabulous on clothing

Styleaholics Interview

Check out my interview on Najwa's Styleaholics Blog.

Looking for Artists to Feature on Fly

I'm loving the response to the previous call to artist post, but there's always room for more. (Due to the high volume of emails I will not be able to respond to everyone but will look at everything I receive.) Thanks so much for sharing your talents with Fly!

Trend Watch: Sequins

Loving this throwback trend of sequins on everything; from the typical evening dress to casual sweatshirts.

Call to Artists Feature

Take a look at the and photography by seventeen-year-old, Chloe, the first featured artist after my call to artists post. To see Chloe's entire gallery of work, click here.

 

Fly Girl of the Week

I admire Tina because of the way she hustles to build her home decor line, Laidback. She's incredibly smart and definitely a go-getter. Meet Tina and be inspired.

Who? Tina Shoulders, 31 years old
Where? Born, raised and currently residing in DA Bronx
What do you do? I am the owner of a pop culture inspired home decor line called Laidback. I am the mother of a beautiful 8 year old boy named Zion. I am also a freelance textile and graphic designer for many of the popular fashion design houses.
What inspires you? Breathing inspires me, because every day I wake up and hear myself breathe I know I have another chance to create. The ability to design and leave a legacy inspires me to see art, graffiti, patterns, textures in the street, toilet paper, clothing, scribble, and the mundane as a starting ground to a new creation. I am a fan of Japanese style, and graphics, Tricia Guild's design aesthetic, the use of color in European home decor, as well as color, textile, and street art all over the world. I am also inspired by people who are unafraid to hustle and do whatever it takes to actualize their vision for their lives.
Why are you fly? I am fly because I am not afraid to do me. I am unabashedly Tina, the hustla, the Christian, the naturally nappy mom,  who designs to her hearts content even when I can't pay all of the bills. I am fly because I believe in me, in my abilities, in my dreams, in living to make a difference. I am fly because when I come up, I am bringing you with me. I am fly because I will share my knowledge, experiences, and even my cash to help someone out.
Advice: Put God first, have a relationship with Him so that you will believe you are all that He said you are and can do all things through Christ. All things means living your dreams, finishing school, getting out of unhealthy relationships, starting a business, writing a song, a book, having a family, buying a house... you feel me, All Things!!!

Paul Gauguin

My parents had a small print of a Paul Gauguin painting, shown center left, that hung in our very seventies inspired den. I remember always wondering what those ladies were thinking and how much I loved the colors. Today, many years later after becoming a fan of his Impressionist style, I still admire his lush use of pinks and orange yellows with contrasting blues and wonder what were these Tahitian women thinking.

Dotted Line

Check out these really pretty dresses from Dotted Line. They're perfect for a tea party or even the office. The patterns are so sweet and I adore the cut of each dress. Click here to see more.