Inspiration: Krochet Kids intl.

Earlier this summer, I became acquainted with an incredible company that many of you have hopefully already heard of. A friend reached out to me about this company, Krochet Kids intl., sharing their vision with me and highlighting the wonderful work they've been doing. Before long, I was waiting anxiously for my new Dreamer Box Tee to arrive and planning this blog post in my mind.

I have been an online shopper for several years now. I've been a lover of boutiques like Ruche and a supporter of small shops on Etsy, as well as a proponent of challenging the way you view your closet by utilizing what you already have in fresh and exciting new ways. Now, I hope to share the ways in which I have been newly inspired by the mission of Krochet Kids intl. and their unique model of using apparel and shopping to revolutionize the lives of women.

Dreamer Box Tee (shop!): Krochet Kids intl.
Skirt (remixed 1, 2): Ruche, Collared Blouse (similar): borrowed

Krochet Kids intl. is a non-profit organization that began with 3 young high school guys and their crocheting hobby. Crazy, right? These guys took something personal and simple and turned it into a world-changing vision. In present day, their far-reaching company works with vulnerable women in poverty stricken regions of the world, providing them with the resources and skills to rise above poverty...forever. Their focus is to empower these women to radically change their family's current and future lives, and to continue to impact and revitalize their communities in the process.

KKi provides training, employment, education, and mentoring for these hard-working ladies so they can go forward with a sustainable plan for permanent change and independence. I'd highly encourage you to check out their website to read more about what they do.

Some of my favorite things on their site are this leather-shouldered slouch tee, this "let's go anywhere" tee, this backpack, the Arizona headband, all of their baby beanies...and a million other things.

This year, KKi has been presenting the world with their #KnowWhoMadeIt campaign. Every single item in their shop is hand-signed by the person who made it. They have a section of their website to "Meet the Ladies" behind every product. Their movement asks the question, what makes a product valuable? And what is the true value and impact of knowing the person behind the product? My Dreamers Box Tee was made by the lovely Rosemary Cruz. Holding a garment in my hands that she made, and being able to see her face and write her a thank you note, is such a beautiful thing. It bridges the gap between worlds and reminds me that everything I purchase started somewhere, with someone, and was touched by them in some way. 

It's easy to forget that. When we're sitting in a restaurant and eating dinner and preoccupied with life, it's easy to forget that there's a real person back there who carefully prepared our meal in the kitchen. Or when we're ecstatic over a new decoration for our home, we don't often pause to think: who designed this? Who made it? Where did it come from?

#KnowWhoMadeIt from Krochet Kids intl. on Vimeo.

I'm not saying that I'm never going to buy anything from chain stores again or that I don't currently have a Starbucks in my hand, but what I am saying is that it does wonders to feel connected to and invested in something that you're bringing into your life and into your home. It's good for the soul. It's why family heirlooms and handmade gifts from dear friends are so uniquely special. They're items that represent a connection with people, relationships and memories that supersede the simple Target run.

I was especially drawn to the Dreamer Tee because its simple message resonated with me in a profound way. Now that I'm preparing to be a mom, I feel like the bubbles of thought around my heart and mind are all made purely of dreams. I dream of my son, of being a mom, of our future home, of the world as he'll see it in his brand new eyes. I feel a kinship with these women around the world who are working toward a better future for them and their precious families. We are all dreamers of dreams. I'd love to be a part of making some of those come true.

Disclosure: This post was sponsored in part by Krochet Kids intl., but all thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you so much for reading and supporting my blog!

baby boy style

We all know that having a baby girl is when the truly ridiculous, adorable and fabulous baby clothes come into play. Playing dress up with a little girl is what dreams are made of. The accessories alone are enough to make anyone squeal. I think I've always thought of little boy clothes as being made up of blue and green t-shirts with cartoonish animal figures on them with phrases like "mom rocks!" (which obviously is a true statement). Overall, boy clothes err on the cheesy side, with the accessories starting and ending with bow ties and old man hats.

BUT WAIT.

I have discovered, with the help of besties and blogs and online shopping, to my great excitement and relief, that boy clothes are amazing. They're insanely cute. I may be biased, but Will is seriously going to be the cutest little tyke in the history of miniature plaid button-ups. To share my dreaming and scheming for my bebe's future style, here are some of my favorite online finds this week!

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6

I'm a little bit obsessed with jumpers/one-pieces. Especially the black star-spangled one, which says "the moon is made of ice cream". Yes, little darling, it sure is.

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5

Will already owns the most incredible pair of mint green pants (and a gaggle of other adorable treasures) thanks to my best friend Becky, who was the only one who knew our baby's gender ahead of time before our gender reveal! I definitely think we need to keep the color wheel going and get him some pants in green, maroon, blue, grey...

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5

Not but seriously. This is just a pocket version of my husband. That is adorable.

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5

One of the things I'm most excited about is that we're having our little boy in December (fingers crossed - could be January!). All of the cozy winter clothes and accessories are going to be so much fun! The textured cardigans! The beanies! The elbow patches! The faux-shearling-collar coat!!! Dear goodness.

1st row: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5

2nd row: 6 // 7 // 8 // 9

my to-read list

I just love books and their book covers. So colorful, so different, so interesting. I've been wanting to buy more actual books lately, just to admire the covers and pages and fill my bookshelves with their art and words.

I've been falling behind in my book-reading goals this year (find me on Goodreads!), although I'm still doing significantly better than I have in past years. I'm currently 4 books behind schedule, but I'm incredibly determined to actually complete my 36 book goal this year! I think my problem is that I'm reading rather large books...perhaps my goals should be page-based instead of book-based. To read 36 books means that a 200 page book and a 1,200 page book count as the same. That feels rather deflating at times.

To be honest, I should probably start reading books about babies. My days of pleasure reading might be over for a while. I should probably be educating myself on all of the joys and horrors of birth and child-raising. While I know these things are true, I can't help but pine for a cold, rainy day spent reading magical fairy tales or spirit-lifting memoirs. That daydream might also have to do with the fact that it's been 114+ degrees this week. Fall, how I miss thee.

Here are some of the books at the top of my wishlist. Someday, somehow, I will read them!

Longing for Paris | Sarah Mae

I can already tell this book speaks to me, long before I even begin to open the front cover. How often do I feel this way? Grateful and happy for my life and for my family, but often mesmerized, distracted, and aching for something more. It's the heart of wanderlust.

Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore | Robin Sloan

Books, intrigue, and magical curiosities. Can't think of a better happy read. And the book cover glows in the dark!

Garden Spells | Sarah Addison Allen

I'm drawn to this book because it centers on a magical family of women and their enchanted garden. Sisterhood, a lasting legacy, and magically powered fruit. It sounds delightful. It's also Sarah Addison Allen's debut novel, and I'm always fascinated by an author's first book.

The Accidental Highwayman | Ben Tripp

I discovered this book while listening to a podcast from my favorite author, Brandon Sanderson, and have wanted to read it ever since. It's everything I want in a book. Adventure, notoriety, accidental heroism, a rebellious princess, goblins, magic, danger, etc. etc.




























The Martian | Andy Weir

This book has been on my wishlist for a while, but I have to admit I've gained a renewed interest in it since it was announced that the movie is coming out, and will be starring Matt Damon. I think the book sounds wonderful and terrifying. I really can't wait to read it, then see it. (Always in that order).

The Storm Makers | Jennifer E. Smith

This story centers on twins Ruby and Simon, and Simon's sudden discovery that he is a Storm Marker - a member of a clandestine group of people entrusted with the power to control the weather. It sounds like an enjoyable young adult adventure, and it takes me back to the kinds of fantastical stories my dad always used to tell about my little brother and I. Sibling adventures are particularly nostalgic for me. Plus, I love the cover art.


Have you read any of these? If so, I'd love to know your review! What's on your wishlist?

novel dress: brandon sanderson

Warbreaker by Brandon Sanderson // Galileo Embroidered Midi Dress

Brandon Sanderson has very quickly and easily become one of my favorite authors of all time. I recently finished his book Warbreaker, and because of the vibrant colors and societal impressions of fashion and dyes in that world I was inspired to create another Novel Dress post. This one features dresses from both Ruche and Modcloth, and is dedicated solely to the literary works of Sanderson.

I've only included books of his that I've actually read, although there are some that are missing from this list. To date I have read 12 of his stories (including 2 of his short stories and 3 of his novellas). The Emperor's Soul is one of his novellas that I have included here, because it's brilliant.

If you've never been introduced to the world(s) of Brandon Sanderson, there are a few things you should know about him. First of all, he's known for his incredible world-building skills and his talent with magic systems. He is endlessly creative. Secondly, he writes like a dang machine. He typically has 2-3 books being released every year, and those books range from light teen fiction to his epic fantasy series. He has written and published 30-40 books and stories in 10 years. The number varies depending on whether you count his short stories and graphic novels. Either way, jumpin' jehosaphat.

The last thing you should know about Sanderson is that he has his own literary universe, called the Cosmere, in which all of his fantasy books are based and connected. While you can easily read his books in any order and enjoy each world on its own, there's a much bigger, galactic-sized story happening behind the scenes if you desire to see it. There are hints and crossover characters and mind-blowing revelations all swirling around within the Cosmere, and it's a pretty thrilling fandom to be a part of. 

So go ahead and plan out your next trip to the bookstore to pick up a copy of The Way of Kings - but in the mean time, enjoy these fantastical novel dresses. :)

The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson // Parfait Party Dress

Elantris by Brandon Sanderson // Emma Maxi Dress

Legion by Brandon Sanderson // Aubree Dress

The Final Empire (Mistborn book 1) by Brandon Sanderson // Peachy Queen Dress

The Emperor's Soul by Brandon Sanderson // Goldie's Groove Dress

The Well of Ascension (Mistborn book 2) by Brandon Sanderson // Endless Entertainment Dress

Words of Radiance by Brandon Sanderson // Amirah Maxi Dress

**see all novel dress posts**

A Ruche Lookbook: Class Act

I'm always elated when I get an e-mail about a new lookbook from Ruche. While I've been attempting to curb my shopping habits while we work on the new house and prepare for our baby to arrive at the end of the year, I still love to be inspired. That's why I love Ruche so much. Their collections inspire me with their beautiful clothes and thoughtful details and sets. We're getting close to my favorite time of year, which is also my favorite time of lookbooks: the fall and winter. I love all of the plaid, stripes, loafers, booties, textures, lace, gorgeous scarves, creative layering, and glitter and bling that comes along with these seasons.

Take a look and be inspired by their Back to School lookbook, Class Act. 
These are my favorite ensembles! You can see these and more in their New Arrivals this week.

going broke for cat mugs

I actually cannot even try to refer to myself as "frugal" with a straight face. I am not frugal. I never have been. It has been both my burden and my pleasure to spend all of my money when and if I ever get any. Dave Ramsey would judge me. He probably knows, somehow, within his magical stern eyebrows that Caitlin Schanaker is not good at this stuff.

When it comes to spending, I think I may be straight-up delusional. I have this very naive, happy-go-lucky perspective that money will always find a way. Because as we all know, where there's a will, there's a way, and my will for shopping is fierce. It's not practical shopping, either. It's frivolous and spontaneous. It's the best kind. Because everything is a special occasion and there are always reasons to go all out. Life is all about those excuses. Weekend getaways and ordering way too much food but still getting dessert and buying the extravagantly expensive and useless trinkets at Anthropologie. I have fallen into the trap that I think many young adults fall into: trying to live the way your parents live, despite the fact that it took decades for them to get there. It's why we're all drowning in debt. It's incredibly sad, and also really fun until you have to start paying your loans back. Right out of the gate, I try to usher myself into adulthood by paying extra for guacamole and splurging at World Market and shopping online and impulse-buying rain boots when I live in Arizona and no one can afford this nonsense.

My husband and I joke often that when we don't think twice about paying the extra for guacamole, we'll know we have arrived.

All of this is being written because I have hit a wall today. It's a wall made of cat mugs. A friend sent me a link to the most beautiful cat mugs I have ever seen, and even though we have a house that is taking all of our time and money and a baby coming out of me this year, I want the mugs. All of them. I want to pay the $60 (plus shipping) for a set of cat mugs.

This is my Friday confession. I sat there staring at these beautiful mugs, cursing Anthropologie, trying to justify a way to buy them. I could just buy one; they're $14 each. I could search online for a coupon. But then I would be missing out on the other colors, and look how nicely they look all together? How lovely would they look, purring on my coffee bar? I could bully people into buying me a housewarming gift, a baby gift (babies like mugs, right?), a super early birthday gift...I could set up a gofundme! That's what that site is for now, right? Providing a way for friends and strangers to buy you silly things you can't afford? America.

Closing out of that shopping window was hard. Not in a real-life way, but in a wow, I think I'm going insane kind of way. Obviously this post is silly and this "problem" isn't a problem at all, but the fact remains that I feel stressed and restless over cat mugs. Over not being able to travel anymore. Over all of the things we still have to buy and fix up on the house. Over feeling like we'll never be in that settled, give-me-all-the-guac place in our lives. I have to try to be frugal, to be smart, to be less selfish and less spoiled and more responsible and more everything.

As much as I like to pretend that I'm not that girl going broke for cat mugs, I totally am. I am her and she is me. I just have to calm her down a little bit.

novel dress: be bright

Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli // Martina Printed Dress

This collection of Novel Dresses is inspired by books that encourage their characters (and the individuals that read them) to be strong, honest, loving, and true to themselves. My book club finished Stargirl back in March, and that's probably the main inspiration for this series. Stargirl is a charming and interesting outside look at the fictional life of a very unique young girl in the midst of a normal (and un-accepting of her peculiarity) high school environment.

The rest of these featured books have various themes and content skirting along the same lines, some of them covering more controversial subjects like interracial marriage (a poignant side story in Holes) and cloning (in The House of the Scorpion) while others focus more on lighthearted themes of uniqueness and the power of words (like The Story of Ferdinand and Haroun and the Sea of Stories). While The Order of the Phoenix is one of my least favorite books in existence, and reading it ruined my young life for many-a-day, it does have a bright side: the character of Luna Lovegood is introduced, and she is as bright as it gets. A total gem in a very dark place. I chose to feature the book for her beloved quirkiness.

We often experience pressures from society and from others, but these books are great illustrations of the value and importance of sticking to your guns and staying strong in your beliefs. Love, loyalty, strength, belief, happiness.

Quite basically, be yourself, ladies and gents.

(Bonus: Take $30 off $100+ at Ruche this week, including all of these dresses, to celebrate their new lookbook "An Afternoon Alfresco"!)

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll // First Love Heart Dress

Coraline by Neil Gaiman // Froisse Scalloped Dress

Ferdinand by Munro Leaf // Tuscan Sun Printed Dress

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? by Mindy Kaling // Rahima Floral Dress

Haroun and the Sea of Stories by Salman Rushdie // Building Blocks Dress

The Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling // Margherite Dress

Holes by Louis Sachar // Desert Sunset Maxi Dress

The House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer // Nastro Dress

The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle // Rising Moon Maxi Dress

**see all novel dress posts**

april wishlist

love & other disasters | cuss yeah necklace | meow t-shirt 

hufflepuff quidditch t-shirt | harry potter book set | green purse

book cover matchboxes | apple of my eye sweater | meow sweet meow

I've been having some major wishlist itches this week. I've long admired these adorable matchboxes that feature various book covers on them, and recently I've been hoping this sweater from Ruche goes on sale - I love the orange "you are the apple of my eye" with the matching stripes on the sleeves.

If you've never seen Love And Other Disasters, it's seriously a very underrated Brittany Murphy movie. I always loved her and I'm eager to add this one to my collection. It's quirky and funny and sweet. The "Cuss Yeah" necklace is especially endearing for any Fantastic Mr. Fox fan, which I certainly am.

Probably the biggest and most earnest wishlist item is the special edition Harry Potter series book set. This set came out in 2013, and while it's currently unavailable, I'm dying to have it. The art is just beautiful. Take a look at the set on Amazon, which includes photos of every book. They're completely magical. Sigh.

What's on your wishlist lately?

featured artist: hajin bae

Green art print | Hajin Bae

I recently came across the artwork of Hajin Bae when the photo above was chosen by Hello Giggles to represent my article on individuality. Unfortunately, Hajin Bae was not informed of its usage and HG did not properly credit her work. I woke up on Sunday morning to a lot of outraged tweets directed toward me about the injustice, and I had to explain that I did not choose the artwork (as much as I love it!) and hoped that Hello Giggles would work with Hajin Bae to resolve the issue. The photo in the article has since been replaced by another, and they are (hopefully) working to appropriately make amends.

Having friends that are full-time creatives has exposed me to the frustrations of art theft, and I would never willingly or knowingly participate in it. I love investing in the creations of others, and I have a vision of someday filling an entire wall in my home with work that I love and admire from other artists.

I wanted to take the time to feature some of Hajin Bae's artwork here, because I still adore the green-haired beauty above and feel that it perfectly represents what I wrote. I purchased the art print and cannot wait to hang it on that art room wall someday.

Hajin Bae is from Seoul, Korea, and her artwork has been featured all over the world. Check out her website for full details about her career and for more of her work. You can also purchase prints, clothing, and other accessories of her art over at Society6.com/HajinBae. I especially love her character creations with bright hair and uniquely stunning details. It was very difficult to choose my favorites! I hope you enjoy her work as much as I do.

Hajin Bae:

Official Website | Official Shop

Woman in Blue art print | Hajin Bae

Pink Hair Girl art print | Hajin Bae

Red & Girl art print | Hajin Bae

French Girl clock | Hajin Bae

Red Lips clock | Hajin Bae

Girl art print | Hajin Bae

Spring & Girl art print | Hajin Bae

Girls in Blue phone case | Hajin Bae

Green tote bag | Hajin Bae

Bubble Gum Girl phone case | Hajin Bae

#01 throw pillow | Hajin Bae

Love is Always There art print | Hajin Bae

Night art print | Hajin Bae