Sunny Day Photoshoot!

I'm so lucky to be surrounded by amazing people in my life.  I got an amazing and thoughtful gift on Friday from my man...

 

 

 

 

 

I had a photoshoot booked in the morning and was so happy to have it to take pictures with.

 

 

I had the chance to catch up with an old friend, and get some work done at the same time. Not to mention, it was beautiful outside.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It gives me butterflies! I think about the people who I wish could see this.

 

More tomorrow, XO.

 

 

 

 

www.facebook.com/shirleybyhayley

 

 

 

 



Sticker Love and Week One

All I can say is WOW and thank you soo much for all the positive feedback. This first week has been overwhelming.    I've said goodbye to a few pieces already, 2 of them going to NORWAY. I am also working with a bride-to-be making skirts for her wedding party.  I can't wait!  Seriously, it's been amazing.

 

 

I wanted to show off these amazing stickers I came across yesterday.  Etsy never ceases to amaze me with all the things that people think of. It's called huetoo.  It's digital downloads! For $3.00 you get 2 sheets of stickers, available for immediate download.  So after you buy them, you have them forever! All you need is sticker paper, which you can find at Staples.  I think they go perfectly with my Thank You tags!

 

 I've also launched a new Facebook page, find it at www.facebook.com/shirleybyhayley

More maxi skirts, dresses and bandeaus coming in the next few days so stay tuned!

XO
 

 

Shirley

One of my favourite quotes on this dreary Spring evening;

 

"Life is too short; grudges are a waste of perfect happiness. Laugh when you can, apologize when you should and let go of what you cant change. Love deeply and forgive quickly, take chances, give everything and have no regrets. Life is too short to be unhappy. You have to take the good with the bad smile when your sad, love what you got and always remember what you had. Always forgive, never forget "

 

 

In my last post, I introduced my next adventure: Shirley.  I've learned a lot in my life, maybe that's why I can't settle on just one thing.  I love creating, and I feel it's a way to escape from my own head sometimes, as I'm sure many artists can agree.  I wanted Shirley to encompass what I've learned in life, and maybe influence someone to do what they love as well.  I've created pieces that are flowy, free and simple, they've been inspired by the women in my life. The women who can make even a blank canvas look amazing. I want the women who buy my clothing to feel beautiful inside and out, dancing through fields with flowers in their hair! The best part about my line is that you can wear it everywhere.  Besides the fact that maxi dresses are huge this season, they are great for work with a blazer and perfect for a weekend date, or walking through the market.  Here are a couple of my favourite looks!

 

 

 

A boho maxi dress.  Elastic at the bust and again at the waist, ensuring that it will stay put! You can wear it with the elastic fit up near your bust or you can pull it down towards your waist, for a more "greek goddess" look!  A perfect canvas for a statement necklace.

 

 

 

 
 

 It's got ruffles, it's pink and it's a floral! What's not to like?

 

 

Another huge fashion trend this season is a maxi skirt.  So easy to dress up or down, and great for the office! Pair it with a white tank for a relaxed, fresh look.

 

 

 

I think that this next outfit is a great alternative to the bridesmaid "dress".  Many brides are taking this route this season!  A white tank, paired with a lovely skirt.  An idea like this is great, because the bridesmaids can wear each piece again!

 

 

 

My personal favourite is this next piece.  Also, another great idea for the boho bride and her bridesmaid's dresses.  It's flowy and cool and your best girls can dance the night away.  It's also perfect for pretty much everything else!

 

 

 

And that's all she wrote..for now!  Follow me on Instagram at "hasinspiration", or check out my new shop!  www.etsy.com/shop/shirleybyhayley

 

 

Thanks for all your support, views and positive feedback this week!

 



Introducing Shirley

It's time for my next adventure. It's time for SHIRLEY!!!

 

You're probably thinking "what the heck??"  Shirley is my middle name.  Yep, I was named after my g-ma. You should know how much time I put into trying to think of a name.  I've decided it definitely isn't my forte. Something just felt right about Shirley, it was simple, just like the line.

 

If you read my blog, THANK YOU.  However, you may of read in one blog post that making clothing wasn't something I had really been interested in.  Well, let me tell you..that has changed..360 degrees BABY.    So, I want to introduce you to Shirley.  It's a clothing line that is comfortable and simple.  Everyone loves a piece of clothing that they can just throw on..whether heading to the the grocery store, rocking out at a concert, or dressing up for a wedding.  Shirley is long maxi dresses, maxi skirts, bandeaus, lace and short dresses.  They slip on, no hassle. What's easier than that? 

 

Starting Saturday my shop will be open! Starting Monday I will be posting Instagram outfits of my pieces. Follow me @ hasinspiration to see these and of course be in the know for upcoming pieces! I've already got hints of many pieces on there!

Thank you for your continued support!  I may or may not be kind of nervous to open up shop on Saturday.


Pillow Talk

When I first started my shop, it had a very different feel to it.  I mostly sold eReader covers and pillows.  I even threw the odd piece of jewellery in there. My shop continually changed for months until I found out more and more about owning your own business.  Things still change, and I am constantly influenced by so much around me.  I spend hours learning as much as I can, whether it be from other blogs or fellow Etsy shops.  I started my Etsy shop with the intention of filling my spare time making things that people will want.  It probably started with the first thing that I sold -- I knew at that moment I wanted to do this.  The world of handmade has officially consumed me.  I think it and breathe it, always looking for new fabric and new ideas.  It challenges me, sometimes disappoints me but I've never been so sure of something.  It makes me crave the simple life, a life of taking time to myself.  To do things when and how I want to do them.

In the spirit of always learning something, that is exactly what I did when it came to pillows.  I did some research and thought that I would offer people the inserts along with the case, because only some -- if any, actually did offer the inserts.  I quickly figured out why no one did that..duh.  It cost me a FORTUNE to package and ship them.  Of course my first order was to Australia, silly me.

I've always loved the concept of a decorative pillow.  It either finishes off a room just right, bringing all your colours in together OR it adds something to a room without having to change anything.  It's easier then having to paint all the walls, and cheaper then buying an expensive new bed spread.  It gives you the ability to add colour without hanging pictures. It's a great option if you are renting and can't put holes in the walls to hang things, or if you're stuck in a dorm room with ugly grey cylinder block walls.

 

I love the last one.  It would have to be my favourite.  If I didn't live with a man, this would probably be on my bed.  Each pillows brings a different feel to the room.

I'm working on some exciting things! Stay tuned.


 

Monday Notfunday

HI! It's been awhile -- sorry about that.  I've been so busy and sick...it's ridiculous! It's Monday morning and I think by now, you all know how I feel about Monday mornings.  The second the alarm went off, I decided I would be taking a nap when I got off work today. It was pitch black (thanks time change..) and I blinded myself when I stabbed my eyeball with the mascara wand.  Next thing you know, I have black running down my face, I'm blind in one eye and I'm attempting to find the dress pants I neglected to wash this weekend.  Can we just fast forward to Tuesday morning? It always seems to go a little smoother.

 

 

We celebrated some birthdays on Saturday.  My body doesn't seem to recover quite as fast anymore.  This probably explains my morning and definately explains why I didn't do laundry yesterday.

 

Sometimes, you just have to let loose and skip laundry day.

 

 

So since Sunday was a major lazy day, I spent some quality time with my sewing machine.  I wanted to show you what I've been up to lately. I've been obsessed with bright colours.  Maybe it's the upcoming warmer weather.

 

 

They are all up for sale on my Etsy shop!  I don't know about you, but I LOVE the blue grey chevron makeup bag.  I might have to make one of those for myself.

 

Thanks for the continued views.  I'll be sure not to wait so long to write again!

 

Follow me on Instagram! I post daily sneak peeks of items and ideas.

 

 







The Perfect Maxi Dress

I'm still on holidays and I never want to go back.  I came  up to my sewing room to put some labels on some things that I've made and long story short...I think I fell in love with this piece I've created.  I couldn't even wait until I shot it, I am dying to share it!!

 

 

Last summer, I think I look endlessly for a maxi dress.  I wanted a simple, black, cotton maxi dress.  I couldn't find one anywhere!  To this day, I still don't have one.  I came across this fabric a few months ago and I fell in love with its light airy pattern. It has so many colours yet isn't overpowering or hard on the eyes.  When I saw this fabric, I knew exactly what it had to become.

 

So here it is, the perfect maxi dress.

 

 

I hope you like as much as I do!   The possibilites with this are endless.  Summer concert, a wedding or a day out with your best girls.  Throw a jean jacket overtop or edge it up with a sexy leather jacket!

 

 

XOXO