Spring 2015
magazine
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#SaplingsAdCollage spring 2015
Inquire with us for space! hello@saplingsmag.com 3
Spring 2015 79 10 94 4
Contents Editors’ Letter 9 Urban Jungle 10 Me & Tata 22 The Montclair Mystery 27 The Secret Garden 35 Lennon + Wolfe 49 Raw Pesto Zucchini Noodle Salad 57 Raw Caramel Slices 58 Military Rebel 60 It’s a Red Letter Day 79 Happy Mother’s Day 90 Flashback 94 DIY Little Girl Tassel Necklace 104 Cat Lady 107
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Our Contributors Lila Purdy/Editor in Chief Arielle Bailey/Art Director i.LevyPhotography Caroline Moylan Audrey Blake Photography Tenley Clark Photography Sam I am Photography Katy McDonnel Becky John Ashlyn Perkins Shannon Sewell Heather Rome Floral Shovel Michelle Elliot Shelley Judge Brandi Zarr Guliza Covalinski
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Cover image by the talented Tenley Clark
COLLECTION AVAILABLE APRIL 15, 2015
SHOP ONLINE AT THEGOODONES.COM!
Info@TheGoodOnes.com
260 739-6348
GoodOnesClothing
@GoodOnesClothin
www.youngsoles.co.uk A small collection of luxury British children’s footwear with lightweight sandals, shoes and boots for both boys and girls from toddler to junior. 7
Young_Soles_ad.indd 1
14/03/2015 10:07
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a note from the editor... What a rough winter it has been, so I’m super excited to feel warmer weather and see flowers blooming. Spring is one of my favorite seasons because parents are able to take the kids to the park, go camping, fishing, and all sort of outdoors activities after being cooped up all winter. It’s the beginning of Mother Earth waking up to show herself off with all her colors. We have worked really hard to bring you this Spring issue that is full of color and so much talent. I truly hope you enjoy this issue as much as we enjoyed working on it.
Lila
Urban Jungle. Photography by i.Levy Photography Styling by The Merry Love Joy Company Clothing by Wovenplay, Little Lisa Smile Accessories by Milk&Soda, Atsuyo Et Akiko, TuTu Du Monde, Seedling
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An Interview with ME&TATA An organic baby wear collection www.meandtata.com Photography by Caroline Moylan Interview by Lila Purdy
Sara Fraga, native to Switzerland, but now flourishing in Austrailia, describes her journey in becoming a childrens’ brand designer. The designer, who is also a mom tells us her story, her beliefs, and what she supports in order to create her fully organic line of clothing.
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What is your favorite part about being a children’s brand designer? The best thing about being a children’s brand designer is that I get to spend all day thinking and talking about a field I really enjoy and care about. I can’t get enough! I have always had a soft spot for tiny, baby clothes. I love to be able to design a safe product for parents and their babies.
How would you describe your creativity and how do you draw your inspiration to create for the next season? My inspiration comes from simple things in my every day life such as children’s books, nature, the beach and babies of course. My creative process starts off very simply. It’s often when I’m drawing with my girls that ideas start to flow. I love how kids draw without any limitation and boundaries. It inspires me to not think so much about the process. From there, it’s elaborated into textile prints on my computer.
Right now your clothing is geared towards infants, do you see yourself expanding the brand to include bigger sizes? Yes, definitely. We are working on a new collection at the moment that includes girl’s dresses that go up to size 5 and also on something else really special. I know you’ll love it so you’ll have to stay tuned to find out what it is!
Tell us about the “Be Inspired” tab on your website? “Be Inspired” on our website aims to inspire our customers to be creative, try out healthy foods, organic and natural living, and crafting with your kids. We feature blogs and links to websites that I draw inspiration from as a busy working mum. The Internet can be so noisy so it’s nice to find some really awesome resources that have already been selected for you.
What inspired the name ME&TaTa? I asked my daughter Salome, who was 10 months at the time, “What name do we like?” She answered, “Tata.” She may have been asking for milk or a fresh nappy, but I thought it was perfect, Me&Tata.
Tell us about your background and home life. I was born and raised in a small town in Aarau, Switzerland. My parents are Spanish who migrated to Switzerland forty years ago. My mum is the best seamstress I know. Since I can remember, She was always altering clothes for friends and family. My sister, my Mum and I always gathered in the kitchen and laughed and had the best conversations. My childhood was surrounded by nature, snow, cold mornings, the smell of freshly baked bread and the best neighbours. I grew up in a place where kids were walking to school by themselves, where we went home to have lunch and where the simple things mattered most. At the age of 21, I started my adventure to travel to Australia, which has now become my home. Here is where I met Fernando and where we had our two girls. I went to Uni to study Behavioral Science and have worked with kids with Refugee backgrounds to help them settle into a new culture and to make Australia home. After Salome was born, I couldn’t see myself going back to working as a Behavioral Scientist. So, while on maternity leave, I started sewing my baby’s clothes. I loved that I was now able to create my very own clothing for my girl. This was what I wanted to give to other parents too. Unique, healthy and practical baby products. 24
Why was it important to have Me&TaTa be an organic clothing brand? And can you explain why you feel organic is a better option? At Me&Tata we believe that every human being has the right to live a healthy and happy life. As designers, we can directly impact every person that takes part in the process of manufacturing our garments. From the farmers and millers, cutters and makers, families and communities, we respect every person and make sure they are fairly treated so they can live the best possible life.
There are 600 children learning in the school. From the 600 children, 250 are from organic cotton growing families and they avail free education, transportation and food. These are the kind of things that we are so happy to support.
Ultimately, Organic is a better option because it ensures that cotton is grown without being touched by harmful chemicals. In return it creates All our garments are GOTS certified which means a super soft, breathable and fine fabric that is ideal that our entire process is certified from harvesting for your baby’s skin. of raw materials, to environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing. Our pieces are always designed with keeping babies comfort and sensitive skin in mind. Hence, Our organic cotton yarn & fabric supplier runs a all our clothes are made from GOTS organic cotton local school in India for the children of the farmers. and printed with water based dyes to create the These farmers sell their crop of Organic Cotton to highest quality product for your precious baby. our yarn supplier.
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The Montclair Mystery
A special thanks to the Monclair Art Museum of Monclair, NJ Photography by Audrey Blake Styling by Audrey Blake Clothing by Misha Lulu
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Expanding a child’s appreciation and understanding of art is an important task as a parent and taking a trip to a local museum can be the first step in engaging your little ones to be inspired by the art around them! Feeling at home in an art museum is something that they can take with them throughout their lives and it’s up to us to show them how to become appreciative art aficionados!
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With information at their fingertips, there is a growing thirst for knowledge in their little minds. The trick is to help them feel as though it relates to them and to the world around us. One of the docents at the Montclair Art Museum told me that when they have children on the museum tours they ask them to play detective when walking through the galleries. Why not bring magnifying glasses for the kids and create a world of imaginative play? Play games in each gallery by asking them to find different works of art and/or guess the artist. Search for colors and textures, specific artists and different styles of painting.
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You could also make the gift shop your FIRST stop, taking notice of the special works of art featured and then trying to find the real work of art in the gallery. There are so many different ways to help facilitate those budding artistic brains. As Picasso said, “Every Child Is An Artist.� 33
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THE SECRET GARDEN
Photography by Tenley Clark Models: (MDT, JE Models/Zuri Models), Miya, Vivienne, Violet and Sally Clothing by Zara, Crazy 8, Gap Kids, Ladida 35
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“If you look the right way, you can see that the whole world is a garden.� - Frances Hodgson Burnett
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An Interview with
LENNON + WOLFE
www.lennonandwolfe.com
Photography by Sam I am Photography Interview by Samantha Scott Clothing by Lennon+Wolfe
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How did Lennon + Wolfe get started? Lennon + Wolfe got started in a coffee shop 3 years ago. We moved into the garage, and purchased some sewing machines, and fabric, and began concepts, and samples based on ideas, and adult pieces that we loved. After tireless attempts, and small successes we decided to hire a professional designer, and brand architect. We transferred from the shop to the office, and started having our samples outsourced. This let us focus on the brand, and really develop a full line over the last year. We owe all our success to the people we’ve surrounded ourselves with.
What is your brand’s mission statement or purpose? Lennon + Wolfe was created to transcend the children’s genre of fashion. Kids are people too. Their style, and comfort matters, as the brand was created to give them identity.We are a collective of influence. Born of music, fashion and a lifelong inspiration of art.
How would you describe your design aesthetic? Our design aesthetic is as strong as it is simple. It’s a post apocalyptic relaxed look, feel, and color palate, it’s casual grunge couture to relax, party, and play in.
Where do you go for inspiration? For Inspiration, we explore pop culture, world culture, and peoples closets. The streets are filled with inspiration. 50
How does that inspiration turn into reality? Inspiration turns into reality when an article of clothing, or some other thing becomes an obsession. Once you’re taken by that thing, whether it’s music, art, or fashion, you’re compelled to make it. It’s almost involuntary. Most people are artistic every day when they dress themselves, or their children, and they don’t even know it.
Do you try to keep with trends or create your own? Almost everyone is influenced by trends, and we are no exception. There are often times we’d like to get crazy, and do Paganne prints, or bold cuts, but we know our identity, and personality. We’re a fresh brand with a new approach to kids clothes, so in that way we are against the trend, but adults will definitely identify with us.
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Are most of your clothes unisex? Our clothes are unisex. We have a dress, a skirt, and leggings. The rest of our clothes are traditionally unisex. We even like our pinks for boys a lot. Hey, who’s to say they can’t wear it all?!
What is your favorite part about being a designer for childrens’ clothing? We love being kids designers. What doesn’t look good on a kid? We really just feel blessed to be able to create something comfortable, fitted, and stylish for important people.
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What are your 3 favorite pieces from your SS15 collection? We love the whole line, and are already excited about our fall line, but what stands out to us is the Ondine dress, and Frankie button up. The fabrics, colors, and fit are great. The T-shirt is the item that started it all, and was the most tiring creation to date believe it, or not. A lot of research went into the shirt, and we think we’ve made the softest, most well cut shirt possible.
What can we expect from Lennon+Wolfe in the future? The fall line is almost done. It won’t be loaded with items, but what we are releasing we’re excited about. We’ll add some warmer clothes, new patterns, and colors. We can’t wait to play with new ideas, and possibly create some jackets, and sweaters. We also have plans for a women’s line which is not too far off. The brand is in its early stages which is why it’s so exciting to look into the future, but mostly we’re enjoying the moment. Our second spring orders ship at the end of February.
Do you think as your kids get older the way you design your collection will change? Lennon+Wolfe is influenced by people of all ages, so our children’s ages won’t likely be an influence to our designs but, we love watching our son grow up in these clothes, and hopefully we’ll have a line that fits him throughout his life.
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Recipes
Raw Pesto Zucchini Noodle Salad by Shelley Judge • shelleysgoodeats on instagram
Ingredients 1 bunch basil ½ cup walnuts 2 tbsp olive oil 1 tbsp lemon juice 3 medium Zucchinis 1 punnet cherry tomatoes
Method First prepare pesto by adding the first 4 ingredients to a food processor and blend until fairly smooth. Then, using a spiralizer, cut the zucchinis into skinny noodles. If you don’t have a spiralizer then finely julienne the zucchinis. Quarter the cherry tomatoes. Then, in a large bowl, combine the pesto, zucchini noodles and cherry tomatoes. 57
Raw Caramel Slices
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Ingredients
Method Base
Base 3/4 cup almonds 1/4 cup buckinis (can be replaced with another 1/4 cup almonds) 1/2 cup shredded coconut 1/3 cup coconut oil 4-5 Medjool dates Caramel 1 cup Medjool dates 2 tbsp Tahini 3 tsbp oats (replace with soaks cashews for gluten free option) 2 tbsp coconut oil 2 tbsp rice malt syrup 2 tbsp water
In a food processor process almonds and coconut until fine (a few chunks are ok). Then add in dates and coconut oil and process until fine. Finally add in buckinis and process until combined. Push base into a glad wrap lined baking tray (with high sides) and place in freezer. Caramel Soak oats in hot water for 5 mins. Process dates into a smooth paste. Add oats and remaining ingredients to paste and process until smooth. Spread over base and return to the freezer. Chocolate
Chocolate 1/2 cup cacao butter 1 tbsp coconut oil 4 tbsp cacao 3 tbsp rice malt syrup
Melt cacao butter and coconut oil then whisk in cacao and syrup. Once caramel layer is firm, spread chocolate evenly on top. This step needs toW be done quickly as the chocolate will begin to set on the cold caramel. Return to freezer for 30mins and slice in to desired size with a sharp hot knife (TIP: dip the knife in boiling water every few slices.
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The softest tees you ever did feel for Mama and Offspring inspired by adventure and made in the USA. THEBEEANDTHEFOX.COM #THEBEEANDTHEFOX
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its a red letter day
Photography by Katy McDonnell Styling by Becky John Models with Gingersnap.co.uk
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Happy
Mothers Day!
Spring 2015
Six children give their perspective of their mothers.
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Kelsey, 9 years old. What do you think your mom was like as a little girl? She was cute, just like she is now. She was nice and kind and adventurous and a little naughty from time to time. She had long curly hair and she didn’t like to go to bed. She was a lot like she is right now, just a lot shorter!!!
Annabelle, 6 years old. What gift would you give your mom and why? I would give her an umbrella so that she can exercise and walk.
Fiona, 6.5 years old What makes your mom special? She is special because she is my mom. I love my mom a lot. My mom is the only one in the family with green eyes. My mom is loved by everybody.
Kayden, 7 years old. How do you know mommy loves you? Because she tells us all the time and she likes to cuddle with us and she takes us out of school to go to the park and have ice cream.
Alayna, 10 years old. If mommy became famous what would she be famous for? For making oils! She has a company called the Oilylady. She makes products that make your skin soft. It makes your skin soft and not bumpy.
Cayden, 5 years old. What do you and your mom like to do together? We like to eat kettle corn and play Pokemon while watching movies. We like going to the amusement park and the zoo. We love Disney World and doing crafts like coloring animals.
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DIY
Little Girl Tassel Necklace by Lila Purdy
“An adorable piece of jewelry to add to your childs’ collection.”
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Materials: Wooden ball (with hole in the middle) Ribbon or leather string Beads or tassels Craft paint and brushes
Instructions: Paint a little face and the color hair you would like. Pull the ribbon through the bead to give it a body and add a wooden bead on top. Make a knot. You can use jewelry clasps as well. It’s a very simple project that you can make in different ways and have beautiful results. 105
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Cat
Lady
Photography + Make Up by Ashlyn Perkins Hair by Guliza Covalinski Wardrobe styling by Brandi Zarr 107 Models: Landry Peterson + Sydney Lucas (Talent Trek Agency)
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