SAPLINGS MAGAZINE
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SUMMER 2015
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CONTENTS 12 Take Me Away
Photography by Marjolaine Richards-Deviq | Costa Rica
22 Teenage Kicks
Photography by Leonie Freeman | East London, UK
40 Growing Through Giving Back 45 A Floral Frill 57 Color Play 68 Behind the Brand 76 Summer Fun 89 The Shape of Summer 102 Interview
Volunteering as a child | by Jennifer Brozak Photography by Chau Huynh | Sydney, AU Photography by Tenley Clark | Los Angeles, CA Meet the Designers of PennyClareMakes Photography by Amanda Gift & Scott Brinegar | Los Angeles, CA Photography by Lila Purdy | Charlotte, NC Meet Heather Rome!
106 Gypsy Caravan
Photography by Rya Duncklee | Deerfield Beach, FL
116 Trendy Threads
Arielle introduces the Mini - Z Generation
118 Pineappleville
Photography by Casey Ayala | Houston, TX
130 Recipes
Tropical Popsicles by Patrycja Swiatek
133 Recipes
Chocolate Cheesecake by Patrycja Swiatek
134 Boho in the City 142 The Joys of Motherhood 144 Stars and Skateboards 152 Behind the Brand 156 Red, White, and Blue
Photography by Erica Avellone | New York, NY Article by Cari Dugan Photography by Megan Alisa | Rancho Santa Margarita, CA Meet Kathleen DeMartino, the Designer of Depression Couture Photography by Natalie Warr | Redondo Beach, CA
SUMMER 2015
A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR... I honestly believe that Spring paid us a visit for maybe a week or two before Summer said, “ move over, I’m coming early!” The weather has been in the high 90’s here in North Carolina and I can only imagine how hot it must be in other parts of the country. Summer is the season that I have a love/hate relationship with. I don’t want cold weather but I don’t like the high 90’s - 100’s either. If I could only find the perfect place in the world where the highest temperature in the summer was maybe the high 80’s.
The kids are off from school and the time has come when everyone is planning vacations with their kids. Some kids are going to stay with family for a few weeks and others off to camps, but in the end everyone is trying to find fun things to do this season. This summer, I plan on driving a lot; between visiting friends and family members on opposite sides of the country. I will be looking for ways of keep the kids entertained during long hours in the car. Feel free to tag us with ideas for long car rides.
I’m excited about our summer issue this year. I get excited about all of our issues but I feel that for this issue we have been working on changing a few things with Saplings’ overall look. As creatives we are always working on improving and it’s exciting to see how far Saplings has come since last summers’ issue. I hope you continue to grow with us, and thank you for all of the support you give.
Tons of hugs,
LILA
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CONTRIBUTORS SUMMER 2015 Lila Purdy | Editor in Chief Arielle Bailey | Art Director Leonie Freeman Tenley Clark Kiki Tillman Rya Duncklee Patrycja Swiatek Cari Dugan Clare Wood Natalie Warr Jennifer Brozak Casey Ayala Chau Huynh Julie Tran Amanda Gift Scott Brinegar Marjolaine Richards-Deviq Cara Leps Mugopus Kaye Dash Maria Llanos Erica Avellone Dana Curtin Megan Alisa Stormi Yates Veronika Howard
COVER IMAGE BY THE TALENTED CASEY AYALA
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Teenage Kicks
Photographer: Leonie Freeman Styling: Cara Leps Hair and Make up: Astrid Kearney and Carly Hobbs East London | UK
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Mimi Cap, Scotch and Soda Top, Scotch and Soda Shorts, Rokit Bangles, New Look
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(Left) Mimi as above with Bag, Primark
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(Right) Poppy Beanie, Zara Shirt, Scotch and Soda Shorts, Primark Socks, Sock Shop Shoes, Schuh
(Left) Poppy Hat, H&M T-Shirt, Amplified Vintage Skirt, New Look (Right) Mimi Jumpsuit, Storm for Monsoon Shirts, New Look
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Mimi Raincoat, Primark T-Shirt, Scotch and Soda Trousers, Scotch and Soda Shoes,Schuh Sunglasses, Primark Headscarf, Stylists own
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Poppy Cap, Primark Top, Primark Dungarees,Scotch and Soda Shoes, Schuh Bag, New Look
(From left to right) Keziah Top, Scotch and Soda Shorts, Bang Bang Copenhagen Socks, Shop Sock Shoes, Schuh Maddie Top, Primark Dungarees, Primark Shirt, River Island Socks, Sock Shop Shoes, Marks and Spencer Ruby Headband, Primark Top, Scotch and Soda Shorts,Scotch and Soda Shirt, Scotch and Soda Socks, Sock Shop Shoes, New Look
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(From Left to right) Ruby shorts, Scotch and Soda Shoes, Schuh Maddie Top and shorts, Scotch and Soda Shoes New Look Keziah Cardigan, Scotch and Soda Dress, Bang Bang Copenhagen at Abacus Kids Bag, Stylists own Socks, Sock Shop Shoes, Schuh
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(From left to right) Maddie Hat, Primark Top, Scotch and Soda Trousers, River Island Red bag, Stylists Own Keziah Top, Monki Leggings, New Look Bag, Primark Ruby Head scarf, Stylists Own Top, Monki Jeans, Marks and Spencer
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(Right) Maddie Jacket, Acne
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Red bag, Stylist Own Green bag, Primark
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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
“When children help others, they experience a sense of value, as well as validation.” Dr. Gail Gross
GROWING THROUGH GIVING BACK: How Volunteering Benefits Your Kids by Jennifer Brozak
For as long as she can remember, Shannon Koch, a mother of two from Pittsburgh, Pa., has been a volunteer. Her first experiences as a Girl Scout paved the way for her to volunteer throughout high school, where she served with her high school’s community action project, Interact and Students Against Drunk Driving groups, among others. Now, as the mother of a 13-year-old boy and an 11-year-old girl, Koch makes it a priority to teach her kids about the importance of giving back. Twice a year, they volunteer as a family at their church’s food drives, and her son plans to volunteer for the church’s day camp this summer. “I think it’s important for the kids to see there are needs beyond their own,” she explains. “I’m very fortunate that both of them are very compassionate kids.” Koch has found that her daughter Trista, who is on the autism spectrum, has thrived while volunteering with the Girl Scouts and for nursing homes through school projects.
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“I think volunteering has allowed her to be involved in social settings in her own capacity,” says Koch. “It’s also helped others understand the spectrum more and see that the long-believed stereotypes aren’t true. Kids on the spectrum are just as capable as others.” Why It Matters Volunteering gives children the ability to see beyond themselves, according to Kathy Kelly-Garris, a high school teacher from Penn Township, Pa. and mother of two teenage daughters who volunteer. Her older daughter Kaitlyn is 17 and, for the past three summers, has traveled to Kentucky to help build houses for the poor. Kelly-Garris’ younger daughter, Emma, who is 14, will join Kaitlyn in Kentucky for the first time this summer. “Volunteerism is important to creating children who put others first,” says Kelly-Garris. “In the age of materialism, they need to know what to truly value. In Appalachia, they see extreme poverty. It rocks their world.”
“Volunteering as a family is a good way for your child to embark upon independent volunteering,” she suggests. “Children are social animals, and they imitate what they see, and when parents value helping others, that feeling of happiness, satisfaction, and fun transfers to their Volunteering can positively impact a child’s self-esteem children. The key is to have age-appropriate and safe and social development, says Dr. Gail Gross, a psychol- volunteering for your children.” ogist from Houston, Texas. Where to Begin “When children help others, they experience a sense of value, as well as validation,” she says. “Further, volunteering builds confidence as children recognize how helpful and beneficial their interactions towards others can be. Thus, serving others through volunteer work can, in fact, improve a child’s self-confidence and sense of accomplishment. This [experience] can help a child develop a feeling of purpose and importance, as they experience the pride of helping others. A child’s identity can expand in a positive way, as he builds new social skills while making new friends.” While different organizations have different age requirements for volunteers, that doesn’t mean opportunities don’t exist for all children. Children as young as two or three years old can benefit from a family volunteer experience, says Dr. Gross.
A good place to start is at an animal shelter, Dr. Gross says, where very young children can help care for animals in a safe, monitored environment. Christine Santos-Chrisostomo of New York is the founder of Bundles of Love Animal Rescue, a not-forprofit senior animal rescue. She’s also the mother of two small children, ages 3 and 5. Each day, her daughters help her care for the animals. “My youngest puts the food bowls down and picks them up when they are empty,” she says. “My older daughter also helps with the feedings. She will also help brush them and give them baths. I do not force this on them, but they choose to help and they love it. I feel it is important to instill volunteer work in my children to help model empathy.
“It is a joy to see my kids want to help with this endeavor,” she adds. “My hope is that one day they will take this over. The animal rescuer gene is real and only time will tell if one or both of them have it.” If you’re not yet sure where their passions lie, children can start close to home by helping a neighbor or family member. As children mature, they can be encouraged to branch out by joining local service organizations that appeal to their interests. If you want to encourage your kids to start serving this summer, here are a few ideas to consider: ● Ask elderly or disabled neighbors or relatives if they need help around the house. With supervision, even very young children can help to clean, bring in the mail or simply spend time with an elderly person who lives alone. ● Check with your child’s teacher or school administrator about any volunteer efforts the school district may need help with, such as a food or toy drive. ● If you belong to a church, ask your pastor about volunteer opportunities that exist for children and families. Many places of worship host food pantries, coat drives or soup kitchens where older children can serve. Younger children may be able to help with simple tasks like watering flowers. ● Encourage older children to find activities that spark their interest. If they love animals, they can volunteer at a local animal shelter. If they’re interested in pursuing a career in medicine, perhaps they can find service work at a local health care facility. Most not-forprofit organizations have volunteering guidelines already in place, so contact potential sites for information. “Be what you want to see. Children social-model their behavior, and their most important teachers are at home,” says Gross. Online Resources If you’re not sure where to begin, try visiting volunteermatch.com, which provides a listing of more than 90,000 nonprofits around the world who are seeking volunteers. You can search using your zip code to find opportunities close to your hometown. If your family is passionate about the environment, search allatonce.org, musician Jack Johnson’s social action network that connects volunteers with sustainable local food systems, plastic-free initiatives and other environmental projects.
Jennifer Brozak is a mother, wife and recovering English teacher from Pittsburgh, Pa. A freelance writer, she shares her daily escapades on her blog, One Committed Mama.
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A Frill Video demonstration to create these looks featured on Saplings’ Facebook page
Video & Photography: Chau Huynh-Paper Daisies Photography Hair and Makeup: Miss Julie Makeup (Julie Tran) Models: Zoe and Jada Sydney, Australia
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COLOR PLAY
Tenley Clark Photography Models: Scout Model & Talent Agency/ MDT Agency inc. Hair and Make up: Tenley Clark Los Angeles, California
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Jax Turtle Beach Linen Shirt, Old Navy Striped Tee, Gap Kids Shorts, H&M Shoes, H&M
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3 Pom Striped Surf Tee, Ladida Liho Blue Twill Bermudas, Ladida Hat, Target Shoes, H&M
CoCo Watermelon Dress, H&M Striped sandals, Old Navy Colorful Words Tee, Old Navy Yellow Shorts, Old Navy Shoes, H&M
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Durvante Make a Mess Tee, Zara Kids Yellow Shorts, Target Striped Beenie, H&M
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Jaydin Bobo Mr. Puzzled Tank, Ladida Striped shorts, Gap Kids Bobo Yellow/Green Striped Socks, Ladida
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Layla Sweet Treats Tee, Tucker & Tate Eyelet shorts, Mini Boden Shoes, Target
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Ice Cream Tee, Stripes Boutique Colorful triangles skirt, Stripes Boutique
Meet the designers behind PennyClareMakes Interview by Lila Purdy
A mother - daughter duo takes on a bold design market creating catchy banners, cute cushions, and children’s hand bags . 68
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your family background.. We are a mum and a daughter team. I (Clare) am one of 5 children, 4 sisters and 1 brother. We are a really close family and live near to each other so love meeting up for dog walks and picnics and kayaking on mass with the 10 children we have between us. Dad is a farmer/haulage firm owner so we spent our childhood running around a farm and taking trips in the Lorries, we were scruffy little devils. Mum (Penny) ran her own silk bridal gown company for years, designing and making dresses. She designed and made mine and my sister’s wedding dresses. Mum is now retired, apart from a lot of child care for all those grandchildren and looking after her loopy Spaniel. I work as a community dance artist, I love my job. I teach classes for all ages and abilities and project manage performances and youth dance projects.
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Share with us the story of how the idea of PennyClaremakes was born...
Pennyclaremakes started not long after mum retired. We had all decided to have a homemade Christmas making gifts for each other and our children. I made a lot of banners and Panda cushions and bags. Once I started making banners I had so many ideas and Mum was looking for something to keep her busy so we thought why not? Let’s give this a go and set up an Etsy shop. Mum does all the sewing and I design and draw the products. How would you describe the experience of being a mother and daughter team? What are the pros?
Our roles have always been clearly defined as we naturally have different skills that fit together so our working relationship is very easy. We understand each other’s skills and also can be very honest when discussing new designs and ideas. Currently you are brand includes banners, cushions, print, and children handbags, do you see the line branching into children’s clothing? What can your customers expect from PennyClaresmakes in the near future?
At the moment we are unsure of the exact route we want to take. There are lots of ideas on the table, children’s clothing is certainly something we would consider. We started pennyclaremakes as a hobby and now we are at a point where we need to make important decisions about our future which is very exciting. Screen printing some of our designs is something we are currently looking into.
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I notice that some of your artwork includes zentangle art, are you considering adding this type of artwork to other products in your line or are they going to be only available for print work?
We have done some work in collaboration with my sister Kate, an illustrator who runs a print business, Blueoakprints. The work with a zentangle influence comes from theses collaborations. When you are hand drawing items onto fabric this kind of work is very time consuming and therefore makes items expensive so we do have to consider that. We will definitely be collaborating with Kate more in the future though. You currently live in the UK, any plans to visit the US?
Mum and I took a trip to New York for a trade show when she ran her bridal business and we would definitely like to return and explore more of the US.
Share with us what inspires you to create? All your work is hand drawn, where do you find the inspiration for your artwork?
My ideas come from all over the place, sometimes it’s from something I have seen or another one of our products can set me off on a new idea. The sort of products I like or want for my children has a big influence too. I am currently decorating my kids room so our recent Let it Go and Everything is Awesome banners were designed to go above their beds. With so many nieces and nephews with different tastes I test a lot of my ideas on them. Generally if my own kids don’t want to steal the first samples of products then I don’t take the idea further. I have always loved tigers, rainbows and clouds so I expect they will often feature on our products.
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Summer Fun (my girl) 77
Photography: Amanda Gift & Scott Brinegar of Snaps Studio Models: Harper Tillman & Wynn Goldberg Makeup Artist: Mugopus Hair: Kaye Dash of Dash Exchange Styling: Kiki Tillman Los Angeles, Califonia
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HERE Wynn: Shirt: Appaman Jeans: Gap Shoes: Converse Harper: Dress: Hucklebones. Hair Bow: Amour Bows. Shoes: Zimmerman shoes Socks: Hue
THERE Wynn: Hat. JCREW. Sunglasses Ray Ban. Blazer: La Miniatura. Shirt: La Miniatura Shorts: Paade
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Harper: Hat: Jean Paul Gaultier Sunglasses: Love My Alannah Sweater: Marni Skirt: Hucklebones
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Harper: Dress: Le Petit Tom. Sunglasses. Love My Alannah (opening page)
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Wynn: Shirt: La Miniatura. Blazer: Appaman Sunglasses: Ray Ban
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Harper: Dress. Roberto Cavalli. Hair Bow: Amour Bows
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Wynn Suit: Appaman Sweater: Paul Smith Shirt: La Miniatura. Flower: Amour Bows Harper: Dress: Nori. Hair Clip: Amour Bows Scarf: Pale Cloud Purse: Posh Kids LA Shoes: Zimmerman Shoes Socks: Hue
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THE SHAPE OF SUMMER Photography by Lila Purdy Styling by Arielle Bailey Hair and Make up by: Maria Llanos All clothing by Nununu + Footwear by Vans Accessories: stylists own Models: Kayla, Niki, and Kayden Charlotte, North Carolina
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Meet Heather Rome!
Children’s fashion stylist, Heather Rome, talks about her family life, and her career in the fashion industry. Interview by Lila Purdy
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Tell us a little about yourself and your family? Describe the personalities in your household.
I have three kids, Dax is my oldest he is 14. I refer to him as the biggest kid. He is very wise and a good kid. Cash is 11, I call him middle child. He is the sweetest kid that loves to make people laugh. You will always find him skateboarding. Penelope is 8 and my little side kick. She helps me prep for my shoots and has a good eye for putting things together. She loves american girl dolls and dressing them up.
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As a fashion stylist do you feel the need to also keep up with the trends in your personal life or are you a laid-back jeans and t-shirt kinda girl? I absolutely love fashion...on other people. These days you will find me in the same t-shirt I wore yesterday and a pair of jeans. On occasion I might wear a vintage top. I have always had a laid back style. The seventies are my favorite fashion era and I have stayed true to that style since high school. Although when I was in high school I was called a “poser” because one day I would dress hippie, the next day the latest fashion trend or something vintage. My favorite thing about fashion is that you can dress in whatever style strikes your mood.
Did you grow up knowing you wanted to be a fashion stylist? Or did the career find you? I always wanted to be a stylist, I just didn’t know that is was a job. My mom taught me to sew when I was young and I would make clothes for my barbies. I never played with them in the traditional sense. I would dress them up, pose them, then style them again. My favorite time of the year was back to school clothes shopping. My mom was always very mindful of spending money so we shopped a lot at consignment and discount stores. That is how I learned to put outfits together. It wasn’t like the mall where you would pick out the outfit on a mannequin. I would search the racks for colors, textures, patterns and styles that go together. In high school I took a class through ROP, regional occupation program. It was a fashion merchandising course on campus one day a week at WET SEAL. I headed to college and enrolled in the fashion program. My last semester I interned at a trade magazine assisting the stylist on photo shoots. After a few years in the fashion world, I stepped back from fashion and worked in my mom’s hair salon ( I am also a licensed hair stylist) while my two sons were young. It wasn’t until my daughter was born and I was inspired by kids fashion and found myself wanting to be back in the industry. I styled a few editorials for Babiekins and became the fashion editor. Last year I left to work freelance. I have had the opportunity to meet and work with some amazing and talented people.
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You’ve worked with countless amazing photographers; does it still seem surreal to see your work in print? It is a pretty awesome feeling to see the image you helped create on the cover of a magazine. Just this month the cover I styled for August 2014 of Family Fun Magazine won a readers choice and editors choice award of best in the family category. So that was pretty exciting. I love when friends will text me or tag me in images they see online or out and about. One of the coolest moments was when a model I have worked with was on a shoot for a well known fashion brand. Her mom told me images I had styled were on the inspiration boards they were using as reference. I think it is always flattering when people you admire are looking at your work.
What do your children think about their mom working as a stylist? Do you see any of them following in your footsteps? This year for mothers day my daughter Penelope wrote a little "something about mom poem" and she wrote "always at photo shoots". My boys are older and are not into fashion so they just ask when I will be home when I leave for a shoot. They know that my work days are long. Penelope tells me that she wants to be a hair and fashion stylist when she grows up. She definitely has her own sense of fashion.
What place would you love to travel to that you haven’t been to yet? My very first photo shoot I worked on was in Mexico. And that was the only time I traveled out of the country for a job. So I would love to go anywhere but some place with really good donuts would be a plus.
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Gypsy Caravan Photographer: Rya Duncklee Hair and Make up: Rya Duncklee Clothing: Moss and Mountain, Berits Lilla Deerfield Beach, Florida
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let your dreams set sail..
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Photography: Dreamtree Photography Styling: Dreamtree Photography Houston, Texas
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PINEAPPLEVILLE
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Clothing: Crewcuts, Target Accessories: Claire’s
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TROPICAL POPSICLES
by Patrycja Swiatek @pattys_foodography ( Instagram ) Popsicle recipes differ but nearly all pops are made following a similar four-step process in which you create a mix, pour it into moulds, freeze the moulds, and finally unmould and enjoy. These bring a little bit of sunshine with its wonderful, holiday look with bright colours and the tropical taste. Make sure the fruits are ripened in room temperature so they’ll be really sweet and soft enough for making sorbet. Sometimes you can look for a bargain as really ripe fruits are usualy sold cheaper on markets. Ingredients 1 cup coconut water 1 ripe papaya 1 ripe mango 1 tin rich creamy coconut milk To create the base, puree each fruit separetly in a blender, adding few tbsp. of coconut water, about half-half quantity. With milk, make sure to stir it well first in the tin, then mix 1/2cup with the same amount of coconut water. Once your popsicle mix is ready, use a pitcher or a long slim latte spoon to carefully fill your moulds. Start with mango sorbet, fill 1/4 mould then carefully pour a little bit of the milky mixture at the top. Place it in the freezer for about an hour until partially frozen, then start to fill up another quarter with papaya sorbet and again milk at the top, leaving a little bit of room at the top as the popsicles will expand as they freeze. Then gently slide the stick into the center of each pop (it should stand on its own.) Place stick in the middle of each pop and carefully transport them to the freezer to set. They’ll be ready in few hours. To unmold ice pops, fill a pan (that is at least as tall as your mould) with warm (not hot) water, and briefly dip each mould in until the pops loosen, about 10 to 20 seconds. Remove the mould from the water and pull gently upward to get nice, clean pops.
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Chocolate Cheesecake with fresh raspberries and mixed nuts A non-bake, vegan recipe by Patrycja Swiatek @pattys_foodography ( Instagram ) The idea of combining bitterness of chocolate with sharpness of raspberries and addition of crunchy nuts take this fairly simple dessert to a new height. It’s also made from clean ingredients. It’s vegan, refined sugar free and contains healthy fats. Silkened tofu used in recipe takes the place of eggs by acting as a binding agent and pureed cashew nuts bring creaminess. Ingredients: Base: 2 cups chopped mixed nuts (Brazilian nuts, almonds, hazelnuts) 2tbsp extra virgin coconut oil 6 medjool dates Filling: 1 1/4cup cashew nuts (soaked for a few hours, rinsed well and drained) 1 cup soy cream 200g silken tofu 1/4 cup maple syrup 3 heaped tbsp organic cacao powder 2 tbsp extra virgin coconut oil 1/2 tsp natural vanilla bean paste 1 cup fresh raspberries 1/3 cup chopped mixed nuts (Brazilian nuts, almonds, hazelnuts) Method In a food processor, process dates with melted coconut oil till it has a paste consistency. Add nuts and whip until it has a sticky ball shape. Press into circular 6” cake tin. Place in the fridge while preparing the filling. To make filling, blend together activated cashew nuts with soy cream and maple syrup till smooth. Add melted coconut oil and vanilla paste, then crumble in tofu cheese and keep blending until well combined. At last add cacao powder and blend for a few extra minutes till desired cheesecake/mousse consistency. Take the tin with the base out of the fridge and spread chocolate filling on your ‘crust’. Decorate with chopped nuts all around the edges and sink some rasberries in the middle of the cake. Let it set in the freezer for couple of hours. Defrost for a good hour before serving. Makes approx. 12 servings
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Boho
in the City Photographer: Erica Avellone Photography Styling: Dana Curtin Production: Bella Lei Couture Models: Kinley, Gianna, Melo and Paige New York City, New York 135
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Kinley (left) les tout petite dress, joyfolie sandals Gianna (right) a vintage dress
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Melo (left) Save The Queen Dress Paige (right) Runway Kids dress, Minnetonka shoes
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THE JOYS OF by Cari Dugan
Motherhood is more than the sink piled high with dirty dishes, carpool lines, and tantrums in aisle eight. We can not encompass it’s entirety in one singular moment. Rather it’s tens of thousands. It’s sleepless nights rocking feverish babies, it’s stepping on Legos and tripping over backpacks. It is where exhaustion and joy mesh together. It is the place where worry and indescribable joy intertwine. It is all the emotions heightened to their full capacity. Yours and theirs. Motherhood is all consuming, unrelenting, and joy giving. It draws us in, all of us. Our heart, our soul. But as wonderful as it is, there is an undeniable element of pain. Because it is also the place that gently uncovers the weakest parts of ourselves and leaves us bare . It is the place that reveals our selfishness, our lack of empathy and our humanness . In motherhood there is no feigning perfection. It is the place where we face our characters dead on while enduring sibling rivalry and digging ourselves out of mountains of laundry. It is the place where little eyes and little hearts see us for who we really are. The lovely, the raw, the ugly, and the broken. However, it is where we also find grace. Where we learn to forgive our own brokenness, and become comfortable in our own skin. Motherhood is where we also see parts of ourselves in freckles and sky blue eyes. Parts of us that we grow to love because to not embrace would be to deny the beauty before us . The beauty that is of us and ours to treasure, behold and love. It is the place where it nurtures the best of us . Where love and kindness grows . Where we learn not only to love but what it means to be loved . 142
It is our children who teach us what the core of motherhood is. In their innocence, in their gentleness, in their unwavering grace and their fierce loyalty. In their insatiable hunger for more of us. Motherhood is where we give and give and give until we are depleted of all the energy and sacrifice we think we have left. However, instead of being emptied we are filled to the brim with adoration and love. Love that constantly overflows and spills into mud caked boots, chocolate kisses, and crayoned art work on freshly painted walls . Motherhood is when we realize that the little hearts that once beat inside of us, now beat in sync with ours. Our heart that is forever ruined with an unexplainable growing love. Motherhood is where we are stretched, torn, challenged and forever given . Motherhood is falling into bed at the end of the night, bones tired, eyes heavy with sleep. And yet we can’t help but to lift our weary bodies out of bed just one more time so we can feast our eyes on sleepy children, their chests rising and falling with each sweet breath . Our own breathing matching their rhythm , a sweet reminder that we are of the same heart, of the same blood, of the same flesh. They call us mother. They call our hearts. They call us to them. So we come. In motherhood there is no other way. We kiss dirt streaked faces, cling tightly to tiny hands, and marvel at their beauty. We don’t just welcome all that is motherhood but submit ourselves to it. Laying our lives down and leaving our hearts at the mercy of these ones we call daughters and sons. Motherhood is sometimes chaotic, sometimes messy, and at times difficult, but it is always beautiful.
“We kiss dirt streaked faces, cling tightly to tiny hands, and marvel at their beauty.”
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Photographer & Styling: Megan Alisa Photography Rancho Santa Margarita, California
Clothing: Dagmar Daley Accessories: Georgia Blue on etsy & Target Shoes: Livie & Luca
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A unique children’s label was born when her six year old daughter refused to let her get rid of some of her old clothes. Kathleen DeMartino describes her journey in developing Depression Couture. Interview by Lila Purdy
“ If you have a clear vision of why your product is, and not just what it is, then your story will be contagious. ” - Kathleen DeMartino
Share with us how Depression Couture became a brand. What is your backstory? It’s so funny, when I started sewing I never intended to start a label. I was merely trying to appease my daughter who did not want to part with old stained shirts. I had a Fine Art background with no sewing experience. I didn’t even own a sewing machine. So, I guess you could say Depression Couture™ was a bit of an accident. My first skirt was created from a bunch of my daughter’s chocolate milk-stained T shirts I had planned to pitch. Like most moms, I thought the dirty duds were useless; however, Claudia wouldn’t let me throw them away. With a little inspiration (my crying 6 year old daughter) and a lengthy trial and error process, a solution was found--a skirt made completely from her old tees. Then, a few months later, the two of us were out Christmas shopping at high end boutique located in trendy area of Pittsburgh known as Shadyside. Claude had on her favorite t- skirt and one of the other shoppers asked her, “Where did you get that skirt?” My daughter replied, “My mom made it.” The shop owner overheard our conversation and approached me about developing a series of skirts for her store. So on one shopping expedition with that initial order Depression Couture™ was created. The line grew from there. The t-skirt remains one of the cornerstone pieces in my collection year after year. Depression Couture™ gets its name from the Great Depression Era, a time when thrifty, creative mothers re-imagined hand-me-downs into beautiful pieces of clothing. Such a simple concept born of need to reuse what was available. My vintage inspired, modern-day designs retain that creative ingenuity, and are handcrafted using reclaimed textiles + notions. The clothing line has made a personal connection with consumers who not only love the uniqueness of each piece, but also the story behind the evolution of this lifestyle brand.
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Your brand is handcrafted in Pittsburg, PA, is being made in the USA important to your brand and why? As a small start-up brand from Pittsburgh, I am excited about the resurgence of the NYC Garment District which utilizes American talent and is creating jobs. In a world that is saturated by cheap “fast fashion”, I feel that quality is incredibly important and as my label grows, having factories and vendors close by will allow me to build stronger relationships, keep a close eye on the quality of construction which in turn will produce better products How has the line developed since it first launched? Do you undertake all of the work yourself? At this point I am still doing the bulk of the work myself. As crazy as it may sound, all garments are currently hand cut, sewn and detailed in Pittsburgh, PA. However, given the increase in demand for my brand – I am in the process of acquiring manufacturing within the United States that shares my passion for detail, quality and value. Though the original T-Skirt is still my biggest seller, each year I try to add something new – keeping with the reclaimed textiles concept. I look to see what materials are most readily available and then design around that. Since the launch, Depression Couture’s line includes tunics, raglan sleeve tops, jean jackets, and accessory coats which feature a removable purse in place of a pockets. Being that your Depression Couture started as a DIY project, what advice would you give to others starting a business from DIY projects? Allow your brand to evolve from its original story. If you have a clear vision of why your product is, and not just what it is, then your story will be contagious.
Congrats on being selected as a finalist for the 2014 Martha Stewart American made competition. Can you describe the feeling when you found out you were a finalist? Complete and total shock! My Photographer friend Kathy Wolfe sent me a text containing a screen shot of my Martha profile and the judges had added the “Style Finalist” badge to it. I was one of 45 style finalists in the Fashion category selected by the Martha Stewart panel of judges. I must say I felt like a winner right then. What does a day in the life of Kathleen looks like? Basically I am a typical mom. My family comes first. I have two very active kids so I work around their schedules which is much easier when they are in school. A typical day for me during production times includes getting kids off to school followed by a quick trip to the gym. Studio time is usually about 4 hours before I have to think about dinner, homework and getting Claudia and Joey to their respective soccer and baseball practices. During the summer I can be found hand-sewing poolside during morning swim team practice or in the car while driving to a soccer tournament in Virginia. My work goes where I go. It’s a cliché’ but it’s a total labor of love. If you were a flower which flower would you be? A Snap Dragon - they are always fun, colorful and resilient.
Red, White & Blue
Photographer: Natalie Warr Hair and Make up: Stormi Yates Stylist: Veronika Howard Models: The Osbrink Agency Redondo Beach, California
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Red Dress - Tea Collection (Navy) Little boy shirts - Wes and Willy Little Boy shorts - (Rowdy) - Billabong (Strummer) - Volcom Biniki - Billabong (Hannah) Shorts - quicksilver (Riley) Tank top - quicksilver (Riley)
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American Flag sweater - God save L.A - Kitston store L.A (Isabella) Hat - blue and white stars - Vans One piece swimsuit and shirt -Target (Hannah) White dress - Dimitybourke girls (Sophia)
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