bug-a-boo baby blog

Fab Fall/Winter Fabrics-just in!

Last week was like Christmas for me at the studio...opening up all of these vibrant new fabrics was such a treat--I just love them all so much, that I have to share a few of them with you.  First, a new and upcoming color trend we will be seeing lots of is orange & raspberry pinks/reds mixed with anything from browns, blacks, to tiffany blue to mustard yellow!  Just take a look at these:

I love how bold they are! 

These fabrics  are going to make some darling totes--the big piece of raspberry fabric behind the floral repeat shapes above is a soft, velvet--and this piece has so much sheen to it!  It's a must have for going into the winter and wanting a fun fresh look still...

This is another awesome new fabric that has orange, brown, hot pink, red, and a deep teal (which is another upcoming color headed into 2009)--yes, I did say teal--but, the new teal is pretty exciting...mixed with even blacks and crisp white--it is so chic.  It is kind of the new spin on the blue end of fashion right now.  Oh, how things seem to just keep coming back...

Speaking of an old favorite, that is new again this fall....the crisp and classic houndstooth fabric (which is one of my absolute favorites, and always has been)-I love it because it's a great background for mixing in other patterns with it.  The piece of houndstooth I received this week at the shop is divine--large black/off white pattern in a velvety/chenille texture---and mixed with some of our large floral printed fabrics is going to make an irresistible look-

Check it out:
so many possibilites with this houndstooth--love it with green, pink, red, yellow--you name it and it works.  Perfect for a tote, handbag, wristlet, stash bag--just about any of our accessories!

A few other new arrivals I'd like to highlight are below--some customers have already discovered and selected them for custom bags...the geometric shapes below is an awesome blend of black/cream/and deep slate gray--

Below is the giraffe--finally in a black and white--and it's velvet!

Featured below is also a textured chenille type fabric in an overall large leaf pattern, and the one in the right bottom is a diamond cut chenille fabric--these would be perfect on a Louanna bag--think of the drape, sheen and texture!!!  To view some of these awesome fabrics, just give us a call at 309.862.BUGS or stop by to see for yourself--we promise you'll want to start designing!

 

Favorite fabric, fun friend

Patty Young, you are one talented individual! Her new fabric line that I often blog about Andalucia--is shown off below with some fun accessories.  Just coming back form quilt market, her line is selling nicely and I couldn't be more proud to be included in her debut.  She is currently doing a fun giveaway of some of the samples that were part of her booth at market....check out her blog to get the details:

http://www.modkidboutique.blogspot.com/

the fun raspberry, brown, and citrus lime boo blankie and bib (featured in above center & right)--are part of the giveaway--how fun!  And there are some other awesome goodies you can win!  This mod blooms fabric in brown, is my favorite from her line--so, I thought it was the perfect choice for the giveaway.....we will also be carrying this fabric for customers to design bug-a-boo baby accessories--it is crisp and bold, but still feminine which makes it a perfect addition to our fabric collection.  So exciting! 
I also got the wonderful opportunity to sit down with Patty at breakfast yesterday and hear about her future design plans...stay tuned..there will be many more stunning Patty Young fabric lines to come!  I can't wait...

Fresh designs and studio news

I couldn't wait to sit down and write a new blog entry this morning...coming off of Halloween last week, mixed in with a husband traveling for work, many design appointments,  kids activities, special school programs..oh, where did the time go?  I know all of us moms feel this way--probably every week.  We got creative in our house this year with our pumpkin display-I love doing more to pumpkins than standard carving (plus, they last longer)--so, out came the spray paint, pom pom balls, pipe clearners, markers, glitter...and lots of creative energy--we had so much fun doing these as they highlight each child's personality and style!   Needless to say, there are still on my front doorstep even though we are getting well into November!

Studio News:
We had a great response to our 8th year birthday special savings month--I worked with lots of new and old faces on some great new designs.  One of my favorite is this small Maud bag--I've blogged about this bird/floral fabric before (in blue)-but, wanted to show it to you in the pink/yellow version.  It also has a great lining fabric that is waterproof yet stylish...

She is going to love using this bag to tote around some of her young one year old's items, plus her own--as it is the perfect size and a mix between a handbag and a small tote.

Next, we have some awesome new funky burpee knit prints in.   Here's a few photos to give you an idea of the fun!

  Coming up onto holiday season has brought a couple of vintage type Bambi prints in--they are precious and so different..take a look:
There is something about these old fashioned prints that I just adore!  They are perfect for the season upon us!

A couple of favorite boo blankies have some great use of color--first up is the Shabby Chic boo with a lime green and pops of hot pink--check out this vintage rose pattern...
And, this brown/green combo--a nice fresh change from the blue/brown that has dominated the market--this look is masuline, yet still trendy.  A little rugged and urban mixed!

We are also working on a couple of new bag styles (one hopefully before X-mas), and a new item for little girls...it will be just as much fun as our new sassy scarfie (below), I promise!

Happy Monday!

Mod Blooms; fabric from Patty Young's Andalucia

Awhile ago I posted a blog entry featuring my friend Patty Young; graphic designer, children's clothing designer, etc. Her latest venture is textile designing and she has been working on her line Andalucia for the last year.  It has now been printed and she's currently off to the big quilt Market show in Texas--in prep for the show, several sewers created accessories for her to use in her booth.  We were selected to showcase some of the vibrant Mod blooms fabric with our luxe bibs and boo blankies.  I had so much fun designing these as the colors are so crisp and strong.  These ended up being some of my favorite designs we've ever created! Take a look...

 
I love how the contrast color on the bibs pop!  I was able to use some of our fun oilcloth fabrics for the back--Patty loves strong colors and different applications, so I wanted these to showcase her style...
I love the slick red with the pink!

The lime against the deep chocolate brown is so interesting..

And finally, the coral color against this brown is a smashing combination...

I added a bronze back to give you a rich look..

Patty--thanks for giving me this opportunity to help you with your booth for the Quilt Market--I am thinking about you, and hope you're doing great.  I know your textiles will showcase well, and I hope our accessories assist with your first debut!

To view more awesome Andalucia products for Patty Young's booth at market, visit her blog at:

http://modkidboutique.blogspot.com/

Chic Boutique Fall Open House-This Thursday October 23rd!

Join us for a Fall "Chic Boutique"  

Open House

Thursday, October 23
5:00-9:00 p.m.
bug-a-boo baby design salon: 112 Boeykens Place Suite 1B  Normal

featuring products and accessories from:

www.bugaboobaby.com
www.statestreetdesign.com
www.scentsy.com/jodialbertini
www.kristinelisedesign.com

Grab friends/family & stop in to get a head start on your holiday shopping, view fresh accessories, and order custom, personalized cards & stationary
Select items available that evening...

This is an event you won't want to miss!..we will help you"design your own" for an individual look.

Questions?  Call 309.862.BUGS for more information or send an e-mail to: bugaboobabysalon@aim.com

We look forward to seeing you Thursday!
Dana, Stacy, Jodi, & Kristin

Scarfie is our new sassy accessory!

Fall brings a new accessory to the bug-a-boo baby line-up!  We can't wait to introduce you to the Scarfie--a fun, reversible scarf made with sassy fabrics and softness that will make you melt...it's chic, cozy, practical...and most of all has individual style. With custom options, you can design a look all your own. 

Stylin' little gals will look smashing in this scarf; and it is such the trend right now. Choose from smooth plush fabric, printed corduroys, light suedes, and lots of fun trims--large pom poms, fringe, etc. These will top off that outerwear for your little one!  This perfect holiday gift--and, makes a fun accessory for all of those upcoming holiday snapshots! Can't wait to see some of you young designers select fabrics for the Scarfie--

special October anniversary price: $25.00

Fall Florals & Ruffles

I love big floral patterns--big & bold with great color.  They are big right now, and a trend I've been seeing for some time in fabric patterns-I love the yellow and brown floral pattern below on this flowing dress...topped off with a denim jacket and flip flops makes a casual look for daytime. We have lots of large floral patterns in stock that make awesome bags or baby items for those little stylish chicas!

Metallics are still big and have been for several years--we went through the gold trend, but this fall it's back to silver--check out these mod shoes:

Ruffles are all over the runway this fall--I will admit, I've

never been a "ruffle girl" however I've been intriqued lately by the tiered ruffling look lately. They make such a feminine, yet modern look--I could buy each one of these below--Love them!  Makes me want to go shopping!

Hosting a Matilda Jane trunk show

Tonight, we will be hosting a Matilda Jane Trunk show at our design salon.  The time will be from around 6:30-8:00, open house style.  This clothing line is a fresh, fun mix of eye- catching, colorful fabrics, with funky flared lines-- yet still with a feminine flair.  Some of the fall colors are so pretty--chartreuse greens, soft icy pink, icy blues, lots of chocolate...it really is a must see.  Come stop by the design salon and see what this line is all about.  My friend, Chanel from Your Reflection My Style, www.yourreflectionmystyle has provided me with some fab photos of little girls modeling the clothing.  Trust me, this clothing makes the perfect outfit for that special occasion--especially photo sessions!  Chanel has hosted several MJ parties and everyone is so excited to come back to her for photos sessions so their little one can show off this hip, a little boho style.
To view Matilda Jane collection and their history at: http://matildajanegirls.com/
We promise you will love the look....

bug-a-boo baby turns eight!

It is so hard to believe that eight years ago to the day, bug-a-boo baby was born.  The first of October, 2000 we received our first "true" order for a boo blankie.  Our signature security blankie led the way to this venture--and today it is still our most popular accessory!  I truly love selecting the fabrics, colors and overall design for these little blankies just as much today as I did back then when I was just beginning to sketch out the designs.  The boo holds a special place in my heart and will always be my little baby as they say--and I've been blessed to be able to see it grow along the way...

I am amazed when I think about how long it's been now since we (my mother & myself) had those first thoughts and dreams about bug-a-boo baby and what it might be--through it all, it has been everything I could have asked for...and more. 
Creative Energy:  First, it is my creative outlet (which I need in my LIFE)--I can let me inner creativity flow-spontaneously!  For those who know me well, I love the thrill of putting things together--that might not seem like they belong together, but I like to create it in a new light.  It is so fun for me to come up with unlikely color/pattern & texture combinations.  I really love to take an existing fabric, and mix it with something new that never even came together--it's like take a little of this, add it with a little of that, and see the product come alive.  bug-a-boo baby products boast personality! Each and every accessory is different.
Project Planning/Management:
O.k..so aside from all of the fun designing, there is also the every day project planning and managing that I thrive from a little too...it is ironic how each and every one of my previous work positions tested and fine tuned me for this area--I learned how to multi-task, micro manage projects, and communicate with different personalities within the workplace of several advertising/marketing companies.  Sounds crazy, but I love having all of these projects to juggle...I really work better under pressure and deadlines!!!

Customer Relations:  This area I really want to focus on!  Words cannot express how grateful we are for such wonderful clients/customers.  Some of you have been friends/ acquaintances prior to our beginning, and some are new faces along the way--regardless, you mean the world to us...Your loyalty, kindness, and referrals are why bug-a-boo baby has grown up!  Thank you for making this baby flourish--on the flip side, I hope that you have always felt the creative energy, passion, dedication and personality we strive to express in our business. Relationships are important to us, just as our product is--we are dedicated to creating unique accessories, and hope that the "design" experience is fun for all--I love seeing a customer happy and sometimes "surprised" by their individual creative design selections! Everyone is creative and individual--that's why we like to help you show it off!

As this milestone day winds down, I have been reflecting on these eight fabulous, fun, and fabric filled years, and am excited to continue down the creativity path...we promise to maintain style, energy, and the passion in every stitch along the way... 

               Dana

Bird Bag

I wanted to show how this unusual fabric I featured in our blog a couple of weeks ago, turned into a funky, and fun bag.  One of my clients (that always has great taste), came in looking to do a different bag.  This bird fabric caught her eye on the blog, and she wanted to add fabrics and texture with it to create a very unique, a little eclectic look.  She loves vintage and modern fabrics so we added textured orange velvet sides, and our dark chocolate "wood grain" oilcloth for the lining for a smashing look:
This bag is so fun--it's headed on vacaction with her at the end of the month-she wanted a fun, stylish--not too big bag for herself for work and play, that would also hold a couple of diapers, and a few toddler's things as well.  She got the whole look with this fabric-and the greatest aspect of it is that it's one-of-a-kind to her!