A Beautiful Mess

Meet Elsie, also known as elsiecake. She's a blogger, talented designer, and boutique owner with a vintage vision. In a studio littered in glitter, paint, and fabric, Elsie created A Beautiful Mess. The blog is her muse and a place to explore everything fashionable, crafty, and pretty.  ♥

Her blog also provides updates on her dream come true, Red Velvet. In 2002, Elsie teamed up with her sister, Emma, and friend, Rachel, to create the independent boutique full of indie and vintage items. It started with the girls making and selling their handmade creations, and as Emma said, "that's pretty much what it still is today." Their days are busy and full of online and in-store work, editing photos, and photo shoots. While they admit to being workaholics, they love their jobs and find themselves to be "pretty lucky."

Elsie and Emma are sisters, so we wondered, of course, how well they work together. Emma remarked, "I think the biggest fear everyone has about a family business is that there will be a fight that will damage your love/friendship for good. And sure, we are sisters, and we disagree about things here and there, but if we didn't get along, I think we would have figured it out by now." She also added that they have different strengths, which creates the right balance. "I would hate to compete against her anyway, she's feisty."

As their dreams continue to become reality, the ladies remain a strong team, they know they can rely on each other, and they continue to feel joyous and thankful.

If you haven't yet, visit A Beautiful Mess and find vintage inspired looks and beautiful inspiration. If you live in the area, stop by their Sweet Shoppe too (we wish it around the corner from us). We fell in love with it all and we hope you do too. ♥ And as always, we hope you had a lovely week!

P.S. Elsie wears our Chelsea Crew "Malibu" heels!

(and she has an adorable pug)

xo,
Ruche

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Style File: following your lead

Maxi dresses and spring go together like two peas in a pod. ♥ We're smitten with this pretty ensemble.

Photo Credit: Lust for Life

The lovely Olivia styled our following your lead lace maxi dress for a spring brunch. The wedges and sun hat add the final touches for a perfect sweet pea outfit.

xo,
Ruche

P.S. Check out our love is real maxi dress for a similar look!

 

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Spring Thoughts

Just a little spring musing for today. ♥

It is so amazing to see flowers springing up everywhere. We still don't have blooming trees or leaves on the trees, but it's so close I can just feel it! It's amazing. It's crazy how such beauty just grows out of the earth. I'm impressed, world.

-Tieka, Selective Potential

Tell us, what do you love about spring?

xo,
Ruche

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A Key to Mom's Heart

Mother's Day is less than two weeks away! Show your thanks with a little something from Ruche. The crafty artist will love our art prints and unique handmade jewelry. We have a selection of mugs for the coffee and tea lover, and our kitchen aprons and refrigerator magnets are perfect for the master chef. The nature bug will swoon over our garden inspired clothing and accessories, while the style maven will adore our fashionable sunglasses and jewelry stands. Find the perfect gift for the special woman in your life here! You do love her, after all. ♥

xo,
Ruche

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If Ruche were an Easter egg hunt...

                                                All images: Martha Stewart

...we would look like this. ♥ We hope everyone had a happy Easter!

xo,
Ruche

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DIY: Let's Get Organized

Spring cleaning, anyone? Let's get crafty and organized. ♥ The Ruche family got together to decorate the office and create these fabric cubes:


STEP 1: Pick up boxes like these and pretty fabric of your choice. (We got our cubes from Ikea.)

STEP 2: Cut a piece of fabric to fit the box's side and add glue.
STEP 3: Cover the box with the fabric and smooth.
STEP 4: Cut another piece of fabric (mix and match!) to fit the handle and apply glue.
STEP 5: Smooth the fabric and repeat until your heart's desire.
These drawers organize our office and brighten the room. They make us smile too! Happy DIY spring cleaning!

xo,
Ruche

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Style File: Coffeehouse Art

Ruche ladies, meet Mara.

She's is the sweetheart and writer behind M Loves M, a blog about everyday musings. She wore our enjoying the coffeehouse art pocket dress, and we love her fashion-forward sense of style!

Her accessories and use of color create a perfect look:

"I wanted to add to the laid back vibe {hello adorable pockets!} with a stone necklace and these awesome cat eye sunnies!" -Mara

How would you style this dress? We'd love to know!

xo,
Ruche

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