An afternoon with Miss Tilly & Bee.

An Afternoon With Miss Tilly & Bee.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Miss Tilly & Bee owner and creator, Ebony in her home last week. Miss Tilly & Bee is designed and produced by Ebony right here in Mudgee.  Not to mention are her designs far from your run of the mill clothes Cotton On Kids, her homewares collection and interior styling definitely deserve to be labelled #homeinspo.

From one creative mumma to another, it was such a pleasure to spend the afternoon with Ebony, her friend Jemima and their children Tilly, Zali, Oscar, Stevie and Baby Mabel.

Tell us about Miss Tilly and Bee and yourself?  Have you always had an interest in kids clothes and designing?

Tilly in Miss Tilly & Bee.

No not really. When Matilda was born I realised I love to dress her in clothes that weren’t being worn by half of the other kids in town.

I have always been more of a creative person and when Matilda was a baby I taught myself to sew on an old sewing machine we had.


My sewing then evolved to making children’s clothes which are my favourite things to make as each item is unique. I love the design aspect of creating the clothes dreaming up designs and deciding which fabrics to use. 

Ebony's all original artwork.

I especially love sourcing and shopping for that perfect fabric.



Who are the great loves in your life?
My little family. My husband Paul, our children Tilly, Oscar and Mabel and Sookie our cat. 

Oscar, Stevie, Zali, Tilly and Baby Mabel.
All the kids are dressed in Miss Tilly & Bee.

What inspires your designs?

My kids. I love to create pieces that I would dress my own children in. Miss Tilly and Bee probably isn’t mainstream but that’s what I like. 
My vintage fabric and quirky fabric collection and comfort, clothes that can be worn every day. 

Not a bad collection of fabrics.

Are you originally from Mudgee?  How long have you lived here?

No I’m not originally from Mudgee but from Bendigo, Victoria. We moved to Mudgee from Bathurst 3 years ago.



Other than Miss Tilly and Bee, what are your favourite shopping destinations for your kids?

I love to dress my kids in unique one of a kind pieces. I really to love to support Australian handmade and pick up pieces for them at markets and on line on Made It and Etsy.

I also enjoy shopping for and splurging on clothes from boutique stores when I’m back in Victoria visiting family.


Your house is amazing!  Where do you get your home inspo from?

I would have to say my Mum. I grew up with Mum always popping into op shops and browsing antique shops here and there. 
I also stand by a piece of advice Mum told me once....”If you like it, have it” In other words who cares about fitting into a style!! I think that’s why my is taste is so eclectic and perhaps quirky. I have a mix of antique furniture, retro pieces and bits from the 50’s. Nothing that fits into a particular ‘style’.
I also love browsing magazines, Pinterest and I’m always searching for that ‘perfect, pre loved treasure’. 


Before kids, what industry were you in?

I was a primary school teacher in another life.

Miss Tilly Mum and Mini Headbands, design your own $18.00.

Who would be the biggest style influence in your life and why?

Oh this is a tricky one. I don’t know if anyone really influences my style.
If I had to pick someone though probably Mum again and my sister. I love how they love the quirky and unique too.


Who is your typical Miss Tilly and Bee customer?

Miss Tilly and Bee’s clothes are a little quirky and unique, so probably someone who likes pieces that they won’t find other people’s children wearing. I also sew a lot with up cycled fabrics so maybe eco conscious people?

Custom made Miss Tilly & Bee Romper.

Zali in her Miss Tilly & Bee Gingham Romper.

Dream holiday?

I know for a dream holiday I should a long list of exotic destinations; however at the moment with my young kids I’m craving a relaxing one. Renting a gorgeous little weatherboard cottage overlooking the beach somewhere. In a quaint town that has a great cafe and some gorgeous unique shops to browse.


Favourite Australian women’s designer?

Oishi M for kids. They are based in Torquay Victoria.

What are your winter wardrobe predictions for kids this year?

Not sure but I’d like to see;
Gorgeous dresses and bloomers over tights with boots. Anything in mustard and denim colours.

Funky patterned skinny pants/leggings for boys. Warm hand knitted beanies and woollen coats.




QUICKIES

Summer or Winter
Winter

Flats or Heels
Flats

What cocktail would you be?
Is beer a cocktail?

Favourite movie?
I’m not a huge movie buff but Flash Dance springs to mind when I think fav movie.


Current album on repeat?
Boy and Bear’s album Moonfire.

You can find Miss Tilly & Bee at the Lawson Street Markets, shop their etsy shop https://www.etsy.com/shop/MissTillyandBee?ref=l2-shopheader-name or find Ebony's page on Facebook www.facebook.com/pages/Miss-Tilly-and-Bee.

What to wear in autumn (because it's already getting colder in the country).

Autumn Wear

Arnhem appreciation.  This is how much I love my Arnhem Gardenia Dress.  The comeback of 70's style, long sleeve maxis has me excited to get my autumn on.  Long sleeves keep those bingo wings at bay, an etched in waist creates the illusion of someone who has been in waist training (must google) for months and the long hem hides any unwaxed legs.

Be inspired! An interview with Gorjus owner, Jill.

A GORJUS Interview.

Jill and daughter, Ivy.

I had the pleasure of interviewing one stylish Mudgee woman, Jill owner of GORJUS boutique.  Established in 2004 and soon taken over by Jill and her husband, the store has since expanded and from stocking just ladies wear to becoming the go to shop in Mudgee for all your little ones wardrobe needs.

Stocking brands such as MINKPINK, Sass and Cooper Street, Gorjus has anything you need for an event or daywear and is available in store without having to make the trek to Sydney.  Instant shopper gratification success and no waiting around for Mudgee mail.  The service delivered by the girls has a country charm and they are always willing to help you out with anything you may need.  

Jill talks about her winter fashion predictions, the loves of her life and all time favourite Instagram accounts.
____________________________________________________________________

Hi Jill, thanks for being apart of our blog. 

 

Inside the store, women's section

Where does the name Gorjus come from?

I am not the original owner so I passed this question off to Wendy, her response:

"When we were looking for a name we spent hours going through women's magazines looking for descriptions of fashion that sounded good. There were plenty of great descriptive words but most sounded a bit corny or just not right. We really liked gorgeous but it was a bit long winded and hard to spell! so we came up with gorjus".

To this day people still comment on the name & it made it easy to incorporate the children’s wear without having to change the name, as the children’s side is also gorjus.

Where do you draw inspiration from when selecting new collections for kids and women’s?

Staff! Collections are looked at by all of us. Current trends & our own taste all play a part.

Who are your styles muses and why?

Already in store, Winter 2015 collection.

I have been following the rise of Bec & Bridge for a while, I love that they started out so innocently with jeans & everything has built from there. Also they are Australian designers, that’s always a plus!

Jill with her great loves, Ivy and Walter.

Who are the great loves in your life?

My kids, all three of them, Ivy, Walter & gorjus.

And my husband, (just incase he reads this) xx

Take us through a glimpse of your predictions this winter.

More colour than the usual grey, black & camel that always gets overused in Winter. Longer hem lines, distressed denim, or maybe that’s what I want to see more than a prediction...

If you could raid someone’s wardrobe who would it be?

Miranda Kerr. She always looks amazing no matter what she is wearing.

What are your wardrobe staples?

Stripes! They never date.

Jeans, a basic white top, converse & for this Winter an Anorak, they are a winner this season.

Dream Holiday?

Nowhere in particular, as long as there is a beach, sunshine & nice places to eat, it’s all about the food!

Favourite Instagram Accounts?

All 336 accounts I follow!

Kiz489 https://instagram.com/kiz489 for exercise inspiration

Meenyminy http://websta.me/n/meenyminy for kids fashion inspiration

Thestylistsplash http://websta.me/n/thestylistsplash for design inspiration

Becandbridge http://websta.me/n/becandbridge for womens fashion inspiration

Favourite place for coffee in Mudgee?

The Wineglass sees me a few times a week for take aways!

In five years I will be ……..

Good question, so many possibilities...

Words to live by?

Love what you do.

QUICKIES

Summer or Winter? Summer

Heels or Flats? Flats

Coffee or Tea? Coffee

Cosmo or Vogue? Vogue

Gorjus Mudgee is open 7 days and is located at 97 Market Street, or you can always shop online  www.gorjus.com.au.

Summerlandish

Summerlandish, noun.  The process of oversharing personal information, which might seem taboo but in reality everyone is thinking or doing it.  Oversharing is caring.

Summer Land, Mudgee's resident author, blogger and funny girl straight from the US of A.  Summer brings her marketing degree, flair for words and lack of inhibitions straight to you through her book "Summerlandish: Do As I Say, Not As I Did

" and weekly video blog "Confessions of another blonde on the internet" (Youtube).  Summer has featured in magazines and websites such as Mamamia, Cosmopolitan, Elle, Women's Health and Flamingo Pink.  We ask Summer a list of fashion related and unrelated questions to get your summerlandish quick fix.

Hi Summer, thanks for being such a great sport and letting us pick you brain.

How did the Summerlandish brand come into play?

In 2010, I was a college graduate with a marketing degree and no real desire to sit behind a desk form 9-5. After being a ski bum in Park City, Utah and then a flashpacker in Australia, a friend’s big sister, who conveniently happens to be a life coach, suggested that I try writing. So I did. And I fell in love with it. It only took me about a year to realize that I wanted to do more than blog weekly, I decided to write a book. My not so serious memoir, Summerlandish, was published by Hardie Grant in 2013!
  
http://www.booktopia.com.au/summerlandish-summer-land/prod9781742706443.html

When will your next book be released?

I am currently writing Book #2 so time will tell. I actually did write a second book, but it was horrible so I’ve tossed it out with my old tube tops. Book #3 AKA Book #2 is still technically memoir, but I like to think of it as a humorous look at what it’s like to be an American in Australia.

What was the path to becoming a successful author like?

Emotionally draining. I really like instant gratification and getting published definitely didn’t happen instantly. And neither does writing a great book. (Unless maybe you’re Tina Fey or Lena Dunham. I’m sure they can sneeze out a literary masterpiece while starring/ writing/ producing their major TV hit shows! My path has been hard because its happened along side moving to a new country and having babies. Thank goodness I like a full plate.

How do you start your day?

With iced tea! And breakfast. I simply can’t be a decent human without food and caffeine. But not too much caffeine. If I had coffee, I’d be running up and down the streets naked at 3am. True story.

How cute is Summer's daughter
Daisy!

What does a typical week look like for you?

I am very organised when it comes to my marketing and PR. I always plan my posts, video blog episodes and longform essays. And somewhere in between those I write. But only when I feel super motivated. I’m also a mom, so I spend lots of time with my daughter, Daisy, and being pregnant with our unborn son!

Who was your first crush?

Andrew Keegan, the hot guy from
10 Things I Hate About You

A solid tie between Jonathan Taylor Thomas and Devon Sawa. And Andrew Keegan. GAHHHHH All of them.

What is your current item on rotate in your wardrobe?

I’m currently a tiny bit limited for space at my hosue because we are renovating and my daughter sleeps in my unfinished walk in closet… SO I’ve been rocking the stretchy pregnant chicks clothes for way longer than I should be allowed too.

What is your most treasured item in your clothes collection?

Right now? My pregnancy jeans. But in real life – probably my vintage party dress that belonged to my mom in the 60s. It looks like it could have come off an old couch from That 70s Show and it’s amazing.

Who are your favourite aussie brands?

Camilla and Marc! Also love Mink Pink. It’s just so easy to wear.

Current mancrush?

I’m super into Emile Hirsch.

Who are your favourite American brands?

I am completely obsessed with Target in the US. Don’t judge me until you go there and see for yourself. I also really like anything by J Crew, Banana Republic, and Free People. (I’m not super high fashion by any means…)

Best place to shop in Mudgee?

I really love Gorjus! I can get a cute outfit for me and my kids!

Currently reading?

Yes Please by Amy Poehler!

We know you are Vlogger (Video Blogger for those not up to date with Urban Dictionary definitions).  What inspires your episodes?  What day can we get a Summer Land vlog fix?

I post a new episode of Confessions of Another Blonde on the Internet every MONDAY! I am inspired by oversharing, laughing at the absurd and taking one for the team and admitting to doing some weird stuff so other people don’t feel so bad about themselves.

Who would you say is the biggest Summerlandish fan?

James Healey. He takes my book on all of his adventures and posts amazingly epic Summerlandish Selfies! (Maybe link to the instagram hashtag: http://iconosquare.com/tag/summerlandishselfie

Biggest celebrity styles influence?

I love everything about Jennifer Lawson and Emma Stone. On and off the red carpet – those girls are some well dressed funny ladies.

Who is your next woman crush Wednesday?

Kelly Ripa. (Her arms are amazing.)

Favourite Reality TV Show?

Anything having to do with obesity. And hoarding. And drug addictions. Also kind of into Giuliana & Bill at the moment.

QUICKIES

Summer or Winter?

Winter. (GASP) But I love snow and skiing and red wine and fireplaces.

Coffee or Tea?

Tea, but only if it’s proper home made iced tea.

Cats or Dogs?

Dogs. Only because I currently have a dog and don’t have a cat.

Dream Holiday?

Skiing in Switzerland!

America or Australia?

That’s like asking a mother of two her her favourite child is!

Britney or Summer?

Heels or Flats?

Wedges. I’m that uncoordinated person that doesn’t walk gracefully in heels, but values a good lift!

Britney Spears or Christina Aguleria?

I think you know the answer to this. (My last child was conceived after Britney’s concert in vegas.)

Words to live by?

“Cool.” –Britney Spears

Britney Spears or Christina Aguleria?

I think you know the answer to this. (My last child was conceived after Britney’s concert in vegas.)

Thanks Summer! 

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