I’ve known Erika since I was in 7th grade. I’m pretty sure I have a photo of us and the rest of our ASB crew in a shoebox somewhere, smiling, retainers and hoodie sweatshirts and all. Just living it up in jr. high. Sometimes I forget that we knew each other back then– she was several years ahead of me, and it seems like centuries ago. Anyway, we lost touch for probably about five years after that– and then randomly– one day I walked into a college journalism classroom to see Erika typing away in the back. We ended up reconnecting and found out not only had we both ended up at the same college– but also in the same two majors– international studies and journalism.
Long story short we now live about five minutes away from each other. Her home is a place of refuge– I know every time I walk in the door I’ll soon be wrapping my palms around a hot mug of tea and munching on cream cheese pumpkin bread (this stuff is my ultimate weakness). There will also be little Nesby biting at my tights– but he’s so sweet I don’t mind that much.
Anyway, since she’s so darn crafty and adorable she couldn’t help but start a fantastic accessory-making business called Rouge & Whimsy. She has an etsy store where she sells darling little head bands (check out the photos that follow).
Q & A Time
How did you first get into designing accessories?
I’ve always been one to make things– pillows, skirts, whatever, and I started playing around making fabric flowers with feathers and gave a few away. I had a good reaction and decided to put them on Etsy.
Tell me about Rouge and Whimsy– where did the name come from– and what do you blog about?
Rouge & Whimsy is the name of my blog & my handmade goodness. Rouge is French for red. I’m a redhead and love France and combining those two seemed like a natural fit for me! I wanted something beyond Rouge and at the time I loved the word whimsy and the lighthearted nature the word encompassed.
I love to write and the blog documents some of my inspiration beyond my shop as well as everyday life with my husband and (crazy) puppy.
What inspires you as a designer?
I love love love vintage and especially with my hair accessories I look to a previous time– the 20s, 30s and 50s when hats and headbands were an everyday necessity.
Your home is downright adorable– do you have any tips for people trying to go vintage on a budget?
Thrift shops! Not garage sales or Craigslist, which in my opinion can be overpriced. You have to be patient but you can find a lot of good stuff.
You need to look for two things: 1. solid wood– none of that particle board stuff which falls apart when it’s used and 2. look for the potential in things. Does it need a new coat of paint? Perhaps a new use? Get creative. I do shop at some antique stores, but I prefer ones in small towns, or out of the way, where I’m assured that it’ll be a little more affordable. 
