Rylee & Cru
Well, it’s finally here. Introducing Rylee & Cru.
This big secret project I’ve been working on for what feels like an eternity! This process was not smooth by any means. There were a lot of bumps in the road, trials and errors, factory delays and frustrations….but I did it. I kept at it and I’m so happy to finally be able to share the fruits on my labor! For a few years now I have had the itch to start a children’s label. I have always loved fashion, always loved art, and in becoming a mom, motherhood quickly rose to the top of my priority /passion list. I kind of feel like I was meant to do this. I feel silly saying that….like this is my “destiny” or something, but it really does feel like that. It’s the merging of all of the things I love the most…and I can’t tell you how fun this has been for me (despite the setbacks I’ve encountered!) My background in fashion design and merchandising, paired with my love for illustration and pattern making, made this all a little less intimidating of a dream. Although going out on a limb and starting a brand like this amidst so much competition is always a risk, and always a little nerve-wracking. But if there’s anything I’ve learned over the last few years it’s that great things never come from comfort zones. I used to be afraid of failure and concerned about what other people thought of me and my work. I’m not sure if it was just me getting older or slowly getting used to taking risks in my career that changed that mindset, but it’s no longer something that scares me. If I have a passion, I want to pursue it. Yes, this could totally fail. But if the worst thing that could happen is it not work out, I will be ok with that. At least I know I tried. But with that said, I’m really proud of this line. And God willing, this is something I’ll be able to do for many seasons to come! The name obviously comes from my own two kids, Rylee and Cru (sorry to my third child if we decide to have you!) They are my world and a never ending source of inspiration.
My dad has owned a screen printing factory for over 30 years. So it was a no-brainer that I partner with him on the printing of all of these garments. I worked with a local factory on the manufacturing of these goods as well, so everything you see is made in the USA. Each piece is made up of a slub jersey fabrication and has gone through a garment dye process, which means they are pre-shrunk and have a super soft, vintage feel to them. From experience, these are the type of clothes that get the most everyday wear around our house. Comfortable and versatile. Kids get their clothes dirty. It’s a fact. I like it when I can throw them in the washer and dryer and not have to worry about shrinkage. And that’s this entire collection. And of course, art was at the forefront of the design process. Each print is hand illustrated or painted…..a subtle mix of watercolor and line art. The overall feel is very soft and organic and the “color” is primarily found in the carefully selected color palette of the garments, rather than in the prints. The prints are mostly just 1-2 ink colors, which is what I generally prefer for any graphic print. For this initial launch collection, I partnered up with my friends at Oh Cozy Knits for some limited edition knitwear that will be sold exclusively at Rylee & Cru! Pom hats, pixies hats and tiny knit bloomers, OH MY! They compliment the line so well and I am so excited to reveal this collection in its entirety to you! The launch date is officially set for Wednesday, November 26th!!
In celebration of the launch, I am running two really big giveaways now through Tuesday on Instagram! One for boys, and one for girls. So if you haven’t seen them yet, pop on over to my instagram, @ryleeandcru, to enter! I’ve curated a great selection, joining forces with some of my favorite brands for littles: Zuzii, Petit Pippin, Twig Creative, Solly Baby, and Oh Cozy Knits. Each giveaway is worth over $400, so be sure to follow and enter!
Thanks to all of you who have followed along and encouraged me through my journey! I know I have not been as active here as I have in months past, but now you know one of the reasons why! I appreciate you, and I’m inspired by you daily!
