Jeanne Oliver Designs.... An Interview and A Peek at Jeanne Oliver's New Collection

cream ruff apron

Hello Everyone!

I hope you all had a great weekend...

I have a special interview to share with you today.

Jeanne Oliver just released her new summer collection yesterday.

Jeanne is one of those girls that is blessed with many talents.

I have been waiting for Jeanne to come out with her new summer collection.

Jeanne was kind enough to let me share a few pictures from her new collection on my blog and also took the time out of her very busy life to answer a few interview questions for me.

I hope you get a chance to read my interview with Jeanne, because she is a true inspiration.

All the photographs in this post are courtesy of Jeanne Oliver.  

Tell us a little bit about Jeanne Oliver Designs? 

First of all I would like to thank you for having me share on your beautiful site.  You inspire so many on your blog.  You truly have a beautiful gift for styling and photography.

Jeanne Oliver Designs started as A Bushel and a Peck.  "A Bushel and a Peck" is the title of a song that my mom used to sing to us when we were little.  A little over three years ago I began selling on Etsy.  I sold little things that I had been making for gifts and also began including little girl clothes.  I giggle a little when I look back at the beginning.  There was no direction...but I am so proud of myself that I started.  Starting is hard and scary.  I love looking back at those first images because I can see very clearly how far I have come.  Just recently did I restructure my business and rename it Jeanne Oliver Designs.

a picture of Jeanne in France

How would you describe your design style?

I have to admit this one is hard for me.  There have been so many design inspirations in my life.  I have loved vintage fashion for as long as I can remember.  Between old movies and fashion magazines I was always sketching the images that I was seeing from a young age.  I want my designs to be feminine, full of detail, vintage grace, authentic and comfortable.  I want my bag to be your favorite bag.  I want my dresses to be the one you reach for when you want to be comfortable and look beautiful.  Livable vintage...is that even a word???lol

Ellison Camera Bag

What type of items can we expect to find while shopping at Jeanne Oliver Designs?

You will find pretty.  You will find jewelry embellished with vintage treasures.  You will find totes detailed with vintage buttons and fabrics.  You will find dresses with attention to the details.  You will always find the old blended with the new....I hope that never changes.

Cream Ruffle Tote

What is the name of your new summer collection?

Town and Country Collection

Mary Kate Peasant Dress

What was the inspiration behind your Town and Country Collection?

Last summer I spent two amazing weeks in France.  The first part of my trip was in the south of France staying at the most incredible chateau.  We had daily excursions to flea markets, old villages and millinery.  Our days were lazy and indulgent.  We were catered to and lavished.  I found myself walking the incredible grounds on different occasions just in awe of the beauty of the countryside and the stillness.  There were fields of sunflowers and old, wrinkly men that fit perfectly in the country landscape. The men were so deliciously French looking that it was almost painful when I couldn't take their photograph.  At night I slept with my shutters open so I could feel the breeze and hear the rain.  It was pure perfection.......until I got off the train in Paris.

Paris!  The cab ride from the train station to our hotel had me almost in tears.  I can't even explain it.  Loveliness all around. It was too much beauty to take in.  But it was not the natural beauty of the French countryside...it was man made and breathtaking.  It was architecture, cafes, activity, sounds, church bells ringing, crowds, art.

In each setting I found perfection.  How could I choose one over the other?  The one brought peace and contentment and the other made me feel alive.

If you want to read more about Jeanne's trip to France you can do so by clicking here...

Pictures Jeanne took while she was in France.

Do you have a favorite piece from the new summer collection?  

My favorite piece of the new line is the Mary Kate peasant dress.  I love the vintage feed sack on each one.  

Mary Kate Peasant Dress

I also love the Sadie purse.  That vintage fabric is so incredible and I wish I could have bought a million yards of it!  

Sadie Purse

Was it hard to create your own look book?

Honestly, I am just stubborn.  I am not the most computer savvy gal, but with a little trial and error (and a few tears) I put it together.  I didn't have the time to do one and even my husband was questioning the importance with so many other things to tend to.  We both agree now that it is the best thing we could have done for this line.  I love it and I am so proud of it.  I took all of the photos and the models were gorgeous and really showcase my clothes beautifully.  The most important part is that the lookbook tells the story that I wanted it to tell.  

Click on the picture below to view Jeanne's inspiring look book....

Open publication - Free publishing - More fashion

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For someone who is just starting a business, would you recommend starting out on etsy or getting your own .com?

Definitely start on Etsy.  Etsy has been amazing to me and truly gave me the time to figure myself and my style out.  A dot com is the next step when you have a following.  I will still continue to use Etsy though because customers find me on accident all of the time.   It is a wonderful tool.

Linen Ruffle Tote

What do you enjoy most about owning an online shop?

About a month ago I was at an event and a woman came up to me and expressed that she is so inspired by the women of my generation and the businesses we have been able to create.  She said that she wasn't able to do that when she was raising her children and now wishes she would have made more time for her creative gifts.  I can make the time because of the internet and an online shop.  I don't have to have a brick and mortar shop...I would never have time for that.  My shop doesn't reach my town....I can access the world. Pretty amazing.  What I enjoy most about owning an online shop is the possibilities!

Ellison Camera Bag

I can hardly wait to get my camera bag in the mail : )

Isn't Jeanne amazing!

Jeanne is also giving away a $500.00 gift card to her shop....

You can enter Jeanne's generous giveaway by visiting Jeanne's blog.

Jeanne Oliver Designs ~ Shop

Jeanne Oliver Designs~ Blog

Jeanne Oliver's Look Book

Thank you Jeanne for taking the time out of your busy schedule to do an interview with me, and

thank you for letting me share your beautiful photographs on my blog.

All photographs in this post are property of Jeanne Oliver Designs.

I hope you all have a great week!

Take Care,

Maria