GDO Final Day at The City Market

This Saturday will be my last day at the Charlottesville City Market for 2009. It has been an amazing year for Girls Day Out, but I am definately ready for a short break. This weekend I will have a great variety of goodies. So, take advantage of my last trip to Charlottesville and stock up for holiday gifts. I will take orders for the Heirloom locket and plan to have them shipped by the end of the month. I look forward to seeing everyone. We're expecting gorgeous weather. Don't forget the market hours are now 8am-2pm. See you bright and early!

Here it is!

Last week I stocked up on our newest design from Girls Day Out. I took all that I had on hand to the City Market in Charlottesville, and by 10am, I was sold out! So, I have a good thing going here. And, I will have new inventory on hand this Saturday. Get yours in time for the holidays. The "Heirloom Locket" is a timeless design of handcrafted sterling silver, and domed glass. It is two sided giving you twice the versatility. I've given it my own modern twist by adding a collection of 10 artistic papers. Also,with your purchase, you will receive instructions for me to customize your photo to fit inside and display around your neck. This piece will make the perfect gift for Mom, Best friends, Sisters, teachers, daughters, and the impossible to shop for :) If you are unable to come out to the market this Saturday, please email me at girlsdayout.amy@gmail.com to place your order.
City Market hours:

Saturday November 7th 8a-2pm

Saturday November 14th 8a-2pm

EVENT Charlottesville City Market October 31st 7a to 12 noon

Only three more weeks to purchase GDO at the City Market for 2009. I will tough it out until November 15th, rain, shine, snow, wind or whatever Mother Nature has in store. If you placed an order at Martha's Market for scrabble tile pendants, I will have your orders with me. I was so pleased last Saturday to collect over 200 dollars in donations for Jack Cason. I also was able to contribute 25% of my total sales for the day. The Daily Progress featured an article on Farmer Jack which made the front page. My Challenge was mentioned and I hope we get a big crowd this weekend to continue our efforts to show our support for Farmer Jack and his wife.

EVENT Charlottesville City Market October 24th 7a to 12 noon

As the season for the City Market is winding down, I am still pumping out loads of new designs. I will have them on hand this weekend. This is the time for you to start stocking up on gifts to stash away for the holidays and winter birthdays. My apologies for not toughing it out last weekend. The cold weather kept me home with family. This weekend, I will be there, rain or shine.

I also want to mention a sad situation that touches me deeply. Farmer Jack Cason was injured badly in a car accident on his way to the market last weekend. He suffered burns over 20% of his body and is at UVA hospital undergoing skin graphing while in an induced coma. My heart aches for him and his family. He is such a good man and always puts a smile on my face (and an apple in my hand) when I make my morning stroll to greet everyone on those early saturday mornings. I would like to donate a portion of my sales for the rest of the season to him and his wife. If you purchase from GDO during the next four weeks, 25% of earnings will go to Farmer Jack. He will celebrate his 80th birthday next week...

Save the date! Nov 11-15th in Atlanta GA

Girls Day Out heads South to Atlanta!
When I was asked to participte in the 13th annual Art and Gift Show for Whimsical Wares, there was no hesitation. For our entire Fall Collection of girls clothing, hair accessories and jewelry, you won't want to miss this event.
Check out The Greenhaven Home where items from hand picked artists will be on display and for sale from November 11th-15th. http://www.greenhavenhome.com/

GDO EVENT Martha's Market October 9th, 10th, 11th

Join The Women's Committee of Martha Jefferson Hospital and Wachovia as they present the 16th Annual Martha's Market. More than 70 botiques from across the country will turn the John Paul Jones Arena into a beautiful marketplace.

I hope you all saved the date. This is an event you will not want to miss. I have spent the past few months building inventory for this show and you will see the best selection GDO has ever offered to the public. Here is the link for additional information. http://www.mjhfoundation.org/site/c.fjJVJgMQIqE/b.1851675/k.8BD4/Marthas_Market.htmI hope to see you there!

Simple Beauty

A few weeks ago, a dear childhood friend approached me with a proposal to design the jewelry for her bridal party. I was thrilled with the idea and together we designed a perfectly simple necklace. We chose 14k gold dainty frosted discs with each girls initial as the focal point. They are adorned with freshwater pearls and swarovski crystals. These will be the perfect touch for their chocolate brown dresses. The wedding will take place in November. I can't wait to see what your girls think of these Cindy.

GDO EVENT Charlottesville City Market October 3 7a-12noon

Although it poured buckets yesterday, we had a great turnout and sales were better than expected. So, I will be busy this week restocking for next Saturday. I will have a new selection of adorable Halloween themed skirts, hairbows and embroidered faBOOlous tops!

I have to share the photo above with you of my son. He is modeling a shirt design from a recent customer. Once he saw it, he wanted one. Besides, who said GirlsDayOut is just for "girls".

EVENT Charlottesville City Market Sept 26th 7a-12noon

I will be at the bottom of the hill in my usual spot this weekend. As always, come early for the best selection.

GDO Costume Parade available at Chloe In Style

Women everywhere have a bit of Chloe in them. It is the ultimate, fun shopping experience for the chic, busy and stylish woman. Chloe In Style is a Canadian based boutique business offering a great selection of unique designs. Check out their adorable Halloween section, offering our 2009 Costume Parade skirt.

GDO coming to Little Posh Princess

Little Posh Princess specializes in beautiful and unique boutique children's clothing and accessories for girls and boys. They offer hip and stylish selections for your Little Posh Princesses (and Princes) from many of the finest designer brands such as Lemon Loves Lime , Misha Lulu , Lelli Kelly , My Vintage Baby, Mim Pi and now, GirlsDayOut. Our Halloween Costume Parade skirt will be available any day now. Visit their online boutique at www.littleposhprincess.com

GDO Heads to the UK

Rascal Rags is a UK based storefront and online boutique specializing in the clothing and accessories kids love to wear. They source the best value children's clothes that fit with the latest trends in kids' fashion. It is exciting news for GDO to be a part of the European fashion world now.

EVENT Charlottesville City Market September 12th 7a to 12 noon

I have to thank a good friend of mine, Miss Sarah Downey, for taking some amazing photos last weekend. She is, by far, one of the most talented photog/artist friends I know. We snuck out to an old civil war site in Richmond last Sunday and played around for quite some time, while she was grabbing ideas for some upcoming Senior Photo Sessions. I got to play "model for a day" and was rewarded with some photos of myself that I will cherish, always.
For those of you who have not come out to see me this season at the City Market, this will be the perfect time to stop by. I have a great selection of Halloween and Holiday goodies and the usual top sellers. I will not be at the market the following week, Sept 19th. Hope to see you bright and early! 7am-12noon.

Announcement GDO Coming Soon to Monkey See Boutique

At Monkey See Boutique, they combine everything into one, super fabulous online boutique. They have their own line of designs along with carefully selected vendors who have the same passion and design flair. Check out their site here http://www.monkeyseeboutique.com/ for their grand selection of unique goodies. I am excited to share in the recent news that Girls Day Out designs will soon be amongst their online boutique selection for little girls clothing.

Save the Date EVENT Chicks Picks Sept 24-26

You won't want to miss this event. And, you are sure not to leave empty "handed". The focus this month at Chicks Picks is rings! Abigail's "Party Girls" rings will be amongst hundreds of great designs. How exciting for my little entrepreneur!

Show details:
Thursday, September 24, 8am-8pmFriday, September 25, 9am-7pmSaturday, September 26, 9am-noonat Hillary's Home Boutique ... Friends Welcome 20757 Parkside Circle, Sterling VA 20165

EVENT Charlottesville City Market September 5th 7a to 12 noon

If you want to enjoy some gorgeous weather, sample some tasty treats, stock up on fresh produce and browse amongst a great selection of talented artisans, come out this Saturday to the Charlottesville City Market. It's a great way to kick off your weekend. The market starts at 7am and runs until 12noon. See you bright and early!

GDO Featured

A couple days ago, I received an email from Laura with Bright Bold and Beautiful. I was thrilled that she put my "orange" Flower Shop skirt in her treasury on ETSY. Then, today, I saw that she featured me on her blog with my "moss"skirt from Nature Walk. Check out the gorgeous selections on her site. She has a great eye for beautiful things of all kinds. The colors in her recent post are captivating. Here's the link.
http://brightboldbeautiful.blogspot.com/2009/08/happy-monday_31.html

EVENT Charlottesville City Market Saturday August 29th 7a-12noon

My kids started back to school this week. And, it is bitter sweet for me to have the house to myself for the first time in 12 years. I am anxious to have some time to focus on GDO for the fall and the shows on our schedule will keep me working around the clock. I just returned from vacation and feel revived and ready to get my creative juices flowing for fall and the holidays! I will be at the City Market every Saturday in September, rain or shine. The crowd last week was excellent and the temperaturs are expected to be a little more bearable this weekend. Hope to see you bright and early. Market runs from 7am to 12noon.

Announcement GDO coming soon to Polka Dot Market

More exciting news to share! My transitional skirts have been a big hit in the boutique world. Shops are looking to offer unique hand made, American made designs. Somehow, my Flower Shop skirts have stood out amongst the rest. I was recently approached by Sally from Polka Dot Market. I'm excited to have my designs alongside the adorable goodies she offers. Check out her online boutique here. http://www.polka-dot-market.com/

EVENT Charlottesville City Market August 15th 7a to 12 noon

In the midst of wholesale order overload, I've managed to restock on everyones favorites. Including, our GDO signature necklace that sold out last weekend. My talented friend, Michelle Stoots, has branched out to bring us these amazing handmade, one of a kind rings. They are soldered by hand and mounted to a metal filigree adjustable ring base. I am excited to offer these for fall, but won't have them with me until next weekend. Can't wait to see everyone and enjoy the gorgeous weather we're expecting.

EVENT Charlottesville City Market Saturday August 8th 7a-12noon

I've restocked on skirts, headbands, and jewelry. Hope to see you early for the best selection!

GDO Fall Collection Nature Walk coming soon

I am so excited to finally have fabrics on their way for our Nature Walk collection this fall. I am keeping it simple with a combination of two fabrics and will offer coordinating knit applique tops for each design. I will continue to offer The Flower Shop Collection until further notice.

Announcement GDO goes International

Some exciting news to share this month. Recently I was approached by a business owner from the UK who is looking to offer a selective section of children's boutique clothing in her new storefront, opening soon, in Swansea.
I have family overseas and have been inspired by European designs all my life. I never imagined actually having my designs in a European Boutique. I will be traveling abroad in the Spring and hope to make Swansea one of my stops.
I'm a little overwhelmed with the growth GDO has seen this year. But, the timing couldn't be better, as my last little one starts Kindergarten. I have the support of my family and friends behind me and I love what I am doing.

Announcement GDO coming soon to The Pear Tree

Yesterday I met with The Pear Tree in Fredericksburg VA. Their new storefront is amazing and I am so excited that they have decided to introduce children's aparrel this season, starting with Girls Day Out.
The Pear Tree is a unique and distinctive Spotsylvania County Gift Shop and Café, nestled in the heart of Spotsylvania, Virginia, at the intersection of Courthouse Road and Brock Road. They take pride in offering a unique and distinctive shopping and dining experience and have been voted Fredericksburg’s Most Unique Gift Shop, Best Garden Shop, Best Luxury Gift Store and Best Customer Service!

EVENT Charlottesville City Market August 1st 7a to 12 noon

I apologize for my late post. I was sick all week.... I'm feeling back to normal and look forward to getting out of the house tomorrow for the City Market. I have spent the past couple days restocking on earrings and the infamous "mixed" necklace and bracelet designs. Abigail has restocked on her Party Girl Jewelry so come by and check out her adorable assortment of bracelets, earrings and adjustable rings. I will be set up at the bottom of the hill again. See you there!

EVENT Charlottesville City Market July 25th 7a to 12 noon

This weekend is the time to come out and see me at the City Market. I have restocked on our top sellers and will have a great variety of new designs as well. My daughter is excited to share her new "Party Girls" jewelry (above) and has worked hard to come up with some beautiful creations for young girls. Come early. See you at the bottom of the hill.

EVENT Charlottesville City Market July 18th 7am to 12noon

It's been a busy week, already, preparing for the market this weekend. I assure you the best selection of new designs - new fabrics, new pendants, new hair accessories. A few items have been reduced to make room for Fall. Come early to take advantage of the sale selection. You can find me at the bottom of the hill, until further notice.

EVENT Charlottesville City Market July 11th 7a- 12 noon

Look for me in space 25 again. I was wiped out last weekend, so come early for the best selection of new designs.

EVENT Charlottesville City Market July 4th 7a to 12 noon

You will find me in space 25 (at the bottom of the hill again). Hope to see you there!

EVENT Charlottesville City Market June 27th 7a to 12 noon

The heat was not fun last week, but business was awesome. I have told myself, as long as business continues to be so worthwhile for GDO, I will continue to battle the heat and set up at the market. I have been so fortunate to get in every Saturday as a non-reserved vendor. I will be at the bottom of the hill this Saturday, sideways by the brick wall, in space 25.
Above is a sneak peak from our latest collection, Flower Shop. If you want to be one of the first to get your hands on these new designs, come by Saturday. They sold out last week!

EVENT Charlottesville City Market June 20 7am- 12noon

You will find me this Saturday in space 52, near South Street. See you there!

GDO Featured in Treasury

This is a beautiful assortment of designs featured on an ETSY treasury chosen by Blue Rose Retro. The Pistachio skirt is still my favorite design from our Bliss Collection this season.
Here's the link to check out some of the other chosen items. I love them all.
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=65237

Just Announced: "Flower Shop" Coming Soon from GDO

When this time of year rolls around, I cannot contain myself. I spend months thinking about the designs I will come out with for the upcoming season. I do my research and focus on what to offer that is original and practical. I know it has to stand out. Not only do I have to choose the right fabrics, ones that will draw you in...but, I also have to come out with a design that will turn heads. My inspiration this season came from a fabric designer who I have worked with over the years to incorporate that vintage twist in each piece I create. To transition into Fall, you will be introduced to "Flower Shop". It is based on the simple European charm we all love. I am so excited to share this collection and can assure you it will be worth the wait.

EVENT Charlottesville City Market June 13th 7a to 12 noon

You can find me in Space 97 on Saturday. See you there!

EVENT Charlottesville City Market June 6th 7a to 12 noon

We were blown away last weekend with an awesome turnout of customers and record breaking sales at Lucketts. What remained of the skirts and tops went with Hillary for Chicks Picks this week. I have restocked on flip flops and will work to have a small selection of skirts and tops on hand for the market this Saturday. Ladies, if you are looking for some unique jewelry pieces, come see me. I will have loads of new designs on hand. Look for me in space 80 toward the end across from the brick building. Hope to see you there. And, as always, come early for the best selection.

This Weekend - GDO at Lucketts Spring Fair

GDO is hitting the road and heading up to Leesburg, VA for the weekend. I will have the larget selection of GDO designs on hand, ever! If you need to stock up on unique finds, this is the place to be. For more information visit the website for Luckett's http://www.luckettstore.com/

EVENT Chicks Picks June 4th, 5th, and 6th

I am honored to be a part of the Chicks Picks event this June. My little girls skirts were a hit last Spring with Mom's from Northern Virginia, and they want more! Hillary hand selects hundreds of upscale boutique designs from across the US. She has an eye for unique finds and edgy fashion. She is brilliant to invite the public to shop in her home boutique and give us ladies an excuse to have a Girls Day Out! For more info, log on to www.chickspicksbyhillary.com

Show Schedule:

Thursday, June 4, 8am-8pmFriday,

June 5, 9am-7pmSaturday,

June 6, 9am-1pm

Location:

Hillary's Home Boutique ...

Friend's Welcome20757

Parkside Circle, Sterling VA 20165

EVENT Charlottesville City Market Saturday May 23rd 7a-12noon

It was a beautiful day at the market last Saturday. We had a crowd of over 4800 visitors come through the market. There were many new faces in town for the graduation on Sunday at UVA. It was delightful to see my new designs were a big hit.
On May 30,31 I will be at a show in Leesburg, VA, and may need a short break after the big show. So, be sure to come by this weekend and see me before I take some time away from the market.

EVENT Charlottesville City Market May 16th 7a to 12 noon

The weather and the crowd last saturday caught me by surprise. It was a gorgeous day and I had record sales. I really enjoyed helping the Dad's and kids choose the perfect gift for Mom. I was cleaned out of women's designs. This weekend I will have a great selection of new designs. So, be sure to come by. There are only two Saturdays left this month for you to see me at the Market. I am busy preparing for some big shows in May and June. Keep an eye out for updates so you know where to find me.

EVENT Charlottesville City Market May 9th 7a to 12 noon

Rain or shine, see you there!

Save the Date October 9-11 2009

I am so appreciative to be a part of Martha's Market 2009. This year marks the 16th anniversary of raising funds to support the Martha Jefferson Hospital's breast health program and women's healthcare. I am extremely fortunate to be a part of this event at Charlottesville's John Paul Jones Arena. Save the date as this will be a great time to have yourselves a Girls Day Out.

Public event times:

Friday, October 9, 2009 9:30 am -7pm

Saturday, October 10, 2009 10 am - 6pm

Sunday, October 11, 2009 10am - 4pm

In the Spotlight

I was flattered by what Kristin with My Two Babes had to say about Girls Day Out. You can read more here. http://mytwobabesdesigns.blogspot.com/2009/04/shop-spotlight-giveaway-girls-day-out.html

EVENT Charlottesville City Market May 2nd 7am-12noon

I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a dry Saturday. But, you can be assured, I'll be there rain or shine. Hope to see you there!

This made my day...

For those who still haven't made it down to the City Market this season, here's a peak from a local photographer who stopped by my booth.
http://www.sweet-pea-photoblog.com/2009/04/wonderful-saturday-morning.html

Save The Date May 30th and 31st

I am so excited to be a part of the Spring Show this year at Luckett's. Located near Leesburg, VA, The Old Lucketts Store is truly what shopping should be - great finds, great ideas and great prices. Last year I had a girls day with friends and we packed the car solid with our purchases from the day. It's an event that gives you that feeling of excitement and I guarantee you won't leave empty handed. More information to follow as the date approaches. In the meantime, mark your calendar for May 30th and 31st. Plan to come rain or shine! You can read more here http://www.luckettstore.com/

EVENT Charlottesville City Market April 25th 7am-12noon

It was another gorgeous day at the market this past Saturday. I had my little helper with me and by 11am, she was sold out of her adorable creations. She won't be with me this weekend, but I will have her designs on hand along with many new designs of my own. I look forward to seeing everyone and enjoying some beutiful weather in the 80's. As always, come early for the best selection.

EVENT Charlottesville City Market April 18th 7a-12noon

This past Saturday was a great success and I am looking forward to many more at the Charlottesville City Market. It was wonderful to see familiar faces and to chat with some unexpected visitors. I had a great day in sales and can assure you that on April 18th, I will have a new selection of one of kind designs. Bring your family and friends out to shop and enjoy some wonderful treats from local bakers, gardeners, artists and craftsmen. I will be in Space 48 again through the end of May. I hope to see you there!

EVENT Charlottesville City Market April 4th 7a-12noon

I am so glad winter is over and it is time to return to The Streets of Charlottesville for the City Market. I have spent the past several months designing new marketing and display materials that I can't wait to show off.
Please come by to say hello and take a look at the new designs from GDO for 2009. I have focussed this year on offering affordable fashionable designs for girls of all ages. This would be a great opportunity to get those last minute gifts for Easter. And, don't forget, Mother's Day is right around the corner. I am excited to see all of you and start my day with the best coffee and pastries ever! Look for me in space 48 at the corner of South and Second Street.

It's About Time

It is hard to believe that I've been in business for seven years now. Every year, I have talked myself out of accepting credit cards for payment. But, as GDO continues to grow, I am learning to adapt to change and am all about accomodating my customers. It's a great feeling to know that I am at the point now with this business to justify the overhead and extra steps that go with this type of service. But, I can honestly say, it's worth it, and it's about time!

It's hard to say "no"

As my busy season gets underway, I am a little hesitant to take on new business. It's only March and I'm already swamped with orders (and haven't had my first show yet). I remind myself often that I wouldn't be where I am now with GDO if it wasn't for those businesses who sought me out. Most recently, I was approached by cocolovescouture.com and was asked to be a part of their business launching soon. I am excited to be a part of this and I look forward to what the future brings. As I think about the future of GDO I imagine at some point, I will have to turn away new business. Until that day comes, I will continue to operate with the same integrity that has given me such great opportunities and brought me in contact with so many wonderful people.

Finally - A space just for GDO

It has been a dream for me to have a space of my own to create and design. I have been working from our dining room table for years, and the time has finally come to move into a space just for me. I had a vision and I didn't want to settle for anything but. The look came together with pale green walls and a soft pink ceiling with the detail of recessed lighting and crown moulding to set the colors off. My floors are 18" tiles with a slight texture and hughes of sage and beige throughout. The cottage board surrounding the room tied together the look of my shabby chic retreat. I am so fortunate to have a husband who will jump at the chance to use his power tools. If it weren't for him, this project would have taken months to complete. He and I worked together for a few weekends and "voila" here you have it. No detail was missed. This is sure proof that good things come to those who wait.

Introducing "Bliss" GDO Spring 2009

It's never an easy decision for me when it's time to design my next line. I'm always in ten different directions when I have to choose specific patterns to stick with for an entire season. The artist in me constantly wants to change things up and gets tired of the same old same old. This season will be different because I know I won't tire of these gorgeous shabby chic prints from Tanya Whelan. She must have read my mind when she came out with this collection. I have always been drawn to pinks and greens. Any combination of the two and I am all over it. Throw in some damask and polka dots, and I'm in heaven. So, here is a peak at the skirts from this season's collection. And, there is more to come....

GDO Designs now available at Ribbitingboutique.com

Ribbitingboutique.com has added a few of our Prairie skirts to their selection of little girls clothing. I am always excited to be a part of a growing business and appreciate the opportunity to work with new boutiques. They have our skirts priced at only $27, that's $13 below retail. Hop on over and check them out!

Moving On....

With all the CPSA worries finally behind me (for now), and a gorgeous new studio to work from in my home, I am anxious for 2009 to be underway. I have some exceptional new designs both for little girls and ladies to offer this year. The shows will start for me in April. So, stay tuned for details.
In the meantime, I want to say something that I have wanted to get off my chest for quite some time....2008 was an emotional year for me with this business. I was burned by someone close to me and have had to cut them out of my life. This was a difficult decision, at the time. But, I have found it's exactly what I needed to do to stay focussed on my growing business and demanding family. As I look back I realize that, no matter how much I give of myself, there will always be those there to take. No matter how positive I am, there will always be those to point out the negative. No matter how hard I try to see the good in people, deep down, some people are just plain cruel. So, for 2009, I vow to ONLY surround myself with positive people. People who make me feel good to be around them. People who understand me and my passions in life. Not people who are there to bring me down, take from me, hurt me, or turn on me. As a close friend of mine once said, don't let anyone steal your glory. And, I'm feeling pretty darn glorious these days. 2009 is going to be a great year!

Sweetheart skirt chosen for Treasury TWICE!

A beautiful assortment of pinks from a great mix of ETSY designers. Amongst them, the Sweetheart skirt from Girls Day Out. Take a look!
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=40090
Thanks Meg!
ooh...and again here! http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=40348

The Sweetheart skirt is here!

For picky mom's, like me, this skirt is a MUST HAVE for your little one this Valentine's Day. I am in "Love" with the patterns combined to create this custom design. Mention my blog and receive free shipping. Available in sizes 18m-8.

GDO Prarie Skirts now available at Pinkyscout.com

Pinkyscout is an upscale boutique specializing in a wide range of apparrel and furniture for trendy children and Mom's. Amongst their name brand designers like Chatti Patti and Baby Lulu will be the new Prairie Collection from Girls Day Out. http://www.pinkyscout.com/