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Maggie Whitley

joy in motherhood, homemaking, faith & simple living

You are here: Home / lifestyle / giveaway / {sponsor feature + giveaway: Evy’s Tree}

{sponsor feature + giveaway: Evy’s Tree}

September 9, 2011 ·
Filed Under: giveaway, shop feature

This giveaway is now closed.

Today’s sponsored giveaway is from Amy of Evy’s Tree ~ and OH MY, this is not only a super gorgeous shop but Amy offers some amazing advice for fellow handmade shop owners. If you own a shop, read on! I highlighted some of my favorite pieces from the interview to help guide you as you read. One thing she wrote, which I cannot agree more on, is her tip to hire help. Amy writes, “if you are too overwhelmed or too tired to do it well, you will never succeed.” Ahhh… so true! :]

Enjoy the interview and be sure to enter the giveaway at the end!

* * *

My name is Amy and I am a 35-year-old mother of two amazing kiddos, Jacob and Evelyn, and wife to a youth pastor named Brandon. I am a 4th grade public school teacher by trade, but just under two years ago made my first hoodie and posted it on my family blog… shortly thereafter Evy’s Tree was born. We make embellished clothing for men, women and children, specifically hoodies and tees. I am told often that Evy’s Tree hoodies are unique because we have taken something as plain and practical as a hoodie and made it a statement piece… something you can wear lounging around the house or even dressed up to work or dinner out. My husband calls them “The Happy Hoodies” because I am told all the time that they make people happy.

How Evy’s Tree came into my life is completely by accident; definitely what I would consider a God thing. When I decided to stay home with Jacob, money was VERY tight. In October of 2009, I was inspired by many wonderful and creative stay-at-home moms who could whip up these beautiful items for their family with practically no money. So I borrowed my mom’s sewing machine and attempted to learn. In fact, I did a big post on my family blog regarding my feelings about being crafty right after I brought the machine home. The post is a bit of a joke now as I complained how I wasn’t creative, and yet here I am- creating for a living! You can read about that here.

Anyway, I started sewing a little for myself and then I took on the task, with some help from some do-it-yourself blogs, of embellishing some hoodies from my closet for a trip to Disneyworld that my family was taking in December. I got gobs and gobs of compliments while in Florida, and my nieces begged me to make them some for Christmas. When I returned home I made them all The Hoot {now retired}. My sister in law, whose nickname is Brilla, asked me to embellish her favorite hoodie for her and give it to her for Christmas. I made her the original Brilla, which is now my staple style. I took pictures of all the hoodies and put them on my blog after Christmas. Almost immediately I started receiving emails from people asking if they could purchase one. A couple of weeks later I put up a PayPal link on my blog and sold 15 in 30 minutes. And my business was born.

I am proud of the whole Evy’s Tree thing, actually. I would NEVER in a million years imagine myself doing something creative like I am doing. But I LOVE it. Absolutely love it. So I am proud that I overcame my doubts in myself and have developed something as great as it has blossomed into what it is today.

When I opened my Etsy shop, I was so disappointed that I didn’t sell one thing off etsy for about 3 months {I sold mainly in person and off my blog}. I think the first piece of advice I could give anyone starting an online shop would be don’t be discouraged. It does take time. Also, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. I sell often at markets, church ladies conferences or retreats and the first one I went to was a three-day overnight trip and I sold ONE hoodie the entire time. I was so discouraged and almost gave up. But the next one I went to I was the busiest booth out of all of them. My second piece of advice would be don’t give up.

Lastly, create a community of people who will support you. I know it sounds crazy, but I have some of the best friends that I have never met in person, but communicate with weekly. They all have online shops and have been so helpful to me. Also, don’t be afraid to hire help. It might cost you in the beginning, but it will come back to you in the end. It’s so important that you are good at what you do… if you are too overwhelmed or too tired to do it well, you will never succeed.

* * *

G I V E A W A Y: Amy is offering ANY in-stock item {yeow!}, to enter simply leave a comment below. *This lavender + grape ruffled hoodie is totally calling me.* Not only does Amy offer hoodies in her shop, but tees, cardigans & wraps, but accessories and more! *Share this post via your blog, Twitter or Facebook page* for extra entries. Be sure you leave a comment for each entry!

This giveaway is open to the US only and will end in a few days from now. I’ll announce the winner here and email them directly. GOOD LUCK!

PS. enter code GUSSYSEWS at checkout for *free shipping* on your order.

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Filed Under: giveaway, shop feature

« {Inspiration Workshop! — Inspiring Books}
{saturday craft: 5 of my favorite fall DIY tutorials} »
225 Comments
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Kristin Smith
Kristin Smith
11 years ago

BEA. UTIFUL!! LOVE these…I am hooked! :)

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Amanda W.
Amanda W.
11 years ago

I think I would have to have the EGGPLANT RUFFLE CARDIGAN. It’s so beautiful!

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Pam Horn
Pam Horn
11 years ago

Shared on FB. :)

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Betsy
Betsy
11 years ago

I would LOVE one of her simple gray hoodies! So precious and versatile!

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Pam Horn
Pam Horn
11 years ago

Shared on my blog. :)

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Pam Horn
Pam Horn
11 years ago

Tweeted this giveaway. :)

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Christine Stewart
Christine Stewart
11 years ago

GORGEOUS! So talented. Truly one amazing momma! Thank you for sharing your story!

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Liz G.
Liz G.
11 years ago

OMGoodness, I am in love with these ruffle hoodies! I also really like the ruffle cardigans…win or no win, I see one of these in my near future!

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Mary B
Mary B
11 years ago

I’m loving the grey ruffled cardigan! Cute shop!

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Shandell
Shandell
11 years ago

gorgeous cardigans!

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Shandell
Shandell
11 years ago

shared on FB, Shandell Pottorf

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Shandell
Shandell
11 years ago

tweeted https://twitter.com/shanleann/status/112161398368370688

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Skye @ Neathering Our Fest
Skye @ Neathering Our Fest
11 years ago

I love the Grey Ruffle Cardigan! :) SO cute and looks super comfy!

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Sydney S
Sydney S
11 years ago

Love Amy’s work! I’ve been window shopping her shop for way too long…living on a budget really *stinks* sometimes, lol. I absolutely adore the Adult Doublemint Brilla. Oh how I would give it such a nice home =) Hope everyone was a wonderful weekend ~ Happy Friday!

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Becky Avella
Becky Avella
11 years ago

I love these! My wardrobe is so boring right now. Amy, I’m so inspired by your creativity. Thanks for the chance to win. : )

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Skye @ Neathering Our Fest
Skye @ Neathering Our Fest
11 years ago

I tweeted it and mentioned @GussySews in it! :)

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Becky Avella
Becky Avella
11 years ago

I just tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/BeckyAvella/status/112162198985523200

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stac
stac
11 years ago

These are so cool! I like the concept of taking something like a hoodie and spicing it up. Definitely inspiring!

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Liz G.
Liz G.
11 years ago

Shared this on my Facebook (Elizabeth Lynch Garland)

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Kristin Smith
Kristin Smith
11 years ago

I tweeted!!

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barbie
barbie
11 years ago

oh wow. these are magnificient! I would LOVE one, either a hoodie or a wrap! :)

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Cilla
Cilla
11 years ago

Love the Boom Town Brilla hoodie, just a beauty.

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Jingle
Jingle
11 years ago

I absolutely love her stuff! She makes beautiful clothing!

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D'Rae
D'Rae
11 years ago

Her stuff is so awesome! I would love to win an item from her shop

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Mandi
Mandi
11 years ago

I’ve been following Evy’s Tree for awhile and LOVE her work. I have my heart set on two Diana wraps – the winter white and the pink one. And when the giraffee hoodies come out, one will be mine. :) Thanks for the chance!

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Ruthie Hart
Ruthie Hart
11 years ago

aww these are so beautiful! I would love to win one!

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Meig
Meig
11 years ago

I love the diana wrap! sooooo nice!

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Heather
Heather
11 years ago

What gorgeous, fun things! I think that gray simple is calling my name, too!

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Sarah Johnson
Sarah Johnson
11 years ago

Love that Army Green Hoodie!

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Erika
Erika
11 years ago

I would love love love the simple black!

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Erika
Erika
11 years ago

I tweeted.
http://twitter.com/#!/chambanachik/status/112167682597601280

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Alicia
Alicia
11 years ago

They are all so cute! Very inspiring post!

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Dana Young
Dana Young
11 years ago

Tweeted my entry

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Allison
Allison
11 years ago

I am loving the ruffled cardigans! Perfect for a working mamma!

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Lisa
Lisa
11 years ago

I’d love to win! The hoodies are great. Who doesn’t love a fancy yet comfortable cozy top?

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Dana Young
Dana Young
11 years ago

Shared the giveaway on Facebook too….

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Dana Young
Dana Young
11 years ago

I love the Eggplant Ruffled Cardigan! How pretty!

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Amy
Amy
11 years ago

Love. Love. Love. :)

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Rebecca
Rebecca
11 years ago

I’m torn between the light charcoal dana wrap and the army green simple hoodie. Love Evy’s Tree items.

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Amy
Amy
11 years ago

Shared on my facebook page :)

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thechattymommy
thechattymommy
11 years ago

Love the army green simple!
What beautiful work!

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delaney
delaney
11 years ago

I am in LOVE with the coffee ruffled cardigan! so ridiculously pretty!

0
Lauren
Lauren
11 years ago

What a WONDERFUL story and I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to win this!!! Fingers, toes and EYES are crossed!

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Dusty
Dusty
11 years ago

Oh. My. Goodness. I <3 the ruffle cardigans!! I also love the brown one pictured above but didn't see it on the website…

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Liz @ Blue Eyed Owl
Liz @ Blue Eyed Owl
11 years ago

Love her shop!

0
Liz @ Blue Eyed Owl
Liz @ Blue Eyed Owl
11 years ago

tweeted!

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Jennwith4
Jennwith4
11 years ago

What an inspiring story! I fall into tge got discouraged and overwhelmed category. I’m gonna pray abt getting back on the horse, so to speak, next fall. Thank you so much for sharing!!

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Lillian P.
Lillian P.
11 years ago

So much cuteness! I am glad read that she did not get discouraged because she is girly, giftly talented! This would be fabulous for my daughter and I to own as our first Mommy and Me coordinating outfit!

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tawnya
tawnya
11 years ago

The diana wraps are calling my name! Fall is here and I’m looking for the cozy against the cool mornings.

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MaryBeth
MaryBeth
11 years ago

I follow Amy’s blog and just love her creativity and it’s so obvious that she has a beautiful soul. I have been eyeing the Diana wrap for a while and really love the charcoal one. It’s on my birthday list and also on my Christmas list (for backup in case I don’t get it for my b-day next week). Thanks for a chance to win.

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Dena
Dena
11 years ago

How fun! I love hoodies!!

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Christina
Christina
11 years ago

All of Amy’s items are gorgeous! I’ll definitely be sharing her work with my friends.

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Jen B.
Jen B.
11 years ago

Oh my goodness!!! I love all her stuff! Fingers crossed.

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Kristin
Kristin
11 years ago

not only are here products great, but i also love her thoughts and encouragement!

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Sarah
Sarah
11 years ago

I love all the ruffles she uses! :)

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Nancy L.
Nancy L.
11 years ago

love anything ruffles :)
your designs are super cute!

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MelindaB
MelindaB
11 years ago

wow – I am torn between the grey ruffled cardigan and the simple grey hoodie

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Renee "Nay" S
Renee "Nay" S
11 years ago

I wanna win somethin’ ruffly!

0
Renee "Nay" S
Renee "Nay" S
11 years ago

Hi –
Just tweeted this (naycover2cover)!

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Valerie
Valerie
11 years ago

Really cute products Thanks for the opportunity to win!

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Renee "Nay" S
Renee "Nay" S
11 years ago

Shared this on my blog page on FB: “Cover to Cover and Everything in Between”

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Cate
Cate
11 years ago

Oh my goodness – how lovely are these?!

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Rachel Hove
Rachel Hove
11 years ago

Oh my word, I’m pretty sure me and my little gal each need one of these hoodies :)

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Meg
Meg
11 years ago

Aren’t we often our worse critics? We think we can’t do something, so we don’t even try! Thank you for the words of encouragement. I definitely have some dreams on the back burner that are worth perusing :)

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Nancy Oliver
Nancy Oliver
11 years ago

I need one……………….

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Angie H.
Angie H.
11 years ago

I really love the black night brilla and the simple line…any color! You both are so inspiring…really!

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Cambria Thompson
Cambria Thompson
11 years ago

I love Amy’s jackets and have been wanting one for awhile

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Lana
Lana
11 years ago

LOVE Evy’s Tree!!!

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Andi T.
Andi T.
11 years ago

I love the blue and orange cut off pullover. So adorable!

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Kassie
Kassie
11 years ago

LOVE that eggplant ruffle cardi. The ruffles are just so amazing!

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Kassie
Kassie
11 years ago

I tweeted about it!
https://twitter.com/#!/KassieRew

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Shelley
Shelley
11 years ago

I love the blue simple hoodie!!

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Paige whitley
Paige whitley
11 years ago

I like the simple olive hoodie, super cute and great for fall.

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Autumn
Autumn
11 years ago

Evy’s Hoodies are awesome. In love with the adult Zebra!!

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Brooke
Brooke
11 years ago

I have never seen her items before, but oh my goodness, how to pick just one! She takes comfy chic to a whole new level!

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Autumn
Autumn
11 years ago

I tweeted @autumn824 and @mentioned both gussy and Evy

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Autumn
Autumn
11 years ago

I Facebooked and @mentioned Evy’s Tree & Gussy

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Paula
Paula
11 years ago

I love the eggplant ruffled cardigan – really cute!

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Yolanda
Yolanda
11 years ago

I love, love the cardigans it would be really tuff to decide. I think I’m going to have to get a few for my sisters for Christmas! they would love them!

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rebecca
rebecca
11 years ago

i love the brown wrap!

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Kim
Kim
11 years ago

I really like the hoodies and the wraps would be awesome to win!!

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marlana buck arnold
marlana buck arnold
11 years ago

Evys tree hoodies are amazing!!!! The Brilla SCREAMS Marlana

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marlana buck arnold
marlana buck arnold
11 years ago

Shared on Facebook!!!! http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=1107458303

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HannahBee
HannahBee
11 years ago

I REALLY REALLY REALLY love the Grey Lacey zip-up!

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Andi T.
Andi T.
11 years ago

I posted the giveaway on Facebook

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Shelly
Shelly
11 years ago

Would love to win one of these!!

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Sarah-Anne
Sarah-Anne
11 years ago

totally NEED one of those hoodies!!

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Alicia B
Alicia B
11 years ago

Lovely clothing I would love to win one!! Thank you!

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Kim Bernhardt
Kim Bernhardt
11 years ago

Did someone say ruffels? So cute!

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Nikki
Nikki
11 years ago

I love the eggplant ruffle cardigan and the brown cardigan wrap pictured above.

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Natalie @ NS Pottery
Natalie @ NS Pottery
11 years ago

That’s purple ruffley cardi is gorgeous!!!

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Natalie @ NS Pottery
Natalie @ NS Pottery
11 years ago

tweeted! @NSPottery

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Beth
Beth
11 years ago

WOO! :) What a great giveaway!! It will hopefully be hard to choose something if I win! ;)

Beth

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Marlana
Marlana
11 years ago

Love the Brilla’s so adorable!

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Beth
Beth
11 years ago

tweeted about it!! :)

@markgirlbeth

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Marlana
Marlana
11 years ago

Shared on Facebook

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Sarah
Sarah
11 years ago

Wow, she’s got some awesome stuff :)

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Marin D
Marin D
11 years ago

So beautiful! I love those cardigans as well as the hoodies.

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Sarah
Sarah
11 years ago

tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/yes_teacher/status/112213319070392320

0
Myriah
Myriah
11 years ago

Wow, these are so beautiful! Perfect for Fall :)

0
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