It was nearly 4 years ago, after the birth of my daughter, that I discovered what would now become one of my favorite girls clothing designers. I was shopping in downtown Chelsea NYC and bought the most adorable plaid top for my little gal (plaid for a baby girl? -YES please!). I went on to buy a few classic gingham dresses, that became a staple for my daughter to wear at least twice a week.
When I opened up my online shop a few months ago, Blu Pony was number one my shot list to carry. I met Bonnie in person at the trade shows in August, let's say it was simply meant to be. I took a few minutes to catch up Bonnie Matthews, vintage inspired clothing designer of Blu Pony Vintage.
Tell us a bit about yourself in 25 words or less.
Adventurous, independent, organized, could have been happy in Law Enforcement. Feminine but not dainty. There has always been a big tree in my yard and I am married to the man of my dreams.
Your line of girls dresses is inspired by vintage clothing from the 1920’s – 1940’s, can you tell us more about what inspires you most about this time period?
It was a defining time in America and a time of great change. Women really came to have a voice at this time in our history and that was reflected in the clothes as well. Clothes were still feminine, but now they also became functional.
You do a lot of traveling. What has been your most memorable and inspiring trip?
In 2006 I went to South Africa with my parents and stayed out in the bushes. I really love nature and being in such a different environment from Washington and a different culture was life changing. There are things there that people have to deal with daily that one can’t imagine. That trip grounded me and made me see what is important in life.
Any amazing finds?
Probably the piece that started Blu Pony Vintage: the Hercules I found them at a vintage shop and fell in love with them. Then I started to research them and found out that it was work clothes for kids. Kids would come home and through the Hercules coveralls over their clothes so they wouldn’t get their good clothes dirty. I grew up on a small farm in Washington state and I had a LOT of chores. I felt a connection to the coveralls because of this.
We share a love of good food, wine and cooking. Can you share your go-to recipe?
Spicy Meatballs and Marinara. This sauce is really simple.
Recipe: In a sauce pan put 2 of olive oil and 6 cloves of garlic. Roast the garlic until brown. Add one carrot. Roast carrot. Next, add 2 large cans of crushed tomatoes. Then to the sauce add 2 bay leaf, a handful of basil and as much parmesan rinds as you have on hand. (I never throw them out. They are so good in a sauce.) Bring to a boil and then simmer for an hour. After the hour, fish out all of the stuff you put in it. Salt to fast and I add a half stick of butter. (The butter is optional but I LOVE butter).
Now the meatballs. I.5lb pork, 1/2lb spicy Italian sausage, minced sweet cherry peppers, panko bread crumbs soaked in milk and garlic powder (squeeze out all excess milk), 2 cups of grated parmesan cheese, salt, pepper and two eggs. Fold these all together and form golf ball size meatballs. Place on a cooking sheet and put in the oven at 375 for 45 mins. Once the balls are done, I put them in the sauce and wait another 30mins or more to eat. This is one of my favorite Sunday meals.
What is your favorite thing to do on your down time?
I really love cooking. My South Africa trip actually fueled this passion. My parents wanted to move there and I wanted to be able to eat what I love to eat when I visited them. So after that trip I made it my mission to learn to make everything I love to eat. So now my husband says his favorite restaurant to eat at is home.
Doesn't get any better than that. Check out Blu Pony Vintage on Cloth. Follow Bonnie and Blu Pony Vintage on Instagram @bluponyvintage
Product images: Jenna Hobbs - @j_hobbs - www.hobbsphotography.ca
