Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Meet Colby June

I am thrilled to share an insightful interview with you from inspiring jewelry designer, Colby June! I hope to feature more jewelry designers that will give you, the readers, an inside look into established jewelry design processes and successful brands. Colby June is the perfect designer to kick off this series. Her thoughtful answers and advice to young designers are below.  

1) What inspired you to start designing jewelry and how did you get the Colby June line off the ground?
I first took a jewelry class in San Miguel de Allende Mexico between high school and college.  I loved working with metal!  Hours could go by and I would just be lost in my work without realizing the time. After living in Mexico, I went to college at Lewis and Clark in Portland, Oregon. I first got a degree in Hispanic Studies and later a Maters in Counseling Psychology. I worked as a teacher and then a counselor for a few years but eventually I really wanted to return to jewelry.  I just needed the courage to get into it as a profession. I worked for a few years doing both jewelry and counseling. When I had my daughter, Perry, something had to go and I quit my part-time counselor job.  By that time, I had begun to develop a distinctive style. I was able to sell my work at the Saturday Market in Aspen in the summers which really kept my business afloat. At the beginning of 2011, I decided to get more serious about wholesale outside Colorado.  It was extremely lucky that Anthropologie picked up a ring set. They have since sold out but I think that in combination with all the wonderful bloggers out there have really help my Etsy site grow! 

2) Where do you draw your inspiration from? 
Living in Mexico,  I was mostly inspired by the gem stones and just used basic geometric shapes and forms.  Later when I was back in Colorado, I was so amazed at all the native grasses and the shapes and textures of the grasses I saw hiking in the fall.  That was the first real inspiration that set my path. Now I continue to be inspired by textures and details of nature in both Colorado and Oregon, where I try to spend as much time as possible.   
  
3) How would you describe the woman who wears Colby June? And who would your dream client be?
I see all different women wear my jewelry. It seems to appeal to women of all ages and from many different places. My work is definitely subtle and understated. I can't say I have a dream client.  I appreciate anyone who is interested in my work and can see the value in its simplicity and nature elements.  

4) Are you formally trained, self-taught, or some combination of the two? 
I first learned from a metals teacher, Billy King, in San Miguel de Allede, Mexico.  I later took a few classes at Northwest College of Arts and Crafts in Portland while I was attending college at Lewis and Clark. Since then,  I have done a lot of self teaching. I basically have ideas of pieces and then figure out the best way to make them through books, talking to other jewelers and a lot of trial and error. Recently I traveled to Nashville, Tennessee where I had the chance to take a really amazing intensive stone setting class from Blain Lewis, a renowned jeweler and teacher.  I plan to take a lot more of this type of workshop! 

5) What is your typical day like?
My days at the studio are always different. I usually start by checking and responding to emails. Then I make a list of orders I plan to finish that day.  I have two part-time employees, one who helps me with making jewelry and the other one helps with shipping, communicating with customers, and social media. On the days they are working, I have to make sure they are lined out and have plenty to do. There are always a million things to do but it takes a lot of organizing to figure out the best use of everyone's time. Many days are just frantic trying to get orders out.  I really love the days we are actually caught up and I can spend time organizing the studio and doing the books and inventory.  I am usually really behind on inventory and bookkeeping! I also have to make time to create new lines. Creating new pieces is definitely my favorite part of the business but it happens a lot less frequently than one would think. Right now I am working on my next line that I hope to have ready by July. I am also the mother of a two year old, my daughter Perry, so I try to spend as much time with her as possible. Many of my days end early so I can pick her up and be a mom. I often return to my studio after she is in bed or once my husband gets home from work and just finish up whatever needs to be done.    
6) What advice would you give a young aspiring designer or someone toying with the idea of starting to make jewelry?
I would tell an aspiring designer to put their work out into the world. Etsy is such a great platform to test designs and ideas. You can get a feel for whats selling and go with it. I would also suggest that once you have had some time to establish your style and create something that really represents your unique creative spirit to brand yourself. Having a consistent brand that people recognize and that your customers can identify with is really important for establishing a lasting customer base. Also customer service seems to go a long way! I always operate on the idea that I want every customer to be a return customer.  Most importantly, if you have it in you, I would say take a risk and see what you can do knowing it can take a lot of time. 

Thanks, Colby June!  

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Watch This

I am in the market for a new watch.  I've had my eye on the rose gold Michael Kors watch for...eons! But lately, blacked-out beauties, like this one, have also caught my eye. And, much to my amazement, smaller, more feminine watches have been popping up on blogs and Pinterest and I've actually found myself surprisingly intrigued! For the past 10 years I've leaned towards over-sized, men's watches, but now I can safely say that I believe smaller faces will have a place in my wrist arsenal.

Check out the following arm parties, starring watches - front and center!

If we can learn one thing from the images above, it's to layer, layer, layer!  Don't let that pretty watch stand alone. Pair it up with some fun bracelets - think spikes, links, and rhinestones. The more the merrier! Do you have a favorite watch that you'd recommend?

Monday, February 27, 2012

Oscar 2012: Best Jewelry

Blogs are a buzz this morning with choices for best dressed, worst dressed, and thoughts Angelina Jolie's strange leg pose.  For me, Michelle Williams, Emma Stone, and Gwyneth Paltrow take the cake for best dressed.  I wanted to put together a little montage of the jewelry worn at the Oscars last night. I thought I was going to be knee deep in choices but as it turns out, most stars wore little jewelry, preferring to let let the dress do all the talking.  I did manage to find a few blinged out ladies, but even those who made it into this post kept things simple. Most opted for a bare neck and chose subtle earrings.  Here are my choices for Best Jewelry, Oscars 2012.

Did I miss you favorite bedazzled star? Tell me in the comments below!
pc: all photos courtesy of PopSugar

Friday, February 24, 2012

DIY Friday

Remember this Holst + Lee Safari Necklace I posted about earlier in the month?

Well, Honestly...WTF has a rad DIY up on their site if you'd like to try your hand at making your own for a fraction of the price!

You'll need:  
- cotton rope or twine
- a pair of scissors
- nuts and washers
- embroidery thread


Head on over to Honestly...WTF for step by step instructions.  Here is what the finished product should look like:
I can't wait to try this! I love a good excuse to get crafty and to save money. Win/win! 
Thanks, Honestly...WTF!

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Cameo: Do or Don't?

I have a major girl crush on Miroslava Duma.  I mean, who doesn't, right? Her style, that hair, that...face.  I think she does a supreme job of accessorizing her killer outfits and love that doesn't shy away from bold jewelry.  When I saw this photo of her rocking a cameo collar necklace I stopped and lingered on the image for about, oh, 10 minutes.  In my opinion it looks good. Really good. Even the matching ring seems to work.  But I would never have imagined wearing something like that myself! Cameo often reminds me of older ladies and is much too traditional looking for my taste.  But after seeing this photo of Mira I might be changing my mind.

What do you think, is Cameo jewelry a do or a don't? Does it have a place in your jewelry box?

If it's a "do" for you, take a look at these cameo inspired jewelry pieces:

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 /

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Accessory change up: Handbags

If I had to choose, I am a jewelry girl at heart.  But really I love all accessories - shoes, purses, hair accessories.  If in doubt, I opt for a simpler outfit and accessorize with pops of color, intriguing textures, and special add-ons.

While roaming around Pinterest the other day, I found these three images.  All from fashion week (I think) and all super stylish ladies who have topped off their outfits with killer handbags.  I love them all equally.
Pinterest sources: heartsoulandcurves / moth-design / musingsinfemininity

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Designer Spotlight: Mr. Kate


On the Cusp did an nice little feature on jewelry designer Kate Albrecht of Mr. Kate.  They shot her in her office so we get a sneak peek of her place, and learn how she into how she got started designing jewelry and what keeps her going.

My favorite Mr. Kate pieces:


Monday, February 20, 2012

NYFW 2012 Street Style

I was combing through Tommy Ton's Street-Style Shots of Fashion Week and found some real standouts in the accessories department. I recommend looking through the entire album as the photography and the styling are equally amazing.  Here are my picks for best jewelry styling. My favorite? The first image of the chunky, geometric, white and green necklace.

Friday, February 17, 2012

Trend: Collar Necklaces

Add a bit of whimsy and unexpected sparkle to your classic button-up with this easy styling trick.  Worn under your shirt collar, peekaboo necklaces and detachable peter pan collars are here to stay.  Worn as you would a bowtie, these necklaces give a polished and highly styled look. Here is how the most fashionable ladies are wearing their collar necklaces:


Looking to try it out for yourself? Here are some of my favorites!



1. Lanvin Beaded-Chain Collar Necklace
2. MARC BY MARC JACOBS Claude Collar Necklace
3. DANNIJO Stella Necklace
4. ASOS Maria Francesca Pepe Gold Collar Necklace with Swarovski Crystals
5. Paula Mendoza Pearl Paloma Necklace
6. ASOS Intricate Beaded Collar with Hanging Beaded Pom Pom Detail
7. Miss Wax Lace Collar Necklace
8. Gemma Lister Gold Sequin Necklace
9. Alexis Bittar Freeform Collar Necklace
10. Marc by Marc Jacobs Claude Collar Necklace in Pink
11. Patricia Field Rhinestone Bow Tie Necklace
12. DANNIJO Sinatra Necklace
13. ABS by Allen Schwartz Chain Link Bib Necklace
14. Polli Collar Necklace
15. Isaac Mizrahi Crystal Chain Collar Necklace

Have you tried the collar necklace trend? What's your favorite way to style them?

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Eye Candy, Neck Candy

Everything Kelly Wearstler touches is gold!  I stumbled upon this gorgeous necklace and happily discovered it was a Kelly Wearstler design.  It features a giant Pyrite stone with an antiqued brass chain.  You can get it here!

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

JewelMint: is it worth it?

As a jewelry blogger I've found it hard to ignore JewelMint and its trendy pieces. Every few months I log onto their site, take the style questionnaire, and browse the pieces that were chosen for me. I've never taken the plunge to actually purchasing a piece, even though there is usually a handful of items that catch my eye. Now, I am not quite sure why this is...something is holding me back. Perhaps it's the monthly membership? Yes, I think it is.

So tell me dear readers, have you signed up for JewelMint and actually ordered something? How was the process? Were you happy with your jewlery? Do you order each month? I am thinking of taking the plunge and getting these Lady Luck rings. I originally went on the site to look for the XO rings but they're out of my size. Should I take a chance on Lady Luck?!
Andy from Style Scrapbook wearing the JewelMint wishbone ring. 

Please leave any thoughts on JewelMint in the comments. It will be much appreciated!

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Serpentine Valentine

Nothing says Valentine's Day like snakes! Well, actually, mostly anything says Valentine's Day more than snakes...but to give your eyes a break from all of the pink and red flooding most sites today, I decided to feature some super sexy snake-inspired jewelry.  So if you're feeling more dangerous than sweet this Valentine's Day, this post is for you.

1. Midnight Coil Ring, ModCloth
2. Stacey Brass Snake Cuff by Chloe, Net-A-Porter
3. Kanya's Sterling Silver Slithering Snake Earrings, Fantasy Jewelry Box
4. Elodie K Black Silver Snake Knuckle Ring, Max & Chloe
5. TOUCH - Snake Wrap Bracelet, Mango
6. Snake Necklace, Kabiri
7. Serpent Bangle, Stella & Dot
8. Sidewinder Ring, Stella & Dot
9. Kenneth Jay Lane Turquoise Gold Snake Bracelet, Pret-A-Beaute
10. Kenneth Jay Lane Royal Gold Snake Bracelet, Pret-A-Beaute
11. Elodie K Rose Gold Plated Snakes Hand Bracelet, Max & Chloe

Monday, February 13, 2012

Designer Spotlight: Jennifer Meyer

I shared this on twitter last night and then decided it was just too cute not to post on the blog as well.  Watch this video for an adorable look into the life of Jennifer Meyer and her eponymous jewelry line. Can I get a wishbone, please?
If not a wishbone, than maybe this zizzag ring or the turquiose bauble ring?

Friday, February 10, 2012

Ready for Spring...

Doesn't this Holst + Lee Safari Necklace just scream, "Alright winter, you can go away now please!"

Thursday, February 9, 2012

JOTD

A jewelry of the day post!


Lust: The Rita Cadillac Necklace by Shourouk

Feast your eyes on this beauty.  She stopped me dead in my tracks when I stumbled upon her.  The splashy sequins and pops of color combine to make the most ridiculous statement necklace.  I am pretty sure this necklace falls somewhere in between art and jewelry. She's so beautiful, I can't look away.  The details: silver chain with various colored glass stones and crystals. Swoon.
pc: Rita Cadillac Necklace

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

February Wish List


1. Michael Kors chunky chain ring
2. DANNIJO Giulia bracelet
3. DANNIJO Hart necklace
4.YSL arty ring net.a.porter.com
5. C. Wonder serpent ring
6. DANNIJO Amerie necklace
7. J. Crew classic Jenna bracelet
8. Colby and June sticks and stones set
9. Bauble Bar triple cluster ring
10. David Yurman cable bracelet 
11. Mr. Kate cereal ring
12. Tom Binns neon yellow and orange necklace

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Closet Inspiration

Feast your eyes on stylist Mary Alice Stephenson's jewelry dresser/storage system. She had it custom designed by the Closet Factory with see-through drawer fronts to make storing and finding jewelry a breeze.  Can you imagine having this in your home? A dream! 
More fashion, closet space, and eye candy at The Coveteur.

Monday, February 6, 2012

SS12 Trend: The Anklet

Anklets are back! I can remember donning colorful anklets as a kid in the early 90s and then they seemed to inexplicably disappear.  If 2011 was the year of the arm party, friendship bracelets, and mixing and matching, then 2012 will see more attention fall below the knee with fun anklets.  Anklets can add a much needed dash of color or dress up an outfit.  Here are some snaps of pretty anklets I've seen recently across the web. 
1. sincerelyjules.com
2. refinery29.com
3. nobodyknowsmarc.com
4. sincerelyjules.com

Friday, February 3, 2012

Daily

Currently obsessed with:

1. Original, handmade sterling sliver charm and black beads
2. Jacob, long heart necklace (old)
3. American Eagle, owl ring
4. Mr. Kate, Twig bracelet
5. Original, handmade silver warble bangle
6. Original, handmade blue bead friendship bracelet
7. Unknown, turquoise ring
8. Original, hand made link bracelet
9. RW & Co., oversized peal necklace

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Jewelry Maven Spotlight: Blair Eadie

No one layers jewelry quite like The Blair Eadie (known as BEE by her loyal following) of the style blog Atlantic-Pacific.

Take a look. Take notes. And try to keep up. Loads of inspiration at your fingertips! I think she may have single-handedly brought over-sized pearls, monograms, and stacked wrists (actually, entire forearms!) en-vogue. 

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Valentine Inspired Jewelry

It's February and that means one thing: Valentine's Day is just around the corner!  Why not celebrate the day by dressing up with some festive jewelry.  Wear your heart on your wrist (or neck, or fingers!) with these Valentine's Day appropriate baubles.


1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9

I think my favorite Valentine's item above is #9 - the Lauren Elan Vix bracelet. Gorgeous any time of the year!  I think on Februray 14th I'll wear my own handmade Rose Quartz necklace. What do you think?
One final item that was just too cute not to share - a Valentine's Day appropriate iPhone accesorry! I seriously need an iPhone.  BlackBerry just doesn't have the options with the accessories. Le sigh...
Love does win.  Available here.
 
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