Trend Spotting: Karen Walker Number One Sunglasses

These oversized, slightly cat-eyed, and angular sunnies have been popping up in my blog reader all month! Check out how some of my favourite bloggers style their Karen Walker Number Ones below. 

Want to join the club? Get your own here (tortoise shell) and here (black).

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Designer Spotlight: Monikia Hibbs // BFREND

I first found Monika Hibb's cute bracelet line through her blog, The Doctor's Closet. Her line of dainty,  feminine, friendship bracelets is aptly named BFREND. (Side note: could she come up with better names for her ventures?!) 

Monika seamlessly applies the same pretty aesthetic to both of her brands and this has earned her a huge following.  From perfectly styled photos of her new house on Instagram, to tweets about fun fashion events that she's attending, her aesthetic is well defined and leaves the rest of wanting more.

In an effort to get to the bottom of how she makes it all seem effortless while producing quality work on both her blog and with her jewelry line, I set out to interview Monika. She was kind enough to answer all of my burning questions about BFREND and left me hanging with a few others. Once you read her last answer, you too will be chomping at the bit for more.

Let's get into it! 

Take us back to the start: How did your jewelry line, BFREND, begin? Was it something you purposefully started out to do or was it one of those happy occurrences that just sort of evolved and took off? 

It's so funny how things start in life, most of the time very unexpected. I was not planning on starting a business at all. I was actually making some friendship bracelets at home and decided to give away two on my blog that month. Once I posted them I had a lot of requests to buy them... and that's pretty much how it all began!

What inspires BFREND and your designs? 

I love working with different colors and gold. My range is everything from chunky to simple and delicate depending what my mood is! 

What is your typical work day like? 

My day is so different EVERYDAY. Anything from working on BFREND orders to blogging for myself (and my followers of course) on thedoctorscloset.com. Some people might also not know that I am the main contributor for the Blush Bridal blog and ( yes, there is another 'and'....) work at as the events coordinator part time at The Hudson's Bay Company in downtown Vancouver! So you can just imagine how every day can be so diverse! I love being busy and kept on my toes!

What do you like best about being a jewelry designer? What are some of the challenges? 

I love creating a piece of jewelry that I can't find! It's definitely not easy to source everything I want or have imagined, which makes it a bit challenging! 

 
What advice would you give to other aspiring jewelry designers and bloggers on growing their business?  

Be yourself and create your own ideas! I think that is so important! Creating a brand that represents you and your passion will get you the furthest in life! 

Where do you see BFREND headed (or any fun future plans you can share with us)? 

I do have a little new business venture coming up! But it's still top secret. It's not exactly with BFREND... and that's all I can say! :) 

  

Thanks Monika! Can't wait to see what you have up your sleeve next. And don't forget to shop BFREND here!

Line Lust: Karla Deras for Roman Luxe

Two of my favorite things: bloggers and jewelry. And when they come together I just can't resist. This is Karla's second line for Roman Luxe, brilliantly named, Lapis of Luxury. Featuring lapis and crystals, the line is bold yet clean in its simplicity.

My favorite pieces below!

Shop at Max & Chloe!

Jewelry Organization: The Inspiration

I was recently asked if I would showcase my personal jewelry collection on another blog. The idea both excited and scared me. I can't wait to share photos of my favorite pieces of jewelry, but my collection is stored in places all over the house, in random piles. Not so great. And not visually appealing in the least.

Yesterday I came across a (new to me) blog, a house in the hills, and the post at the top of site was about her recent jewelry organization. This lady has some fabulous tips and great photos for those of us still needing to organize our jewelry collections. She includes links to the sites where she purchased her jewelry stands and velvet jewelry trays. Seriously helpful.

I've gone ahead and ordered a few of my own velvet trays and stands and can't wait to get organized! Don't you just love when another blog inspires you to take action in your own life?

 All photos from ahouseinthehills.com

Designer Spotlight: Alexa Leigh

Known for her dainty hearts and signatures stars, jewelry designer Alexa Leigh, offers pretty necklaces, bracelets, and anklets for the minimalist and layer-loving crowd. Determined to enter a job that she loved, Alexa started her eponymous line and hasn't looked back. To learn more about how Alexa started her own company and what inspires her pretty jewels, read on! 

Let's start at the beginning. How did you get into jewelry design? Are you formally trained, self-taught, or some combination of the two?

I have no real formal training, but I love to draw so that has enabled me to design jewelry. I have always loved jewelry. Even though I would regularly go through my mother’s pieces when I was younger, it was always as if I was seeing them for the first time. I am a sucker for anything that sparkles. In high school I started making a lot of beaded jewelry, always saying I was going to sell them, but then liking them too much to part with. Funny enough, I still have everything I made then.  

What inspires your jewelry designs?

I think subconsciously I am constantly drawing inspiration from everything around me, but my designs are most affected by my mood and style at the time. I create jewelry I would want to wear myself. If I don't like it how can I expect anyone else to? 

Who would your dream client be? 

I would really love to have Alexa Chung as a client. I think she has impeccable taste and a great sense of style so I would be honored to have her wearing my jewelry.

Being a jewelry designer, what do you like best about your job? What are some of the most challenging parts of running your own business? 

I love that I am constantly creating. I can get lost for hours designing new pieces. Running your own business, however, is a 24/7 job. Both the successes and the failures lie on my shoulders alone. 

If you could go back and give your 20 year old self some advice, what would it be? 

I wouldn't go back and tell myself anything. I believe everything happens for a reason. 

Ps - take a look at some of the fabulous bloggers who love Alexa Leigh! Sincerely Jules, The Glamourai, and Song of Style. *All photos from Alexa Leigh Facebook page - go to her page for more!*