A woman after my own heart...Gina Nigrelli has based her Jules Smith collection in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. A move to St. Thomas in 2006 after a career in fashion spurred her to create a collection of luxe resort jewelry. I can certainly understand her pulling from her surroundings to create this sweet collection, but Gina also keeps her finger on the pulse of fashion with frequent trips to New York. Check out the collection at Coterie- The Javitz Center, booth # 8622.
I spoken about my adoration for this line before and seeing it expand and mature with each season is amazing. Turk + Taylor for Fall 2008 is a smart, tailored collection utilizing organic fabrics. Using organic cotton, recycled herringbone, and sustainable silk the designers practice their belief that 'good design and social responsibility are not mutually exclusive'. I absolutely love the updated but still playful look of the Fall collection...check them out at Pool
iWood has taken one of my favorite accessories to another level with their wooden sunglasses.
styles featured here are available at Saks
Sarah Hood creates beautiful jewelry using objects that would appear mundane to most of us. Her enthusiasm for botany and a 30 year relationship with Buddhism influences the materials she is drawn to. Sarah's jewelry incorporates everything from leaves to spices, creating this beautiful wearable art. Much of this I would want to keep as small sculptures honestly, so it's a good thing Sarah will soon offer hardware for the home as well.
I'm so excited to learn that Allison Teich of AgainNYC (I wrote about her here) has launched a new collection of eco friendly bags. Simply called Teich, this collection uses environmentally friendly fabrics such as hemp, linen, and vegetable tanned leather. I adore the simplicity of the bags...I've got a serious sweet tooth for that weekend bag. I love that although it is has a different feel from the repurposed fabrics of Again NYC, they can certainly sit side by side.
My sweetheart bought me a gorgeous brooch and earring set for Christmas after I got all teary-eyed over the loss of my grandmother's beautiful jewelry. Since then, I have had a new admiration for the handiwork and quality of vintage jewelry. I love these pieces from Zane Leslie; all re-worked estate jewels by designer Shawna Tellez. There is a great selection of everything from cuffs to locks and beautiful watches, check out the selection here.
I love the simplicity of Mary Meyer's Spring collection paired with the tribal style prints. The silhouettes and prints are still modern and urban, but they have lovely carefree vibe to them. Not much info on the website as yet but you can see Fall and Spring there.
Love the infusion of color from the Skin and Threads Spring collection...sweetly termed "boy pretty". Skin and Threads concentrates on incorporating natural fabrics into your lifestyle by offering clean silhouettes that can be worn as separates or layered. That's quite the mouthful so go check out the beautiful sorbet like colors here.
This week's giveaway is courtesy of one of my absolute favorite design teams. Australia based duo Tess Lloyd and Maja Bartlett collaborate on the gorgeous collection of home and fashion accessories that is Polli.
Husband and wife team Mike and Mary create their jewelry with a nod to the Neo-modernist styles from the 1930's to 60's. This very affordable collection is hand fabricated using sterling silver, 14k gold, and occasionally copper. Although many of the pieces are inspired by nature, I like the slighty industrial feel. Check them out here...
Would you believe me if I told you these are vegan? Yep, that was my reaction too. Designer Rebecca Brough sought to create a fashionable shoe that supported her lifestyle; fashionable yet eco friendly. Mink Shoes are made by hand using sustainable materials such as cork, wood, organic cotton and linen. The shoe box is even recyclable with handles that double as a bag and negate the need for plastic. Clever, sustainable, and fashionable...what a trio.
I love the color range available from designer Elif Akaydin. Using soft, lightweight Italian leather Elif's collection "Delight in Creation" is made to order in New York.
NaMoDa describes themselves as 'combining ecologically safe and recycled fabrics with the artistic vision of a conscious confident individual'. Using organic cotton, hemp, and bamboo fabric this small collection features easy wear items with a twist. I love the blend of sophisticated pieces with surprises like bright prints and button details. Check them out here.
I love the unique lucite pieces from KidViskous; my faves are the mirrored Victorian style pieces with the cork animals. Check them out here...
I love discovering new-to-me designers, but even more so I really like looking as they progress each season. When I wrote about SharDann last season I was stunned by the absolutely beautiful 60's style print dresses. Brooklyn based designer Sharmaine Wilborn has moved me again with her sense of bold color, intricate and unique detailing, and head turning shapes. Items are made to order, but I think she needs to be ready to wear like...now. Check out the store here.
Scarves deserve more credit. Whether slinky, chunky, or lightweight they take me through three seasons; I think that's enough wear to consider myself slightly attached to my growing collection of scarves. I was immediately hooked when Marjory emailed me about Miss Bruno; a sweet collection that offers a renewed look at the scarf using recycled materials. Each style is handmade to order and features trims like leather and lace as well as beautiful pairings of materials. Sure your new coat may get less attention now, but your neck deserves a little special treatment now and then. Check out the shop here to see the full collection.
Winnie Lee launched her knitwear collection Myolee in September 2005 to fill a niche she found in contemporary knitwear...unique styles that cater to a diverse range of women. Using luxurious fabrics, she manipulates jersey and knit pieces to create modern yet wearable, appealing pieces. Check out the Autumn collection here.
Would you believe these bags are made from inner tubes....and not just your average inner tube but ones that are supplied by local truck stops after about 60,000 miles on them. How's that for re-invention? As a vegetarian, designer Heather English thought her options were limited when looking for durable handbags. Her necessity turned into a collection of bags and small accessories. Check out the collection here.
I ran across Filly Designs yesterday while scouting the February trade shows. Using eco friendly fabrics and stuctured pieces, the designer creates a collection that ' sculpts the body while still holding shape and form'. Every piece has interest as well from color blocking, geometric patchwork and oversized details. Check out the Fall/Holiday collection here.
I've been doing a lot of jewelry posts lately since (although a common one) it's a nice gift for the holidays. Here's how to make it uncommon...a piece from Nervous System. A collaboration between Jessica Rosenkatz and Jesse Rosenberg that stems from their fascination with biological and mathematical processes. I think the photos say it better than I can so definitely check out their site; many of my favorite pieces are already sold out so snag an incredible affordable piece before it's gone.
Irene Hoff of the fabulous Bloesem blog recently launched a collection of limited edition necklaces in her Bloesem Shop. Each necklace features a rose quartz stone; my favorite necklace (shown here) also has turquoise, yellow jade, wool, and wood beads. I adore the combination of materials and the sophisticated take on the beaded necklace. Irene's shop also has some of the most beautiful cashmere baby shoes that I am tempted to by now and just save until I have kids. Check out her shop for what is sure to be some of the most unique and beautiful gifts you've ever bought.
I am really loving the pieces from jewelry designer Simone Walsh. Much of the collection contains simple cut outs; my favorites are the etched pieces which hang from a silk cord ( very well pricedto boot).
Janick emailed me recently about Nea Jewelry and I was immediately drawn to the bold colors of the feather earrings. Known as the goose feather Deploy earrings, they come in a range of colors for you to strut your own stuff. The collection has some amazing prices, so if you see what you like buy quick so you can have it for the holidays. Nea also has a stationery shop called Nea Blossoms featuring equally adorable cards + tags.
I think you will excuse my poor photography skills for this giveaway! I have this bag from Kikis 4 Kukorus waiting for one lucky winner. From the Nina whipstitch collection; sultry grey leather with whipstitch detail featuring suede edging and bold patterned lining. What I love about Kikis?... a sense of luxury and detail in a contemporary package.
