SHOP TALK Blog

Brand Spankin' New

Grayling’s New Bridal Collection

Grayling’s new line is geared towards brides, but looks good on everyone.

Posted by: Eden Dawn on Mar 01, 2012 at 08:00AM Speech Bubble 0 Comments

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“It’s difficult to find contemporary jewelry appropriate for a wedding,” says Katy Kippen, owner and designer of Grayling about her new line of bridal jewelry. After making countless custom pieces for brides, moms and bridesmaids who were unhappy with traditional options she decided to just dive in and create a collection for all those involved in the big day.

The line is comprised of twenty-plus styles of necklaces, earrings and bracelets ranging from bold to dainty blending crystal and pearls with antiqued silver accents to keep the pieces from being “overly girly.” While the line might be targeted to brides and bridal party, it just as easily could be viewed as a special occasion collection perfect for fancy events with or without the exchanging of vows.

View the slide show to see a sample of the collection and visit Grayling to purchase.

Gowns: Elizabeth Dye
Veil: Brady Lange
Makeup and Hair: Kelly Peach
Styling: Shannon Zweck
Model: Alexa Stevens with Q6

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Tags: Accessories, Bridal, Grayling Jewelry

Happenings

Amy Sacks & Sword + Fern Design Collaboration

Need some new glasses? We know where you should go.

Posted by: Eden Dawn on Feb 29, 2012 at 04:00PM Speech Bubble 0 Comments

Photo: Emily Baker

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Good news for those of us in town with bad eyesight. Local jewelry designer Emily Baker of Sword + Fern teamed up with eyewear company Amy Sacks to give you some sweet 4-eyed options. Sacks provides the elegant frames and Baker created a series of eyeglass chains to keep them in check.

The chains reflect classic Sword + Fern components incorporating materials like gemstones, chunky vintage chain, leather, and adding vintage recycled Sari rope into the mix to create one-of-a-kind eyeglass wear that make a big statement.

The limited edition eyeglass chain design along with a selection of Amy Sacks hand polished Italian acetate frames debut this Friday (3/2) at Sword+Fern’s studio. If that’s not enough to get you excited, you should also know a portion of the proceeds from this event will be donated to local animal rescue, Pixie Project. Sold!

What: Sword+Fern x Amy Sacks Eyewear Design Collaboration, First Friday event-proceeds to benefit The Pixie Project
When: First Friday, March 2 6-10 pm
Where: 811 E. Burnside #114
Sword+Fern
Amy Sacks Eyewear
Pixie Project

Photo: Emily Baker

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Tags: Accessories, Accessories, Happenings, Happenings, Sword+Fern

Get the Look

DIY Your Way to Gold Bangles

Stack your arm with accessories of your own making.

Posted by: Eden Dawn on Dec 08, 2011 at 09:00AM Speech Bubble 2 Comments

Photo: MarthaStewart.com

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Holiday party action is in full swing and the pressure is on to look glittery and fancy. That means it’s time to get creative in the fashion department and never, ever snub your nose at a stylish DIY project.

These uber fabulous gold bangle bracelets are actually courtesy of the queen of doing-it-yourself, Martha Stewart. They’re completely genius in the fact that you only need a handful of inexpensive items and you can have an armful of bangin’ bangles. Best part of whipping up your own? You’ll never have to fear the “Oh no, she’s wearing the same thing as me” moment.

Tools and Materials
Hot-glue gun
Thin cotton rope
Fabric stiffener
Plastic wrap
Liquid leaf oil paint

Rope Bangle Bracelet How-To
1. Squirt a dime-size amount of hot glue onto glue pad. Line up ends of thin cotton rope and press into hot glue. Let cool.

2. Twist, braid or knot rope in the design you prefer. Make a loop, and adjust loop until inside diameter measures 2 1/2 inches (small), 2 5/8 inches (medium), or 2 3/4 inches (large); mark end point with finger.

3. Squirt another dime-size amount of hot glue onto glue pad; press rope into glue where your finger is holding the end. Let cool to secure. Once cooled, cut through hot glue at bottom end; trim strands at top end. Use hot glue to neatly attach two ends together.

4. Pour fabric stiffener into bowl; submerge rope bracelet. Remove bracelet from stiffener and use fingers to remove excess.

5. Cover a drinking glass with plastic wrap. Place bracelet over cup and push down to form into a circle; keep in place for one minute, then remove. Place bracelet on plastic wrap on a flat surface and press down to level it. Let dry 2 to 12 hours (use a fan to speed up drying time).

6. Paint with liquid leaf; let dry.

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Tags: Crafts, Fashion, Accessories

Gift Guide

Gift Guide: Women’s Accessories

Baubles and bags for the ladies on your list.

Posted by: Eden Dawn on Nov 30, 2011 at 09:00AM Speech Bubble 4 Comments

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Putting together a fabulous outfit is like baking a perfect fluffy cake. And we all know what finishes off a perfect cake….frosting. Do the ladies on your holiday list a favor (yes, you can be on your own shopping list) and help “frost” up their outfits with twelve accessory ideas ranging from baubles to bags. Bonus point: If you end up giving someone a piece of jewelry they love, you’ll always be their favorite.

Our Twelve Ideas Include:
1. REIF Wool Knit Turban Headband
2. Tiffany Opera Flair Gloves
3. Marled Cloud Loop
4. Nau Fluent Tote
5. Leather Foldover Clutch
6. xobruno Kilim Tote
7. Sword & Fern Creatures Bracelet
8. Erin Considine Danu Nacklace
9. Kate Spade New York iPhone 4 cover
10. Cloche T-Strap Heel
11. Pink Diamond Shaped Studs
12. Tribal Triangle Pendant

(View the slide show for product details and links)

Guide Assembled by Maya Attar

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Tags: Accessories, Gift Giving, Reif, Lille Boutique, Holiday Gifts, Frances May

Product Pick

Sit Tight with Bootights

The days of shoving socks under tights are over.

Posted by: Eden Dawn on Nov 22, 2011 at 09:00AM Speech Bubble 2 Comments

Important milestones that affect a fashion follower’s life include:

→When cavewomen rubbed berries on their faces for rouge
→When the corset was invented
→When some genius came up with hairspray
→The day I got Bootights

What are Bootights? In the most ridiculously simple idea, they are tights with socks built in. And for the girl who lives in a series of boots all winter (aka most of Portland) these suckers are crazy comfortable. The socks are well cushioned and since they’re built in they don’t slip and slide down to the toes. Plus, the Made in the USA product offers up a wide variety of textures from striped cable knit to a tiny fishnet or just plain black. Gold stars for durability too, even with a cat that jumps at my legs, the tights stayed snag free.

www.Bootights.com

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Tags: Accessories, Product Pick, Bootights

Style Spotlight

Etsy Pick: Textilemonster

It’s scarf time.

Posted by: Eden Dawn on Nov 09, 2011 at 08:00AM Speech Bubble 1 Comments

Jumbo Ruffles Scarf
$20.00

View Slideshow »

In this week’s Check Up From the Neck Up, we declare that neck needs to get covered up! Enter in Textilemonster’s cute Etsy shop, stocked to the brim with handmade goodies to wrap up those Adam’s (and Eve’s) apples. At a reasonably priced average of around $20 you can afford to have one matching every coat in your closet.

See the slide show o’ scarves.

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Tags: Accessories, Shopping

Product Pick

Tote Your Dachshund Love

A shopping tote bag that benefits the puppies.

Posted by: Eden Dawn on Aug 24, 2011 at 01:00PM Speech Bubble 1 Comments

Designer Claire Wolfson, President Bean and a tote.

Claire Wolfson really loves her boss. Not the one at her day job of designing apparel for Columbia Sportswear, but the one at her company Bean. He’s about 2 feet long, furry, barks and is the cutest company president around. The foundation of this tiny new online start up is a simple one, but with purpose: They love dachshunds. And Wolfson says that idea, “is really important to us.”

Two years ago President Bean (a mini black and tan dachshund) suffered a serious but common back injury. Once Wolfson and her boyfriend found out this happens often, they decided to do what they could to help the other darling dachshunds in the world.

Bean just launched with their signature totes. The labels are hand stitched here and the totes are locally screened at a friend’s shop. 10% of each purchase goes directly to the Oregon Dachshund Rescue to help doxies in need. Next up Bean will diversify into sunglasses, bean bandanas, and 5 panel hats.

Cat people need not purchase.

Shop Bean
Bean’s Blog
B Facebook

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Tags: Accessories, Shop Local

Style Scanner

Betsy & Iya’s Grand Opening

A new store opening is always cause to celebrate.

Posted by: Eden Dawn on Aug 09, 2011 at 08:00AM Speech Bubble 0 Comments

Local accessory designer Betsy Cross and her popular brand of Betsy & Iya jewelry have at least one shared thought with Donald Trump: location, location, location.

The ever-growing company took the plunge and moved up from their simple studio space into a full fledged store. Cross invites anyone interested in jewelry to pop by Friday to shop, play, and celebrate at the new boutique. There’ll be refreshments, and discounts (what more could you ask for?).

When: August 19th, 4pm-9pm
Where: 2403 NW Thurman St.
Facebook.com/BetsyandIya
www.BetsyandIya.com

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Tags: Accessories, Shop Local, Betsy and Iya

awesomeness

Harry Potter Jewelry

Get an owl necklace sent straight from Hogwarts.

Posted by: Eden Dawn on Jul 22, 2011 at 09:00AM Speech Bubble 0 Comments

Don’t go and act like you’re too cool for Hogwarts school. In honor of Harry Potter’s final film week let the Shop Talk spotlight shine down on Wolfbird Studio’s fantastic creations. The Etsy shop features a whole host of Potter inspired jewelry including a messenger owl necklace with an acceptance letter from the wizardry school.

Check out the description and get your own for just $27! (My birthday is tomorrow, who is going to buy me one?!)

This fantastic owl post necklace features an owl ‘carrying’ an envelope that actually opens and closes! Inside is your very own small Hogwarts Acceptance letter signed by Professor McGonagall.

The letter is printed on thick archival paper with archival pigment inks and will not bleed, but do not immerse in water. Please let us know what name you would like the letter to be addressed to upon checkout. If you don’t we will address the letter to the buyer (you).

The total length of the pendant from the top of the bail to the bottom of the envelope is almost 2 inches. The widest point is 3/4 of an inch.

This pendant is hung from a detailed bail on a sturdy 18 inch chain with a lobster clasp closure.
If you would prefer a different length chain please let us know upon checkout or message us before purchase. Any length of chain longer than 24" will require an additional fee.

In the Harry Potter series, Owl post is a system of sending messages or items using owls as the carriers. Besides the Owl Post Office, individuals and organisations with their own owls use them as their mail bearers. Harry Potter’s owl, Hedwig, was used as his primary means of communicating with his friends and his godfather, Sirius Black. Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry had a number of owls that anyone at the school could use. They, along with students’ personal owls, were kept in the Owlery.

Now you can have your own post owl. Delivering you a letter from Hogwarts!

To purchase this or other H.P. quirkiness visit Wolfbird Studios

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Tags: Accessories, Harry Potter

News Bit

Gretchen Jones Debuts Jewelry Collection

The Project Runway champ teamed up with Piperlime and Columbia to bring you some geo accessories.

Posted by: Eden Dawn on Jul 20, 2011 at 09:00AM Speech Bubble 0 Comments

Gretchen Jones for Piperlime
The Alchemist Earring $78.00

The current Project Runway champion, Miss Gretchen Jones, just launched a jewelry line through Piperlime. The online fashion company provides all the shoes and accessories for the P.R. fashion shows each week, so obviously Jones is more than familiar with the site.

The pounded out pieces of metal twisted into hip shapes are reminiscent of the jewelry Jones showed in her winning New York fashion week show. The now signature aesthetic combines a vintage vibe with geometric shapes and a little modern tweak for something that just equals cool.

I caught up with Jones briefly to get the details on her inspiration for the Piperlime pieces, (I was) inspired by Egyptian pyramids and the 1973 cult film Holy Mountain in the basic sense design.

More-so, the eternal pursuits of enlightenment. This past year has been such a transformative period of time in my life, that evolution [or phoenix rising/Saturn return] and experience has had a PROFOUND effect on my character and goals as a woman AND designer…

I like to give my work an intimate attachment/connection to my own experience…the collections names come from the book The Alchemist, which I recently re-read. The pyramids represent my desire to push higher and for more, challenging myself spiritually and creatively. I etched the magical symbols like the Medicine Man’s eye (representing wisdom), the Fence (denoting protection and good luck) and the Big Mountain (the emblem for abundance) as I believe those symbols connect us to far more than the modern world and can hel guide us all to better ways of living and thinking…

The collection is a not-for-profit situation with the Aid to Artisans organization. Each piece was handcrafted by local artisans in Columbia. Jones visited the country in May to meet the faces behind the production and get close to the organization.

Gretchen Jones for Piperlime
Philosopher’s Stone Ring $58.00

I chose to work with Aid to Artisans, as it sets an example how how we all can come together and consciously create beautiful work while helping others. Sustainability within humanitarian endeavors has economic relevance…its doesn’t always have to be about the materials alone, but the shared experience. Supporting crafts people across the globe makes me feel good about the work I do and proud of what can be attained when broadening your [our] horizons.

To view the entire collection (and see a video of her visit to Columbia) visit Piperlime.com/GretchenJones.

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Tags: Accessories, Gretchen Jones, Project Runway

Runway Happiness

Arabian Nights Fashion Show

Saturday night some local jewelry takes the stage.

Posted by: Eden Dawn on Jul 06, 2011 at 09:00AM Speech Bubble 0 Comments

Photo: Hal Harrison/Rose City Photography

Accessory Designer: Kerry Yu

View Slideshow »

Saturday is an Arabian Nights themed fashion show focused on jewelry more than apparel. The press release can fill you in on all the details.

FIXATE ON THE EARS, FASHION ON THE MIND
Local Artists Launch Sustainable Fashion International (SFI)

Local jewelry artists, Diane Mandaville and Kerry Yu will showcase their hottest sustainable earrings at the launch of Sustainable Fashion International (SFI) on July 9, 7-10pm, at their runway show, “101 Arabian Nights – Stories Told in Dance and Earrings “, which will be held at StudioNia on 9128 SW Yamhill, Portland

SFI is a cadre of fashion designers who promote and sponsor sustainable fashion artists. “We intend to set fashion on its ear by retelling the story of 1001 Arabian Nights through 101 sustainable earrings, Nia dance, and an enlightened Scheherazade. “ said Diane Mandaville, SFI CEO.

“Lots of designers give a nod to sustainability but we are taking it to an entirely new evant garde level. We want fashion to be synonymous with sustainability. That’s why our earrings are made of re-purposed, recycled, and up-cycled materials like vintage and old trade jewelry as well as packing waste, toilet paper rolls, wood, bone, and recycled metal.”

The 101 Nights show will also feature Native American artist, Fran Denham. “For hundreds of years our people hunted and fished. We used every part of our catch. There was no waste. Beaded art was passed down from one generation to the next. We adapt to our environment. We don’t try to change it. That’s sustainability.”

Models will be wearing sustainable Nia dancewear with their earrings. Nia dancer Jennie McCall will also join the cast of designers for this event.

Tickets are available at Brown Paper Tickets.
Prices are $100 VIP,
$50 Preferred Floor Cushion Seating,
$20 General Admission
July 9, 7-10pm
StudioNia on 9128 SW Yamhill

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Tags: fashion show, Accessories

Get hip to it

Trend Watch: Rose Gold

Don’t get stuck in the choice between gold and silver, look to rose gold.

Posted by: Eden Dawn on Jul 05, 2011 at 09:00AM Speech Bubble 2 Comments

Photo: Store/Designer Site

-by Alexis Bittar
-Duchamp Link Necklace, $195
-Available from Twist, 30 NW 23rd Place

View Slideshow »

Now that summer has officially kicked off with a bang (fireworks pun intended), let’s talk accessories. You’ve already done traditional gold and probably rocked some silver too, but what about rose gold? The chameleon metal combines well with any other color and flatters light and dark skin tones. Style pillars like Tiffany’s, Alexis Bittar, and Marc Jacobs are pushing this trend as the hip alternative for the season. Check out the slideshow to find your perfect piece.

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Tags: Accessories, Trend Watch

SHOP TALK

Grayling’s New Bridal Collection

Amy Sacks & Sword + Fern Design Collaboration

DIY Your Way to Gold Bangles

Gift Guide: Women’s Accessories

Sit Tight with Bootights

Etsy Pick: Textilemonster

Tote Your Dachshund Love

Betsy & Iya’s Grand Opening

Harry Potter Jewelry

Gretchen Jones Debuts Jewelry Collection

Arabian Nights Fashion Show

Trend Watch: Rose Gold

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