What’s awesome today? Future:Standard an eco-friendly apparel & accessories online boutique. I’m a big fan of their shirt dresses and organic tops, but everything else on the shop is just as lovely. For more info and to shop the collection visit Future:Standard.
Images by Future:Standard
What’s awesome today? MyAvonlea an eco inspired handmade & vintage apparel shop. I’m a big fan of their rompers and dresses, but everything else on the shop is just as lovely. For more info and to shop the collection visit MyAvonlea.
Happy Friday, lovelies!
Images by MyAvonlea
P. S. I’m taking on more freelance writing, and marketing projects! So get in touch. I’m looking forward to doing some new creative projects.
ChenZ Designs is a fresh looking fashion jewelry company. The jewelry designer, Chen Zucker, creates pieces made to both enhance your every day appearance as well as your evening event. Continue reading to learn more about the designer and her designs.
What makes your jewels unique?
In order to give my jewels a unique look, I use high-quality genuine leather cords in many colors, which also allows me to give my jewels a colorful and vibrant look. The combination of gold/silver plate metals with the wild look of leather is unique.
Why do you call your collection “multi-functional”?
I believe that jewelry has to be multi-functional, which means you can wear it almost anytime and anywhere. My jewels can be used with casual wear as well as with an elegant dress. In addition most of the wrapped bracelets can be used as necklaces, too.
When did you launch ChenZ Designs?
I have handcrafted items as a hobby since I was a teenager, but now that my children are grown I have more time for myself. So I started thinking how I could make the hobby I enjoy so much into a profession. Like in many other stories, it all began when I made jewels with charms for myself, and my friends were eager to have some as well. At first I gave them the jewels I created as presents and was very glad just to see them worn. After that, my friends asked me to make some more for their friends and it became a professional occupation.
3 years ago I opened ChenZ Designs handmade fashion jewelry.
You call your jewelry “statement pieces”, why do you say that?
I create “statement pieces” as I really believe that the jewelry you wear has to have a special meaning and also be trendy. All my jewels are designed for those who not only care about the look of their deigns, but the meaning behind them as well. This is why you can find in every jewel a charm for good luck or blessing. For example, the Hamsa which tradition states that the wearer is protected from envious stares, receives protection from all evil, and receives good luck, hearts for love and happiness, etc.
What is the most unique charm you have included on one of your bracelets?
Its quite hard to decide, but I think the Hamsa charms are very unique. In addition, every jewel combines my logo made with a flower shape. I would love to always have flowers around us.
Where can your pieces be found?
As I know that women love to have what they like “right now” and they are so busy, my jewels can be purchased via my website www.chenzdesigns.com.
Would you say any woman could wear your jewelry?
Definitely YES, I have a varied collection! Some jewels are delicate and feminine while others have a strong presence which says: “Here I am.’” As I make them all by myself, you can connect with me by e-mail and to ask for a special size as well.
What’s next for ChenZ Designs?
My main goal is to find more boutiques to carry my collection. I hope some of them reads this interview so they are welcome to contact me.
Currently my jewels are sold in the USA, Canada, France, Germany, Swiss & Argentina. I keep personal service and communication with my customers which is very important to me.
Nadia Murdock is a PR Guru and the CEO of Manchester Public Relations and a writer for the NY Fitness Examiner.
gla.MAR.ous is a fun, playful, exhilarating fashion line mainly focusing in accessories and adorable party dresses by designer Mary Beirne. The designer gets her inspiration anywhere from classic movies to the pinup and bohemian eras.
Visit gla.MAR.ous for more info and to see the entire collection!
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Images by gla.MAR.ous
Regina Morrison is the owner of a small handmade accessories business, Acute Designs, and a freelance writer. She recently escaped her 9-5 job and is actively pursuing a life as a handmade business owner. Read about her journey and business on her blog, where she posts daily. She currently lives in San Diego with her husband and two crazy dogs.
1. Tell me how and when everything started.
A little over a year and a half ago, I was stuck in a 9-5 j-o-b that I loathed. I felt trapped because I needed a paycheck, and I was constantly searching for a way “out.” I was busily writing and blogging {while at my day job} and one day decided to start an Etsy shop as a hobby. I had no idea where I wanted the business to go, but I soon knew that I wanted it to be more than a hobby. I spent the next year working at my 9-5 and honing the business and designs. Last November I quit my job and am now my own boss.
2. When did you first know that you wanted to be your own boss?
I guess on some level I have always known. I have been lucky to have really amazing bosses throughout my working life, yet I always got sick of being told what to do – no matter how tactful they were in their delivery. I love having to put all the pressure on myself and I love making my own schedule.
3. If you weren’t a business owner, what would you like to be doing?
I have tried a lot of other things and this is the only thing that has enabled me to be content in my work!
4. Tell us about your fabulous store and what products or serviced do you offered?
Acute Designs is a small handmade accessories business. I specialize in hair accessories {for brides or everyday} and simple costume jewelry. All items are designed and hand crafted by me and I love to utilize vintage pieces and styles in my work.
Over the summer, one of my goals is to expand my line with some prints and pet items….both of which are a deviation from the hair accessories and jewelry, but your home and pets need accessories too!
5. How would you describe your personal style?
I am pretty casual. I like to look cute, but not fussy and I almost always wear black, gray, or white. I have been slowly adding more color into my wardrobe {and my home}, especially this summer when color is so big.
6. Who is your favorite designer?
I don’t have one in particular….I love the handmade and indie business movement and am always on the lookout for new and fresh material. I love, love, love EmersonMade – their designs are gorgeous and their business is an inspiration to small business owners like me.
7. Are there any special projects you would like to work on?
My home and pet line, which I plan to work on this summer if time permits.
8. Which magazines do you read? Which magazine is your favorite?
I read InStyle, Real Simple, Rolling Stone, Cooking Light, and many others. I don’t have one favorite and find that I easily get sick of magazines, so I like to buy different ones every month.
9. What do you see on stores that you think is really great? There is so much – I cannot narrow it down!
10. What do you do in your down time?
Walk my dogs, hang out with my husband, and work – seriously. I love to work and find that when I am not working on my business, I am bored 
.
11. What motivates you? The desire to be successful.
12. What’s next for you? Like I said before, I am working on a few prints for the home and my pet line. I am also working on a healthy eating e-book which I hope to debut in August.
Thanks to Regina of Acute Designs for sharing her story. You can visit Acute Designs for more info!
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Images by Acute Designs
Megan Nielsen is an Aussie fashion designer, living in the USA, that loves to create sweet and feminine clothing full of pretty details. Oh, and isn’t her entire apparel collection just gorgeous?! I’ll take one of each please.
Visit Megan Nielsen for more info and to see the entire collection!
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Images by Megan Nielsen
Lynn’s Rags it’s a handmade and vintage reconstruction online clothing shop. Run by San Diego designer, Lynn. I love her dress collection. Her apparel is whimsy and girly. Definitely for the type of girl who wants to stand out from the crowd of overused fashion trends. My favorite thing about this shop (besides the gorgeous clothes) is the styling on each product picture. The quality of the images and prop use on her photo shoots gives this indie shop the look of a higher end shop. I love how the brand encourages individuality instead of always following trends.
Visit Lynn’s Rags for more info and to see the entire collection!
Images by Lynn’s Rags
Go2Girl offers a variety of nature inspired jewelry creations. I interviewed self-taught jewelry designer, Kila Robinett Rohner, the shopkeeper and creative voice behind this earthy jewelry shop. Read on!
1. Tell me how and when everything started.
From a young age, I’ve always enjoyed the process of creating my own jewelry. About three years ago, while at home with young children to care for, a close friend suggested I start offering my designs for sale on Etsy. I’ve always been busy working and being home with my children allowed me the opportunity to attempt it.
2. When did you first know that you wanted to be your own boss?
I’ve always wanted to work independently. As a child I had the mindset of an entrepreneur, always starting little “businesses.” I had never really found something I was enthusiastic about enough to continue until I started selling my jewelry.
3. If you weren’t a business owner, what would you like to be doing?
Attending college and traveling the world (with my children), definitely.
4. Tell us about your fabulous store and what products or serviced do you offered?
I offer a variety of handcrafted jewelry designs using fine silver, copper and a variety of natural materials like stone and shell. I also look for pieces from other artisans to incorporate into my work (glass and ceramics). I’m always willing to work on commissioned or custom pieces for specific events or to coordinate with my clients wardrobe. Original, natural and beautiful pieces you can wear to make even the ordinary day feel special.
5. How would you describe your personal style?
My style has a bit of a natural-bohemian flair inspired by the materials I use and reflections of nature; rustic vines, flowers, sea life. I grew up along the Pacific Coast and feel you can see the inspiration in my designs.
6. Who is your favorite designer?
I hate to say I have one favorite. I don’t always follow trends or names. I’m really impressed by Indie designers, but love classics. I like Givenchy. A new designer that’s caught my eye, Emilio de la Morena, has some interesting designs.
7. If you had a choice of all designers in the world, who would you prefer to work for? Why?
I know design is not her main focus, but I like the motivation behind her design work and think I’d learn a lot from her, Liya-Kebede.
8. Are there any special projects you would like to work on?
At some point, I’d love to travel, find artisans that I’d like to work with and have a line of pieces designed using only fair trade components.
9. Which magazines do you read? Which magazine is your favorite?
I tend to be more of a blog follower and online reader lately. I’ve always enjoyed InStyle magazine.
10. What do you see on stores that you think is really great?
I love the variety of color as well as neutral pieces available in stores. I dress according to my mood and tend to go with neutrals, black or beige, and add color with accessories. I have a few colorful dresses and jackets available for days when I’m feeling festive.
11. What do you do in your down time?
Spend time with my children, catch up on reading, sleep.
12. What motivates you?
Positive feedback from my clients, time with friends, my children and each step forward motivates me to keep on pursuing my passion.
13. What’s next for you?
I’d like to see my business grow and myself as a student, parent, individual. Being a self-taught artist, I’d like to learn more about metal working and take some classes with that focus. I’m planning to have a bridal line available by Spring 2012 reflecting my natural earthy style but presented in an elegant fashion for brides who want something unique and with a bit of a boho twist.
Thanks to Kila of Go2Girl for sharing her story. You can visit Go2Girl for more info.
Images by Go2Girl
Goldenink is a Melbourne based duo, creating unique jewellery pieces, objects and homewares. Founded in 2010 by friends and artists Abby Seymour and Katherine Wheeler.
Visit Goldenink for more info and to see the entire collection!
Images by Goldenink
Hello, lovelies! How’s your Monday going? I’m pretty much rushing to get everything done by Wednesday. I would love to have a couple of days off. But enough about me! From Today until Christmas, I’m going to be doing a gift guide every Monday. And for your convenience a cute little widget will be on my sidebar that with one click sends you to the Unik Gifties sidebar. Look for it later today!
Early Jewelry caught my eye with her gorgeous handmade jewelry collection of necklaces, rings and earrings. They all have an earthy look to them. That Engraved Wood Necklace is a looker. Cute, isn’t it? Happy gift shopping, lovelies!
For more information visit the Shop and Blog!
Images by Early Jewelry
