grayling blog - jewelry + other stuff we love

lanvinnnnnnn

2012-01-31T08:46:00.000-08:00

gorge Lanvin necklace from Spring '12

Num num nummy.

I love this piece.

love from sandra via london

2012-01-10T14:20:00.000-08:00

Chances are, this is the first time you'll come across the name Sandra Hagelstam. It's probably just because you live in the United States. It took us a minute to discover her, too. But soon you'll learn what hundreds of thousands of her followers already know - this chick has major style.

Sandra is a London-based blogger who originally hails from Helsinki, Finland. She moved to London to attend fashion school and created the blog 5 Inch and Up in 2010 to share her personal style with the world.

We are huge fans of her amazing personal style - she's feminine, innovative and sexy but not overtly so. Basically, we want to BE her.

Sandra spends much of her time collecting shoes, handbags, jewelry, dresses (you name it). Lest you begin to think she's simply a shop-o-holic - rest assured - it's not simply consumption. In our eyes, she's an artist. She has a way of blending patterns, prints and textures into one, cohesive style statement. If you've ever stared into your closet and felt defeated, I'm sure you know how difficult getting dressed can be.

Another reason to love her? For Sandra, it's not the label that matters. If an item is unique, and plays well with others, it might make the cut.

Obsession aside, we are incredibly honored to see Sandra with one of our big-ass crystal necklaces around her neck. We are smitten by Sandra's entire outfit - the frilly collar, the soft hues, the peplum skirt. She looks good. No surprise.

Thanks, Sandra, you wear it so well.

photo - courtesy - www.5inchandup.blogspot.com

holiday fest @ the showroom

2011-12-16T11:45:00.000-08:00

the return of the earring

2011-12-13T09:00:00.000-08:00

"Statement necklaces" have been star on the runway for the past few years (fine by us).

But for Spring 2012 we'll see the earring come back. Which is perfect.... we LOVE EARRINGS!!!

Bottega Veneta

Jil Sander

Marni

Oscar de la Renta

photos - all courtesy ImaxTree and http://hardpersbazaar.com

"Paris-Bombay" from Chanel

2011-12-06T19:57:00.000-08:00

The nude face. The dark eye. The headpieces. Swoon...

PARIS, December 6, 2011
By Tim Blanks
Karl Lagerfeld has never been to India. "It's much more inspiring not to go to places than to go," he said today after a Chanel presentation that spectacularly evoked the sights, smells, and sounds of the last days of the Raj. OK, Michel Gaubert's sitar-free soundtrack might have been a stretch (unless the Raj was rocking to David Lynch's new album), but the towering tiers of fruits, sweets, and flowers that filled the center of the room definitely had a sense of palatial excess. More....

"brooches" a plenty

necklace becomes epaulette

all the angles are right

the hand piece is captivating, as are the eyes

All images from http://www.style.com

cyber monday = 40% OFF!

2011-11-27T22:00:00.000-08:00

little boxes little boxes

2011-11-23T10:08:00.000-08:00

Little Boxes is a different way to shop on Black Friday. And we are proud to be a part of it!

If you want to line up outside a big box store at 3am, make sure you wear your mittens! The Little Boxes open at 10am. If you're looking for crowds and fist fights over toys, there's bound to be a big box out there where you can get in on that. The Little Boxes don't really do fist fights.

The big boxes will feature the big brands and the big marketing and those robot massage chairs lined up in the hallway.

The folks at the Little Boxes have filled their shelves with the lesser known brands: that line from the Netherlands, that clever thing for your kitchen, those awesome boots. Products they've researched, dug around for, and believe in. And while the Little Boxes don't have robots giving massages, they'd probably give you a hug if you asked.

We're the Little Boxes, and we're proud to invite you into our stores. We work hard to create an experience you won't find in bigger boxes.

Here's all the details. We look forward to seeing you Friday morning.

choked out

2011-11-04T13:01:00.000-07:00

I knew this was coming... the choker is back! We must be running out of styles to recycle if we're doing the choker again.

Sure, mini backpacks, oversized sweatshirts and babydoll dresses hold a place in my heart - IN THE PAST - during a time when Blossom, 90210, and early Seinfeld ruled the TV.

I don't care how conceptually cool this necklace is, it's still a no-no:

ManiaMania choker in black suede with a brass ring and black tourmaline crystal
$240 at themaniamania.com courtesy, Phillipe Regard for the New York Times

Sure, there are versions that read "clean" and "futuristic" or modern. I won't be donning one of those either. The whole thing is just ick. It was bad enough the first time.

Read more on this horrifying trend from Glamour, Elle, and the New York Times.

I'd love to hear your comments.

about topaz: properties, meanings + facts

2011-11-01T14:56:00.000-07:00

Topaz: the traditional November birthstone.

trend watch: forest frenzy

2011-10-24T13:15:00.000-07:00

do it yourself rope bracelets

2011-10-21T17:24:00.000-07:00

Love, love, love, these. Cute DIY gift idea, no?

Do It Yourself Rope bracelets designed by Bromeliad

I know DIY's aren't for everyone, but really, this seems like a fun thing to do on the couch while watching back-to-back episodes of your favorite show on a chilly, dark evening. Just imagine the possibilities using different materials like leather or fuzzy wool.

Get in on the How-To here.

photo courtesy, bromeliad blog

five faves under sixty

2011-10-13T14:41:00.000-07:00

shop these styles and more at http://shop.graylingjewelry.com

about opal: properties, meanings, facts

2011-10-01T11:44:00.000-07:00

trend watch: crimson red

2011-09-15T09:00:00.000-07:00

photo credits: www.alexisbittar.com, www.dvf.com, www.graylingjewelry.com

introducing our fall/winter jewelry collection

2011-09-09T07:00:00.000-07:00

Our Fall/Winter collection channels the radiance of the Northern Lights. Every style draws its name from a phenomenon, characteristic, or activity related to astronomy or space. The Cassini spacecraft lends its name to a bracelet, a comet’s Tail Arc to a pair of earrings, the observations of Pytheas to a necklace.

The aurora borealis, or “Northern Lights”, are named after the Roman goddess of dawn. The aurora is long thought to be produced by sunlight reflected from polar snow and ice, and refracted light much like rainbows. The Northern Lights are their most dazzling from December to March when nights are longest and the sky darkest.

Shop our limited-edition northern lights collection online or view more looks from the fall/winter collection here.

grayling diffusion necklace in copper crystal $219
grayling radius trio earrings in gold and copper crystal $39

grayling magnetism necklace with genuine black agate $315
grayling solar wind earrings in black marquise crystal $79

grayling mirror points necklace in smoky $130
grayling mirror points bracelet in smoky $105
grayling spectrum cuff in chrome $195
grayling cassini bracelet in chrome $145
grayling sterlet earrings in smoky $49
headpiece - available by special order

grayling northern lights necklace
in black marquise crystal $205
grayling equinox chandelier earrings in black crystal $165

grayling luminary earrings in purple haze crystal $129
grayling northern lights necklace
in purple haze marquise crystal $205
grayling versatility necklace/bracelet in silver $159
grayling falcon bracelet in gunmetal $89
grayling mirror points bracelet in purple haze crystal $105

grayling reversible pytheas necklace
in smoky crystal and gunmetal $295

grayling terella earrings in plum crystal $138
grayling terella necklace in plum crystal $138
grayling spectrum cuff in plum crystal $195
grayling cassini bracelet in plum crystal $145

c r e d i t s:

photography: lisa warninger

styling: kami gray + eden dawn

hair and makeup: claudine ebel

location: ace hotel, portland

jewelry: all g r a y l i n g.

trend watch: colorblocking

2011-08-30T12:09:00.000-07:00

photos - courtesy http://shop.graylingjewelry.com and http://macys.com

blogging goes on time out

2011-08-17T15:24:00.000-07:00

Hello,

Ever have so many things to do that you don't know where to start? I have been functioning on that level for quite some time. Too long. The events of the last few (ok, six to nine) months have jumbled together. My calendar has so many highlights, cross-outs, re-schedules, and pending items if I look too long I want to scream.

Effective today, I am taking a much needed time out from blogging. Instead, I invite you to keep up with grayling on Facebook.

Katy

shop our anniversary sale online!

2011-07-29T18:33:00.000-07:00

Very limited quantities are on hand, so please shop early!

*FREE SHIPPING*

http://shop.graylingjewelry.com

Sale ends at midnight on Sunday

Call us with any questions [503] 548-4979

anniversary sale!

2011-07-25T10:10:00.000-07:00

A year ago, we moved the grayling headquarters to the Olympic Mill building. We'd quickly outgrown our space in the SW hills and we wanted to be closer to downtown.

When the move was complete, we'd created a new showroom space to feature our jewelry collection in its entirety. The addition of a showroom allowed us to efficiently meet with wholesale buyers. We also met with several brides, moms, husbands, and boyfriends for custom jewelry work.

An area tucked behind the showroom became our new production workshop. Within this tiny space we designed, produced, packed and shipped hundreds of wholesale and web orders over the past year.

- - - - - - - -

We are having an Anniversary Sale - which marks two years in business - and one year in our new showroom.

Hope you can make it:

chanel introduces ' Contrastes' collection

2011-07-23T15:03:00.000-07:00

Chanel Joaillerie introduced a gorgeous new jewelry collection during Paris Couture Fashion week: Contrastes.

The collection is laden with white pearls and black metal accents which comes as no surprise considering the key elements of the quintessential Chanel wardrobe are black and white. However, a few designs relied less on the expected black and white theme.

I found this piece most interesting:

"Winter Garden" Ring, Chanel Contrastes collection

In Chanel's Contrastes, the elements are indeed, contrasting.

In the ring I featured, the pearl and diamond duo is off-set by sea-colored tourmaline and emeralds. The high-polished shine of white metal is mellowed by the matte texture of the opposite side of the ring. It reminds me of one of my favorite pieces, below, from glass maker and jewelry designer, Rene Lalique. If you've ever studied jewelry, this work of art is in every textbook:

Dragonfly Woman, Rene Lalique c.1898

Both pieces are stunning, don't you think?

To view more pieces from the Contrastes collection, visit The Jewellery Editor, a fabulous website designed by London-based Maria Doulton. I highly recommend her site.

-Katy

images:

1. www.thejewelleryeditor.com

2. www.nga.com

bulgari launches 'Le Gemme' eyewear

2011-07-20T10:00:00.000-07:00

If you've been searching for diamond-encrusted cat eyes or rose gold frames with pink quartz accents, your time has come.

Bulgari announced the roll out of a new haute jewelry eyewear line this fall: Le Gemme.

Kirsten Dunst in Bulgari Le Gemme sunglasses ($12,000 appx.)

With prices ranging from approximately $800 to over $92,000 (yes, that's 5 figures) a pair of glasses from the new Bulgari collection are a splurge for most.

But the prices are in some ways, justifiable.

The price of gold closed at a record high of over $1600 per ounce earlier this week. Adornments of sapphires and diamonds crank the price tag up even more.

But are these glasses a wise investment? Not if you break your glasses all the time like I do.

jewelry trend: chain reaction

2011-07-12T10:28:00.000-07:00

Who What Wear just posted a sweet little spread of hard-edged accessories online. And guess what they left out of the picture? Our Falcon collection. Our customers tell us they wear the HELL out of these pieces - they don't weigh a thing, and you can pair them with just about every outfit you own.

Falcon Bracelet by grayling jewelry - $89

free shipping / handmade in Portland, Oregon

Falcon Necklace by grayling jewelry - $135

free shipping / handmade in portland, oregon

image courtesy of Who What Wear

lulu frost one-of-a-kinds

2011-07-08T10:28:00.001-07:00

ooooooh pretty.

Lulu Frost, a.k.a. Lisa Salzer, is known for her ability to rework antique jewelry into new (and very special) pieces. After seven years of business under the Lulu Frost name, Lisa is introducing something new (well, come to think of it.... something "old").

A capsule collection of one-of-a-kind pieces has been posted online exclusively at Charm and Chain. Only one of each style is up for grabs, so you'd better be ready to throw some elbows for your favorite piece.

images - http://www.charmandchain.com

we heart design*sponge

2011-06-30T08:46:00.000-07:00

If you've been living under a rock (or just working day in and day out with zero breaks, only to crash on the couch the moment you get home X REPEAT EVERY DAY) then this is the first time you've heard of design*sponge, a Brooklyn-based blog penned by Grace Bonney.

Grace started design*sponge in 2004, and spends her days unearthing, researching, and sharing the coolest of the cool with her readers several times a day.

I had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Bonney recently when she was out in Portland. She stopped by the grayling studio and showroom and picked up one of our raw agate rings after lunch at Olympic Provisions.

A few days later, I started getting emails from around the country inquiring about the ring she bought. I was puzzled. How do people even know about the ring? They're weren't online yet. Then I realized....

...the grayling raw agate ring was featured on design*sponge!

Some rad earrings from fellow-Portland designer Better Late than Never were also pictured (I first drooled over BLTN pieces at Sara's Crafty Wonderland booth last Spring).

What an honor!

on design*sponge, scroll down for the ring...

Thanks, Grace!

bad hair month

2011-06-28T12:57:00.000-07:00

This humidity really messes with my hair. What the heck is everyone doing out there to tame their manes?

-Katy

image courtesy of lobbiazblog.wordpress.com

inspiration: i dream of byzantine

2011-06-24T11:00:00.000-07:00

One of the more difficult aspects of creating a new collection of jewelry is deciding on color.

I begin building the framework for an upcoming season far in advance. You'll find me working on sketches for a summer necklace while there is snow on the ground. As of late I've been putting the finishing touches on our Winter/Holiday collection in 70-degree weather.

Rich jewel tones and metallics reign for Winter/Holiday. We're pairing forest green with gunmetal, gilded bronze with gold, and plum with antiqued brass. These colors nestle right in with the lush velvets and embroidered dresses we've seen for the cooler weather.

Always a fan of Chanel, I found the pre-fall collection to be quite inspiring, and surprisingly in line with our chosen color palette.

Karl Lagerfeld's designs for Chanel were rich in Byzantine references, inspired heavily by Empress Theodora and imperial Roman dress. Decorative collars, bejeweled stoles, and silk headpieces played dominant roles in Chanel's Paris-Byzance Collection:

CHANEL Paris-Byzance Sandal

CHANEL Paris-Byzance Ring

CHANEL Paris-Byzance handbag

A look from CHANEL's pre-fall 2011 ad campaign

Limperatrice Theodora Au Colisee by Benjamin Constant

I personally adore the satin dress with the embroidered gold details. What's your favorite?

View the rest of Paris-Byzance here.

Sweet dreams.

-Katy

images 1-5, www.chanel.com

image 6 www.wikipedia.com

these beads suck good

2011-06-21T10:28:00.000-07:00

I've reached that point in my life where things that are "good for baby" pique my interest.

It's no surprise, really. Several of my peers are toting around mini versions of themselves in strollers. A few are walking around with a protruding bellies. It seems to be baby season year-round in Portland, Oregon.

My husband jokes that a baby is a new "thing to shop for". In a way, he is just teasing me about my shopping habits. But in another way, he is right. You get to buy little onesies, tiny shoes, and small picture books with durable cardboard pages.

That's all fine and good. But, the baby gear I can really get into is stuff like this:

That's right. There's a line of jewelry in Mommyville: CHEWBEADS. As my friend Amy, Owner of Bon Lemon says, "Chewbeads are awesome because they are both stylish and practical".

The beads are made with 100% silicone (similar to pacifiers), and they are soft on gums and teeth. There's no gross stuff in the beads (ixnay on BPA, phthalates, etc) plus you can throw 'em in the dishwasher.

The best part? The prices. With nothing currently over $50 in the line (bracelets start around $11) you can afford several pieces.

If you're looking to buy these baby-safe baubles, check out Bon Lemon. She'll be receiving a large order soon. Shipping is free and Amy is super friendly.

-Katy

links worth a click

2011-06-06T17:01:00.000-07:00

Summer is a big season for accessories. Sun hats and bright jewelry come out of hiding, and platform heels seem less daunting (the absence of rain sure helps). Here are a few accessory-related links we think are fun:

1] Gucci Loafer Factory Tour on ACL:

On the outskirts of Florence, in Italy’s traditional shoe-making home, sits a nondescript, boxy building that was built during the post-war Italian industrial boom of the 1950s. While the factory doesn’t look like much from the outside, once through the door it’s an altogether different story... READ MORE

2] Living Plant Accessories on Ecouterre:

Anyone who’s been overcome by the rosy splendor of a setting sun or the serene majesty of mist-capped mountains can agree: Ma Earth is one helluva stylist. So who better than the prima designer herself to shows us how to step out in high style with cues from her own repertoire? From moss-topped knuckle rings to couture heels layered in cowberry leaves, here are seven eco-accessories that put the “green” in green fashion... READ MORE

3] Retro-inspired swimwear on Portland Monthly:

Marilyn Monroe has inspired many things—an appreciation for feminine curves, Joe DiMaggio, a spike in peroxide sales, perhaps …  and the most current generation of swimwear. As the sun stretches ever so slowly out of its long winter nap, demure silhouettes of vintage suits are popping up on the resort runways from the likes of Diane von Furstenberg and Michael Kors... READ MORE

image credits 1] http://acontinuouslean.com 2] http://ecouterre.com 3] http://portlandmonthlymag.com

sample sale announcement

2011-05-19T12:47:00.000-07:00

beauty tips to benefit your jewelry

2011-05-11T11:03:00.000-07:00

When our jewelry looks its best, we look our best and when we look our best, our jewelry looks its best. It's a whole circle of life thing. Here are five beauty tips and reminders that will help your jewelry achieve it's full potential.

1. Nail care: hands are one of the first impressions a person makes when greeting someone and shaking hands. You don't want someone to notice your nice bracelet and then turn their focus to your chipped nails polish.

2. Lotion up: jewelry lays against the skin and that means if people are looking at your jewelry, they are looking at your skin. Just like how bad nails can bring attention away from your jewelry, so can sporting dried out leather bag hands and elephant elbows. Keeping your skin moisturized and soft gives the jewelry a nice palate to lay on.

3. Drinking water: nature's number one beauty secret. Drinking water has a ton of health and beauty benefits one being it clears up your skin and makes you glow. Well hydrated skin has the best tone to it which means you can find the best looking shades of stones and metals to go along with it.

4. Shoe care: something you may not think of when you think of jewelry, but shoes are an important part of how you present your jewelry. A ratty pair of shoes can really throw off a look. Your jewelry and shoes should be appropriate together and help compliment each other to pull the entire outfit together.

5. Don't over-accessorize: we all love jewelry but just like with cake or booze, too much is a bad thing. Don't go overboard so people only see the jewelry and don't see you. You should be wearing the jewelry, don't let the jewelry wear you.

honor thy mother

2011-05-06T09:05:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day is this weekend so to all the mothers out there wiping noses, fixing breakfasts and juggling the world on your shoulders, here's to you! Our love, gratitude and appreciation goes out to you and all that you do, Thanks!

a Mother's Day Haiku

loving and caring

poise, beauty beyond compare

steadfast like a rock

do's and don'ts of mother's day

2011-05-04T11:00:00.000-07:00

Mother's Day is fast approaching and we all want to give our mothers something meaningful to show our utmost gratitude for all she has given through out the years. While it is the thought that counts, some gifts say "I love you mom!" much better than others. Here is our list of the Top five Best and Worst gift ideas for Mother's Day.

BEST:

1. Breakfast in Bed: a true classic, (just be sure to clean up the kitchen afterwards)

2. Chanel No. 5: Sophisticated and refined, just like your mother

3. Spa Day: every mother loves a full day of pampering

4. Hug Coupons: for the budget minded, you can't go wrong with unlimited hugs

5. Jewelry: your mother will look lovely in a new grayling piece like this Seneca Necklace

Worst

1. Anti-aging Face Cream: You want your mother to look her best, but this isn't the day to mention crows feet

2. An E-Card: she birthed you, take the time to call, e-cards are a little insulting

3. A Broom: unless its a magic broom leave chore related gifts for a surprise Tuesday

4. Viactiv: You care about the health of your mother's bones but this isn't the kind of chocolate she is looking for

5. Drive Through Dinner: Picking up some burgers at McDonald's drive through window isn't taking your mother out to dinner

Do the right thing and go all out for your mother this year.

best images

1. via recipes.howstuffworks.com

2. via chanel.com

3. via spafinder.com

worst images

2. via hallmark.com

3. via lowes.com

4. via viactive.com

5. via mcdonalds.com

remember the classics

2011-04-29T11:00:00.000-07:00

While we can get caught up in the bright shiny newness of what's hot and "of the moment" it's always nice to take a minute to remember the classics. Just like Hepburn and Bardot, or Streisand and Warwick, or Casablanca and Gone With the Wind, classics never fade away. Here are some of our favorite grayling classics. They just get better with age.

Anthracite earring in sky $89

Tranquility bracelet in sky $96

Quartzite necklace in sky $184

find these and all the classics as well as our limited edition line for spring/summer at graylingjewelry.com

dear mama

2011-04-28T08:42:00.000-07:00

Where would I be without my Mom? Well, for starters, there's a chance I'd cease to "be" at all.

She said I was an easy baby. Her labor with me was short and I was a sound sleeper. But this was no preview of things to come. I may have been an easy baby but I was one difficult child.

My Mom raised me the best she could. And I think she did one hell of a job. To her credit, the odds were stacked against her - I was a little s#it with a mind of my own. It couldn't have come easy to raise two mischievous kids with a husband in the Air Force and the scenery constantly changing.

She taught me some valuable lessons, but I was hell-bent on learning the hard way. For instance... she literally pulled me out of a dance in front of all my friends because I snuck out of the house when I was grounded. I was mortified. She made me pay dearly if I ever came home after curfew, which I think was 10pm on weekends (!!!) In the early 80's she didn't let me watch MTV because it wasn't a good influence. (She encouraged me to play piano or make something instead.) In grade-school, I could not have the Teddy Ruxpin doll every other kid had (probably because it was just plain creepy).

Sure, behind every "No" was a valid reason. It's just that I never agreed with her. But now that I am older I can fully admit: my Mom was always right.

She inadvertently taught me this: to get what I want out of life I have to bend the rules, and sometimes break the rules. And her support over the years made success easier to come by. With her love I knew I could achieve anything.

And I will never be able to thank her enough.

photo credit: Alin Dragulin www.alindragulin.com
styling by: Allison Jones Design www.allisonjonesdesign.com

when nature inspires

2011-04-27T08:45:00.000-07:00

Nature has always been a big influence for all of the grayling pieces. She is powerful, awe inspiring and beautiful. So when we saw these pictures of supercell thunderstorms by amazing Montana photographer Sean R. Heavey we were absolutely blown away.

No, these aren't stills from an science fiction movie,
just good ol' Mother Nature at her best.

Absolutely breathtaking.

Just seeing images like these totally get us inspired to create.
A storm is a brewin'...

check out Sean's website here.

ahoy ye maties!

2011-04-22T11:00:00.000-07:00

Sailor Town by Cicely Fox Smith

Along the wharves in sailor town a singing whisper goes

Of the wind among the anchored ships, the wind that blows

Off a broad brimming water, where the summer day has died

Like a wounded whale a-sounding in the sunset tide.

(Jil Sander Dress)

There's a big China liner gleaming like a gull,

And her lit ports flashing; there's the long gaunt hull

Of a Blue-Funnel freighter with her derricks dark and still;

And a tall barque loading at the lumber mill.

(Cole Haan Heritage Basket Weave Kendra Shopper)

And in the shops of sailor town is every kind of thing

That the sailormen buy there, or the ships' crews bring:

Shackles for a sea-chest and pink cockatoos,

Fifty-cent alarum clocks and dead men's shoes.

(Adam Arnold Dress)

You can hear the gulls crying, and the cheerful noise

Of a concertina going, and a singer's voice —

And the wind's song and the tide's song, crooning soft and low

Rum old tunes in sailor town that seamen know.

(grayling Pazi Statement Necklace $298)

I dreamed a dream in sailor town, a foolish dream and vain,

Of ships and men departed, of old days come again —

And an old song in sailor town, an old song to sing

When shipmate meets with shipmate in the evening.

image 1 via JilSander.com

image 2 via ColeHaan.com

image 3 courtesy of JesseChamplin.com

image 4 via graylingjewelry.com

i'm sorry what were you saying part III

2011-04-20T12:43:00.000-07:00

Oh, Jonny. It's been a while. I see you're still as handsome as ever.

Your fans are lucky that eye candy has no calories or we would all be obese from looking at your Jon K tumblr blog.

photo credit: www.jonkortajarena.tumblr.com

loads of pearls at nordstrom

2011-04-20T12:36:00.000-07:00

She was really bombed,
And I was really blown away,
Until I asked
her what she wanted,
And this is what she had to say:
A pearl necklace.
She wanna pearl necklace.
She wanna pearl necklace.

photo credit: me

rain drops on roses and whiskers on kittens...

2011-04-17T11:05:00.001-07:00

These are just a few of our favorite things. Get excited for spring with grayling. Here are some "can't-wait-for" items from the grayling team.

Katy's favorites:

1. Sitting out in the sun on some sleek, modern outdoor furniture like the Montego lounge chair from Room and Board

2. Chloe wedge sandal = LOVE. available at Nordstrom.com

3. grayling Ama necklace, fun, bold and ready for the sun $325

Shannon's favorites:

1. Finally wearing shorts without tights like these Dusen Dusen highwaisted shorts available at Urban Outfitters

2. Listening to the new TV on the Radio album, Nine Types of Light on constant repeat

3. grayling Shield necklace, subtle statement $115

Lauren's favorites:

1. brightening up the day with some neon nail polish

2. lightening up the ol' legs with some pastel skinny jeans from American Apparel

3. grayling Chenoa bracelet, perfect mix of color and glitz, dress it up or dress it down $125

Brady's favorites:

1. Sitting on the porch in the sun sipping Stumptown cold brew coffee

2. Blocking the sun with some sweet Karen Walker harvest shades

3. grayling Turquoise Celestial necklace, perfect to kick up a plain white tee shirt $269

it's all in the name...

2011-04-14T10:52:00.000-07:00

For the names of our new spring/summer collection we drew inspiration from Native American words. So what exactly do some of them mean?

huyana necklace: falling rain in Miwok

$269

atsila necklace: fire in Cherokee

$89

tiva necklace: dance in Hopi

$156

all pieces are limited edition

check these and the rest of the Grayling spring/summer 2011 collection on our website.

source for names: snowwowl.com and behindthename.com

trunk show at mink

2011-04-11T22:19:00.000-07:00

Please join Mink and grayling for a showing of the new grayling spring/summer 2011 jewelry collection on Saturday, April 16 from 10 am to 7 pm.

Katy Kippen, designer of grayling, will be on-hand to share her inspiration for her most-recent collection of brightly-colored statement pieces. A fashionable grab bag of materials were worked into necklaces, bracelets,and earrings in turquoise, lime, indigo, and hot pink for the season. The vibrant hues are a perfect compliment to the tribal influences and primary colors found in stores right now.

The entire S/S collection is limited-edition and is available for a short time only. Keep an eye out for one-off designs created just for the event.

Can't make it to Mink? Shop grayling jewelry online for a nice selection from the S/S Collection.

grayling mosaic shield earrings

grayling topanga necklace

lady in the water

2011-04-10T16:59:00.000-07:00

Lady In The Water, 1947 by Antoinette Frissell Bacon

image courtesy - http://sedesmoronoouseedifico.blogspot.com

baubles & bibelot: from bona drag

2011-03-24T10:59:00.000-07:00

This time of year we start to go a little crazy. We are so mentally ready for warmer weather that we find ourselves desperate to find ways to pass the time.

We find a good browse of Bona Drag, one of our very favorite online stores, very therapeutic. Naturally, we begin to make wish lists. Here are four of our favorite pieces from their current offerings:

maniamania room 631 brass necklace

karen walker helter skelter sunglasses

maniamania initiation necklace

aesa black freshwater pearl cuff

image credits: all bona drag

hearts + hands: a raffle for japan

2011-03-21T20:41:00.000-07:00

HEARTS + HANDS is a community effort organized by Lynn Russell of Satsuma Press. What has happened and is happening in Japan is heartbreaking – and we believe there are ways, both big and small, to help.

This is what we are able to do – give something from the heart, made by our hands.

More than fifty independent artists and studios, including grayling, have agreed to donate prizes for a raffle – and that list is still growing. Raffle tickets are for sale now at www.heartsandhandsforjapan.blogspot.com for $10 each.

100% of the proceeds from the HEARTS + HANDS raffle will be donated to relief efforts in Japan in the aftermath of the March 11th earthquake and tsunami.

image-satsuma press

official update: it's spring!

2011-03-21T09:04:00.001-07:00

It’s official! The first day of Spring is here and we couldn’t be more excited! It’s time to pack away those winter coats and bust out the sandals! So what are our three favorite things we are super excited about this spring?

Number 1. Not being cold while eating a fresh Caesar salad.

Try this amazingly tasty Jamie Oliver recipe from FoodNetwork.com

Number 2. Wearing a deep v tee shirt tucked in cuffed slim khaki chinos with cute flats.

Tees by American Apparel, Chinos by Band of Outsiders, Flats by Common Projects

Number 3. Dressing up said outfit with a piece from the Grayling spring/summer line like the Pazi statement necklace. (available beginning of April)

Happy Spring everyone!

Shop Grayling online here. Spring/Summer collection available beginning of April

get a spring in your step

2011-03-17T16:33:00.000-07:00

What would the start of spring be without the perfect pair of kicks? Check out these awesome high tops by Chloe shot by JakandJil.com’s Tommy Ton. We love the fun contrast of the burnt orange and blue.

How freaking cute are these?! Old school flavor with just the right amount of low key flare.

Throw on some feminine shorts...

and men’s bright cashmere sweater like these from J. Crew for a casual spring look.

Pair with one of our favorite fellow local jewelry designer, betsy and iya’s simple and adorable postcard love necklace to top off the look.

Simple and cute, perfect for lunch with friends or a weekend day trip to the beach.

organize your jewelry

2011-03-17T14:02:00.000-07:00

how much digging

and untangling of messes

must we endure until we realize

we can't possibly wear it
unless we can find it.

It's time to learn how to get your jewelry in order, ladies. Please take a moment to visit Portland, Oregon based stylist Kami Gray's blog. She knows a thing or two about fashion, jewelry, and how to "make it work" for you.

photos-courtesy Kami Gray

celebrate st. patty's day with grayling

2011-03-16T00:27:00.000-07:00

Whoever said wearing green on St. Patrick's Day had to be tacky? Leave those big plastic shamrock pins and green felt hats at home. Do St. Patty's Day right and class it up a bit with some fashionable jewelry from Grayling in the tone of the day:

anthracite earring in forest

palms necklace

ivy necklace

caviar necklace in forest

caviar bracelet in forest

You won't need luck to become the talk of the town when you pair one of these contemporary fashion jewelry pieces with a classic Shamrock Shake. It'll be sure to be an instant hit.

Find your pot of gold and shop the entire Grayling Jewelry collection to discover the perfect piece to match any occasion.

oh yves, j'adore

2011-03-15T14:56:00.000-07:00

I (Katy) have been a huuuuuuge fan of Yves Saint Laurent for as long as I can remember. I've owned several pair of sunglasses (for whatever reason, they seem to fit my face perfectly). I've yet to experience the pleasure of a YSL handbag on my shoulder, however. If I had $1500 just sitting around my office, I'd use it on one of these beauties:

the roady with stingray handle

the easy

photo credit - Yves Saint Laurent

go big or go home

2011-03-13T13:42:00.001-07:00

You know we love a good statement necklace here at Grayling, well check out these ridiculously beautiful editorial shots of Melody Monrose by Peppe Tortora for Gray S/S 2011. These pieces are to die for and Melody is absolutely stunning.

Gush!

So lovely. A statement necklace always looks so pretty paired with a simple top. We love.

Image-Fashion Copious

let your pants do the talking

2011-03-10T16:22:00.000-08:00

We absolutely fell in love with these Celine pants when we saw Christine Centenera wearing them on Stockholm-StreetStyle.com. The bold print is an exciting and well-appreciated breath of fresh air in the stagnant world of trousers.

The pants are part of Celine’s Spring 2011 collection. We love Ms Centenera’s gold choker but those pants would also look amazing paired with a plain black tank and a Grayling Tranquility Necklace.

This spring liven up your wardrobe with some daring britches and be the talk of the town.

photo via stockholm-streetstyle.com

meet our new best friend, Aperol.

2011-03-10T15:06:00.000-08:00

Sometimes a mid week drink really just hits the spot. Try this tasty Aperol drink we found on one of our favorite food blogs, Orangette. Take the work week edge off and make yourself a glass.

Pamplemousse

Adapted from the Walrus and the Carpenter

At home, I serve this drink in a Champagne coupe, but at the Walrus and the Carpenter, they put it in a martini glass. Frankly, I like it so much that I could probably be convinced to drink it out of a rusty bucket, so serve it in whatever you like.

Also, consider the amount of Aperol below a starting point. I like to use a little more. And if you have sparkling wine on hand, try substituting it for the white wine - a great variation.

½ oz. Aperol

2 oz. freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, pulp strained out and discarded

2 oz. dry white wine

Fill a tall glass about halfway with ice cubes. Add the Aperol, juice, and wine, and stir to blend. Strain into glass.

Yield: 1 drink

Photos and recipe via Orangette

happy mardi gras

2011-03-07T12:11:00.000-08:00

Bright metallic beads are so passé. You are a lady, not a child anymore, class up your mardi gras with a real necklace. This Fat Tuesday, don a simple black mask and let your neck do all the talking.

platinum

gleam

caviar in smoky

Be the envy of all those plastic beaded fools with an elegant Grayling piece you can wear long after Fat Tuesday.

blast from the past

2011-03-03T16:17:00.000-08:00

While doing a little spring cleaning and going through boxes this little to do list that was made (and somehow saved) from the fourth grade was found. And that got the ol' noggin' thinking...

Mousse is due for a comeback...

Try a sky high rockabilly hair style to mix things up

Pair with pieces from the Grayling Falcon Collection

Falcon Necklace

Falcon Bracelet

And who said Elvis had left the building?

Image 2 and 5: Fashionising.com via Miguel Reveriego for Vogue Germany

Shop the Falcon collection and all of Grayling fashion jewelry here.

lbd tonight

2011-02-24T16:04:00.000-08:00

Every gal needs a great little black dress. Something simple and effortless to throw on and look perfect in every time. We think we've found a pretty great LBD. Get ready for a night on the town with this perfect LBD getup.

Grayling Nova Necklace $169

Acne Coyo cap sleeved dress $120

Surface to Air Open Wedge V2 $415

Get ready for a wild night and hit the town.

stop by the Grayling studio (open Thursday and Friday 11-5) or contact us to order the Nova Necklace

pictures courtesy of Acnestudios.com and Surfacetoair.com

we heart pyrite

2011-02-24T13:45:00.000-08:00

Lately we've been a fool for some fool's gold. The name pyrite is derived from the Greek πυρίτης (puritēs), "of fire" or "in fire", from πύρ (pur), "fire". These new grayling pyrite pieces will have you on fire for sure. Pyrite is said to have healing and balancing qualities that can help restore focus.

The new Stalactite Bracelet $148

The new Stalactite Necklace $179

Stalactite styles will be arriving soon to the grayling online store but are available now in our showroom (open Thursdays and Fridays from 11am-5pm) or contact us for a special order. Stay tuned for even more styles featuring pyrite.

Shop other great contemporary fashion jewelry from grayling here.

geometry lesson from oak

2011-02-24T12:22:00.000-08:00

Oak is one of our favorite NYC stores with locations in Manhattan and Williamsburg, they also have a killer online shop. We loooooove these geometric inspired heels they have to offer. Edge up a floral frock with a pair of these kick ass kickers.

Alexander Wang

Messeca

Finsk

Pair some geometric heals with some Grayling sparkle for a fresh spring look. Shop the Grayling collection of trendy fashion jewelry here. Check out all of Oak's sweet shoes here.

Images courtesy of OakNYC.com

join the tribe

2011-02-17T16:44:00.000-08:00

Bring aaaaall the boys to the yard this spring with a big powerful tribal statement necklace. A hot trend we’ve been seeing lately like this spread from the March issue of Lucky Magazine.

We’re loving the boldness of a big neckpiece to compliment soft spring styles.

Get on the bandwagon with this trend with our simple three-step program. Step one: get a grayling celestial necklace offered in a fresh new turquoise for spring. $269.

Step two: pair with a smart pair of sandals like these from Stella McCartney $375.

Step three: go on safari and show off your new look.

Shop all grayling styles here.

grayling spring preview

2011-02-17T12:13:00.000-08:00

We've been knee deep in Spring inspiration lately and we are so excited to be releasing our Spring Collection soon. Here is a taste of some of the fresh new styles we will be offering up.

Color!

Stay tuned for more to come!

In the mean time click here to shop current styles of great contemporary fashion jewelry from Grayling.

full moon rising

2011-02-17T11:49:00.000-08:00

It's a full moon out tonight so of course we are rocking one of our favorite pieces of fashion jewelry, the Moon Earring. Perfect for a late evening date, night on the town with friends or simply staying at home with your Ouija Board.

Pair with a full skirt, put the top down and rock out to some Stevie Nicks, it's gonna be a long night.

Shop the Moon Earring and other styles from Grayling here.

Toms got a full house

2011-02-17T11:22:00.000-08:00

Exciting news for fans of Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s high end line The Row, the sisters will be collaborating with the charitable shoe line Toms for a special line of killer shoes.

In congruence with their line the shoes will be made with higher end materials and will run from $98-150, about twice as much as the original Toms. They will come in plaid, herringbone and cashmere.

“We feel it’s really important to spread awareness of the Toms One for One mission,” Ashley Olsen said.

Mary-Kate added: "The giving is immediate. Having the opportunity to be a part of something so meaningful has made the collaboration with Toms special to everyone at The Row."

Blake Mycoskie, who founded Toms, told WWD: “We recognize that it’s a luxury to be able to give, and everyone at Toms takes this to heart. The feeling we get from being able to give new pairs of shoes to children in need is extraordinary, and with The Row, we’ve found a partner whose amazing interpretation of our classic alpargata has truly taken our product to an entirely new level.”

We can’t wait to get our hands on some of these slick slip ons.

photo courtesy of Toms, quotes courtesy of WWD

nice pair: new for spring

2011-02-07T13:03:00.000-08:00

Punxatawney Phil says its an early spring so it gives us good reason to kick up our heels and get excited for spring footwear! Sure it may still be chilly out but soon it will be time to trade in our Hunter rain boots for a pair of bright new sandals.

Loeffler Randall Vivian Wedge

Dolce Vita Nyle Beaded Sandal

Our toes can hardly wait! Pair these fun spring styles with a spunky Grayling Falcon bracelet.

Photos courtesy of Refinery29

lip service

2011-01-27T16:40:00.000-08:00

The gray clouds of winter are really starting to take a toll on our souls here in the Great Northwest so we are loving one of the more fun makeup trends for spring: bright coral colored lips. This trend is sure to brighten up your smile along with the mood of everyone around you.

Above, from left: Marc by Marc Jacobs Spring 2011 backstage makeup; Estee Lauder Pure Color Long Lasting Lipstick in Melon, $24, available in March at Estee Lauder; Smashbox In Bloom Limitless Long Wear Lip Gloss SPF 15 in Endless Kiss, $21, available at Smashbox.

Above, from left: Shiseido Shimmering Rouge Lipstick in Sizzle, $25, available in mid-February at Macy's; Chanel Rouge Coco in Peregrina, $32, available at Chanel; Ohne Titel Spring 2011 image courtesy of Bumble and bumble.

Offset those bold springy lips with the understated smoky sparkle of a grayling Tranquility Necklace.

images courtesy of Refinery 29

put a ring on it

2011-01-27T15:55:00.000-08:00

Daaaaaaaaaaamn! Recently we were visiting one of our favorite local boutiques, Frances May, where we saw this super sick pyrite ring by designer Andy Lifschutz. Basically all we can say is I.WANT. The mixture of organic and sparkle, high fashion and wearablity is amazing.

Another sweet ring from Andy Lifschutz's Nature Speaks line

This ring would look great paired with a Grayling Celestial Necklace.

To see the full line of Nature Speaks rings by Andy Lifschutz, click here.

Shop great contemporary fashion from Frances May here.

Photos by Nialls Fallon.

come and take a voyage

2011-01-27T14:25:00.000-08:00

When it comes to versatility look no further than the Voyager Necklace.

This necklace is one of our favorite pieces at g r a y l i n g to travel with. Why? Because if we're on a trip this is the ONLY necklace we need to pack.

The ten-in-one styling keeps you covered from day to evening. Dress it up, dress it down, long, short, you name it... the Voyager Necklace is here to make it happen.

the Voyager Necklace worn full length with all charms

the Voyager Necklace worn short with all charms

all charms are removable - mix and match depending on your look

single rock crystal charm worn on single short chain

Have fun and experiment with mixing and matching the charms and necklace lengths. Fun, versatile and fashionable, the Voyager Necklace is sure to become a staple in your contemporary jewelry collection.

Shop here for other great pieces to pair with the Voyager Necklace like the Eclipse Earring or Constellation Bracelet.

nice pair: vena cava + prabal gurung

2011-01-20T11:06:00.000-08:00

A few of our faves for Spring:

vena cava

prabal gurung

images- www.fashionnotes.com

inspiration: missoni

2011-01-20T10:44:00.000-08:00

We are loving the combination of pattern and texture from the Missoni runway. We are incorporating several colorful elements in the creation of our Summer 2011 jewelry collection - coral, turquoise, wood accents and metal are some of the materials we're weaving in.

image- 180grams.com

inspiration board: full blast

2011-01-19T16:32:00.001-08:00

beautiful textile collar from anita quansah

photo credits german vogue, prada, 180grams

make it yourself: woven bracelet

2011-01-19T16:23:00.000-08:00

read how to make one here

photo www.honestlywtf.com

the givenchy gimmes

2011-01-13T11:39:00.001-08:00

hello, lovely necklace.

givenchy sp 2011 - photo courtesy, www.fashionista.com

inside the grayling showroom

2011-01-05T18:12:00.001-08:00

the grayling jewelry showroom
in the historic OLYMPIC MILL BUILDING

- - -
107 se washington, no. 135, portland oregon
open 11-5 every thursday and friday

http://www.graylingjewelry.com/

+1 503 548 4979

new showroom hours

2011-01-03T12:19:00.000-08:00

Well, the new year is here (quite frankly, I am glad! I welcome the freshness of January with open arms).

With the new year we are announcing new hours! The showroom will now be open every Thursday and Friday from 11-5, with all other days by appointment.

You can book your appointment online or call 503-548-4979, whatever works for you.

We look forward to your visit.

new year's wishes

2010-12-31T13:07:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year

holiday hours this week

2010-12-19T15:07:00.000-08:00

Sleeping in until noon today felt so good. I am thankful for everyone who made it a wonderfully busy week!

Here are this week's showroom hours:

tuesday 12/21: open 10-5
wednesday 12/22: open 10-5
thursday 12/23: open 10-5
friday 12/24: open 12-3

Please visit us at 107 SE Washington St in Portland, Oregon or shop our jewelry online.

Out and about? Visit one of our many stockists!

Happy Holidays

-Katy

free delivery by christmas eve!

2010-12-16T17:16:00.000-08:00

Have you checked out our online store lately? We added 50+ new contemporary jewelry styles just in time for Christmas.

We're participating in FREE SHIPPING DAY on 12-17-10 like many online stores, but we decided to take it to the next level... so we're offering COMPLIMENTARY GIFT WRAP, too!

The deal is: make any purchase on 12-17-10 and we'll make sure it gets to you by Christmas Eve. All you have to do is shop!

Click on over to shop for jewelry online - it just couldn't be any easier.

happenings: naturals trunk show

2010-12-07T19:35:00.001-08:00

noah noel

2010-12-07T19:31:00.000-08:00

'Tis the Season to be handsome, I guess.

view more male models than you can

shake a mistletoe sprig at on www.malemodelscene.net

december 2 remember

2010-12-02T10:13:00.000-08:00

There's lots of cool shit happening in the next few days in Portland.

Read all about it over at MOD

The most important retail month of the year is blazing onward, with a nonstop calendar of trunk shows, parties, and fashion shows everywhere you look. Keep your calendar pencil sharpened as we attempt to keep you apprised of some of this week's best Portland happenings read more...

uncommon jewels: it's time to shop!

2010-12-01T13:52:00.000-08:00

Join seven of your favorite local jewelry artists for a holiday shopping event. Shop limited edition work and collections from Alisha Louise, Amy Bengston, betsy & iya, grayling, Lauren Harkness, Sahlia, and stone + honey.

Enjoy a hosted wine bar by Red Slate Wine Company while you shop, plus complimentary gift wrap for all your purchases.

*Major credit cards accepted.

uncommon jewels: a holiday shopping happy hour

date:

Friday, December 17th, 2010

location:
Olympic Mills Building - 107 SE Washington St.
near Produce Row Cafe and Sheridan Fruit Company off MLK

time:

3 pm to 9 pm

more:
503-548-4979

www.olympicmill.com

winter showroom party @ grayling

2010-11-23T15:57:00.000-08:00

Please click on the little flyer below for more information. We hope to see you on December 4th (or before or after, of course).

clarity and lightness

2010-11-22T21:27:00.000-08:00

Thanks Marjorie over at MOD for sharing 220 Salon. I might try to visualize sitting in this room when I need a moment of stillness inside.

happenings: temple st clair trunk show

2010-11-22T21:17:00.000-08:00

from the Temple St Clair blog:

"... the new Odyssey Collection launched in August. A journey from East to West finding inspiration from the richness of the Persian Empire to the ancient city of Troy in Asia Minor, and the 19th century love of Orientalism. From signature rock crystal amulets adorned with sultry evil eyes to golden amphora vessels to Victorian inspired gypsy rings, this collection features exquisitely rare rubies, emeralds and sapphires."

Let me say I am in L-O-V-E with the ring shown above and the earrings shown below, both by Temple St Clair.

TEMPLE ST CLAIR
TRUNK SHOW
at Alchemy Jewelers in the Pearl District
Portland, Oregon

November 26 & 27, 2010
http://www.alchemyjeweler.com/

photo - temple st clair blog

SAVE THE DATE - 12/17

2010-11-17T14:00:00.000-08:00

An open studio event is in the works that will combine the talents of seven jewelry designers who live and design in the Pacific Northwest.

-:: UNCOMMON JEWELS ::-

...will take place December 17th, from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., in an as-of-yet undisclosed location in Portland, Oregon.

Limited edition work and collections from jewelry artists Alisha Louise, Amy Bengston, Betsy & Iya, grayling, Lauren Harkness, Sahlia, and stone + honey will be showcased.

The evening will include complimentary artistic gift wrap and a hosted wine bar.

More details to follow...

baubles & bibelot: blessed jewelry

2010-11-17T13:53:00.000-08:00

Ridiculously cool stingray pouch necklaces by BLESSED available at one of my very favorite stores, Naturals.

blogging: a love/hate relationship

2010-11-10T22:04:00.000-08:00

Writing a blog is funny.

Sometimes I'm really hot on it, sometimes I'm so cold I virtually forget I have a blog. Especially since conversations on my Facebook and Twitter pages offer instant interactions.

It makes me wonder, is anyone else writing fewer blog posts? It seems like the aforementioned forms of social media began filling the niche (that blogging once had a stronghold of) in 2008.

Anyway, my days of endless surfing, researching, and blogging are fewer now as I am pulled deeper into my business. This is a positive thing; grayling helps me bring home almost half the bacon (and fulfills lots of my creative needs, too).

Still, every time I find something worth sharing I do make a note of it for future posts. I have a folder on my laptop that's filled with snapshots of shoes, jewelry, and accessories that caught my eye at one point or another.

Eventually, I'll sift through it and share it.

Until then, thanks for reading the little bit I do manage to get up here.

And if you care for more, do check out grayling jewelry on Facebook and Twitter or on the good old grayling jewelry website.

mossy military

2010-11-10T17:10:00.000-08:00

What a pleasant surprise it is to find my designs are ahead of the curve every now and then!

(Truthfully, I hope to be out in front most of the time but every design can't be a miracle.)

When the above photo appeared in Japanese VOGUE, a lightbulb blew up in my head! How great would the Lichen Necklace look with her military inspired outfit?

The December issue of Real Simple featured a similar gold and green spread.

(I apologize for the crappy scan.)

I love burnished, tarnished brass combined with warmer, softer crystal. Right now, I have several contemporary jewelry designs in the works that channel this same aesthetic. They'll be up on my website soon.

For now, my little Lichen Necklace will have to do!

Lichen Necklace from grayling jewelry

top scan courtesy www.designscene.net, middle photo www.realsimple.com, bottom photo www.graylingjewelry.com

hit me with it!

2010-10-20T14:21:00.000-07:00

I am busy figuring out what to add to my e-commerce site. {You have checked out the grayling jewelry online store in the past, right?}

TRUTHFULLY... what would you like to see more of? A new color? ________ priced at _______? More ________? Is it easy or hard to shop?

I'll give a $50 gift certificate to one of you so get your thinking caps on... and PLEASE leave your feedback in the comments section below!

GO TO MY ONLINE JEWELRY STORE

acquire - yes, please.

2010-10-20T14:05:00.000-07:00

This store was even better in person. When I visited a few weeks back they didn't have much by way of jewelry, but here's what they DID HAVE:

an amazing rusty tool cabinet, loads of skulls, beautiful lucite bottle openers, little gold-leaf wall pods, amazing knives, woven pillows, and a few other must-haves. Next time Pa and I will bring our covered-wagon so we can bring it all home from Boston.

http://www.acquireboutique.com/

october shoe potpourri

2010-10-15T18:28:00.001-07:00

(Above): The scene at the door of the Adam Arnold Fall 2010 fashion show (all white floors = no shoes allowed). It felt as if I was stalking several people at once as I studied what shoes everyone came in (presumably, their "best", which is a somewhat frightening indication of a lack of _________)....

(Above): Inside the new All Saints store in Boston on Newbury Street - (amazing shoes but all sold out of my size, sad face) This U.K. chain is new to the U.S., I hadn't heard of it. It's sort of like a Rick-Owens-meets-Anthropologie place for rich kids (not that I didn't want everything!)

(Above:) Look a little closer at the walls - - that's right, they are lined in replicas of vintage shoe horns (nice touch) - - oh, if these horns could "toot"... (sorry, couldn't help it) I've noticed a lot of wood cutout heels this Fall, have you?

(Above): Inside the Tannery on Boylston Street in Boston (again, sold out of everything in my size except for shoes in the $500+ range, and even then it was slim pickins') My husband did find a nice Fjallraven jacket, however.

photo credit - our iphone

happenings: STS open studio, part deux

2010-10-15T18:21:00.000-07:00

Subject to Season
an Autumnal Open Studio Event
- at the Ford Building -
2505 SE 11th Ave. Portland, OR, No.106
Saturday, October 23

7pm until 10pm

For more info, check out my previous posts on Subject to Season.

natasha spotted in grayling!

2010-10-12T17:42:00.000-07:00

What a nice surprise. A beautiful Grammy-nominated singer (who co-writes and co-produces her own music) was shot wearing one of my necklaces on the red carpet (or in this case, on the patterned carpet in NYC).

I have immense respect for Natasha Bedingfield and I was absolutely THRILLED to see her in a grayling Caviar necklace.

The Caviar necklace is one of the first pieces I designed for my jewelry line, grayling.

When I launched in 2009 I had no idea one necklace would cause such a frenzy of sorts (the Caviar has been the "top viewed" item in my online store for the past six months and several grayling stockists report the necklace doesn't last but a few hours in a case before it's out the door).

The funny thing is, the necklace has pretty humble beginnings. I remember when I designed it. I was on my couch at home, with a pile of materials. I'd just dropped a sizable sum of money at a gem show, and I was excitedly playing around with metal combinations.

With my trusty kitty at my side (always - she is soooo curious), I started stringing crystals and wrapping them with chains of all sorts. Halfway through, I looked at what I'd done, and thought it looked awful. Then I started weaving a chunk of agate into the necklace. By the end of the day, I'd wound and cut and re-strung the piece countless times. And it had really turned into something!

When I finally added the clasp (the finishing touch!) I had in front of me one part sculpture and one part necklace. And the name Caviar described it well.

Interesting, pretty, unexpected - but ultimately versatile and infinitely wearable... sounds like my kind of jewelry line.

Please note:

The Caviar is officially registered with the United States Copyright Office,

and impostors will be sought out and given no mercy. And I mean none.

2009-2010

photo credit - LIFE

jewelry designers philip crangi, pamela love + justin giunta on the business of fashion

2010-09-28T09:12:00.000-07:00

“I wanted to find the buried treasure in flea markets or in the attic,” he says. “I never did, so I have to make it myself.” -Philip Crangi

“My philosophy was to never chase after anybody and let everybody come to you. I feel like you are going to get more support and love from people who reach out to you and really want to work with you.” -Pamela Love

“I lay out materials like paint on a palette, and draw together disparate elements of color and texture... morphing them to ensure they land appropriately into the composition...” -Justin Giunta

Read the entire interviews on The Business of Fashion

photo credits: 1.Giles and Brother 2.Forward by Revolve 3.Subversive

victoria beckham does shades

2010-09-26T23:14:00.000-07:00

By now you may have noticed I have an interest in celebrity-designed jewelry, clothing, and accessories (more here and here and here) . I am fascinated by the way these people (whether known initially for their acting, singing, or even merely their good looks) are able to glide effortlessly from their "specialty" into the field of design.

Every once in a while I come across a CDL (my little moniker for a celebrity-designed line) that I actually really like and/or find interesting. Recently, a collection of sunglasses from none other than Victoria Beckham, kind of blew my mind.

I am a firm believer that sunglasses are one of the ultimate elevation pieces you can own. Alongside a good bag, well-made shoes, and perhaps a great pair of jeans - there is little else you need to show the world you "get it".

View more awesome shades here.

photos courtesy beckham ventures ltd

nice pair: jeffrey campbell

2010-09-26T22:38:00.001-07:00

I debuted my jewelry line, g r a y l i n g, at Pool Tradeshow, last month. My booth ended up being just across the aisle from Jeffrey Campbell shoes (yessss). Chaos erupted regularly in the booth for three days straight in Las Vegas. There were constantly piles of shoes everywhere! It was heaven on earth.

Was the madness well-deserved? I would say so! The line is literally HUGE and styles offered range from romantic to utilitarian to preppy.

the madness at the show

Jeffrey Campbell Brisbane

Jeffrey Campbell Ridem

Jeffrey Campbell Foxy

Get a pair from www.lorisshoes.com, www.solestruck.com, or www.nastygal.com

photos courtesy lori's shoes and nasty gal

black smithing classes!

2010-09-26T11:56:00.000-07:00

The good people of Neighborhood Notes always bring something to my attention that inevitably enriches my life. Two items come to mind, in particular.

The first was a recent article about the neighborhood near my new studio/showroom. I felt like exploring the Central Eastside even further after reading it. I love supporting local places and it's a little easier if you know where to look among the warehouses.

The second was an in-depth story about Blacksmiths in the Portland area. It left me feeling antsy and excited (and frankly, jealous of the workshops the artisans in the story work in)!

Lo and behold, I discovered Bridgetown Forge offers smithing workshops! These appear to be drastically different than the jewelry smithing classes I've taken in the past. When the course ends, you walk away with a Japanese style knife or a heavy bowl. The owner, Arnon Kartmazov, has been trained by famous Israeli black smith Uri Hofi.

Check out the class listing here.

Photo: Melissa Reeser.

fringe benefits

2010-09-22T07:49:00.000-07:00

Smart-as-a-whip Erica Domesek {writer and creator of the genius DIY blog P.S. -- I Made This} shows us "How to Make a Fringe Scarf from an Old T-Shirt" via this Daily Candy video.

I love this for re-purposing t-shirts into a new accessory (just think - every cat, woman, man, dog and perhaps even doll and teddy bear could use one of these)...

Scissors up!

photo/video courtesy Daily Candy and P.S. I made this

baubles & bibelot: fall fete at narcisse

2010-09-16T17:26:00.001-07:00

...featuring new jewelry from my friends brehan todd and jess of paper treasure, plus the fall line of clothing from noa noa.
.

paper treasure

brehan todd

noa noa

{fall fete at narcisse}
saturday september 18 2010
~ 8 to late in the evening ~

1015 sw washington
portland oregon 97205

photos courtesy noa noa, brehan todd, & jess mcccloskey