Page Six

Yesterday I got a request from the New York Post's Page Six Magazine for some samples from the Autumn/Holiday Collection of Winifred Grace. It is a weekly magazine that comes out on Sundays and focuses on fashion, life style, celebrities. The jewelry should have already arrived in their offices this morning–here's hoping they pick one of my pieces for this Day to Night story they're working on!

Issa, Spring 2009

LOVE the subtle feather reference around the bottom of this gorgeous dress from the Issa Spring 2009 Runway Show in London.

Christian Lacroix

I can't imagine more inappropriate shoes for a rainy day like today, but they certainly do make me swoon! Perfection by Christian Lacroix.

Now that it's Fall . . .

I officially need one of these.

Vintage Stamps

So now that I have collage on the brain, I'm thinking of all things ephemera. How cute are these vintage Mid Century Modern stamps? One of the first look books I ever mailed out used calligraphy for all the recipients names and addresses, as well as vintage stamps. I think I need to revisit that!

Now I Know

I was wrong before when I referred to Tom Scott's lookbooks. They are in fact inspiration books that he creates seasonally, instead of inspiration boards. Regardless, I tracked down a photo (top), and now I know why I like them. I've always been a fan of Marcell Duchamp and they remind me of The Bride Stripped Bare by Her Bachelors, Even (The Green Box) (bottom). It is a limited edition of notes on scraps of paper that explains an earlier work called The Bride Stripped Bare by Her Bachelors, Even (The Large Glass). I love the texture created by the collage of image and paper and text.

Thread

So nice to see pink in the Fall–so unexpected! This shot is from the latest Thread bridesmaids collection.

Belvedere, Inc.

Tomorrow morning I head South to my hometown (ATL) for a quick weekend visit, and I'm really looking forward to stopping by my favorite store in the city, Belvedere. These are some photos of merchandise currently available. That Julia-Carr Baylor– she's a genius! Not only do they have stunning items for your home, they also have a wonderful collection of jewelry in the back half of the store (including Winifred Grace!) that's worth a look.

Peppermint Pattie

I need a box of these to keep in my freezer in case of emergency.

Danielle DeJulio: Modlife Photo

My friend Gabby has a daughter named Izzy who is so cute I could eat her up with a spoon. She recently forwarded on some photos of Izzy taken by her friend Danielle DeJulio who is starting a children's photography business called Modlife Photo. I thought these were really special pictures, but it doesn't hurt that Izzy is the perfect model. If you or anyone you know is interested in getting children's portraits email modlifephoto@rocketmail.com

Adresse

Yet another store I've been courting to carry Winifred Grace is Adresse in the historic section of downtown Philadelphia. The store is located in a beautiful brownstone just down the street from one of the most famous music schools in the city. In the Summer time, when the windows are open, you can hear cellos and tubas bellowing down the cobblestone street. Such romance!

Koi Suwannagate

For the same reason I am enamored of Helen Amy Murray's beautiful work in leather, I am fascinated by Koi Suwannagate's manipulation of cotton, silk, and cashmere. Layering and sculpting creates something textured and profound. In 2007, Koi was a CFDA finalist, and collaborated with Philip Lim who incorporated her fabulous rose designs in to his Summer 2007 collection. There's a great article about her in the archives of W Magazine you should check out for sure. Talent!

Kelly Wearstler

Everyone is talking about Kelly Wearstler and her home that was just featured in this month's Domino. She's got an amazing collection of home goods for sale at Bergdorf Goodman that I would love to get my hands on. They both would look really nice with this lotus pendant lamp I've been eyeing on Ebay, and this penny tile mirror from Anthropologie, don't you think?

He said “Yes”!

I spoke with my generous and talented friend Gintas about helping me out with the Holiday photo shoot and he agreed! We're hoping to schedule it for late October, so there's lots of planning between now and then. I will need to secure folks to do hair, make-up, and styling. But first and foremost I'll need to pick a model. Here are some of my favorites from EliteChicago and Ford.

Presse Boutique

Today is the one day a week I designate to pounding on the virtual doors of fabulous boutiques that need Winifred Grace jewelry. Presse Boutique in L.A. has received rave reviews since opening a little over a year ago, and I've had my eye on them for about as long. Their "retro-glam" space is just my style. They've also got an extensive online presence that's worth checking out at www.presseboutique.com. Here's hoping Zoe and Renee place a giant order for the holidays!

Helen Amy Murray

I know I'm not the first to notice this UK woman's unbelievable talent. Could you just cry? This is leather she's working in, for god's sakes! OMG. I don't even want to know how much they are but I would consider it a happy day to see one of her pieces in person. She does headboards, too! My head is spinning. If I've done my research correctly, she is only in her late 20s. You can see more at www.helenamymurray.com

Una

Happened across an amazing looking boutique in Portland, OR called Una while researching Tom Scott. I've been in touch with the buyer (who sounds quite nice, by the way) and am hoping she likes Winifred Grace enough to place an order! Keep your fingers crossed! In the meantime you can check out her blog at www.una-myheartisfull.com If this charming watercolor is anything like the store, I think I'm in love!

Gintas

I've been thinking alot about my upcoming Holiday collection and getting super excited. All seasons past I have photographed the jewelry strictly in product shots and I think it is about time I had a grown up photo shoot with models and styling and make-up and moods. My good friend Gintas also happens to be a very talented photographer. Historically he has done mostly catalog work, but recently he has branched out and is doing lifestyle and model shots. I think his work is amazing and am hoping maybe we can strike a deal. I'd love to see my jewelry on some of these models! The last shot is just because, well, I think it is stunning.

Tom Scott NYC

Have you heard of this guy, Tom Scott? There was a fairly lengthy article about him in the September issue of W magazine. He designs avant-garde knitwear and sells to a well edited group of stores. Apparently his lookbooks are like little pieces of art that he's collaged together. I am trying to find some images to share, but for now this cool vest will have to suffice. I think I need it.

Lucky Magazine: Cute Outfit of the Day

I finally discovered why towards the end of August there was a tremendous spike in visits to www.winifredgrace.com Lucky's online magazine has a section called "cute outfit of the day" and their Market Editor was the cute outfit of the day on August 21. She was quoted as saying her "current online obsession" is Winifred Grace! So, that explains it – Lucky me!

Parchment

So today I did not make it over to The Garfield Conservatory, but I did manage to find my way to Pavillion Antiques on Damen Avenue. Ugh. Everything in there reminds me of my grandmother, and I mean that in the best way possible. Mod marble table tops and cool chrome chairs. Clear acrylic, organic bronze sculptures, and white shag pillow cushions. There was a desk in the back that I almost totally missed which had gorgeous chrome legs with a parchment covered top. Have you ever seen parchment used in furniture before? Well, it's really something else. And it's really quite expensive. I don't have a photo of the table I saw, but as soon as I got back to the studio I started scouring Ebay for all things "parchment". I happened to find this stunning vintage modern desk. Is this cool or what?

Glossed & Found

My friends over at Beauty on Call started a new beauty and fashion site called Glossed and Found. It is a great resource for all things beauty and fashion happening in the city, and every week they interview a local talent on beauty secrets, tips, and habits. Definitely check out the site at www.glossedandfound.com, especially since this week yours truly is the local talent. Don't miss the embarrassing grade school photo! Thanks Rae Rae and Stacey!

Something Different Every Day

In an effort to be more inspired, think outside the box, and live life a little more fully, I have decided that every day for the rest of my life (or until for some reason I can't) I'm going to do one thing that I've never done before. Or, I'll do something I've done before but just do it differently.

Tonight I did something I've never done before, and may never do again. I went to an informational meeting about the NYU Stern Business School. Let's just say it got my brain thinking about lots of things. Moving to New York (yea). Being in $150,000 worth of debt (yikes). Taking the GMAT (yowza). Being in school again (yipee). Two years of mandatory finance classes (yuk). It made me think about my business in a long term scope, how it might change, and how I might be able to use my experience in this business to start another business some day. It's all VERY hypothetical, but I enjoyed the experience none the less. Oh, and I was definitely, without a doubt, the oldest person in the room.

Tomorrow I think I'll head to the Garfield Park Conservatory.

Dynamite!

I wanted to share a lovely blog entry I found about my own jewelry which thrilled me to read! Visit www.dynamitejewelry.blogspot.com to read the full post. Lisa, who wrote the post, lives in NY and is a freelance writer, which comes as no surprise as the post is so beautifully written! Thank you, Lisa!

Ralph Tursini

My friend Janine who produced the "warm fuzzies" I recently posted about has a wonderful brother named Ralph Tursini who is a highly skilled wood worker. Here are some of his recent creations. Just stunning! Visit www.vermontwoodturning.com to find out more about his work.

Michele Bosak

I rolled up my jeans, grabbed an umbrella, leashed up Guffman and headed out to brave the pouring rain and support all the artists who had traveled from near and far to show at the Renegade Craft Fair. At the tail end of my tour of all the booths I came across these beautiful illustrations by Michigan based artist Michele Bosak. Very clean and mod. She also does ink and pencil illustrations on wood veneer which are super cool. At the booth, I ran in to my friend Anne who insisted on buying me one with luscious green trees! HUH? When does that happen? Anne, that was totally otally unnecessary, but I am very very grateful. Thank you so much for your generosity! You're the best.

Brian Reyes

Is it me or do you think this dress from Brian Reyes' Spring 2009 collection would look really nice with this Winifred Grace piece?