Friday, June 29, 2012

Vogue x Mulberry.


Zara top & skirt//JCrew heels & necklace//Tatiana ring c/o Julie Collection

Super fancy British bag-maker, Mulberry, opened its first West Coast doors this week in San Francisco on Grant Avenue. On Wednesday evening, Mulberry and Vogue hosted an opening party celebrate the 3,100 sq. ft, three-story {plus mezzanine} space - there is even gallery space on the second level, which will host pop-up exhibits and artist collaborations; currently showcasing the work of British photographers plucked right from the pages of Vogue. The outpost will sell the labels luxury leather goods, as well as the women's collection and men's accessories. Judging from the tremendous turn out, San Francisco's enthusiasm for Mulberry is high -  Jennifer Siebel Newsom, Connie Nielsen, Sabrina Buell, Rachael Mann and Mackenzie Burdick, and Maggie Rizer are just a few faces to grace the lovely space that night. Let the wild rumpus begin!





Special thanks to Mullens PR for the invitation.

Thursday, June 28, 2012

Fashion Police.




No matter what's going on in life, this always puts a smile on my face. I love, love, love Joan Rivers and the rest of the Fashion Police crew.

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Heart Throb.


Subtle yet sexy {especially with a tan}

Monday, June 25, 2012

3 Things.



Looking back at this past weekend just reminds me of how I have such caring, wonderful people in my life. I'm truly a lucky girl.



1. From the Doll House to the Sky Bar to the Champagne Room to the Secret Garden I had a tour of the city unlike any other.

2. Beautiful days with beautiful friends at Domaine Carneros.

3. Sweet, soulful Judge from Cuvaison taking a seat. Ziggy would just love him.

Friday, June 22, 2012

Fruity Details.


It's Pride Weekend in the city and I can't think of a more perfect treat to celebrate some of San Francisco’s finest.

Thursday, June 21, 2012

By Invitation Only.


Tory Burch blouse & skirt//JCrew heels//Chloe handbag//ring c/o Julie Collection//necklace gift from dad

On Monday evening, I found myself surrounded by many entrepreneurs and fashionistas in a suite at the W Hotel, all of us there for the same Gilt-y pleasure, to meet Gilt Groupe co-founder, Alexis Maybank, at her book signing. Alexis' thoughtful words brought to life the story of Gilt Groupe's extraordinary growth (from 5 people to 900 since 2007), the first sale from, of all places, Missouri, and a personal reflection of what it's like to work side-by-side with a close friend. I've already finished By Invitation Only finding myself laughing out loud, but more important, walking away feel truly inspired.

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Julie Collection.



I recently attended a jewelry trunk show for the New York based Julie Collection.  The line is absolutely beautiful and very affordable. I had the pleasure of talking to Julie Vos, owner and creator of the Julie Collection about her inspiration and vision. 
  
FCF: What are your biggest influences as a jewelry designer?
JV: I wouldn’t say I have a specific influence. Jewelry making is half aesthetics (color, shape, something beautiful and unique) and half mechanics (clasps, comfort, weight). Bounkit is one of my favorites – he’s practically the king of mechanics. Some of his pieces can breakdown into 5 separate pieces of jewelry. It’s fascinating.

I am influenced by what I see in museums and in nature and when I travel. Of course I love the work of so many jewelry designers, I don’t even know where to begin.  But art is where my inspiration comes from—sculptural form and color combinations in paintings.

FCF: Do you come from an artistic background/family?
JV: My grandfather was the advertising director for Texaco and he played a large role conceptually in the creation of the Eddie Cantor Show on the radio. After he retired, he transformed his garage into a studio and taught sculpture there. My father was a true advertising man with his own offices on Madison Avenue—Frank Vos Company. I used to work there in the summers and went to work there after college.  So, yes, I would say I do come from a creative background.  My father was a marvelous copywriter.  I have my masters in short fiction writing and won the poetry prize the year I graduated.

FCF: Who is your target customer?
JV: My collection is for three generations of women. Mothers and daughters come shop together and bring the granddaughters, too. So we have a seventeen year old, a forty year old and a seventy year old all finding pieces they love and want to wear.  For five years I sold my pieces hand to hand and I watched how people shopped.  I listened to what they told me they wanted to wear.  I took copious notes during trunk shows and afterwards I acted on them with the next line I created.

FCF: Have you always designed jewelry? Ever thought of expanding into apparel?
JV: I started with shawls and then developed jewelry. I also used to sell a line of clutches that Carlos Falchi made for me.  Carlos would allow me in to pull the leathers and select the profiles and he made the pieces exclusively for me.  It was pretty incredible; not every one can say they’ve had an opportunity like that.  He’s a prince, Carlos.

Kathleen Newman, who contributes to press and product development, has been encouraging me to create some totes and tunics from our original shawl patterns. The future is wide open.

FCF: When did you discover the need for the Julie Collection? Was there a defining moment that gave you the push in the direction of starting your own line?
JV: In the beginning I purchased everything overseas and brought it back and sold it here.  But I found when people bought something and wore it, their best friend or sister or neighbor wanted it too, but I only had one piece, and that really disappointed them.  So to make people happy I began to design and manufacture a line, so that I had ten pieces of a design to sell, not just one.

FCF: What is your creative process? How do you bring your concepts to life?
JV: I find inspiration while relaxing on vacation with my family or visiting museums. Actually, my ram’s head ring is designed after a dagger’s head I noticed at a museum when I traveled with a group of girlfriends in January.  While designing, I go into an almost meditative state; a very peaceful piece of mind.  I just love that and anyone who does anything creatively knows what I’m talking about.  Five hours can pass and it feels like five minutes.  It is a state of rapture.
While designing I go into an almost meditative state; a very peaceful piece of mind.

FCF: When did you have that “big break” sort of feeling?
JV: Being published in magazines definitely felt that way. When Oprah had on Julie Collection earrings on the front cover of her magazine, I knew we had come into our own as a company.  It didn’t hurt sales either.

FCF: Do your travels influence your collections? Jewelry names?
JV: Yes, I name my jewelry after places I’m fond of. Or the place that inspired the piece.  I used to name pieces after customers who inspired them.

FCF: How many collections do you create a year? Do you retire pieces?
JV: I’m constantly creating. Sometimes I have an idea and sketch it and put it in a folder until I’m ready to bring it to fruition. Sometimes I know it’s just not quite finished and I have to wait until I know how to complete it.  I do cycle out items from the collection when it’s time or I give up on them.  Then an editor with a great eye comes into our showroom and brings to life a piece I have retired.  Like the Metro HoopReal Simple saw them in our showroom and loved them.  They ran them in the magazine and we went from selling a few pairs to 500 in a year.  The Corsica Stack Ring is another example of a pokey style that became a bestseller because the editors at Lucky magazine saw how popular it would be.  This doesn’t happen all the time, but when it does, it is exhilarating.

FCF: How do you feel about social media eg Twitter, blogs vs magazines?
JV: It all really comes down to the merchandising.  How well is the item merchandised on the page.

FCF: Are you considering a fine jewelry line?
JV: Absolutely not. I love the price of my line and the fact you get so much for your money. I want my customer to walk away regretting they hadn’t bought more, rather than walk away feeling guilty they spent too much.
  
With a Master’s in Short Story Writing, it's fascinating to speak with someone who has taken a step away from their background to follow their passion. A collection based upon an appreciation of beautiful aesthetics, architectural design, and natural talent, Julie Vos has created a stunning and contemporary jewelry line. Visit the Julie Collection to purchase your own pieces and information about upcoming trunk shows here

A very special thank you to Julie and her team for sharing a piece of their creative world.

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Whisper.


A whisper is about all I can handle today. What. A. Day.

Monday, June 18, 2012

Three Things.


From dinner with the girls, a sunny Saturday at the park, supporting local designers at the San Francisco Design Week fashion show the weekend was nonstop fun. Sometimes it’s the simplest of things that make for the sweetest moments.



1. Ziggy finding some shades at the park

2. Fashionable nights out in the city

3. The last orchid from my stunning birthday bouquet – thank you, Aaron :)

Friday, June 15, 2012

Navy Baby.


JCrew dress, cardigan and belt//Chloe handbag//DVF sunglasses

After a long, busy week, I am so looking forward to relaxing this weekend. Nothing that a Friday Night at the deYoung to see the Jean Paul Gaultier exhibit (this will my 3rd time, I love it so much!) and attending the 1st annual fashion show for San Francisco Design Week with my favorite girls can't fix. When not indoors ogling over my favorite fashions, I’ll be taking full advantage of the beautiful weather that just won’t quit with my main man, Ziggy.

Happy weekend!


Thursday, June 14, 2012

Neon Summer.

JCrew Italian Summer scarf

I just can’t get enough of this Italian Summer scarf. The pop of neon is enough to brighten even the foggiest of San Francisco days (although I can’t recall the last time we had one of those lately). Neon has dominated my wardrobe this Spring will be carrying over right over to Summer (evident here, here and here).

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Just Darling.

ginette_ny mini signet monogram ring

Want. Need. Must have (for my pinky)

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Gossip.










Obsessed with Beth Ditto’s energetic music, positive message, snarky attitude and killer sense of style.

Monday, June 11, 2012

3 Things.



The weather in San Francisco is absolutely incredible and took full advantage over the weekend while my parents were in town. The two greatest people I know; I just love them so much!



1. Exploring the hilly streets of Nob Hill with my dad.

2. Taking time to stop and smell the roses with my mom.

3. A sparkly gift from the best man I know – my dad.

Friday, June 8, 2012

Digits.




Mango jacket//H&M sweater//Everlane tshirt//RD Design shorts//Dolce Vita sandals//DVF sunglasses

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Neon + Neutral.

neon + neutral


The neutral tone cuts the intensity of the neon. LOVE!

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Flower Child.




Jovovich-Hawk dress//JCrew flats//DVR sunglasses//Chloe handbag//Tatiana ring c/o Julie Collection

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Bellissimo


Has anyone else tasted this little piece of heaven known as Talenti's?! Now, my new delicious obsession.

Monday, June 4, 2012

3 Things.


A weekend of beautiful, layout worthy weather at the beach, I couldn't ask for much more for my birthday. What made it all that much sweeter was my mom and grandmother celebrating with me.



1. Cheers from La Posta

2. Ziggy doing what he does.

3. Gammy at the Bargetto Winery La Vita release party

Friday, June 1, 2012

Birthday Girl.


Sunday is my birthday, actually. But you can't blame a girl for getting started a little early, can you? So much has happened this year and am grateful for every moment. Thank you all for experiencing this journey with me!

Now off to the beach...