gorgeous graphics

I have received so many compliments on my blog header and other touches on my blog, and its all thanks to the lovely graphic designer jen kahn! her work is really fantastic and I love seeing all the new projects she works on (she just did the graphics for gretchen jones' fall 2012 presentation invites!). here are some of her recent projects:

I'm also obsessed with Jen's tumblr blog, kind of want. and I'm obsessed with this animation she did.

new laser cut wood collection!

I'm obsessed with my newest addition to my spring collection: laser cut wood and onyx flower earrings in every color of the rainbow! they are lightweight and an awesome statement piece.

blue laser cut wood and onyx flower earrings

so many colors!

the good, the bad, {but hopefully not ugly}

via

when I first started my blog and titled it "passports and pearls: the adventures of a jewelry designer" I decided to keep it light and just about things that inspired me, new designs, and my travels and adventures living in nyc. basically, the fun stuff. but then I started thinking about the adventures I was leaving out: the ones where I'm incredibly frustrated, disappointed, and drained in the process of trying to establish my business.  this is a really big part of my story. I'm optimistic about my jewelry because I believe in my product and am not one to give up when the going gets tough. but I still have plenty of moments of doubt, as does pretty much every entrepreneur.

so I've decided I'm going to start sharing stories about trying to make it.  the good, the bad, {here is the part where I'm supposed to say "the ugly" but I really hope things never get ugly!}.

wish me luck...

why hello spring!

I'm excited to announce that my spring collection is now available online!

my collection is made from rose quartz, amethyst, and peridot gemstones. I have always been a huge fan of the light pink-purple-and light green color palate for spring. throughout the month of march I will post ideas about what tops to pair my necklaces with as well as some nail polish pairings!

amethyst and peridot necklace

rose quartz, amethyst, and peridot necklace

I am in love

be still my heart...

every now and then a designer makes a piece that I absolutely fall in love with and literally daydream about. miuccia prada's spring 2011 collection had this affect on me. when I first saw prada's sequin stripe clutches at bergdorf goodman I had such an emotional reaction (well, it was a loud gasp) that the sales associate asked me if I was alright. I replied, "I'm in love". she of course thought I was crazy but how can you not swoon over hot pink sequins?!?!

this season, stella mccartney has done it to me. this cocoon coat is my new love. stripes, satin, multiple colors...what more can a girl ask for?! I already know it would look good on me because the model in the photo has my hair color. fate?!

these are a few of my favorite things..for march!

1. katie bartels silver sparkle necklace // 2. D&G layered tulle midi skirt // 3. 100 years of fashion illustration // 4. deborah lippmann yellow brick road nail polish // 5. j.crew viv printed flats

hello march!

I've never been a fan of winter (especially after going to college in ithaca, ny--brrrr!). once christmas is over I just want to get the show on the road and get to spring. the first day of march means we're in the home stretch. it might not quite feel like spring, but all the shelves of clothing stores are filled with springy colors, daffodils are starting to peaking out, and we set our clocks ahead (sunglasses past 6pm!). so, happy march!

image, tumblr