Meet Lauren the designer of Mitsymoto Designs

One of the most rewarding parts of owning your own boutique is meeting talented designers and being able to offer them a platform to sell their designs. Recently I met Lauren the talented designer behind the line Mitsymoto Designs.  She had a pop up shop at The OC Mix next to my boutique.  I feel in love with her and even more so her designs.  Her space looked incredible.  Her and her boyfriend made every display piece by hand. As I walked through the space I noticed that there were several pieces I was immediately drawn too.  Especially her stackable cross rings in sterling silver and rose gold.  After getting to know Lauren I knew that she was definitely someone that I wanted to work with.  She has the sweetest spirit and is full of enthusiasm. You can just tell she is one of the those designers who is destined for greatness and I am thrilled to be one of the first few stores to carry her line!  Stop by the boutique to check out her collection or to see more of her designs visit her Facebook. 

Sterling Silver & 14k Rose Gold Fill Rings $45

To find out more about Lauren and how she got her start in the jewelry business check out the interview we had last week:)  

How did you get started in the jewelry business?

Growing up I did a lot of wire wrapping and pearl stranding. I guess I became interested in making jewelry from my Aunt, Diane. When I was in first or second grade I started making and selling jewelry in my Aunt's floral shop in Downtown Los Angeles. I would make jewelry for all my friends and family for Christmas and birthdays. Finally, in college I decided to major in Fine Art Sculpture with an emphasis in Small Metal Arts and Jewelry. While in school in San Francisco I had an opportunity to intern and learn from a lot of fellow metal smiths. Working with so many artists and small business owners gave me a sense of how to go about starting a business of my own. Now I'm about a semester away from finishing school and am so excited to have the opportunity to have a small business of my own!

Was it something you always wanted to do?

Working for myself is always something that I've wanted to do, having a business has always seemed so exciting. It's so out of the ordinary from what my family members are doing but I thoroughly enjoy waking up every morning and having the opportunity to create something new. 

Do you have a favorite metal that you prefer to work with?

Bronze

How would you describe your design process?  

I love working in my materials, whether it's metal or mixed media. I don't really like to sketch or plan, I prefer to just go for it and see what I can create and allow my materials to dictate my limitations. Also, working with recycled materials and found objects is something that I love to do in both my jewelry and sculpture. 

What is your favorite item in your closet?

My "boyfriend" jeans. If I could get away with wearing my paint stained, ripped, baggy boyfriend jeans everyday I definitely would.

How would you describe your personal style?

Eclectic? I always like to incorporate something a little funky and be a bit offbeat whenever I can. 

Where do you see yourself/business in 2 years?

I would really love to be carried in my favorite jewelry gallery, Velvet da Vinci in San Francisco and have a little brick and mortar in Boston or New York.

Accessory Spotlight: Scarves

One of my all time favorite things about the winter is that I get to wear scarves. I have a MAJOR obsession with scarves!  Some girls collect shoes,  I collect scarves.  I manage to wear them all year around, because scarves are the perfect accessory to add to any outfit.  They come in all shapes, colors, and sizes.  If you aren't a scarf person and need a little extra scarf inspiration check out all the unique ones we currently have in stock.

Saako Scarves handmade in Barcelona. These scarf/necklaces will add that extra pop to any ensemble. $65 

Echo Scarves $38

Echo Neck Warmers $38-$68

Designer Spotlight: Jenny Bird

I love discovering new designers, especially jewelry lines.  At the last Project show back in August, I met Jenny the talented desginer behind the line Jenny Bird.  She was very sweet and humble and super easy to talk to.  I see a lot of jewelry lines when I go to the shows and a lot of it starts to look the same.  Hers made me stop and look because it was unique and had lots of bright fun colors and textures. 

Jenny Bird grew up in a tiny, rural, artistic community in Ontario, Canada and was born into a family of farmers and seamstresses. From a young age Bird was active in art programs, and crafted wares she would sell to her family out of their living room.

Jenny says "her line was born out of many inspired moments of observation and a calling too poignant to ignore. It was so hard to find beautiful accessories that were fashion forward yet well-made, luxurious yet priced affordably. Few things on the market were distinctly beautiful with a meaningful story; everything felt vacant of soul. I didn’t want obnoxious brands or empty fast fashion. I wanted indie-luxe and cool. I couldn’t help myself but to create". 

As Creative Director of what has become one of the world’s top emerging designer accessory lines, Bird splits her time between her home in Toronto and her creative hub, New York. Now carried at over 100 fashion-forward boutiques and retailers, the line is a notable Canadian success story and is enjoying steady growth worldwide.

We are thrilled to be one of the first boutiques in Orange County to be carrying her line!  

The Gypset Cuff is made up of wooden beads and 18k gold plated box chain and our available in brown, blue, black, and yellow.  This in black is going to be my go to staple for everyday wear!  $85

The Tibetove bracelets look great worn alone of or stacked with a few others.  The 18k gold plated chain tassels on these bracelets make them very elegant.  What I love about her designs is that they are simple yet elegant and have bohemian flair.  $44

Keep it Casual and Cozy

Wrap yourself in luxury this Fall in our cozy yet tailored fabrics. The holiday is upon us and we are busy planning some great events for our Loyal Clients. Stay Tuned!

Need a little sunshine on a cool winter's day?  Add a pop of color to your Winter Wardrobe with one of Echo's super soft scarves or neck warmers.

• Echo Design Carry All $138 
• Echo Design Aztec print infinity scarf $68
• Echo Design super soft dot neck warmer $48 

Bobi is our go-to for simple elegant styles that are ultra slimming while still amazingly soft and cozy!  

•  White button up $63
•  Black turtle neck maxi $72
•  Plum Sleeveless cowl neck dress $62

Have a cocktail party coming up this Holiday season?  Check out our latest shipment of dresses from our favorite brand of flirty feminine pieces Darling from London. 

•  Grey Leopard sleeveless dress $96
•  Ivory dress with black polka dot sleeves $98

We love this gorgeous coat by Darling from London because it is a classic feminine piece which will add warmth to any outfit. $147

Salmon and Spicy Cauliflower recipe

Anyone who knows me knows that I LOVE to cook.  There is nothing more relaxing to me than listening to some great music, pouring a glass of wine and cooking an amazing meal.  After a long day at work cooking seems to be the one thing that helps me unwind. I am sure the wine helps too!  If you have ever been to my house for a meal you know that I am a total perfectionist and my meal can't just taste good but it must look good. "It's all in the presentation" as my dad would say! 

Since I have been posting more and more pics lately of dinners I have made I have received a lot of requests for recipes so I have decided to start posting a new recipe every Saturday!  

Last night I made Salmon, cous cous, salad, and spicy cauliflower. 

Prep Time: 15 Minutes  Cook Time: 15-20 Minutes

Spicy Cauliflower
Ingredients: 

• 4 garlic cloves

• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red-pepper flakes

• Coarse salt and ground pepper

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 head cauliflower (about 2 pounds), cored and cut into large florets

• skinless salmon fillets

• thin lemon slices, halved

• 1 cup of 

cous cous 

• Mixed Power greens

• 1/2 Avocado

• 1 large carrot 

• shaved Manchego cheese 
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1. Directions
2. 1. Cauliflower: Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Take 4 garlic cloves and crush them using a garlic press.  If you don't have a garlic press you can chop them very finely. Put garlic and red-pepper flakes into medium sized bowl.  Season generously with salt and pepper. Add oils, and mix all together. Add cauliflower, and toss to coat. Spread mixture in a single layer on a large rimmed baking sheet. TIP: I like to put a layer of foil down so that nothing sticks.  Roast until they start to soften, about 15 minutes
3. 
   
4. 2. Salmon: TIP: I like to use the already cooked salmon fillets from traders.  They come two fillets per pack and our frozen when you purchase them.  Thaw out the salmon and season salmon with Southern Spain Pinchito Spice.   Sprinkle over top of salmon until most of the fillet is covered with a thin layer or spice.  Add two thinly sliced lemons on top of each fillet and bake in over for 8 minutes at 450 degrees.  If using the pre-cooked salmon fillets you only need to heat salmon to your desired heat. 
5. 
   
6. 3.  Cous cous:  In large sauce pan bring one cup of water, 2 table spoons of butter and 1       table spoon of powdered garlic to boil.  Add one cup of cous cous turn off heat and cover to simmer for 5 minutes. TIP:  I like to use Trader Joes whole wheat cous cous  
7. 
   
8. 4: Salad: Chop large carrot into thin slices. Slice half avocado into thin sections. Top with a few shavings of manchego cheese.  Salad Dressing: In small cup add olive oil, vinegar and the juice from one large lemon.  TIP: I usually do 2-3 parts olive oil and 1 part vinegar depending on how many people I am trying to feed.  Add 3 tsp of Dill Dip season from Savory Spice. 

NOTES:  To purchase any of the spices listed in this recipe visit any Savory Spice location or their online shop.  They have two locations in Orange county as well as several others through out the US. I highly recommend visiting one of them it will change your life in the kitchen. I promise!  

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Gillian Julius Jewelry

Everyone has their go to jewelry that they where on a daily basis.  Ours is our Gillian Julius Silver tube bracelet in Slate.  We love her sterling silver bracelets because they are simple yet they make the ultimate statement.

A South African by birth Gillian Julius has been working in the fashion industry with internationally renowned retailers and wholesalers for over a decade.  She launched Gillian Julius jewelry in 2008.  Today her jewelry line is carried worldwide by leading high end specialty stores and majors and has become a favorite amongst celebrities.  Her bracelet are known for their edgy and unique style.  

Her latest collection includes a mixture of sandblasted and smooth tubes.  We are obsessing over the rose gold one!  

To shop Gillian Julius bracelets click here www.brianarene.com

We Love Black Sheep

If you haven't heard of Black Sheep you are seriously missing out!  We started carrying this gorgeous and very affordable line this summer and it has been flying off the racks ever since. The designer Rachel Rain Water has done a great job at creating unique and wearable pieces.  To hear more about her background and how she started designing for Black Sheep head on over to our one of our favorite blogs Hanger Shortage.  

Black sheep  embodies the inner soul of the black sheep in every girl. While Black sheep aims to produce cutting edge designs, its primary purpose is to allow the shopper to customize any garment to her own liking. It promotes the individuality of its customer igniting an unruly spirit that is unleashed through her own style. It is Black Sheep’s mission to equip the spirited with the power fashion holds, the power to speak, the power to be free and the power to be distinct.

Here are some of our favorite looks that are all available at our boutique now!

Green Vegan Leather studded jacket $99 

Brown Vegan Leather Jacket $94 

Girl Meet Boy

Men's wear for women is one of my favorite looks.  From the gorgeous model, to the rad chunky jewelry this photo shoot is absolutely brilliant.  

Girls Meet Boy
Numéro No.137 October 2012
Shot by: Jean-Baptiste Mondino
Model: Catherine McNeil
For More photos go to Fashion Copius 

Florence Welch = MAGIC

Since I am going to see Florence and The Machine on Sunday at the Hollywood Bowl it seems only fitting that I make her my blog post today.  

It's safe to say that in my thirty years of life on this earth I have never EVER been more obsessed with an artist.  In my opinion we haven't seen an artist with this much raw talent since Anne Lennox.  Her stage presence sucks you in and makes you feel something pretty extraordinary. She is humble, funny, and not to mention beautiful.  When you see her live wearing her gorgeous floor length gowns she looks reminiscence of a fairy floating across the stage.  Her lyrics speak to my heart and her voice rocks my soul to its inner core.  She is what I like to call MAGICAL.  

Let’s talk about magic. Because music, at its best, is a kind of magic that lifts you up and takes you somewhere else. “I want my music to sound like throwing yourself out of a tree, or off a tall building, or as if you’re being sucked down into the ocean and you can’t breathe,” says Florence Welch. “It’s something overwhelming and all-encompassing that fills you up, and you’re either going to explode with it, or you’re just going to disappear.”

One of my favorite movies of the summer was Snow White and the Huntsman.  Florence wrote the song "Breath of Life" for the movie and here is the video. 

Another one of my favorite songs from her first Album Lungs is Cosmic Love.

  

Photos Courtesy of zimbo.com

Kristen Stewart the new face of Balenciaga

In a new interview with Style, Kristen Stewart talks about becoming the face of the Balenciaga brand.  She talks about meeting the previous brand ambassador, Charlotte Gainsbourg, saying, “I wish I could choose a better word, but I think she’s stunning. I sat next to her at the show [last season]—which was the first experience I had at Balenciaga—and I was so ridiculously intimidated by her! I didn’t even say hi. I was just kind of muted by her. 

She also talks about the perfume she’s representing, saying it smelt like vibrant and ‘sex’.  “[Perfume] is something that I’m just now stepping into, wanting to smell attractive. I’m 22. I wasn’t the 15 or 16-year-old girl putting on perfume. It’s such a funny thing that it does, that it suddenly gives you “something.” It puts you on another level. There’s sophistication to it. I feel a little bit…hello! And that feels really good. It’s sex. It’s vibrant. And thank God I liked [Florabotanica] when I smelled it; I’m not a good liar.”

Video Courtesy of Balenciaga 

Lovely Images

Love this entire photo shoot.

Introducing our newest line: Darling from London...

Jasmine Tunic $90 Comes in Ivory 

Arabella Dress $75.00

Serena Dress $75 Jasmine Sweater $90 Comes in grape and emerald 

Getting back to Health..

The last couple of months have been a whirlwind for me.  In November and December I had so many events both in and outside the store, that it was near impossible to keep up with my normal health and workout regime. It felt much like being on a Ferris wheel that never let you off.  When it all eventually came to an end I took a week off to spend time with my family and re-coup from all the chaos of December.  I spent the first part of the week in Colorado visiting family and eating a ton of home cooked big Italian meals full of cheese and pasta.  Then I went to Carmel to spend New Years with more family where we went wine tasting and proceeded to eat many more delicious meals and desserts. When I got home I realized that there was a nice little extra layer around my mid section that seriously needed to go! I decided to make a plan to get my health back; and here is my goal for the month of January!

Three day Juice Cleanse
5 days a week at The Bar method
Vegan for the entire month of January

Progress so far:
Did two days of the juice cleanse- had to move to solid veggies the third day
Did 4 days this week, going for 5 days next week.
Ate vegan everyday this week. Not nearly as hard as I thought, considering cheese is one of my all time favorite foods. 

If any of you are looking for new fresh ways to get your body back into shape here are some of my favorite ways to stay healthy:

Exercise:The Bar Method is the best work out I have ever done.  It gives you all over tone without making you bulky and best of all you see almost immediate results.  They have incredible instructors, great music, and beautiful studios!  I go to the Newport Beach studio but you can visit their main website for more locations.

Dining: One of my favorite vegan places to eat is Native Foods.
They have several locations in Southern California and there food is amazing.  I highly recommend the Azteca Salad, Sweet potato fries, and the Scorpion burger.  I have taken many meat eaters here and if you don't tell them they aren't eating real meat they generally can't even tell the difference:)

Cooking healthy at home:  2 great cookbooks that I own and use all the time!

Native Foods Cookbook

The Vegan Table

What are your goals for 2012?