Glam for Good: Sequins Clutches

Debbie brought these rich flocked ribbons back from France earlier this year, and they look lovely when paired with pleated satin ribbon and trompe l'oeil sequins. This warm metallic palette reminded Ashley and Debbie of Michael C's recent Project Runway collection.

 Here's the same clutch in tones of steel and bronze. Speaking of bronze, we just found out that Laura Bee Designs won third place in the Evening Magazine Best of Western Washington contest in the Women's Accessories category. Thanks to everyone who voted for us!

These clutches will be available for sale at our 8 Year Anniversary Party as part of our Glam for Good collection. Learn more here.

Store Window - 8 Year Anniversary

Store Window - 8 Year Anniversary, originally uploaded by Laura Bee Seattle.

Kim installed this magical window in our store earlier in the week. It features a 1940s era sewing machine that was given to us by customer.

How Many Eights is Enough?

I cut out a zillion paper eights using my Cricut machine. While Kim was setting up our 8 Year Anniversary window display, she scattered the paper eights on a white table. Ashley snapped this cool picture of the results using her iPhone. I love the flattened perspective and abstract chain effect on this image.

 Don't you think this would make a cool fabric print?

And then a cool skirt, dress, or handbag?

Party Prep: Quick Video of Incoming Goodies

This time of year is especially fun for the team at the store. The daily delivery of boxes filled with goodies and merchandise reminds us of Christmas morning. (I'm not sure how Reggie our UPS driver would feel about playing the role of Santa Claus, but you get the idea.)

I apologize in advance for the fact that the only adjective I seemed to remember was Amazing through the video. I'll consult my thesaurus before filming next time.

Glam for Good: Vintage Blue Luxury

I personally have three Celeste Clutches because I love not only the inverted pleat detail, but also the roomy capacity of the shape.

This special version show cases a super-sparkling button atop blue flocked taffeta. Yummy to the touch, and pretty to the eye, this bag is vintage-inspired and one-of-a-kind.

Glam for Good - Azure Tangerine

It's easy to find brown and black buttons, but some bright colors require hunting. Sparkling orange buttons might be the rarest button breed of all.

We used a pretty tangerine sparkling orange button on this azure blue silk wristlet. Attend our party on November 6 if you want to see the bold inside of this little purse.

Introducing Thelma (She Can Carry an iPad!)

Our latest bag design is a larger version of our best-selling Travel Bag. At 12" tall by 9.5" wide, Thelma is roomy enough for a book or iPad, but still compact and efficient.

This bag has an outside zipper pocket, roomy main compartment, and adjustable webbing strap - all for $68. Of course, as always, you can add extra pockets and embellishments when you custom order.

 My hope is that, when you carry the Thelma, you feel empowered and tough like Thelma and Louise (although hopefully you won't be wearing mom jeans).

Glam for Good: Study in Gray

We combined herringbone suiting with a floral embroidered print to create rich contrast on the Vera clutch.

The dreamy button ties together the patterns with tonal perfection.

Creamsicle lining makes a nice surprise inside this special bag.

This clutch will be available for sale at our 8 Year Anniversary Party as part of our Glam for Good collection. Learn more here.

Glam for Good: Midnight and Sapphires

The pleated ribbon in satin charcoal makes the perfect stage for the incredible vintage button that tops this bag.

 With detail that rivals high-end costume jewelry, this button sparkles with vintage style.

The wristlet will be available for sale at our 8 Year Anniversary Party as part of our Glam for Good collection. Learn more here.

Earrings Made in Portland

The lightweight, high quality earrings by Joseph Brinton always sell quickly for us. This tree design is quite popular in the above colorway, as well as in silver with dark teal. Tree earrings - $17 pair

 Made in Portland, Oregon, this line uses mixed metal components. The ear wires are either sterling silver or gold fill.

The above pair in silver with copper accent is $21.

Night Window

Our new store window spotlights make merchandise stand out, even at night. With the days getting shorter as we head toward winter, we can use all of the light we can get.

Scarf Season: Option Four

 

These plaid ruffle scarfs create instant style on any outfit. Made of lightweight cotton, they can be worn indoors or outside.

 We offer the ruffle scarf in several colorways: green and tan (above), purple and navy (bottom), charcoal and black, and dark teal with dove gray. $16.50 each.

Official Invite

Our annual party and trunk show is officially less than one month away, which feels crazy! This year has just flown by. We've been so lucky to see an uptick in sales in 2010, and we're ready to celebrate 8 years!

We're hard at work making our Glam for Good collection. This collection features special vintage components such as the brooch in the above photo. We donate a percentage of the sales of each item in this collection to our favorite charities. I'll be sharing the details with you over the next couple of weeks.

 You can get more details about the party here.

 

Scarf Season Option Three

This crinkled, ruffled infinity scarf has a dramatic flair, yet an easy, relaxed vibe too. We have them in the berry as shown, and black. $18.50 each.

PS - I'm not sure why I tipped my camera on all of these pictures of Kaleigh, but it's funny to see this pattern in my picture taking.

Scarf Season, Option Two

Featuring black, white and deep blue, this super-wide scarf is quite versatile. Wear it twisted and looped as shown,  or a myriad of other ways. The soft cotton blend makes this baby for indoor/outdoor wear.

$16.50 each.

Scarf Season Has Arrived

We've received some wonderful new scarves from our vendors just in time for autumn in the Northwest. Case in point: This chunky infinity scarf in itch-free acrylic. This cozy scarf can be worn in various ways, and is available in teal, black, and oatmeal. $30 each.

Sock it To Me: Accessories for your Tootsies

Often I discover something I love, buy it for myself, and then later realize it would a great item to offer at the store. That's what happened a while back with Envirosax.

More recently, I've purchased several pairs of Sock it Too Me knee-highs. I've worn the socks, marveled at their quality, enjoyed the fun designs. I've even managed to keep the pairs together, which is a minor miracle given my laundry situation.

Then, back in August, I realized: We can carry this line at Laura Bee Designs! At $7.50 these socks make the best gifts. They are accessories for your feet that you can keep secret, or show off.

I mean, wouldn't you be glad to be wearing ninja socks under your trousers next time you have to do battle at work?

$7.50 a pair, available in whales, gnomes, mushrooms, ninjas, robots, and more!

Autumn Leaf Earrings

Happy October, my favorite month. Here are some lovely leaf earrings. Available in both silver and gold metal finishes. $16 pair.