Sunday, January 30, 2011

New Lockets Online and in the Store

After serious depletion of our locket collection during the holiday season, we are finally restocked on our popular designs. We've also brought in some new additions to our offerings. 
You can visit the locket section of our website here to peruse the goodies, or visit our Seattle store to take a look-see in person.

Friday, January 28, 2011

Enamel Necklaces are Happy

Throw on a crisp t-shirt, jeans and one of these jewel-toned enamel necklaces and you have an instant outfit.
Even better, each pendant has a contrasting color on the opposite side for two necklaces in one. ($21 each)

The demure dandelions are sweet charms with translucent enamel detailing. $18 each.

Statement Rings Made in California

 
The last batch of these over-sized cocktail rings from Ollipop sold out so quickly I barely remember what we had in stock. We have several new styles in the shop now, along with some gorgeous lockets and necklaces by this California-based designer.
The heft and quality of these pieces reminds me of estate jewelry, but the unusual color combinations and chunky scale gives them a modern twist.

Ollipop cocktail rings $28-$32 each. Adjustable bands.




Red Bird Eleanor

Here's another shoulder bag made with one of our pretty new ribbons.

The red bird silhouettes pop against the tonal blues and glossy espresso faux leather.

Eleanor shoulder bag with interior zipper pocket, $88.

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Another Pretty Pair of Demure Stud Earrings


Sterling Earrings, originally uploaded by Laura Bee Seattle.

$8 per pair, with sterling silver posts.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Help Us Name this Ribbon (Debuting on Eleanor)

I snapped this picture quickly with my phone, so the quality isn't the best, but I wanted to show you a bag made with one of the ribbons from our new collection. This Eleanor has glossy black paired with lime faux suede, topped with a turquoise lining.

The Eleanor is a single strap bag that includes one zipper pocket for the base price of $88.

What should we call this ribbon? We need to name it something memorable, descriptive, and easy. Let us know your ideas in the comments below.


Thursday, January 20, 2011

Love Knot Earrings


Sterling Earrings, originally uploaded by Laura Bee Seattle.

These petite earrings are part of a new collection of sterling silver basics that we're offering.

Since we put the selection of studs and simple bead dangles on the sales floor last Sunday, they have sold exceptionally well.

I think that every woman with pierced ears could use a pair of classic studs to complement a statement necklace or simple outfit.

Love knots, 12 mm, $12 pair.


Wednesday, January 19, 2011

New Ribbons Have Arrived!

I'm having so much fun snapping quick shots lately with my new smart phone. While the quality doesn't match my trusty SLR, the convenience allows me to capture funny moments like that above.

Otis actually likes wearing scarves, and today he sported a turquoise one that flatters his fur-tone. Here he is pondering the pile of new ribbons that just arrived in stock. These beauties are ready for your custom bag creativity.
We're having a Facebook Contest through Friday of this week. Hop on over here to enter to win a wallet made with one of our new ribbons!

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Taking a Trip?

These gloomy winter weeks are the time when many people leave Seattle and head to warmer climates. We have several new things in stock for globetrotters.
 
This pocket travel journal is compact, organized and gender neutral. (Above, $15 each) We also have coordinated sticky note sets that are perfect for flagging hot spots in your Fodor's guides. (Not shown, $10.50)
We have a fresh batch of passport covers for sale in the shop. Or design your own as you daydream about your next overseas adventure. ($21 each, ready-made or custom)

Friday, January 14, 2011

Ashley is Leaving the Hive

Since Ashley is a football fan, I'm going to use a sports metaphor to break the news.

Our Ashley has been called up to the big leagues of domestic manufacturing. Next month she's off to work at Boeing, after more than six and a half years at Laura Bee Designs. Instead of ordering zippers and  faux leather, she'll be purchasing airplane parts.

We're lucky to have her humor and expertise with us for a few more weeks; her last day is February 10th. Stay tuned for information on Farewell Ashley open house we'll host early next month.

Those of you who know our shop know what a key player Ashley has been in the evolution of the company since she started here in 2004. Not only is she a production and customer service rock star, but she also worked behind the scenes on systems, design, procurement, invoicing, and myriad other tasks that have helped us grow and improve.

The thing I will miss the most, however, is talking with and seeing Ashley every day. Whether analyzing Project Runway or sharing funny stories about random retail interactions, her constant presence has enriched my life immeasurably.

I know there are many Ashley fans out there who will miss her too. Please stop by the shop to congratulate her on the next phase of her life. Boeing is lucky to get her!

You can also keep up with her fashion and beauty advice by following her witty blog: http://www.theworeroom.blogspot.com/

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Rachel with Paint-Stroke Print

I love the painted cross-hatches on this new print. In shades of golden green, navy, gray and tan, the fabric features appealing visual texture.
The gentle ruched look of the bag further emphasizes the print. We topped this Rachel off with glossy navy faux leather and a big navy vintage button.

Like this print? We have more of this fabric in stock for custom designs.

Two More Ribbons Coming Soon

I decided to add two more ribbons to our 2011 palette. These were such obvious choices that I decided to skip the voting process.

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Grandmother's Handiwork

Some objects are so precious, they stay put away in boxes or drawers so no harm can come to them. Take the blue needlepoint panel above: Hand-stitched by our customer's grandmother in the 1950s, it had been kept safe from sun and sight since her death late in that decade.
Our customer brought us the tapestry, probably originally meant to be a chair seat cover, and asked us to make it into a bag. She selected plum microsuede and glossy merlot faux leather to keep the focus on the deep blue and dusty tones of the floral design.
The gold lining tops off the rich combination.  Both Ashley and I had a hand in sewing the piece. It was an honor to work on such a special bag.



Thursday, January 06, 2011

Clever Ways to Wear a Scarf


I get quite a lot of inspiration from YouTube videos. I love seeing real people share their tips in fashion, crafts, and makeup.

Since scarves are now 25% off in our shop (and are such a staple this time of year), I thought I'd share the above video with you. I can't wait to try "The Bow" and "The Triple Wrap."

Check out the rest of our January sale offerings by reading our latest newsletter here.



A Four-Letter Word We Love: SALE

Plus, everything that is already marked down 35% on our clearance table will be 50% off for the duration of this sale.




The Palette Thus Far

I'm having the best time with the ribbon wars on the Laura Bee Designs Facebook page. Here is our customer-built 2011 ribbon palette thus far. I can't wait to make some bags with these pretty textiles.

Vote for your favorites over here. I have a few more heats to share over the next few days.

Tuesday, January 04, 2011

The Ribbon Smack-Down Continues


The green circle dot ribbon above has been a long-time best-seller for us. We recently finished up the roll we had, so we either need to reorder, or find something new to replace it. Visit our Facebook page here to vote for your favorite.

Monday, January 03, 2011

New Year, New Ribbon

Thanks to our terrific holiday season, we need to restock our ribbon collection. As ribbons are the featured detail on so many of our bags such as Kate, Eve, and Rhoda, we order our favorites in bulk so that we have a steady supply of the best-sellers.

This week, we're trying a new approach in deciding which ribbons to order. Visit our Facebook page daily to vote on your favorite ribbons. We'll post pairs of ribbon that have similar colors or patterns, and we'll order the style that has the most 'Likes.'

First up, the black and cream styles shown above. Vote here.