Crushed crimson is a complex chocolate plum shade that I've enjoyed lately.
Until the last year, I haven't worn nail polish in almost a decade. It's completely impractical with my job. However, recently I've enjoyed playing painting my nails again, sending practicality out the window.
My favorite nail polish is probably Gray Suede by Revlon, above. It's a rich nude that makes my fingers look long and tapered. Better yet, chips don't show very much on the nude polish so it always looks great.
Every piece of jewelry in our shop is eligible for our BOGO sale starting tomorrow. Take a look at our March newsletter here to get all of the details, as well as other news.
Navy blue has been making a comeback the last few years. In the 1980s navy was the color of power suits and preppy sport coats. Now navy can be a fashion-forward alternative to black. Our navy microsuede is soft and luxe, making it perfect for the ruching on this Olivia clutch.
I topped off this bag with a sky blue and rhinestone button to add some sparkle. The lining of the purse is the same light blue. While we love patterned fabric on the Olivia clutch, this monochromatic look is a clean, versatile alternative.
Olivia clutch with vintage button embellishment, $63.
While the creature that might have inspired this design doesn't exist in the wild, the pattern on this gauzy cotton scarf will appeal to animal-print lovers of all ages.
The tones of cream, black and gray ombre give the pattern a versatile sophistication. This is the kind of scarf you just toss on, improvise the drape, and look great every time you wear it.
If you live in Seattle and didn't already have Spring Fever, you certainly must have it now after the gorgeous, sunny Sunday we just experienced. This was the view from my table at the Shilshole Bay Beach Club. Who knew we had palm trees in Ballard? I was there for a terrific Yelp event.
Speaking of spring, here's some bright colorful product we have in stock that will brighten any gray day. Above, snap coin purses in bright colors with black and white floral embellishments. $18 each.
Colorful cotton scarves take the chill off and add pop to any outfit. $18.50 each.
Cotton candy pink knee socks with mustaches. Put these on in the morning, and your are guaranteed to have a great day! $8.50 a pair.
If you're tempted by any of these goodies, you can save this week. Print the Yelp Passport to Ballard here, bring the Laura Bee Designs page to our shop and save. The offer is Buy One Get One 50% Off anything readymade in our shop. Thanks Yelp!
The pumped up size of these Victorian-inspired earrings makes them appeal to the modern fashionista. This pair is warm antique gold with a gorgeous aqua stone.
This version of the same design have a blackened silver finish with a cool blue stripey stone.
A few years back cell phones were getting smaller, as flip phones were all the rage. The advent of smart phones means that we need more space to carry our portable electronics..
I have a Droid X, which is possibly the big daddy smart phone in measurements. Larger than the iPhone, it tucks easily into the exterior back pocket of the Clara wristlet (above).
I road-tested a Clara on vacation recently and loved having the phone separate from my cash, room card, and lipstick, which I stashed in main pouch. Our mini wallets tuck beautifully into this compact design.
Clara made of espresso pebble faux suede with red bird ribbon, $44. Matching mini wallet $14. Available in our Seattle store or via email.
I took this quick picture with my phone so that I could show you the adorable Valentine's Day cards that we have this year. Hand screen-printed by the folks at Great Arrow in Buffalo, New York, each card is like a tiny work of art. The ink has a luminous, velvety quality that I haven't seen anywhere else.
This front of this card and a big thumbprint character with the words, "Happy Valentine's Day," on the front. The inside reads, "From thumbbody who loves you!" We have several other styles available, both for romantic love as well as friendship.
PS - We will be open this Monday, Valentine's Day, for last minute shoppers. (You know who you are!) Our hours will be Noon to 6 pm.
I'm excited to tell you that we've been invited to participate in a sweet and lovely (and free!) shindig in Ballard. Click on the image above to learn more. Hosted by our neighbors at Creation Dentistry over on 15h Ave NW, the event is Thursday, February 10th from 4 to 8 pm.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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)
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/
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
