Trend Report: Spring ’09 Accessory Report #2

I have to admit, this is one trend I loved the second it hit the runways. The thing is…I would not classify this as a trend. The classic shapes and colors seen here are timeless. They work well with women of all ages too.

Safari chic is nothing new but this season there are some wonderful new twists that make the trend fresh and exciting. In 2009 we will see more structured cargo pieces are being paired with draped pieces to soften the look.

You can’t pull off safari without a hint of animal prints. How many kinds you wear at once depends on how brave you are but my rule of thumb is to wear animal prints on accessories or as accents only…. but that’s just me!

Look for African inspired jewelry made of chuncky resin, horn, antique metal finishes and unexpected materials like hemp or bamboo cord.

Cargo pockets are useful for storing ipods or lassos (think Indiana Jones). So its only natural to see pockets o’plenty on everything from pants to purses.

Finish off the look with a wide brimmed hat or fedora and the ever-so-cool aviator glasses. Its a jungle out there…might as well dress the part and look great too!

Ten Minutes with Naomi Herndon of Herndon Heald Jewelry

It was love at first sight. The tiny discs glittered off my screen calling my name. They turned out to be called paillettes and the true signature for a company with a conscious called Herndon Heald. This Santa Fe based company takes their jewelry seriously. They make everything by hand including some of the tools they use! The finished product is a testament of the love and care that goes into every single piece they make. Three artists started the company and I had the pleasure of speaking to one of them; Naomi Herndon.

Oligoville: How did you become a jewelry designer?

My background was sculpture. I first worked as a polisher and apprentice at Cartier. Then a manufacturer in Dallas was looking for a producer. That job did not involve Photoshop so every collection was hand drawn. They were then manufactured in Bali and China. Working on other’s jewelry isn’t as fun as designing your own. So now I make and design everything. I make our own clasps, extenders and jewelry tags. We have been in business for 2 years and have 3 full time employees.

Oligoville: Describe the concept and inspiration behind Herndon Heald.

Some of our inspiration comes from antique Indian wedding jewelry. They have discs we call paillettes. Those are seen on Indian anklets. In Santa Fe we are surrounded by Native American jewelry as well. We take inspiration from older jewelry and also how a modern day woman wears her jewelry. Jeri Lynn does a lot of weaving and crocheting techniques while Mark brings in his expertise in Native American jewelry. As designers, we tend to get ideas from many different places, even sculptures around town.

Oligoville: Where did the name Herndon Heald come from?

It’s our names; Mark and I are the Herndons and Jeri Lynn is the Heald. Our jewelry tag bears an anvil with a heart symbol in it. We wanted something that is specifically us. The logo represents that it is all hand done. We even make our own hammers for creating certain textures. In the past, jewelry was passed down. We want to bring that back. It may just be a silver cuff, but it belonged to a great grandmother. The anvil reflects the care that was taken to make each piece.

Oligoville: How was your brand born?

I met Jeri Lynn working for another company in Santa Fe. We moved here because Mark got a job teaching metalsmithing at a school. I had worked for different companies over time that took care of their workers and their employees but at this company I just didn’t feel comfortable with their stance on how they treated everyone. However, I really fell in love with Santa Fa. Jeri Lynn goes between Santa Fe and Austin. Her recent trip from India influenced our mission to be a caring and trusted manufacturer. You can trust and know that everything you’re getting from us is made with care and we’re not using child labor or any of that. We wanted to create a company that was in line with our morals.

Oligoville: Tell us about some unexpected set backs you have faced since starting your business and what you have learned from that.

One unexpected setback can be my cell phone for example. I have missed some phone calls here in the mountains that I wish I hadn’t. Another set back I have learned from is related to production. When making a collection, some of them are what you see is what you get for the year. I’ll have an earring that I know will sell well, so I have to be careful on how to use my stones. I’ve learned to be honest with customers and I have learned to say no and be up front when I cant do a certain quantity. If its not re orderable, I make it clear now. It seems like a rookie mistake, but when you’re starting out you have no way of knowing what design is going to be a big hit.

When we first started hiring employees, we had to really think about our pricing. Your pricing is affected by workers comp, insurance and overhead. When we bought all our computer stuff is when I really understood how everything worked.

Oligoville: What three things got you where you are today?

1. The three of us. If you can find someone you like, being a partner is like being married. One of us manages the business, one does thes manufacturing side, and one of us is creating something new. Finding the right partners was number one.
2. We really did our homework when we started our business. We have used an organization called SCORE and also used all the small business centers in our town. Its free. Why not? We did our homework.
3. Being prepared for what is about to happen. I don’t think you can ever be fully prepared to run a business. Starting a business is like having a child. Some people think it’s just about making pretty things, but its like running a marathon sometimes every week. Our studio is 1200 sq feet and sometimes I never even see Mark…… and we’re married! A lot of people don’t realize how hard it really is.

Oligoville: On a typical day, describe what you’re wearing and where you found it.

We have these hoops called new moon hoops. They are the first thing we ever made. I couldn’t find lightweight gigantic hoops. I tried and nobody could make some nice ones. They may be silver or gold but I always wear those first.

Oligoville: What key techniques should every aspiring jewelry designer know? Do you have any advice do you have for aspiring designers?

I feel for me the most important thing is to really know what you want to do and what is your message. Know who you are. Stick to your own vision. People When you talk to buyers stay true to your vision and your style. You can say no. At the end of the day, it has to be fun. I really enjoy working in the studio and making jewelry.

Oligoville: If you were not a designer, what would you be?

I would want to make shoes! I have so many ideas.

If her shoes are anything like her jewelry. I’m sold!

Bejeweled Clutches, A New Years Eve Must Have

Clutches by ShylaB

… 3 … 2 … 1… HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! Cue: Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind?

New Years Eve fashion decisions are vital, life-altering decisions in the eyes of many-a-women. My best friend Meghan is a make-up artist. Poor Meggy’s been fully booked since Halloween! It’s true; the ladies love to look hot on New Years Eve. After all, everyone wants to look sexy while sipping champagne! And to further up the sexy ante, this year’s must-have accessory is an embellished and beautiful bejeweled clutch…to go with that great party dress you bought last week.

The following are definitely drool worthy:

The Judith Leiber rectangular, black bejeweled clutch converts from a clutch to a shoulder bag. At $3,995, I wonder if it also converts into a small airplane …(for that price it should!)

Devi Kroell also carries a dazzling embellished silver clutch for a mere $1,290.

Prada, ohhh naughty little Prada, with your naughty little dahlia satin jeweled clutch for $1,036.

The stunning little pink satin devil by La Regale is only $45, and just as show-stopping.

The gold sexy little kitty is made by Italian designer Ripani and bejeweled with gold and bronze metallic at $198.
The green hinged baguette with cinched green pleather by Cynthia is $65 and uniquely elegant.

crystal clutch garden by Didesi

While some of these designs are a bit on the pricey side, rest assured that H&M, Forever 21, and Target have equally fabulous jeweled clutches too. Remember that fashion is crucial, but the best part of New Years Eve is having fun and celebrating the new year with those you love most.

Also, the real must-have accessory to party it up on New Years Eve is a designated driver. Be safe, look fabulous, and Happy New Year from all of us at Oligoville!

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