What Was I Thinking?

5 inch heels. New York. Raining = No Taxis Available. Had to walk blocks to the subway. Subway stairs down. Subway stairs up. Switch trains. Stairs up. Stairs down. Walk from subway home. More like stumble home. By the time I reached the door my calves were burning and I was walking with legs bent in a sitting position. Not. Walking. Shoes...

@PiperlimeBrand ::: Soho Pop-Up Store

Like the rest of New York City, I have been bombarded with ads and mentions of Piperlime in the taxis, in WWD, and twitter to name a few. So I guess I am living proof that advertising blitzes do work, because I went to the Piperlime Pop-Up Store in Soho yesterday to see what this was all about.

I was beyond impressed. If you are in New York, GO. I have never bought anything from Piperlime's website, but that will be changing soon because the pop-up store really brought everything to life.  They merchandise with an array of price points and I was especially impressed with the quality of the less expensive items. Sometimes it is hard to translate clothing and accessories on a website (I know that first hand) but I have to say - even if you are not sure how their items are going to translate - from what I saw yesterday - it will be better than what you see pictured (and with free shipping & return shipping you have nothing to lose)!

At the Piperlime Pop-Up store they also give you a chance to style a look with the store's clothing and accessories (my inner stylist was loving this part).  Yesterday's theme was "faux fur" where I had to incorporate a faux piece with my look.  They take pictures of each person's look and judge them at the end of the day. Each day the winner receives a $100 gift certificate to Piperlime.

Some of my favorite items that I saw yesterday ....
Military Jacket $108 (I bought this one and LOVE it)
Stardust Sequin Dress $158
Faux Fur Vest $92
Gold Party Dress $295
Tiered Side Top $95
Batwing Blouse $389
Tallulah Boot $299
Meris Boot $78

If you are in New York: Piperlime Pop-Up Store, 93 Mercer Street at Spring. Open until 3 October.

600 Facebook Fans

Well I just spotted some very nice news - as of today there are now 600 Fans of Cannon Lewis Jewelry on Facebook! Thank you all for your support!

Concierge of Chic: interview w/ designer Patti Flowers

I have known Patti Flowers my entire life. My grandfather and her father fished together every week and as a little girl I would go to her studio and watch her design beautiful dresses. Years later when I got married she designed my wedding gown. Patti's designs have a timeless and sophisticated air while accentuating the mystery and beauty of the female form. Patti's studio is by appointment only and located at 3617 Fairmount Avenue, Dallas TX 75219, ph. 214.369.7027.

Cannon Lewis: As a clothing designer, how did you decide to move into the more niche market of bridal and evening wear?
Patti Flowers: Evening wear was my first love, with the beautiful fabrics, details and endless design possibilities. Bridal found me when I was asked to design wedding gowns for clients. Not long after, I was invited to be the In- House Designer for the Stanley Korshak Bridal Salon, and a new love began.

CL: Who is your style icon?
PF: There are so many. For designers, Coco Chanel and Edith Head. Chanel's classic yet avant-garde approach to design and Edith Head's feminine and glamorous designs for film. As for individuals (this may sound cliché), but Audrey Hepburn for her classic elegance and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy for her understated modern approach. Also Jan Strimple, with her swan like beauty, who embraces every design she wears.

CL: Name a few of your favorite fabrics to use and why?
PF: Double-Faced Silk Satin and Silk Velvet, for the richness and lush textures. These fabrics are wonderful to create interesting design lines and draping, yet embellish beautifully with beading and embroidery.

CL: If you could go back in time and design for one era or decade, which one would it be and why?
PF: The fifties (not because of Mad Men) because design was so feminine and flattered the female body. During this era, women presented themselves in a graceful, elegant manner. The designs whether day or evening were beautifully tailored. However, while I was born In 1956 I would not like to be a professional woman during that era due to the limitations placed on women by others and themselves.

CL: There are many bridal and evening wear designers, but you are consistently considered one of the best in Texas, and sought out by those who could have their pick of any designer. What is it about your designs that make them distinct and desired?
PF: Thank you for your kinds words. It is such an honor to be part of this special time in a bride and her family's life. Since you were one of my brides, I hope you agree with this, but I believe in designing for the bride, so that the bride is the focus not the design of the gown, I want every one at the wedding to say "what a beautiful bride," not "what a beautiful gown".

CL: Tell us about a business lesson you have learned from owning your own company.
PF: My father was right, I should have listened and taken business courses in college. No matter what line of work you go into or what you study, everyone needs to also study business.

CL:What advice do you have for people looking to have a career in fashion design?
PF: Get an education in design and business. Work in the industry in various capacities not just design so you have a good understanding of all the areas surrounding fashion design.

CL: If you could live anywhere for six months where would you go and what would you do?
PF: An isolated place in the mountains. No computers,television, etc. I would sketch, journal, meditate, connect with nature and be able to turn everything off and re-discover in a quiet and creative place. The only problem - my husband likes the beach.

CL: How would you describe your personal style?
PF: Classic with a current updated edge. I love to add a modern look to dresses, suits, evening gowns that have been in my closet for years with new or vintage accessories.

CL: If you could have one piece of Cannon Lewis jewelry, which one would it be and why?
PF: I am very fortunate to have several "vintage " Cannon Lewis pieces and each time I wear one I always get many compliments. I would like to have at least one piece from each of the Cannon Lewis collections, because each collection has such a different feel and speaks to me in a unique way. I particularly love the strength of the Captivate Collection and a necklace from this collection is definitely on my Christmas wish list.
Yet I also sincerely want a piece from the Life Collection with the quote from the designer's Grandmother about Willows: " Be a Willow, Not an Oak. Willows Bend, Oaks break"
It is definitely best to be a "Willow" in the Fashion Industry.

Pictured is an example of a dress designed by Patti Flowers

Jewelry in New Store: Broken English

My jewelry is now carried at the store Broken English in the Brentwood Country Mart in Los Angeles. Broken English is a very cool store and buyer Laura Freedman has an eye for picking original pieces, and it is an honor for me to be in this store. If you are in the area, stop by and see my jewelry or visit the Broken English website here to see the array of interesting pieces she carries.

My Living Room: A Closer Look

I was sitting on the couch and noticed how pretty the roses were in the window. So much has changed though - so I give you two pictures: one a view of my living room as I immediately saw it, and second, upon closer inspection what I found. A baby does change everything but these changes make me smile.

New Website coming soon!

I have some news that I am so excited to share - a new website is on its way! Robert Milam did a fantastic job designing my new logo that captures the essence of my brand (my new logo is featured at the top of this blog) and now he is back for the website design and I can't wait to see what the final product will look like. Robert pays an extreme attention to detail and is a talented artist and there is no one else I would trust more with this project.

The goal of the new site is to give the user a more intimate understanding of the story behind the jewelry pieces and what inspires the designer. The new site will be coming out sometime late fall and I will be busy working on all the details that are involved with getting a new site up.

Let me know if you have any suggestions on how to make the website better, or send me a link to websites that you love for one reason or another.

Homecoming

After a 5 hour flight with two strollers, a baby and a dog, we are in the taxi on our way home after three months away. I remember when I used to visit here and it seemed a bit overwhelming and larger than life. Now I'm in the cab just looking up at the buildings and the people on the streets and smiling - New York I've missed you and its so nice to be back!