Meet the Press: WhereTraveler.com

Cannon Lewis' Willow Earrings are featured in the holiday gift guide on www.WhereTraveler.com click here to view the article.

Santa's Gift Guide 2010

The Merry, Merry, Details... I met up with Santa Claus earlier this month while he was in New York on business assessing the gifting options this year. We came up with a list for those of you who are a bit confused and don't know where to turn for distinctive gifts for your families and friends, and per Santa's request, 30% off all the listed items, and if they are going to be discontinued, there is even more savings. SANTA'S little jewelry LIST: 1. If She likes to layer delicate things very small, tiny pendants may be the call: sand dollar dove necklace, starfish earrings, leaf cross necklace, leaf earrings. 2. If She is a bit of a bohemian wanderlust, searching for things unique and new, then go for the unusual cue: opal matrix necklaces, grow pendant, long slice of shell necklace, captivate necklace, tree pose pendant. 3. If She has a sentimental bend, the window necklace, sand dollar dove necklace, captivate necklace could be something that you send. 4. If She loves the beach and her times in the sand, these pendants can be the plan: starfish necklace, shell necklace, sand dollar dove necklace, starfish earrings slice of shell necklace 5. If She loves something big, and wears her jewelry on display, the Cat's Eye Operculum Bracelet is sure to make her day. 6. If she is a kid and you don't know what to do, here are a few options for you: mini-captivate necklace, sand dollar dove necklace with pearl, opal cross necklace, 7. If you have a baby in mind and want a classic choice, this keepsake option is one that I would voice: silver baby spoon 8. If she is a statement maker, and looking for something bold the medium willow earrings, quartz life necklace, large willow earrings, are very popular I've been told. 9. If She says she has everything and doesn't want things, but you and I know that's not exactly what she means: captivate necklace, window necklace, 10. If You are seeking gifts for a deal, here are a few items listed for a steal: pink pearl necklace, jade necklace, silver peacock ring mini captivate necklace, silver captivate necklace, opal cross, coral cross, captivate earrings, ***If You are a Guy & have no idea what to do? Or if You are a Girl & need Santa to give your man a clue - we can help: email santa@cannonlewis.com or call 1.888.886.2418

Concierge of Chic: An interview with Lisa Fine

I have known Lisa Fine all my life - she and my mother went to boarding school together, and to me she has always been my mother's very fabulous friend who travels the world, writes, decorates, and designs. But it is her sense of humor that I love the most (you will see hints of it in the interview). In addition to Lisa's current textiles line, she and Carolina Irving started Irving & Fine, a clothing line full of fantastic tunics, blouses, and coats with prints and embroidery.


Cannon Lewis: What is your inspiration for the Irving & Fine clothing?
Lisa Fine: Ottoman & Eastern European folk costume and old Yves Saint Laurent.

CL: What made you decide to start a clothing line?
LF: On a whim. I couldn't find what I wanted so I started making blouses for myself and so many people liked them so I made more.

CL: What is your favorite piece from the Irving & Fine collection?
LF: The Tangier Peasant Blouse.

CL: What's next for Irving & Fine?
LF: To have an e-commerce site.

CL: Name a lesson you have learned from starting your own business?
LF: Never think too hard or you will never do it.

CL: You have an apartment in Paris and in New York, and travel to India and Texas all the time. If you had to pick one place, where would you be?
LF: I don't have to pick at the moment. If it ever happens, I might not have a choice - it will probably pick me.

CL: You have traveled everywhere and seen so many ways of life. How has this shaped you as a person?
LF: It keeps me from getting bored.

CL: Where do you go to clear your head?
LF: India - because there is so much chaos going on around, that as chaotic as I might be, it is still calming.

CL: What is something you haven't done but have always wanted to do?
LF: A lot of things. These are all so politically incorrect, but I'm dying to do more trips in Central Asia. I'd like to go to Uzbekistan, Iran, Afghanistan, Cambodia, and Peru.

CL: What is a funny memory you have of my mother from high school?
LF: We were all staying at a friend's older sister's house, and your mom had a date with this guy who we thought was silly and such a goose. So after she left to go on the date, we re-configured the sprinkler system so that when they came home and he was about to kiss her at the door, we turned it on, and they both got sprayed. We chased him off.
CL: What is your favorite piece of Cannon Lewis jewelry?
LF: I love the silver baby spoon and the captivate necklaces.

To view Lisa Fine's textile line, click here. www.lisafinetextiles.com
To view Lisa Fine's clothing line, click here. www.irvingandfine.com 

Shop:Reed Krakoff

photo from Net-A-Porter

Walking down Madison Avenue I am bombarded with so many beautiful ways to allocate my cash. Todays' temptation: Reed Krakoff. I've wanted to see the new store and today I did, and I found some boots (actually two pair maybe three) that would blend so well with what I wear.  And I confirmed that I have expensive taste, and no matter what people rationalize and tell you, shoes are a depreciating asset. Which leaves me thinking that my best option at this point is: Dear Santa, ...

Almost Famous

photo courtesy of BCBG

At this point in my life I have one child and a labradoodle named after me (I knew the owner when I was little, and as fate would have it, 15 years later when I heard someone yelling "Cannon" at the dog park, I met my namesake).

However:

SAXON, my sister in law, works for BCBG corporate and the buyer named this pair of sunglasses after her (see the style number). Not only are these very cool shades, but not too many people can say they have something chic named after them.  All I can say is that I happened to know her before ...

Concierge of Chic: Interview with Kirby Woodson Legate

Concierge of Chic
An interview with Kirby Woodson Legate

A mutual friend put me in contact with Kirby when I moved up to New York. Kirby is the founder of Petite Alma, a multi-faceted design studio, with a stationery line that is carried through www.tinyprints.com My Christmas cards, baptism invitations, and birth announcements have been from her company. She has fantastic style and taste, and writes an amazing blog. You can visit her website here.

Cannon Lewis: You have a strong background in children's clothing design from you stints with babyGap, Bonpoint, and Marie Chantal. What made you decide to move from clothing to paper?
Kirby Legate: Well, I still dabble in the clothing industry and hope to get back into it very soon.  I never really made a choice to leave it, but the stationery area of my business took off and demanded more and more of my time.   Now, 6 years later, I finally have my business arranged in a way that I have time to get back to some of the others areas I love- clothing being one of them.

CL: What is the story behind your company's name, Petite Alma?
KL: Precious Alma...  When I was designing for Bonpoint in Paris, our fit models came in on Thursdays.  Our 4 year old fit model was Alma.  I'll never forget her prancing around the studio speaking french and teasing me about my accent.   Not shy at all with a spunky little personality.  I looked forward to Thursdays, just to see little Alma.  She was the perfect muse for my company.

CL: In five years from now, where do you see your company?
KL: Wow, that's a tough one because I was taught a long time ago to think BIG even if you are small.  There are so many things we want to do, but you never know which ones will actually materialize.  I never thought I would be in the stationery world, but it just happened, so maybe there is something out there I can't even image right now.  Ideally, we would love to have a collection of baby bedding, a layette/ children's clothing line, petite alma toys and games, more letterpress, gift sets and offer interior design for children's rooms.  We will see which ones we get to!

CL: When I started designing jewelry, it was my love for the product and creative outlet that drove me to then start a company, but it has been the business side that has kept me going. Name one business lesson you have learned from starting your own company.
KL: The one who looses it, loses.  (my dad taught me that one)  It's true- in the midst of a business argument, if you loose it, you're done.  It's more acceptable for men to loose it because they are supposed to be the tough guy, but when a woman looses it, people just roll their eyes and say we are being emotional.

CL: Where do you go for inspiration?
KL: I live in NYC, so I'm lucky to be surrounded by creative people and unique boutiques.  I get a lot of my clothing inspiration just from seeing what people are wearing on the streets.

CL: If you could live somewhere else for six months, where would you go and what would you do?
KL: I'd go back to Paris.  I would take french lessons in the mornings, explore in the afternoons and eat lots of macaroons!

CL: Where are some of your favorite places to shop and eat in New York City?
KL: I am a boutique shopper, so I don't frequent the big stores like Barney's and Bergdorf very often.  I love Otte and Nili Lotan in Tribeca and Zadig and Voltaire in the Meatpacking district.  As for food, I love the Harrison in Tribeca and for a really special dinner, I love Aquavit.  Perry Street is one of my favorites too.

CL: What advice do you have for someone just starting out in your field?
KL: Expect the best (from Norman Vincent Peale's inspiring book, The Power of Positive Thinking) and believe you can do it!

CL: How would you describe your personal style?
KL: Simple. Clean.  Neutrals with pops of color.  Classic old styles mixed with modern accents.  Informal. 

CL: If you could have one piece of Cannon Lewis jewelry, which one would it be and why?
KL: I like the leaf earrings with diamonds because they are elegant, but casual enough to wear everyday.  But it's hard to narrow it down to one!

Stealing Angels Music Video

My Godsister Caroline Cutbirth's first music video. So proud of her!!

Stealing Angels

New York in the Rain

I had plans to meet my friend for dinner at Stanton Social in the Lower East Side and it was raining. Saw a cab and there are never cabs in the rain - thought I was lucky. Took the cab, 45 minutes later still in cab and gridlocked. Got out of cab and took subway. Sat next to Adele. She likes the name Miranda though, not because of Sex in the City but because she has always loved it. So her boyfriend calls her Miranda. I told her I am from Texas. Her face lit up and she told me her boyfriend is from Oklahoma. I have been to Oklahoma once and it is NOT Texas, but I smiled and went with it. Told her to take her boyfriend to Hill Country BBQ because that is the only real BBQ in the City. My new friend got off on her stop, and then a few stops later I got off the train, walked for a good 10 minutes in the rain, arrived over-fashionably late (1hr 15min), but it was a wonderful time and my cab back took 20 minutes total.

The peculiar thing is this: I love New York even in the rain and inconvenience. My first thought was as I got off the train and was walking to the restaurant, arriving later than I think I have ever been, was this: I am so glad I brought and umbrella, and how wonderful is it that it is so small that it fits in my clutch purse.

In the Limelight

I was in Chelsea and took a wrong turn and stumbled upon the Limelight Marketplace. Originally an Episcopal Church built in 1885, it was later deconsecrated and turned into a nightclub in the '80s and '90s that got shut down and now has been turned into the most charming collection of 60 mini shops. There are furniture shops, clothing boutiques, and tiny bakery counters, and a specialty deli. Marie Belle (some of my favorite chocolate) has a treat cart there and the whole place is completely charming.

Just Checking In ...

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!

What Do You Think?

I have created a short survey that will help guide the Cannon Lewis jewelry brand going forward. The survey is only 7 questions and should take less than 5 minutes to complete.

The survey is completely anonymous. I really appreciate you taking this survey as the results will help me make important decisions. Thank you for your support, friendships, and input! You can Click Here to take the survey.

Surfing Big Dume

Big Dume is one of my favorite places to go in Malibu. My husband would surf all day if he could, and on this afternoon I went with him. I got this great picture of him surfing (he is the one on the far right).