21 Days of Forever 21 : Intro

I had a brilliant idea a few days ago. To preface this, I had a baby. My cute tight summer tops of the past are not working out so well these days, and although Core and More is kicking me into shape, I need some outfit forgiveness. After feeling drab for a few months, with the Aha moment being when I wanted to wear workout clothes for the day not because I was working out but because I didn't know what to wear, I took some initiative. I needed some major change without spending everything I have. So I went to Forever 21, stockpiled, and that night put all these outfits together with cards on the hangers saying exactly what to put together for each outfit, since I have about .00000001 minutes in the morning to think about these things with a baby and a dog. So I bring to you my challenge: I am going to wear Forever 21 for 21 days, styled with pieces from my closet and my stunning jewelry, and you guessed it - I will blog about each outfit. Daily.

Smells of Summer

I like to change up my perfumes from season to season. So this is what I smell like right now...(actually come to think of it not really because I just worked out) but in an ideal world:

In Love Again by Yves Saint Lauren (daytime or casual evening)
Mondragore Pourpre by Annick Goutal (for evening)
Un Matin d'Orage by Annick Goutal (daytime)

A word about Annick Goutal - I am a huge fan of her perfumes. Each scent has a story and the bottles are designed to harmonized with the scent inside. I always seem to fall for things with details and stories...

Twitter 2nd Attempt

I decided to get back on Twitter. I don't know why - maybe it is summer and I feel like chatting. So follow me: cannonlewis
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What I love right now

These are some things I love right now:
Wearing: Current Elliot stretch jeans
Reading: Strapless by Deborah Davis - book about Sargent's painting of Madame X
Ambiance: the design of the J.Crew store on Madison & 79th, also the J.Crew store in Malibu.
Mothering: The Nap Sac by Lilly Gold. Basically its a fold out bed that I can take to the beach and the baby sleeps. It isn't the prettiest but amazingly practical.
Relaxing: going to the beach, MOU boots in tow, looking at driftwood
Wish: Antique Buccellati bracelets and rings ... I am currently taking donations - I promise I will take very good care of them
Surviving: Ballet flats 925 by Kenneth Cole. Cute but have good support and I can walk for days in them - must for NYC
Spending: buying estate furniture at Santa Monica Children's Charities
Comfort: hibiscus iced tea, pimento cheese sandwiches, watermelon
Accessorizing: wearing my marquise amethyst ring (see post below)
Sleeping: just that.

I'm Alive...

Sorry about the 2 month blogging hiatus - I wish I could tell you that I was off somewhere Walden style staring at a pond drinking green tea and sketching, but in reality I was running all over the place getting blisters on my feet while trying to finalize the fall line and now I am staring at a blank sketchbook and need to start designing again for spring.
A short re-cap on life:
Sophie dog got a haircut, the bill was $90. Husband says he will cut her hair from now on.
I got a new dress by All Saints (love this brand)
I had a birthday
Husband bought 4 new surfboards
Baby is teething
I am coming to terms with the fact that my shoe size still hasn't returned to its pre-pregnancy size and am remorsefully concluding that shoes are a terrible investment.
I had a fun time working out for the first time - Core and More class @ Sports Club LA

And finally, I leave you with what I should be writing about, ehem.. the jewelry.
Sterling Silver baby spoon ... the word "Love" is written in the vines
Walnut Necklace with blue topaz drop dangling inside - it is sooo cute
Leaf Ring - marquise cut pale amethyst with alexandrite and diamonds looks so cool on ...

Press: Baylor Line Alumni Magazine

Click here to view a recent article on my jewelry in the April 2010 Issue of the Baylor Line Magazine.

Easter at Chelsea Market

I loved Easter when I was little: new dress, new shoes, taking flowers to church to put on the cross, and the eggs. My grandparents had a huge Easter egg hunt at their house, then there was another one at the country club, and then my sister and I would take turns hiding eggs around the house to continue the merriment. My mom had an Easter tree that I helped her make one year and she taught us how to take a needle and blow out the yolks in the eggs and dye them to make ornaments. I even took a class one year to learn to make Czech Easter eggs.

But my favorite eggs of all were the sugar eggs. I remember having small ones with ducks floating in a pond of icing, large ones with a family rabbits in a grassy field, and I even got a kit one year with the supplies to make my own sugar eggs. I saw these eggs today at the Chelsea Market and my heart jumped - for a second I felt like I was age five again and the Easter Bunny was real and my stress list consisted of not being allowed to wear my new white shoes yet and my basket being too small to hold all of my eggs...

First Day of Spring

A friend of mine sent this poem to me and I thought I would share it, since I love seasons and leaves and all they symbolize, and there are lots of Margarets in my life who are very dear to my heart.

Spring and Fall: To a young child

by

Gerard Manley Hopkins

Margaret, are you grieving

Over Goldengrove unleaving?

Leaves, like the things of man, you

With your fresh thoughts care for, can you?

Ah! as the heart grows older

It will come to such sights colder

By and by, nor spare a sigh

Though worlds of wanwood leafmeal lie;

And yet you will weep and know why.

Now no matter, child, the name:

Sorrow's springs are the same.

Nor mouth had, no nor mind, expressed

What heart heard of, ghost guessed:

It is the blight man was born for,

It is Margaret you mourn for.

Snow Stories

On my walk today I saw this and thought it was cool: my boot, Sophie's paw, and a bird's claw.

While the Cat's Away ...

Charles Nolan + (Cannon + Hannah in shopping mood) - (Cannon's husband (he is out of town for a few days)) = DAMAGE.

My friend Hannah and I wandered in this store today. I would like to just move right in. This is an eclectic mix of Charles Nolan's own clothing, vintage clothing, jewelry, shoes, and home furnishings. The decor is so cool - the fireplace in the picture is actually a flat screen TV with a video of a fire burning. I left with two vintage findings, Hannah with some jewelry, my name on a mailing list, and a feeling of joy over my new discovery.

The Waste Land

I love living in a place where there are seasons. A week ago this was glistening white. Oddly enough, I saw this today and thought it was so serene and beautiful. In a month or so, everything will be green. Maybe I will take a picture then to compare ....

"Winter kept us warm, covering earth in forgetful snow, feeding a little life with dried tubers ..." T.S. Eliot

A Reflection on Age and Style

I love my afternoon walks in the park with Sophie. I am able to clear my mind and take in what is around me: the textures, the colors, and the way the sunlight hits the trees is relaxing and refreshing.

Today I saw this lady sitting on a park bench - she had a certain twinkle in her eye, and I don't usually walk up to strangers, but I did. Meet Lily Axel: black crocodile loafers, camel hair coat, red cashmere scarf, lipstick and a brown mink beret. I asked if I could take her picture for a piece I wanted to write, she agreed, but wanted to see what I wrote, so I am meeting her at 5pm tomorrow at the park with a copy of this post.

I was struck with this notion that there is a type of beauty that is only found in aging. The bark on trees becomes more distinctive in time, good architecture on buildings only gets better as cracks form, and marble steps get smoother, rounder and shinier as they are stepped on year after year. Lily has a depth to her style that cannot be replicated because it requires time. She is a reminder to embrace each season of my life and when I grow up, I want to be found in a mink beret and red lipstick sitting outside in style, imbibing the world around me.

Luminaries from London

The candles from Royal Apothic have clean, subtle scents that won't overpower a room. I would buy one for the handmade packaging alone. The "High Tea" fragrance is inspired by Earl Grey tea while "Venetian Grove" smells distinctly of currants. They're available at Fosters in Philadelphia and Anthropologie stores as well. They're a great gift!

Soho Findings - Aero NYC

Soho is home to some of the most amazing interior design stores imaginable. When the designer Thomas O'Brien opened his shop Aero on Broome street, I was beyond excited. O'Brien is known for his "warm modernism" aesthetic, and the store sells everything from refurbished vintage furniture to exquisite objets d'art. While prices can escalate quickly, Aero sells many home accessories well within reach.

Madeleine Macaroons

The macaroons at Madeleine Patisserie on 23rd street in Chelsea are one of my favorite desserts. They are sinfully good but still manage to be light at the same time. The bakery offers so many different flavors in a rainbow of colors, ranging from classic chocolate or pistachio to exotic variations like rose, fig, and pina colata. When it's available, the caramel fleur de sel is the absolute best.

Discovering Decoupage

The exquisite decoupage pieces from John Derian are true pieces of art. Using vintage colored paper cutouts, there are an infinite number of objects in all shapes and sizes that are beautiful on their own. The flat plates and trays are the perfect place to keep and display jewelry.

Tea & Treats

I was downtown today, and after strolling briefly (it was 22 degrees!) on the Highline, I wandered into Chelsea Market. It's a beautiful, industrial space that used to be home to the National Biscuit Company but now houses lots of retail stores and restaurants, as well as the Food Network offices. Friedman's is my favorite lunch place there, and Eleni's has amazing cupcakes and cookies. But I passed both of those up for a cup of the Genmai-cha at the T Salon. It's Japanese green tea with puffed brown rice. I also tried the vegan coconut cake - surprisingly good! I could spend hours in Chelsea Market and never get bored.

Something Sketchy

Angelio Batle sculpts these objects out of graphite in his San Francisco studio. I stumbled across them when I was wandering around ABC Carpets & Home, and immediatly fell in love. When I used to sketch more, I would spend a long time picking out my pencils and I would get excited about finding that special graphite pencil that produces the exact shade I needed. So when I came across these sculptures I had to have one. Not only are they beautiful and nature inspired, but I can draw with them. So, meet my new pencil. I can't wait to see what it will produce.

Champagne favorites

While I definitely don't think champagne should only be enjoyed on New Year's Eve, tonight is undeniably synonymous with the bubbly stuff. I'm looking forward to 2010, but in honor of 2009, here is a recession-friendly list of great champagnes under $40. I haven't tried all of them, but of those I've sampled, my favorite is the Georges Gardet. It's available at my favorite wine shop in New York, Bottlerocket on 19th street. Happy New Year!

NYC in watercolor

A friend of a friend introduced me to Caitlin McGauley's gorgeous illustrations. She lives in New York and, inspired by the city, paints beautiful watercolors of her surroundings. Check out her amazing blog!!

As it gets colder outside, I'm finding new ways to warm up. The hot chocolate at Mariebelle in Soho definitely does the trick. I get the "spicy" one flavored with cinnamon, nutmeg, and chipotle. I know it sounds a little strange, but it's delicious. It goes perfectly with a few of their amazingly beautiful chocolates. My favorite is the champagne. It's a perfect last minute gift!

12 Drummers Drumming - Leaf Cross Necklace

The leaf cross necklace is becoming another very popular Cannon Lewis piece. It is so simple but the leaf texture adds a fine detailed element, and the little diamond is so understated but adds so much at the same time. The piece is available in 14k yellow gold and sterling silver.

11 Pipers Piping - Opal Matrix Necklaces

I love these opal matrix necklaces because of their individual personalities. Each one is one of a kind and the texture of the golden bezel is as if the stone was dripped on by the hot wax of a candle. The opals are all different, the one pictured above is engraved with the word "Glow" on the back. Others pieces range from witty to serious. I love them all.

10 Lords a Leaping - Tree Pose Necklace

The Tree Pose Necklace is a beautiful necklace that sparkles from within. Tiny faceted stones jingle from the inside and the word "tree pose" is carved into the gold, with an image of a tree with a diamond on the other side. This necklace is such a tiny treasure and those who love detail, subtle sparkle, various textures and hidden words will love this piece.

9 Ladies Dancing - Captivate Necklaces

The Captivate Necklaces are all one of a kind. I start out with the stone and do a drawing of a scene that I think best fits with the colors and fire in the boulder opals. Poetry or phrases are engraved on the back, and tiny sapphires and diamonds are set in the gold to bring out the brilliant colors of the boulder opals. These necklaces take a long time to produce, but the end result is truly a work of art, and a beautiful pendant to be enjoyed for years to come.

8 Maids a Milking - Silver Captivate Necklace

The Silver Captivate necklace with blue topaz is a beautiful, artistic statement. A blue topaz is encased in a silver frame, and a tiny diamond is set inside. Poetry is engraved on the back of the pendant to complete the necklace. I love the ice blue of the stone mixed with the brushed silver. A perfect pendant for those who like detail with a touch of drama.

7 Swans a Swimming - Willow Earrings

I also wear my Willow Earrings all the time. They are great earrings to dress up or wear daily, and the tiny accent diamond is a nice touch. I like the saying on the back, which reminds me to be flexible - its something my grandmother always says, "Be a willow, not an oak. Willows bend, oaks break." The earrings are available in two sizes, Medium, which is great for every day wear, and Large, which is a great size if you are looking for a larger statement earring.

6 Geese a Laying - Maltese Cross Necklace

The Maltese Cross is a new addition to the Trouve collection. It is very small and delicate, and perfect if you are looking for a small cross to wear. The necklace layers well, and I love the little accent diamond. Available in sterling silver or 14k gold, this is a great piece for those who like tiny necklaces with an artistic element.

5 Golden Rings - Flat Tree Ring

I am actually wearing this ring as I am typing this post. I love the flat tree ring because it lays flat on the finger. The shank has nice bark-like texture, and the tiny diamond adds a little sparkle. The word "Fly" is hidden in the branches, and I really just like looking at the ring. So, if you are looking for a nice ring that can be worn all the time but doesn't get in the way, with an organic yet refined twist, might I make a suggestion ...

4 Calling Birds - Sand Dollar Dove Necklace

The Sand Dollar Dove is a classic Cannon Lewis piece. I never take mine off, and its a great piece to wear alone or layer with. The dove is from the inside of a sand dollar. The texture of the wings is so detailed, and the little diamond adds just the right amount of sparkle. This necklace is available in sterling silver or in 14k gold with a diamond. There is another version in silver with a pink freshwater pearl. This is a great necklace for someone who likes delicate, simply jewelry and for someone who likes texture and tiny pendants to accent their other jewelry.

3 French Hens - Window Necklace

I know I am partial to all of my jewelry, but this is one of my new favorites - the 14k yellow and rose gold Window necklace, w/cognac diamond & pink sapphire. There are 3 panels depicting different layers of a scene that can be flipped to show each scene in front. The necklace hangs from an 18 inch 14k yellow spiral chain. Pendant approx .75in tall. Back panel is engraved: "Look Inside." The necklace is fun to wear and change the scenes that face the front. If you are looking to give a gift with detail, a little edge, and one that tells a story, this is an option.

2 Turtle Doves - Sand Dollar Dove Earrings

Many people have asked for an earring version of the classic sand dollar dove pendant. Here they are - available in 14k gold or sterling silver with diamonds, the beautiful texture of the dove wings and the dangling diamonds make a nice, versatile statement.

A Partridge in a Pear Tree - Hanging Tree Necklace

The Hanging Tree Necklace has edge. It explores the different looks of silver. An oxidized silver tree swings inside a silver boat that is high polished on the inside, satin finished on the outside. A diamond is set on the back of the boat, and on a branch of the tree. On the back it is engraved: "The smallest branch can start a fire." If you are looking for a gift that has detail, a little sparkle, and a little bit of attitude, this might be your option.

The 12 Gifts of Christmas Jewelry Event

On the website I have featured a collection of 12 styles that I think will make wonderful gifts this season for you and for your family and friends. Included are some classics, like the sand dollar dove necklace, and some new pieces like the window necklace, and one of a kind captivate necklaces.

You have from Wednesday December 2nd at 9am until Sunday, December 6th at 9pm, to buy these pieces online at a significantly discounted price. After Sunday, the price goes back to the original retail price.

I will be blogging about each of the 12 styles and why I think they will make wonderful gifts, so stay tuned!

One of My Co-workers ...

Running into Jewelry Website Shipping Issues?

If you ordered multiple jewelry pieces on the website and it charged you double shipping, do not worry, this will be credited back to your credit card. Sorry about the confusion ... we are trying to get this fixed.

New New News: Window Event is Here!!! & Giveaway!!

The Cannon Lewis Jewelry Website Window Event has begun!

The event is from 9am Monday, September 28 to 9am Wednesday, September 30.

There are TWO Jewelry Giveaways going on - enter the 1st giveaway on the contact page of the website. To enter the 2nd giveaway, send a friend (or as many friends as you want to increase your chances) to the website, and have them fill out the form also, and make sure they put your name in the "Sent Here by a Friend?" section. Each mention of your name counts an additional entry. Giveaway 1 is a pair of Peacock Earrings, Giveaway 2 is a pair of Medium Willow Earrings.

Here are the featured items - you can click on them to be directed to the website to view the Window Event Prices