Designer Becky Ellis says her designs are meant to “inspire and capture the imagination while satisfying our collective environmental conscience.” Mission accomplished!

thinknowdesign.com

Circle Array Earrings

Bubbles Earrings

Coral Earrings

Honey Earrings

By: NewNaturalista

I’m in love with these handbags. They’re perfect for those casual days – colorful, but not over the top – and they have everything you want in a bag – lots of space and pockets. The designer Judianne also has a special place in my heart – she lives right up the street in Marysville, WA.

Coriander Clay Handbag $46

Ginseng Boom $35

Optic Blossom $46

To Buy: Judianne

By: NewNaturalista

Jeanine Hays

AphroChic founder and interior designer Jeanine Hays grew up in small town Pennsylvania with aspirations of the big city.  ”I spent a lot of my time as a young girl dreaming of living in Philadelphia, and when that dream came true, I found myself so inspired by the special blend of history, art, music and design, that gives the city its unique flavor,” says Hays.  Her love for art, culture and design is certainly evident in her latest venture, “AphroChic Collection” an all organic, sustainable pillow line which launched last year.

AphroChic

AphroChic is based out of San Francisco and all of the pillows and apparel are printed on 100 % Belgian linen, silk and cotton. Even the packaging is made with eco-friendly papers. 90% of the company’s products are made in the Bay area.

NewNaturalista: You have a distinct style and aesthetic.  How would you describe it?

Jeanine Hays: My design aesthetic is a celebration of modern design, culture, sustainability and my love for making home interiors absolutely beautiful.  I’ve always believed that good design is fearless, so I’m always looking to be bold and colorful. My style has its cultural roots in my east coast upbringing, but it’s also very much inspired by California living.  At AphroChic we simply call it “modern soulful style”.

AphroChic

NewNaturalista: Your pillows are made from 100 percent natural Belgian linen and silk.  Why was that important to you?

Hays: My philosophy is that you can’t offer great design without thinking about the environmental impact of what you’re doing. Green is great, and it’s something we’re striving towards at AphroChic, but to begin with, we’ve decided to focus on the larger philosophy of sustainability, which is more accessible to small businesses. Using natural fabrics is critical to that focus, while at the same time allowing us to offer the very best to our customers. Belgian linen and silk are high-end natural materials that wear well, can be cared for easily, and don’t use synthetics that can harm the environment. As our collection grows, we plan to go a step further and use 100% organic fabrics.

NewNaturalista: You began as a blogger.  Tell us what inspired you to branch into interior design.

Hays: I have always had a passion for interior design. After years of blogging about the work of other designers, I thought it was time to lend my voice and aesthetic to the world of home decor. I wanted to develop a collection that not only speaks to my love of modern design, but that celebrates my cultural perspective as a woman of color. While AphroChic pillows can fit into any home or interior, they offer a special significance to people of color who haven’t seen their perspective represented in the design world.

NewNaturalista: Aside from your business philosophy, are you natural in other ways?

Hays: I live in California, so I am spoiled by organic fruits, vegetables, meat, and even wine. There is nothing better than tasting an organic piece of fruit that has not been tampered with, and that is just purely delicious. Once you go organic, you never want to go back.

AphroChic

Ultimately Hays would like to make AphroChic a lifestyle brand offering a unique selection of home decor and apparel which continues to speak to culture, modern design, and sustainable thinking.   That includes pillows, wallpaper, housewares, and upholstered furniture. She says, “In the end, the ultimate goal is to be happy in what I’m doing, and to offer a new vision in the world of design.”  She’s well on her way!

aphrochicshop.com

Peace and prosperity is her motto — positive energy and intention put into every one of her pieces.   PeaceImages

Leaf Earrings $35

Red Dawn $27

Fall Nile Waters $30

By: NewNaturalista

Here in Seattle, cupcake shops are literally replacing coffee stands – and it seems those delectable treats are also inspiring jewelry! Check out these designs by Addy Rose Couture.

Addy Rose Couture

Addy Rose Couture

Addy Rose Couture

Flower in "Bloom"

Ribbons, crystals, pearls - Andrea’s Beau is pure adornment, and what woman doesn’t love pretty things?  I know this one does!  Back when I donned long locks I loved the look of headbands, I thought they looked smart and offered a bit of class.  Andrea’s Beau doesn’t disappoint in that department.  When visiting Andrea’s site, I drooled over all of the looks — the prices however, are reserved for special occasions!  Women’s products range from $22 to $38.  Girls headbands start at about $20, far from my $6 Target favorites!   Andrea herself says you get what you pay for.

She says the products are handmade by a team of women here in the United States.   That means the headbands (unlike my Target favorites) are not outsourced.  Andrea also points out, there is a personal connection towards the products they create, which results in superior workmanship.

Andrea was kind enough to answer a few other questions about her brand.

Fall and Winter Looks

NewNaturalista: How did you get your start?

Andrea’s Beau: I came from a creative family and artistic expression was encouraged. While I was on maternity leave from my job as a teacher, I began tinkering with ribbons, which I love, to make hair things for the daughters of my friends. Everyone loved my creations and encouraged me to attempt to sell them. So I did. I was quite lucky to get picked up by Saks 5th Avenue, Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom in the early years.

NewNaturalista: There’s a definite sense of femininity and softness in your pieces. Tell us why that’s important to you?

Andrea’s Beau: We strive to produce classically beautiful designs while being attentive to trends. We aim for our products to have timeless appeal. For us, lovely feminine hip yet not faddish styles that will stand the test of time. We want our products to never overwhelm a female, but merely complement every female’s innate beauty.”

Diamond Flower Headband

I am all for for products made with passion. I guess I feel a sense of understanding that quality work makes all the difference.  With that said, I’ve got Andrea’s Beau bookmarked for special occasion pieces!  Her designs are also great inspiration.

You can find Andrea’s Beau products at Saks 5th Avenue, Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom.  Check out her designs at: http://andreasbeau.com

Here are also some other links to some cool hair accessory lines all handmade!

Boutique De Bandeaux - Price Range $8-$20

http://www.etsy.com/shop/boutiquedebandeaux

Soft – feminine – hip.  Cotton bracelets from EasternSky.  Great for layering. Check them out:

By: New Naturalista

Let me start with the package.

It arrived from Singapore – which made it all the more intriguing.  Inside, a pair of earrings and a necklace I’d purchased from Fleur Ave.’s Etsy site.  I’m late to the Etsy party — I’ve perused a few pages but never took the plunge to purchase.  Fleur Ave.’s page was too good to pass up — the jewelry was just my style.  Classy, simple, elegant — and handmade!   So back to the package.

I opened it and was greeted by this small paper bag with the Fleur Avenue emblem.  “Fleur Avenue,” it reads, “Your Are Beautiful.” How sweet!

The jewelry did not disappoint.  Absolutely — me. Inspired by Chanel, a couture looking locket necklace, minus the couture price. ($22)  The bow earrings, classy and vintage looking.  ($10)  And handmade by the sweet as sugar Brenda Pan. She’s a graphic designer by day in Singapore and a jewelry maker by night.  Her disposition is just as refreshing as her jewelry; I can just imagine her making my beautiful bow earrings and necklace with a smile.

I have to say my first Etsy experience did not disappoint.  As part of my new naturalista lifestyle, I love the idea of buying from someone who really appreciates my business.  Arrivederci big box chains!

Q & A with the queen of Fleur Avenue, Brenda Pan:

NewNaturalista: How did you get started making jewelry?

Brenda Pan: I guess it just sort of happened.  I quit flying, became jobless and it was a year before I could attend university.  So instead of looking for another ob, I decided I wanted to do something for myself, to be my own boss, to have a little boutique to call my own and hopefully make some money.  I was also constantly in search of “my ideal” whimsical jewelry but nothing came close.  A little voice inside of me said, “why not just create my own?” and FA was born.

New Naturalista: Where do you gain your inspiration?

Brenda Pan: A huge part of my inspiration comes from my imagination and “feelings” (maybe being a pisces helps too lol).  I daydream alot about fairies, old castles, countrysides and romance.  I also draw inspirations and palettes from daily objects, the environment, fashion shows, magazines and places like “lookbook.”

NewNaturalista: Are your pieces custom?

Brenda Pan: No, but no two pieces come out the same so I do alterations on length to fit.

NewNaturalista: What are your future aspirations?

Brenda Pan: It’s a secret but you will see!

For more information on Brenda’s designs: fleuravenue.com