Sneak Peek - New Collection, New Website Coming Soon!

I have had my hands full for past few weeks - can't wait to show you what I've been up to!  Here is an advance image from the latest photo shoot.  My new website will be launching in just a few weeks!

Photo by Amanda Waltman Photography

Visit me on www.JoannaMorganDesigns.com

Most Asked Question - How Do I Care For My Jewelry?

There's one question that comes up most often whenever I talk to clients - "how do I care for my jewelry?"  You love your new bling, and now you'd like to take care of it the best you can, so it lasts you forever.

Here are a few tips from me to you - simple, common sense, and easy to follow:

• When storing jewelry keep each piece separate.  Gold, silver, and other metal can scratch each other, and stones and enamel can chip when they hit one another.  Take special care of softer stones, such as opals, emeralds, and aquamarines; same applies to pearls.  Keep everything in its box, ideally custom fitted original packaging. 

• Many gems should not be exposed to chemicals - let your perfume and hair spray dry completely before you put on your jewelry, especially pearls.  Don't wear jewelry and watches to the beach or pool, and while doing housework.

• I always recommend keeping silver jewelry in tightly fastened plastic bags (such as Ziploc) to prevent tarnishing when not in frequent use.  Anti-tarnish strips can be added to the bags.  If your silver jewelry still blackens, bring it to a friendly jeweler to have it cleaned. 

• Some stones are fragile - dropping a jewelry piece onto a hard surface may damage them.  Always put down your jewelry gently.

• Ultrasonic cleaning machines are great for some pieces of jewelry, but may damage others - so only hard stones should go into the ultrasonic bath (such as diamonds), but softer stones may get damaged (pearls, turquoise, amber); gold and platinum will come out gleaming, however the process will not remove tarnish from silver or copper.
• Some things are common sense - don't yank on chain necklaces, don't step on or drive over jewelry, don't give your earrings to a toddler to play with - yes, it all happened...

As with everything that you care about, and is meant to last you for a long time - treat it with care.  And do let me know if you have any comments or questions!

Spring Trends - Grunge Re-Invented

One of the Spring 2013 fashion trends - grown-up grunge - is not what you may remember from Nirvana times.  Much more polished and upscale, and yet very cool, should appeal to women of (almost) all ages.

I found out my Bridget necklace and cuff have been included in the Spring Forecast feature of
Seattle Magazine's  March 2013 issue - I'm loving this look :)
(they're shown here along Dries van Noten pants and T-shirt (Barney's), H&M jacket, other jewelry pieces from Butch Blum boutique in Seattle.

Thank you Seattle Magazine!

                                          Magazine photography by: Elke Van De Velde, styling by Ali Brownrigg

                                   

                                        Bridget Necklace                            Bridget cuff

Seattle Gift Show - January 2013

We'd love to show you our latest work in Joanna Morgan Designs jewelry line!  Once again we will be a part of the Seattle Gift Show*, which is starting in just two weeks.  Stop by our booth #1342 - January 17th - 20th.  Looking forward to seeing you!

*the show is open to the trade only

www.JoannaMorganDesigns.com

www.seattlegiftshow.com

Quiet Drama - New Designs Coming Soon

The story behind many of my designs is pure necessity - when I am in need of some new jewelry I simply make it myself...  The joy of creating something from nothing is also a huge reward in itself - there is alchemy to how metal changes its shape and forms to what we envisioned.

In my collection there is a variety of designs from statement making to quite delicate and subtle.  This time I felt a need for several pieces that would make an every day more exciting, add some architectural shape to a simple outfit, and offer a dramatic accent.  As always, the pieces needed to be wearable and comfortable.

These five bracelets and cuffs will certainly fit the bill!

Coming to Joanna Morgan Designs in early 2013.  Available in brass and sterling silver (pictured here is the collection in brass).

What Inspires You?

On our wall - fashion, lifestyle, design images.  Inspiration.  A feast for the eyes.  Strong influences that will put a stamp on what comes next in our collection.  Or not.

Show Time!

We'd love to show you our latest - we will have our entire collection at the Seattle Gift Show* in August - stop by our booth!

* the show is not open to the public - trade only; contact us for an appointment at info@joannamorgandesigns.com

Minutes, Moments

Recently I've been preoccupied.  A new collection unfolding, preparations to a trade show, but somewhere in the busy schedule there must be room for personal time.  Even if it's minutes - living in the moment, so refreshing, and delicious.

BOOKS -

My husband surprised me with this one - "Yes, Chef" by Marcus Samuelsson.  I love reading about people who have a creative passion in life, and their path to what they cherish and love most in life.  This one is written in a very straightforward way, such a great tread.

FLOWERS -

Always have to have some of those - even if it is the tiniest bloom.  Nasturtiums always cheer me up with their color and an interesting shape.

RAIN -

Yes, rain.  An occasional rainy day in the summer feels like a gift of time to refocus and recharge.  I always get most things done on a rainy day.

What We've Been Up To...

Meet Alana, Drea, Krystallos, Oona, Bridget, and Justine. We've designed these sculptural rings to fill a void in our collection, and in our jewelry box.  As with every item we introduce at Joanna Morgan Designs these rings were necessary for our everyday fashion life!

The rings were hand carved in wax and then cast in metal (brass or sterling silver).  Afterwards, each one got a nice polish to gleam and shine on your hand.

You can wear one ring as a statement, or stack them up to create different looks.  They can be found at www.JoannaMorganDesigns.com*. Look out for more statement pieces from us soon!

*available in brass; will be available in sterling silver soon; wholesale inquiries please email info@joannamorgandesigns.com

What I Want for Summer

It was fun to see my White and Blue Teardrops necklace included in this "I Want" collection by an online fashion magazine FashionRooftop.com. Yes, it looks perfect with a Missoni beach cover-up and DVF platform sandals!!!

Check out the latest fashion and style features at www.FashionRooftop.com

The Magic of Accessories

May I say that accessories are the easiest and possibly most economical way to update your look.  They will go that extra mile for you, travel lightly, and have magical transformative powers.  A pair of earrings is nearly weightless and takes up no space in your handbag, so going from day to night is a cinch.

For those who are on a budget, or with little closet space, a well thought out collection of jewelry, scarves, and belts, is the way to go.  For me coats also count as accessories, although they take up more space than my scarves....  But in our climate, you wear coats practically year round, so wearing the same cover-up day in day out could get boring.

Certain jewelry styles will work extra hard for you.  In every collection I make sure I offer a few styles of long necklaces.  So versatile!  In fact, at every trunk show I get asked if I have some with me.  And I do!  I wear them looped around twice, three times, long, knotted, as a bracelet, or even a belt!

Whatever you do, fashion is a means of self expression so have fun with it!

"La Plage" long necklace worn looped twice

"High N'Low" long necklace in blue worn long and knotted

"High N'Low" in blue and "Zaza" in green and gold long necklaces worn as bracelets

"Zaza" long necklace in green and gold worn as a triple strand

Small Businesses Do It Better

I am "borrowing" the above phrase from Ovaleye, a local business that really does it better, and does it differently as well. I had the pleasure of meeting the powerful mother-daughter duo at The Power Chicks networking event, and was impressed from the get-go. Kathy Nelson and Jennifer Donogh, blonde, vivacious, and sharp, yet very approachable and friendly, are the faces (and brains) of a cloud services company providing a multitude resources for small businesses, but that's not where my admiration ends. As if running a business was not enough, they are involved in a number of organizations in the region, and promote other small businesses in the area.

Last night I was their guest on the weekly Ovaleye.tv program called "Small Businesses Do It Better".  I was interviewed my Kathy and Carissa, who were also modeling designs from my S/S12 collection, and looked gorgeous!  Yes, I was a bit nervous, it was a live interview, but it turned out to be so much fun! We were talking about the power of accessories, the importance of presenting yourself and your brand well, and the role of social media in running a small business.  For me it was also a chance to look back at how my business was started and what it takes every day to make it happen.

Thank you Kathy, Jenn, and Carissa!

 You can watch the interview by clicking on the Ovaleye.tv logo below.

Shopping Local, Shopping Smart

When I'm out looking for new treasures for my closet, I always gravitate toward smaller stores and merchants to find the unusual, the unique items that will add an unexpected detail and flair to my wardrobe. Recently I was fortunate to be invited to one of Dana Sustalux' trunk shows. If you live in Seattle and don't know Dana you're missing out on quite a lot. I don't know how she does it, but she has a knack for unearthing vintage treasures like noone else I know. I was lucky to snag three vintage clutch-style bags and a slinky summer-style sweater in neutral tones I usually prefer. All in excellent condition, cost a fraction of what one run-of-the-mill mass produced bag would have cost me. Giving older items a new life - sustainable luxury - is the kind of recycling right up my alley, so to speak. Apart from trunk shows, Dana has a permanent space in Sodo, by appointment, take a look at her site for details.

My second stop for exciting finds this week was a local high-end consignment shop - "My Dressing Room" - owned by always fashionable Bea. Since it's in my neighborhood (Queen Anne) I often drop by to check for what's new, which can be a blessing and a curse, let me tell you! Bea's keen eye, fashion industry experience, and an unbelievable sense of style ensures that her little shop is filled with a variety of exciting fashions that will please even the toughest shoppers. She will also tell you honestly if an item you're trying on does not look too hot on you... This time I found a gauzy graphite colored summer dress, fitted on top, with a full skirt - a perfect style and color for me. As always, I walked out happy, knowing I will not look like anyone else, feeling like a million dollars.

The third stop this week was also in my neighborhood, at "Three Birds". This perfectly edited and curated Queen Anne lifestyle shop offers fantastic objects for home, gift items, as well as a selection of tasteful accessories such as bags, jewelry, and beautifully colored scarves. It hasn't even been a year since it has open its doors, and it has become the destination for all of us in Queen Anne. The pretty proprietress, Robin, personally selects everything she offers in her spacious boutique - from globally to locally sourced goodies. Everything is arranged beautifully, looking ready to be photographed for a glossy decorating magazine. If I had a larger house (and a bigger budget!) I would buy out the store for sure. For now I picked up a long, summer weight, pastel colored shawl in dreamy shades of dusty pink and lavender. It will look smashing with my new dress from "My Dressing Room"!

So, when you're out there on a shopping trip, don't go to a mall. Wander through small neighborhoods, discover local merchants, you will be surprised how much more exciting it will be. Great for your wardrobe, great for the local economy.

My finds: grey dress from "My Dressing Room", shawl from "Three Birds", vintage clutch from "Sustalux", jewelry my own "Joanna Morgan Designs"

What a Tease!

It's always exciting to see first signs of spring - but this time of year it seems like we are teased by a flower here, a ray of sunshine there, only to be forced back into boots, hats, and gloves. What keeps me going is wearing some brighter, summery colors, reflected in the jewelry, paired with my still wintery wardrobe. Here I am having a bit of fun with my High N'Low necklace.

How do you make it work this time of year?

Psst! Spring Collection Sneak Peek

Spring is just around the corner - believe me, it will be here before we know it! What will you discover in my collection? Here is a little preview.

Zaza Hoop Earrings

White & Blue Long Necklace

Watch for my Spring/Summer 2012 collection launch on February 25th at www.JoannaMorganDesigns.com! Wardrobe: Bri Seeley Designs

Photography: Art of Subtlety

Have You Seen It Yet?

Did you know? I just added new, new, new designs to my collection - I was so excited the pictures were ready, and they turned out so beautiful! It is always such a thrill to show off what you've been working on for weeks or months, and suddenly - voila! - it's here! Come visit - it's all on my website.

Summer in Winter - Photoshoot (Part 2)

As a relatively new Seattle "transplant" I always consider myself unbelievably lucky to have found my new home in Queen Anne. Extremely walkable, filled with cozy cafes, boutiques, it was already a dream come true to have found it, when a new French bakery opened last year - "Le Reve". It quickly became the place to meet for lunch, or just coffee - though usually one cannot be satisfied with coffee alone and is tempted by their incredible selection of desserts. So I was very fortunate when the very friendly owner of "Le Reve" graciously agreed for us to shoot Joanna Morgan Designs Spring/Summer collection there. The space is filled with light, European ambiance lending itself to the "upscale bohemian" vibe we were going for. Mind you, outside it was your usual January in Seattle grey, rainy afternoon...

In this part of the photoshoot Natalie was wearing a dress from Bri Seeley Designs "Illumination" collection - a perfect look for summer. You get the feeling that this beautiful girl came to "Le Reve" for brunch and is waiting for her friends, possibly eyeing some cute guys at the next table. Again Amanda's talent shines in this session, and Natalie looks positively radiant. My jewelry adds the pop of color in dreamy blues, off-whites, and greens.

I dream of summer!

Amanda and Natalie at "Le Reve" shooting Joanna Morgan Designs Summer Collection; on Natalie - Wardrobe: Bri Seeley Designs; Hair: Matthew Lawrence; Make-up: Liz Kiss

Summer in Winter - Photoshoot (Part One)

We had a full, very busy day yesterday at Joanna Morgan Designs. We started at what seemed like a break of dawn - but really at 8:30 AM - with grey wintry Seattle skies outside. With two collections of jewelry to photograph - Spring/Summer, and new designs for the Signature collection, we had to get cracking! Photoshoots are never a simple affair - with weeks of planning, lining up other professionals, coordinating schedules, and, let's not forget, designing a new collection :) Nevertheless yesterday went smoothly, without a hitch! The energy, creativity, and talent of everyone involved made it happen!

Here is my "dream team": from the left my photographer Amanda Waltman, my hair-stylist Matthew Lawrence, our gorgeous model and the "face" of the latest collection - Natalie, and my make-up artist Liz Kiss. Not pictured here: Bri Seeley, whose fashion was the perfect addition to my vision for the 'shoot.

And here are some behind the scenes takes:

Matt and Natalie - hair time!

Liz getting ready to work her magic

Amanda who always dedicates herself to the task fully - climbing on a stack of phonebooks, getting down on the floor, bending into all possible directions - for the best picture

Summer in Winter Photoshoot Part Two coming soon!

Best Friends

Being a designer I've accumulated a pretty serious collection of jewelry - mostly pieces that I created myself. The majority of my designs have sprung out of necessity - I needed a new accessory for a party, a black-tie occasion, or just to complement a new outfit. But in spite of having so many choices, most days I turn to my most trusted pieces - a pair of pearl hoop earings, a simple bangle, and a heavy statement ring. My watch, a wedding band, and my grandmother's engagement ring complete the look.

What are your most trusted pieces of jewelry you wear each day?

Pictured here: "Smart & Beautiful" earrings and bangle, "Flaunt" ring - all by Joanna Morgan Designs

Down Memory Lane

As I was writing my previous post - A Fashion Dilemma and a Very Eco-Chic Solution - I couldn't help but drift down memory lane just a bit. I was thinking about my Grandmother, how beautiful, strong, and elegant she was. Then Christmas came and with it more memories, thoughts about those who are no longer with us - as it always is. Out came the photo albums and old, old family pictures, saved over decades, through wars, occupations, regimes, finally arriving on the West Coast of the USA... Who would have ever imagined that? Anyway - I found this photograph of my Grandparents. So young, just married, with no worries (the last World War hadn't started yet). My Grandma wearing one of her fur collars, impossibly chic in a little hat, carrying a clutch. My Grandpa looking dashing in a hat and a long coat I still remember (I used to hide in it, it was lined in fur, so warm and fluffy inside). I am so glad I found this little memory of my Grandparents, what a lovely image!