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