19 November, 2009

Fashion Apps ... for the Junkie in YOU!

Anyone who has an iPhone or an iPod Touch these days, knows only too well the addiction that comes with the "App Store". I love to peruse the Store when I have a spare moment, and I am amazed at how many new additions there are on the hour!

My latest obsession are the Fashion Apps. Currently Chanel, Gucci, Donna Karan & D & G have grabbed my attention with videos of the latest runway shows, locations of their retail stores and one of my favorites ... Gucci has play lists you can purchase from the Creative Director's collection to DJ Mark Ronson's custom GUCCI play list.

If you have always wanted to attend Fashion Week, but can't fly off to Paris on a moment's notice, then Pine Away no longer ... this is the next best thing!

16 November, 2009

A Look at the Bankle: the two:peas show off our jewelry on Pittsburgh Today Live


It was such a treat to be invited to appear on Pittsburgh Today LIVE, on November 9, 2009. With Michele and I both being Pittsburghers, it seemed a natural jumping off point for us to really step out in this market. One of the best things about my hometown is that we really take care of and support our own.

The versatility of our 2009 Collection really had a chance to shine, as we showed how the Bankle moves from a gorgeous ankle statement to a dazzling neck-piece, as well as showing the Boot Bankle that debuted in New York this past September.

A huge thank you to Kristine Sorensen and all of the staff at KDKA's Pittsburgh Today LIVE, for making the two:peas feel so welcome. Thank you also to Dennis Bowman for indulging us and explaining how a weatherman navigates the "Blue Screen!"

Here's the link to our appearance ... Check It Out! http://kdka.com/video/?id=64945@kdka.dayport.com

16 September, 2009

Rockin' The Trunk Show



August 27th marked our (two:peas jewelry) first ever Trunk Show, hosted by the fabulous Melissa Palmer, All Clad/VP Brand Communications at her beautiful home in Mt. Lebanon. It was truly an enchanted evening filled to the gills with wonderful people from all over the city, delectable treats provided by Michael Lench of Lench Catering and lot's of jewelry!

I had the unique opportunity of meeting our guests and answering all of their questions throughout the evening. Everything from how the product is made to the inspiration behind our concept and designs. Having worked for so long (2 years/4 months) on this business and the designs that are at the heart of our inaugural 2009 collection, in solitude ... I am thoroughly enjoying the opportunity of coming out to meet the people that have received with open arms two:peas jewelry.

As if the evening couldn't get any better, we were joined by Joanne Harrop of the Pittsburgh Tribune Review, who will be running a story on us sometime this week!

Stay tuned for a blog post on the article run!

12 September, 2009

Age ain't nuthin' but a number!

So, after reading about Rodarte's latest "LITTLE" muse in the Wall Street Journal this morning, my curious tendencies got the better of me and ... I GOOGLED! The subject of my search was an uber blogger who has managed to win the hearts and attention of one of fashion's biggest and brightest teams (Kate & Laura Mulleavy). To my astonishment, what I had expected to be the ramblings-on of a tweener, actually turned into an introduction via video to a lovely, well-spoken, intelligent and refreshingly candid 13 year-old. An old soul who takes her viewing public on an adventure through the latest looks she loves so much.

Tavi G (as she is known to her blogging public) has a depth of understanding for fashion that most adults don't possess. Her "Sophistication 101" video is quirky-cool and inventive, not to mention her interpretive dance-homage to Abba will have you smiling and bopping your head right along with her.

Tavi, you really are well BEYOND your years, and I appreciate you filling cyberspace with your brilliant light and lovely voice. I hope that Fashion Week was a wonderful opening for you into this magical and awesome world that has captivated you.

Check out Tavi as she describes her summer vacation.
http://tavi-thenewgirlintown.blogspot.com/

17 August, 2009

"They say the neon lights are bright on Broadway ..."

There was definitely "magic in the air" when the two:peas arrived in New York City for the debut of our 2009 Dancing Star Collection. Not even delayed/canceled flights and lost luggage could dampen this pea's spirits. I was determined to make my mark on my favorite city, even if I had to do it in yesterday's outfit.

We arrived in the city that never sleeps with an arranged meeting at an interested Showroom, and PR firm ... Not too shabby for an emerging company. The people that we met were bright, forthcoming and very interested in us, our product and what we could lend to the ever-evolving world of trends and statements. We left the meetings feeling overwhelmed (in a good way) with visions of a 3-day trunk show at Henri Bendel's dancing in our heads. Okay ... regroup and refocus! It was time to get serious, and prepare ourselves for the reason we were in NYC, our debut at ENK's Accessorie Circuit.

The next 3 days were possibly the most important, lesson-crammed and enjoyable days to date. Everyone involved in putting this show together from the union-workers all the way to the show's producer (Eleni), were some of the best people I have ever been fortunate enough to work with. Thanks to the Javits Center, GES and ENK!!

The vendors that we were fortunate enough to be surrounded by were amazing as well. So willing to share their experiences with us, what they have gone through in their business' history, and how to best utilize our time at the show. We networked with the best of the best, and learned so much in the process not only about ourselves, but about this industry.

So how did we fair? We managed to go International with our FIRST SALE to a man in Saudi Arabia with 4 boutiques, I met my idol (Alexis Bittar) who was warm, charming and humble ... and lastly, I realized that I am stronger and more resilient than even I thought I was. It can only Grow UP from here!

10 July, 2009

Parenthood ... The Formative Years

I know what you are thinking ... you are on a jewelry blog site, and I am talking about "Parenthood?" Well, YES I am! I felt it only fitting that my first blog really be about this amazing process, this journey I have been on since two:peas' inception back in 2007. A process that much like the birth of a child, is a momentous event which is followed by hard work, dedication and nurturing. All of which lays the groundwork for a strong, happy and successful child ... or in my case a business.

It all began over two years ago with a little bit of inspiration, a name and a dream. What it has evolved into is a life-long passion realized. It's quite an eye-opener when you build something from the ground up. The things that you think will be smooth sailing, are often accompanied by hurdles and the tasks you expect to be fraught with difficulty, end up being a walk-in-the-park. The biggest lesson I have learned along the way (and there have been quite a few), hearkens back to one of my life-long "mentors," ... here it comes, wait for it ... Tony Robbins! Okay, yes I am a fan, have been since I was a child, but that's not what's important here. What's important is what he said, that has stuck with me practically my entire adult-life: "Our Greatest Successes are forged out of our Greatest Failures." This quote has kept me going through all that life has thrown my way, because what it says is so true! When we are at our lowest points in life, it's in those moments that we gain the strength and determination we need to make our dreams a reality. It's in these moments that we experience our greatest and most powerful spurts of growth. Such a simple yet powerful statement. It's a statement that has driven me to make "SOMETHING" out of "NOTHING," to create my vision of what a company and its product should be.

two:peas jewelry is representative of the passions, the dreams and desires of myself and my partner in crime, Michele. I have been IN LOVE with fashion and the fantasy world surrounding it since I can remember, and now I have the unique opportunity to step inside this world and make my mark.

I hope that you will come along for the ride, as two:peas jewelry gets ready to launch our 2009 Collection at ENK's Accessorie Circuit Buyers Show, this August in New York City! Thanks to you all for the support and kindness. Until next time ...