BEHIND THE SCENES: GRAYCE by MOLLY SIMS

My first interaction with model/actress/designer Molly Sims was a brief conversation at Cosmopolitan Magazine. I was a fashion assistant, and Molly was modeling. I told her that I was traveling to California but wasn't really familiar with LA. Without hesitation she gave me her phone number, told me to call her and that she would have suggestions ready for me. I was moved by her kindness and I've been a fan of hers ever since. 

Now, 12 years later she's done something even dearer to my heart... she designed a jewelry line for HSN!

Here are a few gems I'm crazy for:

I had the pleasure of catching up with her last week, and she told me about the line, all her hard work and the happiness it's brought. 

Accessory Source: What made you want to start a line?

Molly Sims: My mom has been collecting jewelry for over 30 years -- her passion became my passion. When I first starting acting, I had a hard time getting people to lend me clothes for red carpets and events. My mom would give me her jewelry to wear. She's been a big part Grayce, and she calls me everyday with ideas.

AS:Why the name Grayce?

MS: My mom always use to say to me, "No matter how old you are, it doesn't matter if you're 60, 5 or 20, you should always be graceful and grateful." I've been hearing that for over 30 years.

AS: Are you involved in every detail?

MS: Every detail!! I'm doing it all, booking hair and makeup, photographers -- you name it!

AS: It's so annoying to me when celebs just slap their names on a line without working on it. What are your thoughts on that?

MS: That was one of my biggest worries. My parents were honest and hard working people. I learned from them, and I'm not just going to put my name on anything. The best thing is that I've used my modeling, acting, travel, eclecticism and southern roots in the line. It's everything I am. And it's great to see something through from beginning, middle and end. I've never been a part of the whole process before.

It takes a lot of work to get quality and a really good price.

AS: What's your favorite trend right now?

MS: Mixed metals. I love wearing hematite with gold and silver.

AS: I'm obsessed with that too.

AS: Do all your friends want a piece from the line?

MS: Are you kidding? The personal orders are stacking up!

AS: Do you have any advice on how people should wear their jewelry? 

MS: Have a friend tell you when something is too much. If you're going to wear a lot of bracelets, it looks more chic and modern to stack them on one arm, and don't wear them higher than the length of your hand. Mix the sizes -- wear a small one, then big, then small. It's a good way to mix high- and low-end. I mix everything!

AS: Are you always wearing the line?

MS: I wear something everyday, but I mix it up. Jewelry is my accessory. Don't get me wrong -- I love shoes, but jewelry is my thing.

AS: What do you see going forward?

MS: I got a deal to do a high-end line for Bendels, but everything will be under $250. 

AS: Did you ever think during your J.Crew modeling days that this is what you would be doing?

MS: Never! I took a picture of the window at Henri Bendel recently because I was so excited.

AS: Were your pieces in it?

MS: No! I was just so excited that I was going to be and it made my mother proud. It's nice to be excited and passionate about something. I've been wearing so many hats with the line, but it's different when you're doing it for yourself -- you want to do it right. I'm enjoying where I am right now, and I get to use what I've learned about entertainment, photography and fashion in this. It's amazing to think about where I started. I like being a good role model and sharing this with my mom. It's been a bonding experience.

Now I think you can see why I've always been a fan. She's a down-to-earth southern belle with charm and yes.... grace.

Molly and her beautiful baubles will be on HSN tomorrow, February 25th from 12pm-2pm and 9pm-11pm.  It's a must see!

SIZE MATTERS

B.Rawlings. B is for bold.

BEHIND THE SCENES: KORA

I'm happy to start off 2010 talking about a collection that's truly amazing and one that everyone should know about -- Kora. When I was invited to a Kora party a short time ago, I didn't know much about the company, but I accepted (of course!) because I love jewelry and never pass up an opportunity to buy more.

Kora means "work" in the native language of Rwanda, where the jewelry is made. All the pieces are made out of horn by local artisans and part of the profits go toward building up a self-sustained industry for the plentiful resource in that country. Take a look at some items from the line, and then check out my interview with founder Amy Walker -- it's sure to inspire you.

Partygoers adorned their arms with stacks of bangles.

The candlelit room was decorated with beautiful flowers, while the jewelry was either hanging on rustic fixtures or laying on gold material. Truly exquisite.

Accessory Source: What brought you to Rwanda?

Amy Walker (above): To work in public health. While I was there, I was offered a job in business development, and it was something I always wanted to try.

AS: Why horn?

AW: I searched the country for a material that's valued in the States, can be sourced in Rwanda, and a trade that can be taught. I found two things, horn and wood. Wood is hard to import into the States, and horn has value in the U.S. so it had to be horn.

AS: What's the most rewarding thing about Kora?

AW: Building the infrastructure there -- there are six people working, everyone gets paid and they love the work. It warms my heart when their faces light up after telling them their products are well received. That, as well as building the management support team.

AS: How often are you in Rwanda?

AW: I lived there for 14 months. Now I go back and forth. I'm in Kenya and Rwanda for two to three months doing production, then I'm back in the States for a few months doing sales.

AS: What do you see next for your business?

AW: I have a big dream. Ideally, it becomes a legitimate industry in Rwanda. I'd like to set them up to become manufacturers so they have other clients to work with. Then I would like to go to other developing countries, find materials abundant in those countries and develop them to bring to a Western market.

Are you as impressed as I am? She's only 26.  

PS: I was totally expecting a small gathering of women in a tiny NYC apartment. Instead, it was in a penthouse with hors doeuvers, wine, a smashing view and lovely people. I highly recommend attending a Kora party near you!

I HEART ALEXIS BITTAR

I think words for today's post would only distract. Enjoy the beauty, intricacy and craftsmanship of my favorites from Alexis Bittar spring.





















Breathtaking, right?

TRINA TURK

While it's only counter-productive to be thinking about summer, after previewing Trina Turk's spring 2010 line, I can't help but envision myself on the Riviera toting one of these bags.

She finally added jewelry to her répertoire, hooray! The more jewelry available the better! 

Represented by Siren PR.

TAYLOR MADE

I attended the Ann Taylor clothing and accessory spring preview yesterday. While I wasn't expecting to be, I was wowed by the jewels. It seems AT has refreshed their designs, opting for a more youthful and hip vibe. With their new direction they're not likely to lose their loyal customer base, but they're certain to attract new admirers (like me). 

These billowy pumps were too cute for me not to include.

Represented by Shadow PR.

VINTAGE GALORE

I know...I'm awful -- it's been 12 days since my last entry. Not okay!! 

But I have a good excuse: I moved. It was a painful process, and I'm actually still not completely unpacked. So please, cut me some slack.

Taking a break from settling in, I took a trip to one of my favorite finds in Carroll Gardens -- UNION MAX.

Located at 110 Union Street in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, this mother/daughter-owned shop is a jewelry designer and vintage lover's dream. 

 

There is antique jewelry just about everywhere you look, and their unconventional ways of displaying it (like on a grid against the wall) make your experience there even more fun. 

I LOVE thrift store shopping.  I would say I'm addicted to feeling of rummaging through things to find something spectacular.  But it's kind of nice when all the junk has been edited out and the only thing available is the good stuff. That's what it's like there.

 

They specialize in beads, but I really like their unique selection of clasps and hardware. They carry styles you don't see in an average bead shop.

In addition to beads and jewelry, Union Max carries clothing, shoes, handbags and kitchy home goods. A lot of their customers are stylists, designers and store owners that will resell their goods. The prices are reasonable, more expensive than the average Goodwill but cheaper than the overpriced shi-shi Manhattan thrift store.

Offering a little bit of everything, this place is worth crossing over the BQE for.