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Q&A with Designer of Made Her Think - Meredith Khan Thursday, September 3, 2009 Below find our exclusive Q&A with designer Meredith Khan of Made Her Think Jewelry. Shop her Fall 2009 Collection here at Rilee and Lo!
Lo: How did you get started in jewelry design?
I think Jewelry Design sort of happened to me. I have a design background and went to FIT for Fashion Design. I really just made jewelry on the side for myself and friends but stores started to take an interest and it quickly snowballed into a full time gig.
Rilee: What’s been the most rewarding part?
The fact that people seem to like what I do which allows me to keep doing it
Lo: Do you have a favorite time to sketch, favorite drink to pair with sketching, favorite sketchpad or item to be wearing?
I love sketching thumbnails on the subway. It sort of reminds me of art class when you had to do your thumbnails in 30 seconds. I sort of try to sketch out the collection over and over as Im developing it on the train in my limited time of about 5 stops MAX. I think this has become sort of an excercise I do to see if Im going in the right direction or if Im missing an important style. It always helps that the subway is probably one of the most inspiring places in the city. All of the crazy people mixed in with the fashion obsessed, crying babies, teenage couples making out and class field trips with bouncing adolescent hormones all in one space!! The energy is hilarious sometimes. Sort of reminds you where you come from, ya know?
Rilee: What inspired your latest collection?
Well my current collection began with a lot of rings and car parts and chrome and dirt......sort of like a jewelry industrial revolution. I wanted to tap into those metals and textures and throw in a bit of celebration with the neons and lace. I would by lying if I said that Madonna had nothing to do with it. I think she kind of always does.
Lo: Do you have a favorite piece or style in the collection? We notice there’s a lot of Tallons- Rilee’s stoked about that.
Yeah, I still really do love the Talons. They kind of snuck up on the collection and have become a favorite all around. They have been around for over 2 years now and they didnt start out strong. They gained a lot of momentum along the way. I guess the Talon is the signature Made Her Think element. That makes me happy because it didnt really come from anything but a thought. It was just a shape I liked and it was made from nothing...well a sketch i guess but there was no direct reference as far as a great vintage piece or a piece of great architecture or even a time period. I think that's what gave it its individuality.
Rilee: If you weren’t designing what would you be doing?
Hahaha, well I think I would either be a chef, be in the vintage archive business or become a motivational speaker!
Lo: We hear you have a little angle named Grayson, do you ever put her in any of your pieces or make special designs for her?
Well when she was very small she used to let me put silver bangles on her...now she sort of hates to be forced to do anything (very independent, which I will NOT complain about) but she loves to dress up in my jewelry all the time. She's only a year and a half but she already know jewelry and mama go hand in hand. I think as she gets older and really starts wearing it, I will start designing for her. I dont design FOR her now but she is always there as part of whatever inspiration goes into my collections.....she's an extension of me so she is in everything that I do.
Rilee: Blackberry or iPhone?
Blackberry through and through
Lo: Tutu or motorcycle jacket?
Both, of course
Rilee: Cold shower or hot?
Actually, funny you should ask, Hot shower and then finish with cold, it is good for circulation
Lo: If you could have a cocktail with anyone, who would it be and why?
Marcel Duchamp. I'm in a Duchamp period right now :)
Rilee: Are there any specific metals, styles or concepts you’re feeling for fall/winter?
Loving Oxidations still and working with sterling on a larger scale. The delicate pieces in my semi-precious collection have taken some steroids and Im very excited about it.
Lo: What’s in the future for Made Her Think?
Everything....handbags to start with for Spring 10Q&A with Designer Rachel Leigh Tuesday, August 4, 2009 Below find our exclusive Q&A with designer Rachel Leigh, and shop her Fall 2009 Collections here at Rilee and Lo!
Lo: Happy 5 year anniversary! You’ve come a long way in the past 5 years, what do you think has been your biggest accomplishment?
Every year brings new challenges and accomplishments but I would say our biggest accomplishment as of recently was being recognized by Oprah’s O List! It is such a tremendous honor and opportunity.
Rilee: What's been the most rewarding part?
The most rewarding part of growing our business has been ….
Lo: What inspired your latest collection?
I am always inspired by what my friends and I want to wear. It all goes back to styling. Whether it’s the central part of your look or a finishing touch – jewelry should complement your clothing. There is a fine line between perfection and just so so and it all comes down to the perfect combination of the colors, materials and proportions.
Rilee: Do you have a favorite time to sketch, favorite drink to pair with sketching, favorite sketch pad or item to be wearing?
Inspiration comes to me at the most random times – in the middle of a yoga class, during a run or when I’m falling asleep. Most of my inspiration sketches are done on random scraps of paper and then have to be re-done so that my production team can bring them to life.
Lo: Do you have a favorite piece or style in the collection? We loved the addition of the fringe pieces- Rilee made sure we pulled those.
My favorite new piece in the collection is the Gunmetal Crystal Fringe necklace. It’s the perfect combination of girlie sparkle and edgy layering. I usually wear it with a white t-shirt which always completes my look. Keep your eye out for the bracelet version for holiday!
Rilee: We noticed you came from YSL handling publicity, do you think having a background in marketing/PR has helped you become more successful as a designer?
Absolutely. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the endless support from all of my friends that are editors.
Lo: Do you have any advice for up-and-coming jewelry designers about the industry?
It is critical to be hyper-conscious of your customers. What do they wear, where do they go out, what do they read, what music do they listen do, where do they shop, what inspires them?
Rilee: Now for the fun questions, Blackberry or iPhone?
Blackberry. I have iPhone envy – I wish I had the white one – but the blackberry is more realistic for all of the emails that I send daily.
Lo: Tutu or motorcycle jacket?
A motorcycle jacket with ruffles is ideal. I have this amazing camel Philip Lim version that I am obsessed with. I wear it everywhere.
Rilee: Cold shower or hot?
Hot. Always with Bumble and Bumble products.
Lo: If you could have a cocktail with anyone, who would it be and why?
Each time I have the opportunity to have drinks with a fellow entrepreneur – whether it is someone well known or someone just starting out – I am challenged and inspired.
Rilee: Are there any specific metals, styles or concepts you're feeling for fall/winter?
I’m really into the combination of bright colors with crystal and gunmetal - very rock and roll with a girlie twist.
Lo: What's in the future for Rachel Leigh?
We are collaborating right now with Emmy Rossum on a very special pendant necklace that will launch in October for Breast Cancer Awareness month. Emmy and I designed the piece together and it is a labor of love. A portion of the profits will benefit the Susan G. Komen foundation.Q&A with Designer Anna Sheffield Monday, August 3, 2009 Below find our exclusive Q&A with designer Anna Sheffild, and shop her 2009 Collections, Bing Bang and Bespoke here at Rilee and Lo!
Lo: I am in awe of your resume. You are quite the creative genius! How did Bing Bang unfold?
Thank you! I actually embarked on the adventure of Bing Bang quite by accident.. I was making fine art and had studied sculpture while I was living in San Francisco. During the slow moments in my studio I would sometimes dabble in making jewelry out of silver, copper, bronze and even steel leftover from my sculptural projects.. One thing lead to another and after making some things for friends just for fun, I was asked to started selling them in a great little shop in the upper haight [that’s still there- called behind the post office.] I came to New York about a year later and the brand just took off. Its been a wonderful process of unfolding [and still is].
Rilee: What's been the most rewarding part of dabbling in many different elements of fashion?
That I never cease to be inspired. Its really an incredible treat to have landed in such a creative career. My finest moments are those -and they can be a bit rare- but when I’m just working on hand making some pieces in the shop, hammering sawing soldering and existing in that very fulfilling and meditative space that comes when you are doing something that you love.
Lo: I noticed you have a background in welding and blacksmithing has that significantly influenced the Bing Bang line?
It certainly has. I use a lot of those techniques still in Bing Bang and in my Fine jewelry collections. I love the way things look once they’ve been handled, finished, and really put together –forged- by an individual. Metalsmithing is all about the process and attention to detail.
Rilee: Do you have a favorite time to sketch, favorite drink to pair with sketching, favorite sketch pad or item to be wearing?
I am most often stricken with inspiration to put ideas on paper in the middle of the night. Somehow that’s the perfect quite I need to resolve, engineer and truly just conjure up what I want to do next in the line. Otherwise, I do love to have a glass of Rose and just doodle on a Sunday [ either in pencil or black ballpoint pen].
Lo: Do you have a favorite piece or style in your latest collection?
My all time favorite pieces this season are from the rivet group in AS bespoke. The shield –shaped hoop earrings and the stack rings are something I could wear everyday and be happy. But for dressing up, definitely the chain fringe bangle!
Rilee: I am personally excited for the double finger rings (we're getting some in this August), so simple yet commanding. Should we expect more of these in the future? The two finger ring was the very first piece of jewelry I made in my studio! It was a happy accident more or less.. I’d seen them in Byzantine sections of museums and in Hip Hop videos but I felt like I would love to have one that was chic and a bit more contemporary for myself. So they started from the plain hammered bar in silver to fancier ones which we now offer with diamonds and rubies.. I can use any stone with any metal combination really. I will always keep these pieces in the line. I wear one almost everyday, sometimes I even stack two.
Lo: Do you have any advice for up-and-coming jewelry designers about the industry?
Follow your intuition. It’s a daunting and sometimes overwhelming path - not just jewelry but the fashion industry at large. But I think if you have an honest approach to your design and wherewithal in your spirit,-- anything can be accomplished with these two virtues. Rilee: Now for the fun questions, Blackberry or iPhone?
I use a Blackberry, but I will have to at least get the iPod touch soon so I can show of our iPhone app.
Lo: Tutu or motorcycle jacket?
Both!
Rilee: Cold shower or hot?
Super, like nearly scalding, hot.
Lo: If you could have a cocktail with anyone, who would it be and why?
Well, limiting my imagination to one is a difficult task, but since I just saw the movie ‘Coco Avant Chanel’ I would have to say COCO is at my top of list for the moment. It would be grand to have a cocktail and talk shop with her. I admire her fortitude and irreverence when it came to convention. Also, we are both Leos, along with Amelia Earhart and Napoleon- two others I would thoroughly enjoy chatting it up with!
Rilee: Are there any specific metals, styles or concepts you're feeling for fall/winter?
I always like gunmetal in the Winter, the black finishes are so spare and contrast well with the bigger, layered outfits we must don in the cooler months... But warm tones are nice, I typically mix in copper or rose gold with my gunmetal bangles and chains Thematically, I am loving the Indian chief pieces and Feather charms from Holiday BB. I have a beautiful Navajo Pendelton Cloak from Lindsey Thornburg that I am so excited to wear, once its cold enough, and with all of this jewelry!
Lo: What's in the future for Bing Bang and Anna Sheffield?
Oh, I have many many plans for the future of both- See my list of Leo over achievers above.
I will be working to expand Bing Bang in other accessory catagories over the coming seasons- which is really exciting for me. Also, I am bringing back into the range some of our most celebrated necklaces and earrings, like the mixed hearts and Victorian keepsakes from the first season of the line. We get inquires all the time about these styles, so at long last, I’m forming them all into an everlasting Bing Bang heirloom group.
As for Anna Sheffield collections, I am working on some beautiful diamond bespeckled pieces of the classic styles for Holiday- which are truly lovely. And next year, we’ll be launching the most beautiful Fine jewelry pieces I’ve ever dreamed of…. Its top secret beyond that! Thank you very much for your awesome questions and for the chance to be on the Rilee & Lo blog! Very best,
Anna HOT Summer Sale! Sunday, July 26, 2009 What’s Better Than a Sale on a Sale? Um nothing... I think it’s fair to say we appreciate the nice pieces of jewelry on our site, but we also appreciate the value of a dollar and our chiconomista, recessionista and thrifty-ista shoppers. There’s nothing we love more than the thrill of brainstorming a deal and sharing it with all of you. So drum roll please, beginning today all sale items are 30% off with code “HOT30” through Sunday 8/2. Rilee and I singled out a few items below that we are still crushing on in the sale category, that also happen to be under $100. Happy shopping friends and keep your eyes peeled for more deals from us in the future! Check us out on Twitter and Facebook for secret deals we often times just share with our followers! XOXO, Lo Rilee’s Picks: Lo’s Picks: The Versatile Necklace Monday, June 15, 2009 “The Necklace” So I’m not going to lie, I never knew how to wear a necklace. I tend to like bold statement pieces which are not always an everyday wear. Thankfully Lo is really good at pairing appropriately and helps me understand how I can downplay certain pieces by pairing with a dainty necklace or mixing metals or lengths, which has led me to my obsession with multi-layering. This style allows you to wear something bold and Rhiannalious but allow for a delicate compliment or multiple metals. Miss Rhi Rhi does this very well. Luckily for R (me) & L (my bestie) we’ve got some hot new designers coming in that carry amazing necklaces. The long layered look is still in and chokers, collars, and fringe necklaces are making a big splash as well. We hope that some of these appeal to you! If you have questions on how we would pair or what to wear with a specific outfit, feel free to send questions to us on twitter @RileeandLo we’re always looking to dish!
Also, enjoy our special NECKLACE SALE! Take 25% off all necklaces (full-price and sale) with code "NK25" through Monday 6/22.
Rilee’s picks:
DANNIJO Riley Entangled Necklace (NEW, JUST IN YESTERDAY!)
Fallon Cold Desert Collar (NEW, JUST IN!)
Fiona Paxton Sylvie Necklace in Silver
Lisa Levine Vision Necklace with Leather
Lo’s picks:
Katharine Sise Gold Necklace with Locket and Quartz
Kara Ross Gold & White Glitter Karung 3 Petal Flower Pendant
St Kilda Iris Crescent Necklace
Iris Guy Turquoise and Gold Crochet Necklace
What’s to come:
We’ve got some awesome new necklaces coming later this month that we are really excited about. We wanted to share them with you first! Check out new Bing Bang and Rachel Leigh Necklaces below.
Bing Bang Duchess Braided Chain Necklace
Bing Bang Duchess Braided Chain Choker
Rachel Leigh Crystal Fringe Necklace
Rachel Leigh Sweet Tooth Necklace
XOXO,
Rilee
The Cocktail Ring Monday, May 18, 2009 There’s so many fun things about a cocktail ring, the name alone gets me excited! That said, rings happen to be one of our best sellers at Rilee and Lo because of the versatility of the piece. It’s a fun addition to any outfit, compliments a fresh manicure and helps draw attention to our sexy little hands.
Rilee and I wanted to share with you a few of our favorites and some pieces you can get excited for hitting R&L this summer.
***Also don’t forget all CC Skye pieces are 10% off with code CCRL through 5/31
Lo’s picks: - CC Skye “Love” Ring
- Kara Ross Gold Glitter Karung & Crystal Rock Petal Flower Ring
- Adina Reyter Mixed Gold Circle Stackable Rings
- Anna Beck Gold and Silver Stackable Rings
Rilee’s picks:
- Anna Beck Gold Plated Saddle Ring
- Kimberly Baker Bianca Silver Ring
- CC SKYE Angel Wing Ring
- Elizabeth & James Silver Ink Well Ring (a Vanessa Hudgens favorite!)
What’s to come...
- Bing Bang Stacked Ring & Flower Rings
 
- Fallon - Snake & Eagle Rings
 
- Dannijo - Jacinda Rings (yellow gold, silver, and pink gold)
XOXO,
Lo
Announcing Oscars 2009 Jewelry Trends... Monday, February 23, 2009 Rilee and I spent Sunday evening kicking back on the couch in our uggs and sweats with wine while we enjoyed the Oscar and took notes on the jewels! So much glitz, so many trends, and so much to enjoy! This year was all about the oversized, lavish earrings, jewel tone gems, and statement necklaces.
Some of our favorite earring looks of the night included: Debra Messing, Angelina Jolie, Vanessa Hudgens, and Alicia Keys.
   
Find oversized, lavish earrings similar at Rilee and Lo below:
CC SKYE Sparklettes Black Metal Earrings
Isharya Gypsy Moonstone Earrings
Melinda Maria Gold Paved White Earrings
Kimberly Baker Daria Silver and Gold Earrings
Melissa Joy Manning Gold Bio Prehenite Drop Earrings
Amy Adams and Angelina Jolie rocked the jewel tones. Taraji P. Henson along with Amy Adams made statements around their necks.
 
Find statement necklaces similar at Rilee and Lo below:
Elizabeth & James Brass Seven Chain Necklace
Kara Ross Hematite & Gunmetal Large Oval Pendant
Katharine Sise Gunmetal Multichain Necklace
Lisa Levine Medusa Rose Gold Necklace
And, Heidi Klum was one of our favorites with stacked bangles, rings, and amazing earrings all in light pink. Why not go all out on the Oscars...it's was her night to shine and she did through her jewelry! Accessories First!
Find great stackable bangles are Rilee and Lo here:
Lisa Levine Set of Gypsy Bangles
CC SKYE Silver Stone Bangle
Kara Ross Black & White Lizard and Gunmetal Large Shirt Cuff
by the Stones Square Thin Bangles
Kimberly Baker Althea Silver and Gold Bangle
What were your favorites at the Oscars?!!
XOXO
Lo
New MJM jewelry just arrived! Sunday, February 22, 2009 After many requests for this popular, sleek, cool jewelry....we just got in new Melissa Joy Manning Jewelry.
Please shop her new designs here!
     
Joyful. Spiritual. Unique. Empowering. These are words that describe both Melissa Joy Manning and her jewelry. Since the inception of her first line in 1997, Melissa Joy Manning has created a collection of unusual, modern designs that transcend stylistic trends and attract a loyal following. Using 14 or 18 karat yellow, pink and green gold, sterling silver, semi-precious and precious stones each design evokes a different emotion. Melissa's celebrity clients include Jennifer Aniston, Sandra Bullock, Sheryl Crow, Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Lopez, Debra Messing, Pink, Jessica and Ashlee Simpson, Usher, and Catherine Zeta-Jones.
Learn more about the MJM line here and shop her jewelry here!
XOXO
Rilee and Lo Introducing "Elizabeth & James" jewelry by Robert Lee Morris Wednesday, February 18, 2009 We are so excited to introduce new jewelry line "Elizabeth & James" by Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen in collaboration with Robert Lee Morris.
     
The fashion-forward Olsen twins have created a fashion jewelry collection through a licensing partnership with Robert Lee Morris under the brand Elizabeth and James, their contemporary apparel label that is sold in more than 250 doors globally. Ashley and Mary-Kate both have a love for accessories, but have individual style that comes out in this line. They are fixtures in the fashion industry and style icons, so this line will get big and popular...very quick! The Robert Lee Morris for Elizabeth and James line consists of many styles, including thick metal cuffs, bangles and rings, earrings and unique statement and chain necklaces. The collection is meant to be mixed and matched and consists mainly of sterling silver and brass. Learn more about the E&J line here and shop their jewelry here!
Robert Lee Morris is also sold at Rilee and Lo. Check out his classic, modern designs here. New Jewelry Line "Aviary" by Kelly Dent! Sunday, February 15, 2009 Rilee and Lo is introducing new jewelry line "Aviary" by Kelly Dent!
 
Starting in 2007, Kelly Dent began her line around the graceful shapes of birds, feathers and other interpretations of freedom and movement. Now the Aviary line has expanded its scope to bring her lyrical interpretations to other natural items, each of which are cast in precious metals that give the sinuous designs a bold weight and depth. Born and raised in California's Bay Area, Kelly now lives and works in Los Angeles. Her pieces are organic and earthy and one of Lo's new favorites. Wear them separately or layer a few together. Learn more about Kelly here and shop her jewelry here!
Let us help you find great V-day gifts! Wednesday, February 11, 2009 Hi Rilee and Lo shoppers and friends!
It's that time of year again! Valentine's Day! What better way to share and show the love than with jewelry! We have picked out our top V-day gift ideas for you here! There are items of all prices and styles...from heart neckalces and earrings, pink bangles, locket necklaces, and classics! Let us know if you need help or ideas. Just email us at info@rileeandlo.com!
We have a lot of new jewelry coming to the site, so be sure to check out our "What's New" section!
XOXO
Rilee and LoWelcome to our site. XOXO Rilee Thursday, August 21, 2008 Hi Friends, Accessory Lovers, and Shoppers!
Lo and I wanted to personally welcome you to our new site. We hope you love it as much as we do. We've been working on it all year! It includes both our favorite designers and jewelry pieces. I don't know about you, but for me ACCESSORIES come first :-) Two of my new favorite designers are Lisa Levine and Fallon. Please check them out. Their pieces are totally funky and help you make that bold statement. Please let us know what you think of the site by commenting or contacting us here. This site is for us to all share our love of accessories and favorite designers.
XOXO
Rilee
Yeah, welcome to our site. Love, Lo Thursday, August 21, 2008 Yeah! We are finally live after lots of hard work this year. Rilee and I are so totally thrilled to share our site and love for accessories and jewelry with all of our friends and others. You'll find a ton of amazing designers on our site and we have something for everyone. Rilee and I have very different tastes (read about us here), and therefore our wide range of styles. My favorite designers today are Katharine Sise, St. Kilda and Melinda Maria, but they are all fabulous. Check out the designer bio pages. It's so fun to learn about the talented artists that created these designs. Be sure to share your comments on the blog or contact us here.
Love and happy accessorizing!
Lo
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