Snapshots from NYC

Casey and Shannah made it safe and sound to NYC for the NYIGF! 

Here are some snapshots so far: 

Above Casey is unpacking the crate and below Shannah is jamming to music on her hour commute on the subway!

Can't wait for some more snapshots from the show!

Store Scoop: Heavenly Metal

Ann Arbor, MI

heavenlymetal.com

How would you describe your store and the things you sell?

I refer to my store a gallery/gift shop…boutique. Most of the items are handcrafted. Everything I bring in goes well with everything else in the store. It's really special because I look for unique items and especially bring in items not available elsewhere in Ann Arbor.

What is the most interesting/ greatest thing about your store?

It has a very cozy, welcoming, friendly feel the second you walk in. My customers never want to leave because we make it inviting. It takes a long leisurely look to see everything I sell…and to enjoy my merchandising. I use all reclaimed furniture and and boxes for displaying inventory. Every display area is a special "moment".

What is the best secret spot/locals only spot in your neighborhood?

My store! I'm off the beaten path, so you have to be in the know to find Heavenly Metal! My business is in a sweet little business district known as Kerrytown. There is an actual building called the Kerrytown Shops, but we are a block away from those shops. Except for one business, we are all small, locally-owned retailers. My store is around the corner from those stores, and the only retail on my street.

Why do you think f. is for frank is such a great fit for your store?

I sell alot of handcrafted jewelry and charms. I like to help people build their own necklace story by offering lots of charm varieties and prices. I love f. is for frank charms for their absolute uniqueness!

If you could open another store anywhere in the world where would it be?

In a warm tourist town on a big lake, where I could live behind my store, and have a garden for my customers to enjoy.

Is there anything else you want us or your readers to know?

I just made a huge business investment by hiring two incredibly talented local web designers to completely redo heavenlymetal.com and build into it an ecommerce site — and design a matching template for my Facebook page and email newsletters. What they came up with really and truly represents my brick and mortar store…and me…and I hope it was the smartest decision I could make. So, check it out…and let me know what you think!

We're off to New York!

Today f. is for frank is heading back to the Big Apple for the NYIGF 2012 show!

If you are there come visit us!

Perfect Parings: A POP of gold

If your look is generally colorless, like this fab girl, then a pop of gold is definitely the way to go.

The f. is for frank Gold Jefferson Ring is one of my favorite pieces in the frank collection. Before my days as the intern, I bought a Jefferson Ring in pewter and absolutely love to wear it!

In this case, with a simple black and white outfit, the gold adds just the right amount of color.

The Pewter Hickory Ear Studs are also a splash of greatness to add some detail to this outfit.
Love it!

Store Scoop: The Modern Shop

Fort Worth, Texas

http://shop.themodern.org/

How would you describe your store and the things you sell?

We are a contemporary arts museum shop and so try to feature items that would appeal to a broad range of customers while at the same time offering unusual “never seen before” items. The same expectation could be said of what is seen in the galleries here at the Modern.

What is the most interesting/ greatest thing about your store?

We try to offer a very hands on experience. We have display toys, so that you can try them out before purchasing. Our displays are open and inviting. We encourage our visitors to try on jewelry and have mirrors ready so you can see how good you look in an item. We try to have a fun environment.

What is the best secret spot/locals only spot in your neighborhood?

Fred’s Texas Café is one of the oldest local spots in the cultural district and is a great place if you are craving a burger and live music. But the most secret neighborhood place has to be Pop’s Safari. It is a cigar bar and bistro with a tiny dining room, tucked in beside warehouses here in the Cultural District. I don’t smoke, but had a really great burger there too. Can you tell I like burgers!

Why do you think f. is for frank is such a great fit for your store?

The cleverness of the process appeals to people. When they are told what material was used for the casting, they are always amazed! The jewelry has a really good feel, substantial but not too weighty. Plus it is just gorgeous! The rose gold pieces are very unusual and look great with lots of different skin tones.

If you could open another store anywhere in the world where would it be?

I think the elements we are trying to promote would be welcome anywhere. Pairing great customer service with a fun environment and great merchandise is always going to be a formula for success. But if given a choice to go anywhere it would have to be near a beach!

Get ready, here comes Valentine's day...

Here are some great gifts for your sweetie...

Pewter Loved Necklace ($35), Rose Inverse Necklace ($57), Rose Inverse Earrings ($75), Hickory Bangles ($55-85), You+Me Necklace ($62), Justin's Heart ($33), Custom Cufflinks ($75), Gold Hickory Slice Bracelet ($78)

Perfect Parings: the touch of rose...

Carey Mulligan has such a great style, but when I saw this outfit I couldn't help but think that she needed some great jewelry. 

The colors of her outfit would clash a bit with pewter or gold, but rose gold would be just right. The Rose Gold Peacock Tail Ring and the Rose Gold Peacock Earrings are a perfect match. 

So next time you dress up with a bit of color and don't feel right with gold or pewter, add some rose gold into the mix! 

Weekend SUM UP: happy MLK day

I know I have been a blog slacker since the holidays but we are back and busy so...

Happy MLK day! (actually his real birthday is my birthday Jan. 15th). Martin Luther King JR. is who I did every book report on as a kid because we have a lot in common...we both are from Atlanta, have the same birthday and believe in equality for all. YAY!

So not only was it my birthday weekend but it was my transition from the 20's to the 30's. Yes I turned the big 3-0. Saturday night I went on a dinner and movie date night to celebrate my 20's. Sunday, I had an amazing get together with my closest friends at one of my favorite resturants. It was perfect! I am so lucky to have my life and this is exactly where I wanted to be turning 30. Don't get me wrong there are still things on my bucket list... a hot air balloon ride, some mechanical bull riding and a visit to Africa but there is so much time to accomplish those.