Friday, February 28, 2014

Styled by Rebecca

Local artist and jewelry designer Rebecca Allen is a favorite of ours at Poppy & Stella! She creates unique jewelry that is beautiful and practical. All of her pieces are lead and nickle free and even gold plated!

We recently had the privilege of interviewing our favorite jewelry designer, Rebecca, to get to know a little more about her! We would like you to get to know a little more about her too!



Q: "What made you want to start designing jewelry and accessories?"  

A: "I went to Towson University for a degree in costume design and after an amazing couple of years I realized what I really loved doing was creating jewelry and accessories that were my own style, not necessarily of a certain time period.  So, I switched my career path and school to pursue my degree in Accessory Design. After school and a job designing shoes, I ventured out on my own to create pieces that I would love to wear and that I thought others would love too!"

Q: "What would you consider your inspiration for your designs?"  

Gem Dangle Earrings in Turquoise, $28

A: "I’m a huge animal lover, so each year I always come out with new little critter designs.  This year we introduced some adorable tropical birds, and underwater friends. Besides nature and animals, I’m also inspired by vintage gemstones, colors, and shapes. Each season I try and incorporate hand patina designs or vintage gemstones and components to my jewelry.  This year I was given  bright gold and orange gemstone clip on earrings from my grandmother, who has quite a collection of jewelry from the 50's and 60's.  I used this design to inspire my vintage gemstone pieces for our 2014 Spring/Summer collection!"

Q: "Our customers love that you are a local designer - Does Maryland play a role in your designs?"

A: "Being a born and raised Maryland girl does play a role in my designs.  I grew up right on the water and spent many days at the beach, biking or walking in downtown Annapolis.  I use my experiences to mold my designs into pieces that would work well for the girl who may spend her days on the water or at the farmers market to nights out in Fed Hill or Naptown!"

Q: "What items would you recommend for gifts?"

Flamingo Necklace in Gold, $28
"Love" Necklace in Gold, $26
A:  "I love to put together a few special pieces that I know the receiver will love plus something that they may have never thought of wearing. Our new Love Necklace-- I like to layer this with other necklaces especially our new Flamingo necklace! Of course I always include one of our gemstone earrings into the gift.  This is where I like to introduce my friends to new colors that they can include into their wardrobe, plus what girl doesn't want something sparkly dangling from their ear?!"
                                                         
Stop by either location of Poppy & Stella for a look at more of Rebecca's work! Pieces starting at $24.

Thursday, February 6, 2014

Spring Style Preview!

There may be six more weeks of winter, but we are celebrating Spring early, previewing our new arrivals exclusively to you! From fun floppy hats to strappy sandals, we have just what you need this Spring. These styles are perfect for a winter getaway, or just for those dreaming of warmer weather!

One of our favorite reemerging trends this season is the maxi dress, done in fun prints! Wear your maxis with casual sandals, or dress them up with wedges and a contrasting necklace. Add a fun hat to any Spring outfit for a pop of color and to shield your skin while outdoors.

Another trend we love for the upcoming season (and for any season!) is comfort shoes, whether they are flats or heels. The Born leather wedge featured below has a padded footbed and adjustable slingback strap, making it perfect for all day wear. The Bed Stu woven leather sandal below is also a great everyday shoe, absolutely made for walking with its leather lining and rubber outer sole!

Here's to SPRING and all it holds for fun and fashion!


Shop this look:

Olive & Oak striped maxi, $89
Born leather wedge, $115
San Diego Hat Co. ombre floppy, $28
Sunburst necklace, $32


Shop this look:

Olive & Oak chevron maxi, $84
Bed Stu leather woven sandal, $119
San Diego Hat Co. woven fedora, $22