Weekly Crave
scrumptious confection decorations by HeyYoYo

Her Morning Elegance
This beautiful stop motion video by israeli artist, Oren Lavi will captivate you. Click on the post title to be re-directed to watch it on YouTube.

Nifty and Thrifty

Designer Consignor, located in Hingham, MA, is an absolute fashion find. Chalk-full of gently worn designer clothes, shoes, jewelry and handbags, it's the thrill of the hunt that makes this place so much fun. Just like roving through your aunt's closet (the one that loved Dior more than her husband), there are many surprise finds you'll want to pounce on before they're gone. In addition to finding that Nanette Lepore jacket and those vintage Armani heels, what makes us crave Designer Consignor is the vivacious owner, Rosanne Bush. She's a fire-cracker with moxie to spare - and we're talking the kind of fire-cracker that goes the highest and makes the biggest boom with the best sparkly. Her collection of beautiful designs for easy-on-the-purse prices will have you swooning and checking back often for newly consigned items. One gal's past season is another's frugal fashion fix. Now that's nifty and thrifty.

Crave: www.designerconsignorhingham.com

Weekly Crave
interview with designer and entrepreneur Marissa B.

1. Tell us about yourself. What do you make?
I design and make a line of jewelry called Marissa B. It's an entirely handmade line made right in my studio in Somerville, MA of high quality materials including sterling silver, gold vermeil, and semiprecious gemstones. The Marissa B. line offers a new perspective on fashion jewelry by creating a collection of earrings, bracelets and necklaces that reflect the modern aesthetic. Each piece is handcrafted by myself or some of the super skilled artisans that work with me. Every design that adorns our discerning clientele is made with care. Whether you crave a simple line or a bold statement, Marissa B. jewelry satisfies every sophisticated taste!

2. What inspires you?
I gather my inspiration for my jewelry designs from many sources. The vibrancy of the city, the harmony of nature and the complexities of the human spirit combined with a zest for color and form inspires my creative energies. I love looking at home decor and runway styles to get ideas for shape and form. I also love just going to the market and looking at all the fresh fruits and veggies (even fresh fish!) to get inspired for color and unexpected combinations.

3. When did you start your business?
I started my business in 2002 selling wholesale to stores.

4. Where can we find you?
I sell to a variety of boutiques and galleries worldwide. I've also sold to retalers including the Neiman Marcus catalogue, Henri Bendel, Von Maur and Garnet Hill catalogue. My favorite store are ones that are local and where I've developed friendships with the owners. In Boston the boutique, Shake The Tree, is my absolute favorite store that sells my work - and I love shopping there too!

5. What online venues do you sell through?
I've just started offereing my work online through Etsy.com. This is a recent venture to connect to the marketplace in a new way and sell my work direct from my studio. It's a great feeling todirect, spend that extra attention to packaging and include that personal touch.

6. Why is design so important to you?
When I design I am motivated by the chance I have each day to create, express and innovate. As an artist, I experience creating as a constant process of discovery and invention and I am very grateful for this. As a small business owner, I see creativity as essential to keep coming up with new ways to connect with my customers and keep delivering what they want!

7. Anything else you'd like to share?
I would like to say how thankful I am to all the friends, family, business associates and artists who have guided me, given me their advice, their wisdom and encouragement. Being an entrepreneur and artist can feel like a contradiction at times, but ultimately I find the harmony between the two. It's crucial to balance the business and creative elements of this endeavor and it's honest effort and belief in my work that helps me achieve it.

{pictured: Pink Jade & Turqiouse Bracelet and Pearl Ball Drop Earrings}

Crave: marissab.com and marissab.etsy.com