Digby & Iona

I discovered Digby and Iona a few years ago at Catbird. Maker Aaron Ruff creates incredibly gorgeous, unique pieces of jewelry that are unlike anything I’ve ever seen. I was thrilled to get a chance to learn more about Aaron and his collection…

digby-iona-brooklyn

WHAT INSPIRES YOU?

History, nature, and random scraps of trash.

WHAT MADE YOU START YOUR LINE?

After working as a carpenter, then woodworker, I wanted to try my hand at a new craft.

WHAT IS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND YOUR LINE?

History, classic literature, and the drive to make heirloom quality jewelry.

digby-and-iona-jewelry

WHAT DRIVES YOU?

The almost psychotic need to out do myself.

WHAT IS NEXT?

I want to continue on the same trajectory by expanding my craft, and workign on my high end lines. Maybe even open a brick and mortar store in the near future.

WHERE DO YOU DESIGN?

Everywhere, but most successfully over a few drinks.

WHERE ARE YOU MOST INSPIRED?

When traveling.

digby-and-iona-aaron-ruff

WHERE DO YOU MAKE YOUR COLLECTION?

My studio is in Cobble Hill Brooklyn in the old elevator shaft of a warehouse building.

WHERE DO YOU LIKE TO SHOP?

Flea markets.

WHY DO YOU MAKE YOUR COLLECTION?

In order to keep up with the constant overflow of ideas.

WHY IS AMERICAN MADE IMPORTANT TO YOU?

Local manufacturing and being able to interact face to face with manufacturers.

http://www.kirnazabete.com/designers/anndra-neen/fno-cage-mini-clutch

Photos via Digby and Iona. Follow along:

Read Instead

Read Instead – Screen printed in Oakland, California by BOOK/SHOP founder Erik Heywood.

Just a few of the more interesting things I’ve read lately:

Rebecca Atwood in the New York Times! My Rebecca Atwood pillows are some of my favorite pieces in my home and it has been so fun to watch Becca grow her collection over the last year. In case you missed it, read her TAE feature from last fall! 

Girl of a Certain Age: How much is too much to pay for a pair of jeans? (The conversation is in the comments on this one!)

Zappos is launching a personal shopping service via instagram… I’m personally not that interested in Instagram turning into a shopping site, but it will be interesting to see what comes of this!

If you’d rather just look at some gorgeous pictures, check out the new Parc Boutique Spring Lookbook that my friends Thao, Wing – Canary Grey Photography, and Jackie – Munster Rose Styling put together. Every lookbook they put out trumps the last one… so inspiring!

Happy weekend, friends! xR

The Edit : LA Discoveries

Just a few American made brands I came across while in LA last week… I met with some incredible brands that I can’t wait to share with you, but it’s also fun to discover new ones along the way! I always wonder what the sales associates and shop owners are thinking as I dig into each garment for the country of origin label… they must think I’m obsessed with care instructions!  

The Introduction: Sea NY

New favorite brand: Sea NY. I’ve been following the brand for the last year or so and this season is my favorite thus far – simple, classic silhouettes with incredible detailing. If not for Shopbop‘s incredibly transparent COO labeling (love!) I’d assume these items were made in Europe… lucky for us, most of the line is made right here!

ABOUT THE DESIGNER:

Sea is a line of separates and dresses designed by lifelong friends Monica Paolini and Sean Monahan. Monahan launched the label in 2007, after a career in media and technology had run its course. Monica joined the brand in 2009, and together they design this accessible line of feminine, modern pieces, cut in a quietly provocative style. Sea clothing is unique and wearable, the sort of staples every city wardrobe needs.

A FEW OF MY FAVORITES: 

all images and brand information via shopbop.