For the past few years, we've been avid and faithful readers of Erin Gates' daily posts on her Elements of Style blog--between her eye for style (in both the fashion and home arenas), her ability to bring to light a fabulous brand or product, and her genuine, approachable voice in writing, she keeps us informed and entertained each morning.  (Or...if it's really busy, we save it for an afternoon break...either way, it's a great part of our day.)

It is perhaps her honesty and integrity that we love best--both have earned her a growing and loyal readership and the attention of several sites and magazines.  (She recently wrote an article for Good Housekeeping that is not to be missed...and we were delighted to see her offices and apartment featured on TheEverygirl this month!)  Though her stylish suggestions are right-on, her candor when it comes to relationships, self-esteem, body image, attitude, and priorities are real and relatable.  We find ourselves nodding in agreement equally when she tells it like it is in the post-awards-show run-down of fashion AND when she's admitting she's working on loving her self more, a challenge for many of us.

Clearly, Erin was a Leading Lady before we even began this series, so it was never a question that we'd ask her to join us...and we were thrilled when she agreed.  We started out by asking Erin to assemble an inspiration board for us--though we have come to know her overall style fairly well through her blog, we wanted to see how she envisioned this particular design, and we loved seeing her selections:

We immediately decided this design would be more akin to one of our Deb Collection necklaces, using repurposed vintage chains as the foundation of the composition, and we knew a Maltese cross (we have long been fans of Verdura and his work for Chanel...even writing a grad-school paper on the topic!) had to factor in to the arrangement.  So, we sent along images of these materials, culled from our in-house collections, for Erin to see and consider:

[a few Maltese cross designs we liked from our vintage holdings]

[several vintage gilt, brass, and goldtone chains that might work]

[touches of faux malachite and onyx to mix in for variation with the chains]

Our first attempt (and sadly this photo is terrible, but so was the design, so let's just call it a wash) used the malachite beads more sparingly, to let the cross and chains take center stage.  We liked it, but didn't love it...and thought we'd let Erin have a look to get her insight.  After all, this is a collaborative effort AND she is a designer--we loved hearing her opinion.  And, honestly, this is why having a client's feedback is so crucial sometimes--it's easy to find yourself so caught up in the design that you lose a bit of perspective.  Not only have the materials been staring you in the face for a few hours (or days, whatever the case may be) but you come to a gridlock with them, unable to try anything else until you're sure the one on which you're stuck will not work.

When Erin mentioned that, though she loved the overall concept, that she wanted to change up the malachite a bit, we were relieved.  (And laughing--she said something about the beads reminded her of peas...not something we would have ever considered, so back to our "feedback is so crucial" statement above!)

[first attempt...not there yet.]

So...we took a few suggestions from Erin (perhaps a strand of malachite mixed with the chains? pearls or other beads mixed in?) and added some additional beads to break up the green/gold pattern--black glass in matte-finish rounds and larger faceted nuggets were just the thing to add interest, we think, especially in fun, random patterns.

We think the results are a great  mix of edgy, sophisticated, and fun--a mix of materials that can work the room of a cocktail party just as easily as a business brunch--perfect for a gal like Erin who likely attends both. (And...the Maltese cross brooch is detachable, so the chains and strands can be worn unadorned if the occasion calls for it, though we're loving the Verdura/Chanel-inspired lovely at the side!)

[the final results...love.]

Erin loved it--and we're digging how she styled her new necklace--perfect with a tailored blazer and jeans.  Many, many thanks to Erin for following along on this design adventure...and we look forward to seeing where the jewels go now that they are part of this Leading Lady's lovely life!

No offense to any of our previous leading ladies, but this one is hands-down tops on every list in our life. 

Her gown was a gorgeous shade of rich royal blue--silk taffeta with a full skirt, belted waist, and gathered portrait collar screaming for some fabulous Elva.  At first we tried beads of faceted clear crystal and silver to pick up the sparkle of the rhinestone buckle...but they seemed to disappear around the neck.  When we considered adding some glittering rhinestone brooches at the side for a bit of extra interest, they were overwhelmed by the fabric at the neckline.  (It's a good thing Deb is patient...chalk that up to her many virtues!). It became clear that color would be best...but with blue and silver being her designated Duchess colors (each gal and her entourage are assigned a color scheme) we needed to stick with shades of royal.   We proceeded to pull every deep shade of blue and silver in the studio to see what might work...and the layered pile began to form a wonderful collage of shapes, sizes, textures, and colors...

As we both looked at the beads, we began nodding in agreement.  This could work.  Multiple (endless?) strands of interesting beads, somewhat jumbled in an artful arrangement, no extra adornment in a brooch or pendant, and a fabulous clasp...just a mass of fabulousness to highlight the beautiful color and simplicity of her gown.  Let's do it.

It took a team effort, but we strung each style separately on wire--nearly 17 in all--from beads of crystal and African glass to pearls and sapphires, and artfully attached the strands to a silver clasp from India.  We only wondered if Deb's neck would be up to the task of wearing this substantial style from cocktails to dance floor.

We love the flurry of excitement that comes when we add new jewels to our collections!  Updating the site every few weeks after a bit of anticipation and patience on behalf of our dear customers is fun for us--it's a joy to show off fifty-some designs that are the culmination of our hard work over the previous few weeks, and all of us in the studio celebrate when the new jewels go live online.  

Yet--not long after we post them--they tend to disappear rather quickly, and we're left with just a handful of lovelies on our web pages for the next few weeks until we are ready to rock and roll again.

So we're changing things up a bit here at Elva this month: we'll be adding new necklaces to the online collections every week!  Along with our weekly Daily Deals (generally announced each Tuesday) we plan to post around 10 necklace designs that are fresh and fun...just to keep things interesting on the site.  Not to worry--we'll still offer one larger update each month, along with our monthly email sharing the latest and greatest from the world of Elva.  

This way, you'll have the chance to enjoy a little bit of necklace love more often each month, so we hope you'll stop by to see the goodies from time to time...and definitely sign up for our earring Daily Deal and our regular mailing list (at the very bottom right of this page!) to stay in the know about earrings at amazing prices, fun events, behind-the-scenes pics, and special savings.  (They're two separate lists, so be sure you're on both if you want the full shebang!)

Let us know what you think about our new plan of action--and hope to see you soon!

XO,

The Elva Gals

They've been fans from the start--the Clodhoppers gals (Kelly and Kathy, the owners, and their extended "family" of lovely ladies who have at one time or another been part of the fantastic shop) took a liking to Elva Fields and haven't given up on us yet!  It all started about eight and a half years ago (yikes...that long, really?) when a dear friend, who worked there at the time, wore one of our earliest creations to the shop.  After the Clods gals asked where she got it, Elva Fields soon became a regular addition to the glass cases on display on Bardstown Road.  We were ecstatic to have landed in such lovely and stylish surroundings at Clodhoppers--they're the leading ladies of the local shopping scene, having been a boutique for women since 1993, starting first with shoes and expanding into clothing and other accessories soon after.   (And we have to give them full props for their mention in Southern Living this week!)

Fast forward to their beautiful spot in Saint Matthews in the space formerly occupied by the legendary Vogue Theatre, and we're still in the vitrines, loving our longstanding connection with such savvy, dedicated, and sincere women.  They've given us everything from our start in the Louisville fashion market to advice on raising daughters (one of the owners even handed down a crib and changing table when our first daughter was born...thank you again and again, Kathy!) and insights on owning a business.  

We think the world of the entire Clodhoppers team, which is why we asked them to take part in our Spring Collection photo shoot this past fall.  Meggie Graham McMahon, who is quite possibly the kindest and most adorable boutique manager on the planet, agreed to join in the fun, and we were thrilled to have her with us for the day.  She's beautiful inside and out...and rocked some Elva with an assortment of gorgeous ensembles from the Clodhoppers collections.   (See her below?  GORGEOUS, right?)

We had a chance to catch up with Meggie amidst the flurry of spring shopping (it is high Derby season around here) and asked her a few questions...below she dishes on Derby dressing, a love of fashion, and her favorite part about working with fabulous women.  (And, Meggie, thank you again for being such a wonderful model for us...and for getting Elva on the necks of some glamourous gals this time of year.  See you soon!)

Emily/Elva Fields:  When did you first begin your Clodhoppers adventure?  Were you a customer before you were an assistant?

Meggie/Clodhoppers:  I would walk into Clodhoppers on Bardstown Road when I was in high school and just admire all of the beautiful clothes... I could only admire.  My mom took me into the store right before high school graduation and bought me two dresses for the festivities, and I was absolutely ecstatic!  I still have the two--just can't let go of them.  I started working at Clodhoppers in the summer of '07, right after I graduated from the University of Kentucky.  I don't think they'll ever be able to get rid of me! 

EF:  What is your favorite thing about being part of the fun at Clodhoppers?

M:    I love love love helping people find their perfect little black dress or favorite pair of blue jeans. I also love all of the girls I work with. We are like one big happy family.

EF:  What are some of your favorite labels featured at the shop?

M:    Milly (of course), JBrand Jeans, Lauren Moffatt, Alice & Trixie...

EF:   How would you describe your style in five words or less?

M:    Eclectic, Timeless, Trendy, Comfy, funky- it completely is based on my mood that day!

EF:  Working in a boutique can be a dangerous proposition for the pocketbook (and paycheck!)...how do you prioritize your purchases from the store?  Are there particular items you are most excited to invest in than others each season?

M:    If I absolutely love something, I snag it (like the many Elva Fields necklaces and earrings I've collected over the years- you gotta get those quickly!)  If I'm not positive about something, I'll wait a week, and if it's still around and I'm still dreaming about it, I'll get it. This method actually works well for my pocketbook because we only order a select amount of a style in, so they usually go quickly. I get to live vicariously through our customers, too. Sometimes I'm more excited when I help them find the perfect outift than even myself.  Derby season is a great opportunity to do this.

EF:  As you mentioned, it's Derby week here in Kentucky--do you have any go-to style tips for ladies headed to the track or to a fun party for the occasion?  

M:   Anything goes for Derby! I always love a colorful Derby fit, but then also get really excited when someone chooses to go a different route and wear a more muted palette or an understated, simple and elegant outfit.

EF:  Lastly, just for those Derby dressers...hat, fascinator, or (gasp) neither?

M:   Fascinator! 

Clodhoppers at the Vogue

3727 Lexington Road

Louisville, Kentucky 40207

502.891.0079

www.clodhoppers.com

As many of our customers know, we love a fun surprise here at Elva Fields...especially one that brings a smile to the face.  And our love for art is no secret, either--it's an Elva "must" without fail.  Combine these two, and, voila--an artful surprise.  One afternoon last year, we decided to sneak in a little something extra in our boxes of necklaces--sure, it's fun to part the tissue and see your jewels waiting happily in their bow-bedecked box, but why not toss in a little something unexpected, too?  

We batted a few ideas about (we'll spare you the random and hilarious brainstorming session that ensued) and decided that a beautiful card--a limited-edition art print--would be a welcome and smile-inducing gift to include.  In seasons past, we've had a few artists create the design, and this spring we partnered with a fabulous printmaker and graphic designer to visually interpret a quote we imagined from our Spring Collection theme, Living History.  

A Vintage Poster was certainly up to the task and beautifully captured exactly what we had in mind (or dreamed...and never could have done ourselves!)  She is one talented gal, and we think you'll be thrilled to know that she has a store...chock-full of fabulous prints with the most fun phrases, doodles, and designs.  (And, yes...she'll even customize something wonderful just for you!)  And if you scroll on down, you'll even enjoy a bit of a bonus for the ol' pocketbook...absolutely worth the browsing.

Enjoy! (and stay tuned for more surprises to come!)