Color Theory: Black + White + Red

A curated look at some items in the works at the Zelma Rose studio today. I pulled together a few of my favorites in a collection of black + white + red. The post card is from my collection and is definitely a favorite, both the photo, and musician, John Coltrane. The red book is an old psych book named Adolescent Breakdown and Beyond.  I keep a few of my favorites tucked away with my design and photo books. Surprisingly I often turn to these for inspiration when facing a design challenge. 

1. Heart Necklace 2. Red & White Polka Dot Bow Tie 3. B&W Plaid Pocket Square
4. B&W Chevron Necklace 5. Red Chevron Pocket Square

Me & ModCloth

I have such an exciting announcement today! Zelma Rose is on ModCloth!!! How did a partnership with one of my favorite businesses come about? Read on...

Is it crazy to follow the business advice of a fictional character? Probably. Don Draper, the dapper and mostly tortured ad exec of Mad Men once said something to the effect of, the right time is all the time and the right place is everywhere. After being at the helm of ZR for the last 3 years, I can't argue. Sometimes it is all about putting yourself out there over and over again. You never know what good will come of it.

I met COO Susan Gregg Koger of ModCloth at Renegade Craft Fair in San Francisco this past July. I have been doing Renegade for years and always hear stories of other designers having dream encounters at RCF, but so far it had never happened to me. I felt like I was always the one listening to friends tell their tale and cheering from the sidelines as a buyer from Anthropologie picked up their line of coasters, or a famed blogger blasted their wares out into cyber space.

Here in SF we are big fans of ModCloth. While the company has offices across the country, anytime a brilliant business has an outpost in SF of course we claim it as our own. Of course, right?! As a businesswoman, Susan always impressed me with her brilliant idea for the company along with her ability to get it up and running and turn her vision into what we know ModCloth to be today. Perhaps my favorite thing about her is that she is adventurous in terms of fashion and style and carries that message to her loyal fans. I remember watching a super stylish woman enter the booth with a Miu Miu bag to die for. She scooped up a few of my items and moved on to my booth mate PF Candle Co for some candles.  While at the cash wrap I hear Kristen of PF Candle Co say, "Aren't you from ModCloth?" My heart practically spit out of my mouth when Susan said yes, and handed us both her business card. As she left our booth Kristen and I shared an enthusiastic high 5.

A few days later I decided to follow up. In my head it always seems like I am a bother, but if someone gives you a way to contact them, then maybe they want you to keep in touch, right? I reached out to Susan to thank her for stopping by and to see how she liked her purchases.  Turns out the ZR Ursa Major Necklace she bought was a major hit and I was going to be contacted by one of ModCloth's buyers. The rest as they say, is history.

My partnership with ModCloth has been one of a few major leaps and bounds that Zelma Rose has experienced in the past few months. It's amazing to say the least. My friend Sarah of Portraits To The People sent me a screen shot the other day of a ModCloth ad that featured my necklace. SO crazy! If you haven't been over to the website, here's a glimpse of what's going on:

The Zelma Rose Ursa Major Necklace makes its debut on ModCloth

The Zelma Rose Cross Your Heart Necklace Debuts at ModCloth

My favorite from the bunch, Susan herself rockin some ZR!

What's your favorite find over on ModCloth? Post the link below, I'd love to see your style.

xo

Lisa

Style File 8.16.13 I've Got Love for Moorea Seal

As if Alt Summit wasn't enough fun with getting to style the Vivint Let's Neighbor dinner, I also met some incredible women whose business skills I have been crushing on for quite a while. One of my favorite fellow designers, Moorea Seal, hails from Seattle and her style so effortlessly replicates the laid back and lovely attitude of the Pacific Northwest. Outside of her talent as a jewelry designer, she also has an incredible eye as a curator and I was so very excited when she shared with me at that she was launching a website to sell a collection of all the wonderful things that reflect her style and inspire.  Mooreaseal.com launched a few weeks ago and is already an incredible success.  After meeting Moorea, this is no surprise.  She is smart as she is lovely and is truly a women who knows great design. Not only can you find a perfect collection of wares on mooreseal.com, but 7% of the proceeds are donated to 5 categories of social causes. To read more about the incredible mission of mooreaseal.com, click here.

For this week's style file I pulled together some of my favorite pieces from mooreaseal.com.  It was so hard to choose!  I hope you enjoy and head on over to mooreaseal.com to see more!

1 // Sunglasses 2 // Print 3 // Terrarium 4 // Vase 5 // Scarf 6 // Earrings 7 // Earrings 8 // Pouch 9 // Cards

Happy Friday!

xo

Lisa

Now Hear This 6.24.13 Zelma Rose Look Book Release

We have been working behind the scenes at ZR for the last few months on our much anticipated 2013/2014 Look Book. Always a group effort, it really does take a village, I finally had the printed version in my hands for the first time on Friday. Remembering the day of the shoot and all the friends who came out to say hello and lent a hand really made me smile.We have such a close network of fellow makers here in San Francisco, it makes taking on the big projects a whole lot of fun.

The idea for our Look Book happened organically. I was in the process of looking for models when I met Jared Grellner and Bobby Jernegan. Jared had just launched Tomfoolery photo booth and Bobby was hard at work setting the stage for Crescent City's newest destination restaurant Porcini. One of my favorite parts of working in Norcal is being surrounded by creative, energetic, and inspiring business people. Jared and Bobby were exactly who I wanted to represent, as they inspired so much of what goes into our designs. The stage was set to use local business favorites as models. I asked friends Ashley Thomas of Happy & Good and Stephanie Bodnar of Honey Cooler Handmade to join in on the modeling fun, rounded up my two favorite photographers Sarah Deragon and Meg Allen, scheduled Rebecca Taff for hair and makeup and secured the Makeshift Society for our studio for the day. Graphic Designer Molly Covert of Rabbit Foot Fern pulled it all together with the Look Book design.

The shoot was so much fun and the laughter and 90's dance jams really came through in the photos. I am so grateful to everyone involved for their hard work and endless support. Hands down my favorite things about running the show at ZR is getting to know my fellow makers, movers, and shakers. San Francisco has a special collection of  creatives working hard day and night on their dream. We love being a part of the community here.




Pay us a visit later in the week for details on your chance to win your very own print copy of our Look Book along with an exclusive ZR design of your own.  We will be giving away a Look Book Style Kit from our Men's & Women's line. And let us know what you think of our Look Book!

Happy Monday

xo

Lisa

Now Hear This 6.10.13 And the Winner is...

I had such fun last month packing up a big box load of goodies to be sent to Alt Summit, Alt For Everyone Attendees. I love all things Alt and I'm very much looking forward to Alt SF next month. Will you be there? One of my favorite things about Alt is getting to meet intelligent, hard working, creative, business women from all over the world. While I didn't participate in Alt For Everyone, by being included in their legendary gift box, I have connected with group of such lovely, wonderful and spirited bloggers! Part of my gift box goody included a chance to win a Zelma Rose Necklace for one of the recipient's readers. I had such a great response and many of you sent in beautiful photos and comments. It has been a joy getting to know you and your blogs!  I thought I would share some of my favorite photos below. Please go ahead and follow along with the photographers, you will be inspired, this I guarantee!

To choose the winner of the giveaway contest I decided to go with a very dry and mathematical method. I gave each person who participated a number and entered them into a random number generator, which was actually kind of fun. Turns out, random number generators love Design Crush!  Congrats Kelly! One of your lucky readers is going to win their very own Zelma Rose necklace! Thanks to everyone who entered. It has been so nice getting to know you all and I deeply appreciate all the photos and conversation. Know that you have a new fan and dedicated reader in me. You all have me so excited for Alt SF I can barely stand it!

Modish & Main

edenhensley

missallaby

Design Mom Blog

Happy Monday!

xo

Lisa

Style File 6.7.13 Father's Day Gift Guide

With Father's Day right around the corner we are busy at the sewing machine finishing up bow ties and pocket squares for all the dapper dads out there. Notoriously difficult to shop for, the Bean's Dad is always a challenge to find just the right gift for. When our daughter was born I decided to give both a gift from her and one from me. The gift from her part is always a lot easier and last year I finally ran out of coffee related paraphernalia gifts for the Bear after being on a successful run. This guide includes some of my favorite places to shop, both locally in SF and otherwise, and a few of my maker friends who I just can't get enough of. The Bear's all time favorite from the bunch was the Timbuk2 messenger bag I got him last fall for his birthday.  Durable and local to SF, it doesn't get any better.

1. Apron // 2. Shirt // 3. Sewing Kit  // 4. Bow Tie // 5. Bow Tie & Pocket Square // 6. Messenger Bag // 7. Pencils //
8. Scissors // 9. Fedora //

Thanks to Stitch and Hammer, House of Nines Design, Taylor Stitch, Timbuk2, and Kaufmann Mercantile for the inspiration.

Happy Friday!

xo

Lisa

This post is part of a promotion with FamilySearch.

In the Studio 6.5.13 with Soprano Amanda Forsythe

I'm so excited today to introduce you to one of our customers, Amanda Forsythe. I've known Amanda since High School and besides being incredibly intelligent and a rock star mom, she also happens to be a professional opera singer, a soprano to be specific. Having your voice be an instrument is creativity on a whole other level. I often think about when the act of making is practice that then leads up to a public performance. While it is very different from the solitude and quiet that I experience in the studio during the design process, I think they both result in the exciting and often crazy life that comes with one dedicated to the arts. I was lucky enough to touch base with Amanda this past weekend when she sent me some beautiful photos featuring our Yellow & Grey Statement Necklace.

Arielle Doneson Corrigan Photography

Arielle Doneson Corrigan Photography

If you are in the Boston area, you can catch Amanda perform Handel's Almira this weekend at the  Boston Early Music Festival through June 23rd. For other upcoming performances, including the Rossini Opera Festival, visit Amanda's website, where you can also hear her incredible voice. 

xo

Lisa

Now Hear This 6.3.13 Zelma Rose on Good Day Sacramento!

Last week was a little insane over at ZR. About 2 weeks ago I received the nicest email from Good Day Sacramento anchor Amy Carabba about appearing on a segment of Carabba on the Catwalk!  I was so thrilled to have gotten Amy's attention and immediately said yes! My appearance was booked for this past weekend and it was a great time! It was my first official television appearance and let's just say I'm hooked. Amy and the crew over at Good Day Sacramento couldn't have been nicer and more supportive. They were generous enough to give me almost 5 minutes and Amy asked me to bring all the product that I could fit in the car. I'm so grateful to Amy and the producers at Good Day Sacramento for the invitation and the gracious welcome. You can check out my appearance by clicking the link below:

Zelma Rose on Good Day Sacramento

ZR on Good Day Sacramento

I have to say it was pretty interesting hanging out at a television studio for the day!  I took a bunch of behind the scenes shots including one of Country Music star Weston Burt, who's performance preceded my interview.  He and his band are sweet as sugar and the word is that he's the next big thing! 

I hope your weekend was exciting and lovely! Visit again on Wednesday, I'll be sharing some incredible customer photos.

xo

Lisa

Now Hear This 5.28.13 Holy Gentleman's Quarterly

Last Monday morning my eyes nearly fell out of my head. As I woke and grabbed some coffee on the way to the studio I just happened to check my Instgram feed. I love posting new designs and photos from the studio on my feed and i usually check it first thing in the morning to catch up on all things photographic. To my surprise, Justin Doss, the fashion editor for GQ had posted a photo of a few items from our Men's Collection. I screamed. Loudly. This was big! I did a celebration dance, the robot of course, and called my husband. Here's the infamous GQ shot. Thanks Justin!

Zelma Rose in GQ!

If you are on Instagram, follow along with us and take a peek at the GQ feed.  There's some pretty gorgeous stuff on there! 

Happy Tuesday (I took yesterday off)

xo

Lisa

Style File 5.24.13 Red White & Blue Summer Favorites

With Memorial Day on Monday, summer's trend of red, white & blue is in full swing through July. I love classic style and few things evoke a more classic vibe than red, white and blue. Whether stripes, stars, or solids, you can't go wrong when choosing from this Americana palette for your closet or home. I was especially inspired this week during my visit to the Di Rosa Preserve when I spied a piece by artist Packard Jennings. Today's Style File all fell into place after that.

1. Clogs // 2. Bow Tie // 3. Bag // 4. Blanket // 5. Necklace // 6. Book // 7. Jumpsuit // 8. Sculpture // 9. Necklace //

Enjoy the long weekend!  

xo

Lisa

In the Studio 5.22.13 Prepping for Renegade Craft Fair

I don't get the chance to do many shows during the year. Zelma Rose keeps me busy in the studio most of the time, but the one show I never miss is Renegade Craft Fair. I've been doing the summer and holiday shows for 3 years now and I simply love RCF. My friend Kristen of PF Candle Co. travels up from Long Beach to share a booth with me and we always have a great time. It never ceases to fail that we always come up with some crazy new display and this year is no exception. I am planning a new backdrop and sign for Zelma Rose this year and it is time to get started. Along with working on display, I also need to get moving on what product I am going to bring. This time of year is busy because while I am getting my usual orders out, we are also planning for the fall and holiday season. I thought I would let you in on some of the items I am planning on bringing along to Renegade and guessing will be popular gifts come holiday time. Let me know what you would like to see in person July 27 & 28!

Zelma Rose Heart Necklace: I'm guessing Red & Gold will be big this fall.

Double Arrow Necklace.  My Favorite!

Blue Ikat Pocket Square: Great piece to add some color to your fall wardrobe

Arrow Pocket Square and Bow Tie. Perfect for fall weddings and late summer celebrations

Galaxy Cross Stitch Necklaces. Just the right amount of sparkle

Our newest addition to the Zodiac Collection: Hand illustrated constellations under glass

One of our most popular pieces, the Big Dipper Necklace

Now Hear This 5.20.13 7x7 Has Local Handmade Love

Confession time...I keep a list of milestone hopes next to my desk. It's a simple list, but I am a believer that you have to put what you want out there into the universe. No use holding on to your wishes, personal or business so tightly. I have found that when you share the dreams you have for your business, you engage others in that dream too. And isn't that just much more fun? I keep a little list of publications that I am just dying to get Zelma Rose into. There are the big boys, like the New York Times, GQ, InStyle, and of course Martha Stewart Weddings, and then there are the locals that I read everyday and are very dear to my heart. Last year I was lucky enough to be in San Francisco Magazine, and back in February I was featured in the Style section of the San Francisco Chronicle...totally blew my mind! This Friday I got a huge surprise and got to cross another of my favorite local haunt off my list.  7x7 included Zelma Rose in their 7 Favorite Things. I love this column and did a little victory dance when 7x7 tweeted the link.  Huzzah!  Score one for ZR!  And 7x7, there are about 49 things we love about you!

Thanks so much 7x7 for making my day!  I love hometown press. Nothing beats the feeling of seeing what you do everyday pop up in something you read everyday! The Bold Italic and Asterisk, you are still on my list!

Happy Monday

xo

Style File 3.17.13 Alt Summit!

I was so excited a few months ago when Alt Summit asked Zelma Rose to contribute to their Alt for Everyone Conference Gift Bag! If you don't know Alt, they are the go to resource for bloggers, offering incredible conferences, online classes and blogging support that can't be matched. I was lucky enough to attend Alt Summit in Salt Lake City this past January as part of my blogging life for Let's Neighbor. I had a great time meeting incredibly creative and intelligent women from all across the country and even got to attend a lovely dinner hosted by one of my favorite companies, The Land of Nod. Besides being host to incredible conferences, Alt is also known for their legendary gift bags. We were tickled to be among the artists and companies selected to be included in Alt for Everyone, Alt's first online conference, which started yesterday! While I won't be participating in Alt for Everyone as a blogger, I will be at Alt SF July, 18. I can't believe Alt is coming to San Francisco! I'll be there representing Let's Neighbor, along with talking up Zelma Rose. If you are there, please say hello!  See you in July!

This week's Style File is inspired by the iconic Alt logo and is all things black, white and yellow. Strong, sunny, and modern, these colors just scream a good time. Happy Friday!

xo

Lisa

1. Tea Towel // 2. Shoe // 3. Bag // 4. Chair // 5. Alt // 6. Necklace // 7. Shirt // 8. Shoe // 9. Skirt

In the Studio 5.15.13 New Zelma Rose Bow Tie Benefits Mental Health Services for Veterans

I grew up around army green. My dad is a veteran, his dad, and we always had an army blanket packed in the car trunk for emergencies.  As you know, ZR is obsessed with all things utilitarian and army blankets and fatigues are about as functional as you can get. I love the feel and worn quality to vintage army fabric.  It is soft, tough, and carries with it an incredible story.

When working on some new designs for 2014, I couldn't help but think of how Zelma Rose wanted to give back in 2013.  Last year, we donated a percentage of proceeds from our holiday sales to the Red Cross for Hurricane Sandy relief.  The campaign was a great success and support from all of you enabled us to make a nice donation at the end of the year. As a former psychotherapist, and daughter of a wounded veteran, I am keenly aware of the traumatic stress and mental health issues facing our veterans not only when the return home, but as they age. While there are quality mental health services available to veterans, they simply cannot meet the demand in a timely matter.  Supporting veteran mental health is critical not only to our veterans themselves, but their families as well. I'm so excited that with every sale of our new Vintage Army Green Bow Tie, $10 will be donated to supporting Veteran mental health services. The Bow Tie went up on the website last week and the response has been really positive. Every single Army Green Bow Tie is different, as each one is made from collected vintage army fatigues, that I repurpose into a Zelma Rose old fashioned self tie bow tie.

Zelma Rose Vintage Army Green Bow Tie

Zelma Rose Vintage Army Green Bow Tie

Zelma Rose Vintage Army Green Bow Tie

Zelma Rose Bow Tie Packaging

Zelma Rose Bow Tie Box

As always, I'd love your thoughts!

xo

Lisa

Original photography, art direction + styling for Zelma Rose by Lisa Anderson Shaffer

Now Hear This 5.13.13 The Great Gatsby is Roarin' in San Francisco

A few months ago, friend and designer Stephanie Bodnar of Honey Cooler Handmade approached me with an idea.  With the May date set for the much anticipated release of Baz Lurmann's The Great Gatsby, Stephanie was dying to show off some of the local dapper and Gatsby gorgeous San Francisco designers and hot spots. San Francisco was indeed roarin' in the twenties and the style has endured in a city where vintage inspired design and craftsmanship is on the rise.  Needless to say, I loved the idea and was in! We were lucky enough to gather some of our favorite people together for a photo shoot at Trick Dog, one of the newer and right now hottest spots in SF. With a mix of new and old the photos are a reminder that classic style is always in fashion and San Francisco is the greatest place for designers and local movers and shakers to collaborate and have some fun.

Photos are courtesy of the talented Antonette Streeter. Hair and makeup, Rebecca Taff. Fashion Styling, Dominique Guillen. Lipstick, Franklyn Street Stick courtesy of Elizabeth Street Cosmetics. Location, Trick Dog, and thanks to our gorgeous model Ukushu Khrystyna, and Trick Dog's own bartenders Morgan Schick and Chad Arnholt. The fashion is courtesy of Honey Cooler Handmade and Paul's Hat Works. Zelma Rose supplied the bow ties, pocket squares and Ukushu's cross stitch necklace.

Antonette Streeter Photography

Antonette Streeter Photography

Antonette Streeter Photography

Antonette Streeter Photography

Antonette Streeter Photography

Antonette Streeter Photography

Antonette Streeter Photography

Antonette Streeter Photography

Antonette Streeter Photography

Antonette Streeter Photography

Antonette Streeter Photography

What are your dapper plans for spring?

xo

Lisa

Now Hear This: 4.15.13 Hooray for Packaging

There is so much going on in the studio the next few weeks.  Some of which I am so excited to share with you, but I am sworn to secrecy...I know it's driving me crazy too, but surprises are fun, right?! If you follow along on instagram, you can probably guess that I am working on pulling together some major orders and shipments and that has kept us pretty darn busy around here. As always, though, necessity brings forth new and fun ideas and we have been having a ball with our packaging. From pin back buttons, to beautiful letterpress and newly imaged moo cards, every shipment that has left the studio has been full of new surprises just for you. I pulled together some images of the fun we've been having with packaging. A special shout out to Lilikoi Design and Letterpress for the stunning new business cards!

Pin Back Buttons & Moo Cards

Pin Back Button & Lilikoi Letterpress Card

Pin Back Buttons.  I am Obsessed!

Lilikoi Letterpress Card Packaging for Enjoy Events Co. 

Lilikoi Letterpress Cards. Swoon!

I hope your Monday is off to a great start.

xo

Lisa