Style + Shoot Instagram Class is at West Elm Mill Valley!

I'm so excited to announce that Style + Shoot is coming to West Elm!

Sarah and I will be on hand at the West Elm Mill Valley store Tuesday May 6 from 5-7 to teach you the basics of making your business sparkle on Instagram. We are so excited to be working with West Elm and can't wait to have the beautiful back drop of their store as a classroom. Can you imagine setting up styled vignettes with West Elm merchandise? Yeah, it's going to be epic!!

So why don't you join us? You can register at West Elm Mill Valley or via email at zelmarose@gmail.com. Here are the details:

Can't wait to see you there!

xo

Lisa

Good Measure: Storing + Caring for Your Bow Ties

I am often asked by customers and styling clients about caring for and storing bow ties. When it comes to finding suitable storage for your bow ties, it really depends upon whether or not you wear one 5 days a week. For the occasional wearing it is best to roll or gently fold them in a box, to protect from dust and fading. Some brands, like ZR are sold in appropriate boxes for storage, if this isn't the case, you can find a nice selection of plastic, wood, and even woven storage solutions at stores like Target and The Container Store.

If you wear a bow tie 5 days a week you might want to consider investing in a stand or a sturdy display box. I like to use a stand in the studio, as it allows me to really see how the bow tie looks tied, and makes for a nice display. A stand is also the perfect place to place your bow tie the night before you are going to wear it. Setting it on a stand, or even tying it allows it to breathe, helping remove any subtle odors and animal hair.  It also allows you to see if there are any stains, or threads that need to be removed. I've used our newest designs below, from the Zelma Rose Hand Dyed Collection to illustrate how we store and display bow ties in the studio.

A collectors box is also a nice storage option for frequent wearing. Again, the bow tie can be tied, or rolled, and a beautiful box makes for a handsome display in your closet or on top of your dresser. 

When it comes to care, there are a few important things to consider. First, and this is really important, iron your bow tie before every wearing. Ironing your bow tie, no matter the material, helps to achieve the perfect knot. A warm iron, low steam, will iron out any wrinkles and help remove odors. Second, after wearing let your bow tie air out. Don't put it right back into a closed box or a crowded drawer or closet. Anything that is worn around the neck is really good at picking up odors. Whether it is hair product, sweat, or food, you want to give your bow tie a chance to breathe before putting it away. Lastly, to remove any stains, or threads, do so carefully and with a light touch. If it seems totally out of your league, then best to bring it to a dry cleaner, they will know exactly what to do. A little warm water and a very gentle sponge can work wonders, but be sure to not scrub, this will ruin any fabric. 

Let me know how you store your bow ties! And of course include your questions below.

xoxo

Lisa

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

Good Measure: Incorporating Heirlooms into Your Everyday Wardrobe

I love jewelry. This should not come as too much of a surprise, but to be specific, I have a bit of an unhealthy obsession with gemstones and diamonds. It all started with the sciences and my days as a child spending hours in the rock and gemstone room at the Museum of Natural History in New York City. The color, cut, shine, and geometry really spoke to me and does to this day. What can I say, I love shiny things! I am lucky enough to be a part of a long line of women who have felt similarly and over the years I have been the recipient of some big and beautiful gemstone rings.

To be honest it took me a long time to feel comfortable working my family heirlooms into my everyday wear. I usually dress pretty casually when in the studio and when I am off duty, I like to dress up, but was always concerned about making too much of a statement. As I have gotten older I have cared a lot less! The jewelry I have collected is the story of the women in my family. It is important to me and that is enough to wear it out and about as I choose.

My favorite way to wear my rings is to stack them. I love all the color, the combination of metals, and different cuts of the stones. They always start a conversation and I adore sharing the story of who the ring belonged to and when it was passed along to me. I have a few rings that belonged to my Great Great Grandmother!

I have collected a few tips below on some of the things I have learned along the way about caring for and wearing heirlooms. However you wear them, please wear them!  They do no good being hidden away. If you are at a loss for how to work them into your wardrobe, drop a comment below, I'm happy to help you out!

1. Know what you are looking at. I always recommend having heirlooms appraised. This has little to do with monetary value and everything to do with understanding the metals, stones, gears, etc. of the piece. Some items that appear gold might be gold plate, platinum, etc. These differences matter in terms of care, longevity, and value for insurance. 

2. Be brave. Just because an heirloom might not be your style, don't be afraid to take it out for a test run. If it has deep meaning to you but seems foreign to your look, give it a go for a few months. Try it out with a variety of looks from casual to formal. If it still doesn't float your boat, tuck it away in your safe deposit box for a year. If you haven't thought about it or thought of passing it on to another family member, consider giving it to a friend or selling it. 

3. Record the story. When you receive an heirloom make sure to ask the story behind it. Who did it belong to? When did they acquire it? Was it a gift? Keep the details in a notebook or on the cloud so you can pass the story on to the next recipient someday. 

How do you wear your favorite heirlooms? Post a photo on Instagram with #GoodMeasure to share your story.

xoxo

Lisa 

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

Style + Shoot Instagram Class Recap

I love teaching!  It's hard not to, when time again time again, I have to say, I get the best students ever!  Sarah Deragon of Portraits to the People and I were so lucky earlier this week to have a room full of women excited about getting their businesses noticed on Instagram.

 

Portraits To The People Photography 2014

Style + Shoot, held at the Makeshift Society in San Francisco, was the first in a roll out of classes as part of the Mind Your Business School: A series of savvy DIY classes designed to boost your business with a take action attitude. Sarah and I have been working on Mind Your Business School for about a year now, and we are excited to say that this is just the beginning. We will be announcing new classes throughout the spring and summer as well as exciting opportunities and events to come.

Portraits To The People Photography 2014

I am always inspired by other makers and business women and this week was no different. What excites me most is the diversity in interests; we had jewelry designers, illustrators, public relations experts, and bloggers, all interested in telling the story of their business via Instagram.

Portraits To The People Photography 2014

Portraits To The People Photography 2014

Portraits To The People Photography 2014

If you missed out this time around, have no fear, we are in the process of bringing Mind Your Business School classes to different venues across the Bay Area, so stay in touch and let us know where you would like to see MYB School next!

Portraits To The People Photography 2014

xoxo

Lisa