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phyllis and long lost jewelry

Friday, August 10, 2012

You may have noticed if you follow @trustyourstyle on Instagram that in many photos I'm wearing dainty jeweled bracelets and anklets made by my sweet and pretty friend Phyllis, the designer behind Long Lost Jewelry. I'm even wearing her Fraternal Twins necklace in my bio photo--I just love her pieces because they are sea-inspired and easy to wear.


bracelets

This is me, wearing my Long Lost bracelets on the plane to Berlin

Phyllis not only is talented with a great eye, but is also one of the nicest people I know. Her business has taken off this past year and I thought it would be fun to invite her by to chat about her designs. I think you will enjoy.



phyllis

Tell Us About Your Design Process:

Usually design ideas just pop into my head at completely random times (at the gym, driving etc) and I am scrambling to write a note in my phone. (those are usually my best designs). Other times; I sit down at my desk and lay out stones and materials I love and pieces seem to just work themselves out.

What Designers Inspire You? 
Aldo Cipullo designed Cartier’s “Love Bracelet”  in the summer of 1969. It was inspired by the chastity belt and sold with a tiny screwdriver to take it on and off.  Cartier would only allow it to be purchased as a gift (you couldn't buy one for yourself).  As we all know this is still a highly coveted bracelet today.  The bracelet was a genius idea/design and I would love to have a design like that.  I also love Van Cleef and Arpels for similar reasons, timeless beautiful designs.  Alexis Bittar is great too, his designs are so unique and whimsical, plus he is using ABFAB as his current campaign and I am obsessed  with them!

Photobucket

What Are Your Best Sellers?
Our Dainty bracelet is definitely our most popular enduring design.  I first made that bracelet two years ago before I started my business and it just sells and sells. 


bracelet-2


Our Moonstone and Sea Green Chalcedony Light Catcher necklaces are a huge seller now - we have expanded that line (now called Riggings) to other stones in bigger and smaller sizes.



riggingssingle


How Do You Balance Family and Work? 
By getting very little sleep. Hahaha, If anyone figures out how to do  that successfully please let me know. I try to give 100% of myself to whatever I'm doing (being a Mom or working on my business). It is very difficult and the busier my business becomes the more I worry about being there for my kids. I don't want to miss anything.

Can You Talk About Your New designs?  
I am known for understated simple designs but I have a few statement pieces coming out in our Egyptian Female Pharaohs line.  I will of course have "mini" versions of these for every day wear.

Thanks Phyllis for stopping by! Can't wait to see all of your new designs!




33 Comments:

Blogger Long Lost Jewelry said...

Mary Jo you are such a dear and wonderful friend, thank you so much for the amazing interview. Next time the watermelon mojitos are on me. :)

10:21 AM  
Blogger Margaret Cruzemark said...

I love this post. Always the greatest stuff is coming from your blog dear!!!
Sending you kisses and hugs.
Best Regards
Miss Margaret Cruzemark
http://margaretcruzemark.blogspot.com/

10:47 AM  
Blogger Mary Jo at TrustYourStyle said...

Sorry if you were unable to leave a comment - we are having a technical issue, that is hopefully fixed now!

xo Mary Jo

10:50 AM  
Blogger Not Just A Pretty Dress said...

Dear Mary Jo, I'm catching up with your last post and I see so many beautiful inspirations (and nail polish shades)! I was looking forward to this post because I started follwoing Phyllis' label on Instagram after I saw your bracelets...While I love bold costume jewelry pieces, lately I've been coveting more delicate and minimal designs and Phyllis bracelets are simply amazing! I'm going to check if they do shipping to Europe...I hope so! I wish you a great w-e!

12:25 PM  
Blogger THE ALTERNATIVE WIFE said...

Such beautiful pieces! She's incredibly talented. Thanks for featuring her. Off to check out her site. I have a feeling I might be purchasing a few things... :)

Have a wonderful weekend, Mary Jo! xoxo

3:05 PM  
Blogger Couture Carrie said...

Amazing pieces and fun interview!
Love the bracelets!

xoxox,
CC

P.S. So glad you got my email and that you are on board - thanks and have a fabulous weekend :)

3:14 PM  
Blogger Jenee C. said...

You have one talented friend there! I always admire women who are somehow able to find that elusive balance between work and family. She has such beautiful pieces. I am especially in love with the dainty bracelets. These would be perfect as gifts.

xx Jenee C.
http://camomeetscouture.blogspot.com

9:42 PM  
Blogger dimitri said...

Thanks a lot for your very kind words Mary Jo. It makes me very happy.
It's a so nice and interesting interview.
Beautiful pieces. It's very refined. These bracelets are so lovely.
Have a wonderful weekend.
xoxo

2:27 AM  
Blogger Anđela Vitorović said...

Beautiful! :)

http://www.fashion-bite.com/

4:58 AM  
Anonymous katie said...

she is just SO talented....and pretty to boot...{hate her.}
i love my long lost bracelet so much!

6:50 AM  
Anonymous Cafe Fashionista said...

What a fabulous interview and feature, Mary Jo! I am obsessed with all of these pieces - especially the bracelets! :)

6:56 AM  
Blogger Little Rus said...

Absolutely beautiful jewellery (and the designer herself)! I like how delicate it looks, but also creates this gorgeous finishing touch. It really is perfect for summer - I bet it feels wonderful against the skin.
xxx

8:33 AM  
Blogger christina said...

these are such lovely pieces. i adore this necklace most. i love when you introduce us to such talented people.
xo

10:31 AM  
Blogger Midnight Cowgirl said...

Beautiful jewelry!

7:52 PM  
Anonymous Alexis Grace said...

Love the jewelry--- I definitely see the ocean inspiration in it!

11:16 PM  
Blogger THE-LOUDMOUTH said...

I don't know which I like better -- the necklace or bracelets!

1:17 AM  
Blogger Audrey Allure said...

Such gorgeous pieces - loving the colors too.

8:50 AM  
Blogger A BRIT GREEK said...

What an inspiration, it must be difficult juggling a business and family/life etc, so I applaud anyone who can do that!

I adore the beautiful bracelets, I love pieces like that!

Am slowly getting there on the blog layout etc... enjoy the weekend!
x.o.x.o

1:35 PM  
Blogger EMA said...

Her pieces are truly beautiful, especially the last one! She is incredibly talented!

http://www.themirroronthewall.com/

4:35 PM  
Anonymous Elly @ Caribbean Living said...

These pieces are all absolutely divine, exactly my cup of tea! Will have to check them out properly right now!

8:55 PM  
Blogger trishie said...

The bracelets are beautiful

11:39 PM  
Blogger Elena Sergeeva said...

love the bracelets very pretty xoxo ES
www.liveyourpassion.gr

12:12 AM  
Blogger MM said...

Amazing interview, Mary Jo! Love these bracelets, esp the one with turquoise stone!!!

Have a perfect week, honey! xoxoxo

4:59 AM  
Blogger Ann said...

Her bracelets are lovely,
I love the ones with keys.

5:12 AM  
Anonymous Toni-Yvonne said...

Lovely interview - and these pieces are stunning, I love the simplicity and femininity

x

6:01 AM  
Anonymous classiq said...

Mary Jo, I've been admiring your bracelets and necklace and I'm happy to meet the designer behind these beautiful pieces of jewelry. xo
Ada

7:01 AM  
Blogger annechovie said...

Phyllis' work is beautiful - love your bracelets. Hope your week is off to a great start. xx

7:40 AM  
Blogger Krysten @ Why Girls Are Weird said...

These are such gorgeous pieces!

8:07 AM  
Blogger The Dainty Dolls House said...

Those are beautiful...really dreamy too!! What a great interview as well :) Have a super week ahead :) xox

8:58 AM  
Anonymous Oh to Be a Muse said...

I really like these dainty jewels, especially when 2 or 3 are worn together.

11:38 AM  
Blogger Glam Fashionista said...

Great pieces. I like the ones you are wearing.

4:41 PM  
Blogger Popcorn, Pugs & Peonies said...

She makes such beautiful pieces. I love those bracelets.

*Erin

10:10 PM  
Blogger Shannon said...

I love her style! What beautiful jewelry in such stunning colors. I'm off to check out her shop right now. Thanks!

http://shannonhearts.blogspot.com/

10:45 PM  

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