for those who aren’t familiar, grace bonney is the editor and founder of design*sponge, the ultimate resource for all things new, stylish and fabulous in the world of home design and accessories. she’s also a contributing editor for domino magazine. so, in a nutshell, she’s amazing.

i am positively addicted to her site – it’s the first place i check for inspiration whenever i’m ready for some changes to the home decor at casa SMC, whether it’s a fabulous new serving piece for my upcoming soiree, a new piece of art, or a complete room remodel.

grace is such a sweetheart that she very kindly offered to share some of her expertise and advice with all of us. i loved her answers so much that i’m actually splitting the interview across two days – it’s just too much good information for one post. so, look for the second half later this week. and now, without further adieu…

a huge thank you to the fabulous design*sponge for all of this fabulous advice, and stay tuned for the rest of this interview later this week – grace gave loads of wonderful advice for buying art and restyling your own home.

(ps…i just want to point out that that last tip is a truly fabulous one…i never realized how easy it was to reupholster a chair until i just stopped being scared and tried it. now i’m addicted!)

from my first visit to reform school‘s outstanding website, i knew i was going to be spending a lot of time there. the site boasts a truly unique mix of art, home decor, books, paper goods, fashion accessories…i could go on and on.

reform school started out as a brick & mortar store in the los angeles area, but owners billie and tootie quickly found there was such tremendous demand for their wares that they set up the website, and it’s been uphill ever since.

one of my very favorite qualities about the site, in addition to the dozens of fabulous things i never knew i needed but suddenly can’t live without, is their ‘student of the month’ series. the owners collaborate with well-known or up-and-coming artists to develop a limited-edition print that is only available through reform school, and is priced to make the work of these amazing artists affordable for anyone. i recently picked up this amazing print by jen garrido (her first print, actually), of whom i’ve been a longtime fan.

there are literally so many things i want to show you all that this post would be ridiculous if i wrote them all up. so, i’m just going to post pictures along with the interview. just click the pics, and enjoy what billie and tootie had to say – they’re just fantastic people!

shoppingsmycardio: i would love to know how you and your partner came up with the concept for this store – i don’t think there’s anything else like it out there. can you tell me a little about how you decide what makes it onto the shelves, and what the overall concept/inspiration is?

reform school: Basically the concept came from our love of several different things…handmade contemporary crafts, sustainable design and independent art and artists. We thought they fused well together and they were all related on some level. Our focus is obviously one of reused or recycled materials. Simply, what makes it onto our shelves are items we find unique and that we would enjoy in our own homes or lives. As partners, we’re always bouncing product ideas off one another and most of the time we’re on the same page. However, if one feels really strongly about something and the other may not be so into it…we trust eachothers instinct to at least give it a shot. So far this has worked out really well for us.

SMC: do you buy one of everything you stock? i’m not sure i’d be able to stop myself!

RS: We’ve learned to control ourselves a bit on ordering but still have a way to go. It’s definitely a huge perk.

SMC: what are your top 3 favorite items on the site right now?

RS: Always the Student of the Month. It’s just very personal to us. It means alot to us that these artists are willing to create something exclusively for ReForm School. We both love the Ayumi Horie pottery, Yu-i Chen scarves, We Are So Good Together print, and of course the Treeblock Treehouse and building blocks for kids. Okay, okay,…so that more than three, but really…we could keep going on and on!

SMC: are there any areas of the site you’d like to expand on in the near future?

RS: Yes, we plan to add bigger items such furniture and it’s always a thrill to discover up and coming artists whose work hasn’t been seen anywhere else. (Such as Yu-i Chen…..she’s unbelievable!) We’re constantly working on more exclusives with different artists and companies.

SMC: i absolutely love the ‘student of the month’ series – can you tell us a little about how that came into being? any artists you’re working with that you could give us a sneak preview of?

RS: Obviously when you open up a shop, you want to offer something different and origianal and we are always looking for ways to work more closely with our favorite artists. The Student of the Month is a great way to keep customers interested and it certainly keep us on our tippy toes constantly seeking new artists and product for each month. Look for new work by Alyson Fox, Hammerpress, K-Studio and many more in the coming months.

SMC: normally, i’d ask about your favorite, no-fail outfit. but i’d actually like to know about your favorite, no-fail home decor tips. any words of wisdom for those of us who are desperately trying to make our homes as cool as reform school?

RS: Personally we rely on flea markets, thrifting…and the best…curbside giveaways! Any product from ReForm School would fit well with any decor Just like clothing…always invest in quality pieces. We always ask ourselves…is this something we’ll like 5-10 years from now. It’s a great way to practice sustainability.

a huge, huge thank you to billie and tootie for taking the time to chat with us.

one big ordering tip: if something you love looks “out of stock,” it’s worth checking in with the store before you dispair. they get new stock in so often, it’s entirely possible what you’re looking for is in the shop and just not up on the site yet.

ooh, and….well, let’s just say if you’re not already a daily candy deals subscriber, but you saw something you liked at reform school…well, today would be a really good day to sign up.

i recently got the loveliest email from doie designs, asking me to take a look at their line of casual and loungewear. the line, made primarily from eco-friendly bamboo jersey, features loads of great basic pieces mixed with gorgeous little dresses in fabulous patterns.

doie’s fall collection is all marked down now on her site, as well as on tobi.com, so it’s well worth checking out. my picks are the manzanita dress and her super-cute striped hoodie & pants, which i love so much more than most matchy-matchy loungwear.

i have to admit, though, that most of my favorite pieces are from her upcoming spring ’08 line, which should be available in april. she does have a sneak peek on her site, and it’s well worth checking out. i’m absolutely in love with the bamboo print silk top above – it’s by far my favorite piece from the line, and i’m doing some serious coveting.

anyway, i liked what i saw so well that i asked the designer, sara kirsner, to do a little Q&A with us.

shoppingsmycardio: from looking at your bio, you’ve had some pretty fabulous experiences – interning for DKNY and Marc Jacobs just have been amazing! did you always have the goal of starting your own line, or did you decide to start your line after seeing a gap in the market? i’d love to hear how you got started. 

sara kirsner: For as long as I can remember I have been interested in fashion. I used to draw mini “collections” when I was in grade school and I tried to give my friends makeovers in the fourth grade. When I decided to leave advertising and apply to Parsons School of Design, I knew that I wanted to work in fashion, but I thought that having my own line would be something that would possibly happen way down the road.

When I was working as a freelancer in the design department, at Ann Taylor, I took a trip to Vietnam and Cambodia with some friends. A friend and I had talked about starting up a loungewear line, so when I was on the trip I had a few prototypes made up in a small town full of tailors, call Hoi An. When I returned, my contract with Ann Taylor was up and I was so inspired by my trip and had so many ideas for the line, that instead of looking for a new job I threw myself head first into creating Doie. The friend that I was supposed to start the line with ended up deciding to work full time at Polo Ralph Lauren. I was petrified at first, to do it alone. I knew nothing about starting a line but I was so excited and invested, that I just kept going.

SMC: you must have had some amazing learning experiences working with all of those other designers. what did you learn from those jobs that was most valuable to you in starting your line?

a great big thank you to sara at doie designs for taking the time to chat with us! i’m really looking forward to seeing what this designer has up her sleeve for future seasons.

i recently got a chance to check out a new book on the stacks called little black apron. i have to admit that it takes a lot for a cooking/entertaining book to really impress me, but these ladies have done it. the book is geared toward the single girl with zero culinary experience…so that makes it the perfect gift for your little sis headed off to college, or your culinarily clueless BFF (gotta love that alliteration, don’t you?). but even though it includes introductory information (like how to make a smart grocery list), it also ups the ante with loads of delish, and healthy recipies – all of which are sized for one, which i would have killed for when i was single.

but my favorite part of the book is the section on entertaining, where the authors (nutritionist jodi citrin, chef katie nuanes, and writer melissa gibson) have teamed up to turn entertaining into a science – literally. instead of party ‘tips,’ they have full-blown party formulas. so, say you want to throw a bridal shower – they have a guide that tells you exactly how many portions of how many different entrees, desserts and drinks you need to make, so the guesswork is gone. just make 5 recipes of curried scallops, double the caramelized onion frittata…and so on. i love it!

but even more exciting news: for those of us that still have holiday parties to throw, the authors of little black apron agreed to do a Q&A for us to help us be those impossibly chic hostesses we dream of being.

wow! thank you so much to the wonderful ladies behind little black apron – there is some wonderful advice there that’s sure to make even the most hostess-phobic girl into a born entertainer. and um, if anyone’s making that delish maple dijon salmon for new year’s, feel free to send an invite my way!

from the first time i stumbled onto violet, it has become my number one go-to for unique gift ideas. so, when founders bonnie cohen and amy barnett offered to chat with us about their best gifting tips and tricks, i jumped at the chance! with the calendar counting down to the 25th a little too quickly for my taste this year, i think you’ll find the ideas from these fabulous ladies inspiring, and maybe even a little bit life-saving.

a huge, huge thanks to the ladies over at violet – i know they’ve given me loads of ideas for gifting to others, not to mention myself (that “best of flair” book is my next must-buy item!).

i have been absolutely busting at the seams to share this with you all. the completely fabulous rebecca minkoff recently agreed to take a few minutes out of her incredibly busy schedule to chat with us about her gorgeous handbags, her background and her designs.

for those who aren’t familiar, rebecca’s designs shot to fame a couple of years ago when her ‘morning after’ bag hit the market. the bag made instant icon status, and has been seen literally everywhere since. (i own the absolutely stunning royal blue/basketweave version, which is still my favorite bag in my collection!)

before we get to the interview, i do just have to gush for a moment about rebecca’s bags. you all know i’m something of a snob when it comes to handbags…i’m about as hard to please as they come. i tend to be a little nervous about trying out new designers, because i can be really picky about details: quality of leather, attention to detail, all of these little things are really what make or break a bag for me. but the moment i had the ‘morning after’ in my hands, i knew it was fabulous. the leather is more supple than bags i own that cost twice as much, and the color is unbelievably rich and lush – scratches on this bag just vanish. the lining is gorgeous, and the hardware is incredibly well-made. i can promise you this: for the price, you won’t find a better-made handbag out there.

okay, off we go!

ShoppingsMyCardio: How did you get started designing handbags? Tell us your story! 

Rebecca Minkoff: I started designing clothing at 18 and began my handbag line with my signature Morning After Bag in 2004. My friend, Jenna Elfman, was starring in a movie a few years ago, and she wanted me to design a bag for the film, and that’s how it began. Then, as the bag became more and more popular, I added the Morning After Mini and the Nikki bag. The bags just took off and now I have 6 collections and about 20 different styles.

SMC: I love the fact that your bags have such classic, timeless shapes, but really modern details and touches – to me, it’s the blend of the two aesthetics that makes your designs so special. I can tell you really think through your designs before you bring them to fruition. Can you tell me a little bit about your design process?

RM: I believe in the little details that make things unique, whether it is a handbag or a piece of clothing. For Spring 2008, my line is full of details, with custom hardware and some custom leathers from Italy. I want people to appreciate that these bags are handmade here in NYC and are versatile enough to fit every girl’s lifestyle.

SMC: What is your favorite bag from the new collection, and what do you love most about it?

RM: It would have to be the new ‘Matinee’ bag; it is the bag everyone is talking about. This bag is amazing and so different than any other handbag. It’s fun, and it has a little bit of attitude. The bag has two hidden pockets (zippers covered by reversible flaps) on either side, to hold all of those unmentionables.

SMC: What style icon do you really admire?

RM: Twiggy!

SMC: The last few years have been amazingly successful for you. What’s next for your label? Do you see yourself branching out into other areas of design in the future, or are you a handbag girl at heart?

RM: As a matter of fact, we are actually designing our own scarf that will be on all our Spring of 2008 bags. In the future we will also be focusing on designing a charm to go with each individual bag, so every bag has a gift with purchase. Also, I plan to get back into clothing in the coming seasons, and by next year a shoe line. And I’m working on a project with Momoberry by Sanrio, where I designed 4 bags that will be debuted at Sanrio’s birthday party this Fall.

SMC: What handbag are you carrying today?

RM: I currently am carrying my new bag, the Steady in black…it’s hot and very light!

SMC: How would you describe your personal style? Tell us about your favorite, no-fail outfit.

RM: J Brand Jeans, Alisha Levine blouse, my brown riding boots and a great trench by Nicholas K.

SMC: What one style secret do you wish you could teach every woman out there?

RM: When the butt of your jeans gets loose from wash and wear, take it to a tailor and have him put in darts on the sides – it’s an instant butt lift!

rebecca, thank you so, so much for taking time out to talk with us! and a huge thank you to your staff as well – literally every single person i’ve talked with over at camp minkoff has been nothing but sweet, responsive and just generally fabulous!

as if the interview weren’t enough, rebecca has given us a sneak peak at one of the newest designs from her upcoming spring 2008 collection. the bag is called the ‘steady’, and i’m so confident this one’s going to be as sought after as the ‘morning after’ that i’m getting on the pre-order list pronto! check out the picture above, and in the teaser post from friday. gorgeous!

be sure to check out the interview TDO did with jessie randall, of loeffler randall. it’s a really lovely interview, with lots of pictures of their gorgeous RTW collection. the pic at right is my first (no doubt first of many) love from the fall shoe line, the matilde boot.

i have been so excited to talk about this designer…i’ve literally been making myself a little giddy with anticipation. jennifer tuton designs absolutely amazing jewelry, right here in my hometown of san francisco. she has such impeccable taste when it comes to her designs, i couldn’t wait to pick her brain!

SMC: How did you get started designing jewelry? Tell us your story!

JT: After college I worked in an advertising agency. By the time three years passed, I realized I could no longer fight the urge to be more creative in my career. I gave my letter of resignation. What seemed like the biggest decision in my life (at the time), led me to a series of part time jobs. One of which was hand painting on barrettes (using toothpicks!). I called them ‘Jenniclips,’ and there my business was born. I designed every hair clip imaginable—sparkly bobby pins, hand painted barrettes, crystal wrapped clips and ornate ponytail holders. As my business began to unfold, I kept asking “what else can I make?” and that led me into jewelry making. At that time, I moved from Boston to San Francisco (1998) and my jewelry line really started to evolve and take shape. Soon thereafter I’d made a Crystal Cluster Ring that was featured in In Style Magazine. To this moment my business is constantly shifting and changing and unraveling…what will it be next?

SMC: I love the fact that your pieces are so unique – you aren’t afraid to play around with color and shape, which makes your designs really stand out. Can you talk a little bit about your design philosophy?

JT: I have always had a passion for color, every since I was a kid. I played a lot with watercolors and painted the most amazing trees! Reds and browns and greens and yellow! There were no rules! In my own work today, I create from the same type of chaos. I have all these supplies in front of me: beads, wire, tools, pens, sketches, and then I begin putting the parts together. What would this look like? Gems next to gems, different shades and shapes, jumbled or neat, asymmetrical or balanced…this evokes a feeling or nostalgia…and then VOILA! CREATION!

SMC: I’d love to hear about your creative process when you actually sit down to design a piece. Do you just start playing with stones, or do you get a mental picture of a piece before you even begin? Are most of your pieces filling a hole you see in the collection, or is it more a question of a design just sticking in your head and begging to be made?

JT: Sometimes I sit down and know exactly what “look” I’d like to create. In that moment I have a vision or an idea of what I’d like the piece to look like—and I make it quickly and effortlessly. Mostly I sit at my desk, surrounded by my gems and tools and wire, and in the silence I begin playing: placing beads next to beads and it’s almost like I’m in a trance. Anything is possible in that moment…and some of my most admired pieces emerge from that space. Ultimately, there is no form or structure of how the creative process takes place for me. It’s ever new and ever changing, and usually starts with a question, like “What would I like to create today?”

SMC: What piece from your collection is your favorite (we know you have one!)? And what one piece would you say is a “must have” for someone new to your designs?

JT: One of my favorites are my Gemstone Branch Earrings. They are quirky, intricate and organic—they take some time to actually make them—while still being very chic, unique and sparkly. I love sparkly. What woman doesn’t? As much as I love being up with the trends, I like that these particular earrings are timeless, which allows them to be “in style” every season.

SMC: Where do you find inspiration?

JT: Designers like Missoni that work a color palette like none other, that’s where a lot of my inspiration comes from. I love seeing what the big designers are creating. With that being said, I can also look at a country-side and it evokes something in me that ignites an idea. I was driving to Reno (of all places!) last November, and when I was going through Tahoe I couldn’t help but notice the incredible mass of trees, like stalks of asparagus tightly packaged, with pointy tops. I was bombarded by the hues of mocha, and emerald, hints of garnet and yellow. It’s all right there in front of us.

SMC: What jewelry are you wearing today?

JT: I have been really into “layering,” and can’t seem to get away from wearing more than one necklace. I keep it simple with a dainty gold necklace and then layer it with a longer one either with shimmery discs, or a locket, or one with gemstones that add a flicker of color. I love the subtlety of sparkle or color or design that pulls people in, and makes them wonder “What is she wearing? I want that!”

SMC: How would you describe your personal style? Tell us about your favorite, no-fail outfit.

JT: Like most women, I am drawn to beautiful shoes, great-fitting jeans, and a simple top. I always like to have one piece of my outfit STAND OUT from the rest. Whether it’s a top with a ruffle, or a gold sandal, or a great handbag or belt. If my clothing is the canvas, then my jewelry is the paint, bumping it up a notch. I’m into simple and chic.

SMC: What one style secret do you wish you could teach every woman out there?

JT: Ask YOUR BODY what IT wishes to wear, don’t just wear what everyone else is wearing. When I go into a store before I buy something I ask “Body, would you like to wear this? Would it feel good on your skin? Does it make you happy?” My personal style is conveyed when I feel comfortable in my own skin, that’s when I’m walking confidently and strutting my stuff. When I wear clothes and accessories that are personal favorites, it makes me smile and pleases my spirit, which is always, in my point of view, “in style.”

see? i told you she was fabulous! i was first introduced to her designs when i came across that gorgeous turquoise necklace i teased you all with over the weekend (which, by the way, you can find here). i’m still coveting it desperately, and i think i’ll be adding it to my jewelry box before long. the thing i love about all of her designs is that she manages to keep her pieces really unique, while making sure they’re still very wearable in a “real” woman’s everyday life. that’s something that is always a struggle for me: keeping my jewelry interesting and fashion-forward, without it being too trendy or over-the-top. but jennifer’s pieces are always a safe bet – they have the perfect amount of “wow” factor.

some of my favorites are pictured throughout this post: i absolutely love the multi-disc necklace ($165), which is impossibly versatile. the waterfall gem necklace ($170) is just the perfect thing to make any ensemble suddenly fabulous, especially on a day when you feel like your outfit just isn’t “popping” the way the you want it to. the 24K gold leaf charm necklace ($130) would be a fabulous “everyday” necklace – i’m pretty sure if i owned it, i’d never take it off. the aquamarine linked necklace ($170) is the ideal modern version of a strand of pearls – picture it with a classic white shirt and slacks, or a gorgeous little black dress! and i want a handful of her stunning stacking rings!

do your jewelry box a favor, and take a few minutes to drool over the goods on her website. if you find something (or several somethings) you can’t live without, email jennifer at sales@jennifertuton.com, let her know what struck your fancy, and she’ll be more than glad to send it right out to you! also, tobi has a few pieces that aren’t on jennifer’s website (including that gorgeous turquoise necklace i adore, as well as a red quartz necklace that’s just amazing), so you can check her work out there as well!

(PS…a great big thanks to jennifer for taking the time to tell all of the shoppingsmycardio readers about her gorgeous designs!)