Inspiration Monday :: Letting

let go 

of things you no longer need

with grace

and thank them for how they served you 

when you needed them

because now is new

and boundless opportunity awaits

let go of what you know

to make space for what is next

each moment is a choice

an offering

slow down

listen

there are feathers 

falling from the sky

xo

McMullen

All images via Pinterest

Weekly Inspiration :: Hope

"When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you,
till it seems as though you could not hang on a minute longer,
never give up then, 

for that is just the place and time

 that the tide will turn."
-Harriet Beecher Stowe

Hope is the thing that keeps us going. No matter how many challenges come your way, 

your hope and strength will always get you through.

 Trust in yourself, think positive thoughts, and lean on your loved ones

when you need an extra dose of hope.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Sending strength, love and hope to all of our sisters and friends who have battled or

lost loved ones to this disease.

xo

McMullen 

 

Weekly Inspiration :: Harmony

"Always aim at complete harmony of thought and word and deed. 

Always aim at purifying your thoughts 

and everything will be well."

~ Mahatma Gandhi

 

Sometimes our mind can be a very cluttered place. Thoughts constantly racing, anxieties and anticipation, lists of to-do's and things to remember. But if we can find that one moment in our day to do whatever it is that makes us feel calm or centered, we will be doing the whole world a service.

Maintaining a clear mind and setting a path for yourself creates positive energy and a sense of balance, as well as overall harmony. 

Treat yourself well and you will be well.

xo

McMullen

Weekly Inspiration :: Explore, Dream, Discover

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” 

~ H. Jackson Brown Jr.

Never be afraid to live in the here and now.

 See the potential in every moment, and embrace the changes life throws your way. 

The only thing in life worth regretting is never taking a chance.

 

 

Weekly Inspiration :: Trust of Self

"Celebrate our connection to our inner voice, 

our unique blueprint that we are born with....your heart, your soul, 

your unique self, the self that knows we must always circle back to trust 

our most beautiful self."

~ Kathy Kamei

xo

McMullen 

Breakfast and Banter with the Fortunato Twins

Last week we were given a treat when Lizzie and Kathryn Fortunato stopped by McMullen for breakfast and a little banter. We sat down with the amazing duo over mimosas and muffins to hear all about how they started their amazing jewelry and handbag line, and to take a sneak peek at the gorgeous new Fall 2013 collection. 

After gaining a following at Duke University stringing beads and selling them to fashionable girls who would line up outside the twins dorm room, the Fortunato girls realized they had something going.  After an education in finance for Kathryn and a brief stint in fashion PR for Lizzie, the girls decided to start the line.

When asked about their technique, Lizzie responds that the materials come first and they drive what the piece will ultimately become.

Treating each piece like a treasure hunt, Lizzie and Kathryn search all over the east coast for amazing finds that they can incorporate into their jewelry. One of the most important aspects of the business is that they keep as much production as possible within the U.S, only sending things overseas for intricate handwoven beading or embroidery techniques.

Lizzie and Kathryn say that the relationships they build with their vendors, learning their processes, and getting their industry advice is the most rewarding part of the business.

Over the past year the girls have decided to incorporate semi-precious stones into their pieces, as well as a line of gorgeous, sumptuous leather goods.

As they gain more and more of a following,  Lizzie and Kathryn have realized that their pieces span all age groups and types of women. When asked who their core customer is, they almost scoff at the thought. They don't have a particular muse, but design for women who are 

"trailblazers, adventurers, collectors, artists, innovators, intellectuals, engaged, dreamers....women who dress to tell a story."

And the girls tell their own story through their pieces. They approach designing and their customer with intelligence, humor and thought and recognize that fashion is not just about what you are wearing,  but about how it makes you feel, what it makes you think of, and how it accelerates your senses.

It was truly inspiring to meet these bright, talented young women. We love their collections and we look forward to seeing what they accomplish in the near future.

Stop by McMullen to take a look at the new Lizzie Fortunato Spring 2013 collection
Or click the link below to shop online

http://shopmcmullen.com/designer/lizzie-fortunato/

xo

McMullen

Inspiration Monday :: Giving Thanks

"Forever on Thanksgiving day

the heart will find the pathway home."

- Wilbur D. Nesbit

For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food, for love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving with much to be thankful for.

xo

McMullen