Weekly Inspiration :: Happy Mother's Day!

“As mothers and daughters, we are connected with one another. 

My mother is the bones of my spine, keeping me straight and true. 

She is my blood, making sure it runs rich and strong. 

She is the beating of my heart."

~  Kristen Hannah

There is no love greater than that of a mother for her child. 

She is the woman that shapes who you will become. She is a confidante, a teacher, 

a partner in crime, a life giver, a best friend, the queen of our universe, giving herself wholeheartedly to the people that depend on her.

Our mothers lead us down the path of life, guiding us with love, care, and tenderness.

This mother's day, remember all of the wonderful amazing things the number one woman in your life

has done for you.

Remember her smile, her soft voice singing you to sleep as a child, the love that only she can give.

To all of the mother's out there...thank you for making this world a better, more beautiful place.

Happy Mother's Day!

xo

McMullen

McMullen Spotlight :: Veronica Beard Round Neckline Gold-Tone Velvet Dress

Shop the Veronica Beard Gold-Tone Velvet Dress

in store

or call

510.658.6906

for more information.

xo

McMullen

Weekly Inspiration :: New Beginnings

“Some changes look negative on the surface 

but you will soon realize that space is being created in your life 

for something new to emerge.” 

~ Eckhart Tolle

Change is always slightly scary. It sometimes means uncertainty and comes with its own set of challenges. But it also brings about new beginnings, a chance for a fresh start, and the possibility for reinvention. Allowing yourself to face change with an open mind and heart takes courage, and gives you the opportunity to discover your true strength. 

Embrace all of the changes that come your way, even the ones that might seem scarier than others. 

Your perseverance will take you to new and exciting places. 

xo

McMullen

McMullen Spotlight :: Rhie Metal Sleeve Blouse

Shop the Rhie Metal Sleeve Blouse in-store or online

or call

510.658.6906 

for more information.

xo

McMullen

McMullen Spotlight :: Reece Hudson Stendahl Miniaudiere Clutch

Shop the Reece Hudson Stendahl Miniaudiere Clutch 

in-store and online at

http://shopmcmullen.com/category/accessories/

or call 510.658.6906

for more information.

xo

McMullen

Getting to Know Our Designers :: Melissa Joy Manning

Melissa Joy Manning began her highly coveted and eponymous line in 1997

after seeing one of her designs on a t.v sitcom. 

Manning had studied traditional silversmithing in Mexico, design in Barcelona, art history in 

San Diego, and jewelry design and sculpture in San Francisco.

A bay area native, Manning took her extensive background in the arts and applied it to her true passion, creating beautiful, heirloom style pieces that combine the traditional with the modern.

Her aesthetic crosses many genres, and her inspirations from traveling, art, and different cultures shine through in her designs. They range from simple and delicate 14k gold and mixed metal chains to large statement pieces featuring raw cut crystals and stones.

Manning lets her materials speak for themselves, allowing the gems or metals to become the focal point in order to show their natural beauty. 

Melisa believes her pieces speak to the individual rather than the masses. Each piece is special and unique becoming "not an accessory, but an expression", as Manning says of her work. 

Mannings materials also come from social and environmentally sustainable vendors

and are handmade to order in her Berkeley based studio.

We love Mannings attention to natural beauty, as well as her range of style and choice. Each piece is truly unique, and we love how her pieces stand out when worn alone, and the bold statement they create when layered together.

Stop by McMullen to shop the Melissa Joy Manning collection and find the perfect Mother's Day gift, or a pretty treat for yourself.

See limited styles online at 

http://shopmcmullen.com/designer/melissa_joy_manning/

or call 

510.659.6906 

for more information on Melissa Joy Manning.

 

xo

McMullen

Trust of Self Mothers Day Event with Jewelry Designer Kathy Kamei

Join us for a special Mothers Day Event

with jewelry designer Kathy Kamei, 

featuring "Trust of Self", a new set made exclusively for McMullen.

"This beautiful hand crafted set celebrates 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 and we must always circle back to TRUST our most beautiful self."

~ Kathy Kamei

See invitation below!

 

We hope to see you there!

xo

McMullen

 

Weekly Inspiration :: Faith

"Do not think that love in order to be genuine

has to be extraordinary....

Be faithful in small things because it is in them

that your strength lies."

~ Mother Teresa

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