A smile and a gentleness within...

A smile and a gentleness within...
Copper does not know its copper until it's changing into gold.

We love you Tiffany.

Photo: Olivia Renee Photography

Right on trend for Fall, comfy cardigan and wood earrings.

If Monday had a Facebook page, it would have zero friends.
None. Not a one. At least that's how I usually feel when that alarm goes off at 6:25 am. When I drag myself out of bed in the morning, especially when there's a bit of a nip in the air, I just want to throw on something that's easy, comfortable, and still looks good. Is that too much to ask? Now, I think I have my go-to outfit. This cardigan's simple lines scream design, and open dramatic neckline easily makes even a tee-shirt and jeans look glam. So pinch me... I found a piece that's functional, comfy and full of style, and it's supporting local. Which leads me to think, it may seem cheaper to buy mass-produced over handmade, (H & M vs. local boutiques) but it's insanely expensive when you consider how much it costs the globe. Tiffany stops by and models this comfortable, downtown cardigan and these modern, rounded maple wood earrings by Ms. Wood. They're made right here, in Portland, with fair wages, not by children working 16 hour days. But by the artist, with love. Now there's a concept. :) A wardrobe staple in comfy organic cotton, with snap closure, you can wear it over jeans, leggings, skirts and dresses. It's no wonder, Portland's own Ms. Wood was named "Best Emerging Designer" at Portland Fashion Week. This beauty is actually named the Ms. Wood Downtown Cardigan and it's yarn dyed organic cotton and hemp. (Oh, so Portland.) Small, Medium found right here.









These fun earrings are also handmade with love in Portland, Oregon, by Ms. Wood. $36 They measure 4" long X 2" wide and only 1/16" thick so it's not heavy at all, and finished with sterling silver hooks. Go Portland designers! The best part is free shipping, here.
Available here in the following woods:
Maple = blond (as shown on brunette Tiffany)
Padauk (pah-dook) = vibrant red/orange (shown on blond Katya)
Walnut = rich brown with blond highlights
Cherry = reddish blond
Purple heart = red/purple

Here, my friend, Katya is wearing these pretty earrings in the Padauk wood.


You can learn more about these earrings and the cardigan right here and see lots more from our town's amazing designers and artists.
Thanks for stopping by. Stay warm and comfy. Thanks for supporting your local artists, and those making handmade things with love.

Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.

Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.



Oil painting, "Geraniums and Lavender" by Anne Bocci.

Summertime...and the accessories are easy.

Gentle contours of a cheek
As shadows break lines crossing
Curving neck gracefully bent
A look over shouldered glance
And here lies a work of art.

I work with pretty things, every day. Mostly. Well, at least that's the idea of it all. But in reality, day in and day out, boutique work isn't all that glamorous. It's 97% work: ordering, straightening, inventorying, vacuuming, staffing, paying artists, insurance, security, taxes, business association fees, mailing, building a website, displaying, marketing and oh, there's also selling. Yeah, without making the rent, there isn't a business.

Then there's the 3%. That's the best part of it all. Meaning all the the glam, fun stuff, like creating sparkly things, and working with amazing designers, photographers and talent. An Some of the West Coast designers I love to work with and carry in the boutique are Seth Aaron Henderson of Project Runway, Ms. Wood, Suzabelle, WeMa, Lori Presthus, Ipseity, and Loco Lindo.

Summer is the best time to show your personality with some easy, fresh accessories. Just throw them on and instantly feel gorgeous.
And mod, lightweight laser-cut wood earrings for $36 dollars are just the right piece to add to your wardrobe. And you can add a dramatic piece like this stunning waterfall necklace and be instantly be noticed in the room.

In the boutique world, no product or design looks good unless it's displayed and modeled well. That's where the magic behind the lens comes in. ONE word. Dustin Rowley. His eye for beauty and setting a tone is beyond magical. I love it when he stops by the boutique and picks out jewelry, clothing and accessories for his editorial photo shoots. You can see his work and hire him here:
Photo: Dustin Rowley
jewelry: Anne Bocci Boutique & Gallery
http://www.annebocciboutique.com
Model: Tiffany Schleif @ Option Model and Media
Make up and Hair: Aimee Janik-J'Adore
Wood Earrings: Ms. Wood, named "Best Emerging Designer" at Portland Fashion Week
Mixed metal and crystal necklace: Anne Bocci



Mixed metal and crystal necklace by Anne Bocci.



Super light weight, mod, laser cut wood earrings by Ms Wood, found here (just as soon as I upload them) at Anne Bocci Boutique in Portland, Oregon.

Ms. Wood's designs are fresh, innovative and oh, so wearable. To see more, check my website. buy Ms. Wood here too.

Portland Designers featured again?

Could it be possible that a couple more Portland, Oregon designers are featured on the new season of Project Runway?

Local Portland fashion writer, Eden Dawn, breaks the news that the season 9 will initially feature two other Portland designers, Bryce Black and Becky Ross. Eden's Portland Monthly blog shows pics as the reality design show hosted a outdoor design challenge with a public runway show in New York's Battery Park with celebrity guest judge Kim Kardashian. Notably missing from challenge pics and extras of the judge's panel on this day is Tim Gunn. Is the beloved even-keeled mentor still on the show?

While we twiddle our thumbs waiting for the next season of Project Runway to air on July 28 on the Lifetime Channel, the Season 7 winner, Seth Aaron Henderson decides to head up a "Celebrate Indie Designers" for Independence Day.
The beloved designer is giving away his "SA Mod" tee-shirt free with any dress or jacket purchase from Project Runway winner, at Anne Bocci Boutique. Photo taken by Trevor Warren.


Photo: Anne Bocci








I had the pleasure of collaborating with an amazing model, Kate Troeddseon.

Photo: Dustin Rowley

Hair/mu: Destiny Taylor

Wardrobe: Seth Aaron's golden zipper jacket from http://www.annebocci.com

Hi all. Seth Aaron Henderson and I are celebrating "Indie American Made" now until July 5 and am giving away my SA Mod tee-shirt to anyone who purchases one of his SETH AARON jackets or dresses here: http://www.annebocciboutique.com/. With your purchase, indicate what size of tee-shirt you'd like!

Thank you to @DustinRowley for these photos. His website is here: http://www.dustinrowley.com/

Dustin rocks as a photographer!


Seth Aaron wrap dress.
Photo: Anne Bocci.

So hot, she'd make a good dog break his leash. http://an... on Twitpic

So hot, she'd make a good dog break his leash. http://an... on Twitpic

Now this is how to model a jacket

I had the pleasure of collaborating with an amazing model, Kate Troeddseon and Dustin Rowley the photographer and Destiny Taylor overseeing hair and make up to photograph Seth Aaron's golden zipper jacket.


Photo: Dustin Rowley Hair/mu: Destiny Taylor Wardrobe: http://www.annebocci.com