We still have a few spots left!!
Email Me now if you’re interested:)

Following on the success of our first lost wax casting ring class… we’re at it again! Join us for a cozy March weekend right here at Clarabella while Nicole Gagne teaches students how to construct their very own sterling silver rings.

This will be Clarabella’s first weekend morning class, which means I’ll have brunch munchies and coffee for energy! The class will be offered as a 3 part series: Saturday March 1 and Sunday March 2 from 11am to 1pm, and Thursday March 6 from 7pm to 9pm. The first 2 classes are dedicated to process and wax mold construction. The rings will be sent to the caster before the third class which is dedicated to finishing, filing and polishing with your sterling silver creation. I took the last class along with 3 other students and it was fantastic! Check out photos from the class here. Guys, don’t feel left out! This class is great for men and women - our last class was 50/50. We’re limited to 4 spots, so if you’re interested sign up now by sending me an email.

Just a random little end-of-the-day fact that I happen to find pretty darn funny. I have a ring sizer here in the shop. It’s super handy for special orders, but can also be good for a few laughs. My pinky finger on my left hand happens to be a size 2.5. That’s just laughable! My ring finger is a 4. Not quite as hilarious, but still humorous. Small small TINY little fingers;).

I think I first met Jamie a mere few weeks into my college career. Let’s just say he had become ‘friends’ with a friend of mine and we became friends from there. That means that I’ve known the fine Mr. Yourdon for roughly 12 years now. Wow… how’s that for making a gal feel old;). For as long as I’ve known him, Jamie has been a story-teller. He would often recount these stories for us on nights out when we were all, um, drinking juice. He was, of course, an English major and has since done far more writing, capturing his stories for everyone to enjoy. You can check out his blog here, but more importantly… check out SMOKER, his latest book. You can actually download a copy to your very own computer. A whole e-book worth of enjoyment. So… go. Do it now. Procrastinate a little and show my old college friend a little love!!

There’s been so much greatness this year, I nearly forgot to tell you all about a little hit for Clarabella in January’s issue of Gourmet Magazine! I’ve been working with a fantastic stylist, Stephanie Shoemaker, from time to time since opening up shop. She’s got an excellent eye and applies it toward a variety of projects including magazine shoots, lookbooks and more! She took some pieces out on loan earlier in ‘07 promising exposure in the January issue of Gourmet. The shoot was of a dinner party amongst some very stylish friends and I’m happy to report that in one shot, the stunning model is wearing rings by Marcia Moran and a cuff by Judith Haas. Clarabella was credited for both along with the designers. Every little bit counts and I’m thrilled to have a small spot in such a well-read and well-respected magazine. See below for imaging. Special thanks to Stephanie for always thinking of me and for this opportunity!

Valentine’s Day may be over, but we still love you. How much do we love you? Enough to mark ALL Fall/Winter shoes down a whopping 40%!! And there is currently a fabulous selection of bags available for 25% off. Should you rush? Yes… absolutely. You don’t want your bag or your shoe size to sell out and there are limited quantities left! Rest assured, the sale will go on, but do you want to miss out on your new perfect accessory?? I didn’t think so.

Just because we love you:)

Also, go here to check out some of the fantastic designs currently available at Clarabella. Sales are noted.

Thank you so much to all ofo the amazing supporters that came out to the opening last night. It was a terrific event with an excellent turnout and I couldn’t be more pleased! I hope to have more show images from Ben Chang soon, but for the moment, here are a few of mine!

A big CONGRATULATIONS to my new friend Gina Ferraracio today for the fantastic exposure in Daily Candy for her Vegan shoe line, Cri-de-Coeur. Check it out here or scroll down for the text. Clarabella is currently stocking the Sierra from the Cri-de-Coeur Spring/Summer ‘08 line:

The Kate arrives in a few weeks:

Also, mark your calendars for a launch event right here at Clarabella on Thursday night, March 20th! I’ll have more news for you soon, but Gina will be here with her whole Spring/Summer line and we’ll have other specials treats from local spots like Priti Organic Spa and Babycakes Vegan bakery!

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The Daily Candy:

February 15, 2008

Activists on Foot

Cri de Coeur Shoe Collection

Does the phrase “vegan footwear” conjure nightmarish visions of being trapped in a Hacky Sack circle as a jam band noodles at volume eleven?

That gag reflex should ease up with the help of people like Gina Ferraraccio, a Nolita designer and longtime vegan who’s allaying our hemp-infused fears with Cri de Coeur, a sweet collection of vegan shoes made from suede microfiber, canvas, chambray, and rubber composite.

They’re undoubtedly adorable (and affordable): peep-toe flats in a light blue wash, strappy gladiator wedges, T-strap sandals, two-tone pumps, sling-back heels.

To round out her mission, Ferraraccio partners with The Carbon Fund to offset dainty footprints and also plants a tree for every pair sold. And that certainly suits her label well, since cri de coeur means “impassioned plea of the heart” in French.

We’re certainly appealing for more.

For a night on the town, the opera, the park, a rock show, a club, a dive bar… you name it and we’ve got something for everything! I’m not going to do the wordy introduction now, but I will post some pictures. The lighting in here is a little dark and dangerous right now as it’s rather dark outside, but you’ll get the idea. More on this to come!! Better come on down and check these beauties out before your sizes are all snatched up;)

[thought it would be funy to show the contrast with my ol’ beat up boots in the mirror;)]

and some bags too!

See you soon!

Happy Valentine’s Day Readers! Today has become a day of candies, flowers, chocolates, gifts and more, but at the root of it all is showing appreciation for the ones you love. Should you do this on a regular basis rather than restricting it to one day? Absolutely, but there is nothing wrong with pushing the matter at least once a year;). That said, I wanted to take a moment to tell you how much I love and appreciate you! Yes you! I’ve been speaking my mind on this little site for over a year now and I know I have some dedicated readers. Your support means so very much to me! If it were possible to pass kisses through the screen… I’d give you these:

[please note: these aren’t your ordinary kisses… they come with little messages like conversation hearts - but admittedly taste far better]

If you’re in the neighborhood, you can come by and grab one in person! That’s right… free kisses;).

I’ve also concocted a special Valentine’s day mix. It’s tough to transfer the actual tunes to you but I’ll give you the track list. I tried to make you an imix, but that didn’t quite work either. For now, you’ll have to settle for recommendations.
Clarabella’s Love Mix:
Love and Affection - Joan Armatrading
More Than You Know - Billie Holiday
Your Rocky Spine - Great Lake Swimmers
Something to Believe in - Ford Turrell
Star Mile - Joshua Radin
Love and Some Verses - Iron & Wine
I Wished on the Moon - Billie Holiday
Song No. 6 - Ane Brun featuring Ron Sexsmith
Northern Sky - Nick Drake
Brighter than Sunshine - Aqualung
House of Cards - Radiohead
Love and Happiness - Al Green
Love is Here to Stay - Ella Fitzgerald
Tonight You Belong To Me - Josh Ritter
No Ones Gonna Love You Like Me - Band of Horses
For You Blue - The Beatles

And what, you might ask, is little Miss Erin Shopgirl doing to celebrate Valentine’s Day? Good question. I’m planning what promises to be a lovely evening out at dinner with a few friends and then we’ll head out to see Band of Horses. It doesn’t get any better than that!

Have a great night all:)
xoxoErin