I meeeeean….. come ON! How perfect is that?!

That last Talus-themed photo just blows my mind. Stay tuned and we’ll post more of these pairings soon! And don’t worry, you’ll be able to see plenty more of B & W’s vacation pics once they’re back in the States.

Do you have any pictures that you think match our jewelry? Pic-stitch it and post it on Instagram and hashtag “#betsyandiya.”  Who knows… if it’s truly-super-awesome-amazing you might just win a prize. ;)  I’m so sneaky!

Now go on an adventure!

Love,

Barrie

***Song of the moment: The Perfect Crime #2 by The Decemberists***

WHAT THEY’RE WEARING

(from left to right, top to bottom)

TESS

Aztec Dreamcatcher earrings

Cathedral Park Hoop earrings

Girding Element necklace

Mighty Mighty Ship earrings

JESSICA

Talon Hoop earrings

MARISA

Deadly Nightshade earrings

Redundant Chevron ring in brass & silver

Excellent choices, ladies. You all look stunning! And just for fun, if you don’t remember their alluring entries here’s another reminder:

1st place: To Denmark

“I left my green flowered scarf wrapped around the empty whiskey bottle in the pocket of his leather jacket. He’ll find it when I’ve already flown away.”

2nd place: Packed and Ready

“Starr slips a note to the man at the bar.
She calls her girlfriend. Meet me at the bluffs.
They drink prosecco out of the bottle with the past, present, and future.
Laughter, tears, dreaming.
Let’s runaway.
I’m already packed.”

3rd place: An Invitation Abroad

“Reaching into her pocket, she felt the soft, worn edges of the letter he had sent months before. Her eyes wide with anticipation, she knew it was now or never. ‘Wait,’ she said, and she stepped out into the sun.”

Now, I feel like I need to go on an epic adventure to a far away land! Thanks for the wishful memories, ladies. We’re so happy to see that you’re enjoying your winnings and looking so good in them!

Kisses!

Barrie

***Song of the moment: Day Dreaming by Inf***

So CUTE!!! Look at the joy emanating from her laughter!

Notice the neutral tones in the dress, cardigan, belt, and shoes, but then you see this necklace and Ka-pow! So smart, Betsy. And that lipstick? A perfect touch of sweet and sassy.

WHAT SHE’S WEARING

Dress from Cheeky Peach

Cardigan from Nordstrom

Belt gifted from the mysterious Iya

Boots from Johnny Sole

Pink Nouveau Lipstick by Mac

Necklace from a street mercado in Mexico City

Cathedral Park Hoop Earrings by betsy & iya

Those Europeans are so lucky to be in the presences of such a free-spirited fashionista! We hope you’re enjoying all the sights Betsy, we miss you and Will!

Portlandlove,

Barrie

***Song of the moment: Shining Star by Earth, Wind & Fire***

This past Saturday was my very first time going to Crafty Wonderland. Not just my first time working at it, but also my first time ever being there! I know, how embarrassing. But if there’s ever a time you want to ease into the flurry of Crafty, Spring is the time to do it; as busy as it was during the holiday weekend in December, Saturday was even crazier!!! I’m glad I got to experience this handmade phenomena and I can’t wait to go back in a few months! Here’s a slide-show of betsy & iya at CW.

The ever-wonderful Matt and Lacey ready to WORK!

Don’t mind me. Just taking a little break  huddled under the table and eating some of the tasty kettle corn sold at the event.

Oh, if you ever wondered what it looks like to pack an entire booth into a car, this is it. We are the ultimate puzzle-solvers/Tetris-players.

What a rush! So many happy, curious people walking around. And don’t get me started on the vendors: crocheted bridges, flasks, clothing, chocolate, leather goods, and so much jewelry. Glorious. Simply, glorious. Thanks to everyone who came out and stopped by the booth. We hope to see you all again and more in the Winter!

Craftylove,

Barrie

***Song of the moment: The Skin Of My Yellow Country Teeth by Clap Your Hands Say Yeah***

This Saturday is the beloved Crafty Wonderland and betsy & iya will MOS DEF be there!

Here is all the info that you need:

Did you see that? There will literally be cute lil’ cats up for adoption. Say What?!!

Check out the Crafty Wonderland website to check out all of the wonderful vendors that will be there, too! Oh and did I mention you’ll be able to see Matt, Lacey, and Barrie’s beautiful faces?! How can you pass that up?!

We hope to see you there!

Kelly

***Song of the Moment: Bug a Boo by Destiny’s Child***

This necklace pulled me different directions: it’s big, bold, hard, unusual, but at the same time refined, delicate, and sexy. 

***Check these pics and more on our Pinterest page***

One thing is for sure, the Chain Envy is strong. Don’t tell me you wont feel like a warrior with this thing across your neck. Confidence levels boosted from a scale of cool cucumber green to fiery HOT chili red!! When envisioning the woman wearing this piece I see a city slicker movin’ and shakin’. Walking down the street late at night in the rain, yet somehow her conviction and poise keep her dry (no umbrella necessary).

FEATURED PIECES:

Layered Jacket by Rachel Roy

Double Layer Cami at Topshop

Slim Chinos at Golden

Leather Satchel at Branch and Birdie

Common Projects Sandal at Frances May

Chain Envy Necklace by betsy & iya

Brooklyn Bridge Cuff in silver by betsy & iya

Simple Sterling Rings by betsy & iya (preferably worn as knuckle rings)

To all the women out there with this necklace I tip my hat to you. You clearly know what you’re doing. ;)

xo,

Barrie

***Song of the moment: Good Time by Crystal Castles***

This outfit= demure, comfortable, smart, and fashionable.

Isn’t she the cutest?!?

WHAT SHE’S WEARING

Top by Pleione at Nordstrom

Skirt from Gap

Glasses from Reynolds Optical

Belt from Sloan Boutique

Shoes by Dansko

Yank Your Chain necklace by betsy & iya

This is only the first of many adorable outfits you’ll see from this little lady.

LotsofLaceylove,

Barrie

***Song of the moment: What Is Hip? by Tower Of Power***

from the head, almost nothing.

~Marc Chagall

This beautiful woven brocade work comes from a book I’m gathering much inspiration from called, “Great Masters of Mexican Folk Art,” from the collection of Fomento Cultural Banamex.

This is a cut from an image in the book, “Great Masters of Mexican Folk Art,” from the collection of Fomento Cultural Banamex.

Betsy, Iya, and baby Charlotte admiring my necklace.

My beautiful niece wears a knitted sweater from one of her Peruvian relatives. How could I NOT gather inspiration from this little thing.

I made a quick decision to join my family on the Island of Kiawah (off the coast of South Carolina) last weekend. I wanted to reconnect, to have some space to think, to dream big for this next collection. I needed to step out of my head for a minute, share coffee with my longtime coffee-mates (mom/sis) , hold my niece (who’s initials are CEO, btw), rediscover the roots, feel that momentum. Everything that I do informs the work. Then the work will go where it wants to go. It becomes my ultimate task then to listen and follow it.

Creativity is essentially a lonely art. An even lonelier struggle. To some

a blessing. To others a curse. It is in reality the ability to reach inside

yourself and drag forth from your very soul an idea.

~ Lou Dorfsman

I came back feeling reinvigorated with a sketchbook full of new work. Family, I love you so.

Your~ bets

***Song of the Moment: Whale, by Yellow Ostrich***

I’m one of those girls that fancies herself a “music-to-mood matcher” of sorts. One that has just the right album for every occasion. When I’m feeling sassy I’ll listen to CrazySexyCool by TLC or The Writing’s on the Wall by Destiny’s Child, when I’m feeling nostalgic, any of the sweet sweet albums of The Zombies, or The Bee Gees.  I think I’ve fallen in love with this way of listening to music because…

a) listening to the whole album gives me a good idea of where the artist is coming from. I’ve found that the order of songs means just as much to me as the lyrics do!

b) when hanging out with friends we get to swap artists we love. Our conversation seems to ebb and flow with the feel of each album.

I wanted to share the album Easy Not Easy from one of my long-time favorite artists Graves. I’ve had the honor of hearing him play live quite a few times in my friend’s backyard and those memories come back to me every time Spring arrives.

I recommend listening to this particular album while eating fresh goods from your local Farmer’s Market, while taking a bike ride through the country side, or relaxing with friends after a long spring day . Check out our Pinterest page for more breezy, lovely inspiration.

Two of my ultra favorite tracks are “Dirty Bird” and “Lincoln Continental.” And can we talk about his voice?! Dreamy. OH! and of course to keep it local, Greg Olin, the man behind the music is signed with Portland’s own Hush Records which houses some of the tastiest indie music.

I hope his jams find you well, in a spring-induced coma!

Love,

Kelly

***Song of the Moment: No/Where by Graves***

Holy cheese ball. Look how happy Alyssa is!!!!

So guys, what’s it like to have your own betsy & iya business cards?

Amory: Officiel. *Break into song:”She’s Making Jewelry Now!”*

Alyssa: *Insert awkward Beyonce booty-bump dance move*

Matt: I’M A REAL BOY!

There you have it, the excitement of the three musketeers. Every day, bigger and better.

Muchlove,

Barrie

***Song of the moment: Path of Destruction by GZA the Genius***