THE BEAT OF ECO-FASHION
CHIME Creates a New Sound With Well Worn Cymbals

Written by Erica Mansfield
Photos by Brianna Baggett

In the Fall of 2006 Leslie Barrett of CHIME took a cracked drum cymbal, cut it up, and made a pair of earrings for herself. Leslie was taking a Jewelry Fabrication course at her local community college and because she was dating a drummer at the time, there was always old drum cymbals lying around. What she saw as a hobby, slowly turned into a profitable business. She now has over 50 designs, presences in online boutiques and brick and mortar stores internationally. With the cracked and beat up drum cymbals, Leslie handcrafts unique earrings, necklaces, bracelets and has recently introduced belt buckles to her collection. She also receives recognition from drummers across the country, who continually send her their old cymbals for her to work with.

We went behind the scenes with Leslie to see her in action! Check out some of our footage and our favorite pieces!

The full article about Chime will come out in Graffiti Beach’s Summer Ezine on June 5th.

Products now available at ShopGraffitiBeach.com

For more info about Chime visit ChimeJewelry.com

AN AGATE FOR UNCONDITIONAL LOVE
Written by: Kallah Oakes

Full article to be released in Graffiti Beach’s Summer Ezine! Coming this week!

Sara Reichert was at the Sundance Hotel for a business meeting when she stumbled upon a jewelry-making class that was being offered as part of a sales convention. Curious, she tried it out… and to her amazement, discovered a gift. “I loved working with the materials,” she gushes. She went home from the business trip and began taking apart her many pieces of vintage jewelry that she had collected over the years, and began reassembling them with her own artistic flair. She signed up for one local jewelry-making class after another in her surrounding area of New Jersey and New York.

Today, four years later, her average piece of jewelry sells for about $158, and can often be seen gracing the likes of Maria Menounos and Jaime Pressley. These celebrities are just a few of the many who are fans of her jewelry.

Here are some of our favorite pieces by Sara!

For more info about 1OAK CLICK HERE

To shop her line visit ShopGraffitiBeach.com

Full article coming soon! Stay Tuned!

FOLLOW THE TRAVELS OF CAMERON HAWAII
Written by: Erica Mansfield

Full article will be released in Graffiti Beach’s Summer Ezine, coming out next week!

“Over a drink and a dare,” that’s how Mike Clegern describes the beginning of the brand Cameron Hawaii. Over the last three years, Robert Ikeda (aka Bobby-Doo) and Clegern have combined their unique styles and design expertise, along with their experience, passion and personal ties to Hawaii, to create a one of a kind brand. Their main focus has been on combining vintage elements with specially developed fabric, “girly” graphics and great fits, all while staying true to island style. The clothing line is a celebration of the life and travels of “Cameron,” the company muse. She is a girl hailing from the islands of Hawaii who moves up to the sunny coast of California where she takes in every ounce of the culture. “Cameron,” who has a lust for travel, and a carefree attitude, is a born trendsetter. She incorporates her beach lifestyle into every aspect of her wardrobe. Whether it be soaking up the sun, or heading out to a party for the night, she brings her Hawaiian soul wherever she goes.

If any of you have set foot in our new San Diego store, you will know that Cameron Hawaii is one of our favorite women’s lines. We are so excited to show you what you have to look forward to this Summer! Check out some of our favorite looks which will be online and in our store coming this June!

For more info about Cameron Hawaii check out CameronHawaii.com

Also stay tuned for the full article of Cameron Hawaii in our Summer Issue. You can shop some of their collection HERE as well!

A BRAVE NEW AND STYLISH WORLD

A New Twist on Military Inspired Fashion by Redhawk Brigade

Written by: Vanessa D’Amico
Photos by: Brianna Baggett

Full story coming soon in Graffiti Beach’s Summer Ezine! Stay Tuned!!

Redhawk Brigade is an incredibly unique clothing line from Los Angeles based designer Joshua Lee. Lee’s designs for Redhawk Brigade are inspired by the bravery and strength of the U.S. armed forces. The entire company is based on the concept that “Bravery Never Goes out of Style.” He is dedicated to producing high quality products that represent the concepts of courage and honor.

Joshua built the company on his own business savvy and creativity, and he is a natural. Joshua explains, “I did not study to be a designer. I went to school at the University of Kentucky, and graduated with a degree in Finance and International Business.” He moved to Malibu to begin an acting career. He was unimpressed by what was being offered in stores, so he started to make his own custom clothes. “I was buying bags of 2nd hand clothes and cutting them up, distressing, painting, you name it, whatever I could come up with that I thought was cool. Then I started making gear for my friends as well and it steamrolled from there.” He started introducing his clothing to the public in 2007 and hasn’t taken a break since. He is a complete natural in the world of fashion design. This drive has made Redhawk Brigade into the brand it is today. “It took me a while, but I started professionally producing shirts in 2007, and haven’t stopped since. “In August 2010 former Air-force Captain and Fighter Pilot Leo Spens joined the Brigade, and we are working hard to take this brand to the next level.”

Check out some of our behind the scene shots while we visit Josh and Leo at their LA production facility!

Joshua Lee and Leo Spens, Owners of Redhawk Brigade

One of Redhawk’s newest tees. 50% of all profits from each shirt will go directly to help the children of Haiti. CLICK HERE

For more info about Redhawk visit their site – www.RedhawkBrigade.com

The full article about Redhawk Brigade will come out in Graffiti Beach’s Summer Issue. You may also shop Redhawk’s collection here – www.ShopGraffitiBeach.com

BEHIND THE SCENES WITH ALISON FRANSON OWNER OF BEATRICE HOLIDAY
A Passion for [re]Cycling: The Vintage Accessories of a Modern Cyclist
Written by: Kallah Oakes
Photos by: Brianna Baggett
Full article will be featured in Graffiti Beach’s Summer Issue…coming out soon!

“It’s a fluctuation between edgy New York rocker wearing all black [with a splash of vintage], to bohemian recycling Colorado cowgirl who rides her adorned bike in the California sunshine.” This is Alison Franson’s description of her own line of jewelry and bicycle accessories, named Beatrice Holiday, after her grandmother.

Her description could not be more accurate. With its genuine vintage materials and funky details, Beatrice Holiday makes a resounding fashion statement. The authentic feel of her designs are an instant draw. Alison creates bold, black cuffs out of old inner tubes – something that was done years ago on slow summer days in bike shops at Summer camp. They were worn tearing down steep, rocky trails in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Beatrice Holiday instantly resonates deeply with those that see her work for the same reason that she attracts shoppers looking for something new in the fashion industry. It has the unmistakable feel of authenticity. It is art that was genuinely inspired by real life, not some desire to impress, or some ambition to get rich and famous. It’s born from a real life being lived with passion.

Check out some exclusive photos from Alison’s Studio and some of our favorite pieces!

Alison Franson, Owner of Beatrice Holiday
Featuring her Feather Earring

Alison’s SUPER CUTE outdoor studio!

The Beatrice Holiday signature bike bag that doubles as a purse. Made of vintage fabrics and the innertubes of bicycle tires. Also, make sure to get the matching seat cover!

Check out Beatrice Holiday jewelry on our site – www.ShopGraffitiBeach.com and the full collection is now available in-store – Graffiti Beach – 2220 Fern St., San Diego Ca

For the full article, stay tuned for the 1st issue of the Graffiti Beach Ezine, comes out the end of this month!

ANI Bikinis: A New Look to the Beach

In a world where everyone buys the same solid, triangle, side-tie bikinis, it is nearly impossible to stand out on the sand. Wearing an ANI Bikini is a surefire way to get noticed. Drawing inspiration from the 60s, 70s and vintage beach culture, Ani Breslin, creator, designer, and head of ANI Bikinis, has made unique and flattering swimsuits that you will fall in love with this summer.

Here are some of our favorite looks from her new 2012 Lookbook…

To shop these looks CLICK HERE
To take a look at her entire lookbook CLICK HERE

The team that put this awesome lookbook together are:
Kelli Murray Larson, Sarah Shreves and Emma Duty

To read the entire article about ANIBikinis written by Vanessa D’Amico, stay tuned for our Summer Ezine which will be posted next month!

Lace from Day to Night

We love Lace this season! From Boho styles to pretty dresses that show your picture perfect style. Check out some of our favorite looks that you can wear at a picnic or to a super chic party!

These looks can be found at NastyGal.com, FreePeople.com, Billabong.com and ShopPlanetBlue.com.

I Heart Tees….V-day ‘must haves’
Check out these great tees that are PERFECT for Valentines Day!

I HEART TEES!

The Urban Chic Hippie
So the hippie girl is here to stay! But what’s even more in style is the URBAN CHIC HIPPIE! So what does that mean? It means lots of fringe, crochet, high heels, mesh fabrics, aztec prints and messy “I Don’t Care” hair. Here are some of our favorite looks this season…