Of a Kind
When I look at this so-cool Better Late Than Never necklace, I keep searching for a hidden message. But maybe that’s just me. —erica
comments, reblogs & likes
Going Local: Sara Dudzinsky of Better Late Than Never Gets Down With Plant Life
Since Sara Dudzinsky composes many of the small-scale earrings and understated necklaces for her line Better Late Than Never of from-the-earth materials—think little chunks of tourmaline or even sea urchin spines—it’s hardly a shocker that she also looks to nature for inspiration. We’ll go ahead and let her tell it.
One of Sara’s pics that is best described as verdant.
“A good garden center has always been one of my favorite spots to visit for inspiration, and I currently enjoy going to the Portland Nursery. There are so many different colors, textures, and shapes. On top of that, I feel that a walk though all the beautiful plants really helps me relax my mind. When I get back into my studio, I can thick clearer and am more productive.” —sara
comments, reblogs & likes
Weather Vain: Austin, Texas - 62 and Clear
In a month and a half, we’re headed to Austin for SXSWi (we’re speaking on a panel, you guys!), and it’s never too early to start workshopping a look. Here’s an ensemble that fits today’s bill. —erica
Clockwise from top left:
+ How sunny are these Illesteva sunnies? Very, if you ask me.
+ These B Store boots have just a touch of Annie Oakley in ‘em.
+ This ALC dress would do a damn good job hiding BBQ stains.
+ Better Late Than Never earrings (for Of a Kind!), cool enough for drinks at Hotel Saint Cecilia.
+ A Jérôme Dreyfuss wallet that won’t weigh you down on South Congress.
+ A way-cool Ketzali scarf to keep you warm enough to eat dinner outside at Perla’s.
comments, reblogs & likes
Next Level: Spiky Studs
We’re way over the leather-and-metal, scored-on-St.-Marks look, but it turns out that spikes can take other, more interesting forms. Check out these four compelling takes for your lobes, which rarely get the opportunity to express their angst. —erica
LEVEL I: The curved shape of this Sunday’s Best creation is softer than most, but fear not: The tip is plenty pointy.
LEVEL II: Made of sea urchin spines (!!!), the ones Better Late Than Never made for Of a Kind go well with deep, moody fall color palettes.
LEVEL III: If the BLTN style above were Angela Chase (go with us here), then Eddie Borgo’s take would be Rayanne Graff—a little bolder, louder, and fiercer.
LEVEL IV: Pamela Love’s bronze porcupine needle earrings come in all of the Little Mermaid’s favorite colors. Level V: Mix and match.
comments, reblogs & likes
Of a Kind
Here’s proof that you can wear spike jewelry even if Lisbeth Salander isn’t one of your style icons. In the case of this Better Late Than Never creation (only available at Of a Kind, duh), said spikes are actually sea urchin spines in their natural, stripe-y, eggplant-and-cream motif. And so you don’t feel like you’re missing out on the heavy metal completely, they are topped with tiny, unadorned silver caps. —erica
Read more about Sara Dudzinsky, the designer behind the line:
+ On the appeal of making all of her jewelry herself.
+ On the best places to shop in Portland and Seattle.
+ On her recipe for the juiciest, most delicious Thanksgiving turkey ever.
comments, reblogs & likes
Steve Mazur (Claire’s Dad) Chooses His Top Five Of a Kind Editions
For our ode to Father’s Day (this Sunday!), we asked the Of a Kind dads to play favorites. Last week, mine shared his list—and managed to get in multiple sports references—and this week, Claire’s tremendously charming scientist father offers up his selections. No surprise: He likes the rocks and drops a physics term. —erica
“I have always been fascinated by minerals and the ways that their colors, patterns, and crystal shapes can be combined with man-made materials—the Double Crystal Studs by Better Late Than Never and the Surrounded Pendant Necklace are particularly original examples. In the latter, the banded agate works nicely with the crochet edge.”
“The Orion Tunic by Ann Yee is pretty great—especially with the moire patterns that appear with back lighting. I imagine the effect is even better in motion than in the photos.”
“The Trails Rucksack by Dusen Dusen has a really striking and original look. I’m tempted but probably don’t have enough confidence to wear it in public.” [Ed: We all need to do our part to convince him he can pull it off.]
“Textiles with highly detailed design always look interesting. The Field of Diamonds Tunic by Toujours Toi Family Affairs is especially nice, with its crisp pattern and beautiful color combination.”
comments, reblogs & likes
Of a Kind
We like tiny things—which explains our childhood affection for Polly Pocket and our current infatuation with the earrings that Sara Dudzinsky of Better Late Than Never made for Of a Kind. Seriously, though: How did she manage to squeeze two crystals (one quartz, one green tourmaline) into each little stud? There must have been elves or pixies involved. —erica
BUY / 25 of a kind
comments, reblogs & likes
Of a Kind
Somebody’s b-day is next week, and somebody’s birthstone is the amethyst—the stone that these fantastic Better Late Than Never earrings are made of. Ergo… —erica
comments, reblogs & likes
A Case For…Coarse Crystals
I’m talking about the jagged sort that would fit in at a séance or the American Museum of Natural History—the kind that’s more intriguing than polished. Lately, I’ve been drawn to all jewelry that fits this description, likely because it manages to be beautiful without being pretty. These six creations are especially killer. —erica
1) Dannijo Raya necklace: This sucker is so surprising that you could wear it with, well, anything and look like you know what’s up.
2) Aesa Antenna necklace: All of the pieces by Randi Mates, the Brooklyn designer behind this line (that I’ve probably blogged about a dozen times, I love it so much), let the materials shine—yet they are all recognizably Aesa.
3) Stone & Honey Tangerine Aura ring: The industrial approach makes the Creamsicle-colored quartz look super tough.
4) Maniamania Afterlife cuff: The stone functions like a charm—albeit a very badass one.
5) Better Late Than Never earrings: These have so very little in common with every other pair of studs you own.
6) Unearthen necklaces: Oh, those are just spent .22-caliber bullets fit with citrine, ruby, and black tourmaline. No big deal.
