Happy All Hallow's Eve

Boo.

A pre-Halloween Halloween tale.

Some years back, I was walking around the neighborhood with my dear friend Rachel. It was Halloween, we were strolling with some coffees, peeping at the wee witches and what-have-you's, when a little girl tugged on her mom's sleeve and said, pointing at us, "Look, Mom! They're gypsies!" Wouldn't you know we weren't in costume. Or, so we thought.


Gypsy (Stevie Nicks) by Johanna Pieterman, $32 in store and online

Gasp.

I literally gasped when I saw Bittersweet's new kitty rings. I think I need to make some room for these babies.

Bittersweet's 14k Cat Rings, $150

Perfect Pair.

Entirely possible that Stephanie nicked the false eyelashes for necklaces from the vanity of one Mrs. Lipski.

Stephanie Simek eyelash necklace, $232 in store and online
Maira Kalman Evening Stroll card, $4.95 in store and online

Taming the baby beast.

Kittens, this hair oil has done for me what no other hair oil, deep conditioner, moisturizing treatment, etc has done for me. It has turned back the wheels of time. In the past few years my baby fine, straight, straight, straight hair has been injected with some dreaded fizz. A few drops of this oil is the tonic I didn't know I needed. Off I go, to stroke my hair and say, "Welcome back, old friend." Thanks, Rodin by Recine Olio Lusso luxury hair oil. Oh, and bottle will last you forever.


Rodin by Recine Olio Lusso luxury hair oil, $60 in store and online

Leon's Burger Hut

I've admired this sign in our neighborhood for years. So great, right?

Thing are brewing.

We have a very exciting project in the works with Miss East Side Bride this week. I am happily at her mercy. Stay tuned Kittens...

Designer Q&A with Yayoi of Yayoi Forest

Who/what is your style inspiration? 

Women in Brooklyn, Kyoto and Paris.  

Who, living or dead would you most like to have tea with, and why?

Nate Russel.  I just love whatever he creates.  

What is your favorite part of making jewelry?

My favorite part is waiting for a new piece coming out from casting.  To see how my carved wax piece is turned out to be actual metal is exciting.

Do you have any other hobbies?

No, jewelry making is my only hobby and work.  Wish I could find something else.

Favorite NYC coffee shops?

Verb, in front of Catbird.  I feel like I'm in Kyoto when I'm sipping coffee at this gloomy, darkish store.

Favorite NYC restaurants?

Now I'm into "Hanco's" - the best Vietnamese sandwich shop in NYC.

Favorite NYC places to shop?

It's a men's store but I like checking Hollander and Lexer.  Their selections inspire me.

80s or 90s?

80s, because of its great music.

John or Paul?

John!  True artist himself and also John and Yoko - the best couple ever.

What do you covet at Catbird?

Beautiful girls working at Catbird!  Where and how does Rony find them?  

featured in this post: Star in the Sky Earrings, $190;  Happy Face Necklace, $398;  Lacy Hemisphere Ring in rose gold, $600;  Person Portrait 2 by Nate Russel;  Melting Love Ring, $160;  Growing Tree Ring, $560;  Negative Space drawing by Nate Russel.

"Please, this is the most important man in the world."

Please, make it a point to watch this movie. If only there were more people like Bill Cunningham on this earth. (And you can actually stream it on Netflix.)

What We Love Today: Threadbare Rings

Like your rings tiny? Shiny? Golden? Our newest addition in miniscule is wowing those with 20/20 eyesight everywhere. These light whispers of gold are great alone or to add to (or start!) your ring stack. Solid 14k gold - well, as solid as a hair can be. 

Catbird Threadbare Rings $44

This is Love.

Spike Jonze: Mourir Auprès de Toi on Nowness.com.

Spike Jonze film, featuring the work of Olympia Le-Tan, from Nowness.

All Creatures

The Wild Unknown 2012 Kitten Calendar, $30;  Zara Printed Blouse, $79.90;  Zara Bird-Print Shirt, $59.90;  We are Owls Tigers Cashmere Scarf, $208;  dr. martens 1460 8-eye pony boots, $270;  St. Kilda Endless Love Ring with diamonds, $2,199;  Catbird Seahorse Studs, $160;  Jezebel Ant Necklace,  $520

Designer Q&A with Flotsam & Jetsam's Rebekah Harris

Welcome to our new blog feature where we ask some of our designers some extremely pressing questions. Our first victim is the amazingly talented, super lovely and incredibly gracious Rebekah from Flotsam & Jetsam. (She is so nice - she gave us Spa gift certificates last year!)

Who/what is your style inspiration? 

The path that led me to jewelry included the study of design and interior architecture and some basic blacksmithing.  To me jewelry is more miniature sculpture than fashion object.  In my opinion the highest masters of metal form include the Renaissance sculptor and swashbuckler, Benvenuto Cellini, master of the Art Nouveau, Victor Horta, and modern day blacksmith, Antony Robinson.

Who, living or dead would you most like to have tea with, and why?
It would be a close tie between Nikolai Tesla and Dolly Parton.  While Tesla would be more interesting, drinking sweet Tea with Dolly Parton on a rocking chair in Appalachia would probably be more relaxing.

What is your favorite part of making jewelry?

There are so many fulfilling moments.  The inner prankster gets a kick out of the alchemical showmanship of mixing hot metal and chemicals and having them make loud sounds and puffs of smoke.  The inner Scoundrel loves the seediness of the Diamond District.  The Human in me loves the look of appreciation on the face of the person wearing the jewelry and being part of their special moment.

Do you have any other hobbies?

It has been a few years but I used to spend a month a year working and learning at Cold Hanworth Forge in the midlands of the United Kingdom with my beer swilling, opera singing, blacksmith teacher, Bob Oakes.  As taking that much time off is no longer my luxury I have been trying to learn my way around sailboats and I love a good Sunday spent in the Garden.

What are your favorite places in New York? 

For years there was the skeletal shell of a burned out factory sinking into the Hudson River around 59^th Street.  This was hands down the most beautiful artwork, sculpted by the tragedy of fire and perseverance of the metal refusing to sink into the Hudson.  The Irish Hunger Monument down the way is also something to behold.  For a moment’s peace its the Dia’s Earthroom in Soho or St Thomas Aquinas on 5^th Avenue.  It is the most beautiful church in the city and there is always an organ playing, candle burning and respite from the insanity of midtown.  I also can never get enough of Greenwood Cemetery, City Island, Port Morris and Jackson Heights.

Favorite NYC restaurants?

I am happiest in the oldest darkest places: Keen’s, Pete’s Tavern, The Ear Inn.

Favorite NYC places to shop?

Rosenzweig Lumber in the South Bronx and Ethnic Grocery stores.

What do you covet at Catbird?

The Jezebel Evil Eye Ring and maybe the closet of the ladies who work there, they all have such great style.

Featured in this post: Brass Enamled Globe Necklace, $220;  Love Stamp Necklace, $140;  Captain Sully Baby Spoon, $250;  Pygmy Seahorse Ring, $90;  Spanish Galleon Ring, $160.  Rebekah covets Jezebel Evil Eye Ring, $288

Hello 2012!

It's not even Halloween but we just couldn't wait another second to show you the new Wild Unknown calendars. You'll need a way to soothe your soul this election year.

The beautiful art is mysteriously matched with lyrics from all sorts of music icons, Bob (Dylan and Marley), Yoko, Van Halen, Neil Young, Fleetwood Mac, etc. One of our perennial best sellers. In three styles: Birds & Bunnies, Flowers & Feathers and Kittens. 

Wild Unknown Calendars, $30

Me and My Arrow

You've got to love a jewelry collection that's inspired by a Harry Nilsson song. Digby & Iona's stellar new collection, recently featured on Refinery29 and available here.

Need help finding a gift?

We thought long and hard about all of the thoughtful, yet somewhat bewildered men we help in the store. With that in mind we slaved away for months to create this gift finder, in the hopes of helping out the more confused sex. Ladies - tell your menfolk!

Link is on the top of the website.

Fine and mellow

On Sunday, I drizzled balsamic vinegar and Royal Rose's signature rose syrup over a bowl of strawberries. The sun was shining, we watched Living in the Material World, and it was glorious.

Royal Rose syrups, $10.75 online and in store

Jewel Tones

Catbird Crown Jewel Necklace, $290;  Emilie Despeaux Large Enameled Locket, $89;  The Rising Tide by Felix Vallotton;  Suno Flowy Trousers, $702;  Cacharel Maxi Pleated Skirt, $724.59;  Mor Lip Macron, $10; Elizabeth Street Pink Tourmaline Studs, $820;  Glam Suede Court Shoes, $92; Satomi Kawakita Tiniest Ruby Ring, $190; Elizabeth Street Red Tourmaline Studs, $820;  ASOS Zip Base Handheld Bag, $31.43; Elizabeth Street Green Tourmaline Studs, $900

A beautiful day in the neighborhood.

We were awfully pleased to see a Catbird candle lurking amongst Kelly Frammel's beautiful doodads over at The Coveteur.

A Catbird Bride

Leigh generously shared her heartbreakingly beautiful wedding story with the world on East Side Bride. Go get your coffee, take a few deep breaths, then read it. 

MOONAGE DAYDREAM

1. Early 20th Century Impressionistic Nocturne;  2. Space Oddity by David Bowie, $12.88;  3. Elisa Solomon Silver Moon Necklace, $200;  4. Printed Knot Dress, $385;  5. Christopher Kane Mystic Scarf, $196;  6. Today was a Fairytale Nail Polish, $20;  7. Conroy and Wilcox Moon Ring, $1,034;  8. Julie Nolan Astrological Cuff, $50;  9. Mui Mui Sequined Clutch, $1,350