SLEEVELESS

New Products Added to the SLEEVELESS Online Store

October 18th, 2011 § 0

Cesar Necklace

Native American inspired bronze custom cast pendant with emerald cabochon agates and ruby howlite stones complete with mixed metal fringe.

Can be worn long or short. $295.

Ezra Earrings

Silver Moroccan basket with silver fringe. Sterling silver posts. Measures 4″ in length. $150.00.

Wedding Ceremony Earrings in White

Unique and modern lace earrings with hand sewn seed beads. Available in antique lace or white lace. Hangs 2″ in length. $150.00.

Wedding Ceremony Earrings in Antique Lace

Visit our online store now to complete your latest fall looks!

Meet the SLEEVELESS Team: Kaela

October 18th, 2011 § 0

Name: Kaela Kreysa

Age: 24

From: Lived in Nashville almost a year! From the great state of Maryland originally

Position: Wholesale account manager/ Road sales rep

Like Brittany, you’ve been with the company almost from the beginning. For what reason are you most proud to say you’re part of the SLEEVELESS team? The experience of being a part of (and playing a large role in) an emerging fashion accessory line, and new company in general, is pretty invaluable at my young age. Seeing the ins and outs of every part of the business is exciting and it wouldn’t be the same without the wonderful team I work with. Not only are they fun, but I love how creative and ambitious each of the young women of Sleeveless is. From branding to design to sales, I am always learning something new from my job and from the girls I work with.

I like my ___ best (favorite feature about yourself)…. and why? Hmm, probably my independent spirit! It certainly helps when I go on the road alone selling (and in life, in general). Physically I always get compliments on my green eyes.

What is your idea of the perfect weekend getaway? The perfect weekend getaway would begin by rounding up my 4 sisters and all my favorite ladies and gents from across the country (especially the ones from far away I don’t see as often). We’d all head out to a remote beach on the Eastern Shore, late summer. Days would be spent laying on the beach under the hot sun and going surfing in the ocean. We’d have a giant bonfire on the beach at dusk, grill out, drink red wine and play some good music as the moon rose high above the ocean into the night. We’d stay on the beach from sunset to sunrise dancing and laughing and talking. After we watch the sunrise we’d take quick and wake up and do it again.

Do you listen to your head or your heart the most? If I’m stuck I usually trust my heart.. I believe we intuitively know what’s best for us even if it doesn’t immediately make sense.

If you only had one day on earth, what would you cross off your bucket list? There are so many things I need to check off my bucket list, but if I had only one day, I’d be on a rocketship to outer space! I would love to experience the beauty of the universe and experience anti gravity. Seeing Earth from a distance would be an awesome way to gain perspective and gratitude before I died. I’d bring some good music and a really good chef with me while I’m at it.

What are some of your never-fail beauty tricks? I try to feel comfortable being myself. And I usually seem to have an eyelash curler on me.

There was an old woman that lived in a shoe….. Which pair of shoes would you live in? Can I live barefoot? When will this be socially acceptable! But if I had to choose one pair, lately I’ve been living in a pair of brown vintage oxfords I just got. They are so comfortable, have character, no one has the same ones, and they are for Fall.

If you were a cocktail, what would you be? Shaken or stirred? I’d be a whiskey and soda water.. stirred. Extra limes.

Which is your favorite SLEEVELESS piece? The Fringe Necklace in it’s original gold color. I always wear it when I am out selling. It’s sophisticated, yet edgy at the same time and it goes with everything.

ADINA

September 26th, 2011 § 0

We have a Name Game Winner! Our new necklace is now the “Adina” (Greek for adorned), and is available for purchase from our online store. Congratulations to Meredith Klapheke from Glasgow, KY for winning a 40% gift card to our online store!

Click here to buy your Adina now, and look for more pieces coming very soon.

Meet the SLEEVELESS Team: Brittany

September 22nd, 2011 § 0

Name: Brittany Dixon

Role: Production Manager

Age: 24

From: Nashville

You’ve been with Sleeveless almost from the beginning- what accomplishment are you most proud of, and what are you most excited about regarding the future of Sleeveless? Since I graduated from O’More College of Design, I was very fortunate to have such a wonderful foundation already in place when I started with SLEEVELESS that taught me everything I know now. As for the future, I’m really excited for SLEEVELESS to grow into a brand where our customers are on the edge of their seats to see the new collection each season, and they can’t wait to wear it and show it off!

If you could play any movie role, which would it be and why? Is there a Martha Stewart movie yet? Seriously though, I guess I would be Elizabeth Bennett from Pride and Prejudice. Cliché, I know… but she gets to live in the English countryside (GORGEOUS!), fall in love & marry the handsome and thoughtful Mr. Darcy, and then they get to live in that beautiful English manor, which is 20 minutes from the city of London in my imagination. It’s worth the silly cliché.

What beauty products can you not live without? SPF 15 moisturizer, dark purple/black nail polish, and L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara.

What would be your last meal? Would you eat your dessert first? Oh yes, I would totally eat dessert first. It would be a dark chocolate cake with blackberries, bavarian custard filling, swiss meringue buttercream frosting with fresh raspberries & blackberries. My last meal itself would be a grass-fed steak, lobster mac & cheese, with a sweet whole wheat french baguette and fresh butter. You can tell I don’t like cooking, right?

If you could be reincarnated, how would you come back to earth? I would be a wild Asian tiger. I love big cats, and I’ve always been intrigued by the beauty of the Asian landscape ever since I saw the movie The Last Samurai with Tom Cruise… which I later found out was mostly filmed in New Zealand, but I still love Asia!

What is your favorite thing about Fall? The crisp air, warm colors everywhere, and most importantly… Thanksgiving! It’s like Christmas without the hassle and stress of gifts.

Who are you most inspired by? People who fight to do what they’re passionate about, whatever that may be. Like my boyfriend for instance, he does what he loves and has owned his own business since he was 16- he’s now 22.

Which is your favorite Sleeveless piece? My hook wrap is the obvious winner, because I literally wear it all the time. My new favorites are the gemstone earrings with slinky leather fringe, and the winged pendant necklace. It’s simple but still makes a great impression.

The Name Game

September 21st, 2011 § 0

We’re facing a dilemma over here at SLEEVELESS: We just created this amazing new fall necklace, but we’re at a loss of what to call it.

Here’s where you come in, our adoring fans… From now until Friday, September 23rd, we are having an online contest to see who can come up with the best name for this stunning necklace. The winner will receive a 40% gift card to the SLEEVELESS online store! We’ll announce the winner Monday, September 26th on our blog and Facebook, so make sure you stay tuned in to find out if you won!

Put your thinking caps on, SLEEVELESS Fans- it’s time to play the NAAAAMMEE GAAAAMMEE. We can’t wait to hear your votes!

About the necklace: Asymmetrical necklace made up of two layers of vintage brass chain, combined with thin raw brass and nickel chain. An easy and elegant way to top off your simple t shirt and jeans, or an eye-catching addition to your cocktail attire. Adjustable length with the longest chain measuring 22″-24″. Ships in two weeks.

Meet the SLEEVELESS Team: Haven

August 30th, 2011 § 1

Name: Haven Sage Hillis

Title: SLEEVELESS Mascot

Age: 6 weeks old

From: Nashville, TN

What’s a typical day at the studio like? I oversee the goings on from my perch in my temperpedic vibrating chair. I wish they made baby gear in more fashion forward color palettes but, hey, it’s comfortable, so I can’t complain.

What are your thoughts on one day becoming the face of SLEEVELESS? Do you see a modeling career in your future? Naturally, it’s nice to be asked to be the face of Sleeveless. However, I think I’ll follow in my mom’s footsteps and work creatively behind-the-scenes on projects in the future.

What’s your favorite stuffed animal (name please)? On a scale of 1-10, how soft is it? So far, the best entertainment value that I’ve laid eyes upon is my black and white book! I can stare at that for hours. I love a strong graphic print…..bottles, bibs, keys…all in black and white. Doesn’t get much better than that! I’m not into stuffed animals just yet.

What is the best part about living in Nashville so far? Done anything exciting since you got here? Well, when I entered the world, we had a big party and popped champagne a few hours after I made my appearance. A lot of my new friends were there, and that was really fun, but I was so tuckered from being born that I slept thru most of it. Since then, I’ve hit up my favorite restaurants on more than one occasion: Eastland Cafe, Rosepepper Cantina, Silly Goose…to name a few. Oh, and I made a day trip out to Tomato Fest, but it was so hot that I had to retire early.

If you could be a rockstar for a day, who would you be and why? My friend, Greg Richardson, thinks that I’m Amy Winehouse reincarnate because I was born shortly after she passed, but I would dedicate my lungs to being Janis Joplin for a day or currently, Adele. I love her.

Which clothes and/or shoes in your mom’s closet are you eyeing to play dressup in? It’s changing all the time, but probably her Zara zebra print wedges and this ridiculous vintage white 80′s beaded cocktail dress. Not together….well, maybe all together.

Which SLEEVELESS piece can you not wait to get your hands on? The new Caesar necklace and the up-coming Fall 2011 petrified polished wood cocktail ring with lace engraving! I could probably wear the ring as a bracelet because I’m still so small boned.

Behind the Scenes

August 29th, 2011 § 0

SLEEVELESS, a Nashville based jewelry and accessories collection by Kyah Hillis, came to life in an old automobile manufacturing warehouse in the fall of 2009. The line was launched as a way to provide the clientele of Kyah’s wardrobe styling business unique, quality products and has developed over time, embracing the concept of multiples- multiple mediums (leather, canvas, lace, metal, and stone to date), multiple uses, and inspired by multiple cultures. SLEEVELESS is now sold in over 80 boutiques (and counting) worldwide. Here is an in depth interview with the founder and lead designer of the brand describing the past, present, and future of the line.

Model is wearing the Bella, Antoinette, Original Brydie, and Joan Cuffs

Tell me how SLEEVELESS came to life. Had you always wanted to start your own jewelry line? I had a background in doing fine jewelry and I am also a wardrobe stylist here in Nashville. Finishing off a “look” always comes down to the right accessory. It was a natural fit for me to start creating my own accessories for my photo shoots and clients. Starting Sleeveless was a no-brainer and allows me to offer the accessories that I make for my clients to many people in different cities via the many boutiques that carry us.

SLEEVELESS Wax Seal Logo Designed by Kyah

Where did the SLEEVELESS name come from? A lot of people accessorize more when they are wearing a sleeveless garment which is how the name Sleeveless came to be the name of an accessory line. The logo is our own personal seal and hints of one of the elements of the brand, which is sometimes Victorian in nature.

Who is the Sleeveless woman? Who do you design for? At the core, a Sleeveless, woman is defined by not being definable. She has eclectic tastes and interests and likes to fuse them together…whether it’s the food she eats, or how she decorates her home or how she expresses herself through her wardrobe. One day she’s wearing a simple drapey tank top, skinny jeans and a bold Cleo necklace, but the next day she’s wearing a bohemian dress, gold flats and our Moroccan inspired Ezra earrings. She can’t make up her mind so she does it all….and she wears it well.

Where do you draw your design inspiration? Organic elements- wood, stone or leather- different cultures and largely from interior design. I have a list of design blogs that I follow because I love to see beautiful, organic and cultural elements reflected in a living space or a well-designed restaurant.

Model is wearing the Ezra Earrings with the Gracie Bag

What are the next steps for Sleeveless? How far will you expand your product offering? We are focusing on expanding our jewelry from leather cuffs and statement necklaces to include rings and more earrings and using different mediums based on the season. For example, this Fall, we are looking at doing a full collection of jewelry made from wood and white quartz. Spring will bring casted metal cuffs with coral and turquoise stones. We are also doing a Sleeveless coat for Fall which will be in various prints and textures and come in a casual fabric and a raw silk bold printed fabric. The “coat” can be worn as a poncho with or without a belt or a scarf. Throw on some wood bangles and a pair of jeans and you can easily go day to evening in this look.

What is your favorite SLEEVELESS piece? Why is it so special to you? I have two favorites right now. Our new antiqued crochet lace earrings with seed beads hand sewn on, are perfect for summer and going into fall. They are gorgeous with a filmy, boho dress and I like how they are a big look but VERY VERY light weight! I will always love our “Cleo” necklace. I have yet to find something that it DOESN’T go with. I’ve worn it with a blazer and t-shirt, maxi dresses….even floral jumpsuits…it’s incredibly versatile!

SLEEVELESS founder and designer, Kyah Hillis, in the Cleo Necklace

Bye Bye Brydie

August 24th, 2011 § 0

The ever so popular Brydie Cuff is almost sold out! We only have 4 remaining, and we will not be selling them again. Get yours before it’s too late. It’s been a good run, but once they’re gone, it’s bye bye Brydie. Order now while supplies last through our online store.

Mary Steenburgen wearing the Brydie at the 2011 CMT Music Awards

Music Mondays

August 22nd, 2011 § 0

I’ve had this song stuck in my head for about a week now, and I thought it would be especially appropriate to share with you here.

This song reminds me of one of my favorite quotes: “Be yourself- everyone else is already taken,” by Oscar Wilde. In fashion- and in life- never be afraid of what anyone thinks. As long as you are being yourself (“Ima do me”), you are the best trend. Express YOURself with our Fringe Necklace- perfect for dressing up or down any outfit for any occasion.

Buy the Fringe Necklace now through Saturday, August 27th, at 15% off! Just enter the promo code FALLFRINGE at checkout.

Have a great week!

xx-
Sleeveless Team

Meet the SLEEVELESS Team: Ashley

August 16th, 2011 § 0

Ashley the Intern is one of SLEEVELESS’ new team additions. We just love her, and we know you will too.

Name: Ashley Burns

Age: 24

From: Lived in Nashville for a little over 2 years minus 6 months spent in the New Zealand bush.

If were given the task to assemble the one and only, most awesome soundtrack for the Sleeveless studio, what would you put together? Oh man, I love putting together an awesome playlist. The SLEEVELESS playlist would include the following:

Imogen Heap, Deas Vail, The Cranberries, Florence + the Machine, Joy Williams/The Civil Wars, Mumford & Sons, Hans Zimmer, She & Him, The Avett Brothers, Postal Service, The Hush Sound, Jack’s Mannequin’s “Dark Blue”, Marc Scibilia’s “Satisfied Mind”, Etta James’ “Sunday Kind of Love” , and Stars’ “Your Ex-Lover is Dead”…those are some of my playlist standouts.

Would you rather have loved and lost or have never loved at all?
Definitely loved and lost. I’ve been married to the man of my dreams for almost a year, and though it hasn’t always been seamlessly smooth, I wouldn’t trade my experiences with him and my love for him for the world! So yeah, definitely would choose love no matter what.

What’s your favorite pair of shoes, and where is the coolest place you wore them?I have these amazingly glamorous and edgy black booties with a cuff that have really high heels…like I-can-hardly-walk-right-now high heels. I got them as a birthday present to myself from Blush Boutique in Brentwood. My favorite place I wore them was in the first photo shoot for my best friend’s and my blogging project, To Catch A Thrift.

If you could travel anywhere for a month, where would you go? IRELAND! My two best friends and I have been “planning” a trip here for years now. Partly inspired by the movie P.S. I Love You, and part by our love for travel and adventures together. I’m hoping we get to go within a year or so! And a MONTH? That’d be amazing!!

I can’t live without …. God, my husband, my sister, Nicole, my two best friends, the advice of my pastors, Alyn and AJ, good food and cooking it, traveling, having a creative outlet…

If you were a dessert, what would you be? Anything with chocolate, and the richer the better. I’m thinking a chocolate torte with melted dark chocolate in the center, with raspberry sauce and espresso whipped cream. Yep, that sounds like me.

What is your favorite summer memory? Summer of 2008, I was staying in my college apartment over the summer, and my two best friends and I took a roadtrip to Chicago and then celebrated the 4th of July in Sparta, TN with her family. Best vacations ever. Aside from those trips all we did was work a little, work out occassionally, and watch all the seasons of Gimore Girls with occasional breaks to go to the pool or chill in the hammock. It was the quintessential laid back summer. It was bliss.

Ashley is wearing the Bella Cuff, Hook Bracelet (as belt), and the Gracie Bag (coming October 2011)

What would your perfect day look like? I would wake up and snuggle with my husband lazily in bed for a bit. Then we’d make smoothies for breakfast. Then I’d go off to a corner of a coffee shop somewhere to have time to myself to read, journal, pray, mediate, think, draw, etc. Then I would spend a few hours doing something creative-making something on my own or at SLEEVELESS. Then I would go home and cook an amazing meal with my husband and have a couple of friends over for food and a movie or game night. Sleep 8 hours and repeat.

What is your favorite SLEEVELESS piece?

: Bella Cuff

This is tough, as I adore many of them! I think my favorite would be a tie between the Ezra earrings and the Cleo necklace… and perhaps the Bella cuff. Ooh! And the Fringe necklace! Wow, SUCH a a hard decision. Can it be a four way tie?

We’re so glad to have Ashley as a part of our team.

Categories
Archives

Categories

Archives