Eklund Griffin Maiden Collection

Ever since Grandma and Mimi Eklund graced our blog we’ve been pedal to the metal… and the day we’ve been waiting for has arrived! Eklund Griffin is officially launched and the website is up and running! If you are anything like us and can’t contain your excitement hop over to eklundgriffin.com and check it out! Go ahead… we’ll wait right here.

To help kick off Eklund Griffin, this past Friday we threw a launch party that we won’t soon forget. So many wonderful people came to see firsthand exactly what it is we’ve been hinting at and teasing on the blog and social media for so long now. We borrowed umpteen lobster traps from Dad to outfit the space and made 5 times too much food, rookie mistake. We have celery sticks and mini blueberry tarts for days- but we’re not complaining.

We’re already working on our second production run and are excited to be adding in some additional colorways! Part of our second production run will be funded by a Kickstarter campaign that we are planning right now and will be launching in the next month and a half. If you’re interested in being updated on that project, sign up for our newsletter on eklundgriffin.com! (The little envelope button on the top right of the navigation bar.)

And, before signing off, we want to say a very special thank you to… You! Thank you for coming along on this journey with us, for sharing your thoughts and inspiring us to bring this Maiden Collection to life. Hopefully it’s smooth sailing for the website… but if you happen to notice anything or have any feedback please let us know! You can send us an email, info@eklundgrifin.com, or leave a comment for us.

Happy Monday (we’re sure happy on this special Monday!) Blair + Hayley

4.8.16

April Showers + I Spy

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Happy April 8^th! Unfortunately, there is little to no significance to the date because we still seem to be bouncing between winter and spring. However, yesterday was a lovely April Shower kind of day with warmer temperatures, gray skies, excitable gusts of wind, and steady rain. On days like yesterday it is not advisable to go to Home Depot and buy a bunch of plywood to stuff in the back of your little Subaru… chances are you will end up somewhat flustered and pretty darn wet with a precariously packed car full of flimsy plywood that dances the bunny hop over every crack in the pavement. Ask me how I know! Instead, for your next rainy day, we would suggest donning a cozy spring layered ensemble, complete with weather-appropriate footwear and outerwear, and jumping the ferry or getting outside for a beautiful day by the water. We plan to take our own advice on the next rainy day.

There is a definite vitality in the air on a warm, windy, rainy spring day. The air feels charged and makes you want to breathe a little deeper than usual. Maybe it’s all the baby green things trying to push through the surface of the earth. Whatever it is, the environment demands your presence and I like that, because often times I need a reminding nudge to live fully in each moment.

Today, we also challenge you to a quick game of I Spy… we’ll go first. I spy with my little eye something navy and Eklund Griffin American Handmade!!

Happy day! Blair + Hayley

3.28.16

Hello Again!

Hi everyone!!! I know what you’re thinking… and unfortunately, no, I haven’t been in New Zealand for a bajillion weeks. Since returning at the end of January, Hayley has kept me very busy. We’ve been shoring up each and every product that will be launching this June. I’m tellin’ you, until you have a deadline like that time has never flown so fast.

Just the other day (three weeks ago- My Gosh! Where is the time going?!) we went down to Connecticut for the final product review which was buckets of fun. I spent most of my time upside down in the leather scrap bin while Hayley took some more beautiful snapshots of the sun-flooded space. (We love this place!) I almost asked if they wouldn’t mind hosting my seedlings until it’s time to plant but they’ve already got a well-rounded indoor garden.

In all seriousness though, the gravity of our final product review hit us like a ton of bricks. It’s been f.o.u.r. years since Eklund Griffin was brought to life and we couldn’t be more moved every day by the mentoring, support, and cheerleading we’ve been the recipients of. Seriously, all the feels.

Happy Easter and here’s to spring comin’ up fast! Blair

8.24.15

Surfing + Swimming In Style

Here in Maine, summer is holding on. We’ve got some 80-degree weather headed this way after a bout of fog and rain and we’re ready to make the most of it! Both Blair and I enjoy paddling around Casco Bay – I’m partial to kayaking and Blair is a fan of SUPing- so we’re going to squeeze in at least a few more days in the waves in newfound style.

As you know, we have been crushing on 3×1’s denim for a while now. And guess what? They’ve got an awesome collaboration with Token featuring some pretty sweet custom denim inlay surfboards for 3×1’s South Hampton, NY location. As superfans of all things chambray, denim and stripped, it’s nearly impossible for us to pick a favorite board that we’d want to shred. That is, assuming we could surf… which we can’t. But we have aspirations to learn and Blair’s sailor/surfer boyfriend said he would teach us! What do you think? Which board would you ride in the waves?

Surfing prowess – or lack thereof- aside, anybody can rock one of the fabulous designs by the West Coast sister duo, MIKOH. And we plan to do just that! Oleema and Kalani Miller have crafted a swimwear and clothing line inspired by their lives growing up in the small beach community of San Clementine on California’s coast. As models and surfers, the Miller gals know a thing or two about swimwear and they’ve combined their knowledge of fashion and function resulting in some kickass modern and feminine surf and swimsuits. So, whether you’re paddling out or laying out, MIKOH can get you suited up for the beach days ahead!

Happy sea adventuring, Hayley… SEE MORE

6.26.15

Interview… Kylie Watts of Watts In Maine

We’ve taken an extended break from the blog (because exciting things are happening… but that’s another post) and we are super duper excited to jump back in and share this interview with you from Kylie Watts of Watts in Maine.

We featured Kylie and her husband Dave’s gorgeous Perfect Catch Cuff on the blog back in March. Their brass cuff is the ultimate statement piece, conversation starter, and it transitions effortlessly from the office to casual drinks with friends to a schmancy dinner out on the town. I wear the cuff that Hayley bought me all. the. time. No joke. After you finish reading this interview you should pop into one of their several retailers (all around the country… just check their website for stockists) and pick one up- it’s the “perfect” compliment to every summer ensemble!

Here is the inside scoop on how they got their start, what inspires their creative flow, and the highlights of their journey with Watts in Maine so far.

Happy summer! Blair

3.27.15

BRYR : Heirloom Crafted Clogs in San Francisco

Growing up clogs were my princess shoe. When Blair and I played dress up at our grandmother’s house we always wore the beautiful clogs she had in her closet. They were perfect, really- the height and sound of an adult, a princess even, but the stability of a solid heel. To this day, Blair and I still love our clogs.

As I have grown and my style has evolved the clog has continued to be a footwear favorite, so I was delighted when I discovered BRYR Clogs after several years on the hunt for the perfect clog. The search is over but that the hardest part is still ahead, making a decision about which pair to get!

BRYR is the fulfilled dream of founder/designer, Isobel Schofield. In 2012 she started BRYR and pursuing a career in footwear design. In just 3 short years she has created an extensive line of stunning clogs ranging from boots to sandals. She begins with traditional European wood bases and sources the finest American leathers to create the clogs right out of her San Francisco studio.

As BRYR continues to grow, we’ll stay on the lookout for these beautiful, American handmade clog creations. Stay tuned for an interview with Isobel, too! In the meantime, take a look at her full collection here. Which clogs are your favorite? I could use all the help I can get!

Happy Weekend,

Hayley

3.6.15

The Perfect Catch Cuff

When you live in a place that is heavily trafficked with tourism, like Maine, you get used to seeing a lot of kitchy gift shop stuff. Blueberry, lobster and moose caricature everythang. This is not that. For all the dime a dozen souvenirs there are many Maine gems crafted by extremely creative, innovative and talented folks right here. These artisans make products that harness the essence of Maine with a timeless, classic appeal. Today, I’d like to highlight an up and coming brand doing just that. Say hello to Watts In Maine!

They’ve only been at it for a few months, but Dave and Kylie Watts are making a splash with their first piece, the Perfect Catch Cuff. I was shopping at K Colette on Commercial Street in the Old Port when I spotted the brass beauty and just had to get it for Blair for Valentine’s Day! Given the amount of time Blair has spent on the water lobstering with Dad, she lit up when she opened her gift and realized the gorgeous cuff was a much shinier version of the measure Dad uses to determine if they’ve caught a “keeper” by measuring the length of the carapace, or the shell from eye socket to the base of the tail.

In Maine, a salable lobster must have a carapace that is at least 3.25 inches long and can be no longer than 5 inches, hence the numbers on the cuff. Big lobsters are especially important brood stock to repopulate the species which is why you’ll never see a 20 pound Maine lobster for sale. The Perfect Catch Cuff holds special sentiment for Blair and memories of hot summer days out on the boat when she’s up to her elbows in bait juice (yum!) but it’s an undeniably beautiful cuff for anyone- and it has a very cool story behind it. The cuffs can be found locally in stores and will be for sale soon on the web. We’ll keep you updated. This is such a perfect gift to get your keeper!

Blair and I are both heading north for our weekends, she to the coast and I to the mountains. I hope you have a fun adventure in store, too!

Happy weekend, Hayley

1.12.15

New Year, New Walls

We aren’t suggesting any demolition projects unless that’s something you had in mind already, in which case may we suggest some décor ideas for your new walls! With big ideas and milestones planned for 2015 we’re just ready to breathe some fresh inspiration and creativity into our space. A gallery-style wall is a great way to create a diverse collection of meaningful pieces that can fuel your work, focus your attention, and/or create some inner calm.

We found several displays that we really like, varying from a more traditional framed gallery display (2) to several parallel shelves (7) to a more temporary taped installation (9) that can change with the seasons. Each of these displays allows for easy rotation of photographs, artwork, or even pieces like pennants (with a kickass message!) or dried flowers.

Artifact Uprising is a fabulous option for calendars and prints to display your own photography. Alternately, Minted and 20×200 offer affordable artwork, prints and photographs with custom sizing and framing options.

Whatever you find beautiful and worthy of your space, surround yourself with those special things and images. Here are some of our favorite pieces that ignite our creativity, inspire our work, bring us joy, and center our minds.

Here’s to a peaceful, productive, and beautiful New Year! Hayley