Alimonada - online store

As I sat at my computer one Friday night scrolling through the endless pages of internet, I came across this gem of a jewelry store and literally wanted to buy everything (but I couldn't, because I'm skint). The pieces are beautifully crafted and not to mention their ethos is amazing. 10% of profit from each item is sent to "casa da graca" (grace house to you and me) which is a shelter for underprivileged families in Brazil. Finding out about that makes me want to buy things more!!!!!!!!!! Anyways - here is the lovely interview, with the lovely Heidi from 'Alimonada'

How did you get involved with making/designing jewelry?
I am a fashion designer for over 11 years and I have designed for
retailers like Urban Outfitters and Forever 21. When I moved to NY, 9
months ago, I decided to start making my own jewelry, and I started toreceive a lot of positive feedback, and that's when I started my own
shop.

When did you decide that you wanted this to be your career?


My passion for fashion have been in my life since I was very young. Mymother have a clothing store in Brazil, so I grew up helping her anddeveloping my love for fashion.

Where do you gather inspiration from when you create a new piece of jewelry?


I'm inspired everyday by things around me, could be anything from ajacket to an art exhibition, but I think Brazil have a big influenceon my designs since I lived there my entire live, and I think you cansee a bit of it on my pieces. Colors, music, the fashion scene, peopleon the streets contribute to create something different and new.

Do you believe that the fashion and jewelry industry go hand in hand?
Definitely! I think they complement each other. Accessories makes a
final touch to any outfit. It can either be used to dress you casuallyor dress you up.

If so - which is there a designer you would like to collaborate with?


I love how Alexandre Herchcovitch can mix colors and shapes in such aharmonious way, It's a dream far away from coming true, but I wouldlove to collaborate with him!

Why did you chose to have your stones imported from Espirito Santo,Brazil?


I chose the stones from Brazil, because they are unique in terms ofcolors and quality, I think they give a special touch to my jewelry. Ilove all the variety of natural stones Brazil has to offer.

Have you ever thought about designing earrings?


Yes, I have. Hopefully in the near future. But for now I want toconcentrate in bracelets and necklaces which are my specialty. My
philosophy is to make just a few pieces of each style to make it more

unique. 

I really love how optimistic this label is and I feel as though it could go pretty much anywhere. As I said before the pieces are great and I especially love the batman necklace, It's kooky but also looks quite smart. I hope you buy something from there on my behalf - B.x

Online shop : alimonada.com/

P.S - The shops blog is amazing! Loads of good pictures of food - alimonada.tumblr.com

What makes me, me.

If i'm honest, a few months ago I would've never thought that nearly 2000 people would have seen my blog by now and would be in contact with some brilliant designers, even though most of you reading this are probably friends or family, I still feel so grateful and Thank you so so much, it means the world to me. I could go on some more but that would be super boring, so on with the actual story, my favourite subject, me. 

I'm 15, half French and half English, I like to learn, I think Kevin Smith films are the bomb and yes, I do use words like 'tha bomb','fly' and 'dope'. I have no idea when I started talking like such a tool, but that's just the way it is. I became interested in journalism and writing when I was around 9ish, and began to think about fashion in a journalistic way when I turned 12, before that I didn't have a clue. Unfortunately I prone to a debate so, recently I've been having somewhat 'heated' discussions with friends about labeling. As you all know I'm a hipsterphobe, as much as I try to be cool and say that people can do what they want, I always find myself cringing anytime I hear words like "tumblr" and "hype". Anyhow - this term gets dished out a lot just like emo, chav and keener. Even I've begun to play a game of 'spotting the hipster' and when I look back to think what I've just done is like saying every time someone get on the bus with a big bag they're going to try and blow us up, when in reality it's just a bag. On the other hand some people might say that it's natural to make judgments, but is it really natural to do it just to be mean? 

This really went off topic innit? ah well B.x