Style with a story
Jan Agnello’s antique coin purse necklaces make a statement. And tell a story.
The designer: Agnello graduated with an advertising degree from Washington State University and worked in sales, creating advertising campaigns for radio, television and newspapers. She later moved to Atlanta for her husband's career.
The company: Storyology Design started in Atlanta in 2013 as a way for Agnello to be creative and combine two of her passions: antiques and the stories that go with them. It specializes in necklaces made from coin purses produced between 1830 and 1930.
What's popular: Commemorative and souvenir purses highlighting historical events. Also the tam o' shanter-style purses. Prices range from $195 to $245. Extremely rare coin purse necklaces have sold for $800 and up.
Other favorites: Kiss Thimble Tassel Necklaces, made from antique Victorian thimbles ($60 to $95). In creating the line, Agnello took inspiration from the book "Peter Pan," where a thimble symbolized a kiss.
Fun request: Customers ask her to design necklaces using their own family purses and other trinkets.
What's new: Victorian Love Token necklaces ($65 to $125).
Where to buy: Storyologydesign.com. In the Atlanta area, at Scott Antique Market (North Building) in Jonesboro (May 11-14) or the second weekend of each month and the Lakewood 400 Antique Market (H Hall), in Cumming (May 19-21) or every third weekend of the month.
Haute tops
With their clean, architectural lines, Texas-based Finley shirts and dresses are both classic and contemporary.
The company: Finley Shirts, based in Dallas, started in 1995. The company designs and manufactures women's shirts and shirtdresses known for their casual elegance.
The founders: Finley Moll and Heather McNeill. Moll graduated from the University of North Texas with a fashion degree and worked from the ground up in pattern making and garment production before becoming head designer of Jan Barboglio, a Dallas fashion designer. Moll met McNeill at Barboglio, where McNeill worked in marketing and sales while earning a master's degree. When the fashion label closed in 1994, Moll and McNeill decided to launch Finley Shirts.
Best sellers: Shirts, including the Joey ($165), Jenna ($215) and the Trapeze ($215).
Other favorites: Sleeveless Swing shirtdress ($240) and the button-up-the-front-and-back Shelly sleeveless shirt ($180).
Where to buy: www.TheFinleyShirt.com and www.NeimanMarcus.com. In Atlanta, at Tootsies, 3400 (Shops Around) Lenox Drive (tootsies.com/atlanta) and Ginger Howard Selections, 3164 Peachtree Road (gingerhowardselections.com)
Beach inspired
After a walk on the beach, Bryce Brock and Kelly Revels designed sculptural containers inspired by an oyster shell found on Sapelo Island, off the Georgia coast.
The owners: Georgia natives Bryce Varin Brock and Kelly Revels. A self-described creative, Revels earned a degree in business administration and worked at a software company. Brock graduated in 2001 with a degree in landscape architecture and joined the Sea Island Company in its landscape department. A few years later, she became the landscape director. She also assisted in the landscape design for the Cloister. In 2007, the flower shop was put under her direction. Needing help, Brock called Revels. Over the next few months, a business was born.
The company: The Vine Garden Market on St. Simons Island opened in 2008. The company consists of three different yet complimentary departments: Landscape design, events and a garden market, which sells plants and garden and home decorating items.
What's popular: Oyster shell containers in three sizes ($75, $150 and $250).
Other favorites: Au Bain Marie plates ($50 to $250) from Paris for year-round entertaining. Also coffee table books ($30 to $80) and disposable table top items ($10 to $30) from Meri Meri and Nashville-based Hester & Cook.
Big breaks: Connecting with The Southern C, a resource group for Southern entrepreneurs. Also moving the store to its current location at 12 Market Street.
What's next: The Greenhouse, a new event space, will open this fall.
Where to buy: www.vinegardenmarket.com. In Atlanta, find the oyster containers at Steve McKenzie's, 999 Brady Ave. NW (www.stevemckenzies.com).
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