Let's Chat With: Salvage & Stone


There are a bunch of things that I love about this post, including, but not limited to: these gorgeous photos that Mary took, this lacy cardigan that she let me borrow (which I might also steal), the fact that this outfit cost me virtually no money (thanks to swaps, giveaways, and gift cards), and most importantly, this headband. When Nic from Salvage & Stone contacted me about styling one of her headbands, I'll admit that it was a little out of my comfort zone. I've always loved headbands like the ones she makes, but I've never thought I could pull them off. However, one of the reasons I love blogging so much is because it challenges me to try new things, so I was delighted at the opportunity to finally try one out. In case you couldn't tell yet, I'm in love with it now, and I'm thinking of adding more headbands to my wardrobe. 

I also spoke with Nic a little bit about Salvage & Stone, her Etsy shop filled with fantastic accessories made mostly out of recycled materials. I jump at the chance to support any Etsy shop, but I'm especially excited to share a shop that's committed to reducing waste. Plus, Nic is also a blogger based out of Los Angeles for the time being, and I love showcasing artisans from Southern California. Read on to learn more about Nic and Salvage & Stone, and make sure to check out her shop to get a headband or piece of jewelry of your own. Nic is offering my readers 15% off until May 12 using the code 15ROOM334 so you really have no excuse not to.

How and when did the idea for Salvage & Stone start?
The idea itself started when I was 17, but I didn't actually get around to starting it until last year, five years later. I was at a thrift store looking for a pearl necklace to finish off my Marie Antoinette Halloween costume, and the only necklace I found was a pearl necklace with a pendant hanging from it. I decided that I would take the pendant off and make it a plain pearl necklace, but then once I had done that I realized that I didn't really want to throw the pendant out, it seemed like such a waste. I ended up making a second necklace using that pendant, and I had a realization that I could continue doing that, taking old discarded items apart and turning them into something better. But apparently it took me five years to actually continue doing it….

Can you tell me a little more about your decision to work with recycled items?
I've always really enjoyed thrift store shopping and one thing that always seems to happen is that I find a piece and think “this would be really awesome if this one part of it was different.” It’s cool to be able to take those un-used pieces that have potential and turn them into something great, rather than having them end up in a landfill. I grew up in a household that is all about recycling, reducing, and re-using and as I get older I realize more and more how important that is. It feels good to be able to create something fresh and new while also helping to reduce waste.
How do you balance running a shop, a personal style blog, and going to school?
Well, if you’re unemployed, you’ll find that you have quite a bit of free time on your hands. I’m Canadian and I don’t have a working VISA for the United States, so my only job right now is Salvage & Stone. It’s been really great to have the time to focus more on my blog and on trying to grow my brand. I also try to set up a schedule for myself, like I would have if I had a 9 to 5 kind of job. Tuesdays to Fridays I focus on school work, on Saturdays I focus on work for my blog, Sundays are my day off, and Mondays I work on stuff for my shop. I love planning things, so I find I get a lot more done when I schedule myself like that.

How would you describe the Salvage & Stone girl?
That is a really great question, and to be honest I have never really thought about it too much. I guess she is a girl who thinks where her clothes come from and how they are made is important. She’s interested in the quality and the story behind the pieces she wears, and not just their label. She’s creative and confident in her own skin. She likes surprises and adventure. And she wears her clothes, she doesn’t let her clothes wear her.

What is one thing about Salvage & Stone that sets it apart from other online stores?
I think what sets my brand apart is that there is a certain air of mystery or surprise to it. Because all of the materials I use to make my items are recycled, I never really get to plan out my pieces beforehand; they are created as I search for materials. You can find some really crazy stuff at thrift stores, so there is potential for an infinite amount of new items to be created. And because I’m not buying several yards of the same fabric and it’s very rare that I can make the same pendant twice, I can only create a limited amount of each item. I think that adds a more personal aspect to each piece. I don’t feel like my brand really has one set style, because I use whatever is available to me, so there is really such a diversity in the products offered that just about anyone can find something that they like.
What is your favorite part about living and running your shop in LA?
I come from a relatively small town where not too much is happening (although it is getting better), so it’s really inspiring for me to be in a place where things are always happening. There are so many brands based out of LA, so it’s really motivating to see other people being successful by doing creative things, and it makes you want to work harder, because you kind of have to if you want to succeed.

Lastly, are there any exciting plans for the future of Salvage & Stone that my readers can look forward to?
Yes, there actually are! I am very excited to be launching a line of tank tops probably around the end of June. I would be getting started on them sooner, but I don’t have a sewing machine here in LA, and while I love sewing my headbands by hand, I think tank tops would take too long and I would have to charge too much for them to make it worth my time. They’re going to be very simple, oversized, one size kind of pieces but with really interesting details. That’s what my style is all about, simple and basic but with little details that make the piece stand out. It’s all in the details. I’ve also already picked out a few fabrics for my fall/winter line of headbands and they are gorgeous, I am so excited about them. They’ll be out around the end of August. 

Thanks so much for chatting with me and for the lovely headband, Nic! Don't forget to follow her on the links below and to use code 15ROOM334 for 15% off.


Dress: UO (swapped)
Cardigan: TJ Maxx (Borrowed from Mary)
Headband: c/o Salvage & Stone
Shoes: Vintage (Giveaway win)
Bracelet: Modcloth
Belt: Freebie

10 comments

  1. Ahhhhhhhhhhdorable! I love that headband on you and these photos are really gorgeous!

    XOXO
    Becca | Ladyface Blog

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  2. Aw, I love that her items are upcycled! YAY PLANET EARTH! And dude, you are so rockin' the headband. I'm glad you got over that little "fashion fear" (for lack of a better term, haha!) and are ready to try more new things. These photos really are stunning!

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  3. I love the headband not only the print but that its a knot headband, so retro! I think it looks great on you!

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  4. I love the headband and the pop of colour your belt gave to this outfit! Beautiful photos!

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  5. Gorgeous! Loving the headband!
    Jordyn
    Pretty Lovely

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  6. Cool post! When I saw your first photo in my blog roll, I was going to say I love the hairband, so it's neat that it was the feature of this post. Sounds like a great company too!

    xo Jackie
    Something About That

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  7. The place where you are is lovely I like those pinkish branches beside!
    Xxx
    Http://lornasharp.blogspot.com

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  8. I don't like how headbands look on me too. Thank god it's for the blog, or I'd never one wear too :D
    You do look super cute with it though, and I love the pretty color of it!

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  9. Cool look, thanks for the visit.
    effortlesslady.blogspot.ca

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  10. First off Elana, you look gorgeous. Relaxed and yet elegant. That lace cardigan is a dream on you.

    Secondly, You always have such great questions for interviews. Thanks for introducing a new etsy store to us.

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