5 on Friday: Brandi Greygor

Ever wonder why a designer chose those certain colors? Or what makes them tick? I do. And that’s what 5 on Friday is all about — learning more about designers (and hopefully discovering some fabulous new ones in the process). This week’s designer is Brandi Greygor.

Brandi Greygor is the lead designer for a new line of jewelry called Stiletto Mob, a fabulous, sassy collection. The pieces are sophisticated, yet edgy; romantic, yet chic. The Stiletto Mob line can be purchased online at The Sassy Mama Boutique.

Ms. Greygor was kind enough to answer five questions for Sassy Closet … here’s what she had to say:

When did you know you wanted to be a designer?

Brandi Greygor: Two years ago, my girlfriends and I left our kids and husbands for a girls’ weekend in the city. While shopping the boutiques, I picked up a big, multi-layer beaded necklace to wear to a show. I felt like a million bucks wearing that piece because I rarely took time to wear jewelry, let alone something bold and trendy. I wore that same necklace when I returned home, though this time it was with jeans and a t-shirt. Still feeling really confident, it occurred to me that the simple act of putting on a great piece of jewelry can totally transform you. I had been so focused on “function over fashion” in my casual clothes at home that I didn’t realize that just taking a minute to add a bracelet or necklace could give me that put-together look that I’d been missing. I made a trip to a local bead boutique and began drafting the collection that started Stiletto Mob. This brand is focused on being chic, easy to wear, and geared to bringing out every woman’s inner vixen. All of the current pieces are named after a place/street/area of New York.

What goes into selecting colors and materials for your designs?

BG: I currently have two main groups of materials that I like to work with: either silver or antique brass. A vision of a particular piece generally pops into my head and then I decide which of those two metals would be the best base. The fun part is pairing it with the crystal and ribbon to create the final look. I have a core group of colors that I just love so I generally know off the bat which color crystal is going to be the best for the “look and feel” I am creating. However, the time of year can easily influence the color, too. I tend to do more subdued tones in the winter and love the bolder colors for the summer.

What inspires you?

BG: As cliché’ as it may sound, I am very inspired by my life and not losing myself in it. I have many versions of myself from career woman to mother to sister to designer, and each one is drawn to different looks and materials. For example, I spent five years as a professional business consultant for the Government, so when I return to Wash, D.C., I like to wear pieces that are sophisticated and classy. Those pieces are some of the first I designed and include a lot of Swarovski pearls and antique brass. On the other hand, I also love to sport the “rocker chic” look in my everyday life because it is so easy to play off of denim. Pieces like the 66 Perry necklace and bracelet are great for that because they include brass chain and a touch of femininity with the silk ribbon and dangling crystal.

What’s one new trend for 2011 that everyone should know about?

BG: The “urban safari” look is going to be big this summer, which I am really excited about because it allows you to incorporate a lot of materials and styles in one (also dove-tails nicely off the military look that’s so popular.) For example, you could pair a wood-bead bangle with a distressed leather wrap bracelet. I plan to continue using darker metals like the brass or even an antique gold or copper for necklaces and pull them together in a layered, chain necklace. Add a funky natural stone and you are a jungle princess!

What’s your one must-have accessory these days?

BG: A long necklace. Given the popularity of leggings and boots this winter, I find myself also wearing long sweaters. It is so easy to throw on a long necklace and create the perfectly proportioned outfit. I recently designed a Stiletto Mob charm necklace that is long and includes just a few charms that really catch the eye. It also breaks up the length of a sweater.

Thanks to Brandi Greygor!