Grace Irving took a life long love for antique and vintage jewelry and turned it into a thriving business based in Ottowa, Canada. All of the items in the Heart Deco collection are carefully chosen, reflecting Grace's impecable taste and understanding of design. I caught up with her on a recent trip with mutual friend and designer, Mel McDaniel, to Ontario where we spent a perfect week on Lake Beverly, talking design, eating amazing meals, taking long walks, and binge watching Rectify late into the night.
What is your current obsession?
After a long, cold winter (and spring), I am obsessed with all things summer: local fruits & vegetables; time spent camping or at the lake; sundresses; fresh flowers; canoe rides and campfires.
What are you listening to or reading?
At the moment, I'm reading Alice Munro's collection, Too Much Happiness. Her short stories contain beautifully nuanced, grounded and authentic portraits of women, and you can return to them over and over.
What is your dream project?
I've been dreaming of having a brick & mortar retail shop that included a large shared workspace for artists and makers. If there were high ceilings with art climbing the walls, I could be very, very happy.
What is your go to uniform?
I tend to gravitate towards clothes that are tomboy or very feminine. You'll usually see me in either 1950s style fit-and-flare dresses, or a pair of skinny jeans with a boyfriend button-down. Regardless, I always have my trusty Fryes on my feet: boots, loafers, or sandals.
What is the best fashion advice anyone ever gave you?
The best fashion advice I've received is also some of the best life advice: buy good bras in your proper size, and wear comfortable shoes that you love. I believe this to be the foundation of any good outfit.