Like an unexpected guest, somehow August {our last summer month!} has made its way onto our calendar pages and with it brought the impending promise of fall. Not that we’re not looking forward to the change of season, but between opening Oxford Hall, perfecting our new fall collection {more details on this later!} and mother nature’s refusal to bring warmer weather to the Bay Area, we can’t help but feel that we all but missed out on a proper summer. Let’s just say the weather man owes us some low- to mid-80s before we slip into something more wooly.

But all is not lost. At some point during the persistently cloud-cloaked days of July we managed to find a little sunshine as well as the time to host our first Grand Opening party for a some of our more verbally- and fashionably-gifted friends in the local press. With the help of the lovely ladies {and gentlemen} of Ruby Press, a little champagne and some decadently delicious {and vegan!} fare from our neighbor Cinnaholic, we’re happy to report that our first soiree was a complete success!

But before we get to our inevitable photo bomb {you knew this was coming by this point, right?}, we thought this would be a more than appropriate place to stop and say thank you. The dream that eventually became Oxford Hall started when the company did – years ago, in an apartment just a few blocks from where the space is now located. Sitting in our little shop once the party had ended, we couldn’t help but reflect on those years that had passed since we made the decision to start our company. Thinking of all the hard work and wonderful people that have helped make Viv&Ingrid what is today left us overwhelmed with gratitude. So – a thank you is in order. For each and every person who helped us turn an idea we had over a cup of coffee into the business it is today. To every store that supports our line. To every customer who has made a home for us in her jewelry box. And to everyone who continues to support us as we enter the next chapter of the our story – Viv&Ingrid at Oxford Hall.

Now onto the pretty pictures…

We kind of had a love affair with pastel polka dots when it came to this party.

Our littlest {and cutest} guest Sammy stealing the show with his fabulous momma, Melissa Davis of Ruby Press alongside Cindy Qui of 7Live on ABC.

If we kept goldfish in the jewelry case, this would have been their view of our celebration. Festive!

Bloggers Annie Gallet of Confessions of a Navy Wife {right} and Amber Lane of Amber's Notebook {left} snap some photos of their newly-acquired v&i jewelry.

Reason number 1,236,578 why we love this chandelier: it's extremely photogenic {left} and some bloggers turned shoppers, including Michelle Pham-Crepps of Fvncy, in action {right}.