Is There a Formula?

Earlier this week I read a fashion blog entry that was touting what seemed to be the equivalent of the perfect mathematical formula for stacking bracelets. Being the fanatic that I am when it comes to details, I had a good chuckle over the fact that there was someone out there in the same fanatics unite club! However, I think they had a different membership than me!

Seven Years & Celebrating!

Yes, it’s true. Seven years ago I sat down and posted my first blog entry. Back then it started as a way to showcase my jewelry designs since technology was slightly different in those days and on online presence was not quite yet in the cards. Fast forward, seven years, and here we are – all of this techno-stuff makes it possible for me to stay in touch with all of you – from anywhere in the world. Isn’t it amazing? Baffling, yet amazing. I love it all. Well, maybe it’s better to say (and a bit more truthfully) that at times I have a love-hate relationship with it! But most days…it’s pure love.

St. Valentine and Memorable Gifts

The perfect choice for today. You know me, one is never enough. So today, in honor of St. Valentine, I chose this bunch from my collection. The red and black lampwork bead bracelets of my own design (check out the site for others) look nifty worn with a black enamel and crystal bangle from Joan Boyce. Oh how I love the sound it all makes. Did I just say "nifty?" I sure enough did. Weird how words just pop into my mind at times. I sound a bit like Opie Taylor...and now I am dating myself, too.

I just read a bit about the history of Valentine's Day -- I'll spare you the details and just say it has been celebrated for a very, very, very long time. I remember as a kid in elementary school, we would decorate paper bags and hang them on the back of our chairs. Then on Valentine's Day each kid would deliver their Valentine cards into bags of all the kids. Even though every kid in the class brought a card for everyone else in the class, I guess it was always a worry that I would not get anything in my "mail bag!" Do you think that fear carries over to today? Not sure, but I do know that this is a day that puts fear into the eyes of most men. Flowers, candy, jewelry, a blender -- what is the right gift that gives the right message? Sorry, I have no clue on this one -- although I always think that jewelry is a wonderful gift and leaves a lasting impression. I remember the giver of each piece of jewelry in my collection even over all the years. One of my favorite pieces to this day, is a big simulated alexandrite set in sterling silver that my first "real" love brought back for me from a surfing trip in Mexico. Sadly, he is no longer with us, but his memory is alive and well -- that,my friends, is the power of jewelry. So men...maybe you want to give the woman in your life a gift of jewelry...along with the blender she has been drooling over for years...you're sure to be remembered for one or the other. On second thought, maybe...skip the blender and go with the jewelry. The blender can be a surprise for another day -- just an any day gift. Yeah, I think that's the best idea. Be prepared, if you just buy the blender, you may be hunting for a piece of jewelry as a "I'm such an idiot" make-up gift. So save the grief and settle on jewelry from the start. You can never go wrong with that. Right ladies?

It was a Great Day for a Birthday

Last night, Bea and I packed up and drove over to the Beck Farm to celebrate my birthday with a yummy home-cooked meal of roast "beast" and mashed potatoes. Good stick-to-your-ribs food topped off with a fudge cake. Earlier in the day, I celebrated while I worked in the studio by wearing this stunning combo. Yes, that is one of my red-black lampwork bead three-strand bracelets a bit of an unusual combination. But you know me -- one is never enough. So I added the latest Joan Boyce beauties in black diamond with the beautiful glass cream pearls. I just love the look. Makes me think of the "Twilight" series. For those of you who don't know of Joan Boyce, you can go to HSN.com and check out page after page of really lovely things and the quality of those pieces is beyond compare. And, if you are lucky enough to be in Aspen, you can look at her "real jewels" there. This mix also makes me think of the movie "Kate and Leopold" in the scenes from the early days in NYC. Don't you agree that these pieces would really finish off a little black dress on New Year's Eve? And in a strange but beautiful way, I can see a bride wearing this on that special day. Totally unexpected, but then that's what makes styling so much fun. It all fits with my ever-present thinking -- why does anyone want to wear exactly what someone else is wearing? I love when I get pix from one of you showing me how you styled my designs and made them your own. No one wants to be a sheep -- moving along with the crowd -- unless, of course, you are getting on the 6 train in NYC at 8:00 in the morning. When it comes to jewelry and fashion, the fun part is creating your own style and making and leaving your unique impression.

The Strength of Pink

As you know, October is the official Breast Cancer Awareness month. While it is fabulous to spend a month dedicated to this topic; I think it is important to do all we can to raise awareness and educate people about breast cancer during all twelve months of the year. While I never really think of myself as a girly-girl (it just doesn't fit me nor my style), pink has always been and continues to be one of my favorite colors -- so soft and feminine.

The Real Red Carpet

Something about all the red carpet hoopla over the last few months intrigues me. I know, I know...it's a huge industry this business of fashion. I just find it interesting that it takes much more than a village to dress one celebrity these days. Yes, I'll admit, it is kind of fun playing dress up; and in another life, I did get to be dressed by "stylists." Oh, not in the glamorous kind of way -- but in the soccer-mom-next-door kind of way. Yes, its' true, I worked as a commercial print model (oh and commercial actor) in NYC. Surprised?

Vamp Gothic Meets LA Ink Meets TRL Jewelry

Not sure when it happened; but I am mesmerized by the look of red and black. I have to laugh at myself -- I have not read or seen the vampire books/films that are currently making the rounds; and I really hadn't given tattoos much thought until I lived in NYC.

Mermaid Dreams

This hotter than hot weather, yes, it is 104 in this part of the country, is making me long for my long-ago-life at the beach. I'm telling you, if I was anywhere near the ocean, a river, or a pool of water of any type, I would jump in, clothes and all. Of course, this longing for cool shores was boosted when my brother-in-law sent me a video of a surfer in Huntington Beach catching the perfect ride at the U.S. Open (surfing not tennis) a few days ago.

Cherry Blossom Time

Cherry blossoms everywhere in town -- a sure sign that spring is really here. It was a long time coming this year; but, with fingers crossed, I am hoping it stays. I've lived in Oregon long enough now to know that it can all change on a dime; but while it is 75 degrees with crystal clear blue sky, I'll be the optimist and trust it will stay forever.

Time to get out the pink bracelets and watches -- the perfect way, at least for me, to wear pink. Since the clothes are usually black, I can add a splash of pink this way; it seems to say "spring is here" in a slightly sophisticated and grown-up way.

For a different look, this pink with brown and frosted bronze is a stunner. It's would be hard to look at this piece and not think spring?