Layer or Stack? Stack and Layer? Neither or Both?

So much confusion – do you layer or should you stack? The question is are these two very different styling mantras or are they really just different words for the same thing? Personally, I think I use the words interchangeably; but maybe I’ve been wrong all these years? Sure as heck wouldn’t be the first time and I am sure it’s not going to be the last! Do you layer necklaces but stack bracelets? Head spinning? I know mine is…well, it does all the time; but that’s another story best left for another day! Back to the jewelry and I’ll try to stay on track here! Lay down your bets now!

Pantone Spring 2015: Scuba Blue

Turquoise by any other name, including Pantone’s Scuba Blue, is still just turquoise right? Clearly, a lovely choice for the Spring 2015 Fashion Forecast and always a favorite of lots of people. I have long been a fan of the color turquoise, little known fact about me – the walls in my bedroom as a kid at one time were the most soothing shade of turq. Yes – with frilly white curtains and comfy white bedding. Think St. Lucia and you’ll get the idea. That being said, one would think that my closet would be overflowing with clothes in various shades of the color. Wrong – I have never really felt comfortable wearing articles of clothing from the turquoise family.

1963: Red, Wrap Skirts & Lloyd Thaxton's Hop

The year was 1963 – the event was Lloyd Thaxton’s Hop (a Los Angeles afternoon program with a format similar to American Bandstand). Kids from local high schools were invited to dance live on the soundstage to recorded popular music. The show was fun – we danced our hearts out to surf bands (think Beach Boys and Beach Boys wannabes) – fast and slow with our boy(s) du jour.  Basically, we were a bunch of silly friends having fun, listening to great music and dancing. Sounds kind of corny these days…but it was a lot of fun.

Blossoms -- Could it Be?

Yes, it's true. I was taken completely by surprise yesterday when i noticed blossoms on the trees lining one of the main streets here in town. Petite little pink and white blossoms. Petite yes, but blossoms none the less. In just a few short days -- there is soft color on the cherry and plum trees all around me.

Get the Look -- Mix It Up!

So many of you have asked, via my web site, if I would do a look book type thing that gives you ideas of how you can layer your TRL jewelry pieces. So, I thought I would do it here and eventually add a special section to the site. As you know, I am a nut for layering -- my thinking is that in most cases, if one is good, several are better. I keep that thinking in mind when I design and make each piece in my collection. My mind is always questioning..."how will I wear this?" I know, the mere mention of how my mind works scares me, but it's an interesting contraption. Most days you will see me around the studio or out wear-testing new designs and not just one at a time. My philosophy is just mix it up -- I am not one for a matchy-matchy look or even for the "wearing two of the same design" idea. I like it best when my jewelry "goes together" but does not "match." That being said, here are a few ideas to get you started.

Willamette Woman -- Peek in a Purse

Well, yes it's true, looking inside a woman's bag can be a scary thing. And, so it goes with mine. When I was asked to do the "Peek in a Purse" feature for the September-October issue of Willamette Woman (part of the Statesman Journal in Salem) I thought it would be fun. Well, it certainly was -- but, now the world knows I am somewhat of a kook!

Hip Chick Meets Glizy Glam

I've had so much fun designing this special necklace for a friend's niece who is soon departing for London. She wanted something similar to the Hip Chick-Surfer Dudette design that has been so popular on my site. But, I thought the overall feel of the necklace should be a little more sophisticated, without being stuffy. When I think of London, I always think edgy (funny but the straight-laced somber Queen thing never comes to mind).