Lingering in the Splendor of Fall

Is it just me or have retailers been pushing christmas and gift-buying a bit earlier than usual this year? Seems that emails about getting a jump on Black Friday and the holidays and “last chance” opps are triple what they have been in the past.  Yes, I’m a retailer…but I’m not ready to push the holidays just yet! I remember, back in the late 70s (yes, I am that old) when I had my Country Peddler brick and mortar stores, my clients would clamor and beg for holiday decorative pieces to be put out in September instead of the first day of November. I made the mistake of sharing with a few of them that all of the holiday items were ordered the prior January, received in July and were sitting in the Country Peddler warehouse, tagged and ready to go when I made the switch from fall to Christmas and Hanukkah! Big mistake! The second year, I did acquiesce and changed the shop over to holiday on October 10th!! Loyal customers were parked out front waiting for me to open the doors at 10:00 just so they could get first dibs on all the delightful goodies.

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!

Inspiration: Blue Skies, Streaks of White & Roiling Bubbles of Gray

Yes, roiling – a term used in the world of gemology and frequently by rockhounds. And, that would be me! If you look at a pot of boiling water, you can see the general “roiling” effect as bubbles leave the bottom on the pot and roll to the surface. There – that’s what we mean by roiling and it does appear in gems and rocks, as well! And, without a doubt it also happens in the sky – at least in this part of the world.

Pantone Fall 2014: Cognac

Cognac…the name alone lends a bit of mystery to the color, don’t you think? When I think cognac, I conjure up images of heavily paneled old libraries, a variety of very old and very expensive patterned rugs tossed here and there covering magnificent solid wood floors; of course, there is a dog or two or four sleeping in the sunshine streaming through the floor to ceiling windows. The years have softened all of the wood, giving it a unique warm patina and the rich tapestries and textiles in the scene show just a bit of wear. Nice, no?

Summer Fridays & Summer Sale Start Today!

Welcome Summer Sale!

A bit early...but it'll be here soon!

   

 You're all invited!

 50% off your total purchase (no minimum required)!

You save 50% on gemstone, glass and Kazuri designs!!

Use coupon/voucher code SUMMER50 at checkout.

And, 50% will magically be whisked away from your total!

  

It's an early summer fling..and you don't need

a hat, a beach towel or a bikini!

Here's a direct link for you.

www.tanyalochridge.com 

The party ends on 06-15-14 and many designs are really getting close to being sold out. So...let the beach blanket bingo begin.

Inspiration: Sunshine (Kind of), Clouds & Shades of Gray

I was once asked where I find inspiration for my jewelry designs. My response was quick and rather concise -- “By keeping my eyes open!” It really is that simple. Not quite sure if it is the rockhound in me or just my strange way of thinking; but it seems that when I look at every day things, like the sky, I see gemstone combos. Curious to see how others think, I threw out a little test several months ago on Instagram. I posted a pix of a gorgeous blue sky with big white fluffy clouds with a caption that read “I see chalcedony and pearls. What do you see?” Most responses went something along the lines of “I see a pretty blue sky and white fluffy clouds.” Which, I guess, just goes to show that my brain works in unusual ways – I almost said weird ways; but now that would be not so nice, right?

Inspiration: Snow & Pearls

When it comes to jewelry, pearls have always been a long-standing classic, sometimes even accompanied by a bit of mystique. Walk through any legendary art museum and you’ll find portrait after portrait of intriguing women wearing pearls – necklaces, bracelets and earrings – sometimes just one pearl earring (talk about your mystique!) I have had a long time infatuation with all things pearl.

Yes…I am 64! Vent or Rant?

Why oh why do I let people’s comments bug me so much? This morning while scrolling through my twitter feed, I came across this little tweet “How good does [famous person] look at 60? Stunning!” At what point in time are people going to stop using an age qualifier in a comment in a description of a female? Isn’t it enough to say she looks great or she is really fit – I say it’s time to drop the “for her age” and “she is 60” silliness.

The Healing Energy of Rocks

Another month coming to a close - where or where does the time go? Another full moon and the celebration of the Chinese Moon Festival, which will actually be celebrated on October 4th this year. The weather in this part of the country has been gorgeous – make that Gorgeous…with a capital G! Nights in the 40s and days in the 70s and sunshine! All that clear sky means a good view of the moon and stars night after night after night.