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Precious Metal Clay Jewelry
2008-04-17 21:01:00
Precious Metal Clay consists of microscopic particles of silver or gold suspended in an organic binder to create a pliable material with a consistency similar to modeling clay. The tiny particles are only 20 microns in diameter. It would take as many as 25 of these particles to make a single grain of table salt. PMC is a patented material developed by Mitsubishi Materials Corporation of Japan in 1993. PMC is a wonderful medium for jewelry. Though I know how it works and have seen it in action, I still think it's magic! These are a few of my favorite PMC jewelry:Sunflower Charm NecklaceThis is a perfect necklace to start your summer off right. The charm is 12mm of fine silver decorated with a sunflower pattern, with all the details then oxidized and polished to a high shine. It hangs from a sterling silver 18" rope chain.Large Teardrop Leaf EarringsGorgeous leaves decorate these teardrop sterling silver hoop stud earrings. Oval leaf charms are made from fine silver and oxidized to s...
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Bold and Gold Jewelry
2008-04-15 15:09:00
Jewelry Trend: Gold It's no doubt that suddenly everyone is going for the Gold! Brazilian yellow-golds hit the red carpet at the Grammy's and since the trend has sprung up everywhere. As gold has taken on a higher profile in fine jewelry, the new focus is on texture and fabric-like finishes.This season offers jewelry in a variety of gold tones and shades, as well as real gold for those who don't mind spending a little more. One inexpensive alternative to solid gold is gold vermeil. Gold vermeil is sterling silver that has been plated with gold, giving the look of gold at a much more affordable price. Look for gold shades in beads and crystals mixed with metallic gold pieces in both matte and shiny finishes.14k Gold Hawaiian Flower Pendant14k matte gold with diamond cut edges.Measures approx 1 1/4" long x 1" at widest.Weighs approx 3.2 grams.Jewelry Trend: Bold PendantsThis season can be called the season of pendants. You'll see them everywhere: big and very bold, with or without ...
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Badgley Mischka Fashion Designers
2008-04-14 18:30:00
Badgley Mischka is an American fashion label designed by Mark Badgley and James Mischka. Their fashions are described as "red-carpet-destined evening wear," but generally produced with lighter fabrics and less construction. Known for their signature beaded eveningwear, Badgley Mischka is a favorite of Hollywood stars and celebrities. Their clothes have been worn by many celebrities, including Oprah Winfrey.Spring 2008 CollectionBadgley Mischka started in 1988 when a pair of Parsons students decided to launch a company together rather than compete with each other. Badgley and Mischka's refreshing light take on glamour breathed new life into the often stale realm of eveningwear. Blush Satin Georgette GownThe label quickly acquired a loyal fan base among women ? from New York to Washington D.C. to Hollywood ? who regularly require evening dresses. Red-carpet-destined eveningwear that respects the traditions of glamour ? rhinestones , cleavage, sweeping trains ? but made contemporary w...
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What's New at Nordstrom April 2008
2008-04-13 16:11:00
I'm trying a new concept here. Might work, might not. You'll let me know by your response to this post. If you like it, tell your friends. If you don't, I'll get the message. I'm always doing research online for my blog posts, and I run across some pretty neat stuff. But I don't have time to write about all of it. My intention is to save you time. I'm sure most of you don't have time to check out all the new products that are added to the large jewelry and fashion websites every week. Since I'm there very frequently, I'll throw some pics and a little text into a Word file during the week, and post it over the weekend. I'll create a "What's New" section on my sidebar. Click on the pic to go to the page for that item.So with that in mind, here are the new handbags and accessories I saw at Nordstrom this week: Cara Accessories Silk Wrapped Paisley BangleBright handcrafted bangle is wrapped in paisley-patterned silk and detailed with multicolored crystal stones.$88Anne Klein...
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Calvin Begay Navajo Silversmith
2008-04-12 22:10:00
Native American Jewelry Calvin Begay is an award winning Navajo artist specializing in inlay designs that reflect his Native American heritage. He was born in Gallup, New Mexico in 1965 and raised in Tohatchi in northwestern New Mexico. He has a unique ability to translate traditional Navajo inlay techniques into his own style. Calvin's work is elegant, yet has a contemporary flair. Lizard Inlay Cuff BraceletSterling Silver, Turquoise, and JetCalvin designed his first piece of jewelry at age 10, learning from his mother and uncle. In more than 20 years as a jewelry designer and craftsman, he has become a master in every aspect of the design and manufacturing process. He has won numerous awards at the Gallup Inter Tribal Ceremonial, including Best of Show. Calvin has a style that is unmistakable with fine and precise inlay and channel work in jewelry pieces. Starting as jewelry maker, he has evolved into a designer as well, supervising the manifestation of his ideas at A Touch of Sa...

Shorts for Summer 2008
2008-04-11 18:07:00
Spring means a return to color after a drab winter. The most popular colors this season are black, white, and yellow. Soft pastels are currently in fashion, and are a timeless imitation of colorful spring flowers. A mix of white and black or white with strong colors are also good choices. Bright colors are also hot, but are best paired with neutrals. Print Halter Top and Pique Shorts Wave-Print Halter Top: White/Pacific blue/black wave print. Halter straps tie behind neck. Full bodice. 100% silk.Piqué Shorts: White. 100% cotton.Front welt pockets. Front zip with extended button tab. One of my favorite retro looks is Bermuda shorts. They're long enough to cover any problem areas you might have, and casual enough to wear on your daily rounds, to the market, or to the beach. White and yellow prints are embodiment of the hottest color trends.Stella McCartney Top & Zip Bermuda ShortsRuffled-Sleeve Top: Sunshine/white floral print. Deep V neckline; button front. Ruffled cap sleeves. Cotto...
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Pade Vavra Jewelry Designer
2008-04-09 18:00:00
Pade Vavra is a Los Angeles native whose creativity in jewelry-making has surpassed many. Each piece is vintage-inspired, with a touch of glam and fantasy. Precious natural stones and her use of gold-plated metal form whimsical jewelry. Each Pade piece is certain to be a keepsake in the wearer's jewelry collection.Pade Vavra attributes her varied design influences to growing up in multicultural Los Angeles. "I was always interacting with nature and going on countless camping trips to Yosemite, Mammoth, and the coast of California as a kid. Nature will always be the underlying influence in my design."Pearl Bamboo Bangle22k gold-plated bangle with freshwater pearls.The Pade collection is handmade in Los Angeles. It is a harmony of vintage materials, imagination, and craftsmanship. Her obsession with jewelry began when she started collecting rocks, shells, and trinkets at a very young age. "I've been designing jewelry on a subconscious level all my life," says Pade. "Taking seashells...
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70s Retro Fashions
2008-04-08 13:18:00
70s Designer Fashions Caftans, maxi-dresses, jumpsuits, high-waist pants, bell-bottoms, palazzo pants, platform shoes ? sound familiar? Yes, those groovy fashions from the 70s are chic again. Those trousers are probably the trickiest to wear, but if you stick with wider leg styles that sit at your natural waist, they should be both comfortable and flattering.Long Flowing GownsBody-skimming ankle-length frocks are sexy without being tacky, very easy to wear and a beautiful canvas for the imaginative prints and vivacious colors of spring. Long columns of silky fabric can max out your femininity with only minimal skin exposure.Valentino Color-Block GownStrapless; gathered at left side.? Empire waist.? Layered skirt; long slit on left side.? Pure silk crepe. ? Made in Italy.High-Waist JeansSince the mid-'90s, low-rise and even ultra low-rise jeans have commanded denim fashion, a style which ? for many women ? has been a trend that didn't easily translate from the runway to the real wo...
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Stephen Dixon Jewelry Designer
2008-04-07 20:33:00
After obtaining a degree in Architecture from Ohio State University, Columbus, Stephen attended the Oregon School of Arts and Crafts. He has been designing jewelry and winning awards at national shows for over 30 years. Both the inspiration and execution of his ideas have become refined and integrated into a very natural and organic process. He uses architectural lines to the design and creation of his fine jewelry.Sequential CollectionDixon utilizes many processes. He combines lost wax casting with fabrication to create his "Sequentials" series, which features modular rings. This collection allows clients to create their own rings from interchangeable elements that are available in yellow or white 14k gold, polished or matte finish, and can be ordered to size.Sequentials Gold and Gemstone RingsStacking rings of gold and stone. Sold separately or as shown. Ring stack is 19mm/0.8 inches. The artist recommends wearing three rings at a time. From top to bottom:Trillion Cut with Garnet:...
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Anastasia Azure Jewelry Designer
2008-04-06 23:12:00
Contemporary Art Jewelry By interlacing textiles with jewelry metal arts, Anastasia Azure combines an ancient cloth-making technique with contemporary materials to create dimensional-weave jewelry. The vitality of color, the durability of metal, and the luminosity of monofilament come together as a multilayered woven adornment. Angle Up Close BraceletMonofilament and copper bracelet.Dimensional-weave jewelry combines textile and jewelry metal arts. Utilizing the three-dimensional possibilities of a traditional cloth-making technique, known as double-weave, the artist has originated a signature style; turning double-weave cloth into this unique jewelry.Anastasia's jewelry is hand-woven using a traditional floor loom. The dimensional-weave technique is an arduous and complex weave structure in which two sets of warps interlace with two sets of wefts to simultaneously produce two distinct layers. The monofilament warp brings flexibility, the wire weft provides strength, while the color...
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Prom Dresses 2008
2008-04-04 20:21:00
The prom trends for 2008 are the perfect combination of Hollywood inspired glamour and your individual self-expression. The prom is your night to shine. Selecting the perfect dress, the right shoes, and the appropriate hairstyle can be stressful, but it should be fun, too. Prom trends for 2008 focus on Hollywood glamour, dazzling details, and vivacious color.Spring 2008 Prom Fashion Trends:Hollywood Glamour Prom is your Hollywood premiere, so dress the part in a stunning gown that will have all eyes focused on you. Whether it's a dress that floats or a bodice that sparkles with sequins, glamour will make your night memorable. Celebrity-inspired long, formal dresses are hot, with the focus on smooth satin sheaths, Latin-style trains and ruffles, and A-line or cocktail length skirts. Clarisse Marilyn Monroe Inspired Prom DressGathered bodice with a modern skirt and ruffle detail.Powder Blue.Clarisse dresses feature luxurious fabrics and styles worn by some of today's hottest celebri...
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Amelia Joe-Chandler
2008-04-03 21:04:00
Navajo Jewelry ArtistAmelia Joe-Chandler combines traditional cultural elements with a contemporary sense of design. Amelia doesn't use any polish on her silver, which makes her work very distinctive. She is a teacher, a metalsmith, and an artist. She was named Artist of the Year for 2006-2007 by the Indian Arts and Crafts Association. Though her work is beautifully contemporary, her designs never completely shift from more traditional Diné (Navajo) designs."Beauty on one side, beauty on the other side," to paraphrase a Navajo prayer – Amelia's work exemplifies that traditional outlook in her reversible pendants.Sagebrush and Hummingbird Reversible Pendant Sterling Silver, Picture Agate.On one side, the natural beauty of picture jasper, where the distribution of minerals in the stone resembles landscape forms. On the reverse, a hummingbird hovering over wild desert plants. Either side is beautiful, so you have twice the wardrobe choice. The soft gleam of brushed sterling silver...

Hobo International Handbags 2008
2008-04-02 14:54:00
Hobo International has been helping women carry-on in style since 1990. Their collections of handbags, personal accessories, travel gear, and carry-wear offer solutions to everyday challenges. From exclusive durafiber to quality leathers and unique fabrics, Hobo combines innovative, quality materials in real designs to meet the demands of life. Organizational pockets, security zippers, sturdy straps, functional spaces, and lightweight materials are some of the features that make Hobo products distinctive and versatile. Confident styling, edgy attitude, quality construction, and practical features are the hallmarks of Hobo designs.Piper ClutchCork-covered body. Gold foil flecks.Gold metallic leather.Bamboo handles. Georgina ToteThe simple yet flirty design of the Georgina Tote makes it a perfect tote for everyday use. This spacious bag includes a feminine paisley print lining, interior pockets store your cell phone, glasses, and a zipper closure to secure your belongings. Its elegant...
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Bridal Jewelry Trends 2008
2008-03-31 23:02:00
The bridal season is quickly approaching, and I'm sure all of our brides-to-be are tired and stressed-out. Maybe I can help by giving you some information about the trends predicted for bridal jewelry in 2008 , with pictures. I hope my suggestions will be of use to you in your quest to be the perfect bride. Chandeliers Earrings The chandelier earring styles we've grown to love for everyday jewelry can make dramatic wedding earrings when adorned with pearls or crystals. Earrings play an important role in completing your wedding-day look. Try on different styles to see what looks best with your gown's neckline, and the hairstyle you are planning to wear. Drop pearls with diamond accents are an elegant selection; however, if your gown is heavily beaded, you may want to wear something more subtle such as diamond studs.Clover and Teardrop CZ Encrusted Chandelier EarringsThese gorgeous chandelier earrings were inspired by a Fred Leighton design. Set in white gold plating and featuring a...
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Bracelets to Wear with Spring Fashions
2008-03-30 14:28:00
Spring 2008 JewelryWomen's fashions for Spring 2008 include brightly flowered skirts, sundresses, and tops. Many of these fabric designs are not demure small prints, but larger-than-life exotic flowers.The hand-painted silk gowns with elaborate designs that graced the runways has filtered down to the screen-printed mass-produced designs that are now available in ready-to-wear. The colors being mixed in garments are bright and rich hues.Spring fashions have at most 3/4 length sleeves ? making bracelets a visible jewelry accessory. Glass Bead JewelryYou'll see a rainbow of colors in fashions this spring. So how do you coordinate jewelry to fashions that have already taken over center stage? Just match the color in one of these delicate and feminine glass beads with one of your new frocks. Glass beads are beautiful, and they're much less expensive than gemstones.Greta Murano Glass Square Bead BraceletThis colorful bracelet features multicolored square beads set on an angle with silv...
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The Little Black Dress
2008-03-28 13:41:00
Same Color, New StylesA little black dress is an evening or cocktail dress, cut simply and often with a short skirt, originally made popular in the 1920s by the fashion designer Coco Chanel. Intended by Chanel to be long-lasting, versatile, affordable, and accessible to the widest market possible, its continued popularity is such that many refer to it by its abbreviation, LBD.If you're in the market for something a bit different, you won't be disappointed by the many choices available. Like this stylish number:One-Shoulder Dress by Black Halo? Single right shoulder strap ? Asymmetric draped neckline? Seamed bodice ? Mini belt loopsA timeless classic, the Little Black Dress can't be ignored this season. The key to wearing this look is to find a style and a cut that flatters your figure and pair it with in-season accessories. You can wear it with chunky jewelry, a skinny metal belt, or with some Lucite heels for a fresh look.Oasis Lace Tiered Dress? Satin strapless dress ? Boned to...

Duane Maktima
2008-03-26 14:27:00
Contemporary Native American Jewelry ArtistDuane Maktima is a contemporary jewelry designer of Laguna and Hopi descent. According to Duane's grandfather, the name Maktima means searching for eagles. Duane's creations truly live up to his family name, reflecting his search for creative expression, grace, and form.Maktima's designs reflect his personal beliefs about the forward movement of Native Americans. Although traditional values and myths of Southwestern Pueblo Peoples have influenced Duane's style, other nuances are evident. Duane says, "Strong influences in my work include Southwest Deco design, and because I am part of a broader picture, Scandinavian design."Sterling Silver Agate Bracelet Montana Agate set in 14kt gold. With designs that are simple and clean, Duane uses Lapis, Opal, Coral, Fossilized Ivory, Lavulite, green and blue Turquoise, shells, and wood to create geometric patterns with vibrant color. He uses color and form to recreate prehistoric Native American sy...

Enamel and Precious Metal Clay
2008-03-24 13:55:00
Precious Metal Clay JewelryPMC allows the artist to form shapes that would be difficult and time-consuming using traditional silversmithing techniques. It's easy to work with because the organic binder has the consistency of modeling clay and holds the metal particles together. Once fired, you're left with a piece of fine silver or gold.Original PMC comes only in clay form. PMC+ comes in clay, paste, syringe, and sheet forms. PMC3 comes in clay, paste, and syringe forms. You can shape all of these forms by using your fingers or simple tools. This has opened up a whole new world of artistic expression.Enamel and PMC Pendant and RingEnamelingEnameling is the art of fusing powdered glass to metal under high heat conditions. Thus anything that can be made out of metal can be enameled. In addition to being beautiful, it can also be one of the most intimidating and frustrating techniques to learn.Gold, silver, and copper provide the best metal bases, and different firing temperatures an...
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Patio Dresses Summer 2008
2008-03-22 17:26:00
Summer FashionsJust imagine a warm evening, the sun is setting in a purple haze, a gentle breeze rustles in the trees, the wonderful aroma of chicken and corn on the cob slowly roasting on the grill, and a comfy chaise longue with your name on it. That's when you need a patio dress.Milly Floral Print Strapless Dress? White with azalea pink/lime/yellow/orange floral print. ? Strapless sweetheart neckline.? Pinched bust, ruffled front.? Straight skirt with asymmetric hem.? 100% silk.Twilight falling, friends arriving, ice cubes tinkling in cocktail glasses, conversation buzzing, the sound of laughter wafting across the pool, Tiki torches gleaming, candles glowing, hostess smiling. That's when you really need a patio dress.Mary L Couture Tropical GownVibrant bandeau gown features front and back shirring, a cascading ruffle, and a high-low hemline. Bright lining adds extra punch.? Back zip with hook-and-eye closure.? Slim straps tie behind neck.? Fully lined.? Silk with polyester ruff...
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Colorful Duds from LA Fashion Week
2008-03-20 15:01:00
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios was held in Culver City, California, at Smashbox Studios, from March 9-13. Renowned designers presented their new styles throughout the week, including Kevan Hall, Whitley Kros, and the Monarchy Collection. Mercedes-Benz has been the title sponsor of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios since its inception in Los Angeles in 2003.Farah Angsana DressFarah Angsana's collection included plush, romantic fabrics, highlighted by pearl, sequin, and crystal embellishments for an added effect. Her fashions include bold splashes of color and classic black elegance. Backless and strapless cocktail dresses with feathered accents bring a more light-hearted approach to the concept of evening attire. Jenny Han DressSince 2004, Han has been churning out clothes that are elegant and charming, and her Fall collection is no different. Youthful prints and thigh high miniskirts add zest. Silky party dresses, wide legged pants, cuffed shorts, and s...
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Carmen Marc Valvo
2008-03-19 18:06:00
Fashion DesignerCarmen Marc Valvo is the quintessential American designer, who is known for unique and unusual detailing, and describes his design philosophy as "eveningwear that is modern and sensitive to comfort." Although his sumptuous creations have made him a favorite among Hollywood's top leading ladies ? including Beyoncé, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Oprah Winfrey, Kim Cattrall, and Goldie Hawn ? it's his devotion to his non-celebrity clients that have made him a star. Spring 2008 Ready-to-Wear FashionsStrapless Pleated Dress? Blush (light pink)/ivory silk.? Strapless. ? Gathered bodice. ? Horizontal pleats. ? Pure silk taffeta. Valvo grew up in a traditional Spanish/Italian family in Westchester County, New York. His artistic spirit revealed itself early on, when he developed a passion for oil painting and crafted opulent medieval costumes for his sister for a school project. Valvo's father, a doctor, wanted him to use his artistic talent to become a plastic surgeon, but after ...

Barbara Sperling Jewelry Designer
2008-03-17 22:09:00
Polymer Clay Millefiori Cane ArtistAs early as the 1st century in Egypt, we see examples of mosaic blocks with designs that run through the length of the loaf. Refining this technique, artisans in 19th-century Venice learned to fuse rods of glass into intricate designs that, when heated and stretched ever thinner, was rich in minute detail. They named this process Millefiori, a thousand flowers in Italian. Barbara combines these traditional techniques with polymer clay, a versatile modern material, to make colorful and intricately detailed pieces of jewelry. It allows me to blend my love of nature and art with my perception of color, form, and design.Some Samples of Barbara's Work:Shield PendantFan NecklaceTeardrop PendantPolymer Clay Millefiori Cane WorkThe process she uses is called Millefiori cane working, which entails building a log of clay with an image running through it. She begins by mixing all the colors and shades of clay she will need for a particular project. Then she ...
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Tom Kruskal Designs
2008-03-16 12:58:00
Contemporary Art JewelryAll jewelry at Tom Kruskal Designs is hand-crafted from start to finish in their New England studio, by Tom or under his direct supervision. They use14k yellow and white gold wire, and their white gold is alloyed with Palladium for a bright white look that does not tarnish and never needs plating. 18k and platinum are available on a special-order basis. Pearls and gemstones are genuine and excellent quality, and their diamonds come directly from Belgium.Ruffle Pearl Oval Gemstone BraceletWaves of gold wrapped with Freshwater Pearls and AmethystProduction techniques used:Hand forging, to harden the metal and make it strongHeat treating, to reinforce strength and resilienceHand polishing, to create a perfect finish for each uniquely crafted pieceGemstones Propeller PinAmethyst, Tanzanite, and Rhodolite GarnetArtist Statement:My background is in mathematics, design, and music. My career has been about elevating hand-forged jewelry from a craft to an art, and bal...

St. Patrick's Day Fashions
2008-03-14 16:13:00
The wearin' of the green day is quickly approaching, and what are you going to wear?These are my picks for dressing your body in green style, from head to toe, and from morning to night:green1Juicy Couture Hooded Terry Dress• Lawn green.• Drawstring hood; front zip.• Half dolman sleeves.• Kangaroo pocket.Jacquard Jacket and Printed DressJacket: Green. Scoop neckline; four-button front. Button-flap pockets at hip. Long sleeves. Cotton/silk.Dress: Green/white geometric print. Scoop neckline; cap sleeves. Belted waist. Pure silk.Little Known Facts about St. Patrick's Day• The Chicago River is dyed green every year on St. Paddy's Day.• Saint Patrick's Day is celebrated worldwide by Irish people, and increasingly by non-Irish people as well, particularly in Australia and North America.• In 1737, Irish immigrants to the United States began observing the holiday publicly in Boston and held the first St. Patrick's Day Parade in New York City in 1766.• The modern secular...
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Elise Winters Jewelry Designer
2008-03-13 17:19:00
Polymer Clay Jewelry ArtistElise Winters grew up in Rochester, New York, where her family's metalworking business nurtured her drive for designing and building innovative hand-tools for artists. While earning arts degrees from Syracuse, Montclair, and the New School Universities, Elise first encountered the mysteries of color and light and the lure of ceramic clay. As a professional potter, she loved the malleability of earthenware clay, twisting and shaping it into full organic forms. Pink Pentala BroochLater, as a photographer, Elise was seduced by the subtle play of color and light – by reflection, translucence, the ephemeral colors of the sky. Time spent in Japan enriched her studies of ceramics and sumi-e brush painting. The Japanese influence, in both its reverence for nature and its respect for subtlety of design, has informed Elise's work with luminous polymer clay jewelry. Her signature pieces of jewelry and sculpture feature a technique she has come to call crazed acry...
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Shoe Shine
2008-03-12 15:00:00
Shiny shoes are all the rage, right in line with the glitz and glam fashion trends. Metallics, sequins, textured leather, mirrored leather, and all kinds of shiny fabrics ? shoe designers help us shine from the tops of our heads to the tips of our toes. Fendi Distressed Metallic SandalSilver distressed leather.Bow detail on vamp. Elasticized and buckle straps.Ribbed metal detail above covered heel.Made in Italy.About FendiEstablished in 1925, the entrepreneurial house of Fendi credits its success to three main factors?creativity, technology, and craftsmanship. These attributes come to life in Fendi's signature furs, and in innovative shoes and handbags that establish a new philosophy and define a style archetype.Manolo Blahnik Brooch d'Orsay Fabric PumpGold fabric with tonal dot motif.Gathered vamp with Topaz rhinestone brooch.Open toe.50% silk, 30% polyacrylic, 20% Lurex3 1/2" covered heel.Made in Italy.About Manolo BlahnikManolo Blahnik has become one of a very few designers who...
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Barbara Cieslicki Jewelry Designer
2008-03-10 14:59:00
Acrylic and Resin Jewelry Beautiful jewelry that is made of luminescent acrylic pieces featured in a luscious color palette with sterling silver-washed and gold-washed pewter settings, freshwater pearls, and crystal and glass beads. Color and style coordinated earrings, necklaces, and bracelets provide for fabulous looks.The Blues Lucite Link BraceletVarious blue Lucite in sterling silver plated settingsThis company makes all of their jewelry in the USA to the most exacting standards using the highest quality materials. Their metal elements are pewter with a heavy outside layer of sterling silver or 18K gold.The Pinks Single Strand Resin Bead NecklaceHand poured, carved, inlaid resin beads on non-tarnishing, lightweight, flexible, plasticized steel cable. Sterling toggle claspThese beads are resin elements that are translucent and luminescent. They design and cast the acrylic pieces in a broad spectrum of colors, which include pink, red, gold, camel, brown, chartreuse, olive, a varie...
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Gianna Bird Jewelry Designer
2008-03-09 15:37:00
Contemporary Native American Jewelry Gianna has always worked with her hands, from doing carpentry as a child with her father to drawing, painting, knitting, and other crafts. She creates sterling silver jewelry and copper-covered blank books, as well as bookmarks of silver, copper, or brass. Each piece is individually designed and handcrafted by the artist. An adult-education class introduced her to silversmithing, and she was able to express her feelings and ideas better than with any other medium. She values the challenge of earning her living by doing what she loves, and she is currently exploring the addition of semiprecious stones and tumbled glass to her jewelry.Lily Pad PinSterling silver pin with semi-precious stone, hand cut, textured and reticulated.My sterling-silver jewelry has an organic feel and a distinctive oxidized finish that adds an unpredictable wash of gold, red, pink, and blue-black, making each piece unique. I start by drawing a design, transferring it to a sh...
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Notte by Marchesa Fashion Designer
2008-03-07 16:08:00
A great partnership was born when best friends Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig met in college. A few years after graduating and working in separate fashion fields, they created Notte by Marchesa ? named after the eccentric '20s society icon Marchesa Luis Casati. Their vintage-inspired designs make the line a celebrity and socialite favorite. Silk Empire-Waist Gown ? Pink with silver-tone beading.? Sweetheart neckline; thin shoulder straps.? Ruched bodice.? Empire waist.? Shirred skirt.? Back zip.? Pure silk.British-born Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig launched their label, Marchesa, in 2004. The collection was an instant success and the talented pair soon added their stunning second line, Notte by Marchesa. From irresistible mini dresses to elegant signature gowns, Notte's beautiful creations have charmed their way onto countless red carpets courtesy of celebrity fans such as Scarlett Johansson, Mischa Barton, and Sienna Miller.Color-Block Silk Trapeze DressThe must-have A-line ...
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The Greenwoods Studio
2008-03-06 16:42:00
Handcrafted Art JewelryFrom her earliest memories, Bridgette Rallo has been in love with jewelry ? not just any jewelry but handmade art jewelry. Her father, a New York City jazz drummer, had many friends in the hip art scene of the fifties, several of whom wore brilliantly conceived, one-of-a-kind pieces of jewelry.In high school, she began making jewelry for herself and her friends until a visiting artist noticed the quality of design and attention to detail Rallo incorporated into her work. Sailor?s Valentine PendantFine silver, surf agate cabochon, art glass beads, African glass beads, Sterling silver lobster claw clasp. One of a kindIn exchange for lessons in painting, she began an apprenticeship with Italian artist, Paula Wolfson, which lasted for three years. Bridgette then studied with and worked for East Hampton potter and sculptor Frank Pereira in his studio for another three years. During that time, she learned the fundamentals of abstract art.Sea Flowers PendantFine silv...
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