Beautiful Bride

I can honestly say, that as a designer, nothing makes me more happy then seeing someone wearing my jewellery or carrying my bags. It's such an honour that someone loves a pieces that you've made so much that they are willing to buy it and then wear it for the world to see. So you can imagine how ecstatic I was when one of my favorite customers asked if I could get a pair of earrings to her in time for her wedding the following week.(I am in Dallas and she lives in Ottawa so the whole border thing can be a problem with getting pieces quickly). Luckily she received them in time, and was kind enough to send me some pictures of her wearing them. I was taken with how beautiful she looked and how she represented everything I would like my line to be. Stong yet feminine, etheral, the perfect balance of goddess mixed with fashion foward.

I wanted to share the beautiful pictures of Martha wearing our Clara earrings and White Topaz and Glama bangles. Congrats Martha!.

Lesson in caring for precious metals

Recently we received a "damages" return on a pair of earrings that looked pretty beat up, but in the end, had nothing wrong with them. Its hard as a jewelry designer to let customers know the best ways to care for their fine/costume jewelry. That just because your earrings, necklace, rings etc look tarnished and dirty doesn't mean they are ruined or not of fine quality. I know personally if I spend $100+ on a pair of earrings that they better last. So here are some tips, tricks and ways to clean your pieces so that they can keep you smiling for years to come:

Gold and Silver both tarnish, not super easily, but over time and with exposure to harsh chemicals, the sun etc they start to look dull. Never put your jewelry on before you spray perfume, hairspray or any other chemical type substance. Doing this regularly will tarnish your pieces quite quickly. When you buy a nice piece of jewelry take care of it, respect it. Don't assume that just because it wasn't $1000 it doesn't need some care or thought.

Try not to leave your jewelry in direct sunlight, this can have a dulling effect not only on the metal but your precious and semi-precious stones will lose their color as well.

If your piece is tarnished, which at some point it will, don't use harsh soaps or scrubs. My favorite little secret are Sunshine Cloths, they are amazing at taking away any residue and will return your piece to glory. I use them on all my jewelry and it keeps them polished and new looking. (When using on vermeil have a light hand, don't scrub hard or you will lose some of the gold plating).




Earring on the right is in its tarnished "damaged" state, earring on the left has just been polished with a Sunshine Cloth and is looking brand new!

Obession: Rachel Gilbert

I recently came across an amazing designer while browsing on net-a-porter.com. Her name is Rachel Gilbert and apparently she has been creating designs out of her Australian studio since 2007. Her dresses are to-die-for. They are the perfect mix of classic styling with standout details and embellishments.

Now, I am not a big dress girl. Something about them always makes me uncomfortable and a little on edge, I think this stems from childhood and my being such a tomboy. In a dress I just feel like I can't fly by the seat of my pants, if something comes up that is the least bit physical I always feel a little held back. Gilberts designs, however, make me forget all this. The floaty material, the ruffles, the hand beaded sequins, I am totally mezmerized.

I own her Jasmin crepe ruffle gown (pictured below) and it is my ultimate dress. The sweet ruffles add a bit of feminity, the long length jives well with my boho type styling and its the perfect back drop to add tons of necklaces, bangles and rings.





A few of my other favorite pieces from her "whisper my illusion" collection:

Loeffler Randall Boots

Anyone who knows me knows that I have a sick obsession with Loeffler Randall boots. A quick peek in my closet will confirm that I spend way too much money on designer Jessie Randall's "wear everywhere" boots. When fall rolls around LR boots become a major staple in my wardrobe. They are so easy to throw on whether I am running errands with my son or going out for drinks with the girls. LR boots pretty much look amazing with everything you put on. One of my favorite pairs is the Matilde Flat Boot in Chocolate Anaconda, I bought these in NYC last year and have been able to get some serious use out of them. The texture just adds a little something extra.



The LR boots I am lusting after this year are the Cale boots. Honestly, to quote my favorite stylist, "I die".



And I know I am not the only one loving Randall's boots, recently I read articles about Mandy Moore and Kristen Bell's love affair with LR boots. Smart girls.

www.singer22.com is having a sale on LR boots, enter code loeffler20 until Sunday for 20% off.

Skins Collection

There is nothing more luxurious then exotic skins, the look, the feel, the cost! Its become pretty main stream to carry a bag made of snakeskin, ostrich, eel etc. We thought it would be fun and very glam to add snakeskin to our jewelry. Our latest jewelry collection mixes exotic snakeskins with 18kt gold, silver, precious and semi-precious stones. Its opulent, daring and we are so excited for it to launch.

Here is a sneak peek into our Spring/Summer 2010 "Skins Collection