Couture Over Coffee

A Little Mischief Never Hurt Anyone

2012-02-07T09:20:00.000-08:00

I bought this ring last week from Lynne Suprock.

Truth be told, I was in love with this ring from the moment it was laid out for selection for Belle Armoire Jewelry. Now that that magazine has wrapped production, I was officially able to buy and wear this beauty. It is made from a bullet casing, resin, and has "Mischief" etched on the band. I love the combination of the heart made of rhinestones and the edge of the "mischievous" bullet casing. I love jewelry that doesn't take itself too seriously; accessories can make a fun statement. And besides, a little mischief never hurt anyone.

Have a fun Tuesday ; )

Shoe News

2012-02-06T09:34:00.000-08:00

Spring is coming! And that means toes must peek out and legs must be shown off. I had hit a string of bad luck last summer when my Henry Bendel sandals finally gave way (I wore them everywhere). I hadn't found any worthy replacements until I stepped into one of my new favorite stores, Zara. I scored these gorgeous rhinestone studded gladiator sandals for $30, originally $99. They had them in black too. This was honestly the last pair and I loved the tan leather so much more than the black. I tried them on, as I had never tried on shoes at Zara before, and had a pure Cinderella moment. It just goes to show, you never know until you try (a shoe on).

The other pair pictured here are a fab find from my go-to store for indulging, Crossroads Trading. These are Chloe shoes....purchased for only $40. The original packaging came with them. They are originally $750 shoes! I love the leather and the Chloe tissue paper. It's been a couple of weeks full of good (shoe) news : )

Garden Walk

2012-02-03T09:28:00.000-08:00

I've never been one to enjoy a garden stroll. Shopping centers are much more my thing. CHA was right across the street from Garden Walk in Anaheim. It was a great place to grab lunch and dinner and take in all the murals. Granted, the Mickey one is kind of creepy though, right?

Happy Friday!

CHA CHA CHA

2012-02-02T10:16:00.000-08:00

I spent a whirlwind of three days at the Craft & Hobby Association's convention in Anaheim. I love the show's OC location, because it's close to home and lots of fun things to do. Here are a few glimpses of my time there.

Above:
iloveotcreate's sparkle shoes
ICE Resin chandelier
Cousin Corp necklace
The necklace I wore on day 2, by Florabond
Me, being silly at ilovetocreate
the wonders of glitter by ilovetocreate
petticoats altered by a Betsey Johnson designer at ilovetocreate
Ruth Rae's awesomeness
a girl's gotta eat
my colleague Cynthia, who has a wicked cool sense of humor
a girl's gotta drink (coffee, that is)
the wonders of Graphic45

Loved

2012-01-24T12:46:00.000-08:00

The color scheme and phrasing might remind you of a certain holiday coming up ... but that's not why I am blogging about this piece of art. I spent last Monday talking and studying art with Paulette , Cheryl, and Julie. These ladies reminded me that when you are loved (and we all are, we mustn't lose sight of that) there really aren't any bad days. Thank you Paulette for this beautiful gift, and thank you Julie and Cheryl for all the encouragement; all 3 of you are my inspiration. Remind someone that you love them today.

World of Color

2012-01-20T11:40:00.000-08:00

Part 2 of my spring trend watching. I have noticed lots and lots of color together, oh thank heaven! If you're like me and love color wearing and color blocking, rejoice! Be brave and mix your colors, dont just stick to traditional spring pastels. If your'e still a little intimidated, try wearing a neutral (like white or black) and wear a color blocked shoe or piece of jewelry. Be bold or go home. Let your true colors show and have fun.

Pictures above from Shopbop except for those out of control, amazing tights that I absolutely adore from Jewelera on Etsy.

Happy Weekend & Happy (Spring) Shopping!

Sea of Green

2012-01-19T09:51:00.000-08:00

Shopbop did an excellent job capturing the Resort trends for 2012. One of them was the influx of green. I have always loved emerald green so I rounded up some of my favorite pieces that I am looking into buying and inspiring my spring. I love that our Jewelry Affaire cover reflects this trend so beautifully, as emerald jewelry is the most coveted. I am actually going to do a good, old fashioned trend story the next few posts, as the richness of these colors has me really excited. Enjoy!

Above:
Haute Hippie
Alice + Olivia
BCBGMaxAzria
ONE by Contrarian (love the back on this dress)
Kenneth Jay Lane ring (sold out)
sass & bide
Tbags Los Angeles
Ellie Saab
Kate Spade

*All images above from Shopbop except for the Saab and Spade ones.

Soldering With Rita Reade

2012-01-17T08:45:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite traditions is gathering with Rita Reade for my birthday soldering class. I think it says so much about a person when they give not just a gift, but a skill. A day at Rita's is an indulgence indeed. You really are spoiled the minute you walk in the door. The day included this cappuccino (which was to die for!) made by her sweet husband, a little Wilson's Creek champagne, chocolates, the best fish tacos EVER, homemade chips and salsa, and in the end, this beautiful necklace which I am proud to call my own creation. Soldering is getting easier and easier for me, and I owe that to Rita. She makes her guests feel comfortable and talented. A day at the Reade's is like a homecoming. Part of the fun for me is snapping pictures of Rita's beautiful house, which is filled with eye candy. Hope you enjoy these Instagram photos I snapped. If you want to learn how to solder beautiful things I highly highly recommend a class from Rita. You can view her offerings here. Thanks again Rita, I can't wait until next year!

Zigzag

2012-01-16T10:19:00.000-08:00

I pulled this outfit together Thursday. I must say, I am quite pleased with myself. The overriding theme: zigzags galore. These Juicy Couture socks have a subtle pattern in them and I thought they would look oh so cool with these Missoni for Target pumps. After all, Missoni is known for those sweet squiggly lines. The clutch is my fave from the newest Sicilian Gypsy line. I've said it before, and I say it again, houndstooth is my favorite print! Sicilian Gypsy will be making more of these clutches with different colored linings. Be sure to check them out! I love the movement of all the lines and squiggles together throughout the ensemble. The accessories to complete the look are vintage bangles and a crochet cuff made by my friend Alexis. Cream + zigzags = a winter dream outfit.

Glory Days

2012-01-11T16:03:00.000-08:00

We all want to keep our favorite things close to us. I love what Anna Marie does for shoes. She alters them using a Sharpie and incredible drawing skills to customize kicks for her buyers. As someone who loves old movies, classic books, and anything from long ago, it's nice to know you can get those glory days back all by placing an order. Her Catcher in the Rye drawing on a sneaker astounds me. I would wear anything and everything Catcher if I could. It's because we want to go back to those days and the things that make us feel good that we strive to keep them close by, or on our bodies. Reminiscing never looked so good : )

Linens & Things

2012-01-05T16:10:00.001-08:00

2012 will be the year! I will begin saving money! God, I hope so. But then I saw these neckpieces made of linen, ceramic, and pearls from Cynammon, and that resolution just got tougher. Good luck with yours : )

Cobblestone

2011-12-22T10:20:00.000-08:00

I've always had a thing for pumps. I love how the current pump is not pointy toed (though I do love those), but it is rounded instead. I have always wanted gray pumps, and much to my delight, Juicy Couture had a great sale last week (including free shipping and $25 off a $100 + purchase). Included in this sale were these gray velvet pumps named Cobblestone. I had to take advantage. I love the wooden heel and velvet is becoming one of my favorite fabrics to wear. The package came yesterday, wrapped beautifully, in this tissue paper. The name of the shoes reminds me of the streets in London, all cobblestone. I remember seeing women in heels hobbling down those old streets. I had no idea how they did it, as the points of their heels would get caught in between stones. Luckily for me, I will be wearing these velvet beauties comfortably down the smooth, Southern Californian streets. The perfect winter shoe.

Big-Girl Dress

2011-12-20T09:37:00.000-08:00

I got an absolutely darling Christmas present from my friend Bonnie yesterday. It's been ages since I read a children's book. I forgot how beautiful the illustrations can be. Birdie's Big-Girl Dress by Sujean Rim (Hachette, 2011) brought back a flood of memories for me.

The story is about Birdie's search for the perfect party dress. I have to admit, there are some killer closets and dress contenders in this book. And Birdie's mom has mad style! Birdie dreams of "fluttery floral sundresses, lovely lace sheaths, (and) chic chiffon gowns..." But at the end of the day Birdie settles on a dress that is not new, but something she found in her attic, belonging to her grandparents. I love how this book teaches about personal style, and I know I personally love the things passed down to me from my grandparents more than I love many new items I own.

I always think that the greatest gift parents can give children is the ability to read. And I remember many Christmases filled with gifts of books under the tree. On Christmas Eve, or any other night, my parents or sometimes my grandparents, would read us bedtime stories, even after I knew how to read them myself. There's something very special about children's books, they mold our imagination and influence us. There's something so very loving about a parent reading to a child, because through literacy, almost anything is possible. And for me, there is something so sentimental about receiving books as gifts, as it means the giver is presenting me with knowledge, words, and dares to push the limits of my mind.

Thank you, Bonnie for such a delightful gift, that brought back so much. You've given me more than you know : )

Happy Giving!

Pretty Pretty Prada

2011-12-16T13:49:00.000-08:00

Being a huge fan of Prada and jewelry in general, these new designs made me super happy! Perfect for spring ... or as a Christmas gift : ) These are costume jewelry pieces, but they have that great vintage feel in their shape. I love how Miuccia Prada is never afraid to add sparkle to anything, even a flower.

Hope your weekend is full of pretty things!

At Arm's Length

2011-12-15T09:27:00.000-08:00

I love these gloves from Lanvin's collection. I think gloves are so ladylike, and just plain functional. But I love how Lanvin dressed up these beauties with rhinestones galore. Perfect! It takes the guesswork out of which bracelets and rings to layer on your gloved arms and hands. My admiration for the Lanvin set is probably why I was so drawn to purchasing these dazzlers from Juicy Couture. I absolutely love them! Next on my list is the set they sell with the shorter variety and Deborah Lippmann nail polish, as well as the mitts with faux fur and gemstones. Maybe Santa will help a girl out ; )

Stay warm!

Very Merry Tiffany

2011-12-13T09:04:00.000-08:00

If you know me (or this blog) then you know that I love Tiffany's, the smell of jewelry in the morning, and the iconic idea of having breakfast at Tiffany & Co. Yesterday morning I received my first blue bag, box, and pouch ever. I opened it up to find a Tiffany ornament and a lovely mixed-media Christmas tag from the fabulous Linda Trenholm. Words can't really express the excitement of opening up such a gift. It's interesting how in some cases, the packaging really does speak louder than words. Thank you Linda for giving my heart a flutter and making my Monday morning. Hope everyone has a good week and remembers to wrap those packages with care : )

Things I Learned at 27

2011-12-07T09:44:00.000-08:00

The birthday festivities are officially over. And after some thinking, I concluded the best gift I have been given this year are these bits of wisdom:

At 27 I am happy to say I know who my real friends are.

I know what it means to love another person (and that love takes some work, but it's all worth it).

I know that I'm not perfect.

I know how precious (and short) life is.

I know what it means to work hard, but also that sometimes hard work goes unrewarded (for a while).

I know how to juggle work and play.

I know what I'm all about.

I know where I want to go.

I know I can make a difference.

I know I want to keep learning.

I know to trust my instincts.

Sometimes you just have to say "screw it" and move on.

In the last year I have experienced so much, from meeting new people, doing new work in publishing, holding a newborn in my arms, and so many other memories. I can't wait for the future, and all the things I will know by the time I reach 28.

Pictures above are from Monte De Oro Winery, Falkner Winery, brunch at my house, and Casey's Cupcakes (at Fashion Island).

Ask and Ye Shall Receive

2011-12-06T11:32:00.000-08:00

In yesterday's post I mentioned craving more scarves. It has been so cold here in So Cal that yesterday's blue velvet dress and leopard print coat (both by Juicy Couture) needed something extra to brave Newport Beach at night. Coincidentally, Monica, sent me this "Italian treat," which I opened right before leaving. Thank you, Monica, it is oh so perfect! Ruffled, warm, and the perfect color to match my ensemble and vintage jewelry. I threw it right on and enjoyed an evening at Fashion Island. Grazie!

The Gift of Glamour

2011-12-05T11:08:00.000-08:00

I've really wanted a classic scarf for a long time, a silk one that can be accessorized beautifully. When I saw that one of my favorite artists was turning her prints into scarves I knew I had to have one. They are a bit pricey, but when you compare them to a designer scarf (and that is the quality these scarves have) they are a worthy investment. My scarf arrived Friday, just in time for my birthday. It is big, bold, made of beautiful silk, and is aptly named "Glamour." For me, it's perfect, because I love the colors (they will pop against most of my clothes) and the images are from Kristina's most cherished prints that honor Chanel and Breakfast at Tiffany's. Oh, and did I mention these are limited edition? So if you want one, you had better snap them up fast!

You must check out this lady's amazing blog. It's one of my faves! These scarves would be an ideal Christmas or holiday gift for the glamour girl in your life.

Princess for a Day

2011-12-02T10:00:00.000-08:00

Got the best birthday card/creation from Julie! There's even a Chanel finding at the top! Thanks Julie, I love her!!!

With my birthday on Sunday, I have to admit I have been thinking pretty selfishly lately. I love indulging and really celebrating my birthday with everyone and anyone who wants to join in. But the last few days have been a great reminder to me that life is about something so much bigger than me.

My friends Shawn and Virginia had a baby Wednesday night, and although baby Miles Fox and I don't share the same birthday, I feel like he is a true gift. I can't believe we all come into the world so small and fragile and day by day we become the people we are meant to be, we become stronger and learn to love and laugh; we come to recognize the people in this life who are gifts given to us, and hopefully, we come to cherish these people and moments more than material objects.

This has already been such a blessed week for me, and definitely one of the most memorable of my life. My best friend flew in from Japan for Thanksgiving. We ate, we shopped, and she was able to hold Miles in her arms just hours before she left. We cried, we laughed, we hugged each other before parting ways for another few months, and we both acknowledged that this has been a week of celebrating, a week we will never forget, a week where we both felt so much happiness and that everything in the world was right. I hope the past week was good to you and that this post brings you hope and happiness for the coming week.

Life is unpredictable. We don't always know when people will return, when babies will be born, what gifts we will get , or what will arrive in the morning mail, but we do know this: life goes on. I usually celebrate my birthday so fully because I feel like all the days after it just drop off the calendar, or like I won't feel as special afterwards. But that's silly. This year, I'm going to push on. You never know what will happen and change in between birthdays, celebrations and visits. I can't wait for life to go on, to be surprised, and to see where it leads me.

Wishing you a happy and celebratory weekend! If you're looking for an excuse to indulge, I recommend a sip of champagne or a slice of cupcake on Sunday, so we can celebrate together : )

A Stroll Down Georgianna Lane

2011-11-29T07:43:00.000-08:00

I'm so thankful to have met Georgianna Lane through work. Georgianna is a stunning photographer who travels all over and captures the most amazing images. This wonderful woman recently gifted me with a calendar, which means 12 of her breathtaking Paris images. I love Paris and miss it all the time, so these snaps were like a stroll down memory lane. For more of these beauties and more more more more check out her blog. Merci Georgianna!!!

Giving & Getting

2011-11-28T09:47:00.000-08:00

Ever since I began working on apronology I have been in contact with this lady, who has been a true inspiration. One of the best parts about knowing EllynAnne (besides her warmth and genuine love of helping others reconnect with the past) is her ability to encourage us to give back.

EllynAnne has long been committed to her project, National Tie One On Day, in which you are to wrap a baked good in an apron along with a note and give it to those in need. I wrapped my loaf with a vintage gingham apron with chicken scratch stitching and even used a card with a vintage cherry print EllynAnne had gifted me. While I won't go into detail on the note I wrote, the bread reminded me of a very important piece of scripture, "Man can not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God" (Matt 4:4). This verse is a constant reminder that food alone is not what is needed to sustain us.

This Thanksgiving was full of lots of food and for that I am blessed. But for me, the holidays are always about more than that. They are about being surrounded by those I love, laughter, sharing stories, and giving. As long as we keep on giving, I truly believe we will keep on getting those blessings.

Hope everyone had a happy holiday!

Patience & Fury

2011-11-14T13:12:00.000-08:00

I stole this image and quote from my friend, Jenny. Having studied John Dryden in college, this quote conjured up so many past thoughts and emotions that caused me to really study myself.

One of the reasons I really like Jenny's Words of Wisdom section on her blog is because she picks some great words to live by and I feel her stories and artwork can back up several of these quotes. I concluded that I really like surrounding myself with wise people. And here's the thing: wise people always know exactly the right words to say; and if they aren't their own, they can point you in the direction of someone else who said it best. Thank you Jenny for sharing this.

Many of you may have guessed, I am a very patient person. It is one of my finer qualities and I pride myself on my ability to not be fast to anger. The worst part about being furious for me, is that I rarely feel good after boiling over. There is power in patience; it shows restraint, it shows inner strength. And yes, there can be power in fury, but how often is that positive?

Dryden is warning us against testing those who have skillfully held their tongue and temper. Pick your battles. Measure your words. Because in the end, they are all we leave behind. All we have to cling to are those words of comfort/hope/wisdom. And those words become the yardstick for which other experiences/feelings are measured.

I hope that I leave behind some wise morsels and I pray for the strength to keep my patience. After all, no one wants to leave behind a strain of ill-timed, ill-mannered, half-thought-out expletives and phrases. We are only so much time, so many words, and so many chances to say the right ones. Let's make them count.

Strength to Force the Moment

2011-11-02T11:05:00.000-07:00

Friday I had the privilege of being visited by Linda and Sandy of EuroTrash. They were dropping off some fabulous jewels for Jewelry Affaire and also left with me the most fabulous press kit I have ever seen! It was encrusted with jewels and crystals and all the wording was on vintage piano paper. As promised, here are pictures of the cuff I bought from them at Glitterfest, which I mentioned here. Every time I wear this cuff (which is a LOT) I look down and fall in love all over again, that's when you know you've made a smart purchase : ) Today I am wearing it layered with a vintage cuff, vintage ring, and my one-shouldered Elizabeth and James Cubist Dress.

Today I read a great quote while proofreading this magazine. Artist Wendy Brightbill wrote "The road to passion and creativity is often paved with crisis." This instantly reminded me of T.S. Eliot's words on having "the strength to force the moment to its crisis."

There's a lot on my mind right now, and while I wouldn't say I am in the middle of a crisis, I would agree, that sometimes a crisis can be a good thing - they give us the opportunity to flex our muscle, get stronger, and really "force the moment" to make and gain something good out of something bad. A cuff always kind of reminds me of Wonder Woman's cuffs and I love how one shoulder dresses are a great chance to show off upper arm muscle. These words, this outfit, and this jewelry brought to mind Linda and Sandy's experience starting their own jewelry line. They started EuroTrash because they wanted to design beautiful things, and even though they knew there was risk involved, they wanted to do it anyway; they wanted to seize and force the moment in order to create something dazzling. Not only have they made some amazing jewelry (which you will see published in April) but they have definitely inspired me as well. What woman doesn't want a piece that inspires and makes her feel strong?

Whether you make jewelry, write, edit, art journal, or just enjoy beautiful things, I hope in times of crisis you are able to force the moment of greatness out of your work or out of your life.

A Case of the Miu Miu Mondays

2011-10-31T10:36:00.000-07:00

Today is Halloween, but it gets worse: today is also Monday.

Admittedly, I am not a big fan of Monday, but it's not my least favorite day of the week; that's Tuesday or Wednesday (because they are dead center in the middle of the week making me feel like there's no escape). But Mondays tend to fly by for me as there is so much to catch up on and I generally feel pretty rested.

So I thought I would make today Miu Miu Monday by posting some shoes from their latest collection via Saks ...

And I got to thinking, what is it about glitter, costume, and "playing dress up" that makes it an attractive escape? What are we really running from when we don a different outfit or empty our wallets for a shoe? And I had a sudden tinge of fear at the thought that maybe we are running from ourselves. Im not saying that fashion is all about being timid and covering up ... I know for me it's a definite passion ... but I can't help but wonder if maybe sometimes there's distraction in the glitter of a shoe; maybe I have convinced myself that in order to put distance between myself and those things that scare me I have to buy nice shoes so that they will be able to bear the burden of such a long run. I dont mean to be such a downer today, I am just in a pensive mood - a mood ripe for writing. So whether you see these shoes as a break from the Monday routine or you see this post as a glimpse into something deeper about its author, I hope today is a good ( not so scary) one.

true sTORY

2011-10-26T09:10:00.000-07:00

I had dinner with my sister at the Nordstrom Cafe on Monday night. The Nordstrom Cafe is one of my favorite places to eat: fancy, great selections, and you get to eat right next to the clothes. While perusing the accessories floor I noticed these beauties. They are unmistakably Tory, Tory Burch that is. I love the gold, lucite, and tortoise look. These pieces are so smooth, polished, chunky and give just a hint of vintage. You can find these pieces at Nordstrom (whether you shop online, eat there, or shop in person).

I actually have a special affinity for Tory because the editor of toryburch.com, Honor Brodie, actually went to my Alma Mater. True story. Hopefully I will continue to honor that editorial legacy.

Danza Del Sol

2011-10-24T12:16:00.000-07:00

Went to Danza del Sol in Temecula yesterday. I highly recommend this beautiful winery and going in the fall because the weather was perfect. I realized I definitely see my glass as being half full.

To a full and fulfilling week : )

Christina McCluskey

2011-10-21T10:12:00.000-07:00

I thought I would start working on Christmas shopping (which means browsing Etsy with lots of people in mind besides myself). I dont remember how, but a while back I found Christina McCluskey's designs on Etsy. I usually buy myself one gift for my birthday, which is in December (OK, who am I kidding, I buy myself gifts for being born year-round), and the fact that I am still thinking about Christina's jewelry makes me realize that I think this is the splurge for me. There's just nothing like her pieces. I think I mentioned a while ago that I am getting really into wire-wrapped jewelry, it's sort of replacing bling for me as it is so detailed, intricate, and outstanding. These pieces are just such a worthy investment, so special, no one else would have a necklace or earrings like this. Be sure to check out more of Christina's work in the current Jewelry Affaire and come December, you will see lots more of her pieces in Belle Armoire Jewelry. So if you want to own something truly fabulous or gift something incredibly special, check out Christina's Etsy site.

Happy Friday & Happy Shopping!

Glitter & Glamour

2011-10-18T15:51:00.000-07:00

Last night I was lucky enough to attend Directives West First LA fashion show at the patio at CMC. Fashion is one of very few motivators for me to drive to Los Angeles, but I was glad I did, as this show was amazing! Thank you Directives West for having me.

Trendspotting: lace, flowy layers, tribal prints, and bright colors. I love color, so I am especially happy that that trend is here to stay for now.

One of the highlights of my evening was meeting the lovely Kristen of Glitter 'N Glue. If you are not reading her blog, you should be! So go, read now! Kristen is super sweet and looked so fabulous and chic.

Another highlight for me was busting out this dress I have wanted to wear for a long time, but was saving it for the right occasion. It's by Haute Hippie (my fave!) and is oh so delicate. I scored this dress from Saks Off 5th Avenue. I think it was only like $70, and if you know the price point of a regular HH dress, you know this is a major steal. I layered it up with vintage jewelry + Juicy Couture bracelet and cocktail ring (you have to wear a cocktail ring to a fashion show) and my beloved earrings from Christine Wallace. I don't normally like pictures of myself, but I thought this dress deserved to be shown off.

Have a glass of champagne and peruse the pics from the show. Then check out Kristen's blog and get some inspiration to craft up your own runway ready look. Cheers!

OctoberFEST

2011-10-17T07:30:00.000-07:00

I'm not one for beer and bratwurst, but I am all about jewels, cupcakes, and baubles. If you're in So Cal in October, there really isn't an excuse not to head out to Glitterfest. I swear, it gets better every time I go. I am so partial to the fall edition because artisans make spooctacular holiday treats. I didn't get as many pics this time because I was absolutely bent on Christmas shopping, but here's what I managed to hold focus on:

Michelle Legler's mosaic jewelry, cucpakes, and all around standout art. Michelle is just so cool and her work reflects how fun she is.

JoAnn Doxakis' jewelry gleamed as bright as ever. I bought some Christmas gifts here. Trust me, if you want to spoil your fashion forward friends, you need to pick up some of JoAnn's jewels.

Denise Hahn sold cute little kits. You couldnt miss her beautiful banners and wire work (which I was so into admiring, I didn't get a picture of it).

Lisa Loria of course had her bling babies out, along with color color color. Check out her blog for a look at her jewelry, which is always so quirky and cheerful - her blogger necklaces are especially fun and different.

I found this amazing booth by EuroTrash and went crazy! I bought the most stunning cuff from them, which I will have to post about later. Thanks again, ladies!

Not pictured, but also amazing were Gina, Julie, Rita, Christie & Crystal. So good to catch up with these ladies too: Jenny, Holly & Sue! Overall, just a fabulous day of friends, food, and of course jewelry!

Oh and a little known fact about me: I'm the treasurer of the Elks Lodge in Santa Ana. Just kidding! But I did take the treasurer's parking spot. The things we do in the name of shopping, right?

If you're in town in March, you have to stop on by. A little Christmas shopping in March never hurt anyone ; )

Urban Shoe Myth

2011-10-14T10:11:00.000-07:00

I heard a story once about a design house who produced a line for Target. Women came in droves and bought up everything, causing the Target site to crash, and flooding eBay with their loot at double and triple the price.

Since I had been in a Target since hearing this story, I thought it was just that, considering I had never seen evidence of the Missoni line ever having existed. But then yesterday, I walked into my Irvine Spectrum Target and discovered these pumps. There were only 3 pairs, and one happened to be just my size! A few other lone, zigzagged items appeared side by side, leftover from a shopping storm.

I tried these on ... and lived happily ever after.It just goes to show, you can't believe everything you hear. You never know - until you try (on).

Happy Friday!

Free Yourself

2011-10-06T14:54:00.000-07:00

Thank you, Lisa Super for sending me this creme de citron hand cream by JR Watkins. It's all natural, which I love (I am sooo not a make-up person, so my beauty regimen has to be really rigid to keep things looking good without help). Lisa's work can be seen in Somerset Home
and in the upcoming issue of apronology. I love the slogan for this brand: free yourself. Products that are free of dyes, parabens etc. only leave room for natural beauty to shine through. And Lisa, thank you for freeing your hands up to create beautiful projects.

*For more on natural beauty products and options, check out this article, written by yours truly for Made Woman Magazine.

Outings in Orange

2011-10-04T08:57:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite spots in So Cal is old town Orange. Complete with a roundabout, antiques, Paris in a Cup Tea Salon (http://www.parisinacupteasalon.com) and The Perfect Circle Cupcakery, it doesn't get any sweeter.

One of my favorite events to attend is Launch Your Creativity, held at Paris in a Cup, featuring women speakers who are there to motivate each other creatively and professionally. At this event Jenny Doh, Sharon Hughes and Jenelle Van de Mortel were some of the speakers.

What I took away from the event was this (thanks to Jenelle): women need to empower women; in short, Women Helping One Another (W.H.O.A.).

Unfortunately, we live in a society where women are still not paid as much as their male counterparts, and the job market as a whole is crumbling. How do we expect anything to get better if we aren't lending a helping hand? One of the reasons I really like what I do for a living is for the sheer fact that I have the power to help people. A woman who sews for a hobby can be published in our magazines, and instantly her day is made. A struggling artist who cannot make ends meet can see an increase in sales after appearing in one of our magazines. And, if nothing else, someone can receive a bit of extra money simply by sharing their technique in our pages. What I offer people is a sense of community, a sense of belonging, a confidence boost, and at times, monetary compensation. Before I send out acceptance letters for a magazine it hits me that someone's day is about to be made. Someone may have been praying for this letter to be dropped in their inbox for months. And to think, for me, it's just another item on my to do list.

But I would never be in a position to make people's days or have artwork to accept if somewhere along the line, a woman or two hadn't helped me out. If Jenny Doh had never taken a chance on me I dont know if I'd be where I am today. If I didn't have amazing colleagues-turned-friends who encouraged and supported me, or sat next to me at tea (thank you, Rita, Lisa, and Paulette - who sat next to me in spirit) I dont think I would have peace of mind. If I didn't have close friends who were willing to walk around downtown Orange antiquing with me in the sweltering heat and listening to me (thanks, Alexis!), I know I myself would not be a good friend. And if I didn't help and empower other women I meet, what kind of editor (or more importantly, what kind of human being) would I be?

I believe in the greater good, karma, prayer, hard work, self-sufficiency, the relationships I have maintained, paying it forward, and most of all - I believe in myself. True, you can't help everyone. But by helping one person today, they can help themselves tomorrow, or perhaps someone else. The best gift we can give to one another is ourselves; our ears for listening, our hands to hold, our shoulders to be cried on, our heads to nod, and our eyes to lock. How grateful I am to know such helpful and inspiring women. They in turn are the reason I want to help others.

Special thank you to the staff at Paris in a Cup for helping to make my experience memorable and delightful. Thank you to Rita for my amazing shoe calendar - you know me so well! Thank you to my good friend Alexis for understanding my love of old things ... and thanks to the wonderful vendors in downtown Orange who sold me this fabulous necklace for $3 ... and thanks to the staff at the Perfect Circle for making the most divine pumpkin cupcake ever! Oh, and thank you to my boyfriend's family who luckily intervened and ate the remaining cupcakes so I did not have to (because I would have).

But in all seriousness, if you want to help and empower yourself, you won't want to miss the next Launch Your Creativity event in April. In the meantime, think about this: who will you be helping today?

Don't Cry For Me

2011-10-03T11:37:00.000-07:00

Who wouldn't love this shoe???? Perfect for Mondays (as a pick me up), drinking champagne, and for pretty parties. Thank you Barney's for carrying Tabitha Simmons' shoes. This one is named Evita, and I love it. Jewelry for the feet, as I always say. Evita was a remarkable woman who's beauty shined through as she led. Powerful women, powerful shoes. I admire a girl who can stand tall, either on her own two feet or in 6-inch heels, and stand up for what she believes in.

Bring Happy Home

2011-09-27T09:56:00.000-07:00

I posted recently on my travels and now I though I should post on how I am enjoying being home. There's nothing like traveling to remind you of the simple indulgence of just lounging around in a familiar space with those you missed close by.

We often bring back memories, souvenirs, or even lessons learned from our travels or even from a day at work. Wherever you go there's always a place awaiting your return. And that thought is the most comforting. There will be a place for your mementos to be shelved, a plush place to sit down, and food, wine and reading to nourish.

I like to leave all the stress, drama, and heartache outside my front door. I want to keep my home full of positivity, a place of welcome, where others can step inside and feel at ease. It's because of this sentiment that I truly appreciate Jessie Steele 's slogan "Bring Happy Home." I want to thank Jessie for sharing her aprons with me as well as her fun catalog. You'll be happy to know that her pieces will be appearing in the upcoming apronology. If you want to get happy before you get home, check out her site.

Hoping today sends you home happy : )

Midwest Memories: Part 3: Kansas Kind of Life

2011-09-23T08:21:00.000-07:00

Life in Kansas runs on a different pace. The fastest movements are those of horses roaming wildly in fields and wind blowing against the grains before a harvest. It has been a long time since I slowed down so much. I even got to finish a book, which is such a rare treat for me, to find the time to read a novel - something I used to do frequently. Even seemingly small acts like petting horses and listening to acoustic music at an outdoor dinner can make your day, if you let them. We were treated to an outdoor dinner at St. Paul's Episcopal Church. The dinner was presented by the local Farmer's Market and featured locally grown food and wine. My favorite wine came from the Oz Winery and was called Ruby Slippers (it was a red wine of course).

While I wasn't able to click my heels together thrice, I was able to kick my shoes off a bit. And while there is no place like Kansas, there is also no place like home. I think the greatest lesson learned from traveling is finding those things that appeal to you while abroad and incorporating them into your everyday life -wherever that life is lived. For me that means valuing family and staying in touch, taking my shoes off once in a while (especially the painful ones), not being afraid of relaxation, reading more, and indulging in being home.

Midwest Memories: Part 2: Missouri, Place of Power & Light

2011-09-22T09:40:00.000-07:00

I love it when places surprise me. When I first learned that we would be driving through Missouri on our trip, I wasn't that excited, though the prospect of seeing the Arch was intriguing. But what I found in St. Louis and Kansas City were cities I could really appreciate. And being a city girl, that's all I could really ask for.

The Arch is 630 feet tall. We went to the top of it and looked down at the world below. This is not something you want to do if you are claustrophobic, as the cabins that ride up to the top are very very small and 5 people are crammed in a cabin. But the view is worth it. The Arch is symbolic of being a gateway to the West. It commemorates the idea of expansion and the impact it has had on the forging of our country. The tour points out that all of our national monuments are simple, striking, geometric shapes (obelisks etc.) which is why the Arch was chosen as the design.

The Garment District is a store in the heart of downtown Kansas City called the Power and Light District. And they are genius, because there is a bar right inside of this fabulous, on-trend boutique. Talk about shop 'til you drop! I loved the wall art and old signs in Kansas City. While we were walking around on Sunday morning a saxophone player serenaded the empty streets. His song made me feel as if the streets were full and alive, crowded with the ghosts of all those days passed, leaving footprints from another era. Though I had never been there before, I left Missouri with many memories. So glad this stop along the way expanded my horizons.

Midwest Memories: Part 1: Illuminating Indiana

2011-09-21T14:19:00.000-07:00

There's something very interesting about returning to the place you came from, where roots are fully in the ground and you are always remembered. I feel like my family in California is small, but when my dad and I traveled to Indiana it seemed like there was family around every corner. I even discovered that my dad's cousin is a weaver. Check out her site, www.loominarias.com for vibrant, colorful, gorgeous scarves and shawls handmade in Indy. Mindy has 3 looms in her home, and her backyard is actually on a channel. The water above is from the channel when we were on her boat. Do you see the swan up top? And the picture at the bottom is from the Indiana State Museum (www.indianamuseum.org). I enjoyed taking in both the living and static history of this state and learning how I am connected to it. Though it had been 17 years since I last traveled to be with these family members, they welcomed me back graciously. And those places I thought I had forgotten about, suddenly came back to the forefront of my memory. We never really forget where we come from.

I Want, I Want

2011-09-01T12:15:00.000-07:00

I want to thank Christine Wallace for this amazing pair of pear earrings. They are stunning, truly.

Christine sells on Etsy, and every day it seems like I am roaming the site, finding many new things to wish for. Jewelry especially is a weakness for me, as so many pieces cost a pretty penny, and it truly feels impossible financially to own everything I want. In truth, I could order one of each from the pages of Jewelry Affaire, but alas, that is not the reality of life.

In thinking about wanting you have to think about needing. When growing up, my mum was very careful to point out that I "wanted" things I did not "need." It's true, we forget that we have basically everything we need and want most else. We live in a society that fuels pushing the "want" button so much that it's hard to stop.

I have wanted a great many things in my life (Miu Miu pumps, a Mini Cooper, a bigger closet, a career, just to name a few ... ) but today it occurred to me that my wants have changed. It can be a pleasant surprise to realize that you'll gladly forgo a dress in order to save for the things you crave so badly. It's refreshing to see you have grown overnight, content that finally you have everything you need and the only wants left are those for a secure future.

There are endless lessons to be learned from jewelry. I want to learn more ...

Art in the Dark

2011-08-29T15:41:00.000-07:00

My friend Tali was recently apart of a wonderful fashion event which helped out this great cause. The only thing more fashionable than making a statement is standing up for something. Helping out others is always in vogue. The theme of this show was Art in the Dark. They dimmed the lights and everyone wore black. Even in the dark Tali's pieces could be seen, as they stood out with amazing pops of color. Tali meticulously painted these clothes for a look that is fun and so expressive, so full of life, the things you want to see in a young designer. She truly has a fresh eye on fashion and brings expert styling to her line. I'm so happy to announce that I will be working with Tali on a future issue of Altered Couture. I am so lucky to have found a great artist who can also be a great friend, and to have two amazing guy friends who were willing to watch a fashion show with me! I love discovering new designers and their dazzling duds! Thanks again Tali for inviting me. I'm your newest fan : )

Swinging From the Chandelier

2011-08-26T12:08:00.000-07:00

My new favorite hotel/casino in Las Vegas is the Cosmopolitan. Everything was decked out in crystal and pink. The Chandelier Bar was breathtaking! I can't wait to stay at this hotel. Talk about indulgent. The drink in the pictures is a Sage 75, very yummy.

Cheers!

Sugar, Sugar

2011-08-24T09:18:00.000-07:00

One of my new favorite places in the world is the Sugar Factory. They have the candy stores with the couture pops in a few of the hotels, but the biggest shop is actually combined with a restaurant, bar, and chocolate lounge in Paris, Las Vegas.

This place is utter heaven! I got a few baked goods (cupcakes and a red velvet brownie - by the way, this is the best brownie I have ever had!). Then the next day we stopped in for breakfast. My friend ordered amazing red velvet pancakes. The crepes and chocolate French toast were also excellent. But the biggest treat was the cocktail goblet we got, that actually smoked. It was delicious! I was totally happy here and cannot wait to go back for more cocktails, cupcakes, crepes, and candy. If you go to Vegas, this place is a MUST!

On a sweet side note, the shirts we are wearing in the pictures are from Le Doux Swimwear. They totally hooked it up and gave us free bathing suits and shirts at the Encore Beach Club.

A sweet vacation indeed!

Scenes From LV: The Art of Relaxation

2011-08-22T14:42:00.001-07:00

I wanted to do a post that would explore the lighter side of things since I feel like I have been weighed down with work lately. If there's one thing I've learned, it's that vacations are much needed cures for stress. This past weekend I practiced the art of relaxation by taking an all girls trip to Vegas. Living so close to Las Vegas makes it an easy getaway at the last minute. Here are a few of the random and relaxing views we enjoyed from the sizzling strip. We stayed at New York New York and it was wonderful! I didnt even mind the 110+ degree heat. More pictures to come in additional posts.

From bottom to top:

Always wanted to have a margarita in Margaritville. I had a 95 calorie concoction called 'Woman to Blame'

NYNY at night.

Confections at Aria.

Champagne cocktails at my favorite champagne bar, Laguna, in the Palazzo.

The Strip.

NYNY tower.

Encore Beach Club.

Wastin' away again at Margaritaville.

A Godfather themed slot machine. I have a slight obsession with this movie.

View of the Bellagio water show from the Sugar Factory Brasserie.

Chateau Night & Day Club, Paris.

Dueling Piano Bar at the Bar at Times Square, NYNY.

Rose outside of Crystals City Center

Sonny Corleone, my favorite.

NYNY pool.

Relax and Enjoy!

A Spoonful of Glamour

2011-08-17T12:22:00.000-07:00

Nothing provides a pick me up quite like jewelry gazing. I have been slaving away on Jewelry Affaire, which will come out Oct 1. One of the people I'm most excited to feature is Sue Chesley (http://www.susanchesley.typepad.com). She makes gorgeous bracelets out of rhinestones and beads and silverware remnants. Here's a piece she kindly made for me that literally makes me want to whistle as I work : )

Big news: Jewelry Affaire will be going quarterly, so if you make jewelry, please please start sending in bunches of baubles as we will now have to fill two more issues. And I thought I was busy before! This does mean more gorgeous eye candy for everyone and more opportunities to be published, so please check out our submission guidelines, or email me at blivesay@stampington.com.

Happy Jewelry making!

Wonderful World of Wedges

2011-08-10T12:16:00.000-07:00

I love fall fashions. What I really love about the upcoming fall trends is that there are some shoes coming out that will make you fall in love with great heights. Being short means you can wear wedges and heels, the higher the better, and this fall these beauties have stolen my heart.

From Bottom to Top:

Cat Wedges from Charlotte Olympia. I love how different these are! And being a cat person, I find these all the more adorable.

T-Strap Leopard from Fendi.

Red and black Finned Wedges from Alexander McQueen. I love finned wedges - they are so unexpected! The black ones have the gorgeous tie at the top too, which I adore!

Python wedges from Jimmy Choo.

These jewel toned wedges from Charlotte Olympia are my absolute favorite though! I must see if I can find these at some point.

What fall trends are you most looking forward to embracing/owning?

*All images from Bergdorf Goodman.

All Crossroads Lead to Chanel

2011-08-08T15:30:00.000-07:00

I am lucky to live so close to the amazing Crossroads Trading (http://crossroadstrading.com/) Newport Beach. This store is great for editing your closet down and scoring cash or fab finds in return. I've had really good luck here lately (thank you, shopping gods!). But a few weeks ago I scored the deal of all deals at Crossroads: a Chanel ballgown skirt for $95!!!!!!!!!!!! It has pockets, gorgeous pleated flares, mini rhinestone double C's, and is silk perfection. It even came with the velvet hanger (that had double C's!). I am so in love! The cashier asked me where I would wear it to. The thing is, although I dont have a locale in mind for it just yet, I love buying pieces and saving them for just the right occasion. Kind of like a clothing savings account. I envision this skirt with a crisp white button blouse with a collar, or like the picture above from Gucci featuring a yellow one shoulder top.

I never thought I would be into loafers, but these Chanel beauties were only $32 and I love wearing them already! They are great professional shoes for the office. When the weather cools they will look great with jeans & sweaters, blazers & a white dress. I'm definitely proud of these purchases. I also got a great Juicy herringbone blazer and a Chloe blouse. But right now, I am in a Chanel state of mind.

The inspirational illustration above is from http://emmakisstina.blogspot.com. You have to check out her blog!

If you're in the mood for really good shopping and/or are looking to do some seasonal cleaning, check out Crossroads - you never know what you may find.

Brownie Points

2011-08-05T14:24:00.000-07:00

I got a major dose of cheer yesterday when Rita (www.mammabellarte.blogspot.com) and Christie (www.chateaudefleurs.blogspot.com) came to visit. Their blogs have more pictures of us, but I thought I would share this wonderful and edible gift given to me by Rita.

Rita had a dream a few months back that she gave me a jar of brownies. I told her afterward that brownies are my all time favorite dessert. So of course yesterday she brought me the perfect gift: a jar full of my favorite indulgences. She tied some vintage trimmings to the lid and typed out my name on a tag. it was the perfect pick me up for an absolutely hectic week.

You can check out Rita's work in the current Somerset Home (http://www.stampington.com/somersethome/) and Romantic Homes magazine. Thank you Rita and Christie for stopping by and making my day that much sweeter : )

Alexandra Grecco

2011-08-02T11:40:00.000-07:00

This shop was suggested to me on Etsy. I have to say, I really love it. In these California summers where it's nearly 100 degrees it's so hard to think of fall clothes right now, like the rest of the fashion world. But these pieces sure put me in the mood. Her pictures really sell these pieces. I love the cutout heart top. Can't wait for the cooler days and crisp air. Visit www.etsy.com/shop/alexandragrecco to see more.

Outside the Box

2011-07-21T10:03:00.000-07:00

I'm so very lucky to have taken a class with Terri Brush (http://www.terribrushdesigns.com). She's the person who taught me to solder. I'm even more fortunate to be working with her on the next Jewelry Affaire. You will be able to see some great new pieces from her come October 1 in the magazine. What truly is a testament to Terri is her students. It seems like everyone she teaches develops a love affair with jewelry making. In the upcoming issue a few of Terri's students will have their work featured as well.

I was so tickled to receive this necklace from Terri. It has my favorite elements: ribbon, words, soldering, bling, and slight wire wrapping. And did you see the box?!?! This is maybe the best box I have ever seen! I have never liked a box so much! Stamping and jewelry elements appear on the outside, along with my name. I just love the color scheme and the creativity. Thank you Terri, for thinking and creating outside of the box : )

You can make something equally gorgeous too. Terri can show you how. Visit her website or blog, http://terribrushdesigns.blogspot.com/ and sign up for a class. There might even be a magazine mention in your future.

An Evening With Enzoani

2011-07-20T10:05:00.000-07:00

One of the great perks about my job is being able to attend fashion-related events. I was so very excited to have been invited to the Enzoani show in Newport Beach, at the gorgeous Marriott, Fashion Island.

Enzoani is an eveningwear brand, specializing in bridal, prom, and other formal wear. Their offshoot labels include Blue by Enzoani and Love by Enzoani. Several people at the event wore their Enzoani duds and dresses were all over on display.

Unfortunately though, it was ridiculously hot and the staff was very unorganized. So unorganized in fact, that my colleague and I left before the actual fashion show. I love seeing fashion shows, so that should give you an idea of how disappointed/frustrated I was with the event. I don't mean to come here to complain nor do I mean to put this company down in any way, I just wanted to share the reality of the situation. Hence the lack of photos. Enzoani really does make some glamorous dresses, but sometimes things don't always go as glamorously as you had planned. Such is life.

The silver lining: there were complementary cocktails. At the end of the day there are always silver linings, good company to be had, cocktails to sip, and hopefully, another fashion event.

Toss the Bouquet

2011-07-18T17:03:00.000-07:00

My friend Julie (www.julienuttingdesigns.blogspot.com) showed me this Etsy shop, saying she thought of me. I'm totally blown away by these bouquets. Some are made with fabric, others buttons, others satin, and then there are the bejeweled ones. These beauties range in price to accommodate any bride's budget. I think this would be a great way to incorporate heirloom family jewelry without worrying about wearing it all. Visit http://www.etsy.com/shop/reallybadkitty to see more. These are obviously not bouquets you will ever want to toss.

Red, White & Blue ... Well, Sorta

2011-07-14T11:05:00.000-07:00

Just added these three beauties to my Etsy faves and thought they looked nice together ... nice enough to post. I know I am a little fashionably late in paying my patriotic respects, but I think these gems are well worth the wait.

Top: Dreams of Persia by Christine Wallace (www.christinewallacevintagejewelry.blogspot.com). Christine is one of my new favorite jewelry designers, look for her in the Fall issue of Jewelry Affaire (out October 1, 2011).

Center: Vintage and red hair bling from one of my all-time favorite Etsy shops, www.etsy.com/shop/ohfaro.

Bottom: Jamie always out does herself (www.simplymeart.com).

Screaming Summer

2011-06-30T09:21:00.001-07:00

Olu means "comfort" and Kai "ocean." And these are without a doubt some of the most (if not the most) comfy shoes I have ever worn! I am not much of a sandal girl usually (I prefer high in the sky high heels because I'm short enough to get away with it) but these shoes are beyond fabulous!

I got this gorgeous pair from my friends at OluKai (www.olukai.com). I picked them out (their make and model is Hili in Berry) and it was a tough decision, let me tell you. I love the brown on brown color scheme too. But if you know me, you know my favorite color is pink.

When I finally put these shoes on yesterday, it was a true Cinderella moment. I'm completely in love with this pair! They are effortlessly cool, perfect for summer in Laguna, and they don't detract from the rest of my ensemble. And did I mention, so comfy?!? I wish I had these while in Kauai. The good news is, every day in these shoes feels like a day on a Hawaiian beach : ) Oh, and did I mention these shoes are environmentally responsible in how they are manufactured? It doesn't get any better than that.

Do yourself and your feet a favor, and grab a pair (for water or land) today. It will make your summer.

TY OluKai!!

A Spiritual Affaire

2011-06-23T09:47:00.000-07:00

I was at the gym last night desperately trying to get back into shape when I got a call from Paulette (www.summerlandcottagestudio.blogspot.com) asking me to go to the Art A Fair opening night gala. I figured since I was already out of shape, I may as well go.

Im so glad I attended, though! I was able to run into Cherie FitzSimons-Orr, who I attended Art A Fair with last year (http://coutureovercoffee.blogspot.com/2010/08/art-fair.html) and who can be found in Jewelry Affaire's sophomore issue. Cherie was with her daughter this year, making it a true family affairt.

Another mother-daughter duo I had the pleasure of meeting was Elena Marty and her daughter Joanne. It was Elena's first year at Art A Fair, and I was so impressed and bedazzled by this woman's designs. She has only made jewelry for two years, but look at these stunners! I was honored to wear one of her necklaces for a bit, and it was a dream come true. The necklace with red stones and the gold multichain earrings are some of my favorites, but really everything was great. You'll be hearing and seeing more from Elena in an upcoming Jewelry Affaire.

One of Elena's friends who stopped by the booth pulled me aside and told me that what makes Elena's jewelry special is that she has a spiritual connection with the things she makes. For so long I have talked about that familial connection we can have with jewelry, but for some reason I overlooked the spirituality of it too. Wedding bands, prayer beads, rosaries, these pieces can be both sentimental and spiritual. Seeing the amazing faith Elena's family and friends had in her work restored my own; faith that sometimes Wednesday nights can be just as lively as a weekend; faith that there will always be new artists, new ideas, and new appreciation for the work we both do; and faith that the people who are meant to be a part of my life are placed there because they will always give me the unwavering support and love I will need.

I'm so glad I answered my phone, through in my gym towel, and had a glass (or two) of wine with these friends and their family members. Art A Fair (http://www.art-a-fair.com/) always signals the beginning of summer in Laguna Beach, so if you want to enjoy the sun, artistry, and excitement of a real Laguna summer, you have to come down and indulge.

Happy (official) summer!

The Typist

2011-06-15T13:59:00.000-07:00

"The typist home at teatime, clears her breakfast, lights
her stove and lays out food in tins.
out of the window perilously spread
her drying combinations touched by the sun's last rays
on the divan are piled (at night her bed)
stockings, slippers, camisoles, and stays."
-T.S. Eliot

I grew up typing on my grandparents' typewriter. Sometimes I wouldn't write words, but would rather mess with the keys to see how all the jumbles of black inked shapes crowded around each other to form unreadable things. I understand computers are a must by today's standards, but in all honesty, I miss the typewriter. There's something much more magical about seeing your words get stamped out in front of you.

I am currently in awe of artist Keira Rathbone (www.keirarathbone.com) who does some incredible things with her typewriter, sketching real people and places with punctuation marks. Pictured here is a rendering of Kate Moss. Keira's website tells where she will be "typing" next. What's even more beautiful about this artist is her look. I love how she embodies vintage style.

Seeing a typist brings to mind one of my favorite Eliot poems, The Waste Land. Although the typist only has a few lines' mention, some literary professors have argued that this character is the most interesting in the whole poem. I am so intrigued by this woman who is associated only by the objects she surrounds herself with. I hope that you are surrounding yourself with beautiful and meaningful things today.

Every Piece Tells a Story

2011-06-06T08:56:00.000-07:00

What comforts you? Chocolate? shopping? wine? old friends? trusted words? For me, it is all of those things and sometimes it is simply getting back to work.

I'm lucky to work on such a beautiful magazine as Jewelry Affaire. It truly is my baby. I was with it since the beginning and worked really hard alongside my colleagues to present the lovely jewelry people make, many times in order to give great comfort.

Last week had some rough patches, and though it was hard to sometimes buckle down, I was excited to get back to working with jewelry. I received a package from my friend Jennifer Valentine (www.sacredcake.blogspot.com) who will be featured in the next issue. She gifted me with these green earrings (she remembered that green is my favorite jewelry color). Imprinted on the presentation below her shop name is the phrase "Every piece tells a story." It reminded me quickly that the story should always come first, should always be what we are chasing after. And though it is easy to get caught up in beautiful things when they surround you, one should never lose sight of the story; those words that provide the greatest comfort.

Thank you Jennifer for making lovely jewelry and reminding me why I write and share stories. Oh, and thanks for the cool feather hair pin too (the gold one on the packaging). It really was the perfect way to punctuate this gift. What will your story be today?

Everything Wedding

2011-05-27T08:08:00.000-07:00

I didn't plan on posting for a while as I am in a wedding tomorrow and the events are ongoing and seem never ending. But don't you just love it when posts find you?

Etsy reminded me that I love this shop, www.leanimal.etsy.com, and now I remember why. These dresses are gorgeous, handmade, and so sweet. Leanne even offers her sketches. These dresses are nothing short of what I would expect from a PR winner (season 5).

Needless to say I have been thinking a lot about weddings lately. The bride is a bit stressed and I just don't know how she does it. But aside from caterers, dresses, DJs, and bouquets I got to thinking about what is so great about weddings: they bring people together. Not just the bride and groom, but families come together to help out, friends gather to show their support. And sometimes, if you are very lucky (or should I say loved?) someone will travel great distances just to hear you say "I do."

I may not be posting here a lot in the coming weeks, as one of my best friends in the whole world has come in from Japan to be in the wedding. While tomorrow will be a happy day for the lucky couple, I already feel like the happiest girl, to be surrounded by such amazing and beloved friends. Sure, some of the planning has been stressful, but it will all be worth it when we are all gathered together tomorrow in one place. There are many kinds of love in this world. And it is nice to know that sometimes the loves of your life are people you don't need to exchange rings with, see often, or even live near, and yet they would still cross mountains and oceans just to stand next to you when you really needed them. That's love.

To a happy and lovely long weekend!

Garden Party

2011-05-23T09:46:00.000-07:00

I attended my first garden party on Saturday. The event was hosted by the lovely Paulette Adams (www.summerlandcottagestudio.blogspot.com) who is a natural host. What began as a cold and cloudy day on Laguna Beach warmed to be bright, sunny, and perfect.

This was not your ordinary party with cocktails, mingling, and snacks, this was an artful gathering. Jewelry was sprinkled on the grass, chalks dotted the ground, canvases and coffee cups slept on tables. Outside there were easels and artists, hands moving rapidly on some great work, and people stopping by to take in the colors and conversation. We snacked on kahlua bundt cake, fruit tea, and salmon pate.

Julie Nutting's work welcomed guests inside. She even brought a few pieces from her new book, which you can learn about here, www.julienuttingdesigns.blogspot.com.

And one of the most surreal experiences I've had in my life took place when Lorenzo asked to sketch me while I sat on a swing. I am mesmerized by people who can draw, and this man is no exception. While I sat, my feet dangling, I saw only swift movements from behind an easel. What emerged was like a photograph or mirror reflection - only better. I think so many times we are afraid to see how people perceive us, but perhaps it can be best to. I love how the conte captured my wavy hair and high cheek bones. It was so fun, my roommate Amanda sat for a sketch as well. Thank you so much Lorenzo, for doing a beautiful job.

I am so happy to call Laguna Beach my home, a place that supports many artists. And I am so lucky to call Paulette my neighbor, who supports artists as well. I am blessed to call Julie my friend, because it seems like just yesterday she was an artist who I knew by her work alone, but now I know her personally, and she has written a book. And of course I am honored to have met Lorenzo, a true talent. I urge you to stop by his space in Laguna Beach or his website, www.lorenzo-art.com and be enchanted. Thank you Paulette for an amazing party. It was more than I could ever have imagined.

Lavender & Champagne

2011-05-16T14:44:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I posted about my purchases; mainly because I don't want to admit that my saving streak has ended. But if you're like me and you find an amazing deal on something stunning you want to share with the world, right?

If you've been reading my blog for a while, you know that I heart shoes. I prefer heels (they make you look taller and leaner and they are oh so sexy!) but I have a sweet spot in my heart for ballet flats. They are cute, and retro-chic, they are a demure fashion statement. Ballet flats show off how short I am, so I like ones that make a BIG splash. These flats from Vera Wang's Lavender Label are absolutely gorgeous! They remind me of vintage rhinestone necklaces. I love love love the crystal work on the flowers. There is also a hint of lace in back of the stones. And the gold is divine! They are like jewelry for my toes and they will go with anything. They were under $100 too at Nordstrom Rack (they are worth $300). These shoes remind me of champagne.

Cheers to Vera Wang. I have always admired her elegant style. The designer herself is such a sleek, sophisticated beauty. I love these shoes!

Oh Boy!

2011-05-05T08:38:00.000-07:00

Chanel's new line, Chanel Rouge Coco Shine, has been really hyped. Being a lover of Chanel is one thing, but I am not really into makeup. However, when I saw that the names of many of the colors in this new line were named after several facets of Ms. Coco's life, I became intrigued. Then my friend saw it: a shade called "Boy." #54, Boy, is pink and named after Coco's one great love, Arthur "Boy" Capel, and Englishman who died tragically in a car accident. Coco never married, but I also believe she never forgot about her lost Boy. With such an affinity for black, it seems like Chanel forever mourns him.

That's why I like that this color is so pink, so full of life, so happy. It reminds me of being in love; it reminds me of the first time I kissed a boy. I had to buy this lipstick. If you're like me and don't wear a lot of makeup, all you really need is lipstick anyway. These shades are a bit of a splurge, but the quality and the feeling of having a boy pressed up against your lips is worth it. If you're going to splurge on lipstick, it might as well be Chanel.

Shoes Designed By YOU: It's True, It's True, It's True!

2011-05-04T09:44:00.000-07:00

The shoe gods have smiled upon us! Finally, an Etsy shop where you can work with cobblers here in the U.S.A to make your own shoes!!! Go to www.eidialush.etsy.com and make your shoe dreams a reality! No more worrying about finding the perfect pair. Here are some of my favorite looks. I notice a red theme running through here, which is fitting because, really whats sexier than a red shoe? Enjoy!

Beach Cities Quilting

2011-05-02T11:00:00.000-07:00

I get asked a lot if I do any quilting. That is one medium I actually havent explored yet. I think quilting is very intimaditng for me. It's such a great and sacred tradition and I admire so many of the women who take part in it and devote so much time to this craft. My great grandmother made several quilts, and I still have them, too precious to let go of or even sleep on. I love the idea of the coming together of several fabrics, patterns, and backgrounds to make one unifying force passed down for generations to come.

And I love it when a group of women get together to celebrate their love for a craft, and in doing so, create a true sense of community built around an art. The Beach Cities Quilters Guild is one such community, and I had the honor of speaking to them on Saturday. The theme for their luncheon this year was the apron, an art form I do have lots of experience with.

What made the event extra fun were the challenges that took place. There were really cool ribbons awarded for different categories. The ribbons themselves were handmade and contestants who wanted to take part made or altered an apron, entered it into a category, and wore it to the luncheon. I got to give out an award on behalf of Stampington too. I gave it to Becky McDaniel, who made her apron and her daughter's (not to mention her daughter's dress and handbag!). I love that mothers and daughters, friends and sisters, quilters and non-quilters can come together in such a way that makes us all one unified force for art.

Thanks again ladies, for having me and making me feel so welcome and a part of your lovely group. It was an honour.

The British Have Arrived

2011-04-29T10:11:00.000-07:00

While I did not stay up to watch the Royal Wedding (a girl needs her beauty sleep!) I did really appreciate the outpouring of love towards Britain and admired the grandeur with which they put on a very formal celebration. I've said here many times how much I love England, and it is my absolute dream to go back. When I watched the highlights on TV I really loved how proud the British people were and all the ladies dressed so formally with their hats. I really liked David Beckham's suit too, very My Fair Lady. I guess the appeal for me is the upholding of tradition. I know many look at the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and believe them to be the "modern" couple, and in some respects they are, but I love how their wedding paid homage to tradition. Elegant, proper, and regal.

I thought it only fitting to share some of these finds from a new favorite shop of mine, http://www.karenhiltondesigns.etsy.com/. There are bright and modest color offerings for the modern and traditionalist alike.

Happy Friday : )

Stories to Save Lives

2011-04-27T15:26:00.000-07:00

I talked about this shop a while back, www.emmakisstina.etsy.com. As I was on Etsy today looking for handbags and jewelry for upcoming deadlines (MAY 15th!!!!) I happened to see some of her new work pop up (thanks Etsy for the new cool features!).

I am so in love with her newest works. They depict many literary themes including Jane Austen, and my favorite, Breakfast at Tiffany's by Truman Capote. I have argued for a long time that great literature influences great fashion (Gatsby - 'nuff said) and I love that Kristina acknowledges this in her gorgeous illustrations. The set above features her renderings of Holly Golightly's world. Holly may be fictitious, but she comes alive through these pieces. Kristina has imagined the fine details of her life just as Capote had when penning this masterpiece.

It's a testament to the power of writing when a character can influence other artists and their mediums so wholly. When I feel down or uninspired I watch Breakfast at Tiffany's and all of "the mean reds" and blues just melt away. I was watching an episode of Sex and the City recently, and even Mr. Big noted that his parents would dance to Moon River, bringing back happy memories of home and old New York. It's as my writing professor once told me, "writing saves lives, not bodies." Thank you Kristina for saving my life today, and thank you Mr. Capote for saving my life a little every day.

Cute Things, Small Packages

2011-04-19T11:11:00.000-07:00

For the bride who's inspired by Asian elements, check out these cute shower gifts. My friend Alexis is getting married soon, and we attended the shower this past Saturday. She gifted us lucky ladies with little boxes full of teas and topped them off with honey sticks (instead of chopsticks). A ribbon and some flowers completed this crafty and cute project. Such a great idea for parties, hostess gifts, and personalizing your own events. Wedding season is officially here!

Garter Couture

2011-04-15T14:46:00.000-07:00

Summer is nearing, and that means wedding season. With all the hype of a royal wedding, England, whites, and the idea of a fairy tale life seem to be spinning in the air.

I found this couturier on Etsy, www.florriemitton.etsy.com, and lo and behold, she's English! I love her style of mixing vintage, rhinestones, and sex appeal with the innocence of white and soft fabrics like tulle.

On days when you dont feel so great, sometimes it helps to look at pretty things and think about that fairy tale life. And although the temptation may be to daydream, sometimes the best way to feeling better is to consider how we can make our own lives more of a dream come true, whether its by finding your prince or buying something pretty.

Happy Friday

Launch Your Creativi-Tea

2011-04-11T10:57:00.000-07:00

As you can gather from the name of this blog, I am more of a coffee drinker as opposed to tea. In fact, the only time I usually take tea is when I don't feel good or I'm in England. I thought no one could do tea like the English, but this weekend proved me completely wrong.

I was so honored to attend Launch Your Creativity (http://www.launchyourcreativity.com/) in Orange, CA at Paris in a Cup tea salon (http://www.parisinacup.com/). I was treated to a lovely tea (I drank Paris Garden) in a salon that was modeled after several Parisian set movies. Our meal consisted of scones with jam, sandwiches, fruit salad, and petit fours. The food was divine! But even more amazing was the company. I sat at a table with good friends Lisa Loria (www.lisaloria.blogspot.com), Rita Reade (www.mamabellarte.blogspot.com), and Kim Caldwell (www.artisticbliss.typepad.com). Events like this are also fun because they are great opportunities to make new friends. I was so happy to meet someone we have published so often, the lovely Kay Ellen Hammar (www.kayellen.typepad.com) and the sweet Missy Watson Duffy (www.chateauchicboutique.blogspot.com).

We listened to truly powerful speakers who talked about what it meant to be a woman who was creative and business minded. In attending this event, I realized there aren't many talks of this nature out there. Sure, in the corporate world there are all kinds of retreats and team building exercises, but in the creative field there are few (if any) gatherings like this. I truly felt moved, and part of a network that appreciated and encouraged the power of creativity (in the business market and in our personal lives). I have to thank Sharon Hughes (www.pansycottagegarden.com) for her inspiring speech and empathy for so many women, Cynthia Wadell (www.heavenlyhostess.com) for her lightheartedness and fashion savvy, Cheryl Turner for allowing us to have tea in her beautiful salon and talking with such detail about the restaurant business, and Jenelle van de Mortel (www.vandemorteldesigns.blogspot.com) for inviting and uplifiting me. Jenelle created the mixed-media journal pictured above. It was so nice

to have handmade goodies along with tea and sweets in the gift bag.

But really the best gift given by this event was the people I met and got to listen to. I know women are sharers by nature, but sometimes, sharing really is the best way to ignite, inspire, and feel comforted. The quote in the tea salon is true, no matter how you enter a room, it is always possible to leave as a friend ... especially when there's tea involved. My many and sincerest thanks to these amazing women. I hope this Monday finds you launching your creativity.

Surrounded by Beautiful Things

2011-04-07T13:10:00.000-07:00

Got this card from Colette Copeland (www.a-bird-in-the-hand.blogspot.com) as part of her "more mail, less e-mail" pledge. Not only do I love getting things from Colette, but I love the idea of stationery and actual pen touching paper. As much as I benefit from technology, I would much rather live in a place/era where we didnt rely on it so heavily. In the days of Chanel personal relationships could actually be courted, and drawings were actually done, not manufactured. I so respect Colette's resolve to draw, write, and mail. Colette will have an article in the upcoming Somerset Studio about how anyone can draw. It's a fun read and you'll definitely be swayed to try your hand at it.

In the end of Colette's message to me, she writes that she hopes I am "surrounded by beautiful things." In digesting this sentiment I realized that one of the best parts about my job is that I am constantly surrounded by beautiful things. People's art is always everywhere, and I get to see it in person. I get to see magazines all together before they are even a magazine in their raw most form. Thank you Colette for reminding me to take the time to look around and take everything in; for reminding me how lucky I really am. And now that I have this card I have one more beautiful form to fit into my surroundings.

May My Heart Always Be Open ...

2011-04-04T16:34:00.000-07:00

"May my heart always be open to little

birds who are the secrets of living

whatever they sing is betther than to know

and if men should not hear them then men are old

may my mind stroll about hungry

and fearless and thirsty and supple

and even if it's Sunday, may I be wrong

for whenever men are right they are not young

and may myself do nothing usefully

and love yourself so more than truly

there's never been quite such a fool who could fail

pulling all the sky over him with one smile"

- ee cummings: may my heart always be open to little

*little wire heart by Jennifer Swift (http://www.blog.birdfromawire.com/). Jennifer is an artist I heart. Thanks Jen for reminding me to be open to the little things.

First Time For Everything

2011-03-30T15:47:00.000-07:00

My first guest blogging post went up today. Thank you to Kristen Robinson for this opportunity. I am honored. Check out Kristen's work in the new new new Jewelry Affaire (http://www.stampington.com/) and check out my blog post here, http://www.kristenrobinson.typepad.com/.

Bygones & Begonias

2011-03-28T15:12:00.000-07:00

There is something thrilling about discovering a new favorite designer/Etsy store. I think part of this appeal is finding a new point of view. In fashion, the emphasis is always on the next big thing, the next look, the thing in seasons to come that everyone will want to copy; in short, a trendsetter, a style star.

So glad to have found www.kelseygenna.etsy.com. I love her style, especially for spring. This collection revolves around flowers. Some of the names of items above: Begonia dress & blouse, carnation dress, and rosette dress. I love how she embraces trends like floral patterned pants and mixes them with such a clean, vitnage inspired piece (like the begonia blouse). Love the styling of the tights and shoes too.

Clothes are supposed to make you feel happy and this collection totally does that for me. I think it so interesting that so many designers reference style from a bygone era and then make it so contemporary. Designers can allow bygones to be bygones, but they don't; they reference those feelings from long ago, stirring and re-awakening those things we didnt realize we had forgotten about, and fusing new life into them. This emotional connection we develop with our clothing, our look, our style, our identity is due in large part to those designers who contribute themselves so wholly to their craft. I want to thank Kelsey Genna for re-inspiring me today and reminding me what's possible.

First L.A.

2011-03-15T16:53:00.000-07:00

It's universally acknowledged that Mondays are not fun. In my opinion, there is no better way to spice up a Monday night than by doing something glamorous. I indulged this Monday and attended First L.A.'s Runway Fashion Show presented by Directives West at the L.A. Fashion Market (www.californiamarketcenter.com/fashion/). Located in the heart of the fashion district and across the street from FIDM, I had never before been to this building, which boasted offices, eateries, shops, sculptures, and a patio where the runway show was held.

Outside we enjoyed drinks and fashion from some of the best contemporary designers out there, including: Whitney Eve, YuYu, Twinkle, James Icon, Hazel, 50 Dresses, Dolan, Kolae, J Brand, Imposter, and Dolce Cabo.

My personal favorite is Kolae. See the orange maxi dress above? Genius. I had the privilege of meeting the designer's mom at the show as well. Super nice! Check out more of Kolae's duds at http://www.revolveclothing.com/. My friend Angela truly enjoyed the show as well. That's a pic of she and I in our spring best (I'm wearing Elizabeth & James and vintage jewelry). Afterward we headed down to Mas Malo (http://www.malorestaurant.com/) and enjoyed the best Mexican food. A night of indulging indeed.

My thanks to Directives West, the many designers and marketing officials who put on such a fabulous show, and my friends for joining me on a perfect evening. Monday may have been my favorite day this week : )

The Wedding Boutique

2011-03-14T09:05:00.000-07:00

Big news in the world of fashion and bridal as http://www.shopbop.com/ has FINALLY opened their wedding boutique! Check it out, as they have great categories including: shoes, second dresses, bridesmaid, and of course bridal wear. They have excellent range and diversity too. Above are some of my favorites. I guess I have a thing for ruffles ???? The greatest things about these fashions is they are versatile and on trend. So even if you are not getting married, these looks can definitely inspire fabulous, romantic style. Enjoy : )

Card Couture

2011-03-11T16:15:00.000-08:00

I received these cards recently from artist Karen Lampard as a gift. Love the details and sketching on these. They hail from http://www.cafepaperie.etsy.com/. The dresses all have different titles and quotes on the front. Among them, two statements that I couldn't agree with more from the one and only Coco Chanel:

" Elegance comes from being as beautiful inside as outside."

"To my mind, simplicity is the keynote of all true essence."

Happy Friday! Stay Elegant : )