JEWELRY!

I was recently in NY and stopped by Henri Bendel. I came across some of these lovelies and just had to share... What do you think?













AND my absolute favorite:


Everyone NEEDS a skunk ring! They do, they really do!!!

I Can't Help Myself...

I am always on the lookout for great jewelry pieces. A lot of times if I can't find what I want I'll just make it myself.

However, I recently made a purchase of a beautiful necklace by a local designer, Kelsey Lynn, who has just started working on her jewelry line. Kelsey and I were apart of a trunk show at Clutch and she had been working tirelessly on making new pieces for the show. She posted many of them on Facebook and that is when I saw the owl necklace, "Hoot", and knew I had to have it. As soon as I saw her at the show I asked her if she brought it and I declared I was buying it! I am not the proud owner of "Hoot" - do you love it as much as I do?

The necklace has been described as: "Made with large vintage gold tone owl, small baby owl charm with light brown crystal eyes, draping vintage chain with brown glass crystals, top chain beading with baby owl charm is made of light brown CV crystals, all chains and hardware is vintage and gold tone".

Today I was looking through some emails and saw this cuff which has caught my eye. I doubt there is time to get it as a Christmas gift but maybe for my birthday! I just love the color of the green!

Made by Rarities: "Fine Jewelry with Carol Brodie Malachite and Black Sea Glass 10K Cuff Bracelet. Cushion-cut African malachite gems fill polished 10K bezel settings, and scatter over a dyed, freeform, cuff-shaped cut of African black sea glass. Plucked from the ocean, sea glass is a result of that environment's actions on found glass material—some dating as far back as the 18th century—and is an intriguing example of nature's creative forces".

Man, I am on a jewelry finding mission - stay tuned as I'll share what I find!!

Introducing the UFN Featured Designer for December!

Suburban Booty is a local jewelry line by Melisa Cary and she has made me just crazy for jewelry! You can find her pieces at Luly Yang Couture, Seattle Bride Mag (Fall/winter issue), trunk shows and her online shop.

She tells me "Part of what I do is very refined... Swarovski crystals and pearl pieces and on the flip side some great funky chunky rough stones. I love to mix the rough with the refined and blur the two lines. Rocks from the earth, and high end stones crystals and metals."

Check out Melisa's Q&A, she is just fabulous and inspirational!

My Crafty Sunday...

I had big plans for the day... Movie, coffee, maybe a workout, walk through the market... Instead I never left the house, but once, to walk the dogs.

Don't feel sorry for me though because I ended up turning my Sunday into a day of crafting. First I started with these shadow boxes I bought several weeks ago - I transformed them into 3 boxes representing our 3 favorite cities in Japan: Tokyo, Miyajima and Hiroshima. Then I tried to move onto the actual scrapbooking portion of the project and failed miserably as I just got the first page 96% done. Scrapbooking is a lot harder than I thought. There is a lot of pre-planning that needs to be done so I ended up spending hours doing that. Sooo, by the time I got to the first page I kind of fizzled out.

Lastly in my crafty day, I busted out the ole jewelry supplies and tried to make some new pieces for myself. I was trying to think of colors and outfits I have that need jewelry and came up with 2 necklaces and a bracelet. What do you think?

I'm now exhausted and feel like it's way later than it actually is... Apparently this daylight savings time has thrown me off a bit. That's not a complaint though as I'll take that extra hour to sleep in. I'll take it and I'll savor it.

Preview Shamila's New Rings at Essenza - Nov 7th!

I can't wait to check out her new rings - her jewelry is spectacular!!

Portland Designer: sword+fern jewelry

If you weren't aware, Portland has a slew of amazing designers. Emily Baker, of sword+fern, is among that group - she is one cool chick and it's very easy to see that when checking out her jewelry. Today I was excited to learn of an upcoming event where she and 24 other designers will be featured.

"On Sunday, October 18th, over 25 independent designers will descend upon the Ace Hotel to showcase their talents in the rooms of the 2nd floor, for a fashion showcase called Content, among them the talents of Sword + Fern.

Emily creates her work in her small studio and store in the inner east side of Portland, but takes her inspiration from a wide variety of sources, including nature, art history, and politics.

Content, the event created by a local collective called How We Develop, is an affordable and unique alternative to the more mainstream and inaccessible Portland Fashion Week. Independent clothing designers, and other artisans will be representing Portland’s passionate and varied design community. Milliners will present their work alongside a number of fashion and accessory designers whose speciality run the gamut, to create a stimulating atmosphere.

Since opening her shop and studio a year ago, Baker has found slow and steady success from all walks of life. Her work has been noted on a number of popular blogs, such as design*sponge, etsy, and featured in Levi’s and Frye Boots’ S/S 2010 ad campaign, as well as the new Yacht video, “Psychic City”. Baker is grateful and excited for her positive reception so far."

sword+fern is located at 811 E Burnside Street, Portland, OR 97214

WHEN: Sunday, October 18th, at the Ace Hotel, 5-10pm, $10, buy tickets

SWORD AND FERN: WWW.SWORDANDFERN.BLOGSPOT.COM
CONTENT: WWW.CONTENT-PORTLAND.COM
THE ACE HOTEL: WWW.ACEHOTEL.COM

Tarina Tarantino is my Hero

Back in the day when being a jewelry designer was my ultimate dream goal in life I emailed a little known designer who was living in NY with her boyfriend/business partner at the time and working out of her apartment. She emailed me back a nice little email with a few helpful tips... Sadly, I don't remember what it said or even have that email anymore but it was nice none-the-less.

As the years have gone by she has since married that guy, had 2 daughters and they have built a very successful and extraordinary jewelry line. Hello Kitty works with her and she even has her own Barbie. (Yes, I have that Barbie, like you should even ask that!!! Duh!)

The designer I speak of is Tarina Tarantino. She is my rock star of the jewelry world. I love her style, and without sounding like some crazy psycho stalker, I would love to be her! Not in a crazy wear her skin type of fashion (ew gross!) but rather in admiration for her style and success. She has taken her little jewelry line and expanded it to be quite a large business! She is even international and has 3 boutiques all of her own. All the while having gorgeous pink hair!! She is my hero! (Check out this article from Swindle Magazine on her.)

So, what has spawned this blog... Well it seems Curtsy Bella Boutique in Seattle is having a trunk show of her jewelry they they carry and I fully plan on heading over there this weekend to check it out. It will be going on the 18th and the 19th. Maybe I'll see ya there!

Happy Friday!!

Swapin' with Girl Power Hour

Tonight Urban Fashion Network hosted an accessories swap at the Girl Power Hour "Recessionista" event held at Alchemy Collections.

What is an accessories swap you ask, well, let me tell you! Here are the rules:

Step 1: Please bring between 1-5 accessories (jewelry, scarves, purses, etc) for the swap valued between $25-$50, please make sure they are items you are ok with parting with. We also ask that they be items that you think others would like as well, noone wants to get stuck with the dud item.

Step 2: Once you arrive please drop off your item or items off to the swap area and write your name on a piece of paper. If you brought more than 1 item you will need to write your name down several times on seperate sheets of paper and drop them in the bowl.

Step 3: When your name is called it will be your turn to "Shop the Swap". If you brought more than 1 item your name will be called several times throughout the event so make sure to listen for it. Fairness is key!

Step 4: This is meant to be a fun way to get rid of some items you aren't using anymore in exchange for something new! Once you have done your swapping feel free to share what you have found with the other woman at the swap! It's a great conversation starter and promotes networking! Happy Swapping!

I actually swapped some items as well (I brought some of my jewelry). I scored a beautiful rhinestone necklace that has a vintage look to it and some ADORABLE peep toe red Chinese Laundry shoes for my friend Regina. A lot of ladies wanted them (me included) but thet weren't our size. Lucky Regina!!

GPH founders, Darnell and Samantha, do an amazing job putting on these events. We all learned that Sam will be moving to Madagascar to join her fiance' travel the world. She said she finally found the "man of her dreams" and apparently they were high school sweethearts who reconnected.

She has a lovely story but you can ask her for that next time you see her. Her last GPH will be next month so make sure you attend so you can say your farewells. If you haven't met here then attend so you can atleast have the opportunity t o meet her before she moves away.

Best of luck to you Samantha, it sounds like you have an amazing journey ahead of you!

UFN Featured Designer for April

Xenia Mara is an amazing Seattle jewelry designer who recycles vintage pieces and makes new brilliant pieces that are bold and exciting. She hand-produces each item, which are one-of-a-kind.

Check out Xenia's Q&A to learn more about how she creates her one-of-a-kind pieces!

Head on over to Xenia's website to get a 20% discount for the month of April on any purchases you make. Just mention the UFN article.

Glitter Sale Finds

I had a little update in the Glitter Gala blog but decided this one needed one all of it's own! So, here goes... Monica, Melissa and myself went to the Glitter Sale on Saturday the 15th and I wasn't really sure what to expect. We got there at about 7am and had about 50 people in front of us.

The first people in line got there at 4am (WOW!) and then others started arriving at 6am (so I was told)... They opened the doors at 9am and it was mass chaos of people rushing to the back to start shopping. I headed to the back to look at shoes and Melissa and Monica went to the vintage area.

I got so overwhelmed by all the people I gave up and went to the jewelry counter. I had #54 (as you can see by the image Melissa had #55) so I could start shopping (they hand out the #'s while in line and then call your number during that sale). I ended up finding some great necklaces, 2 rings and 3 watches (see image at bottom). I am happy with my finds!

I tried to go back and look at clothing but just couldn't... Monica and Melissa found some great vintage dresses and items, I wish I had gone in there earlier... It was getting to be pretty picked over - note for next time, go in there first! (here is an image of Monica showing off her new finds).

The Goodwill employees were so helpful and nice, especially with all the people and craziness they held it together and were patient and kind.

Here are my new jewelry finds - I had so much fun!! If you didn't make it this year make sure you do next year!!

Make sure to check out the photos from the Gala and Sale!

Happy Birthday Birna!

Yesterday was the birthday of one of my favorite local designers - Birna Sigurbjornsdottir! I just wanted to wish her a happy birthday and share with you all her amazing jewelry. I met her at our very first UFN outting, she was so kind and friendly. She even let us take pictures of her jewelry so we could use it in our website design. Birna has come to be a friend of all of us and it's always exciting to run into her at events.

She is also the Urban Fashion Network featured designer for August, check out her Q&A!

Thanks for your support Birna and happy birthday to you!!

If your in Portland tonight....

Then stop by the new shop opening of Emily Baker, s w o r d + f e r n.

I met Emily for the first time at the end of March and just fell in love with her jewelry, and her, she's adorable!! ;) Her jewelry is so unique, she uses recycled old car parts which make the most amazing pieces.

Her shop opens tonight, so stop by and check out the new digs!

For more info on her opening I have this info I stole from her blog:
"please join me AUGUST FIRST for the opening ceremonies and celebration from 6-late at SWORD+FERN shop+studio: 811 east burnside #114 in portland, oregon 97214. my tiny shop+studio is home to emily baker sustainable jewelry, landscape design,medicinal botanicals, art, vintage housewares, books, and local independent apparel.we are hoping for the golden promise of summer evermore and our spirit animal is the fox."

Be Jeweled Was Fabulous!

Three local designer friends, Birna, Xenia and Erin, sent out invites to an event called Be Jeweled. I have heard of it before but had never been able to make it. This time I was determined to go.

It was held at the Lake Union Crew so I was also excited to check that place out. We, Regina, Melissa and myself, arrived around 7pm and were overwelmed, in a good way, by everything. There were 9 jewelry designers along with an artist, wine tasting (it was a 21 and over event), snacks and two women giving out yummy chocolate samples.

We stopped by Birna's table first and instantly Melissa and Regina made a purchase. It's hard not to as Birna makes beautiful jewelry (I have my eye on this heart and ruby ring she makes).

We made our way around the room and were in just awe of all the pretty things. It was hard to contain myself. I took alot of pictures of the jewelry, the designers, all the people shopping... I would say this is a very successful event. It was really tough to try and get in to talk to our friends as they were so busy selling and I didn't want to interrupt. ;) If you didn't go this year, I suggest you go next time!

Enjoy the pictures!

Spring Fling... Boot Camp... Jewelry... Life!

Friends keep asking me "So, what's new?" and I don't want to let them down with boring stories of me laying on my couch watching The Office. So, this is what I came up with:

We had the FGI Spring Fling event last Thursday and that turned out to be a lot of fun. We had a pretty good turnout and some amazing vendors!! I met some new fabulous people and did a lot of networking. I had my jewelry setup but sadly sold NADA... I was to busy walking around to even bother with it... I have to find that good balance where I can do both. I hate being stuck behind the table.

For Saturday mornings I started a boot camp with some friends. I was inspired after going with my friend, Jen, to her butt-kicking bridal boot camp. I don't really have the extra money right now to pay someone to tell me what to do but I figured if I get some friends together we can do it all by ourselves. I took the one routine we did at the bridal boot camp and had the girls do exactly that around Greenlake. We had 7 people show up so it was perfect!! We ran, we lunged, we did stairs, we did push ups, we did sit ups, we laughed, we cried... OK, no one cried... I like the aspect of socializing while exercising!! We're going to switch up the leader each week so I don't become "queen bitch" of boot camp, or Sissy Camp as it was coined. (when the girls started moaning about some of the things we were gonna do I said "This is boot camp, not sissy camp!". They liked that name better. HA!) Regina is in charge of next weeks boot camp - location TBD. Can't wait!!

The rest of the week, sofar, has been pretty low key (other than this HUGE Neighborhoods project I have been working on at my day job). I have started making more jewelry as it's just time to do an overhaul on my site and make some new designs. I stopped by my favorite bead store wanting a few items and walked out with tons of items, plus some inspiration!! I want to do more chain work, but man, sterling silver has really gotten to be pricey. Thank God I don't do much work in Gold!! (The picture of the Schnauzer is one of my pieces but not one of the new ones I've been working on, pictures haven't been taken yet...)

The rest of this week will include the following highlights: Massage, coffee with a new friend, dentist (ughhh!), possible attendance at a fashion show, being being part of a library fashion panel, boot camp, seeing friends, time with hubby and enjoying the supposed 90 degree weather we'll be having in Seattle! I guess my life isn't as boring as I think... I try and whoop it up, some!

Crazy Life

Wow, things have been really hectic and very busy... My day job is a given in my list of to-do's but once I get home my life just doesn't stop.

We are wrapping up the auction procurement for DIFFA, trying to get ready for our setup at the DIFFA party (signs, flyer's, table clothes, back drop, auction items, clothing for Julian, our own clothing...), trying to get vendors lined up for the upcoming Crave Show in November, getting our press passes in order for Portland Fashion Week and getting our travel and hotel all lined up (thank you Dawn!).

I got a call yesterday from Weight Watchers Magazine (my jewelry is going to be on the cover of the Nov/Dec issue, hence the photo above), they want more jewelry from me for a makeover photo shoot. They called me yesterday at about 1pm and want items for Friday (as in tomorrow). Once I got home last night Jeff and I went to dinner and then as soon as I got home I started making jewelry. It feels good to be making jewelry again as I have kind of pushed it aside for Urban Fashion Network. That keeps me busy enough! I made 3 sets and some earrings and finally got to bed about 1:30. I woke up at 6:30 and dropped the items off at FedEx to be overnighted.. Phew!

We are ready for the DIFFA event, it was alot more work than we thought but hopefully they will raise alot of money for the local AIDS groups.

Also, we hope to see you at the Crave Show - make sure to stop by and say hello. I will actually be selling my jewelry there... or at least that is the plan right now!!

Art Deco Jewelry

I met this jewelry designer, Alisha of Alisha Louise, at the Unzipped show in Seattle and I just love her stuff. We plan to feature her on the site once we are all up and running.

Check out some of her jewelry at http://www.alishalouise.com!

She just launched a new collection of earrings and necklaces based on the Art Deco period. She also has some great new basic pieces to round out any jewelry collection.

Don't forget to check out her Summer Sale on past collections and discontinued items, some over 50% off!

Enjoy!!

Seattle DIFFA event tonight

If you're in the area, stop on by!!
DIFFA partners with Masins, Barneys New York, & Cartier to present
GLAM: Fashion, Furniture & Fabulous Jewels
Thursday May 10
6 - 9 pm
Masins Pioneer Square
220 2nd Ave. S.

Featuring
Modeled fashions, jewelry displays, fine interiors
DJ Wendall
White Wine Bar: Waterbrook, House, Pavin & Riley
X-Rated Glam Flirtini Cocktails

Think outside the box!
Silent auction of thirty fabulous custom-made designer boxes filled with luxury products, home decor items, hotel/dining experiences, and more...