FABULOUS FINDS
Making a Statement with BSK
Have you ever thought about what your accessories communicate about you? We all make some kind of a statement when we dress, creating an image we believe about ourselves which also affects the way others view us. Accessorizing is a …
A Passion for Polka Dots
If I could give a one-word definition for polka dots, it would be the word fun. I have owned a good number of polka dot fashions over the years including a 1950s-style dress, a sheer sleeveless top, several pairs of casual shorts, …
Starburst Style of the Atomic Age
A few weeks ago, I was shopping at my favorite “superstore,” the kind that has everything from endless aisles of groceries to smaller departments with miscellaneous items such as clothing, patio furniture, and anything you would ever need for a new …
Coco Chanel
She slowly pulled it out of the small blue velvet bag and placed it carefully into my hands so I could get a closer look. It was striking. A girlfriend of mine returned from Paris, France with a stunning vintage Chanel …
Starstruck by Hollywood Regency
I recently purchased a pair of beautiful sparkly clip earrings from the 1950s that were described to me by their previous owner as “Hollywood Regency.” I had never heard that term used before and thought maybe it was the name of …
The Marvelous Marvella
Has your wardrobe ever experienced déjà vu? It is pretty common to see things from the past come right back into style several years later. As a jewelry designer, I enjoy creating pieces that are fashionable for today. Tassel necklaces are hugely …
Amazed by Mazer
Having a sibling who enjoys many of the same things I do makes life so much more fun. Heidi, my younger sister (by 15 months), has shared many of the same interests with me over the years starting with talking …
Enticed by Eisenberg
Having the opportunity to go to a big antique show in town always makes for a fun and exciting weekend. This past Saturday afternoon, I spent the day learning about and trying on exquisite vintage jewelry from the mid-1800s to the 1950s. …
The Brilliance of Barclay
There is something very special about finding perfectly clear, flawless rhinestones in a jewelry setting that have withstood the test of time and many years of wear. Usually, there is at least a slight bit of yellowing or darkening that has …
The Notable Name of Napier
As a jewelry designer, I often look for inspiration around me to design new pieces. Whenever we travel to different parts of the world, I search high and low for ways to be inspired whether it is within the architecture …
Ciner, A Symbol for Success
It was 1892, the beginning of a decade that would be known as the “Gay Nineties.” The suffragette movement was in full swing with New Zealand being the first self-governing country to grant all women the right to vote. There …
The Magnetizing Mark of Monet
When I think back on some of the best gifts I have ever received, the one I opened just a few days ago for Christmas was definitely one of them. Inside a huge holiday bag was a fluffy, white monogrammed …
A Season for Sweater Guards
Being born into this world at the tail end of the 1960s, there were several amazing fashion trends I unfortunately missed out on. If only they could make a comeback sometime during my lifetime! One of these trends included the …
A Little Sunshine Made in Japan
Yellow is such an uplifting color. It is associated with sunshine, hope, happiness, clarity, energy, optimism, and joy. Studies show that the color yellow actually helps activate memory, encourage communication, enhance vision, build confidence, and even stimulate the nervous system! …
Crafting with Copper – Renoir and Matisse
I have always enjoyed arts and crafts with especially fond memories of the classes I took at camp each summer during my elementary school years. Popsicle sticks, googly stick-on eyes, yarn, felt, and glitter were some of the crafty items …