LBM hosted another Dew Drop In this past Friday afternoon: this one, to celebrate Jen and Danny's engagement. Donned in a psychedelic shift dress and wide band beaded veil, Jen greeted our guests (while Danny slaved at the hot stoves next door) and shared her exciting news and "how it all happened'"
There were lots of refreshments and even a craft to keep the kids entertained. Moms got to peruse Jen's Wish List book and get some of their own shopping done. In addition, we held a raffle for a beautiful "Style Star" bag from Big Buddha and gift certificate to our website store.
And now for the winner... Congratulations to Shari Scharlat! Come on down and get your fabulous Fall bag.
There were lots of refreshments and even a craft to keep the kids entertained. Moms got to peruse Jen's Wish List book and get some of their own shopping done. In addition, we held a raffle for a beautiful "Style Star" bag from Big Buddha and gift certificate to our website store.
And now for the winner... Congratulations to Shari Scharlat! Come on down and get your fabulous Fall bag.
This week we focus on one of a woman's top weaknesses bags. There's nothing like a new bag or two to start the new season with a new attitude. When shopping for Fall, think color and metallic finishes for you (you know you are going to get at least one for yourself) and that gift for your best friend!
Predominating the look for Fall is the soft and carefree Boho Chic. As you peruse shops and online sites, you will notice lots of comfortable hobo shoulder and cross body styles a la 1960's, but the newness is the details from long fringe with studs and grommets to woven and embossed texture to blanket stitching, topstitching and burnished hardware.
However, sloppy-casual doesn't go everywhere you do, so also important on the bag scene are more tailored shapes like satchels and designer inspired dome shapes. For dressier looks, the must-have piece is the clutch. Styles include elongated clutch, envelop clutch, framed clutch with jeweled or metal closures that can go to work, lunch with the girls, high power business dinners or after hours clubs!
All this newness may sound like a bank-breaker, but there is so much out there to choose from that won't. My picks include many of the trendy styles from the Big Buddha. Their Fall collection encompasses all the fashion right aspects and colors with their faux-suede fringe bag, leather-like slouchy bags, big rose dome bag and chic clutches at way under $100 price tag.
Next Issue: Part III: For (not so) Cold Weather: Hats, Gloves and Scarves.
Predominating the look for Fall is the soft and carefree Boho Chic. As you peruse shops and online sites, you will notice lots of comfortable hobo shoulder and cross body styles a la 1960's, but the newness is the details from long fringe with studs and grommets to woven and embossed texture to blanket stitching, topstitching and burnished hardware.
However, sloppy-casual doesn't go everywhere you do, so also important on the bag scene are more tailored shapes like satchels and designer inspired dome shapes. For dressier looks, the must-have piece is the clutch. Styles include elongated clutch, envelop clutch, framed clutch with jeweled or metal closures that can go to work, lunch with the girls, high power business dinners or after hours clubs!
All this newness may sound like a bank-breaker, but there is so much out there to choose from that won't. My picks include many of the trendy styles from the Big Buddha. Their Fall collection encompasses all the fashion right aspects and colors with their faux-suede fringe bag, leather-like slouchy bags, big rose dome bag and chic clutches at way under $100 price tag.
Next Issue: Part III: For (not so) Cold Weather: Hats, Gloves and Scarves.
PART I: JEWELRY- THE IDEAL TRANSITIONAL ACCESSORY
Fall 2009 is just around the corner. Back to school, back to work—the lazy summer days are coming to a close.
As you peek at your packed-away cold weather wardrobe and at your not yet replenished disposable income, you may wonder how you are going to update your look for the coming season without feeling even more of a pinch.
Accessory designers have heard your call! From hats and wraps, to jewels and bags, Fall fashion pieces abound and at very affordable prices. So, go out (or online) and discover fun and trendy items to update last year’s looks from head to toe.
This week we focus on jewelry—quick and easy to pick and put on. Also, trendy jewelry pieces make a great gift for your friends, collegues or family relatives for any occasion. Who wouldn’t enjoy a new glamorous necklace or stunning pair of earrings?
Statement pieces give Fall 2009 its distinctive direction and a big bang for your buck! Look for necklaces with oversized clear and colored faceted glass stones, carved resin flowers and laser cut metals intermixed on snake chains and layered link chains. At all lengths and finishes, the presentation is nothing short of dramatic.
Bracelets continue to be an important accessory piece. There are many styles to choose from-- stretch bracelets, chunky bangles, jeweled cuffs and also bold face watches. On a practical note, when picking your bracelet of the day, make sure it not only matches, but is also comfortable and won’t get in the way of what you have to get done that day. “Fashion functional” applies to everything for us busy girls, but especially to bracelets.
Click here to see our selections.
You can never have enough…earrings. It is most probably the easiest and most noticed jewelry accessory you wear. . This Fall, the big but lightweight look is still on trend. Don’t buy or give earrings that feel heavy. They may look enticing, but being able to wear them for only a few hours before they hurt is not the way to go. With this season’s designs that incorporates laser cut metals designs, bits of leather, fabric and feathers, and sparkling stones and beads, stylish earrings can be achieved without the extra weight.
Click here to see our selections
So, start your shopping now, and you will be ready to transform your Fall wardrobe as soon as the calendar turns. Fashion jewelry makes the ideal transitional accessory, especially on Indian summer days, when it’s too late to wear white but too hot to don wool.
Next issue: Part II: BAGS- WHAT’S IN YOURS?
Fall 2009 is just around the corner. Back to school, back to work—the lazy summer days are coming to a close.
As you peek at your packed-away cold weather wardrobe and at your not yet replenished disposable income, you may wonder how you are going to update your look for the coming season without feeling even more of a pinch.
Accessory designers have heard your call! From hats and wraps, to jewels and bags, Fall fashion pieces abound and at very affordable prices. So, go out (or online) and discover fun and trendy items to update last year’s looks from head to toe.
This week we focus on jewelry—quick and easy to pick and put on. Also, trendy jewelry pieces make a great gift for your friends, collegues or family relatives for any occasion. Who wouldn’t enjoy a new glamorous necklace or stunning pair of earrings?
Statement pieces give Fall 2009 its distinctive direction and a big bang for your buck! Look for necklaces with oversized clear and colored faceted glass stones, carved resin flowers and laser cut metals intermixed on snake chains and layered link chains. At all lengths and finishes, the presentation is nothing short of dramatic.
Bracelets continue to be an important accessory piece. There are many styles to choose from-- stretch bracelets, chunky bangles, jeweled cuffs and also bold face watches. On a practical note, when picking your bracelet of the day, make sure it not only matches, but is also comfortable and won’t get in the way of what you have to get done that day. “Fashion functional” applies to everything for us busy girls, but especially to bracelets.
Click here to see our selections.
You can never have enough…earrings. It is most probably the easiest and most noticed jewelry accessory you wear. . This Fall, the big but lightweight look is still on trend. Don’t buy or give earrings that feel heavy. They may look enticing, but being able to wear them for only a few hours before they hurt is not the way to go. With this season’s designs that incorporates laser cut metals designs, bits of leather, fabric and feathers, and sparkling stones and beads, stylish earrings can be achieved without the extra weight.
Click here to see our selections
So, start your shopping now, and you will be ready to transform your Fall wardrobe as soon as the calendar turns. Fashion jewelry makes the ideal transitional accessory, especially on Indian summer days, when it’s too late to wear white but too hot to don wool.
Next issue: Part II: BAGS- WHAT’S IN YOURS?
What is Sterling Silver?
Pure silver, like pure gold, is too soft to be durable, and must be mixed (alloyed) with other metals. Copper and zinc are preferred choices. They toughen the alloy while enhancing silver's bright natural sheen. Sterling Silver is 92.5% pure silver alloyed with copper or zinc.
What is Gold Filled?
Gold filled is made by heat -and pressure- bonding a layer of 14K or 12K gold to a brass core
The benefits of gold filled are:
- Karat gold covers the brass surface, making it tarnish-resistant.
- The value of the gold filled is greater than gold plated because gold filled has an actual layer of karat gold, not just a microscopic film.
- Gold filled jewelry is economical. You can enjoy the rich look of gold at a fraction of the cost.
Pure silver, like pure gold, is too soft to be durable, and must be mixed (alloyed) with other metals. Copper and zinc are preferred choices. They toughen the alloy while enhancing silver's bright natural sheen. Sterling Silver is 92.5% pure silver alloyed with copper or zinc.
What is Gold Filled?
Gold filled is made by heat -and pressure- bonding a layer of 14K or 12K gold to a brass core
The benefits of gold filled are:
- Karat gold covers the brass surface, making it tarnish-resistant.
- The value of the gold filled is greater than gold plated because gold filled has an actual layer of karat gold, not just a microscopic film.
- Gold filled jewelry is economical. You can enjoy the rich look of gold at a fraction of the cost.
15/06: TAKING CARE OF YOUR JEWELRY
To make your jewelry last a lifetime, certain care should be taken in the wearing, cleaning and storage of each piece. Store your jewelry in a closed jewelry box or in velvet or cotton bags. Keeping each piece separated will prevent scratching of the stones and tangling of the chains.
Put on jewelry AFTER you are done with putting on lotion, perfume, hairspray and other beauty products. After you take jewelry off at the end of the day, wipe it with a soft tissue, or with clean alcohol to remove oils from your skin and lotion.
When not to wear your jewelry:
1. When you use cleaning products, remove jewelry. Chemicals you use at home may be safe for your skin, but not for your jewelry.
2. Jewelry should not be worn when swimming or showering.
Put on jewelry AFTER you are done with putting on lotion, perfume, hairspray and other beauty products. After you take jewelry off at the end of the day, wipe it with a soft tissue, or with clean alcohol to remove oils from your skin and lotion.
When not to wear your jewelry:
1. When you use cleaning products, remove jewelry. Chemicals you use at home may be safe for your skin, but not for your jewelry.
2. Jewelry should not be worn when swimming or showering.
05/06: JUNE IS ADOPT A CAT MONTH
Did you know that June is adopt-a-cat month? The American Humane Society urges people who want to add a feline member to the family to visit a local animal shelter
this month.
For more information, see americanhumane.org.
this month.
For more information, see americanhumane.org.
17/12: PRESENTATION IS EVERYTHING!
Presentation is everything. It’s like the exclamation mark at the end of a compliment.
After you make the effort to find just the right thing, don’t just present it in crumpled tissue stuffed in bag! Being known for great gifts goes one step beyond buying the gift.
Your gift wrap presentation is the first impression, and with little effort, you can distinguish yourself as a Great Gift Giver. Gift wrap does not have to be complicated or expensive. Think “out of the (gift) box, and you will find all sorts of wonderful finishing touches.
Basic ribbon can be adorned with anything small—cuttings from your garden ( think a sprig of evergreen), a small pin or ornament, or small sweets, like a candy cane or candies in a cello bag.
So recycle an old shoe box and all those scrap ribbons, trimmings and other odds and ends that might convert into the perfect tie-on for someone on your gift list!
Wow, is that for me!
After you make the effort to find just the right thing, don’t just present it in crumpled tissue stuffed in bag! Being known for great gifts goes one step beyond buying the gift.
Your gift wrap presentation is the first impression, and with little effort, you can distinguish yourself as a Great Gift Giver. Gift wrap does not have to be complicated or expensive. Think “out of the (gift) box, and you will find all sorts of wonderful finishing touches.
Basic ribbon can be adorned with anything small—cuttings from your garden ( think a sprig of evergreen), a small pin or ornament, or small sweets, like a candy cane or candies in a cello bag.
So recycle an old shoe box and all those scrap ribbons, trimmings and other odds and ends that might convert into the perfect tie-on for someone on your gift list!
Wow, is that for me!
17/12: WHERE SHOULD I SIT?
Have a holiday dinner party? If you are hosting eight or more guests, do consider assigning seats to make things run more smoothly. Use or create your own place cards
to enhance your table decorations
The hosts and/or special guest should take the seats at each end of the table. Ideally, you should alternate men and women and separate couples, family members or close friends who see each other all time. To further ensure an enjoyable evening of fine food and good conversation, consider your guests’ individual personalities when deciding who will sit next to whom.
Time for mingling before (think appetizers) and after (as in, dessert!) the main meal will give everyone a chance to socialize with each other.
Happy Holiday Dining!
to enhance your table decorations
The hosts and/or special guest should take the seats at each end of the table. Ideally, you should alternate men and women and separate couples, family members or close friends who see each other all time. To further ensure an enjoyable evening of fine food and good conversation, consider your guests’ individual personalities when deciding who will sit next to whom.
Time for mingling before (think appetizers) and after (as in, dessert!) the main meal will give everyone a chance to socialize with each other.
Happy Holiday Dining!