Owner: Blooming Lily URL:www.bloominglily.blogspot.com Join Date: Wed, 08 Nov 2006 13:40:33 -0600 Rating:0 Site Description: This is an independent style blog featuring reviews and features of the most promising indie independent up-and-coming designers in fashion, jewelry, accessories, and design. Site statistics:Click here
Cool Site of the Week 1970-01-01 00:59:59 My choice for this week's Cool Site of the Week is the web-blog of Olive Juice & Co. Kim is the writer and artist of this blog. And when I say artist, I mean artist. I love the digi-scrapbooking imagery that she uses on her site. Now, forgive me if I am not using the proper terminology for her work...I don't know much about digi scrapping except that it looks really hard. I would love to learn how to do it, but I suspect that I would quickly become addicted...and my husband would probably kill me if I started one more "hobby." That being the case, I will continue to check out Kim's site and see the really creative images that she comes up with. Oh, and she makes these absolutely darling aprons for use in the kitchen or over jeans with a t-shirt that start at only $30 each! (Her website/on-line store is currently in development, but you can purchase through her blog!)
Sea Fare 1970-01-01 00:59:59 If you have read some of my posts, you may know by now that I love sea glass jewelry...the frosty matte effect takes me back to the days of my youth, trolling the beach looking for these ocean created "gems". Now, I can capture the look and feel of beach glass on my dinner table with these seaglass plates by Riverside Design. Handcrafted by artisans in western Pennsylvania, these plates are made from post-industrial glass and come in a wide range of sizes, organic and fluid shapes, and color palettes. Food, dishwasher and microwave safe, these are perfect for the dinner table or, as a funky alternative, luminous, modern, urban art.
Brighten Up 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Instantly brighten your mood with the jewelry designs of glass artist Amy Burhoe. Fused glass rings and pendants in bold pops of color and interesting color grids add a dash of bright chic to your wardrobe. I especially love the juicy tropical hues found in her rings. At only $18 apiece, this is great design at a truly affordable price. Read more:Brighten
Cleveland Style 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I ran into this grandmother of two at the Disney Princesses on Ice Show and just had to feature her. I thought she looked really sharp and well dressed and I really admire that she obviously took the time to put together a great outfit, even though she was just with her grandkids. Read more:Cleveland
, Style
Places I've Never Been 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Ever day dream about visiting exotic far-away places? JHill Designs can help you escape on an imaginery vacation with her calender of 12 drawings (one for each month obviously!) of imaginary vacation spots around the world. Printed on heavyweight silk paper, the pages come tucked in a neat plastic case that doubles as a calender stand. At only $15, this may be the cheapest vacation you ever take!! Read more:Places
Gotta Git a Gitta 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I never carried a diaper bag with my children because I found them to be bulky, boring and quite frankly, not very useful. I hated carrying one while carrying my children or, worse yet, having to put the diaper bag in the bottom of the stroller because anywhere else would have made the stroller tip. Well, the trendy diaper bags by Gitta Bags, available in bright punchy colors, are not your ordinary diaper bags. Designed for maximum functionality, these diaper bags are specifically designed to be buckled onto all types of strollers at a high and convenient position so they are easy to get into. Machine washable, they come in a variety of styles and fun color combinations. I particularily like this sporty model in black,orange and green. Additional accessories such as changing pads, laundry nets, and insulated bottle holders are available so that you can customize your bag to your, and your family's needs. Read more:Gotta
Cool Site of the Week 1970-01-01 00:59:59 The mother and daughter artist duo of Denise and Samantha Allan have set up the Shop Floor Project to promote the work of independent artists and designers. Showcasing limited edition or one of a kind pieces in clothing, jewellery, shoes, bags, even furniture, Denise and Sam are dedicated to providing a unique opportunity for designers and consumers to make and purchase one-off pieces that are truly art to wear or own. The site reads like a department store or museum, and I really cannot explain how cool it is...you simply must check out the site to see for yourself. Totally innovative, the site is designed to simulate the movements of a visitor to an actual shop or museum where different levels and rooms are explored. To accomplish this, the site uses documentation of "real" interior spaces as its structure. Images from magazines, photos from real country homes, even stills from film sets, are collaged together and then infused with the individual artist's works. The Shop consistentl
Princess Charming 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Send a reminder to the loved ones in your life with the Princess
Charming collection from Alli's Originals. These hand-forged Infinity Charm earrings and this really fun Mixed Charms on a Ring necklace are just a few of the many hand-etched offerings to be found at Alli's online shop. And, to celebrate the one year anniversary of the Alli's Originals website, Alli is giving away a $40 gift certificate to one lucky person. Simply send her an email by February 12, 2007 mentioning the name of one of the new necklaces in her Princess Collection (hint...I named one here!) and automatically be entered to win.
Pin One On 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Using a rainbow of rich colors, and lots of silver wire (up to 25 feet per brooch!), jewelry designer Lauren Tileili of She Rocks makes beautiful brooches from a combination of semi-precious stones, Murano glass and pearls. Perfect for transforming a basic cardigan or winter coat (try putting one over the top button, or cluster a few around the neckline), they would also add immediate elegance to a bag or the waist of a wrap dress. I also love the idea of attaching one to a favorite chain for a beautiful necklace. The possibilities are endless!! Lauren also makes some really lovely necklaces and earrings, all of which are available at her Etsy shop.
Cleveland Style--Business Casual 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I was having my car serviced this week and thought these two salespeople at the Ganley VW dealership looked great. I liked Elizabeth's bright pop of color around her waist and I thought Jonathan looked very smart in his suit with a basic black tee underneath. I decided to highlight them this week, because I think they are both really good examples of the trend towards business casual in the workplace and how it can be done really well. (and I have seen many many examples of when it decidedly does not work!) Both Jonathan and Elizabeth told me that in their particular field, it actually helps when they dress business casual because of the negative stereotypes that have plagued the car industry. They said it makes them appear more approachable. I couldn't agree more!! (By the way, if you live in the Cleveland
area, Jonathan is new to the area and single!!!) Read more:Casual
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Cool Site of the Week--Slide 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I came across Slide
while browsing myspace and love how you can do so many cool things with your photos. I have shown three examples of how you can customize your photos, but there are 9 others to choose from. Pictured here are some of the pieces from my Spring Collection but this would be just as cool for a screen saver on your home or work computer with family pictures or any other photos that hold personal meaning to you.
Eclectic Elegance 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Holly Stadler is the creative genius behind the Holly Stadler line of clothing. The collection is filled with fluid tops and dresses adorned with unexpected quirky details. In particular, I love the detailing around the neck and bust line of these three dresses. Fresh, sweet, but still totally elegant, her use of lighthearted fabrics and colors give a youthful glow that is totally unique. Holly is also the co-owner of SeaPlane, a boutique that carries independent designers in Portland, Oregon. Read more:Elegance
Head Full of Pixies 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Break out of a winter rut with the colorful mix of quirky goods from Head Full of Pixies
. Ranging from totes to home goods to pendants, SAHM and designer Tammie Bennett handcrafts each of her one-of-a-kind items. I especially love her fused glass pendants in bright punchy colors. At only $8.00 each, you can afford to get a bunch of them to switch around on your favorite chain and add some sunshine to your life. Which is exactly what I need now that winter has finally arrived in Cleveland.
Candy Bowl 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I recently came across the designs of Canadian designer Andree Wejsmann of Soft Dog Studio and fell in love with her candy rings. Bright pops of flourescent color nestled between sterling silver. Edgy but wearable, these rings are equal parts playful and polished. See more of her collections including her award winning charm bracelets at www.softdogstudios.ca. Read more:Candy
The Dutch Collection 1970-01-01 00:59:59 My parents immigrated to the U.S. from Holland over 45 years ago, but I still speak dutch in their house and I recently took my daughter there for a ten day visit. So, when I saw these gorgeous clothing by designer Kate Bratt I was smitten. Inspired by the landscape of Holland, her collection features voluminous dresses, tops and coats, each hand crafted and printed on gorgeous deep blue cotton with subtle and playful renderings of tulips, windmills and clogs. Available in limited edition numbers, and, sold exclusively at the Shop Floor Project (last week's Cool Site of the Week), I especially love the detailing on the yolk dress and the wonderful swing of the trapeze coat. Read more:Dutch
Grammy Awards--Cleveland Style 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I just had to share some great news with everyone! I have designed a necklace and earring set that will be worn by Angelin Chang at the Grammy Awards
on Sunday, February 11, 2007. Angelin has been nominated in the category of Best Instrumental Soloist Performance (with Orchestra). I am honored that she will be wearing one of my designs on such an important night for her. Christine La Perna, a Cleveland
fashion designer, will be designing her dress for the special night. We were on the WKYC (local NBC affiliate) news last night and this morning and you can see the interview here. The whole process was very exciting. I took some pictures to show how the whole design process went. On Tuesday night, Christine and I met with Angelin for the first time. Christine had a few sketches of dresses and Angelin decided on this one. I thought it was a cool design and very figure flattering. Next, Angelin decided on a hand painted silk fabric that has a really cool subtle tartan print. It is so diff Read more:Style
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Goodbye Hot Sun, Hello Cool Cleveland 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I was hoping to post last Sunday, but my computer was down before I left! I have been enjoying the warm breezes in sunny Mexico for the past week and drinking margaritas, pina coladas, and cold brews by the pool! I will have some more posts tomorrow, but tonight I have to unpack and do lots of laundry. Read more:Goodbye
, Hello
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Leggo of my Lego 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I am sure there is not one person out there that didn't play with Legos as a child. Hell, I still play with Legos. (Now, before you judge me on that...I do have 2 kids!) But, wearing Legos? As jewelry? Judi Patson of Even Design has created the most amazing whimsical and retro collection of Lego inspired jewelry. Sterling silver necklaces, earrings and rings resembling lego bricks with bright, cheerful and colorful lego attachments. Ranging in price from $70 to $175, I'm sure I'll be fighting with my kids over these!
Throwing Stones 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I love looking at glass sculpture. I am truly amazed at the process that glass artists use to create beautiful pieces of art with fire and torches. Bob Crooks is one of Britain's most highly recognized leading glassmakers. Each of his pieces are designed, handmade and finished by him without the use of any molds to create the forms or surfaces. Therefore, all of his pieces are one of a kind works of art. I particularily love his use of color, whether transparent or opaque, and the beautiful organic fluid shapes. Many of his pieces are very large which create wonderful dramatic statements! Way out of my price range, but oh so beautiful to look at. Available at Flow, a gallery situated in the heart of Notting Hill, that was established to showcase the best of British contemporary applied arts. Read more:Stones
And the Grammy Goes to... 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I am so happy to report that Angelin Chang won the Grammy Award for Instrumental Soloist Performance (with Orchestra) for "Messiaen: Oiseaux Exotiques (Exotic Birds)." Obviously, this was a career highlight for her, but also one for me since she was wearing an original Elle-a-Belle Designs necklace and earring set that I made just for the special night! Angelin's Grammy was awarded to her during the pre-telecast portion of the show...so you probably did not see her accepting her award or walking down the red carpet (although Joan Rivers would have been proud!). However, as you can see from this red carpet photograph given to me by Angelin, she looked absolutely stunning with the jewelry and the beautiful dress that fashion designer Christina LaPerna made for her! Congratulations to Angelin for her win!!!
Cool Site of the Week--My Bonnie and Clyde 1970-01-01 00:59:59 My choice for this week's Cool Site of the Week is My Bonnie
& Clyde
. Dedicated to promoting and supporting independent artists and designers, My Bonnie & Clyde offers artists of all mediums the opportunity to gain exposure and share their creative expression with the world. Some of the many wares at this on-line shop include really cool wall art by artist Caroline Bolter (also the owner of the site!), great music by recording artist Amanda Rogers, beautiful vintage inspired jewelry by Laura James, and handprinted clothing by Hopeful Monsters. The site is very easy to navigate and the shop is named after the notorious outlaws Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow who refused to conform to society's rules and regulations: Caroline's tribute to those that think outside of the box and thrive on their own independence. Shop Indie!!
Effortless Glamour 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I came across the designs of H. Frederikssson while perusing the website of SeaPlane, a Portland, Oregon boutique that carries up and coming independent designers. The 2006/2007 Fall/Winter collection features beautiful rich colors and cool silhouettes that have an effortless glamour to them. I was immediately draw to the mix of tailoring and fluidity in this beautiful dress. The deep v-neck is very glamorous and I love how the skirt drapes away from the body. Plus, the mix of the wool top with the printed silk skirt is fabulous. Just the right mix of girly and edgy. Read more:Effortless
Cleveland Style--Cool Professional 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Ken is an advertising executive for the Cleveland
Plain Dealer newspaper. I ran into him while he was on a sales call and had to feature him because I liked his look: business casual, but totally professional and cool looking! I thought his scarf added a real flair!! Read more:Style
Black Magic 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Kimm Alfonso, a New York based artist and jewelry designer creates really beautiful bracelets, necklaces and earrings using a variety of materials such as swarovski crystals, freshwater pearls and semi-precious gemstones. From her current collection, I am loving these earrings and this lariat necklace, both of which feature blackstone briolettes, milky moonstone and shiny sparkly swarovski crystals. Modern, contemporary, and totally elegant. Perfect for an evening out. With prices starting at only $18 for earrings and $35 for necklaces, this is affordable luxury at its best! Check out more of her collection at www.kimmchi.com. Read more:Black
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, Black Magic
A Passion for Shirts 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Sonia Gonnelli, the creative mind behind the Italian brand Shirt Passion
, has the most amazing collection of incredibly designed tops. Made primarily from double layered mesh, these very elaborate knit tops feature the most incredible prints and handmade trims in really rich chocolate and jewel toned colors. Just the right of pop of graphic print, any one of these tops, and they are all gorgeous, would look fabulous for a night out on the town with a skirt, pair of wide legged dress pants or boot cut jeans! Read more:Shirts
Cool Site of the Week--Sydney's Vintage Clothing 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Some styles of fashion may come and go (and we all know the ones we wish would stay away forever!), but others will always be in style. And with this adage in my head, my choice for Cool Site of the Week is Sydney
's VintageClothing
Shop. Sydney Nichols, the owner of the on-line boutique, has been a collector of vintage clothing for many years and has been selling them for the past four. You will simply be amazed at the amount (and quality!) of vintage clothing and accessories that she carries. Vintage suits, dresses, and accessories (to name a few) from the Civil War era, the swinging 40's, rockin' 50's, mod 60's, disco 70's, pink 80's, and up to modern day designer labels, can all be found in her shop. Sydney searches estate sales and flea markets and collects only the best of the best. She also writes an interesting blog on these "treasure hunts." Want something, but cannot find it on her site? Just email her and she will check her huge inventory to see if she has it. With ov
Spooning Around 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Sometimes you come across a site that just speaks to you. SpoonFed Art is one such site. Karin Collins creates her bold, handcrafted, one of a kind pendants in her L.A. studio out of ordinary kitchen spoons. Using a "secret recipe" liquid resin, Karin "captures" tiny treasures and sometimes wierd knickknacks, such as tiny dried flowers, shaped wire, guitar picks, and vintage buttons and pins (to name a few!) onto the spoons like flies trapped in amber. Then, the handle is cut off and the spoon pendant is born! These whimsical and simply exquisite pendants feel like little works of art!!! Karin has over 200 designs, so it was hard to choose which ones I wanted to feature. Here are three of the pendants that I especially loved because of the beautiful and fresh color combinations and the unique "treasures" found in each. Below are some of the really cool ways that these pendants can be worn. Simple, with the pendant on the black suede cord that comes with the pendant. Funky, with the pe
Twigs and Heather 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Okay, so by now you might know that I love beach glass. Well, I came across another jewelry design team that make absolutely beautiful jewelry pieces with these ocean created "gems." Silversmiths Heather
and Kerry Alice Collins, the dynamic design duo behind the Twigs and Heather jewelry label, use only genuine Atlantic ocean sea glass in their handcrafted sterling silver pendants and necklaces. And, prices start at only $20 for a pendant and $38 for a necklace. Beautiful, one-of-a-kind, and affordable? Definitely my kind of jewelry! But, so you don't think I am strictly obsessed with beach glass, Heather and Kerry Alice (who are twins like me I might add!!) make really cool dangle earrings and necklaces from twigs, acorns, and maple seeds that are cast in sterling silver. Totally ingenius and original.
Sweet Dreams 1970-01-01 00:59:59 With a full time job, two kids, a jewelry business and a blog to write, I don't get the chance to just sit back and relax that often. But, I would definitely make time if I had these beautiful and comfy looking pillows on my couch!! Textile designer Bethanie Brandon uses a combination of techniques, which include hand-painting, print, resist and silk-screening, for her luxurious, feather-filled pillows, throws and duvet covers. Each piece is made to order, finished with gold cording or tassels and hand-painted buttons, and then signed by Bethanie. She has over 30 designs and 20 fabrics. Prices start at around $96 for a 12x12 pillow and $460 for a throw. A little out of my price range, but a girl can dream can't she? (and on this bedding...quite comfortably!!) Read more:Sweet
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, Sweet Dreams
Sing, Sing a Song 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I came across these vintage inspired wood pendants by Jeweled Elegance and fell in love with how cute they are!! Each of the birds are hand painted on a small square of natural wood grain by artist/owner Heather Pierce which is then antiqued for a timeworn look. Strung on a brown leather cord, the necklaces are lightweight, with a barely there appeal. Feminine and whimsical without being fussy. Plus, they only cost $24.00! Proof that you don't need to spend a fortune to get one-of-a-kind jewelry! Check out more of her equally cute jewelry at www.jeweledonline.com.
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