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
Autumn Blooms 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I was looking for the perfect outfit to wear to a friend's surprise birthday party and have found it. The Heirloom strapless dress by Nanette Lepore is the perfect transition from Summer to Fall with its muted color palette of charcoal, red, tan, and green in a floral print silk chiffon. The red velvet bust with multicolor floral embroidery, the full skirt with ruffled metallic blue hem, and the banded empire waist (which is flattering to just about every shape!) with metallic silver trim is so elegant with just the right touch of bohemia! I am not above a little self-promotion, so I think this asymetrical necklace by Elle-a-Belle Designs (yup, that's me!) would be the perfect adornment to the bare neckline! Read more:Autumn
Indulge Yourself 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Grace Chan of Indulgems is a self-taught jewelry designer who left a career in business to focus on jewelry design. How lucky for us! Her luxe jewelry designs range from deceptively simple to stunningly opulent and are always completely original and fresh. Her Fall/Winter 2006 collection features the most beautiful necklaces made from hardened 14K gold filled wire that is hammered and formed into round circles and curved spiral arcs and entwined with richly colored jewels. Some of my favorites, and trust me it was hard to choose, include these pendants from her Exotic Garden collection. Featuring a multitude of faceted gemstone rondelles and briolettes of mystic topaz, london blue topaz, swiss blue topaz, sapphire, larimar, apatite, vesuvianite and amazonite, they are wonder to behold. Any one of them, or all three for that matter, would look perfect paired with these Gilded earrings comprised of natural turquoise, amazonite and gold filled chain. Luxe but with everyday potential. Go a Read more:Yourself
Love your Skinn 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I know there is a huge market for television home shoppers. I just never thought I would be one of those who sat transfixed while one was going on. Well, one night, unable to sleep, I did just that. I watched Dimitri James from Skinn Cosmetics pitch his skin care line on the Shopping Channel. I was glued to the television. After several hours of watching his makeovers, I decided to try the orchid gel mattefying day treatment. The product is made with orchid and chamomile extracts and is a gorgeous lavender coloured silicone based gel. Don't worry, the purple tint does not show up on the skin. Whether applied with fingertips or a sponge, the effect is amazing and instanteous. It truly does reduce the visibility of my pores and facial lines. The silky texture of the gel leaves an unbelievable matte finish to the skin. The effect doesn't last all day, but I carry a small container of it in my purse for touch-ups during the day. The gel is mildly scented, which I know bothers some people
Long Winter's Night 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I don't really do the sexy lingerie thing. For me, it always seemed so contrived and in your face. Like I was trying too hard. So, when I came across this loungewear set from Lilka at Anthropologie, I knew it was right up my alley. The cream cotton knit is brightened with fairisle stripes in happy shades of orange and it is so ridicuously soft! Plus, the itsy-bitsy boy shorts are sexy in the cutest sort of way! The set is available at Anthropologie for $86. The best part, the cardigan can do double duty with jeans or dress pants. Read more:Night
Make a Statement 1970-01-01 00:59:59 As you can probably tell by now, I love jewelry. Making it, wearing it, giving it as gifts. And, since we are quickly entering the holiday gift giving season, I thought this would be the perfect time to feature the personalized hand crafted jewelry designs of Alli Grosberg of Alli's Originals. Delicate, elegant and totally feminine, Alli hand stamps (not laser engraves) each piece to create the ultimate statement piece of a life well lived. For a mother, I think these pieces are such a fresh alternative to the traditional baby charms that I see at every major department store. (You know the ones your grandmother wears!). Each mini tag is individually hand-stamped and lettered with a single initial or name and would be such an amazing unique gift for that special mother (or friend or sister or aunt). For a funky alternative, you can make your own statement using these miniature "dog tags," rings or bars. Words or symbols that hold special meaning to you can be hand stamped onto the va
Take Five 1970-01-01 00:59:59 My father was a dutch man who was born and raised in Indonesia. So, when I came across these earthy, organic purses handcrafted by villagers in Bali, I was pretty excited. Made with natural bamboo wood, solid wood handles, and your choice of brown, green or hot pink satin linings, these are totally statement making bags. Ranging from $36 to $46, I can justify wanting one of each. The best part, other than the fact that these are just really cool gorgeous bags, is that $5 from each product sold will be given back to the local village. Contributing to a good cause while shopping? How divine. Check out their website at fiveaccessories.com to see more purses and learn more about the company.
Bask in the Glow 1970-01-01 00:59:59 There's nothing better than curling up with a good book after a long day. Well, maybe one thing. Curling up with a good book under the glow of one of the amazing lamps by Susan and Caryn Kinzig, the design team behind Kinzig Design Home. Each of their handcrafted lamps are made from solid brass, copper elements and vibrant hand blown glass. They are then topped with the most beautiful richly colored shades sewn from embroidered silks and other elegant fabrics. The nature of the materials makes each lamp distinctive and no two lamps will be exactly alike. Prices start at $450, an investment for sure, but what better incentive to start reading those bestsellers....
Retro Chic 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I love modern clothing with a retro vibe. So I am loving the designs of Lisa Mayock and Sophie Buhai, the names behind the ultra hip clothing label Vena Cava. Simple, chic and grown-up, the Fall 2006 collection is filled with feminine, retro vintage silhouettes. I love the muted color palette, the funky prints, the super wide leg menswear trousers and gypsy headwraps. Slight quirky. Slightly off-beat. Totally wearable. My kind of fashion.
Jill.i Designs 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Jill Italiano, a pastry chef turned jewelry designer, shows off her flair for color and her love of gemstones in her clean, modern and elegant jewelry designs. I am obsessed with her collection of 14K gold wire-wrapped bracelets. The whimsical design of the wire-wrapped geometric shapes, so sleek against the sparking gold chains, are sweetened with the flowers and buds created from combinations of garnet, citrine, tourmaline, peridot and freshwater pearls. Totally luxe but with everyday potential. Read more:Designs
Casual Luxe 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I love clothing that is casual, elegant but still slightly off-beat. The clothing designs of Canadian designer Dominque de Sentino fit this bill exactly. She is apparently best known in Canada for her eveningwear, but I am loving these four looks from her Fall 2006 collection which are appropriate for day or night. Touches of tweed, gold thread brocade, and rich jewel tones made for some really chic wearable silhouettes. Read more:Casual
Lost and Found 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I am not a trendy kind of girl. I am drawn to things that are classic, have a timeless feel, and maybe a bit of history as well. Enter the jewelry designs of Rebecca Zelis. All of her pieces are made from found objects such as antique buttons, seashells, stones and beach glass. They are then set in sterling silver or 18K gold, and combined with precious gemstones. Her speciality? Taking objects from clients that have personal meaning, such as a stone found on the beach during a honeymoon or a beloved family trinket, and working with the client to create a finished piece that is personal and uniquely precious. All of her pieces are handcrafted by her in her studio in Brandon, Vermont which is located in a renovated Granary that also houses local painters, sculptors, and potters. Since I used to collect beach glass as a kid, I am particulary drawn to her pieces which feature these beautiful frosted "gems." This flower necklace featuring opal, beach glass and precious stones set in sterl
Clever Kid Designs 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Fun, whimsical and educational, these children's aprons by Clever
Kid Designs
are perfect for that little special someone in your life or, as the holiday season rapidly approaches, a perfect unique gift. Available in a variety of themes and coordinating fabrics of your choice, I especially like the beauty shop (pockets filled with a kid sized brush, comb, mirror and curlers to give her doll an "instant makeover) and the gardener (pockets filled with kids gardening tools, garden gloves, and a packet of seeds to get started.) I also love the sturdy, bright luggage tags owner/designer Michele Kline makes. Perfect for anyone, not just children, who need a helping hand identifying their bags in a sea of look-alike black luggage! At only $5.95 each, I can afford to get one for every bag for every member of my family. Which means less time at the airport, and more time at the pool! Clever indeed.
Kinzig Part Deux 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Some people are just talented. Like Susan Kinzig for example. Not only does she create the most amazing lamps I have ever seen, she is also a ridiculously talented jewelry designer. Her pieces, like her lamps, are one-of-a-kind limited edition pieces. Handcrafted from oxidized sterling silver, the pieces are formed into organic and geometric shapes and then adorned with combinations of pearls, semi-precious stones, polymer clay and mosiac inlays. From her latest collection, I am coveting this bracelet that features mosiac inlays and assorted stones set within rectangular frames of silver, patinated brass and copper. The earthy blend of warm colors are so perfect as the weather gets colder and would take any outfit to the next level of chic.
Double Ply 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I am the mother of two small children, so even though I love handbags, most of the time they are just not practical for my needs. I need my hands and arms free to either hold the children or run after them. So, I am always on the lookout for a good backpack. But, something classic and edgy, not like the oversized one my daughter carries to kindergarten. Enter Ply Handbags. Crafted from the finest Italian leathers and fabrics, these are backpacks designed for women who refuse to sacrifice style and comfort for function. The unique silhouette is specifically designed to stand up to anything you stuff in it (which of course, in my case, is lots!) while still maintaining its sleek and modern look. Available in traditional as well as some funky color combinations, I especially like the lime leather with citrine accents and the cognac leather with moss green accents for $215. Not into backpacks? Never fear, Ply also makes an array of shoulder bags, totes, clutches, hand held bags, cosmetic c
One Stop Shopping 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Cleveland's greatest concentration of cool galleries and boutiques are found between trendy cafes and established restaurants in historic Little Italy. However, if you're pinched for time and can choose only one shop to visit, Gina's Gallery and Boutique, in the former gallery once occupied by the Fiori Gallery, is your spot. There is so much to see in this newly renovated boutique that you are guaranteed to find something for everyone on your holiday list. Owner Gina Dudnik has an uncanny eye for what's stylish and the Boutique features clothing, jewelry and accessories from the most promising up-and-coming designers such as one-of-a-kind retro inspired clothing by Cleveland's own Pinky's Daily Planner (who is having a trunk show on December 9, 2006), hand crafted bags featuring japanese and vintage fabrics by Feisty Studio and fun and flirty hostess aprons by the Gina Show (the talented owner herself). The Gallery showcases photography, sculpture, art glass, pottery and paintin Read more:Shopping
, One Stop
Nordstrom Shopping event 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Twice a year, I get invited to the special shopping event
at Nordstrom
. Held after the usual store hours, it is a chance to get 10 Nordstrom points for every dollar spent, while being pampered with champagne, appetizers and desserts. I love this event and look forward to attending it each season. This year was no exception and I had a great time! Tasty food, a candy bar, and a coffee bar with liquours! I was in heaven. And, I got some awesome things.... First, since I live in Cleveland and work downtown by Lake Erie (the lake effect winds are unbelievable!), I got this totally cute hat, scarf and glove set for $78.00. 100% cashmere and oh so soft. The purple color is amazing in person and will really stand out against my black coat. Next, since I actually have quite a few holiday parties to go to this year, I got this fancy glittery headband ($38.00) that I think will look quite fabulous with black pants and this absolutely gorgeous hot pink silk top by Milly ($250). (I also love that Read more:Shopping
Fun Jewelry Week-Part I 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I take jewelry so seriously that I sometimes forget that it can, and should be, just fun. So, this week I am focusing on jewelry that makes a statement, for sure, but doesn't beg to be taken so seriously. First off...I came across these necklaces at Smitten Kitten, a Canadian accessories line, that made me smile the second I saw them. Besides the obvious, that my daughters would absolutely love them, I think they would be a really fabulous addition to an adult wardrobe as well. Imagine wearing all black (very sophisticated and grown-up) and having this bold pop of whimsical fun around your neck. A funky twist to liven up any outfit. Available at Smitten Kitten for $32. Read more:Jewelry
Fun Jewelry 2--Funky Monkey 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Remember the days of hopscotch, legos, boardgames, and kickball? Yeah, me neither...but I can find my inner child by wearing these funky monkey earrings. Hand crafted from sterling silver by designer Judi Patson of Even Design Inc, these humorous earrings somehow manage to be totally elegant. Also available as a pendant necklace and bracelet, this is the ultimate statement piece! And that's no barrel of monkeys. Read more:Jewelry
, Funky
Tie One On 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I work in a profession where men are expected to dress work appropriate. In this day and age when most offices are "work casual" this is admittedly old school. But, in a courtroom, a judge (or your clients for that matter) won't tolerate anything less than a suit and tie. Boring right? Not with these hand screened neckties by super cool and multi-talented designer Bethany Shorb of Cyberoptics Tie Lab. Available in a variety of colors, from restrained to bright, the ties feature the most amazing screenprinted or handsewn designs along the bottom. Which means even the Gasattack, Squidbrain or Heartattack can be office appropriate when worn with a buttoned up jacket. Want a kinder, gentler tie? They've got those too. Check out the Poppies or the Fern, really beautiful prints that just beg to be seen. Now, even men can make a statement and stay classic. But, Classic with a Twist. And, lucky for us women, they are coming out with a line of hand screened ascots that can be used as scarve
A plus N = Awesome Bags! 1970-01-01 00:59:59 A plus N is a New York-based manufacturer and retailer of handbags for women. Started in 2004, A plus N offers an expansive year-round collection of purses that are fun, vibrant and effortlessly cool. Big and roomy, these totes are available in a multitude of colors and fabrications, including leather and weather resistant nylon canvas with leather accents. You can even design your own bag! Named after the owner/designer's two children, A plus N's goal is to make high quality products, while supporting the domestic fashion industry and encouraging social responsibility in the workplace. Specifically, A plus N works with one of the best no sweat-shop factories still operating in the USA, which enables them to not only control the quality of the handmade bags, but to provide jobs to people in our country. Helping our economy, while still carrying a cool bag? How awesome is that? Want something even better? Now through December 30, 2006, A plus N is offering a 30% Holiday Discount on al
Persephone's Awakening 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Great accessories complete an outfit. And these super cute handmade accessories by Jen Merritt of Persephone's Awakening are just what I need to finish my look. Most of the pieces in her collection, which include handbags, aprons and neckwarmers, are one-of-a-kind since the fabrics are collected from vintage and reclaimed clothing, fabric remnants, pillow cases, even duvet covers! Her use of fabrics, in totally unexpected color and texture combinations, are really fabulous. And I love the addition of the whimisical felt appliques and giant fabric colored buttons. Jen loves custom orders, so you can create your own handbag or apron from her collection of fabrics or send her a favorite of your own. Future plans include ipod cosies, tampon cases, and wallets in her signature fun fabrics. Check out her etsy store for ready made items or contact her about your own inspiration for your own custom item. With prices starting at only $10, you can afford to cross everyone off your holiday shopp
The Orb 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I used to play with marbles as a kid. I was always fascinated by the intricate colorful orbs that gave the illusion of multiple layers within the marble itself. I loved the blending of colors and the corkscrew, swirly and banded shapes running through them. So, naturally I was blown away when I came across the Protozoan necklaces of Jennifer Syfu of the Starving Artist Bazaar. Using lampwork glass in various levels of opacity and transparency, she layers the colors together to create intricate and beautiful marble glass orbs that appear to glow from their depth. Each piece is hand crafted by Jennifer and suspended from a simple leather cord, so as not to take away any of the complexity of the one of a kind wearable art pendants. At only $25 each, I can afford to get some to wear, some to play with! See more of her jewelry designs, including her totally unique and fun paintings, at the Starving Artist Bazaar.
Well Heeled 1970-01-01 00:59:59 As a lawyer, I count on accessories to make me stand out from the other "suits." Jewelry, Handbags, and, of course, Shoes. These glamorous Lipstick Mary Janes with striped conular heels by Georgina Goodman are another slam dunk from Anthropologie and a fabulous and easy way to feminize a pantsuit. At $298 though, I will have to wait until they go on sale. Sigh.
Indie Holiday Shopping Guides 1970-01-01 00:59:59 So today is the start of the holiday shopping frenzy and I thought I would give a nod to some of the awesome blogs out there that take the time to put out really nice and well thought out holiday gift guides that feature jewelry, accessories and clothing from very talented independent designers! (I hope that I can do one next year!) Since my focus is on these independent artists, I would encourage everyone to check out these guides in your shopping adventures over the next month! SHOP INDIE!! Read more:Shopping
, Indie
, Holiday
, Guides
Fun Jewelry 3--Sweety Cake 1970-01-01 00:59:59 This beautiful cupcake ring is so realistic looking that you might be tempted to eat it! Handcrafted from cast sterling silver and flameworked glass, award-winning designer Holly Cruise makes the sweetest collection of bakery inspired rings! The best part? The cupcake will sit on your finger instead of your hips!! See more of her whimsical collection, including amazing glass sculpture, at www.hollycruise.com. Read more:Jewelry
Fun Jewelry 4--Quoc Lieu 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Brooklyn-based jewelry designer Quoc Lieu uses simple forms and clean lines to create really fun necklaces, earrings and rings. Using sterling silver, she hand casts each piece in her pared down collection into some really unexpected forms and shapes. From her latest collection, I am loving these push pin earrings. Simple, whimsical and edgy, these small earrings make a big statement. Check out more of her original design concepts at www.quoclieu.com. Read more:Jewelry
Fun Jewelry 5--We Dream in Color 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Last day of my "Fun" jewelry week...and I have saved my personal favorite for last...I love jewelry that is unpredictable and this amazing necklace by Jade Gedeon of We Dream
in Color
is exactly that. Hand drawn water lilies, lotus flowers and a scarlet ibis are combined with sterling silver chain for the most beautiful colorful piece of wearable art. The most brilliant part? It is made from plastic that is heat sized. In layman's terms...shrinky dinks!! Unexpected. Unconventional. Ingenious. And, absolutely guaranteed to be a conversation starter and smile inducer. See more of her amazing talent at www.wedreamincolor.com. Read more:Jewelry
Check out my Glow 1970-01-01 00:59:59 I have tried almost every blushing gel that is on the market, and my favorite by far is this Cheekgel by I Nuovi cosmetics. Using either your fingertip or a makeup sponge, you only need a tiny dab to achieve a totally natural "just got back from a run" glow. It is very moisturizing and glides onto your skin. Best of all, it is streak-resistant and doesn't dry the second you put it on your skin, so you can easily blend it on your skin without having a splotch of clown-like color on your cheeks. Priced at $16, this will last you forever. Available in two colors, rosy and blush, at www.inuovi.com. Read more:Check
Ship To Shore 1970-01-01 00:59:59 As an attorney, it is important to look professional. But, when work is done, I like to make the effort to express my personal style and wear things that are a little more funky. The original, one-of-a-kind dresses, tops and skirts, like this cotton and screenprinted mesh A-line dress, are hand-crafted by R. Brooke Priddy of Ship to Shore
and are exactly what I look for to add that creative edge. Not interested in mass producing her designs, each item is available in limited edition quantities and is removed from the "rack" once it is sold and replaced by something new and unique. Priddy also welcomes the opportunity to create custom pieces, and her gallery is filled with examples of her amazing talent. Check out her designs and her really cute website at www.shiptoshoreshop.com.
Arme a Loving it! 1970-01-01 00:59:59 Jack & Marjorie, a really cool and modern accessories line from Canada, features the talents of Meghan Parsons and Manuel Opp. Combining military surplus materials such as wool blankets, ground sheets, parashutes and webbing, with more feminine elements such as vintage lace, silk, brocade and buttons, they create unique yet functional handbags and accessories. From the current collection, I am loving this Henrietta bag which is handcrafted from vintage olive army surplus blankets and butter-soft lambskin. The addition of the floral brocade and accent buttons is such an unexpected and beautiful touch! See more of their handbags at www.jackandmarjorie.com. Read more:Loving
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