Janice's Fashion Blog: June 2008

Birthday Wishlist

Now that Halloween is over and (almost) out of mind, it has occurred to me that my birthday is only a week away. While I frequently (more like constantly) say aloud "I want that," I'm currently drawing a blank when asked the question "What do you want for your birthday?". So it's time to narrow down the mighty and vast list of what I'm lusting after.

1. A low-key birthday party with my closest friends, thrown by someone other than myself. I've always wanted someone to throw me a party and nobody ever has. It would be so glorious to just be able to kick back and have fun on my birthday without the stress of planning a party for myself.

2. A Flickr pro account.

3. Vintage dresses in fall tones.

4. A subscription to NYLON magazine.

5. A manicure.

6. Slouchy berets and beanies.

7. A gift card to Best Buy.

8. An ice cream cake.

9. A bottle of Yago Sant'gria.

10. As long as I'm being completely unrealistic, I'll take one of these too.

2 weeks old!

Here she is, little no name beauty, at 2 weeks old. Her eyes are open and her nose is starting to turn black. She's already looking so much bigger. Only 5 weeks and 6 days to go until we get her!

Sunday, June 29, 2008

Victoria Secret Has Unique Bathing Suits

There are so many fabulous bathing suits out there, but most of them bore me to death. Yes a solid colored bathing suit is a classic chic look, particularly a red, black, white, metallic or military green suit, but I want to see something with a little more something.

A winner I recently found is this cream 50’s inspired two-piece with a touch of the nautical. Very inventive and available at Victoria’s Secret. I am not sure how flattering this suit would be on the not so thin, but I would love to find out.

If anyone would like to send me links to any fabulous, interesting or unique bathing suits, please post them in a comment.

Saturday, June 28, 2008

Jewelry Bargains at Ross-Simons

Ross-Simons, a trusted jeweler by over 4 million customers since 1952, offers a fabulous collection of jewelry that sets the standard for exquisite design. Their jewelry experts work hand-in-hand with artisans from around the world to bring you the most extraordinary styles at exceptional prices.

Multi-Gem Compass Ring In 14k Yellow Gold

Blue Topaz, Peridot, Amethyst, and Citrine around a 3.2 carat Citrine cabochon.

North, south, east and west: all points are colorfully covered with .75 ct.

Set in embossed 14k gold.

$199.75

Cultured Pearl Dangle Earrings In 14k Yellow Gold

Freshwater pearls are housed safely in 14k yellow gold cages.

$106.25

14k Yellow Gold Graduated Wide Laser Cut Band

A wide band of 14k yellow gold with a contemporary edge.

Laser cuts create a modern hatch-work pattern.

Dimensions: 5/8"

$212.50

14k Yellow Gold Engraved Heart Locket

A graceful floral motif frames a pretty engraved heart on this heart-shaped locket.

On a fine 1 mm rope chain with spring-ring clasp.

Set in polished 14k yellow gold.

$165.75

Diamond Braided Band In 14k Yellow Gold

Luxe brushed-finish plait of 14k yellow gold.

Edged top and bottom with .10 ct. diamonds.

Band measures 1/2" in width.

$420.75

Multi-Gem Bangle Bracelet

4.10 ct Amethyst, Citrine, Peridot, Blue Topaz, and Garnet.

In multi-shaped bezels dot a textured vermeil bangle.

18k Gold-plated Sterling Silver.

Slip-on.

$85

Mother-Of-Pearl and Hammered Disc Earrings In 14k Yellow Gold

Plenty of glow with hammered 14k gold circles.

Mother-of-Pearl discs.

Hanging length: 5/8"

Clutch/posts backs.

$148.75

Yellow Gold Textured & Smooth Geometric Pendant

Bark-textured diamond shape drops from its glossy, curved counterpart.

Rope 1mm chain with spring-ring clasp.

Bold and graphic in 14k gold.

Fits chains up to 7mm.

Hanging length: 2 5/8"

$276.2575

14k Yellow Gold Fanned Oval Loop Earrings

Three loops of lustrous 14k yellow gold with a triple-ribbed clasp.

Hanging length 3/4"

Post closure.

$191.25

Tiger's Eye & 14k Yellow Gold Bar Bracelet

Polished bars of tiger's eye.

14k gold geometric links.

Box clasp.

$505.75

14k Gold Scroll Motif Dome Ring

Swirling scrolls sweep over this shimmering dome ring.

Ring measures just over 1/2" in width.

$212.50

14k Dot Detail Hoop Earrings

Velvety satin-finished hoops.

Bright polished dots.

Snap-bars.

3" long.

$199.75

Have a great week!

Maggie

See full article.

Related Entries:

Matisse Designs' New Jewelry Collections - 03 September 2006

Jewelry Bargains at Amazon.com - 04 November 2006

Jewelry Stocking Stuffer Bargains - 28 November 2007

Designer Jewelry Bargains - 20 April 2008

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Emeralds, Rubies, and Sapphires

Part of the new Spring Collection from Cluny Grey features precious emeralds, rubies, and sapphires in bracelets and necklaces in which they are mixed with goldfill, sterling silver, and sometimes lampwork beads. Not long ago I received a shipment from Hong Kong with ruby and emerald slab beads that are about an inch long - they're marvelous! It's great to work with precious gemstones that are not miniscule, and because of their size, these precious stones are perfect with the lampwork beads that otherwise dwarf the little gemstones. The emerald bracelet above features the borosilicate and ruffled lampwork beads of Lynn Nurge; they blend beautifully while adding a little extra to the emerald bracelet above. I love this bracelet because it is such an eclectic mix of emeralds: some are smooth pebbles, some faceted and clear, a large slab is the focal of the main strand of the bracelet, and tiny little faceted rondelles (of good quality) shine in the second, smaller strand. I am fond of mixing qualities of gemstones also as you can see since the emeralds range from clear to opaque. I do the same thing in the emerald necklace that you see below; the lampwork beads are also from Lynn Nurge (a favorite lampworker).

The unique bracelet that you see below, "The Veiled Dancer", is a mix of precious gemstones: emeralds, rubies, and sapphires. This is one of the Raj Collection bracelets, influenced by the time that I spend in India, and features goldfilled beads, toggle and charms and just one focal lampwork bead that mixes the colours of green, red, and blue - the perfect match!

The last bracelet here is a departure from my usual bracelets since it is a beaded bangle sapphire bracelet created from sterling silver wire, opaque sapphires in a rice shape and a rather large mother of pearl flower with a beautiful nacre. The flower's center is a faceted rondelle (about 4+ carats) sapphire (also opaque).

It is officially Spring! Watch the Cluny Grey Jewelry website as we add more of the Spring Collection almost daily.
To my readers in Estonia, Finland, Norway, Denmark, and Sweden - I hope that wildflowers will be blooming soon!