Pearls: From the Office to Happy Hour

The Right to Bare Arms! Remove your suit jacket and show off your bare arms by taking your long, chocolate pearls from around your neck and wrap them around your wrist for a bold, trendy look. At the office this type of style can get in the way when you’re typing or making a presentation, but after work, it’s a total eye-catcher as you sip your fashionable drink or are introduced to new, interesting people!
Chain Gang! Stuff your long, rocker-style chains in your purse and throw them on after work with your pearls and you’re ready for tonight’s mixer. While you show off your chic, trendy side, your pearls highlight the softness of your face against the night lights of the city and you’re seen as instantly classic, sexy and vibrant!

Largely Inappropriate! The larger the better, right? Well, with pearls, that can be true! Put your largest pearls on first, closest to your neck, with your smaller, longer ones on next,…draping all the way down to your navel! Draws the eyes,…doesn’t it? (Caution – this is a complete no-no at work – save it for after hours!)

Time to Get Colorful! Stuffy white pearls (which are so classic and essential to your every day style, don’t get us wrong!) look fabulous all dressed up next to colorful gemstones and wild metals. Wear your ‘halter style’ top with your cardigan and “stuffy whites” at the office and then ditch the cardigan in your bag and mix it up by throwing on your ultra-rich “Tahitian” colored pearls and blackened metal chain mixed with natural, chunky gemstones such as labrodorite, smoky quartz or amethyst! Bold, colorful and chic!
Rich and Good Looking! Great combination,….with,…um,…jewelry! Punch up your after work style by taking that long, single strand of pearls and throwing on some gold chains, a pearl and gold cocktail ring and some large, gold and pearl hoops for an extraordinarily warm and rich look!

Until next time,
Cheers,
~Shel~

Style Envy Has What You Want!!

One of our favorite sites on the web is Style Envy! It's a must stop for great deals, fabulous steals and 'gotta haves'!

We caught up with Lorraine, who's the creator of this great "Go-To" site, and asked her to share the scoop with us!

Lorraine, tell us a little about yourself.

I’ve always expressed myself best through the visual arts, writing, and fashion. When I was in high school I used to dress in my own unique way. My dad worked for a NY designer and I had access to clothing that a typical teenager wouldn’t necessarily wear. I loved redesigning the stuff he gave me by cutting, sewing, and adding decorative details that were more in line with my personal style.

I became a go-to person for fashion advice. Friends and co-workers asked me to shop with them or recommend online shopping resources. I love the look on a friend’s face when they see how great they look in something they would never have thought of trying on.

How did you come up with the concept for Style Envy?

When I was getting my Master’s Degree, I interned for a large cosmetic manufacturer in the area of new product research. I wrote descriptions for new products and surveyed potential customers on their opinions of the products. I love to write so I really enjoyed that part of the job. After several years working for fortune 500 corporations, I decided to combine my love for writing and fashion and created Style Envy.

When did Style Envy first appear on the web?

I started Style Envy in 2003 as a resource for the latest fashion and beauty trends, new designers, and money saving offers. Style Envy attracts an audience looking for lower prices on higher end contemporary designer fashions. Style Envy has sought out and promoted many new designers, provided readers with product reviews, and made Marie Claire’s list of Haute Shopping Sites.

When scouting for designers to feature, products to spotlight and sales to mention, what types of fashion sites do you look at and what specific things do you look for when recommending all of these things to your readers?

I dissect fashion magazines. I look for fashion inspiration in movies, music videos, current events, and art. I am a bit of a trend spotter. I love finding things first and posting them before they become the next big thing. I read sites like Flavorpill, JC Report, Urban Daddy, Style.com, and Lucky Magazine. It’s not only about the products, the architecture of the website matters too. I visit many websites, look through product selection, clarity of images, and sometimes even go through the purchasing process to see how easy/difficult it is.

One of my favorite spots is Net-A-Porter. It’s easy to navigate, houses hundreds of the best designers in the world, and reads like the editorial section of a magazine.

When I come across something or someone that inspires me, I write about it. Hundreds of people have contacted me about putting their products/websites on Style Envy. I do have a discerning eye and select only those I think would be a good fit.

Can readers follow you on Facebook, Twitter or any of the other social networking sites in order to stay up to the minute with all the ‘deals and steals’ you bring us?

Style Envy is on Twitter http://twitter.com/StyleEnvy. I try to diversify on Twitter and not just focus on fashion. I like to share information about things I enjoy like art, food, wine, books, and travel.

What are your favorite picks for spring/summer fashion right now and who’s got the best deals on spring and summer’s latest “must haves”?

There are a few spring /summer 2010 fashions that will instantly update your look. A striped tunic top. Stripes are big this season and they’re classic. Wear the top with leggings, shorts, skinny jeans. Ruffles are still big. I love ruffles, the layered not lacey kind. The tiered, ruffle mini is adorable and looks great with a close fitted striped top and flats. Cage sandals are still big and can go with many looks. My tip is to get a pair with a platform, the extra height in the front balances out a high heel and makes them more wearable. Python in neutral colors. Get a bag, belt, sandals, flats, or platform-peep-toe-pumps. A sequin tank for day and evening. I prefer sequins that are lightly dusted on the garment. It looks so unexpected layered under a blazer or over a button down shirt.

You can find great deals on fashion and beauty at some of my favorite spots. If you’re looking for easy, every day pieces try H&M. I’ve found great t-shirts for $8-$12 with a hint of lycra that help them last. Sample sale sites are a must-shop. I am addicted to Gilt Groupe, and ideeli. Some of my smartest shopping moves were made here. I’ve saved hundreds of dollars. You must be a member to shop there and it’s free to join. Your readers are welcome to join through this invitation. The Outnet.com is where you’ll find items from Net-A-Porter for up to 70% off. Designers for less can also be found on YOOX.com. Your best bargain beauty site is e.l.f. cosmetics for $1. Their higher end studio line is about $5-$10. I’m still amazed how well their products work and how they cost less than a fashion magazine. My favorite is the waterproof eyeliner, mineral blush, and mineral lipstick. E.l.f. always has special offers on top of their already low prices.

Fashion-wise, what styles or trends do you wish would go away and what ones do you wish you could see right now?

Fashion is such a personal thing. There are trends that I would never wear under any circumstance; Harem pants, denim leggings and Lucite jewelry are a few of them. Shoe heights have risen to the point of looking ridiculous. It’s not sexy if you can’t walk with confidence in your shoes.

Sometimes there’s a fine line between trendy and "costumey". When you’re not sure, I think a mirror and an honest friend are your best critics.

What do you see next for Style Envy?  

Style Envy has been exclusively focused on women’s fashions. I recently added a girls section. It is in its beginning stages but I’m looking forward to seeing where it goes. I’d like to offer more fashion tips and personal advice on product selection. When it comes to blogs, I believe in staying true to one thing and doing it well. So many blogs try to be everything to everyone and end up closing down in a year.

What would you like for people reading about your site for the first time to know?

I am open to new ideas and collaborating with writers. I’ve had guest writers in the past. There is a huge untapped pool of talented designers on the internet. I love sharing them with my readers. If you are one and think your designs would be a good fit for Style Envy, please feel free to email me.
I am busy working on a website that will feature my TtV photography. TtV stands for Through the Viewfinder and it’s a style of photography that uses two cameras. An old vintage camera and a modern digital camera. I want to incorporate some of my more fashion related shots into Style Envy. I’ll send you the link to the site when it’s up.

Cool - we can't wait!!

Until next time,
Peace, Love and Great Shopping!!
Cheers,
~Shel~

Our Summer Picks for Jewelry

We're ready for summer - you?  Here's our picks for summer fun with your jewelry!

Okay - Pearls, first (of course, right!?!)

Wear pearls mixed with chains for a light and airy feel. Pearls mixed with chain and other stones are so hot right now! Long, short, either way is fine, just make sure it compliments your outfit and doesn't over power it. Too much is never a good thing,....really,......even with pearls!


Color - Summer always seems to burst with color so layering on some Gold, Silver, Copper and even base metal brass chains are sure to keep this color thing in check for quite awhile. Mixing in some natural stones, some clear quartz (which is ultra hot again folks!) is always a great way to show off or liven up those colors you love wearing!

Speaking of color, THE HOT COLOR for summer(and possibly fall if you ask us) is TURQUOISE - yep, Turquoise. We said it a bit earlier this year and it's true - and oh so lovely. Living in Arizona we see not only the color turquoise a lot, but the actual stone as well, and it's anything but drab and old!  Try mixing some neutral colors with your tuquoise jewelry and then adding a punch of deep red, lively lime green or punchy peach - it'll make your summer designs pop with color and spunk.

Summer screams silver to us here at MiShel Designs - light, airy designs in silver that you can wear during the day and easily take into the hot, sizzling nights are a must have!   Try some silver bangles, silver stackable rings and awesome silver hoops or other eye-catching earrings - they'll take you effortlessley from your fun lunch with the girls to that special night out on the town with style and sophistication!

Lighten up and have fun with your jewelry this summer - it's easy, it's fun and it's beautiful!

Until Next Time,
Peace, Love and Great Summer Jewelry!!
Cheers,
~Shel~



Happy Mother's Day

On the night before Mother's Day I wanted to send a shout out to all the Mama's out there who do so much for their families and yes, their friends, too!

I enjoy being a mom and feel I'm blessed with an amazing child. To me, being a mom is one of the best things in the world!!
A month before my 4th birthday, I lost my Mom to cancer. I don't remember my Mom,...not really. I remember all the wonderful stories my brothers, sister and my Aunts have told me through the years about her and believe I missed out big time on knowing an amazing woman. (That's me over there sitting on my Mama's lap with my brother's and sister)

I can't complain though because I have a step-mom, who, although we didnt' really see eye to eye when I was growing up, was the mom I was dealt and believe she did a pretty good job of teaching me the things I needed to learn and I have her to thank for many things.

I also have some 'stand in' moms,....

There's my sister, Marsha, my sister-in-laws, Cheryl and Jeanie, my friend, Gwen, and my Aunt Ruby, Aunt Doris and Aunt Peg. And then there were my friends mom's, who I called Mom just like they did.

Sadly, some of these women have passed as well, but I still think of them and remember them with gratitude tomorrow,...Mother's Day.

So, for all the Mom's who have, or had, children of their own and for all the "Moms" who've been there when you needed a shoulder, when you needed a good talking too, or when you just needed a Mom's point of view - Thank You!

Happy Mother's Day!

Until Next Time,

Peace, Love and Great Mama's!!

Cheers,
~Shel~


MiShel Designs May Day Give-A-Way!

Okay - we have our winners for our May Day Give-A-Way that was posted on our MiShel Designs Facebook Fan Page.

Lezli Goodwin
Roma
Erin Harris

Congrats to all our winners and everyone have a fantastic May Day!!

Winners: Please notify me with a private message on facebook or via email at shel@asicj.com with your mailing info so I can pop a pair of pretty earrings in the mail to you!

Until Next Time,
Peace, Love and Pearls Baby!!
Cheers,
~Shel~


Artbeads: Blogging for Spring

Yes, Spring is finally here!  It's everywhere right now and it's lovely! Spring means my rose garden is full of the most beautiful roses I've ever seen - and their smells are heavenly!  When artbeads announced that it's next assignment for bloggers was "Spring" - well I couldn't pass up the opportunity to use these gorgeous roses as my inspiration. 

Searching Artbeads.com for beads in soft colors to match my roses was easy,....choosing which ones I actually wanted, wasn't!  I love pearls - being the pearl geek that I am - and they also put off a soft glow, just like my roses.  I wanted to give the Swarovski Crystal Pearls a chance this time too, since they come is such great colors, so I chose both  freshwater, cultured pearls and some Swarovski's, too.  The cultured, freshwater stick pearls I chose arrived and I was a tad bit disappointed with them because they all didn't have the great luster and sheen that I'd hoped for and there were a few 'dark black' patches in the nacre (yes, I'm pretty critical when it comes to grading cultured pearls!!) but over all, they were better than some I've seen at many other stores. They really did bring a more natural and organic feel to my necklace and like the actual roses themselves, they were not with out blemishes, and sometimes that's what makes things so beautiful and special - because they're not absolutely perfect!


I decided I wanted a hand knotted necklace this time and found the perfect color of griffin silk to knot my pearls on. To liven the piece up a bit, I needed some sparkle and what better way to say sparkle than with a few Swarovski crystals!  And, I needed a clasp that was bursting with style for my spring design, and I found this star shaped toggle clasp to be the perfect match! 

I chose to do a sort of "tin-cup" style of knotting so the emphasis would be on the beads themselves and I also wanted make the necklace long enough to wrap around and wear it as a double strand - or you can just wear a simple tank and have one long, luscious necklace!

The end result is quite romantic - like love in bloom I guess you could say.  The necklace itself is a respresentation of things gently awakening in spring,...waiting to bring forth the more vibrant summer energy!

Until next time,
Peace, Love and all things SPRING!
cheers,
~Shel~
The items specifically referenced from ArtBeads.com were provided free of charge as promotional gifts for review and/or design partnership purposes only.
No monetary compensation has been provided.

Digging Deep!

As I was reading Art Biz Blog I came across an interesting question and since it made me stop and think, I decided it would be a good question to pass along and find out your thoughts.

The originial piece can be found here: Deep Thought Thursday: Commissioned art
Here's what it asks, "Is commissioned art inherently of lesser quality?"

"Does the fact that you, the artist, must please another person with the work make it less important? Or does it mean that it is somehow tainted, impure?"

Wow, that's sort of deep, I think.  At first I blurted out "NO!"  Then, I thought,..."Well it can, at times, compromise an artist's signature style or way of producing their art." (We're not just talking jewelry designs here either - all forms of art are included in this question.) 

Hmmm,......(Remember that?  "Things that make you go 'hmmm'?) 

Whether you're an artist or a designer, a person who just knows what they like and what they don't, an avid collector of various types of art, a business person, whatever,.......let me know what you think and let's get this discussion going, shall we?

Until Next Time,

Peace, Love and Art In All Forms!!

Cheers,
~Shel~




March Madness Blowout Sale

We're having a March Madness Blowout Sale to make room for some of our new designs which will be added next month - so go check out our ESTY store and click on the "ON SALE NOW" section for some great spring time deals!!

Until Next Time,
Peace, Love and Great Deals, Baby!!
Cheers,
~Shel~

Aquamarine - March's Beautiful Birthstone!!


I love Aquamarine.  Mainly because it's so beautiful, but also because it's my birthstone (lucky me!!) and because of all the properties it's associated with it such as Peace, Courage, Self-Expression, Purification, Intuition, Preparedness and Balance!

From the Latin word aqua marina, meaning 'sea water', it's noted that the first lenses for eyeglasses were cut from it in around 1300. Medieval astrologers believed it had the power to calm the seas, to banish troubles of it's owners (hense the reason ancient sailors took it with them for protection) and to guarantee friendship and justice.

To me, Aquamarine means Calm, Protection, Confidence, Mystery, Creativity, Other Worlds/Dimensions, Love, Peace, Tranquility, Hope, Trust and Beauty.  I guess we all feel different powers of stones and gems as they apply to us. If you'd like to see for yourself what Aquamarine means to you, hold a stone of Aquamarine gently in your hand, close your eyes and let the stone tell you  - and it will! 

It's amazing once we become quiet and are open, what the world will tell us - secets, many secrets - but mostly things we already know somewhere deep with in!

Until Next Time,
Peace, Love and all things Aquamarine Baby!!
Cheers,
~Shel~

Wanna Smile?

Sometimes we're given things in life that we just don't know what to do with - illness, loss, pain, challenges, people, you name it,.....but there's some people who always, no matter what, seem to produce the best "Lemonade" ever out of all they are dealt.....

My niece, one of my MiShel Designs Models, is a good example.

Her blog, "Lymphomania" is a tribute to her life during her bout with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. It's genuine, heartfelt, upbeat, quirky and absolutely a "feel good" blog - so please, if you want to see what those with true strength are made of, read it - you won't be sorry!

Here's little quip from last week (she writes daily):

"At the bottom of the picture the man says “We live as if we are never going to die, and we die as if we never lived! I WILL live as if i am never going to die, I live each day to its fullest and even in my darkest of days try to find the one little light to pull me out but I REFUSE to die as if I never lived…because when I get to that point in my life I will know I have lived, and I have loved and I have enjoyed everyday to its fullest!"

She's got a great sense of humor as she goes through her treatments and actually cheers up folks who are in the same boat, gives homeless people her girl scout cookies, tell's men w/testicular cancer "good luck w/your balls" and talks regularly about 'poop'......it's a hoot and a real soothing read. So, cleanse your palate and see for yourself!



Until Next Time,
Peace, Love and LIFE, Baby!!
Cheers,
~Shel~