oooooops!  i’m a little late with my monthly hors d’oeuvres!  better late than never.  and i love the delicious things i’m finding this month.  my theme is centered around the color GREY  - as i’m currently loving it as a neutral (instead of black) mixed with pops of color.

Enjoy!

 

1.  Zoe Chen:  applique swan dress.  my goodness!  what a darling, darling dress on it’s own.  then you add the swan and you have something amazing.  $72

2.  Katarina Couture:  gorgeous & charming felted wool cloche.  love cloches this season!  so feminine and mysterious.  i think the pleat makes it.  $118

3.  Mrs. Fat Face:  ooh!  love the bright jade on oxidized silver.  these colors are such a nice contrast of neutral and electric!  so pretty with a nice, basic outfit.  $32

i know many of you are likely thinking about the holiday season (i hope it’s a realllly good one for everyone!).  i know i used to bring in more jewelry items – because men love to buy jewelry for the ladies (and the ladies like to buy it for each other and themselves).  no one has to worry about sizes and fit – and it’s romantic besides.

so if your cases are full and you’re looking for creative ways to display additional merchandise – here are a few tips:

1.  cocktail glasses.  use them from home, flea markets, goodwill or home stores.  they’re lovely for draping a necklace, hanging earrings or filling with pretty beaded things.  light shines through – so everything sparkles!  plus- the right sort of glass adds a festive touch to your displays.

(by the way – these earrings are from J. Balducci - i don’t know if she still makes these – but they’re fab.  check out the rest of her pretties!)

2.  picture frames.  i’m visiting my sister-in-laws in St. Louis as i type and of course i’m checking out the local shops.  i went in one yesterday that had a boat-load of jewelry and they had hot pink baroque frames filled with jewels by each designer laying flat on a table.  i thought this is great if you have the space.  also cute hanging from a wall.  you can use any style of frame that suits your look, paint it any color you like and use cork or canvas or mesh screen to hang your jewels.  cover in a paper for an original look (but try not to make it too busy – you don’t want the jewelry to compete with the paper).

here’s one from a cool site i discovered called Cut Out + Keep:

3.  plastic shapes:  i used to go to Tap Plastics and have them cut blocks of clear lucite into different sized squares.  Carlo – my window wonder man – taught me this trick.  Once you have your blocks, you can cut out paper to fit and tape on the bottom – you’ll see a hint of color through the top and lots of light will shine through.  then you can place one item or small groupings on top – depending on the size and shape.  i love a tiny square with one ring.  very chic, classy and modern.

 4.  beans and bowls.  if you go to your local grocery store, you’ll find a treasure trove of great jewelry display items:  dried peas, white beans, black beans, lentils – you get the idea.  simply fill up a bowl or tray and lay out your lovelies.

that’s all i have for now.  please share your great ideas for jewelry display!

i discovered designer Carolina’s line back when it was Wild Blue Indigo.  i was attracted to her collection because she was always doing something a little unexpected – a little surprise in a sea of sameness.  that still holds true under her new name, Carrie Saxl (this is her cool new name, now that’s she is married).  with darling cut-outs and interesting materials – including a splash of leather – her line is sweet without sacrificing sophistication.

the collection is reasonably priced – and therefore sells very well.  her mixed metals satisfy both gold and silver wearers – and there’s always a splash of color to pop in your case.

some of my favorite pieces from her fall collection include the Arboretum silhouettes (especially the moth – it’s adorable and i love the 3D effect) w/s $42

I’m also a fan of the shadow pendants, which include dyed leather to fill the negative space behind hand-cut patterns.  w/s $40

Need something a little more sexy?  Loving the Shooting Star earrings.  hello rockstar!  w/s $44 (there’s a great necklace with the same name too)

Overall, she creates with modern lines, a heavy dose of organic shapes, and an eye for great design.  a great gal to work with – and her line is easy to sell.  you can’t go wrong!!  Contact Carolina for more info and to place an order.

ps:  here’s a sneak peek of a new collection still in the works.  They include cast pieces (silver and 14K gold) inspired by Rex Ray and Andy Goldsworthy (awesome names, by the by).

the name conjures up something cool, yet fun:  Feisty Elle.  and the product delivers.  vibrant designs, rich colors and unusual materials make this jewelry line from San Francisco stand out in your jewel case.

the felt line caught my attention – as i’ve never seen anything like it.  the designs are laser cut with modern precision – but in delicate, organic forms.  i think this line would appeal to a broad range of clients – and the prices are lovingly affordable (w/s ranges from $12.5 0 – $18).  not only does Leslie work with felt in amazing new ways – but she also does some cool designs in bamboo too.

not sure about trying a new line?  i know the economy is a toughie – but from a consumer POV – i’m personally always on the look out for something interesting and new.  so try them out!  and guess what – the designer, Leslie Yang,  is graciously waiving her opening order minimum(a reasonable $150) for those who mention “the Proprietress” when placing their order.

just got the CB2 catalog today.  of course, my mind is always thinking of how items could be used in a retail situation (can’t decorate the house- it’s just been done) as i fantasize about my next store.  until then – i shall share my ideas with you.  i’ve edited my selections to items under $20.  there are some really cool shelves and i LOVE the acrylic stuff - but they exceed my limit for the post.

1.  tree ring holder - cute, simple way to display a couple of rings and only $7.95.  more interesting than those little “fingers” you find in the jewelry display catalogs.

2.  whirly hanging candle holder:  um YES!  how cute would these be clustered in an area and holding small, precious things?  like bracelets or baby socks or a little card?  it would certainly draw attention.  or even a colorful scarf balled up – a different color in each ball.  super fun.  and only $3.95/each.

3.  ada hanging vase: i’m thinking hang a grouping of these on a wall and add some fun branches with lots of twigs.  then hang necklaces and bracelets and even earrings from them.  it would be very sweet.

4.  cuarto platters:  fill with dried lentilsl, peas, rice – whatever color works best with your decor – and then lay jewelry on top.  the look will be sleek and sophisticated.  and they’re very affordable at $1.95 – $14.95.

5.  dot wall hook:  nice punch of color for hanging the usual:  umbrellas, hats, scarves, handled bags, etc.  i like the modern sensibility with the whimsical color.  $19.95