I Wanted The Best, I Got The Best!

Music is such a huge part of my life. From the moment I became a jewelry designer, I knew that a lot of my designs were going to be inspired by Rock 'n' Roll. But never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be designing for the ultimate rock star! I've been inspired by so many artists and have seen so many great bands live in concert, but I have to say that my all time favorite band is Kiss. I have been a Kiss fan since I was 11. In fact, my very first concert was Kiss back in...nevermind, I don't want to give away my age ;) ...because I want to say that I was 12 at the time and even then, I knew this band was "It"! That night is still one of the greatest of my life! Paul Stanley, Kiss' co-founder, guitarist and starry eyed singer/songwriter, has always been my perfect example of what a rock star should be. Over their 30+ years in the business, Kiss has been through ups, downs and several line-up changes and through it all, Paul has never lost sight of his dreams for long range and long-term success. Because he continues to live by his own rules and refuses to let anyone keep him from his goals or succeeding at what he sets out to do, Paul is and will always be one of my biggest inspirations. And in the world of Rock 'n' Roll, to me, he is God.

I was so very fortunate to have been able to personally deliver a necklace I designed for Paul, entitled "Star Child" - named after his Kiss persona. After my very first Kiss concert, this goes down as the next greatest moment in Kisstory!



Jen & Lisa Loeb in NYC

"Tickled Pink" Necklace by Violet & Blue

The fabulous Lucy Woodward backstage in NYC.
Ivory Cabochon Flower Pendant w/ Pearls from Violet & Blue

Sneak Peek at Spring

If you are like me, you've had it with winter and can't wait for longer days, warm sunshine and sipping cocktails under umbrella covered tables at outdoor cafes.  Spring also brings new trends in clothes and accessories - brighter, lighter fabrics and great pieces to complete your look.  As a designer, I've been following the hottest trends for Spring 2011 in jewelry.  I picked my five favorite trends and decided to create my Spring Collection around them.  Here is a sneak preview of what is in store for Violet & Blue come Spring.

Statement Necklaces
From complex, structural geometric patterns to more colorful and summery designs oversized jewelry will take a variety of different forms in the following season.  Necklaces are the perfect way to create a stronger emphasis on the upper part of the body and to make a simple outfit really stand out. 
From Violet & Blue's Spring Collection
Black, multi-strand necklace with bold blasts of fuchsia.

Blue Green
This color combination is going to be hot this coming Spring and Summer.  It's especially going to be a fun year for blue.  Blue topaz, Aquamarie and Turquoise, together with serene shades of green, will lift the spirit and dress
up your favorite t-shirt and jeans. 
From Violet & Blue's Spring Collection
Large green ceramic heart w/ turquoise mesh covered bead on a simple chain with an antique gold finish.

Tassels & Fringe
Tassels & fringe have already appeared on the runways of  Chanel, Dior and Louis Vuitton this year.  Whether they are 70s inspired tassel earrings or overdone necklaces with a little bits of fringe, this is definitely a trend worth trying this Spring.  If you're looking to wear something completely different than what you are used to, try adding some fringe by way of jewelry.
From Violet & Blue's Spring Collection
Fringed flower pendant/brooch necklace.

White on White
Probably the easiest trend to incorporate into your wardrobe, white is now perfectly complimented with....well, white. Top designers have been showing off shades of bright whites with soft ivory accents.  White also appears in another big trend this upcoming season (see below).  Try wearing a white on white necklace with an all black outfit to incorporate two trends in one outfit.
From Violet & Blue's Spring Collection
White seashell and glass bead necklace.

Black & White
This has to be my favorite trend of the season.  This classic combination can be worn in big statement pieces and more simple designs.  Try incorporating black & white with bold colors in your wardrobe like red and yellow.
From Violet & Blue's Spring Collection
Black and white charm bracelet.


All of these designs and the rest of Violet & Blue's Spring Collection 2011 will be available starting next month.  For shopping information, please visit Violet & Blue's website.

Modern Day Betty Crocker

cute designs for clutzes like me :)

The last few Sundays I've had the best time making brunch for friends, but one thing that's inevitable is at some point I ruin another article of clothing from splatters or getting soaked because I somehow can't comprehend the kitchen sink. 

Anyway, I've been saying that I needed to get an apron, even though I thought aprons when out with poodle skirts.  But, I was so happy to find a huge selection of fabulous designs that I would definitely wear proudly!  I searched Etsy and have picked out a few favorites and even purchased a couple.  I love to cook for love ones, but I would like to save some shirts too.  I admit it - I'm not graceful in the kitchen. But I do make a mean waffle. :) 

Shopping Guide
top apron
4 Tier Apron by funandflirty on Etsy
bottom row, left to right
Green Gardens One Hundred Percent Cotton Apron by apronsgonewilde on Etsy
Time to Cook - Retro Clocks Full Adult Chef Apron  by HandmadeWhimzy on Etsy

Beach Dot Classic Reversible Adult Apron by luckyduckydesigns on Etsy

Check Out Them Hooters!



Vintage owl necklace
 from Rhiannon's Garden
www.rhiannonsgarden.etsy.com

Aside from making jewelry, I am an avid collector of vintage jewelry.  In scouring the area for vintage gems and doing some research, a continuous trend I've found to be hot hot hot is owls.  Extra long, antique gold and silver finished chains, adorned with these cute little creatures, are flying (no pun intended) out of the doors of many antique shops and dealers worldwide.  In fact, I've sold several of these critters on my Etsy vintage shop.  Bloggers have taken to the internet reporting about everything from owl clothing to owl wall decals.  I'd much rather focus on the jewelry.  :)  I have to say that I am loving this trend.  What do you guys think?  Give a hoot?

Designing for a Pop Icon

I love creating custom designs, but designing something for one of my childhood idols was an absolutely amazing experience!  Back in December I was fortunate enough to design a necklace for 80's Pop Icon, Tiffany.  Because of our mutual adoration for Stevie Nicks, I named the necklace I created "Gypsy".  It features two tiers of silver chain adorned with black, deep purple and burnt orange Swarovski crystals.


Tiffany & Jen wearing Violet & Blue