Novica Update

I know I'm sorely remiss in getting this update post up, but what can I say -- life gets in the way sometimes!

Actually this is perfect timing if you're starting to think about the holidays and unique gifts. I do suggest you order early from Novica, as most of these items are coming from far-flung locales and can take a while to arrive in time for gift giving. I opted for some jewelry as I was in need of some nice everyday earrings, but there are so many categories to choose from that it boggles the mind!

I was really happy with the customer service, my orders went out right away. And the quality can't be beat for items created by small artisans. In all, my experience was great and I plan to do some holiday shopping real soon!

Now what you really want to see, the items I chose:

I was in the mood for something a bit tribal, but I also needed some new hoops. These fit the bill nicely.

I loved the spike look to these and they suit me perfectly!

In closing, I'm very happy with everything from the fine craftsmanship, to the inclusion of info on the artist, to Novica and what they are contributing to helping artisans get themselves out of poverty and provide for their families.

Cheers!

Disclaimer: I was provided with a gift certificate to try their service. My honest opinion was related, and I will be purchasing in the future due to their fabulous selection, service, and most of all what they are doing to help those less fortunate than ourselves.

Novica and National Geographic Bring you Artison Items from Around the World

I was recently contacted by the lovely people of Novica asking me if I would like to write about their incentive which is in conjunction with National Geographic. They have so many items from artisans all over the world, handcrafted to bring you the best the world has to offer.


Upon checking out their site (I am very picky about who I write about and not all PR's are of the same ilk) I was pleasantly surprised to find a wide variety of gifts, jewelry, art, clothing, and more. If you have preference for a certain country's artisans, you can choose the area you're most interested in. Say you're a huge fan of Mexican jewelry, just click under "jewelry" then "Mexico" and all the jewelry crafted by artisans in Mexico will show up for you to peruse.

The other incentive Novica has is called "Novica Artisan Loans" also called "Microfinance" (http://microfinance.novica.com/ as well as an FAQ: http://microfinance.novica.com/faq/) an incentive they came up with to help artisans who wouldn't be able to obtain loans through banks, etc. If you'd like you can make a loan to specific artisans,and each one tells what they need to grow their business. It's a wonderful way to know you're helping mall businesses grow worldwide, and hopefully get themselves out of poverty.

Novica was so kind as to offer me a gift certificate to try out the service.And what a difficult time I had choosing from the many beautiful hand-crafted items. You'll have to wait until my items arrive to see what I choose. But here are just a few categories you can choose from.

Handmade Jewelry: http://jewelry.novica.com/ The list of what's available is exhaustive, and not only beautiful, but affordable. Great for gift-giving.

Unique Gifts: http://unique-gifts.novica.com/ Again you'll find many unique gift items to suit all tastes!

There are many other categories to choose from, these are but a few. Do check it out, I'm sure you'll find something beautiful, and help an artisan grow their business!

Cheers!

Special Wendy Brandes Valentine's Day Sale

Question: What could be better than a Valentine's Day jewelry sale?
Answer: A Valentine's Day sale of scrumptious creations by the inimitable Wendy Brandes!


Wendy will be hosting a Valentine's Day sale on 10 Feb. at Fair Goats and a Goat on the upper east side. The sale is to have Wendy's drool-worthy jewelry up to 50% off regular prices! So if you were planning to treat yourself and splurge on a gorgeous piece of fine jewelry, now is the time to take the plunge. Or if your sweetheart would like to buy you something unique but still in keeping with the tradition of Valentine's Day (not to mention much healthier for you than candy!) make sure to not so subtly send them the link!

If you're planning to attend, please RSVP to Libby at: Libby at lschmitz@rmtprmanagement.com, or RSVP via Facebook here (at the moment the RSVP feature doesn't seem to be working, but I'm sure that's just a glitch that will easily be fixed.) Because she's just that type of person, Wendy is also extending the sale to those who can't be there. Just email her on 9 Feb. at wendybrandes at hotmail dot com and ask for a list of sale items and prices as the sale pricing will not be shown online. Not all of her line will be on sale, so if you're interested in a specific item make sure to inquire about it. I've got my eye on a few different designs, so this is perfect timing for me. Yippee, I get to wear some yummy new jewelry at LFW! I'm planning to be there, are you?

Cheers!

Mon Idee Fixe: Rings!

I've had an obsession with rings since I was a little girl. I still remember my very first "real" ring, a golden topaz set in gold. When I lost it I was heartbroken. But that didn't stop me wanting more. And lately there are so many amazing custom jewelers doing beautiful designs (and some a bit risque... ahem Miss Wendy Brandes, no worry, you're my kind of gal!)

I recently purchased a few custom rings from the lovely Etsy seller, Renee Andriole. She hand makes the rings to fit your whichever finger you like and the designs are simple and elegant with a definitely tough-girl edge! Right up my alley. Queen Michelle turned me on to her and we both purchased the "sickle" ring. J'adore!

Photo by Rene Andriole in sterling silver Sickle Ring

My past life as a lingerie designer as well as "exotic wear" (we joke that since I'm a direct descendant of Betsy Ross, she's probably rolling in her grave -- the flag to g-strings? heehee!) her other design entitled "corset" really appealed as well. Renee is great to work with, as I didn't care for either the silver or gold lacing, and asked if she could do a gunmetal lacing. It came out not only unique, but totally me.

Photo by Renee Andriole, Corset Ring in sterling silver with Silver Lacing

A little about Renee in her own words "A little about me, originally from NY, then Miami, and now in Los Angeles. I'm a jewelry designer and artist. I studied fine art in Miami with a focus in small metal work. My medium is metal and I work mostly with sterling silver and create unique edgy designs that are as ever-changing as my mood. Everything is handcrafted by me from my studio here in Los Angeles California.
Life is a constant ebb and flow of contradictions and juxtapositions and living is riding it all out without going crazy. What do you do with all the crazy? I let it all out in the creation of things, with no rules, just crazy.....I get to just make it all up. And the design changes constantly like life, it's never what you expect..."

Wendy Brandes does what I would consider slightly more high-end jewelry with a definite sense of humour! A brief piece from her bio says "Wendy Brandes is strongly influenced by the stories of fascinating women, whether they lived in the 16th century or the Swinging '60s. She creates pieces that are bold and eye-catching, yet feminine and organic. Mechanical pieces that open and close, unscrew or twist are her specialties."

I'm completely enamoured of her "swear" rings. My potty mouth is enough to make a sailor blush, so perhaps I could just flash those rings instead?

Photo From Wendy Brandes, Swear Ring Set of Four, in sterling silver by Wendy Brandes for Christian Francis Roth

I'm also drooling (seriously) over her Onyx skull ring. That is one of the most unique designs I have ever seen. Made from 18K gold, onyx, tsavorites, diamonds. Um won't be purchasing anytime soon, in spite of the fact that I think Wendy used me as inspiration. (only half kidding!)

Photo by Wendy Brandes Onyx Skull Ring (oh please don't make me repeat the glorious that is this ring!)

"Santa Baby, I've been an awful good girl" Screw all that other shit Eartha Kitt asks for, just this will do me fine!

And since this is my damn blog and I'll blog whatever the hell I want in spite of the fact that the title is rings.... Here are two more of Wendy's divine, and humourous designs.

I LOVE Bats! Yes, I'm a bat-shit old lady, and have always loved bats! Lookie here a bat necklace!

Photo by Wendy Brandes Bat Necklace in sterling silver

I told you Wendy had a sense of humour (and an amazing sense of style, sigh.) Here is her "Virginia Wolf Whistle"! Made in gold, it opens to reveal a little wolf with diamond eyes. Best part the whistle really works!

Photo by Wendy Brandes Virginia Wolf Whistle in gold

And lastly one more "what the hell I can do what I want" a gorgeous chain mail bracelet from Renee Andriole. Tough, but something very delicate about it.

Photo by Renee Andriole Silver Chainmaille Bracelet in silver

I do apologize for the lack of photos of my actual Renee Andriole pieces. Camera went on the fritz and I'm waiting with bated breath for the new one to come! Once it comes I think I'll do a little collection post of all my crazy rings!

Links: Renee Andriole: http://www.etsy.com/shop/reneeandriole
Wendy Brandes Queen of the Potty Mouth (I don't care what any asswipe award says): http://www.wendybrandes.com/

If you're looking for unique pieces that will not only illicit compliments but bring great joy to those you gift them to (even yourself!) these fabulous jewelry artists will not disappoint!

Cheers!

Ergy Erg Creative Redesign!

I love getting news of interesting new fashion design ventures, especially when one is employing a creative use of found and recycled materials, and the latest from Ergy Erg is no exception. After having a leisurely perusal of the site, I decided to feature the designs as they are truly one of a kind creations.

I asked Caroline Browne, the creative force behind Ergy Erg to give me a little insight to her design aesthetic and process, and here's what she had to say:

"My ideas are inspired by my love of historical costume – I like to add a touch of theatre to everyday clothing.

I began by collecting vintage jewellery from car boots and some of my vintage pieces were salvaged from a clear out of a local theatre company’s wardrobe. These pieces became my experimental focus for distressing and by contrast dressing up with accessories. My designs are a mix of new and old and tatty but exquisite – a mix of textures and the addition of 3D charms, buttons and brooches add a history and story to the pieces."

When looking at her one of a kind pieces, you can definitely see the theatrical aspect as well as the incorporation of past eras of elegance. The pieces really do seem to have stories to tell when you look closely. My favourites being the jewelry creations with a multitude of charms, and the corset pieces that can easily be worn as belts to spice up any boring old dress or blouse. I'll fully admit that many of these pieces are not for everyone, many people may dismiss them as "tatty", but it is for that very reason that I find them intriguing. To me, its as if they withstood some good old fashioned messing about in the theatre or nightclubs and came out victorious! For me, they evoke a sort of gypsy spirit of collecting the local trinkets found on one's many journeys and incorporating them into your wardrobe. Perhaps its just my punk aesthetic that gets the best of me when it comes to the deconstructed look? Regardless, my curiosity and interest were and are piqued!

Teacup Safety Pin Brooch Price: 15 Pounds

Tapestry Corset Panel, Price: 85 pounds

As a bonus to readers of Idee Fixe, mention that you found Ergy Erg through us and get a 5% discount on any item! Happy shopping for something truly one of a kind and unique, and perhaps you too will catch the gypsy spirit!

Cheers!