Buy Local!

As a small business owner, I find it reassuring that organizations like the Mile High Business Alliance even exist. The purpose of this non-profit? To promote a healthy local economy through locally-owned businesses just like mine. Did you know that money spent at local businesses circulates in our community 3 times more?

The past 4 years they have celebrated Buy Local Week around the holidays and this year's is bigger & better than ever!

Buy Local Week is November 26th- December 3rd!!

We have the holiday shopping guides & buy local BINGO cards here at the store, but for full details, check out http://www.ColoradoLocalFirst.com.

Where you shop does matter!

Falling Whistles

As some of you may remember, back in August, I was in Vegas helping Lindsay Bloom out in her booth at Project. While I was there, I came across a company called Falling Whistles. The proceeds created by the sale of these whistles goes to rehabilitate and advocate for war-affected children in Congo. After hearing the story, I was compelled to order them for the store. I mean, how can you not? Fashion with a cause? It's a no-brainer. Especially when they make awesome necklaces.

Check out http://www.fallingwhistles.com/ for a wonderful and moving introduction to the company. Then take a few minutes and watch this video called Peace is the New Frontier. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TnLo5aiSnI

Give a meaningful gift. To yourself, your loved ones, and the children of Congo.

Jade Art

We recently received a new batch of jade bracelets and so, while the pickin's are still good, I thought I'd share a little background. Jade in asian cultures is the "stone of heaven" and symbolizes love and virtue. The bracelets are meant to be worn on your left wrist, closest to your heart, for good luck, protection, and good health. The macrame work on each bracelet signifies a long life without setbacks. (We could all use a little of that, no?) I should also mention that all these colors mix in great with the olives and mustards so prevalent this fall.

(I want to thank my friend, Casey, who owns Blush next door, for allowing me to use her wrist so I could photograph a few of the more popular meanings hidden in the jewelry.)

This lotus flower symbolizes restoration and renewal. This is the perfect opportunity to point out that all the circles you see in this bracelet and all the others to come represent a full life & energy.

The leaves of this bracelet stand for knowledge and creativity.

Lacking a little romance? It should come as no surprise that the rose symbolizes love.

I love how sweet this bracelet is. Plum blossoms signify resilience and renewal.

And lastly, the drum denotes power and strength. Beauty and braun all wrapped in one.

All the bracelets featured here, plus the cache at the store, are $32. And what might possibly be their best attribute: they're adjustable!!

Fall Foliage Foray

Last weekend, I wanted to take a drive to see all the beautiful fall colors springing up everywhere now that autumn has actually arrived. Now, while I appreciate the fact that Ken is always full of new ideas (well, maybe not at 2 in the morning), I was not necessarily thrilled when he wanted to turn our leisurely drive into a full-on fall foliage foray. I was, however, a bit flattered that he felt he could load the car with an assortment of hedge clippers and nearly dead branches & grasses and feel confident I could turn it into an attractive window display. I, on the other hand, was not so sure. I was convinced by the time we got things unloaded, everything would have already disintegrated. Thankfully he was right. This time.

It was a bit hard to take good photos of it during the day. My skills are limited at best. So I took a few shots in the evening (please excuse the flashes... or maybe they're ghosts! It is close to Halloween after all!).

Primpin' & Preppin'

This past Friday was our first ever Primp & Prep Girls Night Out. We started the night at Violet, enjoying cocktails from Hpnotiq, evening makeup from Lauren & Trish with The Parlour and styling from Ian with shopsmartstyle.com & Ian Gunter Designs. After the fun down here, we moved the party upstairs to Suite 200 where we danced (& drank... responsibly, of course!) the night away. It was such a blast, I know we will have more parties coming soon!

** If you are on Facebook, make sure to find Laura with Hpnotiq- she posted some really great shots from the evening as well!!

Project

As some of you know, I was recently in Vegas for Project. While my main objective was to help Lindsay Bloom in her booth, I did have some time to hunt for some new goodies for the store. I thought I would share a few photos of the lines I picked up:


Deepa Gurnani is a New York based hair accessories designer that launched the line in 2006. Indian-born, she is a master beader that honed her craft for the likes of Alexander McQueen, Fendi, & Ungaro. Each piece is handmade using beads, crystals & vintage fabrics and I can't wait for them to arrive this month.





Ija is a relatively young jewelry line based in Bend, Oregon. At Ija, green is more than a favorite color, it's their way of life. They run the studio on 100% renewable energy, recycle all scrap metal & purchase recycled metals. The lovely line is scheduled to arrive mid-October.





Grayling is designed by Katy Kippen in Portland, OR. As she states, "The heart of my work lies in transforming ancient, vintage and new materials into jewelry that is easily wearable, yet different than pieces commonly seen in stores." I agree! Her jewelry has been on my mind ever since I saw it at the show!

Wouldn't this be lovely?

My family and I were on vacation last week after a quick business trip to Vegas. (More on that to come.) On our drive to San Diego, as I peered through the windows, I whispered, "Wouldn't that make a lovely fall wardrobe palette?" Never one to let a moment pass, Ken urged me to grab the camera. So here you go...

While I understand that it was baking outside, aren't these colors perfect for fall?

Back to the Basics

Basic v-neck & crew neck tees seem to go pretty far in my wardrobe. Whether on their own or peeking out under layers, I reach for them all the time. I know it's still broiling outside, so I brought in some transitional tees in short sleeves. These colors all have me longing for cooler days. (Not cold, mind you, just cooler!)



Crew necks available in camel, black, white, brown & heathered grey.

V-necks available in brown, heathered grey, black & camel.

(Seriously, am I the only one that can't get enough of heathered grey?)

Vintage Layers

As I mentioned in my last post, I have been out scouring for vintage baubles that can be layered for fall. (I know it seems so early to discuss, but the past few evenings have been so cool, fall is coming faster than we think!) I thought I would snap a few shots of some goodies that I recently brought into the store and show you how I threw a few together today for my own wearing pleasure.

These two necklaces I am actually selling separately, but I thought they looked pretty cute together. They're inexpensive, so they make great options for layering with the necklaces you already have in your arsenal. Plus, with all the neutral tones showing this fall, pearls will work right in.





This is the same pearl necklace that I just wrapped around 3 times so you can wear it like a bracelet. I love jewelry that can do double duty!








These are the 3 lovelies that I wore today. While they all have that aged appearance, the middle one is actually a contemporary bracelet. But I love how they all work together. (The smallest of the 3 is missing a couple stones & that makes me enjoy it even more- someone else loved it well before me!)










Here are 2 more examples of what I consider to be great layering pieces. They will mix in with whatever else you've got going on. (Did I mention that they are inexpensive?)

My latest obsession

My latest obsession? Rhinestones. No, not the blinged out version preferred by rappers, but those of the vintage variety. I have plenty set in gold, but I'm finding I'm drawn to those set in silver.



(I realized as I wrote this that I had them in my hair. Completely unintentional... Or not.)

We recently received two necklaces from The Vintage Vanity made from vintage brooches, jewelry, and antique chandelier bits.

I'm loving those crystals that are yellowing and showing their age. (History! Character!) For fall, I'm on the hunt for vintage rhinestone bracelets to layer together or wear on both wrists. Clusters of pins, too. I'll keep you posted on my search and let you know when they're here in the store.