Thursday, February 28, 2013

Seriously Addicted

I am seriously addicted to the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon!  I know I'm late to the party but at least I finally made it!! 

I cannot recommend this series enough.  It has adventure, strong women, romance, real men(!), history, and "take me away" fantasy reading.  If you are an ultra-feminist you may not appreciate the story line but if you want something that will take your mind off of every day worries this is the book series for you.

I read for enjoyment and relaxation.  The Outlander series is just for pleasure.  I just finished the first book in the series Outlander and I've started the second Dragonfly In Amber

Give it a try.  Everyone should have a little innocent fun!

photo:  www.mammarake.com

Spring? Is that You??

The old saying "spring is in the air" seems silly in March.  Looking out my office windows proves the saying is on spot rather than silly.  Walking outside I can feel the change in temperature, the thawing, and rebirth all around.  The plants are awakening and blooming.  The birds are chirping and nesting.  Best of all, I find myself to be in a much better mood.

Truly spring is around the corner for most of the country.  Some folks are struggling with continued winter storms.  For them I hope the arrival of spring will be a much deserved blessing and respite.


photo:  Tammi Young



As proof the northern hemisphere is emerging from a deep slumber, the fruit trees -- especially pear, plum, and nectarine -- are erupting into blossom.  It is a magnificent gift to see rows upon rows of these trees spring to life.  It is almost like the animated orchestration of spring. 

The burst of life in nature always inspires me to create something new and beautiful.  This year I am obsessively focused on weddings, chic lines, and simplicity.  Weddings are beautiful whether an intimate affair to a large celebration.  I appreciate the act of committing to another human being and creating a bond stronger than any other in life. 

I also love the beauty of a wedding.  I'm a gal who loves fashion, sparkles, diamonds, and glitz!  Many of my wedding-inspired pieces of late are constructed using cubic zirconias, silver, gold, soft and classic colors.  I especially love the crystal pearl bracelets and necklaces in the shop French Robin Designs!



French Robin Designs
Amethyst Cubic Zirconia Dangle Earrings  http://www.etsy.com/shop/frenchrobindesigns


Grey & Platinum Crystal Pearl and Cubic Zirconia Bracelet http://www.etsy.com/shop/frenchrobindesigns

Champagne & Cubic Zirconia Gold Dangle Earrings http://www.etsy.com/shop/frenchrobindesigns
 


To that end I've been following wedding blogs.  I just can't get enough of the dresses, decor, and food.  I enjoy visiting Style Me Pretty and Project Wedding to see wedding fashions and decor.  If you or a friend have an upcoming wedding check out these blogs for great ideas and resources.  Of course, my go-to resource is Etsy.  Many vendors are available to provide customized wedding items.  Resources include helpful blogs and links. 
 
 






 
Photos: Katie Young
 
Spring is also indicative of gardens and fresh vegetables.  I am already planning my vegetable garden, where the new trees will be planted, and how many roses to add to my rose garden!  I am ready to start adding to the beauty around me.  I think I will start with a tulip tree (below) like the one my grandmother had in her yard.  A snowball tree will be added somewhere too - just for Grandma. 
 


Photo: Tammi Young
 
 

 Happy planting to all.  As nature is a demonstration of beauty and life so is art.
 
Au Revoir!  Tammi
 
 

”Making”Making the World Cuter


Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Sparkly Gems, Diamonds, Stunning Oscars Jewelry

The gowns at the 2013 Oscars were fabulous.  No gown, however, is complete without the perfect accessories including jewelry.  The 2013 Oscars accessories were a feast for the eyes!  The predominate trend for earrings were simple and sophisticated with some statement earrings here and there.  Necklaces were either simple or statement pieces of diamonds and gems.  While bracelets were seen on almost all the stars. 

I love that the stars embraced their accessories to compliment their looks.  I also love that many of the jewelry pieces can be found for much less than the original cost.  Of course, they won't be made with $2.5 million in diamonds but the look can be found to complete your own outfit perfectly.  French Robin Designs

Many of the pieces shown were simple and sophisticated which makes them also very versatile.  Pretty bangle bracelets work with professional attire or jeans.  The same is true for delicate drop or stud earrings.  The long, sexy necklaces of the night can be worn to do errands wrapped twice or long and sleek for an evening out.  And statement earrings are a staple and go without saying!


Let's check out some of the stars best jewelry choices.
 

Jennifer Lawrence was stunning in her Dior gown.  The perfect finishing touches were Chopard strand necklace and lovely dangle earrings.  Her necklace was FABULOUS!  Long, sleek, and sexy in shimmering jewels.  These simply chic accessories can easily transform to a day look.


movies.yahoo.com
 Similar pieces can be found at French Robin Designs.  Keep an eye out for that necklace in the shop!
 

Anne Hathaway's gown was either a hit or miss for most.  But her Tiffany & Co. jewels were spot on!  I love the way the necklace drapes down the back. 
movies.yahoo.com


A stunning Oscar de la Renta gown worn by Amy Adams is complimented with delicate and shimmery gems by Moa.  Perfect combination.

thefashionwire.com
 
Stunning drops similar to Amy's at French Robin Designs


I loved Octavia Spencer's Tadashi Shoji gown.  Her amazing Lorraine Swartz earrings knocked my socks off.  I love the gemstone dangles.  I'm always on the look out for tassle anything.  I LOVE these earrings!  They will look amazing in other semi-precious gemstones, cubics, or chain.  I must put some in the shop French Robin Designs

movies.yahoo.com



Jennifer Garner's vintage 200kt diamond necklace from Neil Lane was a knock out!  This is one way to wear a statement piece.  She paired the necklace with simple drop earrings.  Perfection!
movies.yahoo.com



Zoe Saldana's earrings are beautiful drops of diamonds and pear shaped pearls from Neil Lane. 

stylefrizz.com

I'm currently working on pretty pearl drops.  Similar earrings to Zoe's French Robin Designs



Jennifer Aniston was stunning is her coral red gown.  Her jewelry was an amazing compliment.  She wore gems from Fred Leighton.
movies.yahoo.com



Charlize Theron's bracelet is a stunning Harry Weinsten piece. 
photos.nj.com


I think the awards season proves the perfect accessories finish any outfit.  Take a cue from the stars, use their jewelry as inspiration to find the perfect pieces for your wardrobe.  Consider customized pieces using crystals, semi-precious gemstones, and faux pearls. 

Wear your jewelry with confidence knowing you are making a statement about yourself and displaying a piece of art. 

Any look is possible with inspiration! 

Au Revoir!

Monday, February 25, 2013

Lights, Camera, Action! Oscars 2013 Fashion

Admit it.  You watch the Academy Awards for the gowns, hair, jewelry, and makeup -- not to find out who wins.  It's like watching the Superbowl for the commercials.  We all do it... we just don't admit it.  The 2013 Oscars featured fashion trends of soft hues, feminine shilouettes, futuristic twists, updos, and simply beautiful jewelry.  

Love, Love, Love!

Soft hues, sparkles, and updos dominated the red carpet.  By far the most captivating gown was Jennifer Lawrence in Christian Dior.  It was a chic and sophisticated interpretation of the princess gown.  Her jewelry was simple and dazzling -- a perfect compliment to the dress.


www.redcarpet-fashionawards.com
 

I loved Charlize Theron in Christian Dior.  Is it possible for Charlize Theron to be more sophisticated, glamorous, or statuesque?  This gown hugs her body and then drops softly into the train.  And her hair was amazing!  Not every woman can wear a pixi cut like this but Charlize makes the short cut look sophisticated and sexy.

http://www.glamour.com

I am so happy Jennifer Aniston finally wore something other than black!  Her Valentino gown was stunning!  The color was beautiful against her skin and made her glow.  I wish she had done an updo or low pony for her hair -- just something a little different.  Regardless of her hair style choice she was magnificent.


 
 
 
Beautiful fashion surprises were worn by Zoe Saldana in a stunning white and grey Alexis Mabille and Naomi Watts in a futuristic grey Armani Prive.  These two gowns were wonderful examples of fashion contrasts; Zoe in a soft and feminine gown and Naomi in a sleek, futuristic-cut out gown.  They were both fantastic!  Also love the contrasting hair.  Zoe wore her hair long and sleek off the shoulders.  Naomi rocked a beautiful updo. 
 
both photos:  www.glamour.com
 
 
To see more Oscar 2013 Fashion visit:  Oscar 2013 Fashion Fun
 
I can't wait to talk about the 2013 Oscar jewelry!  Oscar Style Jewelry