Philadelphia Craft Show to Feature Amazing Jewelry Artisans

Jewelry to be Featured in the 2010 Philadelphia Craft Show
Various Artists

Founded in 1977, the Philadephia Museum of Art Craft Show has been put on annually ever since.  Make no mistake, this is not your average firehouse/church basement craft show (although those can certainly be charming as well).  Juried artisans from around the world will exibit their one of a kind handmade works of art. 

Proceeds from the craft show benefit the Philadelphia Museum of Art and are used to purchase works of art and craft for permanent collections, to fund conservation and publication projects, and to support exhibitions and education programs. 

Need a better reason to come out if you live in the Philadelphia area?  The jewelry and home decor designers featured in the show are never short of amazing.  This year, it looks like we'll be seeing vibrant colors and a good deal of modern flair - perfect for brigtening these long cold winter days. 

Grab yourself a nice warm coffee on the morning of your show visit and browse the isles full of whimsy and the finer things in life.  The show runs from November 11th through November 14th.  For show hours, visit the show website here.  Crafters, don't forget to check out the demonstration schedule. 

Don't forget to pick up some signature jewels at this year's show - whether you're looking for an alternative investment, or just something that simply expresses your unique style, The Philadelphia Craft Show is certainly the place to look for quality.

Designer Marie-Lise Lachapelle has 'Got The Magic'



Designer Marie Lise Lachapelle
Photography by Emma Cleary - NYC

  Taking a stroll down a certain relatively quiet street in NYC, you're unlikely to suspect what vibrant merrymaking is abuzz just a few feet away from you behind closed doors.  Enter the studio of designer Marie-Lise Lachapelle and you'll see why we say, much like B.O.B. and Rivers Cuomo, she's got the magic.

Objects of beauty, when touched by Ms. Marie-Lise do literally turn into gold, but our love for the creations of Marie- Lise Lachapplle exist for reasons above and beyond the literal.  This Montreal native has that certain something that design savvy jewelry enthusiasts look for in their adornments - true originality and masterful composition.



Earrings from "The Orchids" collection
 Marie Lise LaChapelle

 

Lachappelle officially began her career in jewelry design in 2003 while working as a fashion stylist.  She is a hands on designer who creates each original piece in her NYC studio.  The designer is known for her signature leaf and lacquered flower collections which combine "the most exquisite resources" such as natural gemstones, sterling silver, gold, and vermeil with beautiful leaves and flowers - and well, we were impressed.  Each piece can be customized.

Ms. Lachappelle has told jewelry dose daily that she will reveal [for the very first time this fall] a collection of pieces cast in solid (white/yellow and rose) gold with diamonds. 

Keep an eye out for these crazy amazing pieces by following the jewelry dose daily blog and visiting Marie-Lise's official website.  This isn't the last you'll be hearing about the lovely Marie Lise Lachappelle here.  

We'll be interviewing this gracious designer soon - be a part of it by letting us know what you're dying to know and stay tuned for select questions answered on  jewelry dose daily. 

Jewelry Dose Daily Welcomes the Talented Kaity Stardust!

I'm so proud to announce that Jewelry Dose Daily has signed on the talented Kaity ("Kaity Stardust") as a contributor.  Now our site will be well laced with indie finds from this expert in the fashion indie-stry. ; )  Her contagious spirt, intelligence, and phenomenal eye for discovering new talent will absolutely make your day!  Look out for Kaity's Finds on Jewelry Dose Daily.  I can't wait for her posts!

Read Kaity's bio here!

A Designer Take on This Fall's Plaid Fever

As I mentioned in a post a few weeks ago, Fall 2010 and Spring 2011 will showcase a spectacular influx of traditional plaid fabrics in designer collections.  These lend themselves well to being worn a variety of ways whether punk or subdued casual is your style.  WWD released its report It's a Plaid, Plaid, World back in March to give us an early heads up that we would be seeing plaid in everything from blanket coats (love them) to mini skirts and "everywhere in between," in both menswear and women's wear.  Louis Vuitton, Vivienne Westwood, and Chanel have all included plaid pieces in their upcoming collections.  Knowing that patterns are a major piece of a season's trend, sometimes presents a major challenge to accessories designers, who sometimes feel most free with monochromatic palettes.  Some try to incorporate prints into accessories with a less than desirable result. 

This is certainly not the case for California based designer Andrea Gutierrez, whose artisan cuffs are meticulously hand sewn and assembled from select recycled materials in her Santa Monica studio.  The pictured cuff is a newly released piece in the Warrior Couture collection.  It so eloquently bridges the gap between art, fashion, and this year's plaid trend.  I know women concered with everyday wear as well as those in the world of high fashion will feel empowered (true to warrior form) when wearing this piece which is adorned with antique crystals, carnelian, bamboo, citrine, and smoky quartz.  Can you imagine how much time went into creating this piece?  You can find these cuffs as well as Andrea interacting with fans on the Andrea Gutierrez fan page.

HELP US SPREAD THE WORD - DON'T FORGET OUR PEACOCK OR THE SEAHORSE GIVEAWAY!

Very Sexy Vintage Rings from The Two Phoebes

This morning I found these very sexy rings at The Two Phoebes website and had to do a double take when I saw some of the prices.  Gold estate often costs much more.  The Two Phoebes is a hip vintage and estate jewelry retailer based in New York.  They aren't you're typical throw any old jewelry you can find in a case retailers.  Each piece seems hand picked for its modern relevance.  Here are a few that I love...

Locket Ring in 18K Gold
The Two Phoebes
$750

18 Karate Yellow Gold Stained Glass Estate Ring
The Two Phoebes
$295
(This one is beautiful from all angles and a stunning modern value!)

Poppy Ring in 18k Gold and Blackened Rhodium
The Two Phoebes
$550
(This one has a whimsical organic flair in style and concept - Very Alice, Dorothy, or Bedroom Eyes 60's Chic)

(This one reminds me of Dallas, The Love Boat, or modern Italian style)
Onyx and 14K Gold Cocktail Ring
The Two Phoebes
$650

...anyone have a birthday coming up? ; )

Please don't forget to stay a while and join our PEACOCK/SEAHORSE NECKLACE GIVEAWAY!

Why have watches grown in popularity despite increased cell phone use?

Vocalist Ke$ha shows off her
 Casio Baby G watches

Form follows Function...Fashion Follows...What?

I've felt it creeping up like the sands of time for the past...oh, say, about four years now - watches gaining traction!  Just when you thought they were dead in the water, they've floated to the top of luxury must have lists (gears in tact and everything! ;) 

Has anyone else been a little perplexed by this? Back in the late 1990's when cellular telephones became widely affordable, watches started seem a little uneccessary.  I personally watched the watch shelf space at high end department stores begin to lend itself more and more to clockless jewelry.  Who needs two clocks in a 10 inch radius, right?  Well, this fall's explosion in watch production (timepieces if you're fabulous) by major brands suggests that indeed, we do!

I suppose now that we all have time readily available just a few unlock keys away, the idea of a watch has become even more superfluous...and that by definition, I would contend, is precisely why they have become an even more sought after fashion statement.

Watches from famous brands likely to be best sellers:

Marc Jacobs.
Pirate Miss Marc Watch
175.00 - Bloomingdales

Juicy Couture "J Couture Princess" Watch
95.00 - Bloomingdales

La Mer Collections
130.00 - Bloomingdales

and, let's not forget...
Casio Baby G (Yes, they're back.)  Celebrity vocalist Ke$ha was just named brand ambassador.
79.00 - Bloomingdales

Want to take the trend to the next level of superfluous?  Here's a tip from my last post!

Roman Numeral Clock Purse
http://www.quirkyfinds.com/
...sorry, sold! : )

My grandmother used to pick these up as free gifts at Harrah's down in Atlantic City and give them to me to stash teddy bears in.  Boy am I sad I sold them all...especially the 2 X 3 foot piece in shiny red patent leather.  Oh well, we live and learn.

If you don't want to become a little melancholy, watch this with the sound off for some timepiece love:

Jewelry Dose Daily will be Featured on Giveaway Scout

Thanks Josh of http://www.giveawayscout.com/ for inviting us to be part of their website.  We're super excited that more Jewelry and Fashion Enthusiasts will get to take advantage of our unique contests!

On another note, I'll be going to Giveaway Scout to scout out and enter some other free giveaways myself.  You can too.  From coffee makers to watches, the new savvy internetian (yes, I made up that word) knows how to give themselves a good chance of "earning" it free on the internet.  I think it's great that giveaway scout is making it even easier to find exactly what you're looking for.

In the mean time, please don't forget to enter tomorrow's giveaway on Jewelry Dose Daily.  We will be giving away your choice of an adorable seahorse necklace with austrian crystal...Oooorr or or... (seriously, I'm giving you the choice!) a peacock necklace on a very long chain!  Check back tomorrow for details!

Friday's Hush Hush Bejeweled Events on the Web!

Happy Friday everyone! I wanted to share some of the in-the-know jewelry happenings on the web today.  Slow day at work (I hope so for you)?  Check them out!

                  Cuff Exclusively by Andrea Gutierrez
                  Price Upon Request

Santa Monica based designer Andrea Gutierrez has released some new original pieces on her facebook page!  Jewelry Dose Daily is definitely a fan, especially since these cuffs are made out of recycled/scrap materials (rustic glamorous amazing!).  I can't really decide which cuff I want the most but the Dotty For Turquoise,  All you need is love (as you might already know I can't resist that name), and the playful Scattered Pearl Skinnys (what a fun way to wear pearls) are some absolute faves!   Check them out and get exclusive up to the minute up dates on this designer's fanpage.

and...Up for a giveaway?  It never hurts to enter....

Rings from the Material Girl line up for grabs in a web giveaway

Material Girl Collection by Madonna is giving away THREE RINGS.  You can enter to win on the company page.

Sarah Cavender Metalworks - Old world craftsmenship & Delicious Modern Appeal

This past January I had the priviledge of browsing remarkable design showrooms in Atlanta.  It was here that I learned about Sarah Cavender and her company.  I'm a little behind but I've been dying to share her collection ever since.  In Sarah's collection, each piece is cohesive of her distinct vision.  It is a collection very true unto itself...truly artisan, and very free of submission to of-the-moment trends.  Ironically, the metal mesh that Sarah and her artisan's work with is often mimicked in some very popular costume jewelry.  It certainly isn't the same and I upon checking out these pieces, I think you'll agree. 

...Gentle southern charm and artisan craftmenship intertwined with the sophistication of metropolitain fine art.

 

Sarah Cavendar is a trained sculptor, undeniably evident in her the Sarah Cavender Metalworks collection.  Although Sarah's pieces have appeared in Vogue, Mademoiselle, In-Style, Glamour, McCalls, and Lucky Magazines, the company remains approachable and low key, priding itself in customer service.

An Amazing fact about this collection:
Each piece is made to order Oxford, Alabama!  The materials from this collection are mainly sourced from the US and Europe.

The Collection has been offered by the Smithsonian. 

You can keep up to date with Sarah Cavender Metalworks on Facebook!  They even craft fabulous belts and handbags.  I found that you can shop the collection online through www.adaresboutique.com/.

To Jewelry Dose Daily Readers: Pleast don't forget to enter our latest giveaway!