Day to Night Style by Studio 28 Couture

This lovely lady is looking good at work! Maybe she's in advertising, or she's a chic fashion editor. Maybe she's a lawyer or maybe she works in finance. Either way, this gal designed her dress from Studio 28 Couture and styled it chic and appropriate for her day job.

And when the day is done, she's off with her friends for a drink, or dinner or a show. Same dress, different look, no fuss!

She is wearing the Picnic in the Park Skirt, Bateau Top, and Clay Royal Garden Fabric with Black Trim.

Build your dress at Studio28Couture.com. I dont know about you, but I like to have a little of my own touch to my outfits!

Colorful Bubbles

I am always on the lookout for statement pieces of clothing and accessories. As I get older and my style evolves, I am looking for long lasting pieces with effortless style. I have never been one to rush out to get the next leg warmers or buy La Lohan's latest leggings. No thank you, I fly solo on style, and I think I do a pretty swell job.

So, I saw this Bubble necklace by Objets d'Envy and thought "what a smart, fabulous and fun piece for this Spring/ Summer!" At first sight, it reminded me of this figurine my mom used to have of a clown holding balloons. That clown was always around and from such a young age I just loved the colors of the balloons and the clown just looked so happy! This Bubble necklace reminds me so much of that! Worn here with a white tank, its made with large crystal globules in cheery hues that are suspended from gold-filled links. Cant you just see this over a summer dress, tube top, flowy v-neck blouse and so much more? Or, you could wear nothing at all, what a statement that would make! Soon to be at http://www.objetsdenvy.com/

Awesome Blossom!

Adriana Carador holds a very special place in my heart. The collection does, and also the designer. Every piece she comes out with blows me away.

I fall in love with a photo and then see the pieces in person and find that they are huge and glamorous. Now the Dark Blossom Ring is creeping up behind Lasik surgery on my "must have" list. I just got this image about five minutes ago, the price isnt even listed yet. You love this, I know you do! How could you not? Its goth, its dark, its glamour, its love its FABULOUS!!!

Just take a minute and stare at this. Ahhhhh, love. True love.

This Holiday Season Make it Crystal, Not Cristal.

The more I look through this collection of fabulous, hand crafted jewelry by designer Kirtsen Goede, the more I realize its just what I have needed for my jewelry box! This Citron necklace is by far one of my favorites. A simple sterling silver chain featuring groupings of vibrant Swarovski crystal makes this piece extremely versatile. Currently, I am wearing the Grape one and have been stopped many times with 'I LOVE this, where did you get it?" It comes in five colors and you can choose your own combo!


The thing about Kirsten's collection, Objets d'Envy, is that blends nicely with any style. It has a simplistic feel, but also glams up nice when paired for an evening out. I also am obsessed with the Parfum Drop Necklace. Its just awesome. One large crystal dangling down waiting to be coveted by all. It comes in three shades of crystal on a long sterling silver chain. This is for $245, but if you are looking for the same look but for less, she offers the Galaxie at $70, which isn’t set the way the Parfum is, but is still a gorgeous crystal drop.


Objets d'Envy is online at www.objetsdenvy.com. Click "new" for the new pieces ( as if you needed me to tell you that!).

Invest in Students, Not Handbags.

NEW YORK CITY MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS SHOW OFF BUSINESS SKILLS

Nonprofit Partners with Local Business Volunteers to Teach Kids

New York, NY - In a time when much of our nation's resources are directed at finding new solutions for an ailing economy, volunteers from New York businesses such as From Scratch, Spoon & Fork, W Magazine and Bank of America are working with Citizen Schools, a nonprofit organization that operates a national network of apprenticeship programs, to train the next generation on how to make a business thrive.

From this program came Project 116, created and taught by From Scratch Product Designer Shien-Ru Tsao and Spoon & Fork Creative Director, Chez Bryan Ong. The 11-week apprenticeship engaged students in hands-on learning that makes a direct connection to students' lives and is often missing from today's classroom. Students working with Shien-Ru and Bryan formed three companies- NARUTO, HARLEM X and T.L.L.J.- and each company has designed a set of fashionable, eco -friendly tote bags.

On December 4th, at the WOW! event, these students will unveil their tote bags and employ their recently-learned marketing and sales techniques to encourage attendees to vote for their favorite designs. The three designs that get the most votes will be produced and sold online. A percentage of the proceeds will be donated to Citizens Schools to support more hands-on learning projects for eager middle school students!

To RSVP for the WOW! event and meet the students and teachers, email wownyc@citizenschools.org and indicate "Project 116" in the subject line. Contact kate@kickpr.com for further information on the programs.

Wait... The holidays are around the corner?

Yup, they are and unfortunately we are making history with this failing economy at a time when most people tend to splurge and spend. To stay on the good list with your family and friends, spend your money where it counts by purchasing quality, rather than quantity. For many, H&M may seem like the angel from above to keep them looking good while their back accounts have seen better days. With stores like this, items fade quickly, pill in a minute and last maybe a season, if that. We've pulled a few items off of our Recession Friendly List and thought we would share them with you:

Objets d'Envy is a collection for all budgets and styles, and offers pieces that can take you from day to night, spring to winter and 2008-2010. This is what I mean when I say spend your money where it counts. Buying pieces like Circlet Earrings ( $40) which come in 8 colors shows that you are thinking about something they could where every day, for years to come. The Lavaliere Necklace is a looker ($70) which comes in 14 colors, so you really can’t go wrong- just find out her favorite palette!



For a more vintage flare, you might want to check out Pequitobun Jewelry which features bits and pieces from vintage shows and vintage stores all over the Boston area. The Feathers Earrings ($28) are very funky and will stop people in their tracks; now that’s worth the money!



And if you are a dog lover, owner or know someone who is, the From Scratch Totes and Scarves ($25, $20) will be never forgotten, as they can be reused and re-worn yearly.


We have tons of ideas, and are happy to throw out more suggestions for anyone who is looking. You can email kate@kickpr.com for some ideas. Happy Shopping!

Objets d'Envy: J'aime

I never thought I would love crystal. When I think of crystal I think of my moms little figurines she collected and placed around the house. And I was to never go near them; I have been known to break things.

However, my thoughts on crystal have turned recently, with the introduction of the collection Objets d'Envy. Wow, I could find an outfit for every piece in this collection! Each piece is hand-crafted using Swarovski crystals in bright colors as well as soft and light. I have a few favorites, and if I could wear three pairs of earrings at once, I would wear the Toile, Mini Fleur and Long Crystal Balls. I think it may not look totally normal, but hey, its worth a shot!



Kirsten Goede (first name rhymes with Thurston, last name like Gady) is the talented designer behind this collection. She knows design and color, which is displayed in her palette in the Charm Multi bracelet. Her signature bracelet for $180 has fans- and influential fans at that. Gayle King, Oprah's BFF, has worn this to awards shows and finds it the perfect accessory to many outfits! Also, Stacy London of What Not To Wear is seen wearing this on The Today Show. Signature bracelet in Coral shown here.

Log on to view the look book and browse through some amazing pieces that you could seriously use for the holidays! ModernSparkle.com