Some cheap fixes to get you ready for hot weather:
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cuff
NOVICA is associated with National Geographic and for ten years, they have helped artisans from all over the world get exposure. The asked if I would be interested in reviewing some of their products. What impressed me the most was their new microfinance program. These small loans help promote entrepreneurship among poverty-stricken people who have the skills to create beautiful things but little collateral to get their business up and running. They can also help people take their business to the next level, being able to purchase supplies in bulk. A few US dollars go a long way in these regions.
Lately, small zero-interest loans have been getting more press. In fact, 2005 was declared it the International Year of Microcredit by the UN.
A press release from the UN states:
A small loan, a savings account, an affordable way to send a pay cheque home can make all the difference to a poor or low-income family. With access to microfinance, they can earn more, build up assets, and better protect themselves against unexpected setbacks and losses. They can move beyond day-to-day survival towards planning for the future. They can invest in better nutrition, housing, health, and education for their children. In short, they can break the vicious circle of poverty.
So, back to products NOVICA offers… they have clothing, home decor items, paintings, fun gifts… but I was asked to check out their handmade jewelry. There are thousands of things for both women and men. My mom and I sat for an hour perusing and didn’t even see half of it. It’s all neatly organized and the site is easy to maneuver. Rather than clicking on all the sub-categories though, I would’ve liked a “view all” feature to see all of the rings, or all of the bracelets, etc. There are also many different price points. The regional focus was bit narrow but each country had many different artists with various tribal and cultural techniques represented. You can pick from rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings…
Most of the items are sterling silver with a few gold vermeil pieces. There are also plenty of beaded items and some leather, wood, bone, horn, shell and ceramic. There are tons of gemstones and intricately carved pieces, both casual and formal. Each item has the artist’s profile where you can learn more about their story, their passion, and the meaning behind their pieces. You also get a card with the artist’s story along with each piece. This definitely gives a more personal touch to each item, something I really like.
I was allowed to pick out a few pieces. I wish I could have grabbed up each one of these:
Citrine Cocktail Ring – $42.49 – Bali
Amazonian palm bracelet – $32.95 – Brasil
Sterling cuff bracelet – $77.99 – Thailand
Bull horn long necklace – $84.95 – Peru
Sterling silver drop earrings – $28.99 – Thailand
Sterling silver and enhanced obsidian ring – $99.95 – Indonesia (also in green)
Carved gourd earrings – $29.99 – Peru
Turquoise and peridot necklace – $124.95 – Thailand
Sterling cuff links (a great wedding or groomsman gift!) – $49.99 – Mexico
Pair of mango wood cuff bracelets – $21.49 – Thailand
Silver cuff bracelet – $101.66 – India
Huichol beaded necklace – $76.46 – Mexico
Sterling and water buffalo horn ring – $77.95 – Indonesia
Resin preserved and gold plated rose petal earrings – $37.95 – Thailand
Gold vermeil citrine ring – $53.96 – India
Leather bracelet – $19.95 – Indonesia
Pearl cuff bracelet – $319.95 – Indonesia
So, what did I get? Well, I put my order in and on August 19th, I was notified that they would be shipping directly from Bali/Java. I was really surprised when the package showed up so quickly, just 5 days later via Fed Ex!
Each item came in it’s own adorable gift box with tiny booklets for each. The invoice was in a little envelope with a hand-signed card from Bali. Everything was presented in such a special personal way, it truly felt like you were receiving a gift from a far-away land.
I got the the sterling/citrine/bone ring and it’s gorgeous. I haven’t worn it out yet but I know people will ask about it since it’s so unusual. There’s so much personality and every detail of it is perfect.
I also picked out this pale leather adjustable bracelet. My wrists are teeny and this fits just right at the tightest of three settings. I may have to cut off the excess on the strap. It will take a bit for it to soften and conform to my wrist since it’s really thick but, I’m going to wear this constantly.
Well, this was a ton of fun! Love love love the pieces I received! Hope you’ve enjoyed checking out all these unusual items from around the globe. Find more at NOVICA.
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Geode candle holders made of amethyst are all over the discount home stores lately and geodes are also popping up in jewelry. The super bright ones are dyed. I’m kinda digging this look, especially after getting my sweet rock shirt. (I collected rocks as a kid. Such a dork.)
TONS and TONS of stuff on etsy!
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Who doesn’t love junk jewelry? My collection has grown to mammoth proportions. I recently sold my jewelry armoire because it didn’t go with our decor (and was quite heavy and cumbersome) so, I had to empty and sort everything out. Thank god for those Sephora drawstring gift bags. I have a small box with daily things (overflowing) and a big bag full of little bags shoved on a shelf in my closet.
One major problem I have with cheap costume jewelry is how it doesn’t stand up to wear and time. Tarnishing is the worst offender. I’ve tried the jewelry cleaning solutions but it works most effectively on precious metals. Even if I’m only spending $5 on a bracelet, I don’t want to end up having to toss if after it’s become a staple in my wardrobe. Of course there are different levels of costume jewelry with longer lasting finishes but, I can’t bring myself to spend $100 on a cuff so, I’m just going to focus on the super cheap thrills in this post.
My strategy for the past few years has been to carefully avoid the shiny stuff. Shiny silver and gold finishes inevitably get this funky haze on it that nothing can get rid of (unless you know of a miracle cleaner out there, let me know).
I try to stick with wood, painted/enameled pieces (they chip though), antiqued finishes, beads, lucite, matte, and darker finishes. Pendant chains can easily be replaced if they start getting nastay. This bracelet here, I would totally avoid.
Also, junk jewelry with imbedded rhinestones and pearls aren’t going to last long either. I don’t know how many things I’ve bought that soon had missing stones before I learned my lesson about daily wear. This type of jewelry is off my radar now as well, unless I only wear it on special occassions.
This necklace from Charlotte Russe has a dark metal finish that won’t get compromised by age. I just bought this and love it!
This cuff, also from CR, has a dull antiqued finish that shouldn’t get that haze.
This enameled cuff is so much fun, but it has the shiny edges. I save those moisture-absorbing desiccant pouches that come in shoe boxes and keep them with my jewelry. There may be hope for this but I still didn’t get it. Also, no one sees the insides of bracelets.
What’s your favorite costume jewelry piece? Do you simply have to get the shiny and just toss after they start feeling the funk?
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I was browsing through Etsy and I found this shop India Y La Luna. Gaby, the artist, is located in Buenos Aires and I am in love with some of her pieces!
UNEARTHED is a shop that features exotic leather goods. This aqua stingray cuff is so luxurious! They have cuffs in all sorts of colors and leathers. The cowhide cuffs are custom sized.
And how about this double wrap leather bracelet from MK Wind!
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Here’s that Elizabeth and James twig bracelet I mentioned a short while ago. I couldn’t find a picture of it anywhere online when I first saw it and was too lazy to scan it out of that disappointing September issue of Lucky. I’m not going to say it looks “organic” because I think that’s a cop-out term that appeals to the green crowd and I think it’s a crock. It’s just awesome, like it could whither away to nothing on your wrist. Smooth shiny silver, whether it be real or costume nickel makes me nervous. I want it to maintain that precious shine for forever, no fingerprints or tarnishing. Polishing silver sucks. I was forced to do my fair share of it as a child. That’s why I like rough worn silver pieces with lots of texture. It just makes life more simple and adds character.
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- I would give my right pinky toe for any of the necklaces by Evert Nijland.
- The detail in this top is driving me insane.
- I need to make these cupcakes. and these. and eat them. all.
- Charming memories of loved ones make me happy.
- This is a silhouette I could see myself in all summer long… would be a breeze to make. I really need to get back to sewing.
- These Phi Resort 2009 heels. Yes.
- Sometimes I get an insatiable itch to go to the firing range. The clicking sounds as you pop in the clip and pull back the slide, the smell of gunpowder, the satisfaction in being a good shot, and the sizzle of hot casings hitting your shoulders… sigh. Damn them for price gouging the ammo! <3 <3 (Bracelet by Astali.)
- Not being one who likes traditional prints, these of stone are ideal – Josh Goot F2009RTW.
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Entire days of mental clarity and good moods have been few and far between in my home. I’ve been relishing the past few days.
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I seriously had to do this for my technologically challenged family. (Via haha.nu)
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My 30th b-day was a bit of a bust. I should’ve done exactly what I wanted instead of coming up with a half-assed solution because I didn’t want to come off as a diva. So, next year, I get a do-over… as I will eternally be 30 from now on. I am going to the spa for the day, I am having a decadent dressy dinner somewhere outrageous with any who would like to come along, and then I am putting on some comfortable shoes under my party dress and traipsing through Hollywood Cemetery in the middle of the night all alone with the boy. Actually, can I do that tomorrow?
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Old Navy’s version of a knit maxi dress was a big busted disaster! Why does everyone assume all women have b-cups when they design a triangle top? I would love to try a James Perse on for size. This looks like it has promise.
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I’m moving soon. Things need to start falling into place. I am not a last minute kind of person and some major things are totally out of my control. Seriously. I’m getting nervous.
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LOST – okay… you writers had to actually have the conversation in the show about the time travel issue that all the viewers were having in their heads and then explain it with some B.S. convenient “Oh, he won’t remember anything” cop out excuse at the end. Weak. I’m losing my patience.
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- This past Saturday night, I totally enjoyed a spontaneous, tipsy, and dressed up dinner at Avalon where I suddenly and wholeheartedly was converted to the virtues of (rare) lamb. Oh my god! Rosemary infused lamby goodness! The boy and I cleaned our plates and it’s just what I needed. We enjoy food far too much.
- Edy’s limited edition coconut pineapple ice cream is THE DEVIL!
- I will say it again, Julia Wertz is my hero.
- This letter of complaint about Virgin Airline’s food is one of the funniest things I’ve read in a while.
- I love this sentimental sterling silver bread tag pendant!
- How much fun would the program Lectra Fashion PLM V1R5 be to play with?
- I wish I could’ve seen the Chinese New Year festivities with my own eyes! My god the dumplings!
- This video of all the pictures a couple took while vacationing in Japan is so frantic!
- An alum of the French Culinary Institute Manhattan returns to judge midterms.
- Ninh Wysocan is a jewelry designer from Guam, and graduate of RISD who delicately crochet’s silver into whisper thin necklaces as well as creating substantial cuffs like this one being sold at Barneys. Even this retains an airy feel.
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I find it funny how hearing a new song for the first time can sometimes make you physically uncomfortable and then suddenly, weeks later, you think it’s the sexiest thing you’ve ever heard!
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I’m so excited that Kate Bingaman-Burt of Obsessive Consumption is coming to 1708 Gallery here in Richmond! (Showing with 3 other artists, March 6 – April 11)
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If you happen to be near Seattle on or after February 5th, check out this show at 108 Occidental Gallery. It’s the first solo show of an old friend and mind blowing painter of the hyper-realism style, Brien White. We miss you in Richmond, Brien!
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- The end of Circuit City has put a few friends in a tailspin, I recently purchased my laptop from them so god knows what will happen when this thing eats it, and their current “liquidation” sale is complete joke. 10% off? Thanks.
- Astrology everywhere. Grow up.
- I noticed my face powder for touchups didn’t seem so fresh anymore so it was time to get a new one. I use L’Oreal True Match. The colors on the little sample sheet that disappear on your face are the ones to match. Well, I am the lightest shade available! When I was a child I could get so brown in the summer, I looked Middle Eastern, now I’m as pale as a goth kid.
- The first peeks at McQueen’s collection for Target have been released. I’m really not feeling it while everyone else is going nuts. Sloppy basics. That’s what I see. This dress is the only piece that looks like more than 10 minutes of thought went into it and those shoes are not screaming springtime.
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