Fall 2013 - Mixed Metals Inspirations

Images: (top left, clockwise) Hematite, Pencils, Crystal, Scratched Metal. Metal Shoe, Gray Skyline

You would think that by naming my new Fall 2013 Collection, Mixed Metals which launches today, July 31, that you would perhaps see lots of combinations of steel, aluminum, gold or silver. But actually the name came from my love of the various shades of gray we find all around us. Metal architecture, No. 2 graphite pencils, looks from the Fashion Week runways, a gray sky right before a rainstorm are all things that have true texture and show the many dimensions of the color. I was inspired to create jewelry that reflected the mixture of those textures commonly associated with gray and silver metal and also seen in the way light shines off a silver platter, the beauty in an ornate metal doorway and the smooth, sleek texture of Hematite.

Shop select items from my new Collection by becoming a JulRe Designs Insider. You can shop the entire collection at our popular Private Trunk Shows.

Sterling Mist Necklace (Made to Order) from the Mixed Metals Collection

Blossoms for Lunch

Image: Heed the Hedonist

This week we're celebrating Flower Power on our Facebook page and we've immersed ourselves in floral prints, museum plant collections and jewelry in bloom. So when we discovered a few lovely recipes for edible flower dishes, I knew I had to share. 

I can't say that consuming flowers was ever in my culinary consciousness but after reading an article about the history of eating blooms, the health benefits and that allayed some obvious safety concerns, I was excited about entertaining my palate with new flavors. I'm on the hunt for some green-thumbed individual and when I find them, I'll be grilling a great piece of Salmon and making this salad as an accompaniment for my next lunch. 

Image: UT Market Garden Project

Trend Spotting: Flower Power!

Images: (top left, clockwise) Flowers, Floral Pumps via SheFinds, Chairs,
Wedding Cake via Cake Power, Maxi Dress

This trend nearly passed me by. While floral prints have always been a fashion classic, I never quite bought into them being incorporated into anything other than little girl's dresses (cute) or kitchen curtains (kitschy). But this Spring's runways ushered them into the season in so many modern, feminine ways. From the patterned pump to the strategic placement of strong prints for an ultra slimming effect, florals have been pumped up and updated. The prints are also being seen on home furnishings and brides, typically a place where florals of the living kind are highlighted, you will find this trend used in very unique ways.

Taking florals from the Spring and Summer seasons into Fall is a breeze as my Style Board below illustrates. My best advice is to wear one item at a time in this trend to avoid flower power overload. Make florals your own by adding some gorgeous gemstone cluster jewelry in bright colors like my Lemon Tree Earrings and my Field Greens Necklace. Lovely!

Images: (top left, clockwise) JulRe Designs Lemon Tree Earrings, Lauren Merkin Clutch, Alice + Olivia Peplum Top,
Dolce & Gabbana Pencil Skirt, Ann Taylor Sandals, JulRe Designs Field Greens Necklace, St. Laurent Suede Pumps,
Mary NW Jeans, Phase Eight Sweater, Classe Regina Handbag

  

Color Craze: True Neutrals

Images: (top left, clockwise) Neutral color chart, Models in Neutrals, Neutral colored beans, Neutral living room, 
Wedding gowns, Neutral face

Pantone, the authorities on all things color say that Neutrals are back. So....when did they leave? It's entirely conceivable that I may have missed the memo but Neutral colors have always been an ample staple in my wardrobe as well as in the jewelry I design. A natural palette immediately elicits a sense of calm and balance. I believe it's why many homeowners choose to use the softness and versatility of neutral colors on walls and in furnishings in rooms where a peacefulness is desired. 

In fashions, neutrals literally go with everything. When you pair a neutral with a bright, vibrant color in the neon family, for instance, the look takes on a fun, modern twist. Likewise, dark and neutral colors wear well together for more confident, sophisticated looks. The Color Craze Style Board below highlights a few of my favorite Neutral fashions and accessories for the Summer season like Gemmy Jewels Bangle Bracelets and the versatile Sandy Beach Necklace. Take Neutrals with you into Fall!

Images: 1. Gemmy Jewels Bangle Bracelets  2. JigsawOmbre Rose Print Dress 3. ReedKrakoff Tuxedo Pants
4. JulRe Designs Sandy Beach Necklace 5. Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette 6. CenturySeven Blouse
7. BCBGMAXAZARIALaura Wedges  8. Tory Burch Tote 9. Essie Nail Polish in Mochachino

The Classic Bride

Images: (top left. clockwise) Wedding Cake, Wedding Bouquet, JulRe Designs Bridal Earrings, Wedding Gown, Wedding Invitations, Jimmy Choo Pump, President and First Lady Obama Wedding, JulRe Designs Bridal Pearl Necklace

She appreciates tradition. Her mother's white wedding gown and veil may be what she chooses to wear on her important day. Luxury in simplicity is her trademark. She's not complicated, nor does she want her wedding to be. Yet she desires an event that's sophisticated and elegant, with just enough pomp but little circumstance. She is The Classic Bride. 

A strand of ivory pearls, either antique or custom made. Besides her charming wedding rings, an exquisite pair diamond stud earrings or a small cluster of sparkling, translucent crystals are all the jewelry this bride will need to compliment her timeless ensemble. Designing for this bride is an exceptional experience because she wants her jewelry to become heirlooms, pieces to be passed on to classic brides for generations to come.

The Spirit of Independence Day

Celebrate the spirit of the 4th of July.

Enjoy the fun, the food and family.

But let's not lose sight of the true meaning of the holiday.

“May the sun in his course visit no land more free, more happy, 

more lovely, than this our own country!”

–Daniel Webster

Image Credits: (top to bottom) Children with Flags, Push up Pops, 4th of July sign