Quiet Time

photograph courtesy of Tim Clark

Today is the closing of the sale of half of my company to a competitor (story of the year, yes?). Although I've been working on the legal aspects of the sale pretty much full-time since early February, it always seems like 90% of the work gets finished in the last few days. After a very long week, I'm seriously looking forward to some quiet time Friday night. And, for me at least, there's nothing like a good long soak (with a good book or magazine and a few scented candles) to wash the worries of the week away.

Until tomorrow though, I'll have to be content with dreaming. To fuel my fantasies, I thought I'd post some of my favorite bathrooms designed by some of the best designers in the business. Designers get extra points if the tub is adjacent to a fireplace or overlooks a beautiful view. And, hey, since it's my fantasy, I'll go all the way and request a glorious chandelier in there, too, while we're at it. The bathroom designed by Tim Clark (shown above) would definitely fit the bill.

photographs courtesy of Peter Dunham

Fireplace, gorgeous inlaid tile floors, a gigantic rain shower flooded with light that renders a bathtub completely incidental -- does it get any better than this? I also love the Spanish touches throughout the space, from the windows to the heavy wooden door. In short, if I owned this bathroom, bathing would become a religious experience for me.

photograph courtesy of Mary McDonald

I know this bathroom by Mary McDonald has appeared everywhere from the pages of domino to just about every design blog on the web, but I love how beautifully it merges class design with a fun, zany aesthetic. The monochromatic palette keeps it from veering into busy. The zig zag floor is a great modern counterpoint to the seersucker settee and Classical statuary (a wee bit cheesy, but I'll forgive her). One thing though I'm not sure I can forgive Mary for are the balloon curtains. I'm pretty sure I had the same ones (but in pink, naturally) in my bedroom growing up and it's just too '80s for me.

photograph courtesy of Tim Clark

This bathroom is very peaceful in a modern bohemian sort of way. I also love how the tub is centered underneath the large window, which is framed perfectly by the sloped ceilings. The hardwood floors and faded rug give the space a cozy quality. This bathroom (together with the other bathroom designed by Tim Clark shown at the beginning of this post) is also a great illustration of how bringing in "real" furniture (like the ottoman and side table) and accessories not normally used in a bathroom (like the rug and draperies) can really go a long way to sprucing up a bathroom.

photographs courtesy of Traditional Home

This his-and-her bathroom by Traditional Home's Robert Young for this year's Kitchen/Bath Industry Show is the mother lode of all bathrooms. Murano glass chandeliers, a Michael S. Smith free-standing tub, Chinoiserie-inspired glass mosaic from Ann Sacks, Phillipe Stark's Ghost Chair...in short, it's a design-lover's fantasy. Any one of the three rooms that make up this bathroom is spectacular, but altogether it's just mind blowing. One thing I particularly like about this room is how the "her" tub is a built-in shower/tub combo that is so typical of most homes (despite the growing trend for free-standing tubs). And yet, with the tub surround and tiling, the standard issue shower/tub combo is elevated to something really special.

photograph courtesy of Phoebe Howard

I've sung the praises of designer Phoebe Howard before, but I can't help doing it again -- Oh how I love this bathroom! In some ways, it's fairly standard (white cabinets, Carrera marble counters) but there are so many details (like the floor and mirror!) that make it fabulous. All that beautiful built-in storage would be great, too. I love how Howard tends to build out cabinetry all the way to the ceiling. Not only do you maximize storage space, but the added cabinetry makes the room feel so much taller (and so much more custom). My one reservation about the space is the toilet seat: I just don't get using a dark wood toilet seat. I know it's a bit retro, but I see no reason why you would want to draw extra attention to the porcelain throne.

photograph courtesy of Nathan Egan

The New York-based design firm Nathan Egan Interiors is actually the design duo Wayne Nathan and Carol Egan, and if you aren't familiar with their work, I highly suggest to take a spin through their fantastic portfolio. The team's aesthetic is cutting-edge and modern, but still very livable. Their art choices, like the large-scale art work of a diver in the bathroom above, are also masterful. There's definitely a lot of whimsy in this space, like the ladder leaning to nowhere, and yet it still feels restful and luxurious.

What about you? Where do you escape when you're looking for some quiet time?

Copy the Jewelry Style of your Favorite Twilight Character

After the first Twilight movie phenomenon and with another one on the way, we just can't get enough of what our favorite characters are wearing both on and off screen. From their signature rings and bracelets to pieces inspired by the scene-stealing actors, Twilight style is taking the world by storm.

One of the most memorable pieces in the film is the turquoise watch bracelet worn by our favorite character, Bella. This piece is both delicately romantic and uniquely intriguing. To get the look, try a sterling silver cuff bracelet with large turquoise stone as the focal point. For a light look, wear with floral blouses to give off a bohemian chic vibe. Another Bella favorite is the ring with dome shaped stone, which is a gift from her mother in the movie. This fun accessory takes on a youthful twist, as the 'evil eye' ring.

Rosalie also conquers vampire jewelry style on screen with a great pair of eye catching sterling silver hoop earrings adorned with discs. They are feminine but not too over the top for her character. As the movie is tied to family heritage, you’ll also remember the Cullen family crest necklace, which is a jewelry staple. To try a modern take on this movie must-have, consider a charm bracelet that you can adorn with trinkets related to your favorite character or the movie in general.

Off screen, the Twilight cast has been plastered all over the press rocking a laid back vibe in their wardrobe and jewelry choices. For Kristen Stewart, this means chunky metal and leather bracelets and chain necklaces for casual wear. Her jewelry choices for the red carpet are minimal and simple necklaces, which allow her true beauty to shine through. It's obvious we're going to be seeing a lot more of Kristen and the rest of the Twilight crew and we can't wait to see how their style continues to evolve.

Week One: The Beginning

In spite of the torrential rains that the greater-Houston area has been experiencing since Monday, our builder has managed to break ground on our new house. My mom was in the neighborhood Tuesday afternoon and swung by "just to see" and -- as promised -- work has begun. I hope to make it by myself this weekend to take a look around at the progress.

So far, it's a lot of pipes and dirt, but suddenly it's starting to feel very, very real.

Faith and Fashion: Cross Necklaces that Transcend

The cross necklace has always been a classic jewelry piece that adds grace to any outfit. Lately, we've seen a resurgence of our favorite trendsetters adorning themselves with these necklaces. Simple and beautiful, these pieces can range in size and length depending on the statement you want to make.

For a casual piece, choose a cross that is small in size and either sterling silver or gold tone. This necklace can easily be paired with anything in your closet and worn on an everyday basis. Kate Moss was recently spotted wearing a cross necklace and gold hoops with a casual look consisting of jeans, a plaid shirt and a cardigan. Heidi Montag of The Hills shows her faith by donning a cross necklace with a tank top and jeans for daily wear.

For a modern take on the cross necklace, choose chains or cords that are longer in length and have a larger costume-y pendant. Vanessa Hudgens recently played up her bohemian style with laid back layers and a long cross pendant. Even country music star Toby Keith wears an oversize cross pendant on-stage when he performs. It's obvious these stars have very different styles, but they share a common preference for this classic piece.

If you're looking to dress up for evening, throw on a cross pendant adorned in rhinestones for an eye-catching statement. Jennifer Aniston famously made this look a hit when she paired a huge cross adorned with stones with a simple black satin dress. The rest of her look, including hair and makeup, was simple, leaving the gorgeous cross to get all the attention.

Cross pendants also make a great gift for friends or loved ones. With an engraving on the back, a cross necklace is the perfect Mother's Day or birthday present. The recipient is sure to appreciate a classic piece that can be worn for years to come.

Search for more pictures of necklaces, sterling silver jewelry and jewelry sets.

Four Jewelry Style Ideas On Mother's Day

Mother's Day is coming, why not get mom something classy and fabulous, like some great jewelry? Here are a couple suggestions for some great finds to suit any mom's style:

Mother's Day Jewelry Style 1
Trendy mom – If your mother is one who likes to get noticed, then opt for buying her fun costume jewelry that will make a statement. This is the year and the season of oversize eye-catching pieces, so finding the perfect gift should be a breeze. Look for pieces that you think she would wear. Is she more of a necklace fan? If so, get her a great chunky beaded necklace in a bright citrus color like lime green or tangerine. Or does she pile on loads of bracelets everyday? If that's the case, aim for a signature bangle bracelet with a fun pattern.

Mother's Day Jewelry Style 2
Classic mom – For the timeless mom, there are some great updates on classic jewelry favorites. If she adores pearls, then opt for a multi-strand choker in silver or pink pearls. If she wears a lot of pendants, then pick out a locket and have it engraved with a special message. Or, if she's a bracelet fanatic, opt for a beautiful charm bracelet adorned with meaningful trinkets. Personal touches always tend to score a lot of points with mom.

Mother's Day Jewelry Style 3
Sporty mom – If your mom is always on the go and enjoys being active, then you might consider getting her a piece of jewelry that she can wear all the time. A pendant necklace with a fun playful charm like a butterfly, a soccer ball or a starfish is something that is versatile enough for her to throw on with any outfit.

Mother's Day Jewelry Style 4
Laid back mom – Chalk it up to the boho chic phenomenon which has taken over Hollywood, but we've seen our fair share of casually chic moms. This mother's day, show her that you know her style by selecting jewelry to compliment her look. Try a couple of different long beaded necklaces so she can mix and match. Or, choose a large pair of sterling silver cutout earrings.

Houston Goes Green

Via my good friend Maple, I recently learned that Chief Justice Adele and Dan Hedges, a high-powered Houston legal couple here in Houston, have just recently completed the first LEED platinum home in the Bayou City. [Adele Hedges is the Chief Justice of the 14th Court of Appeals and Dan Hedges is a named partner of a top-notch local law firm.] Designed by the local husband-wife team of Adams Architects, the 3700-square foot house is in Upper Kirby, a neighborhood in Houston not 5 minutes from my own. The interior is designed by Marlys Tokerud, lead designer of the Houston-based design firm Tokerud & Co.

The house harnesses energy from a multitude of sources, from geothermal radiant heating and cooling below ground to solar panels covering every square inch of the roof (see above). During daylight hours, the house is powered entirely by the 140 solar panels. At night, the house runs off the power grid, with a back-up battery available in case the grid go down (a very smart investment for Houston's hurricane-prone summers).

The galley-style kitchen is flooded with light from the large windows, which largely eliminates the need for artificial light during the day (and bring in great views of all the mature oaks on the property). Bamboo cabinets are topped with Richlite, a durable and nonporous composite countertop made from FSC-certified and/or recycled paper products. I'm not sure what material the mosaic-tile backsplash is, but I would guess recycled glass.

I love how the living room is divided into a multistory sitting area and a cozier, low-slung library around the perimeter. By varying the height of the room, the architects were able to delineate between public and private zones within the same space. The window seats underneath each window provide extra storage and welcome nooks for readers.

The electric fireplace is cleaner and more energy efficient than traditional gas or wood-burning ones. The house's steel frame is left exposed throughout the house, lending an industrial feeling to the rooms. While I appreciate the restraint the interior designer (and clients) used in decorating their rooms (the place is completely devoid of clutter and chotkies), I wish they wouldn't been a little bit more venturesome color-wise than the beige, steel gray, and white color palette.

The Hedges' large two-story master bedroom is definitely a "less is more" kind of space. I particularly love the Venetian plaster on the far wall where the chaise lounges sit -- the traditional architectural feature is a stunning contrast to very modern room. Unadorned clerestory windows let in plenty of light during the day, yet are high enough not to become a nuisance should the couple sleep in.

The screened-in porch runs the length of the home and -- while I think I would like this even more if it were a wee bit wider -- the modern skylights, natural wood decking and sparsely modern furniture are lovely. I can just imagine dining al fresco here on a spring day. Delightful. I am left wondering though what the large gray conical piece is in the corner -- is it sculpture or does it perform some other function? Any ideas?

For more information on Houston's greenest home, go to the full-story as it appeared in the Houston Chronicle HERE. All photographs courtesy of Aker/Zvonkovic Photography.

Slow Business or Slow Economy

As of late I’m asked “Is business really slow? How come I can't sell anything? Or The economy is so bad, I’m going to have to sale everything off and get a ‘real’ job." In this slow economy I’m hearing all over that buying is slowing down drastically. I do see a slow down in certain areas of the country, some more than others; but there are areas that are still booming and business is good. So is the question so many people are asking, “Slow Business based on Slow Economy really valid?”

In my business (custom jewelry) I’ve seen a slow down in the big ticket items (single item priced over $100); however, I’ve seen an increase and interest in the lower to mid-market priced items (single item prices $25-45). So, this begs the question, is it really the economy slowing down the purchasing or are people just looking harder at the price of things and then determining if there is enough ‘disposable’ income to make these ‘personal, impulse’ buys? History has shown that when times are good, money is flowing and the value of a dollar is measured in ‘how many toys you have, how big your house is, how stylish a car you drive, what private schools your kids go to, and how much money spouse makes and the type of job’.

Now that times are a little tougher, big businesses are cutting back jobs, and the financial and housing industries have seen their worst years in decades, the trend that many are seeing of people not buying is really, people pulling back, evaluating their situation, and looking to justify their purchases, only after the bills have been paid. It’s a cycle seen many times over the course of history…and if history is correct, this too shall pass…..will we ever seen the ‘good times’ such as the past 10 years, probably not that good, but people will return to the days of impulse buying once the housing - financial - big business dust settles; but the days of the small business owner may not be as successful and may be much tougher than they once were, As a small business owner that wants to last and survive, I’m stepping back to evaluate the situation, listen to my customers and those around, making adjustments as needed in my business. To survive in any situation, one has to evaluate and move forward…learn from history!

How much would you pay for a piece of furniture?

I've been obsessed with the Alton coffee table from Hickory Chair (and designed by Thomas O'Brien) since I saw it in the Williams-Sonoma Home catalogue a few weeks ago. It's simple and timeless, but with just enough unique detailing (like magazine racks-turned-legs!) to make it interesting. It's also made here in the States by hand out of FSC-certified hardwood, so quality-wise, it's top of the line. Of course though, it's nearly $3,000 and way more than I would normally pay for a piece of furniture. In fact, that's roughly double what I spent on my sofa and, well, that was a sofa.

When Dave and I first bought our house, we bought a lot of inexpensive pieces from Bombay Company, Target and Crate&Barrel's Ready to Assemble collection. Now, as we contemplate moving into our "forever" house, I'm starting to consider replacing these temporary pieces with higher quality/longer lasting furniture. In doing so though, I'm feeling the sticker shock of "real" furniture. Sure, I want a beautiful home filled with beautiful furniture that will stand the test of time, but at what cost?

So, while I impatiently wait for my beloved coffee table to go on sale (the likelihood of which I'm unsure of), I wanted to put the table on the table (so to speak): What's the most you've ever spent on an item for your house (and what was the piece in question)? On a more theoretical level, what's the most you would even consider paying for a piece of furniture?

Jen's Jewels: A look at Jennifer Aniston's Signature Style

One of the most followed stars on the planet, Jennifer Aniston has graced the covers of numerous magazines and is responsible for some of the hottest trends on the list of must haves. Jen's signature style may look effortless, but her look is always pulled together and completed with classic pieces of jewelry. Here, we take a look at some of her accessory staples.

A simple shape – Jen's the girl next door, only richer, more famous and gorgeous. But that doesn't mean that her look is unattainable. Jen opts for American classics and chooses simple pendant necklaces like crosses and discs. Though a matching necklace and earring set accented with round discs may look simple, it's versatile enough to go with any outfit in your closet. Aniston pulled off the look with a simple white tank top, and added a touch of glam with the shiny and smooth necklace.

Not basic black – Jen can pull off a LBD like no one else, but she always manages to kick it up a notch, adding jewelry that is as easy-going as her cool California style. She glammed it up with a bejeweled cross pendant to accent a plunging v neck dress. And she started a fashion phenomenon when she piled on thin gold bangles and a good luck necklace in a simple organic shape. Jen prefers pieces that are dainty, feminine and understated, but it seems her jewelry always makes a style statement regardless.

Silver screen – Even in the movies, Jen's signature fashion and jewelry sense doesn't go unnoticed. In the recent movie He's Just Not That Into You she stole the scene in a simple yet stunning wishbone shaped pendant. The jewelry that she wears not only compliments her personality, but it doesn't compete with her natural beauty.

It's obvious that Jen knows what works and is comfortable enough in her own skin, shying away from fast-lived trends in favor instead of the 'less is more' mentality.

Plastic Jewelry goes Grown-Up Chic

This season, fashionistas of all ages are going nuts for modern takes on plastic jewelry in striking colors and bold designs. Lucite, which is a lightweight clear resin, is popping up everywhere in a rainbow of bright spring and summer shades. This type of jewelry is not only fun and fashionable, it's also affordable, so it's easy to add a few pieces to freshen up your look.

Plastic geometric jewelry was big in the 70s, with a retro feel and an artistic edge that added expression to any outfit. Today, Lucite, Bakelite and acrylic pieces with funky angles are being worked into bangle bracelets and multi-layered chain necklaces. Pastels and opaques are very popular, and make great vacation jewelry. Prints with stripes and animal spots are a few other hot styles of plastic jewelry this season, and do a great job of adding character to everyday pieces.

Plastic jewelry has a playful aspect to it, and is often characterized by futuristic geometric shapes, such as rounded rectangles or triangle bangle bracelets. We're also seeing a lot of plastic beaded necklaces in a rainbow of colors. These lightweight pieces can easily update your look without breaking the bank.

With all the talk of green-this and recycled-that, eco plastic jewelry is quickly rising in popularity. Recycled and reused plastic jewelry is the new coveted non-precious jewelry of the X and Y generation. Oftentimes, you can purchase cool unique designs for just a fraction of the cost of more expensive options. And the feel good factor makes this a guilt-free pleasure you can't afford to miss.

Just as every style-setter has her own tastes and preferences, plastic jewelry has its own varieties and options from which to choose. So whether you prefer a giant raspberry colored plastic beaded necklace or a transparent safari print chunky bangle, it's all about having fun with this modern take on retro chic plastic jewels.

Related article:
Retro Fashion Jewelry: 40s,50s,60s,70s,80s Jewelry

Summer Southwest

Another beauty out of the Southwest for Summer…..the focal for this necklace are the pillow Terconite Turquoise gemstones accented with non-tarnish artistic silver wire and adding to the design are Chinese Turquoise tubes, Amethyst chips and orange and green Magnesite. A 2” extender has been added so the necklace can be worn a short or medium length; I’ve added dangle earrings in the same gemstones.

Get your hot, bold and unique Summer jewelry at Timeless Designs!

Summer Hot Lime

Be the first to make a statement this Summer in hot lime……a large Mother-of-Pearl pendant hangs from dyed lime Magnesite and accenting gold lined seed beads. A 3” extender for easy change of lengths to fit your mood and dangle earrings completes the look.

Timeless Designs has this and many other hot, bold, exotic gemstone designs.

Ideas for Mother's Day

Generally speaking, I don't put a lot of stock in "Hallmark holidays" like Mother's Day (which will fall on May 10 this year) or Administrative Professionals' Day (which was Wednesday, actually -- whoops!). Despite that though, I find it's generally dangerous to ignore the occasion altogether lest someone get their feelings hurt. Accordingly, I like to acknowledge the holiday with a card and/or small gift to mark the occasion, which assures the intended that I planned ahead and thought about it (it being the thought that counts, and all that), but I don't tend to go all out.

Mother's Day Cards. I think a card is particularly appropriate on Mother's Day because what any mother really wants -- and yes, I'm making an assumption here since I'm not a mother myself -- for Mother's Day is for her child(ren) to spend time with her and let her know they care. So, in the absence of (or in addition to) hanging out with dear old Mom this Mother's Day, I'd suggest sending a card that let's her know how you feel. [And yes, I do think you should take the time and effort to write more than just "Love, Junior"; after all, you ought to at least make it worth the stamp it cost you to mail it.]

Happy Mother's Day card by Bean Sprout Studio ($4)

So this year I thought I'd pull together some of my favorite Mother's Day cards from Etsy. Any one of these cards has the benefit of being a lot more special than your run-of-the-mill Hallmark greeting. And since you can't just run to the 7-11 to pick one of these up en route to Mother's Day Brunch, you'll look like you put some real thought into the card this time. I love the one pictured above from Bean Sprout Studio with its 3-D paper flowers and smart chartreuse envelope.

I Love You, Mom letterpress card by Ilee ($3.50): Ilee has several cute Mother's Day cards, but I particularly like this one with its bright colors and cute design. Besides, who can resist some letterpress?

Thanks Mom flower ribbon card by Anna Cote ($5.50): This is a nice modern option from Anna Cote that gets right to the point. The fold-over style leaves you plenty of room to expound on the topic of gratitude.

Custom Mother's Day Card by Just Another Day ($3.50): Tired of all the hooky and overly sentimental Mother's Day cards? Then make your own! If you're not particularly artistic, Courtney Williamson from Just Another Day will make one for you. Just let Courtney know what you want the front to say and she'll customize the sentiment to your specifications.

Letterpress Happy Mother's Day Card by Sycamore Street Press ($4): Sycamore Street Press consistently creates letterpress cards that are just, well, pretty. And of course, I love the combination of pink & brown; it's just a classic.

Personalized Stationery. If you're looking to earn some brownie points this year with your mother, why not give her the gift of stationery? Personalized stationery is one of my go-to gifts for just about anybody and for just about any holiday: it's thoughtful, always useful, and you can never have too much paper. Even better, there are tons of affordable (i.e., under $30) options on Etsy for custom stationery that's sure to make your mom smile. It's also a nice change of pace from the standard gifts of flowers or candles/bath products.

Custom Wood Type Stationery letterpress cards by the Paper Peony ($24/set of 8): I love the simplicity of the single lower case letter (how e.e. cummings!). Choose from all 26 letters and a variety of ink colors. A spare envelope is included for any mistakes.

Zig Zag Personalized Notecards by Just Another Day ($20/set of 10): I'm tempted to pick up this set for myself. I love the Missoni-style zig zags in bright Easter egg colors.

Paradise Flower Personalized Notecards by 12fifteen ($18/set of 12): This one by 12fifteen satisfies my current craving for all things red and turquoise.

Whimsy Family Personalized Notecards by Ink Spot Workshop ($17.50/set of 12 + return address labels): This stationery seems just the ticket for the "super mom" with the super family. Even better, the set comes with coordinating return address labels and comes in your choice of 4 colorways. (I like the gravel and magenta one best.)

Blind Impression Simple Custom Letterpress Notecard Set by Simple Song Designs ($27/set of 15): You can't get any more streamlined and modern than these cards. Blind impression is letterpressing without ink, which creates an indentation in the paper without coloration. These, by Simple Song Designs, are the height of minimalist chic (and a great deal for letterpress!).

Callings Cards. If you're looking for a gift that's a little more unusual than custom stationery, what about customized calling (or business) cards?

100 Personalized Calling Cards by Happy Girl Greetings ($20/set of 100): You can really stretch your dollar with these babies, which come in a pack of 100 for a mere 20 clams. There's an almost infinite number of choices for graphics, but I love the old fashioned typewriter, which goes so well with the ecru paper and traditional font. Very sophisticated.

Birds and Branches Calling Cards by Michelle Brusegaard ($20/set of 50): This is a great option if you're looking for something a little cuter. The square shape will be sure to stand out amidst a sea of business cards.

What about you? How do you typically celebrate Mother's Day? Any good tips on great gifts or activities to mark the occasion would be most welcome!

Betsey Johnson: Timeless Fashion Design

Betsey Johnson first nabbed her spot on the fashion in the sixties and seventies. Her designs were just as hot then as they are now. In fact, they were so hot that they have been referred to as "culty brands" by New York Fashion, which has her fashion status marked as "Established, Household Name."

This fashion designer and fashion jewelry designer has worked with clients such as Cyndi Lauper, Joan Jett, Janis Joplin, Debby Harry and Paris Hilton. Her designs can be purchased in major department stores including Macy's and Bloomingdale's as well.

Many brands describe themselves as "flirty", but Betsey Johnson's designs really own and exemplify this term. Just consider her Fall 2009 collection, which is brimming with colored leggings, short skirts and short boots; all of which is very '80s, early '90s and Cyndi Lauper-esk. Although there are several designs that tend to "throwback" to these decades, it's easy to see how Betsey Johnson's designs are always on the cutting edge.

Johnson's choice of fashion jewelry to compliment her runway designs is creative as well. Her chosen accessories for her Spring 2009 show include items like thin, black choker necklaces on every model, not to mention colorful wigs and round brim hats. Bangles, colored sunglasses and long, ornate earrings are also used throughout.

Throughout Johnson's lines, it's easy to see that she's really just a punk rocker at heart. She's unique, daring and full of surprises, which is evident from her cartwheels at the end of her fashion shows. And, although they try to remain austere and mysterious, it's easy to see that her models are having just as much fun wearing her fashion and jewelry designs as she did creating them.

When you visit her online store, you will find Betsey Johnson is also one of the hottest jewelry designers as well. She has several new designs including starfish earrings and skull studs that are definitely unique fashion jewelry pieces. Like the marine theme? You'll also enjoy her unique ring designs as well including Lobster and Rhinestone Crab rings. See, Betsey Johnson's jewelry designs are just as fun and timeless as her clothing!

Selecting Options: Part 2

Time for the second installment of selecting options on the new house. If you missed the first installment, you can catch up HERE. To view the layout for the new house, go HERE. The major upgrade we decided to spring for on finishes was flooring. Both Dave and I have a strong preference for wood floors over carpet or tile and with my allergies to our two cats, hard surface flooring is a necessity and not just a luxury. We ended up selecting an engineered oak floor in the stain pictured above. The sample is in 3" planks but we decided to go for 5" planks (at no additional cost...shocking, I know). I think wider floor boards are definitely more modern and, given our experience with our current pine floors, the fewer gaps and seams the better. Of course, engineered wood has the benefit of locking together, so I anticipate much lower maintenance on these floors than those in our current house. The wood floors will be installed in the entire downstairs, save for the kitchen/breakfast area, the utility room, powder room and master bath.

For the master bathroom, I really wanted to go for a very light backdrop. While I always envy those all-white bathrooms found in so many magazines, I inevitably get bored and end up painting the walls in something less neutral. For now though, the intention is to go with a soothing, all-white space save for the vanity, which will be in the same English Leather finish as the kitchen cabinets. I think the contrast between the dark cabinets and light tile floor (pictured above), which we'll be laying on the diagonal, will be nice, don't you think?

For the vanity counter, I decided to go with Silestone, which is something I've been wanting to try in my own home, but never had before. This Silestone (Mont Blanc) has flecks of mahogany, black and gray just as the granite in the kitchen does, but is far lighter than the kitchen counters. Here's a side-by-side comparison:

I think these "go" together without being overly matchy-matchy. What do you think? I also thought using the same granite in the bathroom would just make the vanity look too much like it belonged in a kitchen. Plus, it's always fun to try a different (and new to me) material.

For bathroom fixtures, we just went with the builder's standard, which are the Monticello fixtures by Moen in oil-rubbed bronze. They're nice, but definitely nothing spectacular.

In the upstairs' bathrooms (there are two full baths), I went with a slightly darker gray 13" tile for the floors. On the shower walls, we're using the same tile, but in a 6" size for contrast. It'll be a nice neutral backdrop for whatever I decide to do with them. Cabinets will be basic contractor-grade white cabinets and the vanity tops will be white cultured marble. I'm really not a fan of cultured marble (kind of plastic-y looking and overly fussy for my taste) or the base cabinets, so I may end up removing/reselling them and upgrading at some point. Fixtures are the same as the master bath.

Having blown most of our options' budget on the hardwood downstairs, we decided to stick with builders' grade basic carpet upstairs. Carpet has the advantage of being easy to replace anyway, should we decide to do something else down the line. For now though, I think this basic greige carpet works just fine. For some reason though, it looks a lot more brown in the shot above than it actually is (it's actually more in line with the picture below, which shows the carpet sample behind the paint samples). The slate-like tile below will be the floor on the upstairs' porch. Dave really loved this one, but I'm a little nervous that it will clash with the brick we've selected. I guess we'll just have to see.

Next to the lack of options for backsplash, our choices for paint color were the most frustrating aspect of the selection process. For paint, we had our choice of 4 colors (including white). We were able to select one color for trim/ceilings and a second for the walls. And that's it. One wall color for the entire house. For those of you who've read this blog for a while, you'll know how big I am on colorful walls. I hate the idea of repainting freshly painted walls as soon as I move in, but I know that, at least in some of the rooms, it's inevitable. What's particularly frustrating is that a gallon of gray paint costs just as much as a gallon of blue, though perhaps they buy these colors in such bulk that they get a substantial discount. Our lack of options may also have something to do with the effort of instructing the crew what color goes where. In the immortal words of Kurt Vonnegut, "so it goes". On the plus side, I actually rather like the greige "Caravan" I selected for the walls; it'll be a nice base for the family room, hallways and upstairs (which I suspect will go undecorated for quite sometime). I'm a bit concerned that the white I selected for the trim and ceilings is a little too yellow, but we'll see how it ends up looking once it's painted out.

Socialite Fashion Jewelry Style Defined

Not everyone can afford the latest celebrity red carpet trends, but you can get jewelry inspired by these fashionable stylistas who frequently grace the party scene. These socialites get noticed with fun jewelry designs that raise the bar and get their pictures plastered on the front page of every major magazine.

Paris Hilton, the heiress to the Hilton fortune, regularly works the crowd wearing over-the-top jewels such as bubble gum pink Hello Kitty encrusted pendant necklaces or oversized metal cuffs. She's not afraid to take fashion risks in pieces that are youthful and fun. For example, Paris loves animal prints, and has stolen the scene in safari inspired looks, with chunky wooden bracelets, long beaded necklaces and matching headbands to complete the look.

Nicole Richie may be retired from the party-hopping lifestyle, but the famous mom is still a style-setter with her bohemian chic laid-back vibe. Nicole prefers organic looking materials such as teak wooden bangles or floral printed jewelry to accent everyday outfits. For a night on the town, Nicole goes for art deco jewelry pieces like the pave set angel wing necklace she wore on the cover of Elle magazine.

Sienna Miller is truly a trend-setter, with her edgy jewelry choices and dynamic outfits. She's not afraid to take a risk, and it usually results in her landing on at the top of the list of style mavens. Sienna is versatile, wearing medallion shaped earrings for a casual day out or a large statement cocktail ring to dress up for an event. Sienna's signature boho chic style includes a love of large geometric earrings in a variety of metals, most notably bronze. With Sienna's features, she can easily pull off triangles, ovals and other chunky duds to balance her small frame. Sienna is also the master at layering, as she sports several strands of long beaded necklaces or a pile of bangles.

Shades of Purple

Gemstone designs in shades of Purple! Graduation, Anniversary, Birthdays...or just 'thought of you gift'.......get a unique gift!

Peppermint Jasper Magnesite Silver Links Set

Purple Lace Agate Copper Earrings

Purple Jasper Aventurine Bluestone Silver Chain Set (this one is on sale!)

Wild Horse Jasper Ivoryite Sterling Silver Set