Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Accessories Every Woman Needs

You know about the essential little black dress. You're probably still searching for the perfect figure-flattering jeans. But what are the accessories you shouldn't live without?

...The basic everywhere tote: You may have cute little purses and clutches that you use for a night out, but this one allows you to go anywhere. You'll want a size that's easy to carry but still has plenty of room for all your stuff. Since I like to be prepared for anything, mine is a little on the large side. Some women choose a neutral color, but I prefer colorful pieces, like this one I recently spotted on Etsy:



sage by CalviRee


...The anytime earrings: Look for a style that is simple, classic, and chic in a neutral color or a color you wear often. The goal here is a pair of earrings that transition from one day to the next. This is your faithful standby- the earrings you reach for when you aren't sure what else will work. This is an example of "basic" earrings that I created a while back:



...The walk forever shoes: Most women have at least dozens of pairs of shoes. Shoes for every look, every occasion, every outfit. But there's one pair that's most important: the one that's most comfortable. It's so vital for your health and happiness to have at least one pair that fits perfectly, feels wonderful and still looks stylish. If you haven't done so already, invest in a quality pair of comfort shoes that don't make you look like a frumpy grandma or like you just came from the gym. For me it's a pair of black mary janes made by Birkenstock. I can wear them with pants or a skirt and they're a classic style that doesn't look dated. They're more comfortable than any sneaker and look much more pulled together.

...The show stopping necklace: I believe every woman should have LOTS of necklaces! But it's important to have at least one really amazing piece. It should make you feel special when you wear it, brighten your complexion, highlight your best features. This is a piece you can turn to for the most special of events or rely on to make you look beautiful on a day when you otherwise might not feel that way.



Lydia Necklace by Snowflake Designs

...The "me" piece: It's essential to have one item that really reminds you of how you are. It may be a charm bracelet or mother's ring with components that tell the story of your family or life's persuits. It could be a vintage locket passed down by your great-grandmother. Or maybe it's an item with a special cultural or religious significance. In my case it's the amazing ring my husband gave me when we were engaged. He designed it and had a jeweler create it especially for me. We've been married for 10 years and I still get frequent complements on it.

A few key pieces like these will carry you through all sorts of situations and keep you feeling your most beautiful day after day.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

November Giveaway Winner...

I'm excited to announce the winner of my November Giveaway: a talented photographer and blogger, Michelle. You can visit her blog at: michellechappellphotography.blogspot.com

Michelle has won a $25 Snowflake Designs Gift Certificate. Congratulations!

Thanks to everyone who entered my latest giveaway. My next giveaway will be after the holiday season.

Sunday, November 22, 2009

BLACK FRIDAY SAVINGS!!!

I'm getting ready for a crazy month at Snowflake Designs Jewelry!

In my Etsy shop, I am currently offering a 20% discount on all purchases of $50 or more (except Gift Certificates). And I'm offering FREE SHIPPING for a limited time as well!

I had originally planned to offer these specials for Black Friday weekend only, but I've decided to start early.





NOIR NECKLACE by Snowflake Designs Jewelry

And don't forget there's just a few days left to enter my Gift Certificate Giveaway (see previous post for details).

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Gift Certificate Giveaway!!!

After much work researching and designing, I am now offering Snowflake Designs Jewelry Gift Certificates! They're available in my Etsy shop in denominations of $25, $50, or $100. They arrive personalized, professionally printed on fine card stock and attractively packaged for gift giving.

To welcome these new additions to my Etsy shop I am giving away a $25 Gift Certificate to one very fortunate individual. The winner can choose whether to pass it along to someone else (and scratch a name off of your Gift List!) or keep it to enjoy for yourself!





If you'd like to be entered in this drawing, just leave a comment on this post along with your email address. (I'll use your email to contact you if you win and to send you special offers and announcements a couple times a year, but I will NEVER sell or share your contact information.)

The last day to enter is November 30th, so hurry!

The winner will be announced on December 1st.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Top Ten Basic Fashion Tips

I originally published these tips on this blog a few months ago. It was a popular post that many found helpful, and the ideas are truly timeless. Here it is again for any who missed it the first time:


1. Time and money spent on keeping your skin and hair healthy will pay off in the long run. No matter how well dressed you may be, you'll never feel beautiful unless these essentials are given the proper attention.

2. Makeup completes your look, and most of us would never dream of being seen without it. But it can be costly. An upcoming post will discuss where to scrimp and where to splurge to keep your makeup kit well stocked without breaking the bank.

3. Use your jewelry and other accessories to achieve the overall look you want. Some basic points to keep in mind are that tailored menswear styles are softened when paired with more romantic jewelry, whereas feminine clothing should be complemented by jewelry that is more subtle.

4. Having a few key accessories that you really love can help you be prepared for anything. Look for a future post which will discuss the most important key elements that every woman must have.

5. Find the best colors that work for you and enhance your complexion. Once you know what these colors are, you can learn to seek these out when shopping for accessories and clothing.

6. Don't be a slave to the fashion magazines. You don't need to follow every trend. A good rule of thumb is to strive not to be the first or last person wearing a certain style. Be an individual. Wear what you like and don't worry excessively about what the "experts" say.

7. Buy well fitting, season spanning clothes. Resist the temptation to buy the size you want to wear or the size you used to wear. More about this later.

8. When shopping for basic elements like skirts, pants,and jackets, always buy classic styles that won't embarrass you later. Save trendy styles for smaller items like accessories.

9. Don't be afraid to spend a little more on stuff that you'll wear every day. The quality will pay off in the long run.

10 .Jazz up basic, simple clothing with great accessories and you'll look more fashionable without spending a lot on clothes that will be out of style next season.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

End of Season Clearance Sale!!!

Since the fall and winter season is now upon us, I decided to mark down some colorful, summery items in my Etsy shop.

These are one-of-a-kind items so once they're gone, they're gone for good.







I'm hoping to find new homes for these favorites soon. Snowflake Designs is moving onward and upward! Look for more elaborate wire work, more luxurious gemstones, and more upscale jewelry designs from me over the next few months.