Wholesale Fashion Jewelry & Accessories Blog

DID YOU KNOW?  The legend of vampires began in ancient Persia where a vase was found depicting a man struggling to free himself from the clutches of a blood-sucking creature.  It was a frightening piece of folklore that caught the imagination of the people at the time, and continued on its terrorizing journey even up to today.  Throughout ancient Asia and the Middle East, legends of vampires dotted the historic landscape for centuries.  In Mexico, the Aztecs often fed their young to the gods to assure that the earth would produce good crops each year.  In both Greek and Roman mythology, bloodthirsty goddesses can be found waiting to suck human blood and steal earthly bodies.

Ohhhh, the horrors of the vampire class.  But none – NONE – could compare with that dreadful old meanie, Count Dracula, Romanian Prince of Wallachia, who impaled thousands just for his own satanic pleasure.

NOW…Halloween is on its way and with it, the dark Count Dracula threatens to rise up from his dusty grave to spread horror and dismay, just as he does each year.  You can join in the fun of scary stuff this year with some spooky jewelry all your own.  How about:

• Dangling bat Halloween earrings.  (Who’s afraid of vampires, anyway?)

• Boo! Halloween pendant.  (You can be scary, too!)   

THE BIG DAY IS ALMOST HERE!

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IN PRINT:  Who would expect a new, high class fashion magazine to be launched during this economic recession, when couture isn’t exactly running on a high road to profit?  And, moreover, who would expect that\ magazine to be put out by a financial publication?  Well, that’s exactly what the Wall Street Journal’s classy quarterly mag is doing, as it tries to wrestle some big advertising bucks out of the World of finance as well as the World of fashion.  The latest issue, just out, examines the changed state of luxury and its effect on diamonds, accessories, real estate and champagne.

PAINTED LADIES;  Women might be cutting back on wardrobe expenses, but they aren’t reducing their makeup expenses one bit, according to a Beauty Barometer by L’Oreal conducted in U.S., France, Germany, Italy and Spain. The women, aged 15 to 65, say they are wearing more natural-looking makeup and more neutral colors.  72 percent of them contend that makeup makes them feel better about life.  Nearly half said that wearing makeup gives them an advantage at work, and makes them feel more in control.  86 percent say it also improves their self image.  What are the most popular cosmetic products?  No competition!  They’re mascara, foundation, and lipstick.

COTERIE ROCKS:  A new and larger collection of accessories showed up at the recent Coterie Show at the Javits Center in New York City this year, as manufacturers of contemporary jewelry, handbags, belts, and the like discovered they could get good exposure to a somewhat different crowd of buyers at this exposition.  As one jewelry maker noted, “There’s a different dynamic here.” 

   Color was the major trend in handbags, along with studded designs that gave the bags a   pretty/tough look, a kind of rock-and roll aesthete, only with a softer feeling. Mini bags with long straps were also very hot, as were almost any handbags with skinny leather strips hanging down. The trend away from heavy, huge bags toward lighter, highly functional bags continued.  Buffed python was a major material, especially in soft, washed colors such as mint green, or light blue. Other movers at the exposition were bucket bags, hobos, wristlets and clutches. 

    In jewelry, feminine, floral designs predominated, although there were still plenty of edgy pieces on display. Studded wrap bracelets and bright bangles were hot. Vintage was big.  Florals of all sorts were popular, such as necklaces made up of gold-plated flowers.  A major designer name at the show was Kenneth Jay Lane, whose snake bracelet with gem-studded head was a real winner. Also part of the Lane collection:  A stunning open pink enameled flower with center pearl. 

NOTHING IS AS CHARMING AS FLORALS, AND YOU CAN FIND BOUQUETS OF THEM RIGHT HERE, ALL AT REMARKABLY REASONABLE PRICES.  TRY THESE:

• Wholesale fashion bracelet in floral motif.

• Large tropical flower brooch.

HIGH HATTED:  Hats are walking away with honors this season as designers finish off their wardrobe offerings with more and more elegant and creative chapeaux.  Perhaps the most charming and the most popular right now, is the classic beret.  This French beauty is slightly bigger than we’re used to, and is showing in many varieties, including a few with small little brims.  Color is important, too, although black is the real winner, bringing up visions of Paris in the 1920s, with all its intellectual and Bohemian wonders.