Designer

………………….We would like to think the older we get the wiser we get……That’s now always true….When I was much younger a few people, unbeknownst to me, found me intimidating…I had no idea……I often say “If I knew then what I know now”…….but I’m not sure I would have done anything differently…….However….I do believe as you get older….it is ALL ABOUT the PERSON YOU HAVE BECOME………I’m more tolerant….but I’m also less tolerant of people who waste my time……….I would like to believe I am a kinder person…a person with integrity, and a high moral compass….honest and true…and I’m sure people who KNOW and LOVE find me so………..at least I hope so.

…………………….This STERLING SILVER HAMMERED HOOP…..J435498…..Is a graduated hoop with a snap and bar closure……It is available in both the Sterling Silver, and Sterling with 18 KATAT GOLD PLATE….The “hammering” has a true artisan hand done look….It’s the perfect size, and will work with anything you are wearing…..They are made in ITALY in the “electroform” process [hollow], so they are very light in weight….All of my Linea jewelry can be found on my Linea Jewelry site at QVC…..The…..GOOD NEWS…..as of now the hoop is ON SALE, but I have no idea how long the sale is going to last………..The Hoops are wonderfully updated classics…….with a TWIST!

……………..HOT PINK & RED is a beautiful color combination when done correctly……..Choosing the RIGHT RED and the RIGHT PINK makes all of the difference…..The balance and brightness of the two colors must be equal or one will overpower the other…..There are so many choices to choose from. I have always found a true lipstick red and a bubblegum/shocking pink work best…..Starting at the left….Nadege is wearing a Cashmere and Wool window pane coat with red jewel cabochon buttons rimmed in gold, and Elaine is wearing a two piece double breasted suit in a slightly lighter weigh cashmere and wool blend…again with the red cabochon buttons that were made for me by my jewelry licensee. There were also matching earrings……Nadege, in the middle, is wearing a red double knit A -Line tunic with slightly flared sleeves and a jewel neckline. Under it is a Hot Pink wool crepe pencil skirt….To the far right Yasmeen and Christy are wearing wool crepe zip front suits with custom hammered gold zipper pulls. I accessorized each of them with contrast turtle necks to match the skirts keeping the color block look……Hot Pink and Red jersey knit gloves and tights were worn by all……..This combination of Hot Pink and Red is not for the light hearted, but when it is done well, it looks terrific.

……………..A diner party at dusk or later in the evening takes on a whole different aura with the right lighting…..The right lighting can make it MAGICAL…..As soon as fall came and the evening got darker, Jac and I always ate by candle light. It wasn’t just for special occasions…..it was just something we liked…..When I have a dinner party I still use lots of candles…..but……I have now added some special lights to add some magic….I have two glass cylinders framed in brushed chrome that when you touch the base a white light comes on….touch it again and the light turns to a warm yellow [photo at upper right]. For this table setting I like the warm yellow light. It enhances all of the colors. When I did a black and white table I used the white light….In addition to these I have a group of lights that look like the Dandelion flowers. They are on stands, and at the top are a spray of fine wires with tiny LED lights. This group of lights I got from a company called NEST……NEST has an incredible array  of all different lights for indoor and outdoor……It’s well worth taking a look at. Right now they are featuring all kinds of autumn lights, and soon their Christmas lights will be making an appearance……….Lighting is often overlooked, but I learned long ago it makes all the difference in every room of the house!…………..even a dining table!!

I don’t only use my “magical lights” on the dinner table…..I also have them scattered around the room….photos at upper and lower left….They really do add a fantastical touch……and when we leave the table and sit on the couches looking at the view….the lights are there with us……the AURA continues……..Soothing background music is just as important when creating a lovely mood.