Through the Lens...

We all love taking photos, right?
Heck, most phones now have a darn good camera in them.
Add an app for $1.99 and you have access to some
pretty sophisticated editing your phone photos.
I'm here to encourage you to use your phone (or actual camera)
to capture some fun and unexpected photos.

 Sometimes it's not having the most advanced photography equipment...

it's about an being there in the right place at the right time to 

capture a feeling or thought in a fraction of a second.  

Moments like these may be organic or 

they may come about through setting the stage.  

These are some creative photos meant to inspire you 

to use your viewfinder in a new way.

Shift your perspective, think outside the box and click away!

The Aqua Life!

Springtime... a season of freshness, new life, and vibrant color!

I was sitting on our lanai this weekend admiring how 

beautiful the water in the Gulf of Mexico appeared.  

The bright aqua, deep navy and pale sea green hues 

were absolutely stunning.  

In that vain, I thought I'd share some of my 

favorite turquoise accessories for this Spring with you.

The perfect tote! Large enough to carry all your needs for 

a day at the beach or a delicious trip to the farmers market.  

Fun & unique, these totes are a whimsical way 

to get into Spring & Summertime activities.

The sound of the waves rolling onto the shoreline... 

I couldn't resist including my favorite Gryphon Designs earrings

 that remind me of the clear turquoise waters

and soft white sand at my favorite beach. 

Down here in sunny Southwest Florida, 

wearing a hat while outside isn't just a fashion statement...

it's a safety precaution.  

The sun can get incredibly intense, so why not look fabulous 

AND do your skin a favor at the same time.

Shop for Tote: click here!

Shop for earrings: click here!

Pretty is Not Enough.

I saw this posted on Pinterest and something just spoke to me so I thought I'd share it.
It got me thinking how just one small deed done with intention can make such an enormous impact.
It begs the question, how are you a force of beauty?
What are you doing to make a difference?

Forget what you think you know
and believe in your own personal beauty.
You are a force to be reckoned with!

Nice & Neutral

Love this look for Spring!

Neutral Wedges and fun bag...How can you go wrong?

Planning on picking these up myself!

Shoes: Mix No. 6 Carlene Wedge Pump

Bag: Kelly & Katie Bloom Tote

Both are available online.  Click here to shop.

Explore. Dream. Discover.

As I stand in line at the grocery, I am reminded how many people who are here 

this time of year are simply visiting Southwest Florida.
 Our locale is a destination on a journey.  
Being a "stranger in a strange land" can ultimately change your life if you let it.
 Some travelers may leave here never to return.  Others may fall in love 
with our small slice of paradise and ultimately move here.  


Life is in the journey.  Where are your adventures taking you next?

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do 

than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, 

sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails.

 Explore. Dream. Discover.”  

Mark Twain

Just Breathe...

Breathe.

Sounds so simple yet can be so challenging at times.  

When we get stressed, mentally or physically, our breathing pattern changes, 

shortens, becomes more shallow. 

Heck, sometimes we even hold our breath without even knowing it!

Today in yoga class, our instructor, Cesar, said something that caught me off guard.  I actually paused what I was doing to take in and digest his words.  In a very gentle voice, Cesar said "The minute you stop breathing, you begin dying".  I actually stopped what I was doing to take in and digest his words.  I thought, "Whoa!  That's a little heavy for me this morning."  The further into my yoga practice I got, the more his words resonated with me.  He was so right!  

The times in my life when I'm the most frustrated, lost, confused...I'm feeling that way because there is a part of me suffering or dying.  When I stop to take a deep breath and get myself more centered, things have a way of becoming more clear.  I notice my heart beat regulating, my shoulders relaxing and focus to return slowly.   That's not to say that taking a deep breath or two will solve the problem, but it does help me to take care, stop dying, to make better choices rather than feel like things are happening to me.  

I encourage you to live a little more today by just breathing through whatever comes your way.  

I know I will.  Namaste!

Retro Fabulous: Mad Men's Betty

Mad About Style: The women of TV's Mad Men each have their own unique style.

Part three in our nod to retro fabulous fashions...Betty, Betts, Birdie!

Betty: blond, beautiful and the Mother of all TV Moms

Accessories: Large variety-hairbands and pearls to va-va-va-voom

Hair & Make-up: Ever changing-innocent to sleek and chic bombshell


Spice things up by wearing dark colored jewelry...it adds mystery and allure.

Want to go REALLY bold? 
Style an over-the-top undo, draw on a subtle cat-eye and adorn yourself with earrings that dangle.

That's it for our focus on Mad Men's Fabulous Women!

Stay turned for our next series on Super New Spring!

As Betty would say...

"Go watch TV!"

Retro Fabulous: Mad Men's Peggy

Mad About Style: 
The women of TV's Mad Men each have their own unique style.

Part two in our nod to retro fabulous fashions...Peggy Olson!

Peggy: smart & determined with a career focus

Accessories: Simple, clean, sweet and a tad demure  

Hair & Make-up: sassy bobbed tresses, luminous skin and the occasional bold lip

Pearls, pearls and more pearls...you just can't go wrong with a classic pearl necklace.

Elegant and crisp, pearl earrings can make a relatively plain outfit chic.

As Peggy would say...

"You need three ingredients for a cocktail. 

Vodka and Mountain Dew is an emergency."

Stay tuned for our final blog in the retro fabulous series...

Retro Fabulous: Mad Men's Joan

Mad About Style:
The women of TV's Mad Men each have their own unique style.


Whether you prefer the classically cool look of Betty,
the undeniably sensual aura of Joan
or Peggy's smart, up-and-coming  career focus,
Get ready for our nod to retro fabulous fashions!

Joan: the unpredictable & complicated femme fatale

Accessories: Minimal fuss with maximum effect

Hair & Make-up: Soft up-do, blush pink lips with beautifully lined eyes

 
Draw attention upward by wearing earrings 
with dramatic movement.

Wearing a single bold necklace adds drama without fuss.

As Joan would say...

"That's life. One minute, you're on top of the world. 

The next, some secretary is running over your foot with a lawn mower."

Stay tuned for our next retro fabulous blog...

Oscars Report 2012: Back in Black

Who said little black dresses were boring?

Well, definitely not the stylists to some of Hollywood's biggest stars.

Whether their frocks were sophisticated, elegant, sultry or even opulent, 

the trend in Oscar jewelry remained...

beautifully simple and understated.

When selecting timeless or classic jewels, remember to select items
that reflect your personality and are true classics.
You want something you can wear more than just one evening with one outfit.

If you love earrings that dangle, then a pair of stud earrings isn't your best choice.
Go with earrings with movement such as crystal or rhinestone drops
to create a look that is as enduring as it is about YOU!

Gryphon Design Earrings: E111 and E281

Oscars Report 2012: Gilt-y Pleasures

There is something unapologetic and over-the-top about 

wearing sparkle galore with a jewel encrusted clutch.  

Not only did Octavia Spencer pull it off, she looked phenomenal!

Octavia looked stunning in her Tadashi gown while accepting the award for 

the Best Supporting Actress Award for "The Help".

Her overall look was pulled together with a jeweled clutch and simple drop earrings.

Love her look?  Find it here!

Pair your beaded or sequin gown with a fabulous clutch that sparkles 

and classically elegant drop earrings for a look that will be your Gilt-y Pleasure!

Nina Lenis Clutch

Gryphon Design Earrings

Beaded Evening Gown

Remember that posture is key whether you are
stepping out on the red carpet or just heading to the office.
By standing up straight and pulling your shoulders back,
you gain an inch in height and even more in confidence.

Source: Getty Images

Fashion Color Report: Spring 2012

The fashion color report for Spring 2012 is out 
and they are FABULOUS!

The colors are not only easy to wear for all skin tones, 
they are fun, energetic and easy to mix!

These colors are too juicy to limit to just attire...

think amazing, delicious accessories!

Pantone's Cockatoo & Driftwood

Wing and a Prayer necklace

Pantone's Bellflower 

June Bride earrings

Whether you prefer neon or pastels, 
the Spring 2012 Fashion Colors has you covered!

Jewelry Trends: Upcycling

Upcycling Defined:

"The practice of taking something that is disposable

and transforming it into something of greater use and value.

This process allows for the reduction of waste and use of virgin materials."

Upcycling is NOT recycling. When we recycle stuff, we get rid of it. 

Upcycling items means it's something that would have been thrown away,

but someone has found another use for it.

Someone has seen the beauty in it and given it a new life...

so I suppose the saying "one man's trash is another man's treasure"

in this instance would be very appropriate!

How does this relate to jewelry?
You know those old broaches, hat pins & clip-on earrings in the drawer
from your Great-grandmother? Those items can be upcycled
into unique and fabulous pieces of jewelry to be worn
rather than stored in a box never to see the light of day!  

Azure Waters Necklace

Your only limitation is your imagination.

Chanel Diva Necklace

Want to know more about upcycling your pieces? 

Email or call us to see how we can help!

 

Reference: Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things by William McDonough and Michael Braungart

I Heart You!

It's almost February and you know what that means!

Yessssss...Groundhog Day!  

Well that and Valentine's Day.

Celebrate February by showing some love to a

friend, Mom, sister, daughter or even treat yourself.

This year, give a gift that gives back to your community.

With every sale of our Sweetheart necklace, proceeds go to local charities.  

The Sweetheart necklace is 100% sterling silver and comes in a variety of lengths.

Gryphon Designs Sweetheart necklace

Happy Groundhog (and Valentine's) Day!

Ear Candy

Don't get stuck in a rut of wearing the same earrings every day!

Dazzling earrings lend delightful charm
from casual weekend gear to evening wear.

I know it's easy to wear your every-day hoops or "go-to" bling.

Break out of your routine and update your look with some fun ear candy!

Try some rhinestones or chandeliers with your jeans for a fun look.

Go for color if you're wearing neutral dress or blouse.

Do the unexpected!

Credit: Lawrence Schwartzwald/Splash News; Theo Wargo/WireImage

Whatever the case, have some fun with adding a

layer of intrigue to whatever your scintillating style!

Remember that editing your accessories to create your individual look 

is key to being put together versus thrown together. 

Bling in the New Year!

Help support local small business this year in Southwest Florida! 

Refer 10 people to "follow" Love That! Blog through Facebook 

between now and noon on January 31st and you will receive 
a gorgeous pair of earrings from Gryphon Designs! 

Make sure your friends comment on a post and 
say who sent them so you receive credit!

Step Out in Style!

Part of feeling confident and inspired when you go out is knowing 

your style is cohesive and represents you well.  

Paying close attention to your accessories can make or break you look!

Consider your look from all angles. 

Is anything missing?  If so, what?  

How do you feel? What does your look say about you? 

Shop these Gryphon Designs looks online!