FASHION BY THE RULES: Amulets & Talismans, “MIRACLE ICONS”
June 28, 2010
Popular wisdom tells us that each cause or circumstance has a patron saint that can protect us from that occurrence. Some of us have always had some sort of lucky charm or have worn a reproduction of a saint as a preventative measure. Usually given to us by a mother or loved one this is supposed to be our safety net during life’s tribulations.
MIRACLE ICONS goes beyond the conventional wisdom and contends that we need all the help we can get – but on a much more “democratic” wisdom, which is any saint we wear can help us deal with whatever problem we may be encountering at any time. In other words, these medals are the good luck charms for everything and anything. The philosophy, which was borne from the founder’s experience with a dear friend who was just diagnosed with an inoperable form of cancer, and turned into a healing tool of sorts. When the friend was given the medals, she was visibly touched and for some reason was very heartened by the sentiment. To make a long story short, she recovered and is in remission. Mary Jo Pane, founder, then thought that maybe this can be used as an aid to bolster confidence and well being due to post 9/11 complications which so many of our NY neighbors suffered through at the time.
Ms. Pane then decided to market the essence of MIRACLE ICONS to select retailers and has been constantly surprised that her sentiment is shared by the owners of these pieces. Her legion of celebrity owners includes Ricky Martin, Halle Berry, Bruce Springstein, Johnny Depp, and Justin Timberlake. The so called “religious jewelry” has taken on a life of its own and has been a consistently popular selling item across the country. The medals are acquired via agents who scour the flea markets of Eastern and Western Europe in search of these items which have the fine patina of age from the mid 19th century through the 1950’s. Once they have been received on this side of the ocean, they are then hand sorted by category. Once the sorting is completed, the process of building the jewelry begins. The medals/icons serve as charms (amulets or talismans) which are suspended from a bracelet or necklace. The bracelets tend to be of the stretch beaded variety and the necklaces would be of chain or leather or any other suitable material which would reflect the new contemporary image of the jewelry.
For almost 10 years now, MIRACLE ICONS has been made by hand in New York City and as of this year is now available online on its own website. One of the most compelling features about the collection is that NO 2 pieces are alike and there is no specification as to which saint will appear on your item. The prices start at $70 USD and top off at around $600 USD. They are heirlooms of the future generation.
Please feel free to learn more at http://miracleicons.com/ as well as on Facebook and don’t forget me at http://jeffybruce.blogspot.com/ or on Facebook.
ALL PRODUCT PHOTOS COURTESY OF “creativeiq.info”/PORTRAIT COURTESY OF Bill Sitzman/Minor White Studio
The Designer and Founder
Celebrity Style – Bohemian Pool Cover-Ups
June 24, 2010
Swim season is just around the corner and so you dont have to walk around in your suit all day, pick up a chic pool cover-up like Blake Lively’s. Make it fun and festive this summer with bohemian prints, bright colors, and flowy fabrics.
Beyonce’s cover-up print is bold and sexy with a deep -v cut that will show off your swimsuit, but
still keep you covered.
Other great color ups? Loose hanging tops. Check out ShopNastyGal.com for some great draped tees. Or a tribal printed dress that makes a great cover up too.
FASHION BY THE RULES: KLIX & CZC
June 21, 2010
My best guess is that reading the 2 names, you have no idea what they stand for in terms of product. One is a revolutionary concept that is unique in so many ways and the other is noteworthy for its designs and value.
KLIX is a set of make up brushes- made with “cruelty free white hair” and each size has removable/replaceable brushes. Think of it as the equivalent of a man changing the razor in his shaver. Not only is there an ethical side to this product there is also a healthy dermatological aspect. By changing the brushes every month, you will be avoiding the spread of bacteria caused by everyday usage and also enhancing the result of the make up that you use.
By not using a new brush every month or so you run the risk of blemishes which are caused by spreading of bacteria. Ms. Shrier (owner and founder) has received kudos from dermatologists and surgeons who consider this a breakthrough in the application of make up and daily skin care.
Genevive by CZC brings the look of fine jewelry to us at affordable prices. The vast collection is made up of necklaces, earrings and bracelets, all with the look of fine treasured jewelry. While they may not be of 14 or 18 karat gold, they are in sterling sliver with gold plating (vermeil) either in yellow, rose or white gold and all accented with cubic zirconia. The beauty of the collection is that there are so many day looks as well as evening looks and yet so many pieces are interchangeable with each other. One of the other real plusses of the collection is that there is not a wide distribution network so the pieces are not found on every corner therefore far more unique to the wearer.
Don’t forget to look for me on Facebook as well as at http://jeffybruce.blogspot.com/. Don’t forget to find these 2 brands online at their respective websites as well as several other fine retailers.
Klix Brushes.
Genevive by CZC found on Max and Chloe.
