I just LOVE the Orleans vibe in this video created by LiaMolly of their Fall ’09 Collections. Be sure to check out our exclusive interview with the designer here.

This is the first thing I drooled over when I saw the new Loeffler Randall e-commerce site! Its on my list of must-have items this fall.

These are some REALLY nice rings. Nice as in Andrew Nyce. I fell in love with the truly unique patterns and shadows that are characteristic of  his elegant technique. When they say ‘No two are alike’….they mean it.

When it comes to the ancient Japanese technique of Mokume Gane, you know you are going to get a unique work of art.

“I am intrigued by the history and beauty of Mokume Gane and Damascus Stainless Steel. Each of these materials has beauty in their patterns, colors and the play of shadow and light that speaks to me and motivates me each day. No two pieces of jewelry are ever exactly the same.” says the designer.

“To me, metalsmithing is more than just the technique of working metals into a desired shape. It is the skillful blending of art and science to create a lasting symbol of one person’s love for another.”

Lucky for us, Andrew has been creating engagement rings, wedding bands, commitment rings and men’s rings,all with his intricate pattern, since 2002. They are sure to appeal to the more fashion forward crowd, who appreciate quality and style. That would everyone who reads Oligoville!

As a girl that loves bling in all its incarnations, I was mesmerized by this clever invention from My Kini Blingz. Who doesn’t love a little sparkle on their bikini or lingerie? These cute crystal pave charms have the ability to transform a ho hum ‘kini into something spectacular. The charms are many and the prize ideal at only $14.99 each. They are irresitable and addictive. They will have me hanging these cutties anywhere I can. My fav has to be the one seen below. You guess it, I’m going for a sexy look.

 They only use stainless steel on their decorative clasps and every design is unique. Hearts, stars, skulls, and butterflies adorn these uber girly girl gems. They even take custom made orders for precious metals. These adorable jewels were recently features in the Hawaiian Tropic Pageant in St. Martin as well as in Body Magazine & Women’s Surf & Style Magazines.

Designer Jordan Veatch-Goffi sketches her personal style as “simple, classic, and with a splash of color.” The same philosophy guides Doce Vida Fitness Wear, Jordan’s line of fitness separates that’s as perfect for lunges and sun salutations as it is for lounging or running errands. Designed to flatter a woman’s body, the line not only comes in a bouquet of energizing colors but Jordan’s fit tips help you easily layer the tops to customize the amount of support and coverage that’s right for you. And judging from the testimonials throughout the site, working out in Doce Vida Fitness means you’ll spend less time tugging your togs back into place and more time perfecting your handstand. Here’s more from the former Gap merchandiser on her fashion-forward fitness line.

Oligoville: Tell us about your brand and how it is different from your competition.

Jordan: Doce Vida Fitness Wear is perfect for everything from working out to lounging. It’s high- performance, stylish workout apparel made with a unique, ultra soft, super moisture-wicking 12% stretch fabric that instantly slims. Many things set us apart. If I had to choose two, I’d say our fabric is unlike any other. It instantly slims, wicks away moisture, and reduces muscle vibration. Also, our customer service is exquisite. We are known for our customer service because we get back to everyone in a timely manner and treat our customers the way we want to be treated as a customer. We believe in going back to the “golden rule.” Yes, it even pertains to business!

Oligoville: How did your career or interest in design begin?

Jordan: You don’t get much better retail merchandising experience than working for Gap Inc. I was lucky to be selected out of a pool of thousands to be a part of Gap’s prestigious Retail Management Program. During the course of one year a group of 20 young men and women are trained by company VPs in all four facets of retail: merchandising, planning, production, and marketing. This experience, along with my years as a merchandiser at Gap Inc., were invaluable to me. Doce Vida definitely benefits from my experience, especially in the realm of production and knowing the laws of manufacturing and importing.

Oligoville: What’s your design inspiration?
Jordan: The female figure inspires my designs. I design with our curves in mind, and Doce Vida’s signature piping is strategically placed to elongate and slenderize the body.

Oligoville: Describe a typical day for you?
Jordan: Every day is different, which is so exciting for me! I always start my day with a Vega nutritional shake. Then I check emails, respond to customers, and process orders. I take a break midday for yoga or Pilates to clear my mind and tone my body. Then I focus on new business.

Oligoville: Describe your fashion style.

Jordan: Simple yet classic with a splash of color.

Oligoville: Tell us about some unexpected setbacks you have faced since starting your business and what you learned from that.

Jordan: I manage every facet of my business from design to sales. However, the one part of my business that I have to entrust to others is my web site. The design and the shopping cart feature. I lost a lot of time and money working with a few developers who took advantage of me. My web site went through three different looks until I found the right designer and developer who finally understood my vision and created it. It is difficult to entrust someone with a part of your business where you are not the expert. Because of my experience, I have learned more about web development. My advice is that if there is a facet of your business that you are not an expert in, it is in your best interest to be knowledgeable so you are not taken advantage of. No one cares about your business like you do.

Oligoville: What has been the most rewarding part of your career?

Jordan: Knowing I am contributing to women feeling fabulous and receiving customer feedback like this example from a customer in Idaho has been rewarding. She wrote, “I put on my Paraty Pant to go grocery shopping, and this amazing thing happened. Suddenly I wanted to go to the gym. . .I felt fabulous! Your fabric has amazing qualities!”

Oligoville: Tell us where you expect to see your business in the next five years and some of the goals that you have for your brand.

Jordan: Within five years, my business will have full-time employees, be sold at hundreds of top retailers and fitness clubs worldwide, and be a recognized brand in high-end fitness gear. Personally, I will have the time and finances to contribute more to the charities and non-profits that mean the most to me.

Oligoville: What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?

Jordan: My best business advice is to always get back to those who contact you within 24 hours. Even if you do not have a complete reply, just send a note letting them know you received their message. We are known for our customer service because we get back to everyone in a timely manner and treat our customers the way we want to be treated as a customer. I can’t say enough how important it is to go back to the “golden rule,” which even pertains to business! Everyone from customers to business associates appreciates attentiveness. This will carry you a long way.

Oligoville: What song never fails to make you happy?
Jordan: “No One” by Alicia Keys