Continuing on with focus of accessories, let’s move on to HATS. You may simply refer to them as hats but they are classified as newsboy, cloche, balaclava, baseball, beanies, fedoras, trilby, cowboy, pork pie, derby, top hat, trapper, beret, aviator, or skull cap. To think these are but some of the styles that are available to you during your everyday retail travels and that includes online as well. Hats make a great gift at this time of year as well as a much needed accessory in the cold climes.

Most ubiquitous on the streets of New York City, and almost everywhere, has been the fedora for all of Spring and Summer on men and women and with no ages left out. As the Fall season takes hold and moves rapidly into Winter, there are already signs that the beanie, skull cap and the trapper varieties, from knit to fur, that will be crowning the heads of almost everyone and not just for protection of the cooler temperatures as hats make a fashion statement with no extra added attachments.

As the great milliner Stephen Jones has stated, “A hat can be the exclamation point for your outfit.” He would be very pleased to see that so many have heeded his words and spoken very emphatically by their choice of head gear. It doesn’t matter if you buy your head covering at Wal-Mart or Neiman Marcus, the statement will speak for itself. No matter where you make the purchase, the silhouettes remain constant and your look is up to you. As always my suggestion is to have alternatives, different mood – different hat, different weather – different hat or match them to your outerwear.

So the question remains, what will your “exclamation point” look like?

This week, I thought that necklaces should be the center of attention, as last week’s featured Kenneth Lane torsade garnered so many comments. When I was Vice president of Miriam Haskell, during the 1990’s, it was always a pleasure to start a new collection or grouping, as inevitably, that always started with a necklace. This accessory can be the one stop finishing touch to so many outfits and now that spring is finally arriving, I thought this is the right time for this particular feature.

With my usual researching, I was able to find so many alternatives, but I just wanted to highlight the most special pieces. The torsade, which is a multi strand twist necklace, seems to be one of the most popular styles as it says the most, without a lot of effort. Even in the Spring 2010 collections, this closer to the neck design, remains an important accessory. Always keep in mind that when you stick to the metallics, such as gold. Silver, gunmetal or pearls they are seasonless and always in style.

In the category of accessories, it is easy to find a lot of bang for your buck and no better place than here in this selection. It doesn’t matter if you are a Saks shopper, or a habitué of QVC or even a regular at The Limited, there is ample selection everywhere and a more than ample amount of price points. Spend some time finding what suits you best, as with the warmer weather upon us, there is no easier finish than this. Whether you wear shirts, tank tops, tube tops, tee shirts, sleeved or sleeveless, this is the accessory to own.

Please let me know if you agree, I am always available on Facebook (FASHION BY THE RULES or Oligoville) or on my blog ……………http://jeffybruce.blogspot.com/

And when searching online do not forget to visit Shopbop, Shopstyle, Netaporter, Saks, Neimans, QVC, as I did for the photos from this article.

Sure you can get your rock star on with a few rounds of Guitar Hero or Garage Band, but why not rack up  more than virtual cred by flaunting the same buckles that have been seen on real-deal rockers, including members of Motley Crue, Alice in Chains, and the Charm City Devils. Whether you’re in the mood to give a nod to peace, get lucky with a shamrock or horseshoe, or go all flower power, WATTO Distinctive Metalwear has a belt buckle that’s perfect for every mood. Try on the crown to punch up a simple tee and jeans ensemble, or add a little edge to a flowy dress by corralling it with the butterfly. Here’s more from designers Jon (WATTO) Watson and Mary Spencer on how to be a rock star. . . or just look like one.

Oligoville: In five words or less, Watto Distinctive Metalwear is. . .

Mary & Jon: Street couture for everyday

Oligoville: How would you describe your ideal customer?

Mary & Jon: Our buckles are geared to heavy metal, motorcycle, skateboarder, musician, art & fashion lovers! We have found that age is not relevant as we’ve sold to teens as well as 60 and 70 year olds.

Oligoville: How’d you end up as designers?

Jon: I grew up in the South, went into the army at 17 and then off to design school. For more than 15 years I was a graphic designer, but got bored of sitting behind a computer. I began apprenticing with a local metal shop in 2005 to learn the trade of welding. In 2007, I bought my own equipment and opened up shop at home and started “The Metal Gardener” with help from Mary (my wife). I began making sculptures and lighting, and started getting custom jobs for gates and other items.

Mary: I graduated with a degree in graphic design and painting and went on to be a product manager in the social expression, craft, puzzle and game industries. I also worked as a graphic designer, floral designer, and prop designer for special events. After I got laid off in February of 2009, John and I decided to start WATTO Distinctive Metal Wear. WATTO was a nickname Jon’s buddies had given him. We decided to focus on belt buckles and accessories which made me very happy as I LOVE fashion.

Oligoville: How/when did you launch your brand?

Mary & Jon: We launched our brand in late Aug 2009 at the POOL trade show in Vegas after six months of line/brand development as well as hand-making a few hundred buckles, building a website, and developing a catalog and branding statement.

Oligoville: What are your predictions for fashion in 2010?

Mary & Jon: The rock-and-roll image will continue to inspire fashion in all sectors as well as the bling trend. Bling will continue to prevail in less expensive forms, such as rhinestones and crystals rather than diamonds, as people continue to be cautious on overspending. Accessories will remain an inexpensive way to update a wardrobe without buying all new clothing.

Oligoville: Who and/or what inspires each of you?

Jon: Dale Chihuly because of his use of organic shapes and his passion for artistic creation.

Mary: Artists of all forms, whether they are musicians, crafters, painters, writers, etc. I don’t have a particular artist or person that inspires me; it’s more the spirit of the creative community as I am continually encouraged by the work and ingenuity I see in others.

Oligoville: What’s 24 hours like in your lives?

Mary & Jon: We generally work at least 12 hours a day if not more. Jon will often run errands to pick up metal, and run to the hardware store, then head out to the workshop to create handmade metal art. Mary answers emails, does the marketing materials, schedules shows, ships out orders, does the accounting, creates some of the designs, and works on new concepts among a list of other fun stuff.

Oligoville: What’s in your closets? What are you both wearing right now?

Jon: Dickies coveralls, jeans, t-shirts, and work boots.

Mary: Lots of fun clothes, but now that I’m mostly at home on the computer, I settle on jeans and t-shirts.

Oligoville: What’s in your bags right now?

Mary & Jon: Our business cards.

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

Mary & Jon: Our workshop flooded when we first built it. Several of our machines quit working, and our computer blacked out, and we lost a bunch of information. We’ve learned that there is a solution to every problem, and that things will go wrong. It’s all about how you handle the problems and decide that you won’t give up no matter what. Jon also got a punching bag to hit when things get really stressful. LOL!

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

Jon: Being my own boss, creative freedom, and not having to fit someone else’s mold.

Mary: All of the interesting people I’ve met along the way. I’ve had the opportunity to work with some of the most talented people over the years and have been inspired by all of them. Oh, and I like the being my own boss thing too!

Oligoville: Tell us where you expect to see your business in the next five years.

Mary & Jon: We will continue to create metal art. If that means changing the scope of our product lines to fit the needs of the changing consumer trends, then that’s what we’ll do, but in our own way.

Oligoville: Any advice for aspiring entrepreneurs?

Mary & Jon: Do your research, have a vision, make a plan to reach that vision, and make and keep connections. Don’t be afraid to spend money on necessary promotions, but make sure you don’t put yourself in financial jeopardy. Above all, believe that you will make the plan work. Don’t let failure enter your vocabulary.

What’s on your playlists right now?

Jon: The Who, Colin Hay, X, Lords of Altamont, The Strokes, Elvis.

Mary: I like to listen to a variety of music from Rihanna to Kelly Clarkson to Tori Amos and Fiona Apple. One of my favorite songs right now is “Fireflies” by Owl City and also “Someday” by Rob Thomas.

Oligoville: Any last words?

Mary & Jon: Rock on!

FASHION BY THE RULES: New Year’s Eve

This year has provided us with many fashion topics, but none as recurrent as the exposure of Michelle Obama’s arms. After a careful search online, I found that if you are planning on dressing up for New Year’s Eve, well you best be prepared to go sleeveless or short at the very least.

Having spent so many years in the retail/wholesale business, this proliferation of sleeveless, bare and short dresses is somewhat of a mystery to me. Even though many women, young and “older,” are members of a health club or follow some sort of exercise regimen, it appears that a dress with any type of sleeve is a rare find. So basically, whether or not you choose to “bare arms” will determine how difficult your search for the perfect dress might be.

I don’t want you to think that I am against sleeveless/strapless dresses but not everyone wants to “bare arms” and not everyone wants to worry about a cover up and not everyone has the self confidence to go bare in the middle of winter, but there is good news. The good news is that no matter your price range, there is a huge selection of short dresses to choose from. If by chance you are searching for a long dress to ring in the New Year, well then you have your work cut out for you.

This is the perfect opportunity to go overboard on your accessories as chandelier earrings, statement necklaces, pins, and even wraps/stoles are also in abundance everywhere and again at every conceivable price. Just try and remember, if you question yourself and say “Is it too much?”  YES, it is and remove something immediately. Try to decide where you want the focus to be and then proceed accordingly.

So, once again, I offer up the fruits of my labor with a selection of some of the best that online shopping has to offer, and at every price point. You will have to trust your own instincts for the accessories, but this should give you a running start for the dresses.
Many thanks to Edressme.com as well as shopstyle.com.

Wishing everyone a fashionable, healthy, and profitable New Year.

http://jeffybruce.blogspot.com/

When you think of Kimonos, what words come to mind? Maybe colorful, exotic, beautiful, rare. How about jaw-dropping handbags that cannot help but be gawked at? Donna Webster is the creator behind Kimono handbags. The MICHI, KIKO and HANA collections are made with recycled Japanese wedding Kimono and recycled Australian timber handles. So not only will you have a breathtakingly beautiful bag that can be worn year round, but you can pat yourself on the back for being Earth-friendly.

Ms. Webster ensures that each bag created has its own personal story and there will never be two bags that are the same anywhere in the world. One of the reasons these creations are so rare is the brilliant artists who sews these precious handbags are retiring and the skill is unfortunately not being carried on by the younger generations. And wedding Kimonos are not as common anymore due to the extensive and intricate detail required to making each one. So hurry, these head turners that have appeared at Sydney and Milan fashion weeks will not be around forever.

What is it about scarves? Maybe it has to do with the fact that they can be worn year round, or maybe it has something to do with scarves being timeless classics. Either way, they have become THE irreplaceable accessory for women of every age everywhere. Scarves are being worn by twenty-something girls on college campuses across America. They can also be spotted in the corporate world being worn by career women who can play with the big boys while still indulging their inner fashionista.

Sabina Les luxury scarves can make even the pickiest shopper swoon. Her “Signature Profile” collection is inspired by signature profiles, leather and fishnet textures, graphic elements and signature logos. This silk paisley scarf is versatile as it is gorgeous. It can be worn with jeans, Uggs and a white T-shirt for the collegiate gal or it can be paired with a black dress for that effortlessly elegant look.

I am in no way pretending to be Anna Wintour, but I think (and hope) that scarves will continue their reign as the IT accessory for women across the country.

Two pieces of great news: first, we live in a time where it is not only socially acceptable for men to care about accessories, but they are expected to. And the second great piece of news is Dolly Rockers’ ‘For the Boys’ collection offers the perfect accessory to make that outfit of yours go from nice to what I like to call “GQ”.

The collection’s materials have been gathered from exotic places such as Paris, Spain and Egypt. Many of the vintage pins carry a signature or trademark of origin and each piece is a one of a kind, reworked for a contemporary trend-setting look.

Part of the reason Dolly Rockers’ pins are appealing is they are eye catching without being over the top. Any of these pieces can be paired with a casual blazer, jacket, tux, suit, etc. So gentlemen, as the fall season is quickly approaching, my advice is to start accessorizing. Oh, and guys, if you find yourselves enjoying it a little bit, do not worry, we have for centuries.

There are only a few remaining weeks left of summer. Stores have already begun transitioning into fall fashions and most people have ceased adding clothes to their summer wardrobes. But, what is the one thing a woman needs year round? Jewelry.

Robynn Molino’s Jewelry is a great find. Not only can these unique pieces be worn all four seasons but they can also be the accessory at an event that every other woman envies. This Los Angeles jeweler has conjured up a new ring design. The letters located at the top of the rings are touch tone keypad buttons. Ranging in color from jet black to mint green, these rings are anything but unnoticeable.

While Molino’s rings offer more of the “Wow” factor, the earrings have a more subtle approach about grabbing people’s attention. At first glance each earring looks like a simple, feminine earring, but take a closer look and you notice its intricate design. Some of the delicate earrings in this line resemble flowers in bloom or a sea shells found on the beach.

No matter which style you prefer, Robynn Molino’s jewelry line has something for everyone, for every event and, of course, for every season.

Give me a needle and thread, and I can maybe sew on a button. Maybe. Give Dori Csengeri a needle, thread, and some gemstones and this former textile designer will whip you up necklaces, rings, earrings, and more that are positively swoon-worthy. Dori uses embroidery techniques to create intricate loops, swirls, and whirls that form tactile backgrounds for a rainbow of sparkly gems, including Swarovski crystals. Her unique understanding of patterning means that Dori’s jewelry is complex but never over-the-top. In other words, that opulent necklace with the hand embroidered clasp will work just as well with an evening gown as with your favorite slouchy top and skinny jeans. Just don’t blame us if every time you wear one of Dori’s pieces, everyone just wants to reach out and touch you. Here’s more from  the designer.

Oligoville: In five words or less, Dori Csengeri is. . .

Dori: . . . something different

Oligoville: How would you describe your ideal  customer?

Dori: While designing, I can envision the woman who will wear my work. She has a defined taste and personality. I try to create for her something different, fresh and exciting, so she can play with me the game of fashion and participate in the creation of her own image. My jewelry presents the choice for every woman who does not want to blend into the background.

Oligoville: How’d you end up a designer?

Dori: During my studies of textile design, my dream was of becoming an important and interesting designer. Over the years, I was bothered by the fact that my textile designs “leave” me and that I have no control over the way the end-user sees them or uses them. My prints were scattered all over, in many countries and were never presented as one mass, as a collection of serious design work. Designing and making textile-based jewelry was the way to expressing and to fulfilling my dream.

Oligoville: How/when did you launch your brand?

Dori: My brand was actually launched in 1992, when we started working internationally. I started small, with one assistant. Today I have 25 embroidery artists to assist me.

Oligoville: How did you come up with the idea of doing embroidered jewelry?

Dori: After years of practicing textile design, we moved to Paris, where I studied painting at the Academie de Port-Royal. It was a period of exploration; I was looking for new ways to express myself. Among other things, I was experimenting with collages from textile materials. This is how the soutache cords landed on my desk. From there on, the road to jewelry was fairly short. I started with small color compositions in textiles, which evolved into my first creations, beautiful lapel broaches. With time and experience, I developed a needlework technique which is suitable to the creation of the small or larger pieces of passementerie that are used to make my jewelry. More important, the technique could be [taught]. Today, at my Studio, I have a team of experienced embroidery artists; some have been with me for more than 10 years.

Oligoville: Who and/or what inspires you?

Dori: Inspiration is not a button you press and hoopla, there it is. It is the accumulation of memories and experiences “burned onto the disk.” There is Art, scenery, markets, travel and thelittle things that catch and hypnotize the imagination. When I design a new collection, it is the new colors of the season that turn me on. Especially, new materials that come to my desk, but also older ones, from my endless stashes, that have suddenly seemed to mature for the collection.

Oligoville:  What’s 24 hours like in your life?

Dori: At 6:30 am I take a walk [for an hour or more] in the park near our home. Then the day starts, toward 9 am. with an espresso and croissant at our nearby corner café on the boulevard. These are the quality moments of the morning that we share with my husband and partner, Giora. Though we work together, we do it at two different locations, so we rarely see each other during the day. The day is usually related to the atelier, design, customers, suppliers, materials etc.
Evening is time with my friends, or to see a movie or a concert or modern ballet, or for a quiet moment at home watching TV or reading.

Oligoville: What’s in your closet? What are you wearing right now?

Dori: Right now I’m wearing a bathing suit, slacks, t-shirt and a straw hat; I’m on my way to the beach, a few minutes walk from home. Otherwise, I collect clothes. I don’t shy away from markets and flea markets. . .I wear [clothes] with a twist, such as a man’s tie, Oldstar baskets in various colors, scarves, my jewelry, and I love hand-held fans.

Oligoville: What’s in your bag (or backpack or satchel) right now?

Dori: Right now, it’s a beach towel, sun-block cream, mineral water, and the weekend’s papers and magazines.

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

Seeing my jewelry shown and worn worl wide, across geography and cultures. Maybe, a visit to Japan, to launch a new collection and meet with ladies who are real fans of mine, was one of the most inspiring events of my career. It dawned on me how many friends I have earned through my jewelry.

Oligoville: Tell us where you expect to see your business in the next five years.

Dori: Do I have to think that far ?

Oligoville: Any advice for aspiring entrepreneurs?

Dori: Have a dream and follow it through!

Oligoville: What’s on your playlist right now?

Mozart’s “Requiem,” the Gotan Project, and Leonard Cohen’s CD from his show in London, which, incidentally, I will have the opportunity to see live next week in Budapest.

Oligoville: Any last words?

Dori: Thank you, I liked your questions, I think they cover me pretty well. Say hello from me to your readers and the Oligoville community.