FASHION BY THE RULES: KLIX & CZC

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.

Ten Minutes with Jewelry Designer Emily Miranda

It may seem like an oxymoron, but many of the otherworldly pieces by Emily Miranda Studio are  crafted using materials from the natural world that’s all around us. Consider, for example, the showstopping cuff coaxed from freshwater pearls, rhinestones, silk cord, and seashells. The truly daring can draw a crowd with the claw earrings featuring herk diamonds, pyrite, gold leaf, and alligator claws. Emily’s work also gives homage to other artistic traditions with pieces such as the leafy Matisse necklace and the origami-ish folded ring. She claims to “not get out much,” but wearing Emily Miranda jewelry is sure to get you through more than a few fashionably festive doors.

Oligoville: In five words or less, Emily Miranda Studio is. . .

Emily: A wearable, fanciful sculpture venture.

Oligoville: How would you describe your ideal customer?

Emily: Bold, discerning, intelligent, curious.

Oligoville: How’d you end up as a designer?

Emily: By way of painting, by way of sculpture, by way of cakes.

Oligoville: How/when did you launch your brand?

Emily: About a year ago, through spending way too much time working alone, superlative family and friends, and an ongoing series of fortunate accidents.

Oligoville: How do cakes fit into your design life?

Emily: For me they were the gateway drug to jewelry design.

Oligoville: Who and/or what inspires you?

Emily: Birds, animals, insects, bivalves, aberrant conchology, folded paper, line drawings.

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

Emily: Coffee, email, studio, studio, studio, sleep, repeat.

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

Emily: A lutz & patmos cashmere track suit under French plumber’s coveralls, and a suede apron with lightning bolts sewn on it. No kidding. Cashmere socks and clogs.

Oligoville: What’s in your bag right now?

Emily: I’m trying to limit everything to coat pockets at the moment.

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

Emily: Tons of rookie mistakes. Too many to name. I keep a quote by Winston Churchill nearby: “Success is going from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm.”

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

Emily: To make exactly what I like and have other people like it too.

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

Emily: Bigger, better, faster, stronger. I’d also be thrilled if I could pay my mortgage on time.

Oligoville: Any advice for aspiring entrepreneurs?

Emily: If someone tells you “it can’t be done,” please note that they have never tried it themselves.

Oligoville: What’s on your playlist right now?

Emily: Lots of NPR and audiobooks. When its time to rock out, The Stooges. I chill to Philip Glass.

Giveaway #23 (Ended)

Next Page »