Simply Smashing

Simply Smashing, Deb Rohzen’s absolutely fabulous downtown Campbell (CA) boutique, is simply my favorite clothing retailer in the Valley, hands down. So I’m very happy to announce that as of July 3, 2009, Simply Smashing is carrying a variety of Glimmerdream necklaces, bracelets and -- earrings, earrings, earrings – many of which are brand new designs not yet on the Glimmerdream web site.

A refreshing change from the big-retailer look and feel, Deb carries clothing lines one only used to see in Europe. I've never visited when I haven't found something fabulous and unique. Deb has smashing taste and she purchases in such small lots that chances are you'll never see what you're wearing from there on anyone else.

Stop by and take a look, meet Deb, have fun…

Jewelry Design: To Trend or Not To Trend

Whoa! That’s an easy one: I pretty much wouldn’t know a trend if it bit me in the butt. Well, I take that back – I’ve recognized a trend from time to time. But that’s usually because its run its course and anything vaguely having to do with it is on sale or at EBay.

So, never having been “cutting-edge” anything, I choose to create by inspiration and intuition, leaving the trends to those who can do them well.

But regardless of whether you are investing in an Elle Schroeder piece or a Glimmerdream piece, all my designs share the same attributes:

• intrinsic beauty: a natural flow and superb color combinations
• originality: non-derivative designs found no where else
• quality: high-end precious and semi-precious gems and high carat precious metals
• value: ageless beauty (not just this year‘s trendy look)
• perfection: exquisite attention to detail
• generosity: longer lengths and lavish use of materials
• versatility: can be dressed up or worn casually
• exclusivity: one-of-a-kind designs & limited editions

Spring Into Summer: 2009 Fashion Colors

Blue & purple lead the top 10 hues for spring '09, rounded out by lush greens which evoke a sense of renewal and a fresh start. Sophisticated neutrals ground the overall palette, providing visual stability in an economic climate that is anything.

"New York's fashion designers encourage hopeful attitudes with lively colors, while sophisticated, grounded hues address the need for stability in times of economic uncertainty,"

explains Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. 

(To the right: Glimmerdream's 'Royal' drop earrings from the Holiday Collection) Colors tend to evolve from season to season, and the blues which dominated Fall 2008 are now being expressed as spring's Palace Blue, a 

navy with some added sparkle which pairs easily with the entire palette; fall's rich purple has morphed into Lavender...lighter, more summery, and even a touch mystical.

(To the left: Glimmerdream's 'Lemonessence' set) The fun, optimistic characteristics of yellow continue to make it an important hue, especially as tangy & luminous Super Lemon which is not only eyecatching, but cheery. 

Subtle, summery orange'ish  Salmon Rose is not only friendly and approachable, but also flatters most complexions, and blue-toned Fuchsia Red adds classic,

sensual elegance both to clothing and cosmetics - like lipstick and nail polish. (To the right: Glimmerdream's 'You're Hot' set from the Fleur Collection)

Subtle rose tones result in a sexy, dimensional ne

utral in Rose Beige, while cool Slate Gray has bluish-green undertones which creates a nuanced neutral for the other 9 colors.  (To the left: Glimmerdream's 'Dominique' danglers from the Chanteuse Collection)

(To the right: Glimmerdream's Jade Buddha bracelet) Green perpetuates freshness and renewal in the form of Vibrant Green, a quintessential spring shade; calm and somewhat serious Dark Citron; and Reflective Lucite Green for a dash of clean, subtle shimmer.

Jewelry Spotter: Glimmerdream Review

A friend recently steered me to a Marjorie Miller blog (Jewelry Spotter) reviewing Glimmerdream. Marjorie and I have never spoken or exchanged email (although I left her a BIG ‘thank you’ when I discovered the review). Her blog starts with:

“I am always on the lookout for the next great thing in jewelry. It could be yours. (Actually, it should be mine, but you know me….)

I hang out at Land of Odds and you can reach me there anytime. Point my nose in the right direction — jewelry on-line that people will want to talk about. And, darling, you better believe this is my real nose. The jewelry ain’t fake either.

Let me take your hand, and guide your eye to see the treasures I have found below….”

Her review in part:

“Lin White-Schroeder’s [Elle's] website is perfect. She designs her perfect “playfully opulent” jewelry with all the perfect gemstones and perfect pearls etc. Lin’s[Elle's] perfect philosophy plays perfectly with her perfect presentation of the history, mythology and other associations of gemstones. My g*d Lin [Elle] is the perfect jewelry designer. I thought that was my job. Yikes Lin [Elle] borrowed my ambition.”

You can read the entire review at Jewelry Spotter.