As a collector of vintage jewelry, I felt like adding key vintage pieces would be a logical addition to StyleFolioJewelry.com which is devoted to bold, modern and luxurious jewelry. My love for wearing and collecting vintage jewelry began with the purchase of a 1940’s long blue glass and pearl necklace and earring set from Germany. I remember the day in the early ‘90’s that I fell in love with these pieces while shopping in a quaint Ventura Boulevard store in Sherman Oaks, California. These pieces marked the beginning of my personal collection that has grown with my travels and my personal style evolution. There is something undeniably breathtaking about vintage pieces, especially ones from 1914 through the 1970. I have such deep love, admiration and respect for these pieces. They are truly statements of great art.

My introduction to Weiss, Haskell and Eisenberg came under the tutelage of an incredible collector and retailer in the Phoenix Biltmore area. She saw my appreciation, interest and lust for the pieces and took extra time with me to share the designer backgrounds and key signature design elements. I began adding these designers to my collection. Each item continues to keep me mesmerized, which is why some of them are on the site. Even some of the unsigned jewelry is phenomenal. Designer or not, the vintage pieces are unmistakable and unforgettable expressions of personal style and exceptional craftsmanship. These attributes are the DNA of my intentions when designing.

The ‘Vintage Viewpoints’ Collection is a collaboration of my and a close friend’s personal collections. We’ve been adding pieces to our individual repertoires over the years and decided it was time to share these pieces with other vintage jewelry lovers. We pulled pieces to match a variety of personal styles and also tie into today’s trends.

Most of the collection features designer pieces that are signed and unsigned. We did extensive research on identifying unsigned pieces and pricing all according to a cross-section of vintage jewelry resources. Because I’ve lived in the Southwest for several years, I found it logical to add some other unique vintage and estate pieces, such as Native American and Old. Some of the finest Native American artists have and do reside in this area and I’ve had the great fortune to be exposed to their creativity and craftsmanship.

Regardless of the piece, in any of the collections, each item of jewelry tells a story and offers a rich personal style and art interpretation.

Here are some of my favorite personal pieces:

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Last week I had the divine privilege of connecting with a remarkable woman named Jane Pollak. I hadn’t heard of her before, but her blog captivated my attention. Here are the specific items that immediately grabbed me:

1) The “leading remarkable women to uncommon success” blog tagline. Looking deeper, Jane and I have a similar vision and intent for our businesses, but we have chosen different paths to accomplish our purposes and from which to share our gifts.

2) “Oprah’s in my Jewelry Box” blog post. I too believe in vision boards and have been creating them since childhood. Last week, I decided to photograph my design inspiration boards and share them via my blog. Her posting was a culmination of what I believe in, what I am currently doing and what I intend to share with others (check back tomorrow for the board post).

3) Jane’s aura. After spending some time reviewing her posts and photographs, it became obvious to me that this woman has a big heart, bright mind and great spirit. She is exactly the type of person I desire to have in my life. Thus, I was moved to write her the email that she has shared in her latest blog.

What I learned from my encounter with Jane is that life will steer you in the right direction so that you can meet the people you need to meet, learn what you need to learn and have the support and resources you need to accomplish your vision. I also learned that when you approach people authentically, in person or online they will respond. Even if you are authentic when you approach people and they don’t respond, that is OK too. It doesn’t make either of you right or wrong, good or bad, it might just mean that the timing is off.

Sometimes it is so easy to ignore or be ignored in our virtual world. However, it is important to be open to connecting with unfamiliar people and opportunities. You never know where your blessings will come from in life. This is something that both Jane and I seem to understand. No wonder we connected!

So, if you are ignored, please don’t be dismayed. I encourage you to keep plugging away, be yourself and have faith that what you need and desire will manifest for you. My wish for everyone reading this entry is that you too will make resonating connections the way Jane and I have over the last few days.

Here’s Jane:

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“No.”

It’s a word with an international translation. It is a favorite of toddlers. It is probably one of the most despised in sales. Despite its equally revered and abhorred reputation, BMW made the word “No.” the cover of a recent marketing pamphlet.

When I glanced over at the display rack and eyed the “No.” pamphlet, I stood back on my heels a bit shocked and then quickly beelined over to the rack to discover the what and how. What could this be about? How in the heck did they have the audacity to go this direction? Upon opening this pamphlet, I was instantly drawn into the material with their emotionally riveting photographs, succinct scrawl and smattering of white pages with black text. Then, “No.” made perfect sense. The concept and content of this pamphlet was absolutely brilliant. It took less than five minutes to read, but has occupied my mind for the last five days.

My favorite page reads like this:

“No, we will not compromise ideas.
No, we will not do it the way everyone else does it.
No, we will not give in to mass-market vanillaism.
At BMW our independence gives us the ability to say No for all the right reasons.
And while most companies choose to hide behind No, we see it as a way to say Yes – to ideas that inform not only our cars, but every aspect of who we are.”

They go on to invite you into a retrospective of where No has taken them. From concept designs to participating in the arts by allowing artists to use their vehicles as a canvas to next generation near-zero emissions cars and other innovative achievements. If you are interested in their car art, check out their New York exhibition March 25th through April 6th. More here

I say thumbs up to BMW for vehemently standing by their product and weathering the current downturn in the import luxury auto market. In a nutshell, BMW’s “No.” pamphlet is further confirmation of this little thing called integrity. It’s the thing that this site is all about. No I will not compromise on quality. No I will not design or present designs that look like the smattering of mass-merchandised fare. No I will not give away my product.

Because of No, I am even more empowered in my self definition and my business offerings. Because of No, I am further impassioned to redefine the way jewelry is purchased online. And because of No, I have become a BMW fan.

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It has been here all along. His traits are part of my DNA. So what do I have that I regard as so special? Listen and learn about his gifts that have and continue to keep me inspired.

My dad’s football card:

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Its uncut color is a dirty grey. But when cut, it is usually blue in color. When placed at various angles, the color can change tremendously showing a metallic luster and beautiful sheen.

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The reemergence of the ’80’s seems to be permeating the fashion, art and music worlds by experimenting with its range of punk edginess to refined splendor with a new millennium twist.

DKNY is celebrating 20 years of great design with a short film that pays homage to the ’80’s cult classic “Liquid Sky.” Check out the fashion house film’s neon imagery set to hypnotic music.

And then there is the queen of androgyny herself - Grace Jones. She silences her 20 year absence from music to strike a polarizing pose for the cover of V Magazine’s Spring issue. Her signature amplified attitude and provocative look is as intoxicating today as it was when she took center stage during the asymmetric silhouette decade.

Recently, artists have been paying tribute to Stephen Sprouse with the launch of a book that celebrates his short-lived but creatively fierce life. He set a tone for the ’80’s fusion of graffiti punk and fashion pop that designers are emulating today.

There is an element of the decade that symbolized glistening elegance, unabashed taste and cultivated style that is coming full circle as well. Women are rediscovering that period of refined and unapologetic feminism packaged in power-claiming frocks. Should pads, hourglass silhouettes and regalia resembling Dynasty days, seem to be making a triumpant catwalk comeback.

So, it’s official. The ’80’s are back! Choose your range of artistic expression with a modern interpretation from a decade that danced with danger and decadence.

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What did an arranged meeting and assigned writing exercises do for me? Find out more in this pod cast.

Bari Ellen in LA at the Chicken Soup for African American Women’s Soul booksigning event

Bari Ellen and me

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When I started this site, I thought about casting models to appear in the photos. Then my friends suggested that I pull an Oprah and hire myself as the model. After all, who could model it better than me they said. Well, I’m completely flattered and grateful for their suggestion. So I model and enjoy the fun.

Before I stand in front of the camera, even with makeup, my skin has to be nearly flawless like an artist’s canvas. So, here are some of my skin care and beauty secrets.

I am a devotee of Obagi products and use their complete kit. It is an investment, but one that I will not compromise. The products are pharmaceutical grade which puts them in a completely different echelon than other products. Plus they last forever because all you need is a small drop. My investment turns out to be about $1.10 per day over the course of a year.

I do supplement my routine with Nivea Crema for my neck and other dry body parts; Burt’s Bees NightCarrot Creme for around my eyes (24/7); Palmer’s Cocoa Butter for my body (so delicious and nonsticky) and lastly the Mary Kay Satin Hand System for my hands.

For makeup I use MAC and Armani foundations, MAC and Smashbox concealors, Smashbox illuminator, MAC and IMAN eye shadows, L’Oreal mascara and MAC or Lancome clear glass and gloss.

I drink a minimum of eight glasses of water per day, exercise at least five days per week and sleep at least seven hours per night.

Take the time to care for your skin from the inside as well. It is your body’s largest organ. Establish your own set of beauty secrets. Get some personalized skin care product recommendations here BeautyStat.com

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Layered, stacked, draped, pinned or crowned, jewelry has always been a statement of personality, style and power. Even the earliest known civilizations exhibited a desire for personal adornment, using jewelry as an expression of their rank. These ornamental findings show that as each society advanced, their jewelry also developed a distinctive style that reflected their cultural voice.

What is known today about ancient jewelry has quite literally been unearthed. Most often, ancient jewels have been found buried with the dead or in hidden caches, most likely secreted during uprisings and wars. Excavations show that both men and women wore jewelry - and lots of it.

Both genders wore earrings, arm bands, bracelets, bangles, necklaces, head pieces, ankle bracelets, brooches, rings and more. Headbands were prominent amongst royals and attendants. Full body adornments and common layering of multiple pieces was part of their daily dress. In death, especially amongst royals, they were adorned to the hilt with jewelry worn during life. Even the poor were buried with simple necklaces.

Read the first part in its entirety - Fashion Collaborative.

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Listen to the lessons that I learned from my beloved mentor and creative soulmate Alan.

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What in the world could this man teach me? You’d be surprised. Listen up.

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Discover what my amazing grandmother taught me about life, all 92 years of hers, from thousands of miles away.

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Metallic is marvelous darling, just marvelous. Silver metallic is also a magnet for excitement and can double as a disco mirror chip in a pinch.

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Today I received an insightful email from luxury retail expert, Pam Danziger about cash-strapped shopping. I found her comments echoing my personal and professional stance on being smart with your money.This feeds nicely with my jewelry site concept of featuring only high quality pieces of wearable art that are worth every red cent. Check out these tips:

1) Don’t be afraid to spend for quality: This is another trap for shoppers, especially those prone to shop only for sale items. It is often better to spend more, sometimes a lot more, for quality that will give you a lifetime of wear or use than to buy lots and lots of cheaper stuff. You definitely should spend more for an item that is a classic, that will always be in style and appropriate for all occasions. Sometimes you want to go for the cheap, but other times the smart shopper splurges for the best.

I have met shoppers in research who say they only buy something if it is on sale. That is simply a losing proposition because often times what is on sale is the stuff nobody wants anyway. Shoppers should never be afraid to pay full price or spend more if the quality and value is there. And this brings me to my next piece of advice:

2) Educate yourself about what quality is: Shoppers often limit their shopping trips to just the stores they usually shop in and never cross the threshold of a luxury boutique or department store because they feel priced out. Forget it! The only way to learn about quality is to experience it and that means taking time in upscale stores like Saks 5th Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman or Nordstrom to see, feel, touch and try on the better brands.

To be a smart shopper, you have got to educate yourself about what quality is. Then you can take what you learn and apply it to shopping in the mass-market stores, as well as in the manufacturer’s outlets and discount shops.

Yvette Craddock
Style Director
StyleFolioJewelry.com

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Yvette loves to be creative and is always looking for new ways to express herself. In addition to designing some of her own clothes, painting, sketching, writing and a host of other artsy activities, she now adds jewelry designer to her repertoire. After all, this site is her new baby. Her pieces are peppered throughout the site under the label of Fiscally Fabulous. The collection, inside and outside of this label, will expand.

Jewelry gives her the opportunity to explore combinations of color, texture, scale and other factors to create wearable art. She views jewelry as one of the ultimate outlets for personal expression. One closet is definitely not enough. A self-professed lover of clothes (never too many), shoes (never to high), jewelry (never too much) and all things girly; she covets dressing up so that she can layer on all of her goods.

Stay tuned as she expands her artistic horizons.

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Why is it that a few simple strands of these marine marvels always envelop a woman in a cloak of style, grace and class?

Historically, every culture placed high value on pearls even during abundant supplies. Woman of modest and substantial means draped themselves in pearls, sometimes from head to toe.

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Whether you are in retail or not, like me, you consume the news. Everyone is having a sale. It’s a sale bonanza with virtually every retailer giving away their shop. Well, as a retailer, I’ve contemplated about what I should do about this shopping season. Sure, I like everyone else could use more business. However, I’ve read some material which has shaped my unusual position.

One was from an affirmation book that states if you expect to get something for nothing you are violating the law of abundance. It also noted that if you are a bargain hunter you are violating the laws of vibration. I like everyone else who loves a bargain (although I prefer to save up for one quality item then to have a barrage of mediocre things), but I was a bit rocked by this perspective. Through an online fashion enewsletter I read that Abercrombie not participating in this year’s Black Friday discount madness. Both of these sources have inspired me to share my viewpoint which I expressed in this week’s StyleFolioJewelry.com “Folio Files” newsletter. My comments are as follows:

“With everyone discounting to the point that the cows have no home to come to, I have decided to take a different approach. Discounting to a negative profit margin does not revive or sustain our economy. Businesses will continue to go under, people will continue to lose jobs and communities will continue to crush under the weight. So, as anything in life, what you give you get.”

The give part is sharing your unworn items with other women. The get part is getting a discount from me for doing so. It’s the Purge to Splurge program. Please help me spread the word for participation. And, no purchase is required but appreciated.

Details: http://www.stylefoliojewelry.com/jewelry-fashion-news-folio-files/exclusive-stylefolio-programs/

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I believe that this is true - you are exactly where you are supposed to be. Learn about my chance meeting with the iconic class-act, Coretta Scott King and our wordless conversation.

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Yvette Craddock Founder and Style Director of www.StyleFolioJewelry.com and models (Melissa, Amy, Carolyn) showcasing StyleFolioJewelry.com jewelry and sharing wardrobe tips for special event and holiday attire on KWWL NBC7.

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Brighten up your disposition and set your creative juices on fire! The varied hues of fluorite have a fantasy appeal. This crystal’s chemical composition is said to overcome chaos and bring balance, structure and form to ideas.

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I’m one really fortunate woman. My mother taught me from a young age how to present myself with femininity and power. Here’s our story.

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Yvette laments the sad state of fashion and the importance of feeling good about the way we present ourselves.

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This shape has a wide hairline and fullness below the cheekbones. Adding length creates balance with this shape.

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Longer than wide with a jaw that is narrower than the cheekbones, this shape offers the most versatility in hairstyle and jewelry options.

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This face shape is characterized by a small or narrow forehead and a rather large pouchy-appearing jaw line. Add length and volume around the mid-chest area to offset the difference.

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This shape is an elongated oval, characterized by long and narrow bone structure. The forehead and chin are proportionate. Add width to the cheekbone area.

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This face shape features a wider forehead than chin. Balance this shape by adding volume to the chin area.

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A shorter version of the rectangle, this face shape is proportionate from the forehead to the jawline.

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This face shape is proportionate from forehead to chin with an angular jawline. It is an extended version of the square face shape.

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Virtually a reversal of the V-triangle, an A-triangle face features a broad, square jawline with a slightly narrower forehead. Add length to decrease the broadness of the jawline.

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Similar to a diamond-shaped face, a V-triangle face has a wider forehead and a narrow chin. Balance out the shape by focusing on fullness around the chin.

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This shape features a narrow chin and forehead with wide cheekbones. Balance out the shape by focusing on fullness around the chin.

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What’s hot now? Check out Pantone’s Spring Color and Fashion report for details.

Learn More

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The most fashionable woman is one who knows her own style and incorporates seasonal highlights into her mix. Here are some that StyleFolioJewelry.com™ considers the freshest spring picks:

• A great pair of jeans.
• A dressy military inspired jacket in an unexpected fabric.
• A piece dedicated to one of your favorite sports like a structured shoulder jacket reminiscent of football.
• Pattern plays in bold graphic designs and color stories. Try a blouse or jacket and take it from there.
• Sheer fabrics and tastefully exposed lingerie.
• Sci fi inspired designs.

Check out Pantone’s color palettes and lively fashion trend sketches:

Spring 2010 color palettes Click here.

Want to be a Folioista™?

Click here for details on this StyleFolioJewelry.com™ exclusive.

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