StudioJewel - Journey of a Jeweler


  • Tornadoes. Oklahoma. Other people count. A lesson in humanity.
    Another morning dawns. 
    In the world of blogging I am "scheduled" to write about fashion. But how? How does one focus on trends and style when many in Oklahoma went to sleep last night with the only shirt they own on their back?

    Devastation. Disaster.


    My heart is heavy. 

    I slept with restless dreams of children being whirled away. Of heroic teachers desperately trying to save the ones in their care. Of husbands and wives. Brothers and sisters. Family. People. 
    Taken. 
    Suddenly. 
    Unexpectedly.



    I can't even imagine. I couldn't even begin to put myself in their shoes. Shoes? Do they even have any this morning?



    So suddenly everything I create...everything I write about...everything that was so important and critical to me hours ago, seems so frivolous and cheap. 


    I have been unscathed. My family untouched. Left behind. 

    But yet...in the aftermath of devastation...I sit back and I see there is beauty in humanity



    For all the selfishness and pride we exude. For all our seemingly disconnectedness.  We pull together. And the best of humanity shines through.



    There is HOPE.



    So what do we do? What CAN we do?


    Those of us that are maybe hundreds maybe thousands of miles away?can we do anything? Should we? What good are my tears if I do NOTHING? I can easily SAY my heart is broken. But action. I need action.

    There are plenty of organizations and groups that are gathering together to offer support. If you know of any of them, find out what they need...whether that be items, or money or volunteers.

    If you don't know who to connect with go to Redcross.org. They need our help. They are already there in place with shelters. They are bringing food and supplies in all day today.
    You can donate on the website or call 1.800.REDCROSS or even easier text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. 

    And really, what is $10? Your lunch? A couple Starbucks? Step out of your comfort zone, if only for a moment, and put yourself in their place.

    I believe we are called to come alongside those in need in whatever way we can. We need to take action. We need to show our children what it means to care for others.

    And we do.

    This is when the best of humanity steps forward. This is when I regain my faith in people. This is when love rules.

    For me? 
    I believe it's being the "hands and feet of Jesus". Jesus. 
    The one who walked the earth and just.loved.people. 
    ALL people. 
    He is the perfect example. He exhausted himself helping others.

    I won't exhaust myself texting in $10. In fact. It probably won't affect me at all. But it is taking action. It's something.

    Will you shine as the best of humanity today?

    ~ lisa


  • Fashionable Flip Flops for summer style
    Who says flip flops can't be fashionable? I mean, I know they aren't HIGH fashion...but we all wear them, right?

    So I guess the question is, where is the best place to buy them? And which ones do you choose?

    Here are my top 8 - in no particular order!


    1. Hands down my favorites Havaiana's - the wear extremely well, the will hold up for multiple summers. around $26
    2. Cute and girly. I'm not a huge fan of Vera Bradley...but I do live in Fort Wayne...and I do have a pair of VB flip flops. I love them and they too have held up for more than one summer. BONUS! You can find them at Zappos.com.
    3. Target flip flops. These are my main stay. $9.99 and I buy several pairs a summer. I would say you get what you pay for...and you do. But these I love!
    4. Old Navy. Can you say bargain? Cheap. Easy. Buy 2 or 3. The basics are like 5 bucks. Pretty ones like these that I'm kinda crushin on are $10!
    5. Crocs. Not the first thing you think of when you think a. fashion OR b. flip flops. But these are da bomb. And I'll admit, I have two pairs. They might not be the prettiest...but I can wear these all day and you don't get that "I've-been-walking-barefoot-all-day" foot pain. AND I've had mine for a couple years. They look like new. around $30.
    6. Guys, these are hot. But they are also pricey. Worth it? Hard to say in a flip flop...but if you are going to wear a pair to work...and you can...splurge. And get a pedi while you're at it. Trust me on this one! OluKai Mea Ola from Zappos $120!
    7. Reefs are a standard brand. Well made and tons of styles. I'm loving these for this summer! I found them at Piperlime for $34.
    8. These brazilian made flip flops are so beautiful...and expensive. But Tkees makes the best...and if you need the best? So be it. Shopbop $50.
    As you can see, I don't have a lot of color in my flip flop life. But that's me. I'd rather USE flip flops as the easy breezy items they are - and accessorize else where. Ya know?

    What about you? Have a pair YOU love? Then I want to know! Leave a comment!

    Happy flipping!

    xoxoxoxo
    lisa


  • A little weekend fashion and style
    As you might be aware, yesterday was Mother's Day. And as I said on my Facebook page, I realize that Mother's Day is not a happy day for all woman. There are a lot of hurting people out there when it comes to thinking about their own moms, or being a mom, or wanting to be a mom, or for many other reasons. I really want to be sensitive to that. I want you to know my heart hurts for you. I want you to know you are loved.

    For me? 
    Yesterday I just wanted to BE with my family. I didn't require anything elaborate. I just wanted to soak them in, the good, the bad, and the ugly. But yesterday, they really pulled it together (for the most part) and we had a great day. They even acquiesced for photos...which CAN be a really big deal {{ahem, Noah, this means you!}}

    This photo makes me laugh. Here's my family on Mother's Day 10 years ago...and today! Just a few changes!


    Sunday fashion - since Saturday was spent sitting on bleachers at double header softball and baseball games wrapped up in multiple layers and blankets. NOT fashionable at all...but yet, somewhat warm!

    Friday I took my son suit shopping for prom. Yikes! While I was waiting for him to arrive I did a quickie stop in at one of my favorite stores. H & M. I love this store for a lot of reasons. It's fun and trendy. It's inexpensive. They cater to woman of all sizes. And my whole family can shop there.


    I found this "totes adorbs" lace top (which I think is supposed to be a dress...a very short dress!) I decided it made for a great tunic. Paired with some capri black leggings (H&M has great staple items like leggings) and some flats. It was about the easiest outfit in the world to pull together. And I love it. Top and leggings total? Under $40. Plus I got a $5 gift card for spending over $30. BONUS!


    Accessories. Since the outfit is pretty basic I really played up the arm candy. I used my Earth Day bracelet in black as the grounding point and then just added layers. I mixed in copper bangles to go with my long journey necklace. I think it made the whole look a bit more playful and fun. Love my Steve Madden flats, the metal on the bows pulled it all together!



    And since it was a super chilly Sunday - I paired it with my leather jacket! Who doesn't just need a black leather jacket?


    The girls went for a bit of fun and casual look. I love how they are embracing their own style! 


    Anneke - top H&M / shoes Payless / Hat somewhere in Indy!
    Isabel - top H&M / blazer Kohls / shoes Target
    Tahlia - top Target /  shoes Payless

    When I asked for them to really show me their outfits, they both did this simultaneously. I have no idea where they get their weirdness from!


    And then we were photo bombed. Yes, real men do wear pink - and top siders are all the rage. I really like Noah's look - apparently so does he! (shirt Target / pants Old Navy khakis / shoes Meijer, yes, Meijer!)


    Needless to say, I had a great day. I look at our "people" and I can't believe how fast they are growing up. My husband and I said that often yesterday. It really is craziness.


    I hope you had a wonderful weekend and are ready to hit this week with everything you got! I'm heading to SNAG in Toronto on Wednesday! I'm super excited. And over the top nervous! All those talented jewelers in one place. Yikes! I plan on acting like a sponge and just soaking it all in! Wish me luck!

    love and hugs,
    lisa



  • Ribbon Hair Tie Obsession my new favorite thing
    Maybe you don't like to tie your hair back. Maybe you have short hair. Maybe you just hate gettting all knotted up an elastic. Then this post is not for you.

    But for any of you, like me, who at most moments in the day cannot STAND, your hair in your face. These are for you.

    First arrived in my Birchbox last year, I was skeptical. I have big, thick, curly hair. Nothing ever fits my hair well, or stays in. And if it does stay in it leaves a dent. Hate the dent.

    Twistbands. Colorful. Snag-free. Very soft. No creases. And again, if you are like me, or you have daughters that use hair ties, they inevitably end of on our wrists for part of the day. And these, well these look cute? They almost blend in with my multiple bracelets as a nice pop of color. You only wish I was kidding! (bet you can't even tell WHAT is the hair tie!)


    You can buy them direct from Birchbox here. But I found a similar brand on Amazon, of course, they are called Emi-Jay  they look the same and come in a variety of colors!

     I just really like these. They are a bit more pricey then regular hair ties but I think they are worth it. And I find I am less likely to just leave them around..and I really do wear them on my wrists!!

    If you have used these before let me know. If you have another amazing hair "decor" idea I need to know about, please leave a comment. And if you are interested in being a part of my fashion maven list and have input on my fashion posts, enter below. I have a great summer planned!!
    Be a part of my Fashion MAVENS!
    Email:  


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    Here's to happy hair!

     xooxoxoxoxo
    lisa


  • 10 Fashion Don'ts you really need to follow
    We tend to focus on trends and what IS fashionable. What shoes to wear. What looks best with cropped jeans. What kind of accessories you need to spruce up your summer wardrobe.

    But at some point you need to process what you should not do! We've all made those mistakes. And really in the great scheme does it really matter? Probably not. But why not save ourselves from one more embarrassing moment?

    Here are my top ten fashion no-no's.
    1. Leggings and/or tights are not pants. I know we have covered this before. But it bears repeating. It's just too much information if you know what I mean, no matter how amazing you think you look in them!
    2. Shorts that are too short. There are very few, save the actual Daisy Duke, who can pull off the short shorts. And even if you can, don't. It screams cheesy, cheap and easy. Again, too much information. Anything less than a 3" inseam for the younger set, and 5-6" for the {{ahem}} more mature is just plain not cool.
    3. Platform sneakers. They are just plain ugly. Seriously ugly. Like ewww. Please, just don't!
    4. Animal prints. In general let's just say a little leopard can go a long way. As an accent. On your feet. On your handbag. Just don't go all out animal or you look like you are a Bronx Zoo escape-y!
    5. Sweatpants and running suits. Are you headed to the gym? On your way home from an awesome workout? Those are the only two reasons you should be wearing one. They aren't cute, not so much flattering - and like I tell my girls who want to wear sweatpants to school....NO! It looks sloppy. Present yourself well.
    6. The Ugg dilemma. I love my Ugg's truly. But I live in Indiana. And it was a cold winter. Therefore the weather demanded warm footwear. But once the temps rise enough that you don't really need pants...you don't really need furry boots. Capiche?
    7. Bad undergarments. Did you know they show? Did you know they shouldn't? Just as much as I never want to see "pink" emblazoned across someones buttocks, I don't want to see your pink bra strap, unless you are inevitably wearing a tank top and can't help it. I definitely do NOT want to see your thong hanging out of your jeans. Again....ewwww! And on the other end of the spectrum, baggie panties just don't do it. Buy some that fit, seamless even...please.
    8. Overalls. I know they are making a comeback. Everything does. But unless you are tween or young teen you just look like you belong in a Kenny Chesney video. And hey, if he wants you to wear overalls in his video...go for it! Just leave them on the set. K?
    9. Pajama pants. Right up there with exercise gear. Are you heading to bed? A slumber party? Then rock it sistah. Otherwise, don't even do carpool in them. You know what your mother always told you about wearing clean underwear when you leave the house? Well, the same goes for pajama pants. You just never know what might happen!
    10. Tight and short. If you have to strain to zip it. Or you can see the mole on your back rising through your shirt. You need to upsize. There is nothing wrong with upsizing to fit your body. You may be feeling out of shape and like you want to lose weight...but nothing screams it to the world then clothes that are too small. WHO CARES what size it is. Buy something that fits. Don't refuse to buy a large because it's a LARGE. I always buy large...especially when I am bargain shopping from companies that carry designer names. Their clothes notoriously run small. Buy what fits. You will look better. You will feel better. And you will present yourself better.
    So friends, those are the first 10 fashion don'ts that came to mind. Nothing that should have made you say "i never thought of that"...but hopefully just a gentle reminder. We all need them once in awhile.

    don't wear this either. what IS it?
    Anything you want to add? Anything I missed? Leave it in the comments - I would LOVE to know your thoughts!

    As an FYI, I AM wearing a tank top today...you can see my bra strap...but it's a gentle light pink, and my tank top is not skin tight...therefore I shall count this as a WIN!

    xoxoxoxoxooxoxo
    lisa

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