A week ago today, I was enjoying my annual Pimm’s Fest with my gorgeous London blogger friends. The fest started in 2008, when I met up with Sharon of Thrift My Style and the lovely lady behind the since-abandoned Times of Glory blog to shop Trudie Styler’s castoffs (why didn’t I buy more?! I’ve got…
In the News
Prada, My Design Process and Runway Bravery
I like this quote about jewelry from an interview that fashion designer Miuccia Prada did with the New York Times in May: “I’m interested in jewels … I know what it is: I only like antique jewelry because I like the stories attached to them. I like to know who was wearing them. It’s the…
James Gandolfini: Funeral at Saint John the Divine
Actor James Gandolfini’s funeral is taking place shortly at one of my favorite places in New York City, the Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine. People will be able to pay their last respects to him in a very inspiring place. To read more about Saint John the Divine, click here. To read my…
Unexpected Cut to Black: James Gandolfini, 1961-2013
I watched the pilot episode of The Sopranos when it aired in 1999, and decided it was too violent and the whole mob-boss-goes-to-a-psychiatrist concept was too strange. I didn’t tune in again for years despite all the praise for the series. I’m like that with a lot of shows. They’re critically acclaimed and sweeping the…
A Farewell to Jean Stapleton, Plus the Week in Review
Actress Jean Stapleton, best known for playing Edith Bunker on the iconic ’70s television show All in the Family, died yesterday at age 90. Back in February, I described how much that show affected me. CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT MY ALL IN THE FAMILY MEMORIES. I admired Stapleton for refusing to play an Edith…
Throwback Tuesday: Jim Morrison and Madonna Jackets
My recent musings on 1980s painted denim jackets drew the attention of my high-school classmate, Karen D. Karen told me she still had her painted Jim Morrison/Doors jacket and, within moments, sent me a photo. I could hardly believe my eyes! It looks brand new. Jim Morrison, the lead singer of The Doors, died in…
WWD Updates the Rihanna v. Topshop Story
Today’s WWD has an update on last week’s reports that Rihanna is suing a Topshop supplier for using her image on a t-shirt without permission. Topshop and Rihanna’s lawyers declined to comment, as did River Island, the Topshop competitor with whom Rihanna is officially collaborating. The article does say that even though the U.K. has…
I Knew I Should Have Made That Ass Jewelry
Sex sells… and I’m buying! I can’t take my eyes off the skin-baring photo shoot former Hannah Montana star Miley Cyrus did for V Magazine. What’s not to love? Miley’s body is amazing, and her cropped, punk-inspired hairdo is both timely and interestingly atypical for a former tween star. My favorite photo is this one….
NYC Vice: Rings and Rap
When I introduced my swear ring set in 2008, people asked me why I chose to do four separate rings instead of one big ring that spanned four fingers. Actually, I got asked that question right up until last year, when a big fast-fashion retailer started selling the multi-ring look and suddenly it was okay….
Wendy Brandes Jewelry (and Words) in JCK Magazine
I’m excited to say that my 18K-gold-and-diamond Cleopatra earrings made the cover of the May issue of jewelry-industry publication JCK Magazine! I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again: I am extremely thankful for all the support JCK has given me. It’s wonderful to deal with people who love jewelry. New ideas, old-fashioned workmanship…