Thank you to gorgeous Marissa Stempien.com of JustLuxe.com for including my Memento Mori skull ring in her story on “dark and sinister” jewelry! I’m in exceptionally good company, considering an Alexander McQueen design is also on Marissa’s list of “the creepiest, most hauntingly beautiful jewelry.” Click the photo to read the story. In addition, my…
An Easy Redesign: Pendant to Single Earring
I enjoy redesigning old jewelry. If it’s not being worn as is, why not figure out a way to use it again? That’s what I did for myself recently, though, to be fair, it is more a repurposing than a redesign because the change was so simple. I had a black-and-white diamond pendant left over…
Jeremy Scott, the Skateboard Controversy and Moschino
The news that designer Jeremy Scott has been named creative director at ever-whimsical Moschino, one of my favorite fashion houses, reminded me of an item I had lurking in my blog drafts. Last month, Scott settled with NHS, Inc./Santa Cruz Skateboards after the latter accused Scott of using artist Jimbo Phillips’s distinctive skateboard graphics in Scott’s…
What Wendy Wore: Still Curly in Ossie Clark and Versace
I barely slept after Fashion Group International’s Night of Stars last Tuesday. That worked out for the best, because I woke up from a brief snooze with the previous night’s curls intact. I was so excited to have them for another day that I was inspired to dress up a bit to meet up with…
Stewie Griffin, Justin Bieber and the Week in Review
In May 2011, I blogged about Justin Bieber’s Stewie Griffin bling. How in the world did I miss Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane chatting with Conan O’Brien — in Stewie’s voice — about the necklace later that year? Wow, Bieber fever is actually very dangerous! I don’t want you to miss anything the way I…
Advance Notice: Cyber Monday Sale
Start saving your money now, because I’m going to have a great Cyber Monday sale on select pieces* on December 2. I wanted to give y’all plenty of warning, because you’ll get the truly exceptional deals if you have $500 or $1,000 to spend. I’m talking diamonds and one-of-a-kind pieces, people! You’ll be ready to…
Introducing Eryn and the New Instagram Account
As I mentioned earlier this week, I have hired my very first full-time employee after eight years in business. Meet Eryn Patton! Eryn says her hobbies are “Netflix-ing, yoga on Saturdays, obsessing over miniature dachshunds, reading, constantly seeking the perfect cup of coffee, sketching, and hunting for treasures in thrift stores.” Eryn recently graduated from Auburn…
Rapper 50 Cent and Wendy Brandes Swear Rings
Okay, superstar rapper 50 Cent isn’t WEARING my notorious swear rings in this photo, but he’s standing very close to someone who IS wearing them. From left to right, you see DJ Paul of rap group Da Mafia 6ix (and formerly of Three 6 Mafia); 50 Cent; and my gorgeous rapper friend Gangsta Boo, who…
What Wendy Wore: Seeing Miley Cyrus at FGI’s Night of Stars
Fashion Group International is a nonprofit organization that focuses on the business of fashion and design. It’s near and dear to my heart because I received FGI’s Rising Star Award for fine jewelry last year. I’ve posted this video before but, hell, I’m going to post it one more time. Getting that kind of recognition…
My Take on Kim and Kanye’s Engagement Ring
Kanye West popped the question to Kim Kardashian with a 15-carat diamond ring by Lorraine Schwartz. I appreciate his timing, because yesterday I launched another Instagram account — @WendyBrandesJewelry — which focuses solely on my jewelry designs and other jewelry news. No cats and dogs (you need to follow @fitzroy_the_cat for those) and no concert…