event: chic chicago exhibit.

I just spent an extraordinary afternoon at the “Chic Chicago” exhibit at the Chicago History Museum. Unfortunately the exhibit ends in a few days, but there are photos online and perhaps you will be able to swing by if you are in the Chicago area. I highly recommend seeing this collection, especially if you love designer fashion & vintage clothing.

The garments on display are by “prominent couturiers” from 1861 to 2004, including Givenchy, Balenciaga, Versace, Chanel, Dior and many more. I was especially drawn to the 1920s and 1930s designs. Fashionistas, shopaholics, socialites, designers, etc. will all enjoy this exhibit. Each garment on display has a short description with the designer, the year and the importance of the piece in the fashion industry. In addition it lists the person who wore the piece, where they wore it and a short bio.

As a designer I found the collection to be an inspiration. You might be surprised at how many of the vintage garments could be worn today and still be completely fashionable. Good design can truly be timeless. Anyone want to loan me a vintage Balenciaga?

This exhibit is only open for a few more days through either July 26th or 27th (I saw different dates listed on the museum’s website). Learn more about the exhibit at the Chicago History Museum and view photos of the collection on flickr.

Love, Pauline xoxo

trend alert: egyptian style.

The fashion runways for spring, summer and fall 2009 showed off a plethora of Egyptian details. Take a look at the Egyptian-inspired dress shown here from Donna Karan’s collection. This is one of the hot trends of the season and I was eager to add some exotic details to my own wardrobe. I recently purchased a gorgeous, black, sleeveless, silk top from Karen Kane with a beautiful, wide, round collar reminiscent of Cleopatra-era fashion. I can’t wait to wear it on a summer evening.

If you want to add some Egyptian-inspired pieces to your own closet, look for fashions with draping fabric, ornate scrollwork, beadwork and wide round collars. And don’t forget gladiator-style shoes.

Inspired by the Egyptian fashions around me, my jewelry collection now includes a new necklace and pair of earrings available on my online shop. The Greek Key Design Necklace features an Egyptian-inspired bib design, golden beads and Greek key charms.

The Greek Key Design Earrings also feature a dangling Greek key pattern. Both pieces are a simple, glamorous way to add Egyptian beauty to your style.

Love, Pauline xoxo

a fresh, new autumn has arrived.

Oktoberfest, Halloween parties, Apple picking, Family gatherings, Pumpkin carving, Leaf raking, Thanksgiving feasts – the activities and events of autumn are in full swing! Eager to dig out my cold weather clothing, I feel rejuvenated wearing outfits that have been stashed away for several months. With a fresh perspective I mix and match last year’s clothes in new, exciting ways. My wardrobe has new life! As always I am pleasantly surprised to find a few pieces that I had completely forgotten about. I find myself more interested in accessorizing with warm scarves and cute, colorful socks. I am also donning some of my favorite fall jewelry pieces, such as the six strand copper bracelet and matching earrings. Enjoy the change of seasons, the sound of leaves crushing under foot, the feel of crisp, cool air and the colors, textures and styles of a new season!

Love, Pauline xoxo

summer collection. summer trends.

Summer weather is here and I have been working enthusiastically on my new collection. There is nothing more exciting than purchasing pretty beads and dreaming up new jewelry designs. My current interest is in layered pieces that are romantic and vintage. The My Heart Necklace that I designed and pictured here features a wonderfully romantic, brass heart pendant. My recent jewelry has taken a turn toward timeless beauty and Victorian-inspired themes while using the vibrant colors of the season.

Summer 2008 is definitely all about color. Be on the lookout for jewelry that is punctuated by vibrant cobalt blues, cantaloupe oranges, canary yellows, leaf greens and pinkish purples. Vibrant colors have always filled me with life and energy, and I think summertime is one of the best times for wearing them. When you are shopping for clothes or accessories, don’t be shy…reach for color.

Love, Pauline xoxo