Love, love, love. . . . love is all you need!

The sentiments of this Beatles song impressed Sally Short so much that she superimposed each letter of the phrase, abbreviated to LOVE IS ALL U NEED, on top of one another and then added a peace sign to create a unique design.  She sent the design off to be case in sterling silver as a Love and Peace pendant to wear.  The rest, as the saying goes, is history.

After receiving the design, various people noticed that every letter of the alphabet and every numbers is contained within the design.  Since the design could then be a personal message on any topic to anybody, the interactive jewelry company, Meridane Design, was born.

A variety of jewelry options are available:  pendants, earrings, bracelets, charms, and necklaces, as well as on shirts.  Design styles are available for men and women, young and old.  The design is cast in the USA, and a portion of the casting is done at Annie’s Orphans in support of their No-Kill Dog Shelter, located in Durango Colorado.  There is plenty of love going around with this design!

Jewelry prices start at $32, t-shirt at $25.  Custom pieces are available.

The symbol allows you to spell out any word or statement that you wish – just try it.

I think this is charming! If you’re interested in making your own personal statement through your jewelry, take a look at the options available at Meridane Design.

Photo credit:  Courtesy of Meridane Design

Share on Facebook

If shopping was healthy, wouldn’t you do it every day?  That’s how I feel about shopping at Spoon Fed Art, the brainchild and creative outlet for Los Angeles designer Karin Collins.

Karin began making jewelry during treatment for an eating disorder, using spoons as the base upon which to build her beautiful designs. These are all handmade pieces, meaning each one is unique – an original work of art that you can wear.  And Karin continues to support recovery from eating disorders with her art and her business is a member of NEDA, the National Eating Disorder Association.

All that means my shopping there helps make the lives of others healthier! (How’s that for rationalization?)

I purchased a spoon titled “Purple Rose of Cairo” several years ago, and I always get lots of compliments on it.  They make great one-of-a-kind gifts for yourself or others, allowing you to look good while doing good.  Prices start at $75 and include the spoon pendant on a chain or cord.

Why not indulge both your passion for beautiful things and your social conscious at the same time?!

Photo:  Spoon Fed Art

Share on Facebook

Wear your affirmations and attitude on your wrist with these wrap around bracelets from Humanity.  When you’re hit by a wave of insecurity all you need to do look down for a little boost of confidence and positive thinking, then put your best face forward once gain – looking confident and feeling confident made easy.

The wrap around bracelets are made of leather, and come in baby pink, snow, grass, rust, natural, and brick red, and include thoughts of Lead the Way, Sow Love, and Make a Difference.

You can find the bracelets at local boutiques, or order them online at the Humanity website.  At $24 this fashion accessory is easy on the budget for yourself or as gifts for a few gal pals.  Wear them proudly to show your solidarity and commitment to positive thinking.

Photo credit: Humanity for All

Share on Facebook

I have a special event coming up, one that I’m really not sure what would be appropriate attire.  It’s a tea.  A proper afternoon tea for a very special event.

Pants are out.  No matter how attractive or flattering, a tea is one of those events that calls for a dress.

Nothing boring, just a classic day time dress — and poof, my mind immediate went to Diane von Furstenberg’s wrap dresses.

First introduced in the 1970′s her wrap dresses were immediately successful, and since then have become a classes.  Over the years there’s always several styles and and pattern in the collection.

This dress, in 100& silk jersey, is in a black island leaves pattern, with a collar and long sleeves.  It sells for $325.

Image:  Diane von Furstenberg

Share on Facebook

Elie Tahari is one of my favorite designers.  There are a couple reasons for that:  his clothing fits my body well, his styles fit my lifestyle, and — this is really important — the fashion fits my budget.

As I was browsing for summer clothes idea, I came across this Briar (also called khaki) dress with eyelet trim.  It has a caftan neckline, with beading and a tie detail. 

I’m not a big eyelet fan, because while it always looks light and summery, it usually looks a little too “little girl-ish” on me.  This dress, however, really caught my eye.  It may be a little short for me to wear as a dress, but it would be a dynamite swimsuit or beach cover up.  It’s made of linen, so the wrinkle factor makes me a little nervous, and at $329 it’s not an inexpensive options.  Still. . . it has me thinking.

The Devon Eyelet Dress comes in sizes X-Small (2-4), Medium (8-10), Large (10-12) and X-Large (14), and is available online, through Elie Tahari stores, or upscale department stores (check locations here).

Photo credit:  Elie Tahari

Share on Facebook

Isn’t it fun to shop when you feel like your efforts are going to a good cause?

That’s how I feel about Spoon Fed Art, the creative outlet for Los Angeles designer Karin Collins.  As part of her treatment for an eating disorder, she began making one-of-a-kind pendants out of spoons.  After receiving numerous compliment on her designs, she turn therapy into a business and Spoon Fed Art was born.

I purchased the Purple Rose of Cairo (in photo) a couple years ago, and have had my eye on a couple of her new designs.  You’ll need to check back frequently, as items appear and are sold out quickly.  I regret that I didn’t see Iced Petals before it was sold out. 

I appreciate the opportunity to find a unique piece for myself, but I really love that I can support a small businesswoman and a good cause.  Spoon Fed Art is a member of the NEDA, the National Eating Disorder Association.

Shop — support a good cause — get personalized items.  Life is good!

Share on Facebook

I’ve never been a huge Louis Vuitton fan.  It’s not that I didn’t like them, it’s that everyone around seemed to have one.  Or rather, a couple of friends had them and everywhere else I turned people had a knock off LV.  (Yes, I can tell the difference!)

It was never high on my wish list as far as a handbag.

Until I went to Paris last fall.

And there, while strolling along the Champs d’Elysees, I fell in love.  With Louis.  And we entered into a committed relationship limited only be the depth of my bankbook.  I took this Monogram Mini Lin Canvas Speedy (in photo) home with me.

Here are the vitals:

• Monogram Mini Lin canvas; supple, light, and resistant
• 58% cotton, 24% linen, 18% polyamide
• Grained calf leather trim
• Light colored stitching
• Shiny brass metal hardware
• Top zip closure with padlock
• Comfortable, rolled leather handles
• Tonal textile lining with interior patch pocket
• 11.8″ x 8.3″ x 6.7″

This is definitely not a one-night stand!

Share on Facebook