Kathryne Cassis Jewelry

Off Subject — well, not really . . .

When we think of fashion icons we usually think of celebs and models. Of course there’s always Anna Wintour, Editor of Vogue USA, perhaps one of the most iconic of all icons. But what about Grace Coddington? The brilliant Creative Director of Vogue Magazine, who has worked quietly (and somewhat under the shadow of Anna) for decades.

Grace (ahh, another redhead) has her own style–much like the French who tend towards “uniforms” — a word I’m seeing increasingly to describe one’s ultimate wardrobe–and a wardrobe that is generally trend proof.

Grace has inspired me to experiment with this “uniform” look, which means simple classic separates or dresses, usually in solid colors. Three reasons:

#1.  It’s far more economical to have a few classic elements in my wardrobe; no more yearnings for that fabulous flowered top that goes with nothing I already own, and makes me look like a walking garden plot anyway.

#2. A simple “uniform” is a brilliant canvas for jewelry–allowing one to be a myriad of exciting different women. Picture this: a woman dressed in black or cream colored trousers (I’m with the British on this, I hate the word pants), a simple tank top or blouse, and perhaps a jacket or cardigan (you choose the color) enters the room. Day or night. She’s wearing a sautoir that sways sensually as she moves. What does this say to you? Next picture. The same woman, dressed the same way enters the room. Now she is wearing a necklace that glitters with rhinestones–clearly she understands quiet glamour. Next picture–same woman, same clothes, same entrance. However, now she’s wearing a necklace with a slightly steampunky look. Is she the same woman? Well, yes and no . . . . She is slightly familiar and yet completely fresh . . . she has re-invented herself with simple elegance.

#3. I don’t have to agonize over how to make the disparate elements of my wardrobe go together. Just don the “uniform” and walk out the door. Thank heavens for that . . .

A few more inspirations for the “uniform” –

Grace again–

Ines de la Fressange–

Audrey Tatou

As a footnote, one doesn’t have to throw out every flowered dress, animal or geometric print top that may be in your closet. These things can be added to the simple elements you already own, or are about to purchase . . . well, just to shake things every now and then . . .

 

Edited: May 15th, 2012

In a Nutshell — don’t miss this video!

I found a series of cool fashion videos on the fabulous Blog Advanced Style by Ari Seth Cohen (yes, a man writing about fashion — specifically fashion and “older women”). There is a fascinating book by the same name about to be published –

Do check it all out — especially the video by Tziporah Salamon —  an adventurous lady of a certain age who lives and loves to be fashionable 24/7!

Edited: May 14th, 2012

Happy Mother’s Day . . .

. . . to all who who love, cherish, and nurture others, the earth and the creatures who dwell upon it . . .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited: May 12th, 2012

Off Subject — Oh Brad — ooh la la!

By now you must have heard who the new “face” of Chanel #5  is.  None other than Brad Pitt. Sigh . . . A man, what a man, representing women’s perfume . . . the first time in their history . . . . Would this make you more likely to buy ?

Edited: May 11th, 2012

Today’s the Day!

Our Spring Studio Show!

Saturday and Sunday — and there are many additional jewels (totally marvelous may I add) available at the loft!                    

Edited: May 3rd, 2012

Spring in Your Heart!

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have Spring in your heart forever?! You can with a smile on your lips and beautiful jewels!

 

 

Edited: May 2nd, 2012

Earrings, Earrings, Earrings!

What came first in the history of the wearing of jewelry? Was the very first piece of adornment the necklace, the bracelet, or the earring? It seems perhaps that it would have been much easier to wrap something around the neck or the wrist; the earring of course had to be attached to the earlobe — making something more sophisticated like piercing necessary. I suppose we’ll never know.

Earrings however have been around for thousands of years.  Recently I’ve been quite enthralled with the making of them  and a many of  my clients have been enticed by them . . . so I had to create more! Some are purely whimsical designs (with nods to the Arts & Crafts Movement), others are inspired by the wonderful Art Deco and Art Nouveau elements I was fortunate to have found, some find their beauty in the stunning and magical stones that are their centerpieces.  All are wonderful and make lovely gifts for Moms of all ages.  A few will be posted on the website; all of them will be available here at the loft at the Studio Show this coming weekend. For more info check Dominion of Light Jewels Facebook (give us like to!), and/or contact me to be put on our mailing list.

A Garden in Portofino Earrings made with Ruby Jade stones and French antique bronze floral connectors:

Whimsys in Turquoise — hexagonal turquoises topped with hammered bronze caps and suspended from whimsical rings and chain:

Barbican Earrings — so marvelous — beautiful Antique French Art Deco plaques (set with one tiny blue Austrian crystal each) suspended from Antique hand made Italian glass and garnet Czech glass.

Edited: April 30th, 2012

New Jewels are here–

. . . well almost here — I’m beginning to post them (check out New Jewels), although I don’t think they’ll all be on the website before next week’s Studio Show. A friend asked what the theme for the Spring collection is — I told her Magic and Whimsy! For isn’t that what Spring is all about?!

Edited: April 27th, 2012

In a Nutshell — May Studio Show in time for Mother’s Day!

The May Studio Show is coming up soon! Next weekend actually and just in time for Mother’s Day. Fabulous gifts for the special mom in your life — and — for you! Watch for your invitation, and you can also check on DOLJ Facebook for dates and times –

Stay tuned for New Jewels!

Edited: April 26th, 2012

Off Subject: DivineTrees

All the birds in the forest they bitterly weep
Saying, “Where shall we shelter or where shall we sleep?”
For the Oak and the Ash, they are all cutten down
And the walls of bonny Portmore are all down to the ground–from the old Celtic song The Bonnie Portmore

To me trees are divine beings. And sentient too, it’s just that most humans are unfortunately not evolved enough to see it. Call me crazy, but I think that some day in the future, this will become a known fact—much like it is now scientifically accepted (after centuries to the contrary) that animals think and have emotions. At one time, animals were considered to be so far below humans that they were thought not even to feel pain. But that is another subject of course. The opinions of this particular posting were set off by today’s extraordinary New York Times editorial Why Trees Matter, on the importance of trees—not just in terms of eco-systems and the future of life on the planet, but the relevance of trees to our spiritual well being.

If you’d like to hear the song about the famous Oak Tree The Bonny Portmore, sung with heart wrenching beauty by Loreena McKennitt, here is the Youtube link–The Bonny Portmore

 

 

 

Edited: April 12th, 2012