Missing your daily dose of us??

Do you need a little pep in your step?
Missing our blog? Well, stop fretting!

JOIN US AT OUR NEW BLOG SITE:

www.wendyculpepperblog.com

Perspectives Fine Jewelry Sample Sale - 18K & 14K Diamond Collections

There's still time before Mother's Day!!

For the first time in our history, we will be offering 18K samples at the Perspectives Fine Jewelry Sample Sale. Visit the Alex & Sam booth, where you will find 18K as well as 14K diamond jewelry samples up to 50% off!! This is not likely to happen again any time soon, so take advantage of the opportunity while it's here!

Samples from 10 fabulous fine jewelry designers will be available May 1st, 12-7pm, and May 2nd, 10am-7pm.

New Way to Find Online Sales ~JewelrySpotter.com

Occassionally, we stumble across something we think is just plain cool, and feel the need to share. In this case, it's Jewelry Spotter, a new site that will allow consumers to search for the best deals and prices available from assorted jewelry designers and a myriad of brands. You may even find Wendy Culpepper Jewelry there...keep an eye out for us!

The site isn't completely live yet, but you can enter your e-mail address on the home page, and Jewelry Spotter will send you a head's up once they are fully functional.

*Do you have a great fashion site you love to visit? Share it! We'd love to hear about your favorite places on the web, so please leave us a comment with the URL =)

photo credit: chanticleerfashion

What's Her Style? Mother's Day Must-Haves!

Every mom has a different style, a different tone to the way she dresses and presents herself to the world. Maybe the mom in your life runs marathons, does yoga, and gets up at 5am every morning to hit the gym. Perhaps she works 60 hours a week while still making it to soccer games and dance recitals. Either way there's a good chance she spends a good amount of time balancing all the balls she's juggling, and it's not going to hurt anything to make her feel appreciated, valued, and cherished.

Having said that, it's not always easy to know exactly what type of jewelry to pick out for someone else, even if you are a woman. Wendy, Sindia and I freely debate the gifts we give to our friends and family, and that's even with having a decent idea of what we're doing. In light of that revelation, you'll be happy to know we spent a good amount of time getting input as well as debating the best matches for Moms based on their activities and personal styles.

I've already mentioned the Active Mommy & Professional Mom, but we've also narrowed down a couple more styles to chose from.

Is your Mom a Fashionista? Not only is she up on all the trends, but her wardrobe reflects them. There isn't an age cut off for any of our styles, this one included. The pieces chosen for the ultra-fashionable mom will work for anyone, and include earrings from our newest collection, The Galilean.

Could she be an Artistic Mom? She has her own creative flair and often includes what is important to her in her fashion statements. Or a Chic Mom, who is fashionable, but always with classic statement pieces.

If the mom in your life is anything like *me* she fits into our On The Go category. I never stop running (not that any Mom does...) and tend to wear the same pieces over and over. For that reason, I love simple metal jewelry with enough flair to be interesting, and that transitions well for varied occasions.

Regardless of how you choose to celebrate Mother's Day with the Moms in your life, I hope we've given you some good ideas, and a place to start.

To All the Mommies in our lives - Thank you, and enjoy your special day!!

"Wish Me Luck" OR "Hosting a Chuck E. Cheese Birthday Party"

I couldn't decide what to call this...though I do think the extended title should be: "Wish me luck because I am insane, and am throwing a birthday party for multiple 5 & 6 year olds at Chuck E. Cheese tomorrow morning." A little wordy, yes, but accurate.

Why do I share this, you ask? First of all...Mother's Day is coming, and frankly, it seemed like a prudent idea to remind everyone what your mothers went through for you. Birthday parties are only one element. We also take care of the less memorable, thankless tasks; acting as a chauffeur, washer of laundry, personal shopper (what, you thought your childhood wardrobe just materialized?) and most likely, co-bringer of the bacon as well. Not saying we do it alone, but consider trying this...ask your dad how old you were when you had the chicken pox. Chances are he'll remember you were 5. Ask mom the same question and she'll say it was 2 weeks after your 5th birthday, you ran a fever for 3 days, but it wasn't too bad because you only had about 10 spots, and one of them left a little scar under your left cheekbone. At least that's the conversation I recently had with my parents. In my ever so humble opinion, Moms are the keepers of details, and that's worth taking some time to say "thanks" for.

Second reason...clearly, I need your support/sympathy :( Chuck E. Cheese. The Little Munchkin's Birthday Party. 5 & 6 year olds. Uggggghhhh...wish me luck.

p.s. Love you Mom, and thanks for all those cupcakes you made while I was growing up! =)

photo credit: cec

Books for Bali! Sample Sale Charity Event ~ Words With Sindia

Books for Bali is a great cause spearheaded by one of our favorite stylists, Jess Neff. Jess, a stylist for NBC's Today Show and TLC's What Not to Wear, has donated her time and money to help raise funds for the SMK Pariwasata Bali Global Ashran, a Trade High School in Ubud. This year, Wendy Culpepper Jewelry is proud to be one of the many designers participating and we'd love for you to join us for this great cause!

So come on out in style, pack your wellies & umbrellas and get ready for happy hour cocktails and shopping! (All proceeds go directly to the SMK Pariwisata Bali Global Ashram) Great deals on clothing, shoes, handbags, jewelry, dinners, theater & comedy tix, gym & yoga memberships, beauty & spa packages and so much more! Visit http://www.booksforbali.org/ for all participating designers.

APRIL 22, 2009 7-9PM

KATRA

217 Bowery

(downstairs lounge)

www.katranyc.com

212.473.3113

Please RSVP to Jess Neff:

info@booksforbali.org

Lucky me, Lucky me ...Little Girls!

Miss Hannigan: [singing] Some women are drippin' with diamonds / Some women are drippin' with pearls / Lucky me, lucky me, look at what I'm drippin' with / Little girls!

I'm a big fan of the movie Annie, and think Carol Burnett as Ms. Hannigan was brilliant. I have been known to hum the classic "Little Girls" tune at times, for no other reason than my life is a maze of little girls. Not only am I one of two girls, but I have girls, and every close friend I have has daughters...so let's just say I have a excellent handle on girlie styles, and well- *only* girlie style. Right now, I live in a word piled high with leggings, layering tops, dresses worn as shirts, colorful flip-flops, and boots...and little girls who put together an outfit better than I do.

In honor of those little girls, I thought I'd share a few of my favorite places to shop with them...

Shoes: Looooooove Target for shoes, great prices, always an awesome selection, and with just a few exceptions, they've worn incredibly well.

Clothes: My girls are huge fans of Justice, and pricing is pretty decent. The munchkins are a little too keen on the toy section, so I always give them the "we're here for clothes, not toys" talk before we pass the front door. Again, very happy with the wear & tear factor. Also, I'm a long-time devotee of The Gap for jeans, they always have the new styles, and it's nice to know I can just pull the girls sizes off the denim wall, no fitting room needed.

Of course...I'm always up for suggestions, so feel free to share your favorites =)

10 minutes with Sparkle Shelf!

Click here to view larger

Check out SPARKLE SHELF for great blog trends, item reviews, designer interviews, and more!!

JUST IN TIME FOR MOTHER'S DAY!!

Don't miss us at next weekend's Perspectives Sample Sale! Overstock, press samples, and showroom samples will be reduced up to 50% by 10 different jewelry designers!

I'll be there to meet shoppers in person on April 24th!

When: 12-7 p.m. April 24th & 10 a.m.-7p.m. April 25th
Where: 211 28th Street, 6th Flr., New York, NY

Hope to see you there (and maybe meet you too)!

XO, Wendy

Green is the NEW Black

Did you know Green is the New Black? Celebrate Earth Day in Style from April 11th to 22nd. For all purchases over $50, we'll plant a tree in your honor via the Arbor Day Foundation! Don't miss out, and help us clean up our carbon footprints!

* Promotion subject to terms and conditions posted on site

High Fashion High Waters?

I read a recent blog post (and no, I won't say where) that discussed how to show off your shoes using your skinny jeans. I read it and thought to myself, "that's definitely not the trend for me." Really? Aren't there some trends we can let pass us by? Let's think about this...Isn't the point of skinny jeans to give a great slender look and accentuate your curves (something very few women need)? That being said, if we want to make our legs long and slender, cutting them off at the ankle and adding a big chunky shoe is going to be flattering on VERY few women. For those of you who can rock it, please do! Live it up and let us all be jealous because there will be future trends you should let go while the rest of us will embrace them. This is the beauty of fashion - there's always something for everyone.

For those of us (like myself) who probably shouldn't jump on this bandwagon, can we just agree to disagree with this trend? Let it go, keep the skinny jean and ditch the high water effect. If you want to show off that perfect pedicure with your new Manolos, let's all don a skirt or something else a bit more attractive for our figures. Don't look back in five years and wonder why you thought high waters were high fashion in 2009...

For me, I'm following the rave reviews about hello! skinny jeans... notice their model shots show jeans covering the ankle with a slight bootcut. I'm ordering my own pair soon, and I'll let you know how they fit (and if the negative customer service remarks listed online are true)! Check back for that entry, and as for the cropped skinny jeans, I'll keep those for winter when their shorter length makes them super easy to tuck in my boots.

*IMAGE CREDITS:
Top Left: NORDSTROM - Hudson Jeans ‘Emily’ Super Skinny Crop Stretch Jeans.
Bottom Right: Ultimo.com - Hello! Skinny Jeans Nite Wash

My Date With A Rock Star! ~ Words with Sindia

So ladies- we all know that when we have a big night coming up we sit and ponder our "perfect" outfit all week. Maybe even longer for some... Of course I've been hunting the web for the perfect dress and little did I know that it's already in my closet, my go-to little black dress. Now that I have the dress and the boots- it's time to accessorize!

First on my list is the new polish from KO. KO (Knock Out) is the creation of makeup artist Mike Potter - best known for creating the hair and makeup for the groundbreaking stage and film versions of Hedwig & the Angry Inch. Treat yourself to a little Victoriana meets art deco meets ultimate rock chic- perfect for my date! What makes this polish so great and unique you ask? There is no high shine but a flat, subtle and soft gloss.

So what else would go perfect with my new found polish and little black dress? You probably guessed it, JEWELRY! A thick chunky silver textured ring would add some well deserved attention to your new nails and don't forget to layer up your necklaces. I like to wear a long silver piece then jazz it up with a splash of color.

One-two-three- My outfit is ready to go and I'm ready for my big night out with a rock star, otherwise known as my husband and talented musician, Mike Hannigan from My Antenna.

SM4SC NYC to benefit City Harvest

This past Friday night, Wendy, Sindia and I were thrilled to be a part of Social Media for Social Change (SM4SC) NYC's event at the chic Roger Smith Hotel to support City Harvest, the world's first and only NYC-based hunger relief organization. City Harvest's mission is to end hunger in communities throughout New York City, through food rescue and distribution, education, and other practical, innovative solutions. During economic downturns, relief organizations such as City Harvest are often hit hard, as their corporate sponsors may also have been affected, and are unable to continue offering support. SM4SC has taken hunger relief as their cause for the year, and we are proud to be a part of the effort.


Before heading out on a fabulous night on the town, we took a little time to strike a pose...and channel our inner goofball. (speak no evil, hear no evil, see no evil...sort of)

As a general rule, the three of us tend not to take ourselves too seriously...but we fake it marvelously, don't we? (sigh...if only I remembered to open my eyes!) But- no joke, it's pretty nifty to have an excuse to be all dolled up** and make a difference. Thanks to Guest of a Guest... for many of the great pictures from the night.

Wendy was interviewed for the video global citizen experiment is putting together as their contribution to the event, and we are all looking forward to seeing the final cut. If you aren't familiar with global citizen, and their mission, I would definitely recommend that you check them out. I can promise you that we will be posting a link to the video as soon as we're able.






The event was fantastic- complete with a raffle and silent auction to raise additional funds. Sindia fell in love with one particular photograph, and I was there to share her joy in the win with my usual subdued, controlled manner. Thanks to global citizen for all the wonderful photos of the event that they have already posted.








SM4SC has now raised almost 75% of their goal, and we want to lend our support as much as possible. To make an additional donation to City Harvest, share information about this fantastic organization, or become a part of the fundraising effort, visit firstgiving and add your voice to the cause. Also, SM4SC has an excellent wrap-up of the night on their blog, along with a breakdown of the donations received so far.




**We have been asked what jewelry we were wearing that night (Wendy gets asked everywhere she goes...hence the "What's Wendy Wearing" section on our homepage) and thought we'd share, as each of us are rocking some of our favorite styles.

Wendy: Merkaba Sterling Silver Earrings & Flower of Life Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet

Michelle: Fiore Rope Necklace, Akasha 14K Gold Vermeil Earrings & Engraved Flower Bangle Bracelet

Sindia: Kenya Sterling Silver Necklace, Engraved Flower Sterling Silver Bangle Bracelet & Thin Hammered Sterling Silver Bangle Bracelets

Stay tuned for more...

Other posts you may also enjoy:

Leaving on a Jet Plane... ~Words with Michelle
Meet the Cast!
If I'm the cat's meow... where's my ASPCA love??

If I'm the cat's meow... where's my ASPCA love??

Hello, folks. I thought it was about time you get to know me. Most important, the real "George", not the moronic facade my mother portrays while she poses me for the camera against my will. Granted she doesn't fully lie... I am rather cunning (and handsome to boot), but that's the art of manipulation, is it not? Humans always fall prey to the "kitten eyes" and furry cheeks.

While shortly I will begin teaching you my "wily" ways of garnering attention with style tips you won't want to miss, first, I have to worry about my fellow "fur-friends"... even if some of them are stupid dogs (technically my best friend was a mutt, but if you tell anyone, you might have to die). So, HELP!! I need some ASPCA love!!

This month is "Go Orange for Animals" (FYI - I'm pretty sure they coined that phrase after seeing my stripes...), and my mom has jewelry benefiting the campaign! Year-round, the "Ignite" Collection gives back, but for April, she's also added another pair of killer earrings that will benefit the ASPCA. The "Zoey carnelian drops" are purrr-fect with 15% going directly to charity. Check them out, shop it up, and a help a fellow kitty out...

Meow, George

Meet the Cast!

Welcome back, guys! I keep getting feedback that its about time I re-do the "bio" page. I've been putting it off for quite a while until recently a few people on Twitter reminded me it was time to kick it up a notch and introduce the team as we really are... so here's a quick intro:

INTRODUCING... GEORGE OF THE JUNGLE!! This is one cool cat who knows fashion when he sees it. Always a bit vain and using his good looks for attention, he thinks you should do the same. That being said, George is officially part of our new blogging team. I hope you'll welcome him with open arms and enjoy his first post coming soon!

For the rest of our amazing cast, I've got the dish on just what you need to know about them. It's all listed on our new bio page! Read on to learn about some of my favorite people in the whole world... "Eeyore", "Big Red", "Super Star", and "Big Dog". Enjoy!

Leaving on a Jet Plane... ~Words with Michelle

It's not often that I'm able to spend face time with my New York counterparts, so any gathering of Wendy, Sindia, and I is fairly special to begin with. However...this particular trip has been especially festive. I made my grand entrance into the city on the evening of my own birthday.


Now- I am not at all used to having any fuss made about my birthday, I have my own little munchkins to throw parties for, so beyond a comfy couch to (fall into much needed) sleep on, there were no expectations on my end. Wendy & Sindia had other ideas :) Homemade guacamole, rice & beans with spicy chicken, lots of wine, and for dessert...fresh whipped cream with strawberry pie from scratch, made by Wendel's own hand.


Everything was delicious, plus I didn't have to cook, or do dishes, so - bonus. After finishing off one bottle of wine and opening another, it was time for a little game.


Eric (Wendy's hubby) and I demolished Wendy & Sindia...but not before Eric and George did a little dance...



Overall, it was silly/goofy/happy night with some of my favorite people, who I get to spend far too little time with. One of those nights that is full of memories sure to make you smile on a day that isn't going very well. I'm a lucky girl, who had a rather fantastic birthday, and knows I have awesome friends. Thanks you two, for making it a VERY happy birthday!

Gallactic Style

LAUNCHING OUR NEW GALILEAN COLLECTION! It's time to "live long and prosper in Galactic Style"! Take a few lessons from Colbert's interview with Derrick Pitts last night and then shop our new jewelry!

The Colbert Report	Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
Derrick Pitts
comedycentral.com

Charity Soul Shopping for the National Kidney Foundation ~ Words with Michelle

World Kidney Day is March 12th, and to help support awareness for all the vital functions the kidneys perform, Wendy Culpepper Jewelry will be donating 15% of the proceeds from both the Mayan 14K Gold Vermeil Earrings and the Mandorla 14K Gold Vermeil Necklace all throughout the month of March.

Find Your Perfect Fit!

Recently, I've taken a little inspiration from Mae West... why aren't all women embracing curves? I think its official, we should petition Miriam Webster to change their definition of curve. From here forward, I adopt Mae West as my new English teacher, and curves, watch out, because you are officially 'lovely' and embraced!

That's why I've created a whole new section of the website dedicated to Plus Size Jewelry including Extra Long Necklaces, Bracelets, and Rings in sizes 9 through 12. We're even doing custom lengths so you can get exactly what you're looking for. It doesn't matter what size you are, the idea is to paint yourself in jewels... or why not make your favorite pendant a long drop? Don't we all have those moments when we want a little extra attention on our 'curves'...

Personally, I think Mae West had it right and so did the artists of history. Have you ever seen how beautiful Titian's Venus is? or Picasso's belle? Ruben's Venus? I think they are all inspiration, and I've written a little something on the website adding my two cents on reclaiming fashion... read more

Valentine's Day is for Everyone ~ Words with Michelle

Many see Valentine's Day as a holiday only for those in relationships- but let's not forget that regardless of your "status," the best gifts are often those we give ourselves. Whether there is a special someone you are sharing the day with or not- take some time pamper yourself.

Step outside for a quick (and likely brisk) walk, indulge in a little bit of dark chocolate, take a warm bath and light a couple of yummy scented candles...in other words, relax. Commit to yourself, even if only briefly, and stop to enjoy the moment.

It was around this time a few years ago that Wendy gifted me a ring from her first collection. A simple silver carved band, I immediately put it on my right hand, and it's been there ever since. While the ring is a lovely gesture of friendship, and marks the beginning of what is now Wendy Culpepper Jewelry, it has also served as a reminder that taking time for myself is part of taking care of those I love.

To celebrate this Valentine's Day, Wendy has released fifteen custom styles with a passionate red theme. Signature styles from the Alligator, Victorian, and Fiore collections have been recreated using bright garnet gemstones and deep, rich red cord. Take a few minutes to peruse these limited-availability pieces, and please feel free to share your thoughts and comments below.

Whether you indulge yourself with Wendy Culpepper Jewelry, or in other ways, we wish you a very Happy Valentine's Day for this year and always.

Trend Forecasting for Fall 2009 ~ Words with Sindia

Just when you are dreaming of the warm, sunny summer days we are already jumping to next fall! That's right- we haven't even given you the chance to put away your scarves, hats and mittens.

Wendy and I went to a fabulous presentation last week at FIT right here in the big apple. The Directions 2009 Trend Forecasting presentation showed us slides from Accessories' travels to Milan, Paris, and London scrutinizing the shows, streets and stores. They've interpreted the European trend information for the American Market, narrowing it down to key silhouettes, materials, details, and color stories based on current successes and market inclinations.

Highlighted were some new and some recurring trends that are easily transferable from catwalk to sidewalk. Starting with the more polished "gentleman's quarterly" attire. Vests are still in and pair them with a feminine version of the wing tip for that polished look at the office. Don't put away those flirty boho shirts just yet! Wear them paired up with a great statement necklace and add a new flash to an old trend. If you're tired of the boho and not feeling the polished look- don't be afraid to throw on lots of black, high-shine metallics and lace. Still haven't reached your style? Then pepper in some plaid with a nice scarf or blouse and you'll fit right in out and in the office and lastly regal ruffles, satin and fur still make a bold presence.

The colors were by far my most favorite - fall delicious colors, as I like to call them! There is always black, but if you like the dark rich colors give eggplant or port a try. Don't be shy next fall and think about accenting your look with a high-risk red and orange rust!

In the next few posts I will come back and focus on each of the 5 major trends Accessories experts have narrowed down for us and provide photos and more colors for you to start your shopping!

Southern Lady Makes Wendy Blush ~Words with Michelle

Nothing makes me happier than having nice things said about the people I care for. That being said, click on the image below, and take a look at what Southern Lady Magazine had to say about Wendy in their January/February 2009 issue...



Thank you to Southern Lady & the article's author- Lauren Rippey.