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.

It's Not Too Late...Free 2-day Shipping!

No code needed...all orders over $125 receive free 2-day shipping. Finish your Holiday shopping with Wendy Culpepper Jewelry, plus- if you ask nicely in your checkout comments, Sindia will even wrap your gifts up with a bow, for no additional charge :)

Happy Holidays!

~Michelle

NYWA Galaxy Awards Recap

I never know where to begin on these types of things, and I promised Michelle I would post a quick re-cap of the events Tuesday morning at the Galaxy Awards. Mind you, I promised that before knowing Michelle was going to post a blog that would make anyone a bit embarrassed and could only be written by a loving and glowing best friend like her...

That being said, the Galaxy Awards was really a treat (cheesy word I know, but it was). The New York Women's Agenda (NYWA) is an amazing organization. Although having an award from them is very special, I'm much more excited about my new membership! This year, a big part of the presentation was the first lifetime achievement award given to Barbara Walters. The award is on behalf of Elinor Guggenheimer who started NYWA and was an inspiration to the entire New York community for years. She unfortunately passed this past September, but she will remain in the hearts and minds of many, many people. Her inspiration for NYWA was to see a collaboration of all the wonderful womens organizations in New York brought together to enhance the common goals of all women. What a brilliant idea - amazing we don't all think of these things sooner, isn't it? She wanted to see each of the organizations come together and create strength in numbers for women's rights and needs.

This year, I was so excited to be an award winner for the Women's Jewelry Association as each organization chose someone they felt embodied the goals and mission of NYWA. I knew it would be a special breakfast as we did the Elly tribute and honored Barbara Walters, and it truly was. I had the brief (and I mean brief) opportunity to meet Barbara Walters, and it was so surreal when she said "congratulations" - whoa... that was crazy - "congrats" from an icon? Completely surreal, and that's the only word I have for it. Watching her speak on stage and listening to the banter between she and Michael Bloomberg, it was all so humbling. Everyone had such focus on the mission and history of NYWA, and it was quite an inpspiration. I'm motivated, excited, and most importantly, I'm looking forward to amazing year in 2009 working hard to represent women in New York (and hopefully promoting the idea of NYWA to other areas around the U.S. without a similar organization)!

My update on the NYWA Star Awards~Words with Michelle~

So...I just heard from Wendy, on her way back from the New York Women’s Agenda Star Breakfast and she promises to blog about the experience later today. Since I am new to the blog, I should disclose that not only is Wendy my boss, but one of my best, not to mention oldest, friends. When things like this happen, and she is honored, I am twice as thrilled, primarly because I know she really is an amazing person. Wendy genuinely cares about the causes we support, and she is truly is authentic, and down-to-earth. She is also terribly modest, so I can only hope she doesn't make me take this post down...but she'll have to really fight me on it, so Wendel, don't even try.

My point is, I have watched Wendy transform artistically since we were quite literally kids, and while any of her friends or family could tell you countless stories re-iterating what I've said, I'm pleased that what we all have known for ages was publically validated. Wendy is a tremendous artist, a credit to her field, and most of all, an indescribable friend.

This is my thank you Wendy. We are all so proud of you. Thank you for being you. Now stop blushing, and take the compliments, because you deserve them.