Nod to Elsa Schiaparelli - Second in a Series

In March of this year, I wrote about Elsa Schiaparelli and her wild creations that slapped Paris square in the face, and I explained how Elsa had inspired me to create some unusual evening bags.  Here is my second clutch in this series:

It's casual, but dressy....serious, but whimsical....but most of all, it's an ice breaker!

See more pictures of this "Elsa Inspired" clutch in my Etsy shop!

The Going Away Gift for Lisa

One of my best friends, LISA, recently moved to Kansas City, and I was so very sad to see her leave.  We have known each other for over 20 years and are such similar creatures in style and design.  Her husband got a fantastic offer that he could not resist, so all of us who love Lisa so dearly could not be disappointed.  Well, selfishly we could be VERY disappointed, but not for her.....

Several of us got together and gave her this necklace as a going away gift......and we hear she is taking Kansas City by storm with it!  (Lisa adores monograms so I could not resist adding a wonderful vintage "G"--for her last name--designed with aurora borealis rhinestones.  It is in the lower left side of the necklace as you are looking at it.)

 

A Bride's Bag Green with Envy

While visiting some of my vintage haunts last spring, I ran across a 1960's evening gown with the most beautiful rhinestone piece which was attached at the center front of its empire waist.  The gown itself had many stains on it....evidence of quite a party at its last hoorah!  But the rhinestone accent piece was still sparkly and had promises of a new life.
When I returned to my studio, I removed the rhinestone decor and held it next to many different pieces of vintage fabrics.  Finally, it popped when I laid it on a scrap of 1960's heavyweight satin in lime green.....a piece my mother had picked up for me while shopping at one of her vintage boutiques!  (Having a mother and sister who know me well certainly has its benefits.   My mother sends me a box once a month filled with treasures awaiting a new life, and my sister always finds something special for me at her flea markets!)
I wanted this bag to have a contemporary feel to it, but contemporary to the '50's or '60's.  You know....the old Hollywood look from Joanne Woodward....but something that would be perfect for today, too!   Here are the results.....

 

Custom Designed Statement Necklace

I  just completed a custom necklace for a non-traditional bride-to-be and wanted to share it with you.

She asked me to use silver metal, clear rhinestones, fuchsia rhinestones (which, by the way, are really hard to find!) and pearls. I spent a couple of weeks collecting the components, then another week assembling it.
I loved how it turned out and am now starting a new one that I will list in my Etsy shop at http://suejack.etsy.com/ .
If you have time to peruse my shop, you will find lots of sumptuous evening bags and a few statement necklaces....you'll also recognize how I am influenced by my love of Europe's royal history.