Something Blue

See more pictures in my Etsy shop:  SueJackDesigns

I just love that old saying....."Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue....." and so many brides still adhere to it today!  Whether by tradition, superstition, or just plain being forced by your great aunt, most brides (that do not have blue as their wedding color) will add a tiny bit of blue somewhere.  

When I got married, my girlfriend Lisa designed my garter....which I still have to this day.  :)  She added a tiny piece of blue ribbon to it so that when I walked down the aisle, it was present during the exchange of our vows.   I think I included that bit of blue because of superstition....it wasn't a blue item that previous family brides had carried before me, but for some reason I felt compelled to include it!  What if it meant I would have bad luck in my marriage if I didn't????  I was so not going to take that risk.......

I recently finished this statement or bib necklace that would be perfect for a bride's "something blue".  It has one large baby blue rhinestone in it among several other smokey blue, gray and clear rhinestones and pearls....all set in vintage silver brooches, necklaces and chains.

Please share your "something blue" with us.....a link to a picture would be extra fun, too!

Champagne Bubbly Evening Clutch

Recently I'm in the mood for heavy satin......you know, the kind from the 60's that those lovely modern evening gowns were designed from.  It lends itself to crisp construction, a luxurious sheen without being shiny, and, in the right design, gives your look a new level of vintage modernism.  

The various sized ivory pearls hint to the special occasion ahead.....

 Champagne Bubble Green Clutch on Etsy

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!

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.....