Fashion Trends for 2010

I'm not a Fashionista by any stretch of the imagination (I don't even like to shop) but I do enjoy reading the fashion section of my local newspaper, the Houston Chronicle.  Sunday's story was all about 2010's fashion trends.  Two of those mentioned in the article were bib necklaces and the color turquoise.

As stated in the article, belts were the "jewelry" for the outfit in 2009.  In 2010, it will be all about adorning the neck and bib necklaces that layer and drape do it perfectly.

The necklace pictured below was created by Heaven Ghen, owner of the Etsy shop Studio Saturn.  Heaven has an AS in jewelry manufacturing and  repair and is a certified Gemologist.  She loves making jewelry and it shows in her work.  The hematite and sterling necklace shown here is titled "Reflections of a Dream".   For additional photos and a full description of this piece, click here.

On the subject of color the article stated that, according to the Pantone Color Institute, 2010 will the year of turquoise.

Rather than decking out in head to toe turquoise you may prefer a nice accent piece such as the handbag pictured below, created by the team of Kay and Lori, owners of the Etsy shop Bede Sisters.  In addition to handbags, market bags and totes, their shop offers jewelry and hand-crocheted scarves.  Be sure to read Kay and Lori's profile to find out how, after 30 years of going in different directions, they came together to start their family business.  For additional photos and a description of the pictured handbag, click here.

The (Lost) Art of Letterwriting

On New Year's Day I was feeling nostalgic and decided to go through a box of cards and letters I've kept over the years.   I love re-reading those letters.  The most current one is from my youngest grandson when he was in Navy bootcamp, written in March of 2008.   The oldest is from my Mother, written in 1974.  

Sadly, with the popularity of home computers came the decline of  handwritten letters.  Emails, FaceBook, Twitter...all have taken the place of sitting down with pen and paper.  Some of the letters I received were five pages long.  E-mails are usually a few paragraphs at best.  Handwritten letters are personal.  E-mails, in my opinion, are not. 

You can't put an email in a box to take out and enjoy again and again.  Yes, you can print it out but it's not the same.  Seeing my  late mother's beautiful handwriting always brings tears to my eyes.  My son's letters were as charming as he was (he passed away in February, 2002) and because he is no longer with us, they are even more dear to me.  My grandchildren are grown now and it's so much fun re-reading the letters and cards, and enjoying the drawings, they sent me when they were growing up. 

I'm as guilty as the next person...I don't remember the last time I wrote a letter.  My Dad lives upstate from me and I call reasonably often but I don't think about writing a letter.  I think I will. 

I searched on Etsy this morning trying to find handmade stationary or note cards that I thought were special enough to feature with this post.  I was instantly smitten by these 4 1/4 X 5 1/2 inch cards from the shop Marisol Spoon.  which feature detachable mini-prints of her original oil paintings, suitable for framing.  Perfect for writing a lovely note to someone special, sure to be treasured always.