pop your collar

Bib/Collar Necklaces by merrickjewels on polyvore.com

MY mother claims that embellished collars were "sooooo the 60's". She usually can pin an era to most trends that come around these days (you don't even want to see the picture of me trying on my mom's teal jeans from the 80's - talk about 4" long zipper!) and I have to remind her that being a 20 something they are new news to me. Although this seems like a quirky trend, I'm really digging the collars - esp. the peter pan neckline. Tres adorbs. From rhinestone to faux pearl these accessories really flip an outfit. You can go from simple black dress chic to fashion savvy statement in a nanosecond. Here are some pieces that are already out there that you might enjoy. I'm personally looking for a vintage piece to add to my collection and hope to put together some collar inspired pieces for Merrick Jewels. What do you think of this trend?

Say HELLO to Sarah!

We are pumped to introduce our first addition to Merrick Jewels! Our company is no longer "party of one" and whenever we say "we" WE really mean it this time. Lolz. Sarah will be interning with us for the Spring/Summer and we asked her a couple of getting to know you questions. P.S. Must try molasses cookies... Where are you from? Born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas What are some of your favorite things? Music, being active, traveling, fashion, and my labradoodle Otis. What kind of music do you like to listen to? All kinds! It really just depends on my mood. Some days I really enjoy Texas Country, some days I like hip hop, rap, some days punk rock... You never know! What is your favorite food? Oh this is a tough one! My favorite meal would have to be anything mexican! I am a sucker for guacamole, salsa, queso, fajitas, tamales... The list goes on and on. Also, my absolute favorite desert would be molasses cookies! What is one article of clothing you can’t live without? All of my maxi dresses and skirts! I love how tall I feel when I wear them. What is your theme song? This is tough as well.... I would have to say my top three would be Sweet Caroline, Just Dance by Lady Gaga or Girls Just Wanna Have Fun. If you could spend the day with someone (dead or alive) who would it be? I would spend a day doing fabulous things in Paris in the 1920's with Coco Chanel.

Climbers and collars Pt. 1

As a jewelry designer, I'm always looking for new and interesting compositions in accessories. I get tired of the safe and done and look for something a little outside the box. When searching through my mother's "stash" of jewelry to find some gems for a NYE party, I came across a pair of vintage (maybe 50's or 60's) rhinestone ear climber earrings. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the ear climber think clip on earring that continue up the ear... almost elvish like (see photo). So edgy. I fell in love and decided I could rock it for the party. All night I kept getting so many compliments on them and I knew that the trend had to make a come back. I immediately started scouring my fashion outlets to find another couple of pairs to add to the collection! I found myself laughing because I'm always amazed how cyclical fashion tends to be. I'm looking at earrings from the 50's/60's in 2012 and describing them as edgy and a "new trend"? Cracks me up. Nevertheless, seeing how I adore classic concepts with a funky twist these earrings take the cake. What do you think of this trend? Would you incorporate ear climbers into your wardrobe? Coming up: Collars/bibs/peter pan

Ear Climbers by merrickjewels on polyvore.com

Austin American Statesman

... since my last post!! Things have been crazy with trunk shows, coaching JV field hockey at Country Day, starting a new branch of my company (Jewels N Schools) and being manager of household duties of course but I'm back. I've had some great trunk shows since I last posted - one in Austin at The Garden Room which was fabulous. I love the people at The Garden Room and even got a spread in the Life/Style section of the Austin American Statesman (see above). Also had a show at Spoiled Pink in Fort Worth after a torrential downpour but had some great people come out. Jewels N Schools debuted that day and I've seen some great TCU, UT and Country Day earrings going around. Show your spirit! I also participated in Austin Fashion Week where our team won the people's choice award and we got the gold boot! Woohoo. Anyway, things have been great on all fronts, especially jewelry. I'm coming out with lots of new pieces for the upcoming trunk shows. Think pearls, rhinestones, black crystals, awesome pieces for holiday couture. Check out my "Events" page for more details about upcoming shows. Back to work...

hooray!

A lot has been going on in the past month. I just came back from a trip to Houston. My jewelry is now in a wonderful re-sale shop called "More than you can Imagine". This shop has the most wonderful designer goods... and I almost died for a Chanel lamp that I saw and of course some Gucci shoes. Anyway, I'm excited about it and look forward to having a real presence in Houston. Also within the past month, I had my first real photoshoot and I was blow away! Great photographer, make-up artist, editor and model - I must have found the golden ticket. Can't wait to see all the photos!

to bead or not to bead...

Hi all! I figured a new post was long overdue. The primary reason I haven't been blogging? Procrastination and home renovations. I have figured out that the way I procrastinate from making jewelry is my new addiction, home renovations! Sometimes it's so much easier to paint a wall or pull out weeds that be creative. So I've been remodeling the bathroom and finally got the sconces up which look fab. Now it's time to put down the paintbrush and put my nose to the grindstone. I have some great events coming up in Austin which should be a blast. Hope everyone is having a great summer!

welcome to the atx

What a fabulous weekend in Austin. That city truly feels like my home away from home. I love it. Good news, you can now find my jewelry in two boutiques in Austin - Bee Hive and The Garden Room! Now I have more excuses to visit. :)