Kenley Collins — This Thriving Designer Marches On!

Posted on November 19, 2014 by SMM

The lovely Kenley Collins is a long-time friend of Fashion Nexus so I’m very pleased to continue to show my support of her outstanding work! So here I am now to feature her latest collection launch, “American Geisha.”

Fans a Blossom crop top & skirt, and Geisha Garden Party dress

First though, just as a quick recap, here is a brief bio on the insanely talented Kenley. She made a huge name for herself by appearing in 2008 on the hit competitive realty TV show, Project Runway, season 5. A few years later she made a stint on the 1st season of Project Runway All-Stars. Since then, she has been working diligently as a fashion designer, creating collections that not only I love, but that truly speak to the heart of any burgeoning fashionista. Her collections make me smile, touch my heart, and make me feel so nostalgic. She takes an inspiration and really makes it come to life. She’s gone “As if” with Clueless

said it’s Grease lightning with her Pink Ladies line

taken us back in true fashionable style with her Marilyn Monroe inspired collection

and gave us her take on PopArt!

Her current holiday collection is once again entitled “American Geisha.” This line has all the Kenley touches that I have come to know & love! As always, I can see Kenley’s unique designer POV & hand in each piece. Her amazing work is ever-present and more captivating than ever. Her work is vintage, an era of long ago, but as with any Kenley piece, there is still a modern vibe.

Hummingbird party dress & Cherry Blossom Fan Wiggle dress

Her looks are always playful and full of character, demonstrating a genuine spirit for whatever underlying inspiration she is creating from in her mind. She is doing again with these American Geisha pieces what she does so well — fully embodying a given concept and making it come to life in true Kenley form & fashion. She designs for the masses and it’s so hard to not instantly fall in love with every print, style, silhouette, and piece.

Land of the Rising Sun dress

As always, you can make this collection work for you in a dress or separates piece. Here are some more amazing pieces from the American Geisha line!!!

Birds a Humming crop top & pencil skirt, and Land a Rising crop top & pencil skirt

Geisha Garden Swing dress

Cherry Fan Mandarin dress

Hummingbird Mandarin dress on left

You can now shop online for these amazing pieces! And yes, there are still some fun menswear and accessories pieces to peruse as well!

You can also shop for Kenley at Slapback in Brooklyn. And check out Slapback’s owner having a great time in Collins’ American Geisha pieces!

Besides designing imaginative and stunning collections, Kenley has achieved other great feats as well. A huge success for Kenley is her custom design work for major pop star Ariana Grande. Since I’m obsessed with both Kenley & Ariana I have to share Kenley’s crazy cool pieces for Ari!

Most designers are generally pleased if a major celeb dons one or two of their pieces, but clearly Ariana loves her some Kenley originals just as Fashion Nexus loves to feature them! Until the next collection launch……eagerly awaiting…….can’t wait!

Kate Pankoke for Elaya Vaughn — “Behind The Gilded Veil”

Posted on November 11, 2014 by SMM

Kate Pankoke should most definitely ring a bell when it comes to the fashion industry. She was on season 11 of Project Runway, aka the “dreaded teams season.” Fortunately she was then back in action on PR for season 12 as a redemption designer winner. And now, she is ready for “third times a charm” as she is competing on PR All-Stars, season 4. Kate was kind of enough to provide Fashion Nexus with an exclusive quote regarding her current time on PRAS —

“I’m not going to lie, I was very reluctant to go on Project Runway All Stars. This is my third time in a row and it is a big emotional roller coaster, not just for me, but my family as well. Everyone was very supportive of my decision to go back on. I think that All Stars was great because it felt less like a competition and more like a design conference or something. You will see the occasional catty remark, but for the most part, everyone was pleasant to work with.”

I know I can’t wait to see how Kate does on this season of All-Stars. But reality competitive TV aside, she has also launched and been focused on her burgeoning luxury bridal and accessories brand — Elaya Vaughn.

Since the line’s launch in 2010, it has gained international prestige, earning praise for its high quality materials & construction, luxurious embellishments, and unmatched fit. Elaya Vaughn caters to brides around the world who want a couture experience without having to pay couture prices. All of the gowns are made-to-order and manufactured in the United States. In addition to highly praised collections, Elaya Vaughn gowns are frequently featured at red carpet events & galas (including the Oscar’s red carpet), charity functions, and acclaimed media publications.

It was such a pleasure speaking with Kate and featuring her exquisite work for her 2014 collection last year on my fashion blog. And now with the most recent launch of her 2015 line and some amazing accessories, I am more than happy to showcase this recent stunning work with my Fashion Nexus readers! The 2015 collection is entitled “Behind the Gilded Veil.” It features clouds of light-as-air tulle, crystal encrusted illusion necklines, and brushed gold accents.

Pankoke describes the collection as being the “first collection where I feel that we didn’t have to compromise on anything! I had so much fun selecting all of the textiles for this collection from the delicate beaded Chantilly to our custom beading along the necklines and trains of the gowns. As a designer, it is so exciting to see your vision come to life.” Eleven gowns comprise the collection, but here are some of my fave standouts. Make sure to check out the entire line here!!

Lanier is a voluminous silk taffeta A-line gown. The skirt is generously bustled in the back. Intricate beading highlights the illusion neckline and the train. The back of this dress, the way it lays, STUNNING! I also am a fan of the intricate beadwork seen throughout this collection, amazing work!

Ella is an ethereal tulle ball gown. The strapless sweet-heart neckline is draped in silk organza that continues into a delicate peplum. This silhouette is a classic style with some Kate touches. The fit, every subtle detail is gorgeous!

Bella is an ethereal tulle ball gown. The Kate Pankoke signature corset bodice is draped in tulle that falls delicately off of one shoulder. I enjoy this off the cuff twist on bridal, with that of nude coloring — always great to have more than just white options!

Alana is an elegant lace gown. The delicate scallop of the Chantilly lace accents the strapless neckline and the wrapped drape of the skirt. Very understated, yet elegant option. And of course the lace detailing is divine!

Ana is a brushed silk charmeuse column gown. The sloped-shoulder illusion neckline is covered in intricate beading. Flawlessly executed gown, very angelic and breathtaking work! I love the back, a little sheer, but open, still with a hint of beading.

Georgina is a classic A-line tulle gown. The signature Kate Pankoke corset top is covered by a beaded lace bodice. The romantic sleeves are fastened with brushed gold stud buttons. The delicate lace grows into a keyhole in the back.

So again, make sure to check out the entire 2015 collection, “Behind the Gilded Veil”, online! But a recent development with Elaya Vaughn, is that now, the brand also carries bridal accessories! This is a great extension of the bridal line and I hope you all are as excited as I am to see what additional Elaya Vaughn touches a bride-to-be can add to her bridal look!

April Veil

Aubrey Belt

Darla Belt

Evangeline Veil

Kate Garter

Kate Veil

Luelle Belt

Marianne Veil/Cape

Theresa Comb

Here are a few stellar press recognitions for Elaya Vaughn —

“off-the-charts phenomenal” – Style Me Pretty
“timeless and classic” – Eric Daman in COSMOPOLITAN
“simple yet still completely feminine and never boring” – theknot
“a signature point of view with a fundamental understanding of tailoring, structure, and essential femininity” – The Glass Magazine

For various information on where you can purchase Elaya Vaughn pieces, click here. For the USA, there are locales in CA, GA, IL, IN, IO, NY, & OH. Purchases can also be made internationally in Japan. To contact the Elaya Vaughn team, check out this page, or you can check them out across various forms of social media — Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, & LinkedIn.

I can’t wait to again see how PR All-Stars plays out, especially with how Kate performs. And of course, I eagerly await Elaya Vaughn’s future collections!

All About neulook.com & Their Exclusive Beauty Line, Adrian London

Posted on October 17, 2014 by SMM

Biovea is a leading manufacturer, distributor, and online retailer of high-end health and beauty products. The brand is also a friend of Fashion Nexus! It was such a pleasure introducing Biovea to my Fashion Nexus readers. I am now just as excited to make sure you all know about Biovea’s new beauty destination neulook.com, the site to take care of all of your beauty needs — skin care, makeup, hair, nails, bath & body, fragrance, organic & natural, and men’s products! neulook.com definitely caters to its customers, no matter their locale, so you can easily browse the site and shop in a vast array of languages.

As you become acquainted with neulook.com, keep in mind a very special offer for a 10% savings by using promo code “NEU10”. This is a HUGE plus since it’s certain you will find many classic brands you love and use often! The various categories available for purchase are Olay, Neutrogena, L’Oreal, Sally Hansen, CoverGirl, Revlon, Elizabeth Arden, Calvin Klein, Maybelline, and more! There is one specific line of products I urge you all to check out, an emerging skin care brand exclusively sold with neulook.com, Adrian London.

ADRIAN LONDON has one philosophy — that safe and natural products, using only the very purest extracts and most advanced botanicals, stimulate and accelerate the skin’s natural healing processes. ADRIAN LONDON products are paraben free, phthalate free, contain no sulfates, and are never animal tested. It’s great quality products, such as the ADRIAN LONDON line, that truly leave your skin feeling lightweight, fresh, healthy, and clean.

Through extensive research ADRIAN LONDON has been able to demonstrate the efficacy of its products, in particular the rejuvenation and restoration of over-stressed and dehydrated skin. The skin care line is quickly become a leader in the development of scientifically proven and innovative skin care products trusted by estheticians and other skincare professionals worldwide. The full range of products are extremely effective, luxurious and natural formulations. You can learn more about ADRIAN LONDON by visiting their site.

The entire line can be easily purchased directly off of neulook.com’s site, but here is a little additional information about the 4 categories of products and the types of available items sold under each category — cleanse & moisturize, anti-aging, suncare, and men’s products.

CLEANSE & MOISTURIZE

There are some great options here for all of your cleansing and moisturizing needs, including toners & exfoliators. Seen amongst this category of skin care products are therapeutic formulas making use of nourishing Rose Hip oil, lipid moisturizers to replenish the skin, and brightening gels for radiant skin renewal.

ANTI-AGING

The anti-aging products are offered in options of serums, creams, or gels. Amongst the many products, here are just a few of the highlights! You can actively rejuvenate with antioxidant protection. For “Invigorating Brilliance” you can check out the soothing eye cucumber cream. For “Sheer Radiance” in treating dark spots and uneven skin tones there is a pigment correction gel. To tighten the skin, gain an instant face lift with Helix Aspersa, there is a “Miracle Lift” serum.

SUNCARE

For suncare, you can make use of this moisturizing treatment cream with SPF 30. It offers daily protection, which softens the skin while it protects from UV rays.

MEN

For men, there is also a suncare treatment cream with SPF 30. The natural cleanser for men is oil reducing and offers “Complete Renewal”, lessening the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The toner is a seaweed extract aftershave, offering calming relief by soothing skin and reducing irritation.

Speaking of the line of men’s products, there is an item, the Hydration Restore for Men, that is receiving rave reviews!

This is a men’s age-defying moisturizer that protects and softens skin while minimizing fine lines and wrinkles. The skin is refreshed by the use of nourishing botanicals, vitamins, and minerals. Gentle and pure, HYDRATION RESTORE helps retain moisture, enrich the skin with an abundance of natural elements, and promote growth production to generate new cell growth. The moisturizer will leave your appearance looking and feeling younger, and more refreshed!

Some of the natural and effective ingredients utilized to work this magic are jojoba seed oil, apricot kernel oil, and seaweed extract. While it is marketed for men, women can use the product too! The month of “Movember” is coming up, and this product could come in quite handy as many men might be eagerly awaiting that next shave! A moisturizer that is therapeutic, softening, and nourishing to the skin, creating such radiance, is just the product needed come the end of Movember. But of course, shaving aside, it is a product a great deal of the male population would very much enjoy!

So enjoy browsing and learning about these phenomenal products. Make sure to Like on Facebook and Follow on Twitter. From the many great reviews coming in, you will not be disappointed. As a fashion blogger, I must keep up with the latest trends, products, and fashion/beauty-related sites. And of course I want to make sure all of my fellow fashionistas are in the loop! ENJOY both ADRIAN LONDON and neulook.com!

Again, keep in mind this very special offer for a 10% savings by using promo code “NEU10”.

PersJewel — THE Jewelry Brand for a Multitude of Personalized & Customized Jewelry Options!

Posted on August 23, 2014 by SMM

PersJewel is definitely a brand that I recommend my Fashion Nexus readers should get to know! And let’s just go ahead and get to some great news that this brand has offered to my readers. For any purchases made, if you use the exclusive promo code “fashionnexus” you will receive 10% off your order(s)!! For jewelry of such high quality, so personalized, and already at great prices, this additional offer is very much an added bonus and a “Can’t Miss”!!

PersJewel certainly encompasses many amazing brand aspects, but one very important brand feature is the sheer volume of options the brand has to offer, including a separate UK-based website with all of the same jewelry items for purchase. When looking at what item you might want to purchase, there are tons of options across a vast array of categories — earrings, rings, bracelets, necklaces, and yes, even choices for men! As you are creating a jewelry piece, you have even more available options to help customize your piece by selecting what materials are utilized — sterling silver, 18k gold-plated, 14k solid gold, and 18k gold. And finally, there are many styles one can choose from across the many collections put out by PersJewel!

NEW ARRIVALS

BEST SELLERS

CARRIE STYLE

MONOGRAM PIECES

ROSE COLLECTION

LOVE COLLECTION

NECKLACES FOR MOTHERS!

Name Necklace — Swarovski or Diamond options

It should come as no surprise that a family-owned business, with more than 15 years of jewelry manufacture experience, is able to create such stunning pieces and in a variety of options. The brand keeps up with jewelry trends, continuing to put out new pieces and offering even more innovative options for shoppers. The brand offers a full money back guarantee under their return policy and a guarantee of high quality, hand-made craftsmanship.

PersJewel does more than just offering basic jewelry items for purchase. The brand is about full service for jewelry needs — a blog providing intriguing reads regarding jewelry; FAQs page; a jewelry sizing guide to ensure you have the correct ring size; and a chain length guide to guide your necklace purchases (child sizes in 14″ & 16″ and adult sizes in 18″, 20″, & 22″‘s).

There are really just such fun perks for shoppers as they peruse the PersJewel site, such as the “Name Necklace Preview”.

All purchases made are then carefully & beautifully wrapped for shipping. And there is even an option to include a greeting card with your order, with or without a personal message.

I hope you’ve enjoyed getting to know PersJewel. And remember, you can use this special promo code “fashionnexus” to receive 10% off any purchases!

Auburn Jewelry — The Sky’s the Limit!

Posted on July 19, 2014 by SMM

And that’s the way it should be when it comes to customized jewelry. Auburn Jewelry is a custom jewelry brand I’ve come across from since launching Fashion Nexus. I had the distinct pleasure of meeting one-on-one with the brand’s founder, Samantha Auburn Levine. Needless to say, I am IMPRESSED & am happy to share this wonderfully unique brand with the Fashion Nexus community!

Auburn Jewelry is a brand that offers exclusive lines of high-quality sterling silver, 14k gold, brass, copper, and enamel pieces. In addition, the brand offers a wide range of product categories from which one can choose to make a purchase — Bracelets, Bridal, Charms, Cufflinks, Dog Breeds, Earrings, Necklaces, Rings, & Initial Pendants — just to name a few. And when making your selections, REMEMBER, there are lots of colors to choose from as well — 18 to be specific! This includes “New Fall Colors” such as Burnt Orange and Chocolate Brown, and ” Brand Best Sellers” such as Hot Pink and Mint Green.

Samantha is a true talent and visionary with each piece she creates, and of course, she strives to make customer satisfaction a top priority. That is why there are so many options when it comes to placing an order. And for those wishing to make an even more personalized statement of style, commissioned pieces are also available by request.

Samantha’s background has always included a passion for jewelry making. She started designing jewelry in 2001 at Horace Greeley High School in Chappaqua, NY. She then went on to graduate in 2009 from Skidmore College, with a minor in Jewelry and Metals. Then in 2010, Samantha enrolled at a local metals studio, while also attending Western New England University School of Law in Springfield, Massachusetts. While attending law school, in 2012, Levine launched Auburn Jewelry. Since her 2013 graduation, Samantha has been designing and handcrafting jewelry full-time.

Fashion Nexus of course wishes Auburn Jewelry nothing but the best, including tons of success! But it appears the brand is already enjoying some success! Auburn Jewelry has experienced a great deal of featured press from both major publications and fashion blogs alike, including Seventeen.com, People.com, Stylebistro, Westchester Magazine, WAG Magazine, My Fashion Juice, Splash Magazine, Time Out NY, and being “Voted Best of New York for Style and Shopping from CBS New York.”

And now for the fun part, taking a look at some of the amazingly unique pieces within the many product categories from which a customer can create an order. But first, remember you can shop online or reach out to Auburn Jewelry thru their Contact page — contact form, telephone ((914) 215-1018), or email (sam@auburn-jewelry.com).

BAMBOO

BRACELETS

BRIDAL & PACKAGES

CHARMS

(this includes custom, initials, numbers, SPCA donations, U.S. States, & Zodiac signs)

CUFFLINKS

CUSTOM OPTIONS

DOG BREEDS

EARRINGS

ELLE BY AUBURN

EXOTIC ANIMALS

INITIAL PENDANTS

KEYCHAINS

MINIS

MONOGRAMS

NECKLACES

PLANISHED PIECES

RINGS

SPCA

STATE PENDANTS

VALENTINE’S DAY

“To Be Charmed & Chained” — That’s Joey J.

Posted on July 7, 2014 by SMM

Joey J. jewelry that is! And I’m going to start this piece with an amazing offer Joey J. has presented to Fashion Nexus readers. Joey J. is offering a special discount for any orders made before July 21st, 2014 — 10% OFF ANY ORDERS — just use the special promo code “JOEYJNEXUS10”!! So as you are reading this piece, I hope you will take the time to peruse Joey J.’s website. And as I’m sure you will instantly find some pieces you love, now you have all the more reason to put in an order — ENJOY!

But let’s get back to Joey J. and learning a bit more about this uniquely detailed brand. The designer behind the brand is Joanne Joseph. She made a passion out of jewelry-making from extensive travels and exposure to culturally diverse cities. Her brand’s mission is to create timeless and sophisticated pieces. And she accomplishes this mission with her unique jewelry making process, which ultimately gives each individual piece an antique and edgy feel.

The pieces, as you will see, mix blackened metals and then are combined with 14k gold over sterling silver. Joey J. pieces are certainly ones you can incorporate in both present and future looks. They will easily transition from day to night, all in all, very versatile! Take a look at the brand’s most recent line, “Glamorous Romance”, which encompasses options of bracelets, earrings, necklaces, or rings —

The brand has already received a great deal of featured press, from a variety of outlets — Accessories Magazine/June 2014 Issue; InStore Magazine/March 2014 issue; JCK Magazine feature; Fashion Rooftop feature; Fashion Foot feature; and more! I too am very much impressed with Joey J. — the intricate details, stunning allure/appeal, and high fashion quality. You can of course shop for Joey J. online, but there are also several stores across the U.S. that carry the brand.

I have to point out again, the brand is quite versatile. I see a bright future for Joey J. and I can’t wait to see more from the brand in the future. AND DON’T FORGET — SHOP JOEY J. NOW USING THE PROMO CODE “JOEYJNEXUS10” & YOU WILL RECEIVE 10% OFF YOUR ORDER!! (OFFER EXPIRES JULY 21ST!) Also, keep updated with Joey J., as I will be doing the same —

Biovea @ Nolcha Fashion Week =’s ……

Posted on July 2, 2014 by SMM

CLICK HERE TO ENTER BIOVEA’S GIVEAWAY!!

Simply put, a match made in heaven. Now this is not the first time this leading manufacturer and online retailer of high-end health and beauty products has taken part in Nolcha Fashion Week. But this time, Biovea is back, bringing even bigger collaborations and more excitement! Joining in on this sweepstakes madness is Adrian London skincare & Neulook, and it’s hard to say that the resulting prize pack is nothing short of an amazing offer.

So what do you win —

a $3000 Visa gift card
2 VIP Nolcha Fashion Week show passes
& many more exclusive gifts & goodies

How do you enter? —Simply click on this link and YOU ARE GOOD TO GO!

I must say, speaking as someone who has attended Nolcha Fashion Week shows many times, this is a once in a lifetime type prize. Of course $3000 to spend is amazing. But not many people have the pleasure of attending major NYFW shows. I attend all the time and people are always asking me — how were you able to go, what is it like, etc. By entering this GIVEAWAY, you too could have the EXPERIENCE — seeing some talented designers present stunning looks, networking with major industry insiders, and hey, maybe even see a celeb or 2 along the way. Here are some pics of myself at Nolcha Fashion Week during various seasons!

REMEMBER — CLICK HERE TO ENTER & POSSIBLE WIN!!

Here is a bit more information about the brand to thank for this opportunity — Biovea. As part of Biovea’s mission, the brand is all about maintaining a strong reputation for service, reliability and quality. The brand is fully and deeply committed to providing tools for healthy living. They offer a wide range of products within a vast array of categories — Vitamins & Supplements, Diet & Fitness, Beauty, Personal Care, Kids, Pets, Food & Home, Organic, & more!

Adrian London, sold thru Biovea, is the leading innovator in naturally effective and luxurious skin care formulas. Products one can select from are — Soothing Regeneration cream, Daily Replenish moisturizers, Renewal cleansers, & more! There are even product options for men, such as Calming Aftershave toner and Age-Defying Moisture cream. And the banner ad below is not a joke or just an image I’m using for this post. Take a look at the various products and if you see something you like, now is the perfect time to buy! You can save 15% off your purchase by using the Promo Code “ADRIAN15”.

Neulook, an online retailer set as your “Premier Beauty Destination”, is also taking part in all of this SWEEPSTAKES excitement. With Neulook, you can shop for a wide selection of beauty products from some of your fave beauty brands — Calvin Klein, Paris Hilton, Source Naturals, Dior, Gucci, BIOVEA, OPI, LA Naturals, and more! And again, as seen in the banner ad below, another amazing current offer, to save 10% off your 1st purchase by using the Promo Code “Neu10”.

So we have Biovea, Nolcha Fashion Week, Neulook, and Adrian London to thank for this AMAZING SWEEPSTAKES OFFER. Make sure, again, that you enter, as you do not want to miss out on this unique chance to get some loot and be at an actual runway show, in NYC, during NYFW!! Stay in touch and updated with Biovea across social media by Liking their Facebook page, Following on Twitter, and/or their Instagram page.

Kenley Collins — There is Just No Stopping this Designer!

Posted on June 28, 2014 by SMM

It amazes me how much this young talent can do — coming out with yet another collection, which now even includes menswear, still designing stunning and sexy pieces for the young pop starlet, Ariana Grande, and just to throw some fun in the mix, designing looks for the windows of various It’Sugar candy stores. Kenley Collins‘ latest collection has been out a few weeks now, but great work still deserves recognition. So just like her past collections — Grease “Pink Ladies” & Marilyn Monroe-inspired line — I am here to now write about her PopArt collection.

(Pop Cassettes printed Crop-top & pencil skirt, and a black Holly Golightly dress)

The one aspect of Kenley’s work that I always love and commend, is that no matter what the underlying theme of the line is, you can always tell when you are wearing a Kenley original. She has such a unique and distinctive voice and aesthetic within her designs. You can see it in the cut, the silhouette, the dynamic prints, and more! And I always feel there is something for everyone — dresses, separates, accessories, bathing suits, and more! Also now, that “something for everyone” includes men! Yes, you heard it right, now those bold Kenley prints can also be rocked by any man who dares and I say WHY NOT!

You can always shop online (always some great sales going on!) for stunning Kenley originals or, if you are in NYC, you can head over to Brooklyn and shop for her pieces at Slapback. Taking a closer look at the menswear pieces, there are a lot of fun selections — from the Cool Rider tie to the Pop Cassettes printed shirt to the Ronnettes Rose printed shirt to the Citrus Squeeze tie (all seen in the image above). But of course, there is even more fun in store for the ladies!

(Audrey swimsuit in black; “Be My Baby” pink swimsuit; Tiffany’s swimsuit)

THE DRESSES —

TOP — “Chapel of Love” dress & Crystals Chevron; BOTTOM — Sinatra dress

With the above picture, the look on the right, we have the Ronettes Rose crop-top & circle skirt, which brings us to some very versatile SEPARATES!!

(White Bardot crop-tops; Pop pink skirt; & Blue sea skirt w/ sheer overlay)

AND WHO DOESN’T LOVE A FUN & GIRLY ROMPER!!

(Pop Cassettes print & Chain of Hounds)

(Watermelon Supreme top & skirt and Shangri-Las top & shorts)

And so as mentioned above, aside from being so creative, always coming out with chic collections, Kenley also manages to make custom outfits for pop sensation Ariana Grande. So it’s highly likely if you’ve seen Ariana perform lately, she was wearing a Kenley custom original!!

Also, and this is very Project Runway-esque, she is still whipping up unconventional materials looks, specifically candy, to liven up the windows of It’Sugar candy stores- SUPER FUN & EXCITING!!

KENLEY, YOU WILL FOREVER HAVE A FAN OF YOUR WORK WITH FASHION NEXUS!! & I’m sure my readers will enjoy seeing what you’ve been up to and we all can’t wait to see what’s next!

Turner & Tatler — Vintage Jewelry for Modern Times

Posted on May 27, 2014 by SMM

One of the best things about having my fashion blog, and really about being in NYC, is you never know what each day might bring. Everyday is like a surprise, where hidden treasures can be easily found. Relating this back to fashion, take for example an ordinary fashion outing for my fashion blog, Fashion Nexus. I am out at a press preview for a fave jewelry brand of mine, Ted Rossi, where lo and behold I stumble upon another astounding jewelry brand — Turner & Tatler.

I liken Turner & Tatler to a hidden treasure because it is such a unique brand, where each piece is truly special and has its own piece of history. It’s just like the brand’s owner, creator, and founder, Cindy Chaplin, says, the pieces are “modern renditions made from classic pieces of an earlier day…… the antiques of tomorrow.” Cindy has always had a love for jewelry, dating back to fond memories of shopping trips with her mother to the heart of the jewelry district in NYC — 47th Street. So how did a love of jewelry, with an interest in its history, lead to the inception of Turner & Tatler?

It is not a huge surprise. And the instant you meet Cindy and begin discussing her work, you can see the passion, drive, and fondness in her eyes. It’s very encouraging and inspirational to see a hard working woman is making the most and finding success with something she holds so dear to her heart. Cindy started the brand in 2012. She found an unfulfilled market for antique jewelry that was being admired, yet not worn. The premise behind Turner & Tatler is that for each piece, she takes other pieces apart and puts them back into a more useable form. A few examples — an Edwardian belt buckle as a diamond necklace, or a Victorian star brooch floating on a neck chain. It’s yesterday’s jewelry fashioned for today. But each piece still retains its vintage appeal, while still portraying a modern or fresh feel.

There is no added manufacturing. And there are also a wide range of pieces from which to choose — bracelets, chains, charms, earrings, necklaces, and rings. The collection can be seen in London at Liberty of London (purchase available thru Kojis Jewelry) and also at the Harborview Center for Antiques in Connecticut. There are a few ways as of now to make purchases such as visiting a private trunk show or contacting Cindy directly @ cindy@turnerandtatler.com or 914-329-9790.

I have thoroughly perused the Turner & Tatler site, so fun, & I encourage all of my readers to do the same! Here are just a few of my fave pieces within each product category —

RINGS

SAPPHIRE & DIAMOND WHITE GOLD FLOWER

VINTAGE GREEN ENAMEL BUCKLE RING

In order — Tourmaline & Diamond ring; Antique White Gold Ring w/ Synthetic Ruby; Double Snake Head ring; & Black Opal & Diamond ring in White Gold

BRACELETS

FANCY LINK SLIDE BRACELET IN YELLOW GOLD

LUCKY CHARMS BRACELET

click each to enlarge

In order — Mesh Buckle Bracelet in Yellow Gold; Opal Bangle; Coral Yellow Gold & Diamond Bracelet; & Snake Wrap Bracelet

SHIPS AHOY BRACELET

PEARL & DIAMOND BRACELET SET IN PLATINUM

CHARMS

In order — Rotary Telephone; Purse, Teapot, & Skeleton Keys — Charms

In order — Studded Padlock, Fox Drop, Filigree Gold Ball Drop, & Rock Crystal Orb Locket

EARRINGS

In order — Triple Drop Amethyst Earrings; Amethyst Hexagonal Earrings; Citrine Drop Earrings; & Yellow Gold Tassel Earrings

In order — Pearl & Diamond Drop Earrings; Moonstone Drop Earrings; Peridot & Diamond Drop Earrings; Turquoise & Diamond Earrings

NECKLACES

CLOVER NECKLACE

PAINTED PORCELAIN NECKLACE

click each to enlarge

In order — Triple Star Floating necklace; Bohemian Garnet Cluster necklace; Diamond Scalloped necklace; & Arrow necklace in Yellow Gold

DOUBLE DIAMOND DROP NECKLACE

SAPPHIRE BOW DROP NECKLACE

CHAINS

LOVE UNDER LOCK & KEY CHAIN

HONEYCOMB SNOWFLAKE ON A CHAIN

BUTTON HOLE WATCH & CHAIN

AMETHYST GOLD & PEARL CHAIN I can’t wait to see more from this phenomenally unique vintage jewelry brand in the future!! Good luck to Turner & Tatler!

Meet Athra Luxe — Jewelry that is the Essence of Luxury

Posted on February 7, 2014 by SMM

Essence of luxury yes, but there is one more important characteristic to remember about this high fashion jewelry brand — it’s AFFORDABLE!! More specifically, this is ATHRA LUXE’S vision for their brand, to be the “go to” in the fashion jewelry industry for affordable luxury jewelry. The brand’s design team is filled with an extensive background of jewelers, artists, and crafters whose influences from around the world help to create these inspired collectable pieces.

ATHRA LUXE’s logo contains an Assyrian daisy flower and symbolizes an important aspect for the jewelry pieces — the ability to be worn year-round.There are 12 white spaces representing 12 months, 4 triangular shapes representing 4 seasons, and 1 dot in the middle, symbolizing the full calendar year.

The jewelry here utilizes sterling silver and gold over sterling silver, featuring black diamond crystals, fresh water pearls, cubic zirconia and black onyx, all of which creates a look of high end jewelry. This is what makes the brand affordable so not breaking the bank! There are 3 current collection within the ATHRA LUXE brand:

THE BLACK CRYSTAL COLLECTION — Bracelets, Earrings, Rings, & Necklaces

You will see features in this collection such as the oval black diamond crystals & the use of 14K gold over sterling silver. These pieces are all elegantly crafted and really would serve to amp up your look — perfect for date night or a cocktail event!

THE ITALIAN COLLECTION — Necklaces, Earrings, Rings, & Bracelets

In this collection, Night in Tuscany, you will see features such as rose gold over sterling silver, or rhodium over sterling silver, chain-wrapped items and the like! These pieces have such a delicate quality and really could elevate your look whether it’s for an easy breezy day look or just out for the evening!

LIMITED EDITION COLLECTION — 4 PIECES

This collection has just 4 pieces — 2 sets of earrings, a necklace, & a ruby ring. So there are the ruby pieces and then the purple crystal rose gold pieces. These looks embody luxury and as you can see below as worn by Lauren Mayhew, they really are such a great extra touch of sparkle to complete your look!

ATHRA LUXE has been fortunate enough to have experienced a great deal of press, with features in multiple blogs and magazines such as the Upscale Living “Best of Luxury” Magazine, Lucky Magazine Community, Elucid Magazine, INSTORE & INDESIGN, Accessories Magazine, Fashion Rooftop, JCK and many more! Celebrity actress and singer Lauren Mayhew recently wore some pieces at the 2013 American Music Awards, which was actually how I became introduced to the brand. Fashion Nexus featured Lauren as Best Dressed from that event and this piece discussed the ATHRA LUXE pieces she wore — Limited Edition ruby red & white cubic zirconia earrings & ruby red & white cubic zirconia ring.

There are a variety of ways you can contact or keep updated with all that is ATHRA LUXE!!

Email — service@athraluxe.com
Phone — 1-888-532-6023
Like on Facebook
Follow on Twitter
Connect via LinkedIn
Pin with Pinterest

You can also easily locate where ATHRA LUXE items are being sold near you!

Fashion Nexus

A fashion blog for anything & everything fashion, including fashion law topics

Category Archives: Featured Designers/Brands

Kenley Collins — This Thriving Designer Marches On!

Kate Pankoke for Elaya Vaughn — “Behind The Gilded Veil”

All About neulook.com & Their Exclusive Beauty Line, Adrian London

PersJewel — THE Jewelry Brand for a Multitude of Personalized & Customized Jewelry Options!

Auburn Jewelry — The Sky’s the Limit!

“To Be Charmed & Chained” — That’s Joey J.

Biovea @ Nolcha Fashion Week =’s ……

Kenley Collins — There is Just No Stopping this Designer!

Turner & Tatler — Vintage Jewelry for Modern Times

Meet Athra Luxe — Jewelry that is the Essence of Luxury

A fashion blog for anything & everything fashion, including fashion law topics

Related articles

Related articles

Related articles

Related articles

Related articles across the web

Related articles across the web

Related articles across the web

Related articles across the web

Related articles

Related articles