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Sporty Chic

Sunday, April 22nd, 2012

My love of fitness has suddenly collided with my love of fashion! Oh happy day! And I don’t mean that we’re re-embracing sweat pants. (Pleeeease don’t go there!) No, I mean that the wonderful, powerful, attention-grabbing appeal of true athleticism has finally caught up with our love of everything stylish and chic.

I can’t tell you how many hours a week I spend in spandex! Sometimes it’s downright embarrassing. But, here’s how it happens. I wake up with the knowledge that at some point in my day, I’m going to work out. Be it tennis, treadmill, tummy-work, tumbling, trampoline …. well, you never know …. I just know one thing’s for certain, I’m going to need flexible clothes.

My best laid plans have me reading the paper over coffee and some form of bran cereal (again, best laid plans) with a work-out soon to follow. Before you know it, the dog needs walking; laundry needs folding; UPS needs a signature; my flowers need a drink; the phone needs answering; I forgot to buy half and half !!; checks need cashing; bills need paying … It’s 3:30 in the afternoon and I’M STILL WEARING SPANDEX!

Perhaps this is not exactly what designers had in mind when they put their Sporty Chic silhouettes on the Spring 2012 runways. The gym is one thing, The Four Seasons is another. But, I still love the fact that now my double white-striped black leggings only call for a pair of Jimmy Choos, and I’m good to go!

In the most practical of athletic mindsets, we must accessorize accordingly. The littlest of bling is necessary. (But then again, who said anything about necessities?) What do you think? Some Pink Morganite leverbacks for comfort and color? Or, perhaps some Citrine studs? There’s always that go-to pair of Barepani London Blue Topaz to kick it up a notch, or the White Sapphire studs for flair. (Click the photos for details)

These don’t get in the way of your leg lift/kick-backs; they add color to your otherwise “glowing” make-up-less face; they fill in the pierce of your otherwise adorned earlobes; and, if nothing else, they scream Sporty Chic. It’s every girl’s dream come true… an invitation to be fit, fabulous and comfortable. I say, let the games begin!

Styling Your Full Potential ~

Judy

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Posted in Closet Update Ideas, Focus On Fitness, Gemstone Fashion, Helpful Tips, JTV Stratify, Judy Crowell Collection Updates, Look of the Day | No Comments »

The Return Of The Earring ~ Spring 2012

Saturday, April 14th, 2012

I’ve always referred to it as the most intimate piece of jewelry you wear, because it’s selected to be closest to your beautiful face. Now, designers are taking the importance of them to a whole new level with the Return Of The Earring for 2012. Soulful and sexy; flirty and colorful; movin’ and groovin,’ these dazzlers are turning (and framing) heads!

Some of us are thinking, “Wait just a minute. What’s so new? We’ve been down this road before.” Yes, but isn’t it fun?! Fashion loves to reinvent itself, and WE love when it does!

Some of the most famous faces in history were known for their glamorous lobes. It’s nice to know it’s ‘cool’ all over again.

So, what do you say we do a little shopping? If you want to duplicate the ‘looks,’ you’ve got to know where to go to find them. While my Stratify Collection isn’t on the runway……….. (yet!), I do have some great styles that would fit the bill for this current trend.  Take a look at these beauties, and see if  the colors, the gems, or the dangle styles strike your fancy. If so, click on the earring to see all the details. Happy shopping!

Styling Your Full Potential ~

Judy

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Posted in Closet Update Ideas, Fashion History, Gemstone Fashion, Helpful Tips, JTV Stratify, Judy Crowell Collection Updates, Look of the Day | No Comments »

Spring 2012 Fashion Trends

Wednesday, April 11th, 2012

“Ehhh…verything’s coh…ming up roses…” It may have been back in ‘59 when Gypsy Rose Lee hummed that tune, but 53 years later we’re having another affair with florals. 

Have you been shopping lately? Spring 2012 Fashion designers are having a field day! Fitted or flowing matters not as long as we’re talking flowers.

And, while we’re on the subject, you’ll notice that it’s tough to wear flowers without wearing color. Harper’s Bazaar highlighted the blues in their recent expose of Spring 2012 runway style. Think of your average garden, though, and you realize that all color combos are acceptable.

Accessorizing this trend is simple.. especially with my Stratify Collection! While the clothing may be expensive (it’s really painful to look at the price tags), the jewelry I’ll show you is not. Every single one of these rings featuring genuine Tanzanite, Amethyst, Blue Topaz and Garnet is priced at under $100, and many are closer to $79. (You can click on the image to read more about it) Become your own designer! Jump on these styles while the trend is hot, but own looks that will long outlast today’s garden variety splurge.

Styling Your Full Potential ~

Judy

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Posted in Closet Update Ideas, Fashion Show Analysis, Gemstone Fashion, Helpful Tips, JTV Stratify, Judy Crowell Collection Updates, Look of the Day | No Comments »

Bright Spots

Sunday, March 18th, 2012

Noticing a trend here?! Suddenly in the mood for a creamsicle? Or, perhaps another glass of orange juice?

The Pantone Color Institute has donned this, Tangerine Tango, ‘the 2012 Color Of The Year.’ It’s a vibrant, refreshing, BLAST of color with so much potential. Paired with lime or royal or (here’s another Pantone fave) solar yellow, you almost can’t go wrong with it.

Of course, you know me, never one to pass up an opportunity to talk about how fashion relates to  jewelry…. I thought I’d make some suggestions as to how you can wear this color other than in fabric.

I realize not everyone desires that red flair of attention, so here are some pretty pieces that can add that perk-me-up to your current wardrobe of navies, grays and whites. And, of course, your LBD could be completely transformed with these orange and red combos. Click on any of the photos for more information on where they are available.

I’m excited that, while black and white are always in-season, designers everywhere are thoroughly embracing the color-wheel. (I just painted my new kitchen “Audubon Russet,” and it’s so refreshingly fun!) :)

Styling Your Full Potential ~

Judy

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Scrub-A-Dub Dub

Wednesday, December 28th, 2011

When was the last time you cleaned your jewelry? We take the time to clean our clothes, our houses, our dogs (don’t ask me why I thought of that one… probably because my Springer “Brie” just got a bath), but cleaning our jewelry? Who has time? The truth is that all jewelry requires TLC for long-term wear and lasting beauty.

My advice for Storage: Take advantage of the individual compartments in a jewelry box, divided drawers or a travel pouch. Gemstones can scratch one another if they all get jumbled together. And, if you’re not careful to keep pieces separated from one another, they can even scratch the gold or silver settings.

My advice for Cleaning: Don’t overdo it, and don’t use steam cleaning or ultra-sonic cleaners. All you really need is a soft, lint-free cloth. That should do a fine job of keeping it free from surface dust and dirt on a daily basis. Should you find that it has dulled from accumulated soap or hand lotions, just swish it in a bath of  mild dishwashing liquid and warm water. Rinse, and make sure you always dry it well … away from the drain.

Keep in mind that in some cases, like with my Stratify and Blooming Jewels Collections on JTV, some gemstones are set with an adhesive instead of with prongs. (This is common practice with opaques or cabochons like turquoise or lapis) Therefore, it’s smart not to leave your jewelry in water or a liquid jewelry cleaner for an extended period of time.

Styling Your Full Potential~

Judy,

Style and Trend Jewelry Expert

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Hear Yee, Hear Yee

Sunday, October 23rd, 2011

If you love inspirational speakers, you’ll love Author and Life Coach, Michelle Phillips. She has asked me to be on her radio show tomorrow (Monday, the 24th) at NOON et. She said, “Judy, as my Trend Forecaster and Gem & Jewelry Expert, I want your input on how we should look this season.” She’s calling it “Switch It Up For Fall.”

We’ll talk about easy ways to update your wardrobe with the hot COLORS of fall and winter; the smart BASICS you should keep or acquire;  the TRENDS that you were smart to buy last fall because they have nicely carried over into this fall; and, what to KEEP, STORE and TOSS! You can listen in on your computer by going to this site tomorrow at noon: www.hayhouseradio.com, then just click on Michelle’s name.

Meanwhile, be sure to pick up her new book, The Beauty Blueprint, already on Amazon.com’s Best Seller list. An even more beautiful you is sure to emerge!

Styling Your Full Potential ~                                                                                            Judy

 

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The Eyes Have It

Sunday, September 19th, 2010

Flip through any magazine this fall, and you can’t help but notice all the extra emphasis on the eyes…. more specifically, the eyelashes. If the eyes are, indeed, the windows to your soul, then never before have the window treatments been more important!
To that effect, I have to tell you about my new mascara ‘love’ to achieve thick, full, sexy eyelashes.
Now, I’m not known for pushing products (well actually, I am!?!? :lol: ) But, I get no benefit from having this opinion, just the joy of sharing my experience with you.
I’ve been a huge proponent of DIOR’S DiorShow Mascara for a long time. While makeup artists say you’re suppose to throw out your mascaras after 3 months, I hang onto my DiorShow like grim death. Partly because I love it, but mainly because it’s so expensive to replace.
So, my new find is REVLON’S Grow Luscious. Big green tube. You can’t miss it. And, its only 7.99 at Target and WalMart (unless you want the waterproof version, then it’s 8.99) It’s fabulous! And, if you’re a layerer (is that a word?) like I am, then start with ALMAY’s One Coat Mascara (about 6.99) for definition and separation, and then really punch it up with Grow Luscious for maximum pizazz.
Just a little tip I thought you’d appreciate. Go to my FORUM and let me know how it works out for you.

Styling Your Full Potential ~

Judy

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Fall Trends To Suit You

Saturday, August 14th, 2010

A dear friend of mine, Michelle Phillips (who has a beauty segment on local talk shows around the country), asked me to offer some fall fashion advice to women in that 12 – 14 size range. She said, “You know, not all of us are sure what trends are right for us. We’d love to be fashionable, but we need to know what’s appropriate. Being a Trend Forecaster, can you help me out with this?”

I thought it was a great question, and I’ve decided to share my thoughts with you here. (She’s also posted them on her website: www.mindbeautyspirit.com)

1) Don’t be afraid of bright colors. The strong jewel tones and citrus brights are hot commodities this fall, and those colors do wonders to brighten up your face. (They are also easy to pair with dark pants or skirts for a sleek silhouette below the waist)
2) Dresses. The importance of the dress carries from summer on into fall this year and can offer a slenderizing physique. (Think 60’s style popularity featured on “Mad Men”) Just be careful with the pervasive wide belt. It can cut you right in two and exaggerate a wide waistline. Not all dresses look best belted (even the ones that COME with a belt!)
3) Denim. The jean jacket is back, and there are more popular jeans styles than ever (high-waisted, low-waisted, cuffed, boot-cut, boyfriend). Embrace denim, but be wary of the acid-washed, wholly variety. Always the most flattering, regardless of your size, is dark denim…. and it can be dressed up or down.
4) Jewelry. One of the easiest ways (especially on a tight budget) to update your wardrobe is with sterling silver. It’s affordable; it’s a long-lasting investment; and it’s bright and cheerful. You can layer your necklaces, or a multitude of cuff bracelets, without breaking the bank, and that trend looks great on every sized woman.
5) We’re starting to see an influx of patterns again for fall … argyle, plaid, floral, animal … and that can be scary regardless of your size. If you don’t want to be covered head to toe in leopard, choose interesting tone-on-tone “textures” instead. If you want to introduce patterns without too much commitment? Go with scarves. Tied at the neck or wrapped around the handle of a handbag, the look is chic.
6) The jacket is back! (Many of us who ditched them last year because they sat in our closet for too long are kicking ourselves.) Good news for those of us in that 12-14 size range is that they cover a multitude of sins. Look for the “boyfriend” jacket which has the longer silhouette. It covers the hips, gives us a waist and flatters the figure no matter what our shape.

Styling Your Full Potential ~ Judy

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Denim Does Dallas…and New York And Miami and L.A….

Friday, July 23rd, 2010

We’re having a love affair again with the jean jacket. (Yay!)

I, for one, was so sad when this useful, seasonless, go-anywhere staple ended up in magazines’ “LOSE,” “OUT” or “STORE” columns. I refused. I had accumulated them over many years, and appreciated each one for a different feature!  Beaded, plain, fitted, loose, gray, white, blue (of course) and even ones with fur and faux fur collars. I LOVE THEM! And, they’re back for Fall.

So, what’s new and updated about them? Wear your jean jacket over your …. well, your other jean jacket! (if you’re 30-something or younger anyway). And, check out the jean jacket on the cover of LUCKY Magazine over a shimmery cocktail dress! (And, we were told to let these precious things GO!) Here’s a thought. If you didn’t hang onto yours, run, don’t walk, to your nearest upscale consignment shop. There may still be a bargain out there somewhere on these denim delights.

Styling Your Full Potential ~ Judy

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New Summer Beauty Routine

Friday, July 2nd, 2010

Every once in a while a new product comes along that gets my curiosity up enough to want to try it. This summer’s find? Something called NutraSonic, a Facial Cleansing tool. It’s not the first electronic facial cleanser ever to be introduced, but the others I’ve tried that vibrate? bore me. THIS seems to really slough off the grime of the day, makeup and all, without being rough. (I’m leery of too many harsh exfoliators that, I think, strip the skin’s important protective layers and leave my skin vulnerable…. I’m a Florida Girl. I need to be really careful!)

So, here’s this tool that they say is gentle enough to use twice a day, every day. (I’m not that disciplined) But, two to three times a week? Okay. I’ve decided to see if it’ll make a difference in the way my skin looks and feels. Soft, soft soft are the attachment brushes, so that’s a good thing making it a great massage, too.

I’ve turned into a total electronics junkie in the bathroom … electric toothbrush, electric mirror, electric blow dryer, electric flat iron …. I’m starting to horn in on my husband’s bathroom counter space just for his outlets! “Honey, do you think you could use the Guest Bathroom this morning? I’ve got this new Cleanser that needs charging ….. “

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