Posts Tagged ‘it’s all about style’

What Are You Wearing?

Tuesday, April 23rd, 2013

If it’s 10 pm when you read this, the answer is probably “your p.j.s.” And, if it’s 10 am, your answer might range from spandex to a suit! But, I don’t mean what are you wearing NOW, like right this MINUTE ….. I mean jewelry-wise, help me out, what are you wearing? What do you grab to accessorize? And, what is your jewelry box missing?

I ask because my jewelry line will debut this fall, and I want to know what you like.

Demure? Bold?

Silver? Gold?

New? Old?

Warm? Sorry.

If you lead a life on the run (kids, travel, business, PTA, volunteer, pet-rescue, fund-raising) or a life of leisure (golf, tennis, crosswords, travel, books, grandchildren), jewelry is sometimes that last-minute, grab what you wore yesterday kind of routine.

But, I have found lately (being a woman who leads both of those lives) that when I put a teeny-bit more time into my closet the night before, not thinking only about what I’m going to wear cloth-wise, but how I’m going to accessorize that cloth, that I end up feeling prettier, more confident and more ‘finished’ than when I don’t.

I’m on both Facebook and Twitter, and plan to keep you updated as to when and where my jewelry can be found. I can’t wait to hear your feedback, and I can’t wait to see pictures of you wearing it!

You know my motto … (and soon, it will mean even more!)

Always ‘rock’ your full potential ~

Judy

January 31st: Not so “New Year” Anymore

Thursday, January 31st, 2013

Resolutions? Yes, not to feel achy, feverish and down-right blah. Head hurts, muscles are sore, nose is red and even things hot… a bath, mint tea, my husband… aren’t doing the trick. I’m miserable.

Paul left for Minnesota again this morning after buying these. (I can’t even believe I’m showing you this. I am a fright!!)

Yes, he went out and bought a 25-pack (“Twenty-five??!!” He said it was all they had) of these face masks to wear on his flight back to ShopNBC today. I would imagine he’ll fly home in one on Sunday all chipper and cured of his cold just so we can turn around on Tuesday and fly, wearing them of course (after all, we have 25!!), to the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show. (We’ll be the ones on the plane looking like we really ought to be quarantined)

Who knows, maybe we’ll start a Fashion Trend for Flyers. Perhaps wearing them even ought to be a law! And, with all of this down time on my hands, I think I’ll get out the markers and start drawing. A nice set of red lips would look good on my mask, don’t you think? (Or, should I put them on Paul’s? ha) That’ll let the world know that I know I look ridiculous, but that I’m gladly doing my part to maintain a germ-free zone. Other passengers may even ask if we have extras. (Suddenly, 25 doesn’t sound like nearly enough)

Just remember, even in a face mask…

Always Rock Your Full Potential ~

~ Judy

The Best Laid Plans

Wednesday, December 12th, 2012

If you agree that a wedding is memorable as MUCH because of the mishaps as because of the bride’s beautiful gown, then perhaps the same can be applied to my recent Holiday party. Centered around the date of the annual boat parade, my party had been scheduled for months. Last year the boats swung right by our house … so creative, so pretty, so festive… I thought my Kappa colleagues would love it.

So, the night is planned; the evites have been sent; the menu has been selected; we’re ready to go. The night before the party, my husband is cooking me salmon on the grill. It’s a beautiful night. I look outside and here comes a decorated boat. How PRETTY! “Look Paul, here comes another one!” Wait. What’s going on???

He says, “Come eat while it’s hot.” I say, “You don’t think…..” “No. Don’t worry,” he’s says. “I’m sure it’s a parade from another township.” Just to make sure, we double-check on line. Sure enough, OUR township parade is definitely scheduled for the following night. Whew!

The next night, all the ladies show up with their husbands and dates. It’s an even nicer night than the one before. Everyone’s dressed up and enjoying people they haven’t seen in forever. The boat parade start time, 7:15, comes and goes. ‘Ah well, they must still be lining up.’ 7:30, 7:45 … still no sign of a light much less a boat! Now I’m starting to worry (and, like any nervous bride who wants it to be perfect, I’m getting mad!).

“Hey everybody,” I stall. ” Let’s get that shot of all of us holding our children’s books that we’ve collected for charity!!”

Okay, well… that was good for a few minutes. Now it’s 8:00, 8:15, 8:30….. NO BOATS, NO PARADE, NO NOTHING! Well, that’s not quite true… somewhere out there along the beach, someone was shooting off fireworks. Woohoo!! (Small consolation for a night completely planned around a PARADE!) Talk about mud on my face (or is it ‘in your eye?’) SOMEwhere, there was mud. And, aside from the skinny string of Christmas lights on the bow-railing of our boat, my party people got totally ripped off!

The good news? Friends are incredibly forgiving. The food was good, the children will get books for Christmas, and …. there’s always next year?!?

Styling Your Full Potential ~

Judy

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

Sunday, November 4th, 2012

Not every blog has to be big news, right? Sometimes it’s fun to just embrace the moments when life is grand!!!! 

Paul and I re-watched “Swingers” the other night: Vince Vaughn, Jon Favreau, Heather Graham … and got in-the-mood for some swing dancing. We then had the opportunity to see Big Bad Voodoo Daddy (who were featured in the film) perform LIVE. Do you know that all of the original members (up to 9 of them) have been together for 19 years!?? They’re obviously doing something right, and making a lot of people happy with their music. (Click their pic to watch the dance scene from the movie) We couldn’t stay in our seats. One song was even better than the next! At the end of the night? You would have witnessed two tired (and sweaty) pups. I’d definitely burned off the calories from dessert! ;)

Styling Your Full Potential ~

Judy

Quick Update

Monday, October 15th, 2012

I love to blog about fashion and jewelry. I even slip in a blog from time to time about beauty or travel. But, this one’s just a little bit different.

As a courtesy to my friends and followers, I wanted to give a quick update to let you know that I have left my position at JTV as Style & Trend Expert. JTV is a delightful company with an extremely talented staff. I had the best time working alongside the Hosts and Buying team to bring ‘Stratify’ to all of you. Your positive feedback made me incredibly proud of what we accomplished.

While that position came to an end, my love of jewelry and gemstone exploration never will. In fact, Paul and I are traveling to Brazil next month to film at a Drusy mine! I get to be both ‘talent’ and ‘videographer.’ Now THAT will be a good trick. (Okay, maybe I’ll put him on camera, too. ;) )

You know I can never leave the shopping channel industry, right? So, stay tuned for the next chapter! Meanwhile, please keep in touch with me on Facebook here: www.facebook.com/judycrowellstyle and on Twitter here: (www.twitter.com/judycrowell).

Styling Your Full Potential (it’s always a pleasure) ~

Judy

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

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

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

Tucson Talk

Friday, February 3rd, 2012

Tucson, Arizona is just buzzing with enthusiasm and excitement every year at this time. The first week in February, it becomes the site of the largest gem and mineral show in the world. Vendors and buyers alike are here on a quest for new material, uniquely cut stones and large parcels of Mother Nature’s latest creations. The customer is always on our minds. (Of course, if one happens to come home with a selfishly bought new bauble, well, that’s just a well-earned reward for all the hard work that can extend into the wee hours)

My recent post on Facebook generated 35 good guesses as to what this pretty new purple-veined material might be. So far, though, no one has accurately identified it. So, the game is still ON! Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?

A huge bonus of our annual trek to Tucson is, of course …

…  the food! We can’t seem to veer from our favorite foods at our favorite restaurants. There’s just nothing like that table- side guacamole at La Fuentes or the entertaining Cowboy atmosphere of Lil’ Abners.

And the views? Well, there’s no question. It’s just a little slice of heaven.

Styling Your Full Potential ~

Judy

I’ll Have A Blue (After) Christmas Without These!

Monday, December 26th, 2011

4.18 carats of Barehipani London Blue Topaz. Couldn’t you just SWIM in their color? The incredible London blue stones in these stud earrings are princess-cut and angled like diamonds in their 18 kt gold over Sterling Silver setting.

From my Stratify Collection on JTV.com, they are named after the beautiful Barehipani Falls in India where the water pools into colors of blue like no other.

But, the best part is they’re marked down from a normal $49.99 price to this week’s Holiday Clearance Sale price of $29.99!

And, should you desire something borrowed or something blue to wear on the hand? Try this Barehipani London Blue ring on for size. 1.28 carats are represented in this delicate, sweet ring featuring a center marquise-cut London Blue Topaz with channel set princess-cut White Topaz gems on either side. A whopping $49.99 is our new “Countdown to 2012″ price. (Sizes are available in 6-10)

Join me on Thursday and Friday this week for my Stratify shows only on Jewelry Television. Look for the JTV logo in the lower left side of your screen, and you’ll know you’re in the right place.

Styling Your Full Potential ~

Judy

ON-AIR:

Thursday, December 29th 3-6pm and 10p-midnight EST

Friday, December 30th 10a-noon EST