Santa Claus is Coming...

This Sunday in the New York Times style section, journalist Bill Cunningham posted his photos from the annual December 13th Santacon convention in New York City. Started in 1994 in San Francisco, the celebration has spread to 72 cities in a dozen countries. This year in New York there were close to 5,000 Santa's flooding the streets of Manhattan.

Here at Gloria Duchin, we have our own parade of Santa ornaments from classic St. Nick designs to more whimsical glitter Santas. You can view them on our website at http://www.gloriaduchin.com/.

This will be our last blog of the year, so we wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season. RobynReports will resume on January 5, 2009.

Let it snow!

This year the snowflake has become a style icon, gracing everything from Tiffany bracelets to decorative soaps. Snowflakes and winter themed merchandise are a great way to celebrate the season without decking the halls in red and green. Just like real snowflakes, snowflake gifts come in unique shapes, styles and sizes.

One of our most popular ornaments of the season is our "One of a Kind" pewter snowflake with Swarovski crystals.

For a retailer, please visit us at http://www.gloriaduchin.com/

Tie it in a Bow

Over the weekend, I had a chance to review the latest edition of the New York Times style magazine. Known as a leading publication for fashion forescasting, this issue again, did not dissapoint. While looking through, I found a feature on the most adorable satin pumps, all in bright jewel tones and covered in oversized bows.

I see much more of this appearing in fashion and home decor's future. Fashionistas will convert to escapism with bright colors and girly accents.

For the holidays, dress up your tree with our very own pewter high-heel shoe ornament with purple glitter bow!

Take a tour of Gloria Duchin, Inc.

We were selected by Crown Point Production’s to appear on their World’s Greatest program that highlights the world’s best companies, products, people and places. Gloria Duchin, Inc. was chosen because of our continued success, high-quality products and innovation in seasonal trends and design.

You can take a tour of Gloria Duchin, Inc. and learn more about how your favorite ornaments and gifts are designed and produced. The segment will air on the ION network tomomorrow, Tuesday, December 2 at 11:00 a.m. EST/PST and 10:00 a.m. CST/MST, Wedenesday, December 3 at 7:00 a.m. EST/PST and 6:00 a.m. CST/MST, and lastly on Thursday, December 4 at 6:00 a.m. EST/PST and 5:00 a.m. CST/MST. For local channels, please visit www.iontelevision.com.

Float like a Butterfly

In Ancient Greece, the word for butterfly means soul and in Chinese culture, two butterflies together symbolize love. I think that is why butterfly gifts are among the top for this Christmas season since they respresent the true spirit of Christmas...love.

The latest issue of Town and Country features a variety of butterfly gifts that you can give this year from pendants to notecards.

One of our top sellers at GloriaDuchin.com is our genuine pewter filigree ornament accented with Swarovski crystal featured below. Available on our website for $9.99.

For a fun holiday tree, create a spring garden tree. Fill in holes with bunches of dried flowers or silk flowers then hang glass bulbs in soft greens and browns, finish with organza ribbon and an assortment of our pewter gardening ornaments like our filigree butterfly.

Bronner's Christmas Wonderland

On the cover of the New York Times Sunday Styles section this past weekend was an article covering Bronner's Christmas Wonderland based in Frankenmuth, MI. Covering 2.2 acres, Bronner's is the largest year-round Christmas store in the country featuring an assortment of trees and holiday decor from all over the world. Within the sea of holiday merchandise, most retailing under $10.00, you'll also find our collectible ornaments.

During the season, Bronner's employs 600 staffers and entertains 2 million customers per year. The author of the article found it impossible to resist the magic of the season while visiting the store, and ended up purchasing an assortment of pet ornaments. If you are in the Michigan area, I encourage you to visit Bronner's, and if not, you can purchase our pet ornaments from several retailers. To find one near you, please visit our website.

Gloria Duchin pewter paw photo and pewter angel chihuahua with Swarovski collar

Initial Impressions

I just received my copy of Town & Country magazine's December issue that includes an extensive holiday gift guide. One page features monogrammed gifts including everything from jewelry to customized wrapping paper. I've noted that personalization has been a continually growing trend in the gift market, and it's something we've centered our business around.

Page from Town & Country Gift Guide

A monogram or an engraved ornament makes a wonderful gift for the holidays. If you live near a Menard's store, you can find our Initial Impressions ornaments featured below. We can also engrave monograms on a variety of genuine pewter ornaments in the custom imprint area of our website.

Let your voice be heard

After months of waiting, the day to make our decision has finally come. Tuesday, November 4th, marks the next Presidential election and I urge everyone to let their voice be heard and exercise their right to vote.

If you are unsure of the polling location for your neighborhood, you can visit http://maps.google.com/vote, enter your address and Google will show you where you need to go. The polls are open until 9:00 p.m. tomorrow, so everyone should have plenty of time to cast their ballot.

To get into the spirit of the election, visit our website and view our assortment of patriotic ornaments and gifts, all made right here in the USA.

Pewter flag and pewter flag photo frame with glitter available at www.gloriaduchin.com.

The Recessionista

With the economy's current state, it seems that everyone is making budget cuts and luxuries are the first things to go. I read an interesting article in the New York Times this past Sunday about the Recessionista. As they define the term, a Recessionista is "the new name for a style maven on a budget". Some retailers like Payless and Target are ahead of the game for the discount chic, offering designer clothing at low prices.

The same follows in our business of Christmas decor. Early retail reports suggest that seasonal sales will be strong at mass market retailers. Our business model has always been to offer our customers designer holiday decor at low prices, so you can still decorate a beautiful home for the holidays without breaking the bank.

Gloria Duchin enamel photo frame ornaments available for under $6.00 each!

Hot Sellers!

As the holiday season approaches we are surprised and excited at the early response of several of our holiday ornaments that are out in the market place! Inspiration, photo designs and whimsy seem to be setting the trend this season.

Photo ornaments for wedding, baby, children and pets are popular as well as some of our remembrance and inspirational angels. Military and patriotic ornaments are also among our top sellers along with snowmen. Below are some of our featured ornaments that you can buy now. For a list of our retailers, please visit GloriaDuchin.com.

Gloria Duchin pewter "Always in Our Hearts" Angel Photo Frame, Gloria Duchin Pewter Snowman with Snowcones and Gloria Duchin Blue "Superhero" Star Photo Frame.

Made in the USA

With the current state of the economy, it is important for us as consumers to spend our dollars wisely. We can all do our part to stimulate growth by looking for the "Made in the USA" label on the products we do buy. We are proud to say, that in our 30 years of designing and manufacturing, we continue to make our ornaments right here in the USA, supporting American jobs and promising our customers high quality at competitive prices.

There are other USA made products that you can buy this season that will promote growth for our country, such as Vermont Teddy Bears or American Apparel Clothing. Together, we can rebuild our great nation. Support local business and let your voice be heard by going out to vote on November 4th!

Pewter Military Photo Frame Ornament designed and manufactured by Gloria Duchin in the USA. Available at kmart.com for $6.99.

Think Pink

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and the cause is showing an overwhelming amount of celebrity support. Celebrity designers like Karl Lagerfeld and Adina Reyter created exclusive jewelry and fashions to support the cause. Christina Applegate recently opened-up to Oprah about her experience with cancer, and the celebrity backed, StandUp2Cancer organization conducted a telethon last month to raise awareness and funds for treatment. It's clear that pink is the hottest fashion color around.

Some other celeb-endorsed products include Hanky Panky panties and gourmet chocolates available at someonespoilme.com, as well as a Denise Richards designed pink tee for the Capsule collections and DVD's for the Cure available at foxstore.com.

In our own collections, we have a variety of keepsakes designed to show your support for Breast Cancer research and awareness including our pewter pink swirl epoxy support ribbon, our pink lady pin and our pewter "Hope" heart.

Anything Goes

For color, anything goes according to the runways at the Emmy's. Brights like hot pink and canary yellow, soft hues like pale blue and beige as well as black and white, silver and glitter. The uniting theme is escapism, using fantasy colors and styles to create a "fun" look.

Top: Vanessa Williams in Kevan Hall, Christina Applegate in Reem Acra, Kyra Sedgwick in L'Wren Scott
Bottom: Heidi Klum in Armani Prive, Brooke Shields in Badgley Mischka, Mariska Hargitay in Carolina Herrera.

Some of the common themes in the Emmy gowns are one shoulder styles, wraps, and slim-fitting gowns. I think this all speaks to "playful elegance", that we will continue to see emerge in fashion and home decor.

A Bright Future

Usually when the fall months arrive, the pages of the fashion magazines turn from bright summer colors into cooling grays, blacks and browns. However, this season, I am seeing colors brighter than ever, mimicking mardi gras and peacock plumage.

From Harper's Bazaar feature of Roberto Cavalli line

Jewel tones in hues of bright green, teal, purple and fuscia are accented with yellow greens and pale blues. Colors can be paired together as solids or twisted into patchwork patterns like the Cavalli gowns.

Our Secrets of Angels ornament collection features brights for the holidays. We mixed the colors of the outer packaging with the inserts for a background that makes the metallic pewter angels POP!

Hippie Chic

"According to the New York Runways, nothing is out of style", quips the Wall Street Journal in an article covering the spring fashion shows. Alice + Olivia designer Stacey Bendet says she wanted to "mix up hippie and hipster" for her collection. What this includes is a lot of fringe on clothing, handbags and boots as well as floor-length floral dresses. The look is updated, fun and flirty, but also speaks to the casual escapism of the 1970's hippie style. Bright colors, flowing fabrics, comfort and confidence are they key.

Shown: Fringe Sweater by D&G, Fringe Handbag by Tory Burch, and Pewter Peace Sign ornament by Gloria Duchin.

For those who hung onto some of those vintage fashions, get them out of storage, air them out and get them ready to wear for the upcoming season!

A Naturally Modern Wedding

Color Trends… Chocolate, Chartreuse, and Cream

Robyn asked me to post the blog this week after spotting the recent color palettes this fall highlighting chocolate brown paired with chartreuse green.

When my older sister got engaged last December, she knew immediately what colors she wanted all the elements in her November wedding to be. From the Invitations to bridesmaid dresses to table settings, all elements would revolve around the color scheme chocolate brown, chartreuse green, and cream. Chocolate brown has been a classic autumn color for a number of years, but pairing it with bright pops of chartreuse green makes for a fresh and modern statement. Incorporating cream as a base color for the invitations and table setting adds a soft lightness, rather than the harshness of a pure white.



My sister and I teamed up in designing the invitations and all other printed elements. We found the colored stationary we were looking for at Paper Source, and were even able to come up with new ideas then what we had originally planned. While designing I found a versatile leafy vine element that we used on the invitations, RSVP cards, Thank You cards, and all name cards and table markers for the reception. A similar floral vine pattern is embroidered on the sashes of the chocolate brown bridesmaid dresses we found through Simple Silhouettes. Each bridesmaid, along with the bride, will be carrying a bouquet of varying white flowers.



The reception, which will be held at Woodend Sanctuary, a preserve belonging to the Audubon Naturalist Society in Washington DC, will carry on the same color theme. The tables will be set with a cream pintuck tablecloth and the brown cherrywood base plates. On top of that will be a plain twill white napkin folded around the menu printed on chartreuse cardstock and accented with a brown grosgrain ribbon. In the center of each table will be an arrangement of natural gourds and vegetation in fall colors scattered with white flowers similar to those of the wedding party’s bouquets.

From the location to invitations, every aspect is sure to use both nature and color to the best of their ability in creating a naturally modern, and unmistakably autumn wedding.

posted by Kate Huot

World's Greatest

We've been busy in the office this week, preparing for our "World's Greatest..." national television segment. Crown Point Productions will be here this week filming us for their show that features the world's greatest companies, products, people and places. We have been selected to appear on it in October. (read the full press release here).

In preparation, we've been decorating new trees in our design studio, based on our 2009 trends. We have our pink pop art tree with bright pink, green and purple ribbons and ornaments. We also have our Secret Agent black tree with silver ornaments and ribbon, as well as our silver tree with red and white accents including our pewter candy cane ornament.

During the show, I'll let you know how to create fantastic and affordable holiday tree designs in your own home, so be sure to check back to the blog for dates and showtimes!

Let's Get Personal

The key to gift giving this season is to make it personal. Even if you're on a tight budget, you can still get someone a great gift by making it more meaningful. Personalization means you can create your own message with custom engraving, or you can look for presents that tell the recipient that they are special to you. This could be anything from a special birthstone ornament to an "Our First" or "Baby's First" Christmas gift.

This year, we are pleased to announce that we will be retailing customizable ornaments at Sears.com with FREE engraving like the Birthstone angel ornament featured below. We also have an assortment of engravable ornaments available on our own website at https://www.gloriaduchin.com/customimprint/ For less than $20.00, you can get everyone on your list a one-of-a-kind gift!

Orange Crush

A-List celebrities from Blake Lively to Kelly Ripa were spotted this summer looking lovely in sundresses and gowns of tangerine, apricot and all the shades in between. Like a warm summer sunset, these women glow, and show us that orange goes way beyond fall decor.

Orange fashion spread featured in People magazine

Below, view a special sneak preview of an our Autumn angel ornament coming out this holiday season. As part of our Angels of Inspiration, Angels of the Season collection, this adorable little keepsake features translucent orange epoxy pumpkin detailing and a glittering orange Swarovski stone!

To be sold exclusively at CVS/pharmacy stores and CVS.com this winter!

Lace it Up

On the runway, top fashion designers from Prada to Dolce & Gabbana and Alexander McQueen showcased their latest designs including a collection of lace couture. Full gowns of lace over a solid print create a textured effect, while skirts and tops of peekabo lace provide a provocative appeal.

A couple of seasons ago, I designed a tree for my living room inspired by a Victorian Christmas. I draped the tree with french tassels and lace ribbon and used a hand-crocheted tablecloth as a tree skirt. This look is easy to re-create at home, and is well complimented by our goldtone and silvertone ornament collections, florals and soft pastel glass bulbs.

Through Rose-Colored Glasses

I continually see metallics appearing from jewelry to fashion and even home decor. This week, there's a new twist, with gold picking up a touch of pink for rose gold. The slightly softened hue is feminine and romantic, but emits the same elegance as traditional gold finishes.

From the pages of People magazine, jewelry designers from Henri Bendel to Lena Wald are using rose gold in their designs. Taylor Swift was also photographed wearing a rose gold metallic gown.

For Christmas, purchase some rose gold ornaments, like our scroll bulb featured below.

You can pair rose golds with other metallics as well as hues of pink and burgandy.

Bright & Beautiful

From the Fall Runway Report in the latest issue of Bazaar magazine, the future of fall fashion is looking very bright. High-fashion designers such as Oscar de la Renta, Dior and Celine are crafting their latest designs in brilliant raspberry, shimmering violet, orange and cherry.

Moving away from traditional fall colors such as chocolate, grey and black, designers are taking a fresh approach to the upcoming season by pairing winter fashions with more brilliant versions of classic spring pastels.

For the holiday season, liven up your tree with some ornaments in vivid colors, or brightly colored satin ribbons.

Silvertone bright yellow and pale blue peep-toe shoe ornament and pewter paintbrush with raspberry paint splatter by Gloria Duchin.

Metallics Continue to Shine

From clothing to jewelry, the fashion statement is clear - shine on! Celebrities favor glitz and glamour with sleek, form-fitting metallic gowns and layered metallic necklaces. Below, a photo from the latest edition of People magazine shows some of Hollywood's hottest starlets wearing metallics everywhere from head to toe.

Accent your metallic look with a splash of color to add depth and intrigue, like a chunky blue gemstone, or a blue peep-toe pump. For the holiday season, be sure to check out some of our newest designs like the pewter snowflake below, dotted with sparkling blue Swarovski crystals.

Mad for Plaid

Plaid is back with a vengeance, layering multi-color stripes over dresses, skirts, blazers, and even stockings. Over the years, plaid has been symbolic of many fashion trends and lifestyles. In today's fashion, depending on how it is worn, you may feel as if you are ready for a weekend in a wooded log-cabin, about to embark on an English fox hunt, or preparing for your first day of prep school. It doesn't matter how you wear it, as long as you join the world in going mad for plaid.

Plaid fashions from the Dolce & Gabbana collections

For the upcoming Holiday season, give your tree a log cabin makeover. Use thick-wired plaid ribbon as garland, accent the branches with natural pinecones, and hang woodsy themed ornaments from the ends with smaller plaid ribbons.

Gloria Duchin bronze fishing bear ornament with plaid ribbon.

A Star Spangled Affair

It's the Monday after the 4th of July, but the fireworks continue to sparkle through fashion on the streets of New York and LA! Yesterday, the New York Times printed a fashion spread of Red, White and Blue couture in the city including the photo below of the Americana themed window at Bergdorf Goodman's featuring models in adorable crenoline lined mini-dresses.

Teen star Aimee Teegarden showed her suppport in the latest issue of Star magazine, with a star bangled necklace and matching ring.

At Gloria Duchin, we are celebrating America with Christmas in July this entire month and offering a FREE ornament to any of our customers who spend $25.00 or more on our website!

Gloria Duchin hand silk-screened flag heart. FREE with $25 purchase at http://www.gloriaduchin.com

Sneak Peek... 2009 Hot Trend Alert

Bright colors are splattered on fabrics and furniture is being constructed from unconventional materials as if to give a nod to the abstract expressionists and pop artists of the 1950s. From flowing paint-splattered gowns, Warhol inspired dinnerware, Christmas wreaths made from computer parts, the Pop Art trend is something not to be missed in 2009.

Stay tuned… additional sneak peeks will be released over the next several months from our 2009 Trend Intelligence© forecast.

Just Can't Get Enough...

Sex and the City! In my last entry, I wrote about our family trip to Italy, and the trends we spotted in our travels. The entire country was buzzing about the movie and young fashionistas crowded the city streets. This week, back in the US, I open the latest edition of Traditional Home to find a feature on the girls' apartments from the film.

Led by Jeremy Conway, the show's production designer, and Lydia Marks, the set decorator, Carrie's apartment was based on the same design from the show, with a few updates. The new design included bright blue walls mixed with neutral linens in brown and beige, accompanied by art deco style mirrored furniture.

The scheme matches Carrie's ecclectic and experimental personality, and I think as the months continue, we will see a lot more experimenation in both the fashion and home decor worlds, with the focus being on self-expression.

Viva Italia!

I just returned from a 10-day vacation in Italy to celebrate our son's graduation from college with family and friends. What a special holiday and one I am sure that we will not forget any time soon.

We started our journey in Viterbo, Italy and explored the regions throughout Tuscany. Wherever our travels took us, even to remote, small Tuscan villages, it never ceased to amaze me the influence of popular culture through out the world.

Specifically, one day a friend of mine and I were shopping for ceramics in a beautiful mountain top town and it seemed everywhere we turned we saw posters in the small shop windows for Sex and the City, which coincidently opened in Italy around the same time as in the states. We also saw the influence of metallics (which I am sure preceded the movie) especially in sneakers for young and old, and a strong presence of skull and cross bones as well! Gold, both matte and polished, was apparent especially in sunglasses and accessories.

So it didn't surprise me when we ventured to Rome later on in the week to see young Carries, Samathas, Mirandas and Charlottes appearing through out the city fabulously dressed.(I still don't know how they walk in stilettos on the cobblestone streets).

Rome is overwhelming to the visual senses and tremendouly beautiful. It was comforting to say that nothing changed since my previous visit and it was a joy to share it with the rest of my family and close friends.

As we were touring the Pantheon, one of my son's favorites, we were taken by surprise when the police started blocking off the streets and my husband then saw movie cameras being strategically positioned. As we were engrossed in the magic of ancient Rome all of a sudden we heard "action" and Ron Howard and Tom Hanks appeared! They were filming the sequel to the Divinci Code, Angels and Demons! What unexpected fun, and a terrific ending to a magical holiday.

Enchantment Under the Sea

As the going green movement evolves, designers begin to look to the sea for their latest natural inspirations. The red carpets of Hollywood are lined with celebs in silver metallic gowns with layered detailing that is reminiscint of glittering fish scales and mermaid tails.

For home decor and giftware, designers are bringing the sea to the shore with seashell shaped serving bowls, sea turtle napkin rings, seahorse pillows and fish-tailed flatware.

Showcased in Life & Style Weekly

For Christmas, create an ocean themed tree with natural seashells, gold garland and ocean inspired ornaments.

Pewter seashell and lobster ornaments by Gloria Duchin, Inc.

Popping up Paisley

In our latest Trend Intelligence™, retail trend book, we forecasted paisly as an upcoming trend for the 2008 season. It appears our prediction was accurate, as celebrities such as Kate Hudson and Catherine Zeta Jones were featured in the pages of the latest People magazine in bohemian style dresses covered in paisley patterns.

You'll see paisley taking many forms this year. When woven together in bright colors such as purple, orange, red, pink and navy blues, the pattern is reminiscent of the 70's era. However, when paisley is seen in softer colors; beige, black, white and midtones, the look has an elegant, classic appeal. Either way, paisleys are sure to keep popping up in fashion, home decor and seasonal.

Gloria Duchin genuine pewter filigree star ornament with red paisley ribbon.

A Citrus Spring

A palette of citrus colors are emerging this spring in fashion and accessories and is reminiscent of the'70s. Floral hair accents, lemon and lime handbags and summer dresses are taking center stage.

Celebrities are once again augmenting this style statement ....Katherine Heigl was spotted in on the pages of Life & Style in a bright green jacket and new mom Melissa Joan Hart was photographed holding her new son Braydon wearing a lemon yellow sundress.

I love the color statement when accented with strong neutrals such as black or white. Create a dramatic evening look with powerful color blocked designs in silk, or pair a lime sundress with a white cardigan for a conservative and colorful work outfit.

Our popular gardening and whimsy ornament collections capture spring for the holidays as well. Our new "Hoppy Holidays" frog ornament hand-painted with translucent green epoxy and tied with adorable bug rubbon will be hitting the store shelves this season.

Silver Chic

Last week, I reported about the strong presence of metallics especially in home furnishings. To this point, I continue to see silver making a stronger statement for this season than ever before.

Silver fashion feature from the latest issue of In Touch.

From high fashion to the tabloids, models and celebrities alike are embracing silver and metallic pewter. Dresses, jewelry, shoes and handbags are making a statement for spring, that we think will continue through summer and into the holidays.

Add some silver shine to your tree this season with Gloria Duchin's silvertone diamond ring ornament accented with chunky silver glitter and emblazoned with "diamonds are a girl's best friend".