Pearls of Wisdom

Glamour is more restrained as fashion takes a cue from the recent economic woes and pares down with more muted hues and subtle jewerly. Pearls are making a comeback in Hollywood because of their modest elegance seen on Salma Hayek, Katherine Heigl and Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon (right). Pearl drop earrings and vintage style pendants with pearl centers are also making a comeback. Carolee crystal flower ring, carolee.com and white akoya pearl earrings, pearlparadise.com I've also seen a continuing trend of star-shaped jewelry. If you recall, back in July, we first noticed star jewelry in the entry, A Star Spangled Affair. To the right is one of our pearl accented ornaments. This goldtone bulb is hand silk-screened in metallic purple and teal with Swarovski and pearl accents.

Inauguration Day 2009

Tomorrow is the 56th Presidential Inauguration in Washington, DC. To celebrate, I've listed some Inaugural fun facts below.

• The retail network QVC has already sold more than 100,000 items related to Barack Obama's election. - Associated Press



• Between 1.5 million and 3 million people are expected to attend inauguration ceremonies in Washington, D.C. - The Washington Post



• The Obamas will attend 10 official Inaugural Balls, one more than President George W. Bush and Laura Bush attended in 2005. - Presidential Inaugural Committee



• The most popular Inaugural Ball will be the Illinois State Society Ball. Tickets for that party were sold for $1,150 to $6,500. - The Washington Post



• There will be 5,000 Porta-Potties available on the National Mall and along the Inauguration Parade route on Inauguration Day. That's one for every 300 people. - National Park Service



• Between 15,000 and 18,000 volunteers will be used to help coordinate and work at the various Inaugural events. - Presidential Inaugural Committee



• Barack Obama will take the oath of office using the same Bible upon which President Lincoln was sworn in at his first inauguration. - Library of Congress



• George Washington delivered the shortest Inaugural Address. It was 135 words. - Library of Congress



• President Herbert Hoover's 1929 Inaugural ceremony was the first recorded by talking newsreel. - Presidential Inaugural Committee



• President Harry S. Truman's inaugural speech in 1949 was the first to be televised. - Presidential Inaugural Committee



• The first Inauguration ceremony broadcast on the Internet was President Clinton's second inauguration in 1997. - Clinton Presidential Library

If this has you feeling patriotic, view our collection of Americana themed product on our website, all made right here in the USA. One of our most popular items is this genuine pewter flag photo frame featuring glitter stripes and a Swarovski crystal accent.

Brides turns 75

For three-quarters of a century, Brides magazine has been printing tips and wedding fashion for eager brides ready to set foot down the aisle. In their 75th anniversary edition, there is a feature on wedding gowns and how the styles have changed over the years. One of my favorite dresses is this one from 2006 with cascading tulle tiers by Lazaro.

2009 also marks our company's 30th anniversary and we have produced an ever-changing line of wedding keepsakes and Our First Christmas ornaments over the years. One of our timeless gifts is our 3-tiered silvertone wedding cake which can be customized with engraving on the base to be used as a personalized placeholder or an Our First keepsake.

Birds of a feather

We're back from our holiday vacation and looking forward to what fashion and style may bring for 2009. So far, I see a continuation in the trends of '08, bright colors and a variety of metallics from steel to bronze. I've also noticed that designers and decorators alike are incorporating feathers into their designs, creating an aura of old Hollywood style. Below is a photo of the latest from the Ralph Lauren collection with glittering gold gowns and feather topped hats.

We've introduced new designer keyrings for this year available at walmart.com in the same glamour style. Add some bling to your keys with our high heel pink peep-toe keyring and our pewter martini keyring with Swarovski crystal!