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Hey all.
Jeez, is it Oct already? I had a post all written up but it was wiped out so you will have to make do with this terse one until my review of the newest Maya Banks is up, which should be finished in a day or two.
One thing I will retype out since I cant post it in the corresponding thread on TWOP since its closed (those effing Nazis!) is that I heard that an acquaintance of mine is gonna join the next season of the reality series The Real Housewives of NYC – Son ja Morgan. I was much closer to her before she finally got John Morgan (descendant of JP Morgan, THE famous financier) to the altar. As you can see from the picture ———————–>
he is much older than her but I dont think of her as venal like most golddiggas. I thought she was rather sweet and, of course, she had that certain personal magnetism that drew men to her in droves. I also dont think of her as “delusional,” which seems to be the prevailing trait of most of the hags in this series (the major exception being Kandi of Atlanta). She probably signed on to promote some business venture but I cant think why since she quite loves her place in society as Mrs. John Morgan: going to balls and parties and shopping, shopping, shopping. I hope this doesnt mean that her marriage is in trouble and John is pushing her out the door but it looks like a red flag to me.
And speaking of shopping, I’ve been thinking of getting one of the necklaces from Korto of Project Runway 5 website but cant decide. My top four choices all have pros and cons. I love everything about #1 except for the fish pendant. I’m a Cancer, not a Pisces! I emailed the site about changing the pendant or doing a custom order but got no response. As for #2, I would get that in a NY minute of the coral was a coral color, instead of green. Otherwise, I love everything about it. #3 is okay and not as pricey as the others but I just wish another color was incorporated into the beading. I love #4 but wish the pendant wasnt that grey-taupe. So what should I do?
Technically, I could probably make something similar myself. I know where to get a similar pendant and I could easily get some sponge coral like in #2 but time is money and I’ll much rather pay the extra for the convenience of just getting it complete and wearing it instantly. I have also included pictures of some of the statement necklaces that I already have down below. #A is one of my signature pieces. Its a Victorian chain with an intaglio hardstone fob. For a more chunky look, I sometimes layer it with my other Victorian chain above it. #B is an Eithiopian necklace that I made myself while in college. I always get compliments whenever I wear #C but the topaz stones are quite heavy and hurts by the end of the day so I dont wear it anymore.
So, whadya think? Buy or make my own or keep looking?



I didn’t know you made necklaces!!! They are gorgeous!!! Beyond gorgeous!!!
Though I do like #2 and #4 from Korto, but had the same problems as you did with them.
I usually don’t like necklaces myself—I don’t like wearing anything around my neck, especially when it’s close. But what you designed is beautiful and doesn’t look choker-like. Simply pretty.
Maybe Korto has a website, and you can contact her that way and ask??? She was one of my favorite designers on Project Runway.
By the way, have you been watching the new Project Runway?
Ohhh, that’s interesting to hear about your friend (of sorts). I do hope that her marriage is okay and that she’s just doing it because of a business venture and/or charity thing. She’s very beautiful, and the daughter is simply adorable.
I’ve gotten the new Maya Banks on pre-order, too. Thanks for getting me into her books. (I started w/ the last one and really want Micah’s story.)
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Elyssa,
I dont think of it as me making jewelry. I saw an editorial in Elle mag with all these Eithiopian necklaces from Barney’s NY dept store and they were selling them for $700 (which was really an exorbitant price). A friend suggested that I make my own so that’s what I did. It did take more than a yr to get the right beads and materials.
I can understand not being into necklaces. I dont necessarily have a swan-like neck myself but for some reason I prefer to draw attention away from it by wearing turtlenecks, necklaces or scarves.
I emailed Korto’s website and still no answer. So far, #3 or make my own is winning.
Re: PR
Yes, I have been watching it and it’s been terrible! I dont think its the faults of the contestants but the challenges and judging have brought it down. I really also dislike that way they are picking on Gordana who is not only sweet but also talented. I’ve been so annoyed by this season that I have been watching PR Australia S2 and PR Canada S2 on Youtube instead. The designers as a whole group are much weaker than the US group but the Final 3 of both seasons werent bad. And Iman (host and judge of PR Canada kicks Heidi’s ass).
- seton
seton,
I vote for #2. I know the green is not your fave, but is it a color that you can wear? All four look fabulous and I don’t think you can make a wrong choice. Must agree about the fish pendant, though….that is really too bad!
What are the colors you prefer in a necklace? I am making some very different kinds of necklaces for Christmas gifts this year (inexpensive, but fun). I have one from this little shop in The Netherlands and since the artist is no longer in business, I decided to do my own version for gifts. I tried to contact her to order some with no luck. It would be fun to make one for you, too. Let me know=)
Mel,
You’re so sweet! I’ll email you.
I think technically I can wear the green in #2 but I have a lot of green in my skintone and hate emphasizing it, which is why I am hesitating. If it was more yellow-green or neon, I would be happier about it. It’s also the most expensive one and at a price point where I feel I should absolutely love it for the price, KWIM?
Yup, I know what you mean! I also love #2. Some very cool and striking pieces, that is for sure!
I say that if you don’t love, don’t get it. You’re paying good money to get what you want. I say keep looking. I hope that the designer gets back to you. Hopefully they’re responsive to your desires and are willing to alter the necklaces.
Necklace B is beautiful. I love the way the red highlights the warm tones in the cross. Even though it took a year to gather the materials, it was worth it. It looks perfect and lovely. I like Necklace C for the same reasons. The overall sepia tone of the piece is understate and subtly beautiful. How large are the stones to be so heavy?
I hope your friends marriage is going well. Reality TV always seems to destroy marriages and expose the fault lines in relationships. It never seems to strengthen them. Her daughter is beautiful though. And I hate that the producers of the show always show the worst parts of the ladies. They all seem very shallow and vain, but I know that’s not what they are. There are more positive qualities to them, but they rarely come through.
I picked up Enslaved from Hope Tarr the other day. I thought of you, knew you read it, and decided to do the same.
How are you?
Korto’s site never got back to me. Oh well, the necklace situation is on indefinite hiatus since I was a naughty girl and just blew my monthly wad on another Hermes cuff.
http://coulditbeseton.wordpress.com/files/2009/10/cdc-thalassa.jpg
I’ve been looking for a blue one for 3 yrs so couldnt pass it up.
The stones in Necklace C, I think the topaz beads are like one and a half inch long, just to give you an idea.
Hope Tarr is a member of the NYC Chapter of RWA and hosts those Lady Jane Salons first Monday of the month. I keep meaning to go.
The blue cuff is lovely, and the silver keeps the look cool and modern.
I keep meaning to go to the gym. When I mean to go, I count it as I went. I go to the gym often…right?