Sunday, June 14, 2009
Family First
I sincerely appreciate all of your orders and I will still be making jewelry on a limited basis. If you've placed an order with us it will be shipped as scheduled and if you've placed a sample order we should be able to accommodate your jewelry order. If you would like to order or if you would like a refund on your sample order please feel free to email me at lisa@nothernstarbridal.com.
I feel terrible about abandoning my business, especially during wedding season however family must come first as I'm sure you understand.
I want to thank all of our brides both past and present. It has been a pleasure to be a part of your special day. Best wishes to all of you.
Kind Regards,
Lisa G
Friday, April 24, 2009
Now on Etsy!
In addition to our website NorthernStarBridal.com (where you'll still find our best selection) I'm pleased to announce the launch of our Etsy store NorthernStarBridal.Etsy.com!
Most of the items in our Etsy store are the same as what's on our website NorthernStarBridal.com but they are in US dollars instead of Canadian dollars.
However, I also plan to use this Etsy store as a place to show my non-bridal jewelry as well!
Keep checking back and don't forget to Buy Handmade!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Bridal Jewelry on a Budget
One thing that true recessionistas do is to break down the cost of an item in "cost per use". For example, if that fab pair of shoes you've been eyeing cost $100 and you know that you'll wear them at least 50 times then the cost per use is $2.00. Not bad.
So, if you choose jewelry you can wear again your cost per use comes down. It's as simple as that. It's amazing how many opportunities you can find to wear your jewelry again. Sure, you're not likely to wear your tiara to the office but there's no reason why you can't wear your bracelet out to dinner or your earrings to a birthday party.
Here are 6 tips to get the most mileage out of your bridal jewelry.
1. Go neutral.
White, Ivory or Cream pearls and Clear crystals are the easiest to wear again. Clear AB crystals are beautiful but might be a bit too "blingy" for everyday. Moonlight, Golden Shadow and Silver Shade crystals are also easy to wear and quite neutral.
2. Separate your pieces.
Wearing your necklace, bracelet and earrings all together looks fantastic with your wedding dress but may be too much for other occasions. Try wearing your earrings and bracelet together sans necklace, or wear your necklace with a simple pair of hoops or pearls. Don't be afraid to mix your jewelry up with other pieces in your jewelry collection.
3. Bring it on your honeymoon.
Chances are you'll be going out for dinner a lot which is a great opportunity to wear your jewelry again.
4. Choose the right metal.
If most of your jewelry is white gold or silver, choose sterling silver as your metal. If most of your jewelry is gold, gold-filled might be the best choice for you. Don't be afraid to mix your metals though. This is a hot trend in jewelry right now.
5. Try layering
My sister-in-law is excellent at this. She can wear 5 bracelets at once and make it look good. Try wearing your necklace with chains of various lengths or pile on several bracelets together. This is a great way to create a new look with your jewelry.
6. Protect it.
Most importantly, the best way to get the most mileage out of your jewelry is to take care of it. Wearing your jewelry regularly will help prevent tarnish. The oils from your skin will help protect the metal. Tarnish is much easier to prevent than to remove so keep your jewelry in a sealed zipper baggie with an anti-tarnish tab inside when you are not wearing it. Anti-tarnish tabs are specially coated papers that help absorb tarnish producing gasses. The zipper baggies also help keep tarnish at bay and prevent your jewelry from getting scratched in your jewelry box. We include these bags and anti-tarnish tabs with your purchase.
When you break it down to cost per use, your bridal jewelry is really an investment in your jewelry wardrobe. Trends may come and go but classic bridal jewelry can be worn for years to come. What's best though is every time you put your jewelry on you'll be reminded of your special day. And that, as they say is priceless.....
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Spring 09 Photo Shoot!
-First and foremost, a special thank you to my good friend the fabulous photographer Cora (Rudy) Henderson of Cora's Photography. You amaze me!
-Second, thank you to the multi-talented Jayna Bussiere from Jayna Marie Hair and Makeup for doing such a beautiful job with hair and makeup!
-Third, thank you to Larissa Meade from Bridal Beginnings who made us a beautiful bouquet! In my usual disorganization I asked Larissa to make us a bouquet at the last minute and she came through for us beautifully!
-Fourthly, I would like to thank our gorgeous models! Katelyn, who happens to be a production assistant at Northern Star is also a professional model (how lucky am I?). You can see more of her work at Carrie Wheeler Entertainment. Also, my good friend and bride-to-be Taralynne who generously let us photograph her in her wedding dress, even though her wedding isn't until June! Let's home her fiance doesn't read bridal jewelry blogs! ;-)
-And of course all the lovely and gorgeous pieces of jewelry and hair accessories are provided by Northern Star Bridal Jewelry. Hey I get to toot my own horn too don't I?
Saturday, April 11, 2009
More Real Brides!
Thursday, April 2, 2009
The Perfect Accent
Jewelry is a wonderful place to use your accent color! Rather than matching the color of your dress or choosing a neutral color try using a touch of your accent color to tie everything together.
Here are a few accent color ideas.
Sunshine and Spice
Alfred Angelo 6540
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Finishing Touches
You've chosen the perfect dress and now it’s time to accessorize! The neckline of your dress plays a key role in choosing the best accessories. Here are some examples to help you choose the right style to compliment your gown.
If your gown is strapless:
This is an extremely versatile neckline and just about anything goes.
Alfred Angelo Style #1645
Try a princess or choker style such as these:
Kathryn and Abigale Necklaces
If your gown has a sweetheart neckline:
Also an extremely versatile neckline. Princess styles (like the ones above) look beautiful however a Y-style or drop style necklace looks particularly lovely with this neckline as it follows the sweetheart shape.
Alfred Angelo Style #1137
Drop or Y Style Necklaces:
Cheryl and Ariella Necklaces
If your gown is halter style:
A Y-style or Pendant necklace works beautifully with this style. If you’d like to highlight your shoulders another option is to skip the necklace and go with a beautiful pair of drop earrings.
Alfred Angelo Style #2021
Pendant Style Necklace or Dramatic Earrings:
Tricia Necklace and Marilyn Earrings
If your gown has a V-neck:
It looks beautiful if you follow the shape of the neckline with a Y-style or drop necklace. If your gown is also low in the back a style with backdrops will highlight this.
Alfred Angelo Style #767
Alfred Angelo Style #2032
If your gown is backless:
Dramatic backdrops highlight a backless dress beautifully.
Alfred Angelo Style #755
Y-Style Necklace with Back Drop:
Chantelle Necklace Front and Back