Journey of a Jeweler

a journey into fashion decorating style and life with jeweler lisa lehmann

Lisa Lehmann Designs, formerly StudioJewel

shopping

Consignment Store Shopping Tips – Fashion Tip Tuesday

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The thrill of the hunt. The excitement of the perfect find. The feeling of success. These are part of a good shopping experience are they not?

Now I have to be honest…you’d expect nothing less right? I don’t really like to shop. I am not a “rack browser”. I am not a casual looker. I think I shop more like a man. Get in. Get out. Nobody gets hurt.

And…I’m not a good “thrifter”. Try as I might. I just don’t like Good Will or Salvation Army.

However…that being said. I do enjoy consignment store hunting with my girls.


In Michigan there were a few stores we would regular lay siege to, and they learned quickly a little bit of money goes a long way in a consignment store. But it takes a bit of skill and know how.

We are still actively searching for new hunting grounds, but there IS a Plato’s Closet in town, and Isabel and I stumbled across a little “hole in the wall” yesterday where she scored a pair of blingy jeans for $17 – ADORBS!  I would show you a picture…but she promptly wore them to school today!
Anyway, here are a few of our best tips, for finding “the goods” and knowing how to look!
  1. 1. Know your brands. Look for higher end items like Free People, BCBG, iNC etc. It just doesn’t make sense to buy something consignment that comes from Target. So know what brands you like and search them out!
  2. 2. Look for items with tags. I know this seems like a no brainer. But impulse shoppers will often “dump” items consignment that they just never wore!
  3. 3. Gently worn items are okay. Remember, this IS consignment. You have to expect that. But do look for holes on seams and under arms, pilling, and stains! *side bar* sometimes things can be fixed, and they will discount an item even more. So don’t be afraid to ask!
  4. 4. Dig. Dig. Dig. This is the part I hate, but if you are willing to look, you WILL find a gem!
  5. 5. When to shop? Monday’s people usually bring in what they cleaned out of their closets over the weekend. It typically takes a shop owner a day for turnover. So Tuesday’s are fantastic!
  6. 6. Remember, there’s only one. If you find something you like and it’s a good deal…snag it. This isn’t a boutique or department store, there are not multiple times!
  7. 7. The best finds for girls * in my opinion * are jeans. Dress clothes – Sunday dresses – prom wear – special events. Shoes. For guys? Dressier button down type shirts. Shoes. And often khaki type pants, they really didn’t want to wear them anyway!
And no post from me would be complete without photos! Here are some of the finds we have snatched up over the last few months!

H&M but it still had tags and was super cute! under $10!
FreePeople tank top – coolest beading detail under $15 
consignment is a great place to look for handbags!
I love this with skinny jeans and heels! under $15
one of Anneke’s favorite dresses. under $20.
Do you have any tips to share? I’d love to know.

And…happy shopping!

xoxooxooxoox
lisa

Surrounded by Fashion – in San Francisco

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Newsflash!

I’m in San Francisco.
Studying at the Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts. EEEK!

Check out my walk to school!
EVERY single day…through the fashion district. Seriously!


The stores…oh my…the stores….


And this? This was pure torture. Why? Do you see what store is have the gigantic boot sale? Hide your eyes…hide your eyes…Steve Madden is in the house…or on the street. Have mercy!


Maybe I’ll get some time to step my foot in a door or two while I’m here. In the meantime…window shopping is thoroughly enjoyable!

xoxoooxoxox,
lisa

Ask Lisa – Yes, it’s about the jewelry

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Metal smith. Jewelry artist. Maker. Creator. Those are some of my titles. And most of you know that.

I hate to talk about it all the time. Why? Because I don’t want you to feel like I am pushing myself or my designs on you. Does that make sense?

But a question that arrives in my inbox often is this: 

“Lisa, what are some of your very favorite pieces in your collection? Your must haves?”

And the truth is, when I began designing jewelry 11 years ago I created each piece because it was something I wanted and/or needed. The same holds true today. I have a need. I make a piece. I have a hard time designing because I “have” to. I just don’t work that way.

Needless to say, here are my top picks – a couple that are my favs for all seasons…and a couple that are my seasonal besties!

This bracelet is on my wrist everyday. I love the mixed metals. I love how airy and light it is. I love that I can wear it dressed up, or with shorts and a tank top. It’s just that easy.



I never leave the house without this on my thumb. It’s simple and I love it. And my BFF who lives too far away from me has one too, and knowing she is wearing hers makes me feel connected. Is that weird? Maybe…but sometimes I need that reminder!


I do wear stacks of bangles. Stacks. But this one still makes me swoon. It has details. It has movement. It’s a bit more feminine and a lot more sexy. That is all.


As for earrings. This summer it’s these. They are super cute. They add color. And they complete my looks. Granted, I have them in several color combos, that makes it a bit easy for me! Do you need a certain color? Just let me know. I might be able to accomodate!


How about a necklace? I don’t always grab one…true story. But lately, every time I do, it’s this one…I just adore it. It’s long and SUPER cool!



Happy accessorizing!

xooxoxoxoxoxoxxxx,
lisa


Fashion – are you on trend? Maybe you should BE the trend.

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What exactly does trend mean. Is it something we should follow? We hear the word all the time. Now trending. THIS is the latest trend. Quite frankly. It’s a silly word.

trend/trend/

A general direction in which something is developing or changing.

Verb:

(esp. of geographical features) Bend or turn away in a specified direction.

 When it comes to fashion….Are you on trend? Do you even know what that means? Do you have to be? Should you? What if you’re not?

I have an idea. Let’s throw the whole trend, trending, trendy idea out the window, shall we?  What if you actually embraced what YOU like? That’s what makes you happy isn’t it? That’s when you feel your very best, correct? THAT my friend, is what becoming a trend is all about. See how easy this is?

Now I’m not letting you off the hook for leggings everyday – especially leggings as pants. That, in fact, is NOT a trend. But I AM encouraging you to walk your own style path.

I do not follow trends. I pay attention to trends. I read about trends. I look at trends. But I don’t follow them.

For instance. Driving home from the vet a couple weeks ago, I spied this little boutique. I shouted to my driver to turn in. Mind you, my driver was my 16 year old inexperienced driver.

  • A. You should never shout at a new driver.
  • B. You should expect him to not want to come inside said boutique.
  • C. You should hurry.

I did a quick survey of the store and immediately my eyes fell upon this sweater. Why? Because it reminded me of blankets my grandma and auntie and mother had crocheted…or knitted…I really don’t know the difference. I play with fire…remember? Needless to say, it was a somewhat inspired-sentimental moment.

trends fashion style shopping

 

photo courtesy of Amanda at EverydayElementsonline.com

I made a fast decision and purchased this darlin’ little multi colored crocheted vest thing. Back in the car…with “patiently” waiting 16 year old son…I had a bit of buyers remorse. Is it ugly? It does not fit into any trends I’ve read about. Will I actually wear it?

[Read more…] about Fashion – are you on trend? Maybe you should BE the trend.

Fashion App Instagram Style introducing Trendabl

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Love fashion? Enjoy perusing the pages of Lucky, InStyle, or Elle? Do you scan Pinterest for the latest trends? Instagram freak?

Ok, maybe I’m talking to myself here…but I find that highly unlikely.

I found a new app. An app that is taking fashion and social networking to a whole new level. Come close, closer. I’ll tell you, but just you.

It’s called Trendabl and it works a lot like instagram. Take a photo, tag a photo, apply filter, post. You can “like” and re-share others photos as well.


What is unique, is that it is ALL fashion. AND…you can add a the category ie: dress, pants, accessories, store, color and price. 

Why I love it. 
It’s like instagram, which I adore. 
But it’s so much more. 
Sometimes I need to hone my craft so to speak, and looking at your adorable kids and pets, and what you had for dinner doesn’t do that for me. So I’ll save that for my personal enjoyment. This is for, ahem….”work”.

I can browse what’s popular. I can search for shoes, or pants, handbags or jewelry etc. Best part? When someone posts something I love, if they have done it correctly, I know the price and where to purchase. BONUS!



It works just like all your other fav social networks. 
Take a photo. 
Tag said photo. 
Add your friends. 
Share to all your other social sites. 
Take away your from time from interacting with real people. 
Create a new addiction. 

You know…typical.


I’m just the messanger here. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. Hey, at least it’s free! Find me on Trendabl – just search for Lisa Lehmann!

because I love you….

xoxoxoooxo
lisa