Auld Lang Syne

A symbol of newfound friendships, laughter and growth, the blossom collection comes to mind when I think about the beginning of a new year.

May we all remember those that have touched our lives in one way or another this past year. Whether it be a spouse, a soldier, a pastor or rabbi, a neighbor, a sales person or a child - let's raise our glasses to the goodness in mankind that resides in our world. May tonight and tomorrow we celebrate the friendships we have and the ones to come in 2010.

Happy New Year!!

Fiore Blossom Ring with Peridot and diamonds. Sterling silver and 18k gold. Made by hand in the United States. Copyright 2009.

Christmas Cards

We didn't make a Christmas card this year (or last year for that matter). Not sure where the time goes but it go, go, goes!!

I remember looking at my husband while opening the mail a week into December and saying "It doesn't look like many people are sending Christmas cards this year." Then during the following two weeks the cards were arriving rapid fire, I found myself saying "OH, NO!! We didn't make a Christmas card! How does everyone have time to make a family photo and we don't?"

Art just laughed at me.

I was disappointed that we didn't take the time to have a picture made with the four of us at some point during 2009! I realized yet again, that we still didn't have a family photo! I was starting to get mad! "How can we not have a family photo! Every photo we have, someone is missing, or my hair is goofy or Lily doesn't have on a shirt or Jack is blurred!!"

We spent Christmas back in Wichita this year and it was the most beautiful white Christmas. What a treat to have our two tiny tots experience the beauty of snow together for the first time. Our family was all inside gathered around my parents kitchen (as usual), when Art suggested we go outside and take a family photo. OH WOW! It was actually going to happen! Not only were we going to have a photo with the four of us, but on Christmas Day and with SNOW! I was pinching myself!!

So here it is!! Our very first Bourque Family photo with all the trappings!! Hooray!!

Happy Holidays to everyone and a very Happy New Year!!!!

Love,

The Bourque Family
Art, Sarah Jane, Jack and Lily

On The Twelth Day of Christmas My True Love Gave to Me...

TWELVE DRAGONFLIES A FLUTTERING!

The dragonfly is the most current motif addition to the Saint collection.

I named our dragonfly "Qi" (pronounce chi). Qi is a symbol of enlightment.

I am anxious about the idea of being enlightened in some way, shape or form. I am eager to evolve and develop as a person. I realize sometimes this takes discipline of my own and most of the time it takes a lot of patience!

I am captured by the elegance and gracefulness of dragonflies. I wanted to translate that feeling of grace into each piece in the collection. I love the way the dragonfly sits so delicately on the sides of faceted stones and even mabe pearls. I feel as though my interpretation of a dragonfly into jewelry is one that is very feminine but yet extremely tailored and wearable for every day occasions.

On The Eleventh Day of Christmas My True Love Gave to Me...

ELEVEN CROSSES IN SPLENDOR!!

Have you ever researched how many different kinds of crosses there are? You would be astounded! I knew I was in over my head when my niece did a report on Ethiopian crosses and showed me hundreds of different designs.

I like to think that the Casa Cross (Copyright 2009), which is the cross that Saint is most well known for is my most favorite contribution to the world of crosses. I created the Casa Cross design when I first moved to Arizona. I was so excited to be living in the desert and the inspiration was abundant! I was in the beginning stages of developing my own collection and building a new life for myself. The Casa Cross always reminds me of new beginnings, my new home and my renewed spirit.

Casa Cross Pendant

Sterling Silver

Made by hand in the United States. Copyrigth 2009.

On The Tenth Day of Christmas My True Love Gave to Me...

TEN DASHING HORSES!!

Strong, handsome and steadfast are three words I would use to describe Artemus, my horse design and...my husband! Well, actually, his name is Arthur but we call him Art or mostly "Artie!" :) If he were a cartoon super hero then he would most definitely be called "Artemus."

My husband Art inspired the creation of my horse design. The meaning of the horse is to follow your heart. However, unlike, a thoroughbred running around the track, my husband Art prefers to run long distances on mountain trails. Both are born to run and have amazing will and strong hearts.

Churchhill Downs Horse Bracelet

Sterling silver and 18k gold w/ diamond accents. Made by hand in the United States. Copyright 2009.

SAINT BY SARAH JANE EXCLUSIVE GIFT WRAPPING

Allow Saint to take care of the presentation while you enjoy the gift giving!

Saint is pleased to share with you our exclusive online gift wrap.

Now that you've selected your perfect gift, let us help with the gift wrapping.

We start by slipping your jewelry into a luxurious brown suede pouch that is then tucked inside a beautiful paper wrapped box that is tied together with an elegant gold ribbon. The gorgeous box is then inserted into a coordinating shopping bag with gold tone corded handles.

All three pieces feature Saint by Sarah Jane's signature stamping.

On The Ninth Day of Christmas My True Love Gave to Me...

NINE PIGGIES "OINKING!!"

How charming can a pig be? Well, if she is covered with sweet smelling daisies she can't be all bad! I named my little hunky, chunky pig "Daisy." When I think of pigs my mind drifts back to the paper mache piggy bank that my parents brought me back from Mexico when I was a little girl. It was painted peacock blue and had swirls of painted patterns and flowers all over it. The opening on her belly was plugged with a big round piece of cork. I am sure that jogs some of your own memories.

Daisy is a symbol of prosperity. She is a reminder to save a little for a rainy day! Then when something comes along that catches you off gaurd (like a sterling silver pig named "Daisy") you will be able to treat yourself! :)

Featured today is the Small Daisy Pig Bracelet with a lobster claw closure. It is made of sterling silver and 18k gold. The bracelet is made by hand in the United States. Copyright 2009.

Holiday Special: $99 Sheldon Turtle Sterling Silver Necklace and Earring Set Until December 31st!

SHELDON THE TURTLE IS A REMINDER TO SLOW DOWN AND ENJOY LIFE!

Just wanted everyone to know that we are extending the special pricing for certain delicate earring and necklace gift sets until December 31st. Normally they retail for $199. We are offering certain motifs at a holiday price of $99 for the set of earrings and matching necklace. Please check out our website! These are wonderful stocking stuffers as well as a fantastic gift at a great value!

Featured today is the turtle motif. We are also offering the ladybug, bee, casa cross and frog at the same special price for both the necklace and earring.

On The Eighth Day of Christmas My True Love Gave to Me...

MOONS, STARS AND OWLS!!

Ruby eyes and a belly of gold

Perched on a half moon

so the story was told

Wise in his ways

Kind does he speak

"Eyeballs" the owl

Makes my wrist feel

complete!

Goodnight Moon Owl Bracelet

Sterling silver, 18k gold, rubies and yellow sapphires.

Made by hand in the United States. Copyright 2009.

On The Seventh Day of Christmas My True Love Gave to Me...

AN ANGEL HEART BRACELET!

An amulet of sorts, Annabelle was created to be a tangible symbol of protection. I wear my angel whenever I am feeling I need a little "back up."

She was around my neck when my mother and I participated (and finished) the Race for the Cure 3-Day walk. I wore Annabelle for both of my childrens ultrasounds. I like to wear Annabelle when I fly. I wear Annabelle whenever I am feeling uncertain or going through a difficult time.

When I look at Annabelle I am reminded that I do have someone watching, gaurding and protecting me.

Forever Heart Angel Bracelet

Sterling silver and 18k gold

Made by hand in the United States. Copyright 2009

On The Sixth Day of Christmas My True Love Gave to Me...

BEAUTIFUL GOLDEN BLOSSOMS!

Created in the late 1990's, the blossom motif was inspired by my time spent studying design in Paris. I named the blossom collection after the Tuilleries Garden which is situated not so distant from the Musee d'orsay and the Place de la Concorde. It seemed to be a spot in Paris that my friends and I kept passing through. We spent a lot time in the Tuilleries Garden visiting with each other and watching the local Parisan's go about their day. The collection is symbolic of new found friendship, laughter and growth.

Tuilleries Blossom Earring.

Sterling silver and 18k gold.

Made by hand in the United States. Copyright 2009.

On The Fifth Day of Christmas My True Love Gave to Me...

DIAMOND HOPPING FROGS!

A little love and friendship in your life is ALWAYS a good thing, which is why I created Otis. Otis is my little froggy friend that carries all his love around in his heart shaped backpack. Otis is always there for us when we need some love.

Otis' meaning came to fruition one lonely Saturday evening while I was working away in my office. I thought I would take a break from my work and for no apparent reason, I just opened up the front door to my house. I happened to look down onto the walkway and there in front of me was an enormous frog! WOW! HELLO! If this isn't a sign, then I don't know what is! I held onto my encounter with the frog and, just knew it was a sign that love was coming my way in the near future. Sure enough, six months later I met my future husband for the first time. I knew when I saw that big old froggy that something great was going to happen.

Otis Diamond Barbarilla Frog Bracelet.

Made by hand in the United States. Copyright 2009.

On The Fourth Day of Christmas My True Love Gave to Me...

DELIGHTFUL LADYBUGS!

Sweet little "Lola" ladybug is a cheery little gal who has an infectious aura of happiness all around her. A symbol of good luck, definitely to be worn anytime and all the time!

Featured here today is the "Delicate Ladybug Necklace and Earrings." A tiny pea sized ladybug set that makes a wonderful holiday gift at an exceptional value. Check it out!

Delicate Ladybug Necklace and Earrings.

Copyright 2009.

On The Third Day of Christmas My True Love Gave to Me...

PINK BUTTERFLIES!

Beautiful "Betula" butterfly elegantly flutters as an 18k gold accent on gorgeous pink topaz gemstones. Betula is a reminder to keep a young heart, mind and spirit. Aahhhh, something that is sometimes easier said then done! My hopes in designing this butterfly is that by looking at her gracefulness, you will be internally transformed into your younger heart.

Dancing Butterfly Pink Topaz Earrings.

All Designs are made by hand.

Copyright 2009.

On The Second Day of Christmas My True Love Gave to Me...

A TWO TURTLE BRACELET!


The turtle motif was launched in the early part of the millenium with the idea of relaxation and enjoyment in mind. I named my turtle "Sheldon" and suggested that we all draw on him as a reminder to slow down and enjoy life. I love to tell the story about my grandfather telling us that "you only have so many heart beats." The question is how are you going to use them? Are you going to use them creating happy memories and enjoying your time and experiences or are you going to use them in a stressful manner that leaves you uptight? It reminds me of the expression "Whatever!" I cherish the memory of my grandfather. He always exuded a wonderful peacefulness and he had the lightest blue eyes that reflected a wonderful twinkle.

Sir Sheldon Honor Silver Bracelet.
All made by hand in the United States. Copyright 2009.

On The First Day of Christmas My True Love Gave to Me...

A SILVER NECKLACE WITH A GOLD AND DIAMOND BUMBLE BEE!

I designed this signature bumble bee as a beacon of light. The bumble bee is a reminder you can do anything you set your mind to. This whimsical sterling silver and 18k gold winged bee w/ pave diamonds is here to help you overcome any obstacle. How is this so? Aerodynamically a bee should not be able to fly because its body weighs eight times its wing size. This amazing little winged bug that I call "Buzz," defies the laws of physics among many other fantastic talents!

"Devora Dazzle Diamond Wish Necklace"

All made by hand in the United States. Copyright 2009.

It's Jewelry Season!

December is a very fun time of year to be in the jewelry business!

People are excited about wearing their jewelry because there are so many holiday parties and festivities that call for "bonus accessorizing!" It is fun to see women wearing their "better jewelry" and truly enjoying being "glammed up!" You can tell women all around us are feeling good and loving the way they look and feel in their winter wardrobe and amazing jewelry! It is exciting to watch spouses hem haw over certain pieces, deciding which one(s) will make the perfect gift. I take great pleasure in hearing about womens special pieces and how they came about owning them and what impact they have made on their lives. BELIEVE ME- jewelry really does make a personal impact!

I even find myself wearing more special pieces lately - pieces that I haven't worn in quite some time. I am home with my two tots and always have on some sort of Saint (it is just in the blood) - but lately I have really enjoyed wearing some styles that are more custom and festive. Gosh! It is really fun!! :) I don't have the time that I used to, to tinker in my personal jewelry box - so this morning while my son Jack was napping, I attempted to do so w/ my precious Lily monitoring every move I made. Well, it was a successful project because I was able to pull together some wonderful charms that have such personal sentiment and just slide them all together onto a simple chain. The impact was awesome. I love the charms and loved that I was able to wear them all together. It was artsy and sparkly and festive! The necklace then proceeded to make me feel happy and artsy and festive and even sparkly!!

Being able to accessorize is a wonderful part of fashion for everyone. Pulling together your jewelry and other accessories with what you are wearing to visually express the personal side of yourself is such an exciting opportunity that we all have. As our body language is mostly unconscience, the conscience choices we make with our accessories have the ability to tell outsiders much about ourselves. This is a wonderful time of year to pull out our amazing jewelry and tell everyone we are happy and merry and ready to have some fun!!

Our Troops

I received an email forward yesterday. It is a forward that I have probably received a handful of times and each time I scroll down and look at the images - I cry. It is a forward that talks about our brave troops and shows several images of the way they are sleeping in the middle of war zones. The forward tells us that the next time we are "uncomfortable" to remember the way that these men and women are sleeping at night. When I look at the images I think how hard it must be in their shoes. I think about how strong and tough and brave they are. I think about how they must really hurt and be scared and lonely sometimes or even all the time.

I was at the Starbucks drive thru a few months back and they were asking customers to purchase coffee to send over to the troops. I remember when I purchased my bags of coffee that they didn't offer to let me sign the bags w/ a personal note. I got really upset inside. I thought that was an opportunity to connect with them. I HAVE TO SIGN THOSE BAGS!! They kindly gave me the bags to sign and there wasn't enough room to say all that I needed to say to them. I pictured young men and women opening up one of the bags of coffee my family bought for them and hopefully reading my messages. It was a very meaningful moment to me.

I remember traveling through the airport a month ago and seeing a soldier on the tram in the Dallas airport. I wanted so badly to tell him "thank you." I didn't do it. When he exited the tram on a stop before me, I saw another lady tell him "thank you." It still tugs at my heart that I didn't tell that man thank you.

I was in a fabric store a few weeks ago looking around. There was a young man helping me. Three of his friends walked up to him in the middle of our conversation and said "Hey buddy, were taking off." One of the boys was on crutches and missing a leg. Another boy was missing an arm. The third boy was in one piece and hugged his friend goodbye. When they all left, the young man that was helping me looked back at me and said "Those are my friends. He is leaving for Iraq tomorrow." I got nauseous. They were boys.

I really don't know who reads this blog. My wish is to tell all the men and women in service for our country thank you for keeping my family safe. I admire your strength, commitment and bravery.

LAST DAY FOR $99 DELICATE EARRING AND NECKLACE SETS

I just wanted to post and remind everyone that today is the last day that Saint will be running the lowest price on our delicate necklace and earring sets. We are offering the bee, ladybug, turtle, frog and casa cross earring and necklace sets for only $99. They are normally $199. They will not be at this discount price again for the rest of the holiday season.

I encourage you to go to the the Saint website: www.saintbysarahjane.com and take a peek. These sets make wonderful presents and they are also available in our new exclusive Saint packaging with Saint gift box and sack. Your shopping will be complete!

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Ancho Chili Dip

This is a deliciously festive dip from my awesome Aunt Sharon. It is great if you are looking for something new to serve at your holiday party. I think she pulled it from Gourmet. I couldn't find the ancho chiles, so I just bought the dried powder in the spice section of the grocery. I also made it low fat and it was just as good to me!

Hope you like it!

Makes 2 Cups

2 ancho chilis (I used 1tsp of the dry ancho chili powder)
1 cup sour cream (I used light sour cream)
1/4 cup white or red wine vinegar
1/4 flavorless cooking oil (I used grapeseed oil)
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1tablespoon finely minced ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

Place the chiles in a small bowl and cover w/ boiling water. Let sit for 20 minutes, then drain. Stem and remove the seeds. Mince the chiles in a food processor. Add all of the remaining ingredients and process until smooth. The dip will keep for up to 5 days in the refridgerator.

Holiday Bug!!

Image via Wikipedia

OOOOOhhh! My!! I have the SPIRIT! I have the Christmas holiday spirit! I am soooo excited about Christmas this year! I just can't wait!! I am already tying, twisting and wrapping Christmas ribbon all over my house! I have the scented candles out and the garland dancing down banisters! It is such a blast!! A wonderful time to reflect on the past and dream for the future. I love watching my kids watch me act like a goof ball as I dance around the kitchen singing those heartfelt carols that at times can bring the biggest tears of joy to my eyes. They seem to be marveled by my new sense of youth. The funny part is that THEY are the ones that are bringing it out it me! Being a child at Christmas time is the most magical time of the year. It is a time to be extra fun, extra fabulous and extra over the top!! I am so excited to bring that to my little babies!! "It's the most wonderful time of the year!!" Ho! Ho! Ho!!

15% OFF BEE & CITRINE JEWELRY IN NOVEMBER!!

Last Reminder: 15% Off All Saint Jewelry at The Plaid Giraffe November 6 & 7 Only!!

Call them today for you exclusive 2009 Saint Trilogy Bracelet!!

The Plaid Giraffe
302 North Rock Road
Wichita, Ks 67206
Tel: 316-683-1364

Previous Exclusive Bracelets To The Plaid Giraffe

Many of you may not have heard of The Plaid Giraffe before or may be new to Saint jewelry. The Plaid Giraffe is a wonderful store in Wichita, Kansas where all Saint by Sarah Jane jewelry is handmade. The Plaid Giraffe carries an extensive assortment of Saint jewelry. The last three years Saint has designed an exclusive bracelet for The Plaid Giraffe. The exclusive bracelet is launched the weekend of the The Plaid Giraffe's annual fall open house. Included are images of the three bracelets Saint has designed. If you are interested in collecting these three exclusive bracelets then please call The Plaid Giraffe directly and they will be happy to help you with your purchase.

Remember that you will receive 15% off your Saint jewelry purchase at The Plaid Giraffe on Friday, November 6 and Saturday, November 7.

The Plaid Giraffe

302 North Rock Road
Wichita, Ks 67206
Tel: 316-683-1364

Trilogy Bracelet

The Exclusive 2009 Trilogy Bracelet was given its name for three reasons.

First being it is the third year that Saint has designed an exclusive bracelet for "The Plaid Giraffe" store in Wichita, Kansas.

The second reason is that the bracelet design has three woven trenza rings.

Lastly the bracelet has three popular Saint motifs (the bee, turtle and butterfly) which all tell a special story.

The Trilogy Bracelet is only available through The Plaid Giraffe. You will not be able to purchase this bracelet online or at any other Saint retailer. It is exclusive to The Plaid Giraffe.

The Trilogy Bracelet retails for $695. The Plaid Giraffe is offering 15% off all Saint jewelry on Friday, November 6 thru Saturday, November 7.

We encourage you to call The Plaid Giraffe to purchase your 2009 exclusive Saint Trilogy Bracelet. They are eager to help you!

The Plaid Giraffe

302 North Rock Road
Wichita, Ks 67206
Tel: 316-683-1364

2009 Saint Exclusive "Trilogy Bracelet" ONLY Available Through The Plaid Giraffe!

Well, it is the time of year when Saint so gladly participates in the truly amazing Fall Open House at The Plaid Giraffe in Wichita, Kansas. The Plaid Giraffe is a fabulous store that carries china, crystal, home furnishing, baby, giftables and holiday decorations. They carry lines such as William Yeoward, Baccarat, MacKenzie-Childs, Jan Barboglio, Versace - and that is just to name few!! It is probably my most favorite store in the entire country...right in my home town of Wichita. It is sophisticated, engaging and the ladies and gents that work in the store all make you feel like you have been life long friends. I get so excited to go back to Wichita and sell my jewelry collectibles during this celebratory launch of the upcoming holidays. It is surely an annual event that I can't imagine missing!!

For the past three years at the request of The Plaid Giraffe, I have designed an exclusive bracelet that can only be purchased through their store. Well - to our surprise, it has turned into quite a spectacle. Everyone wants to make sure to get this bracelet. It has been really fun to come up with a new design for them the past three years. I love it!

This years bracelet is named the "Trilogy Bracelet." It is a toggle bracelet with a medium sized "cherrios"chain link that has three gorgeous round, woven links spaced equally. Each of the three woven links carries a small (but significant) Saint motif. The butterfly, the turtle and blossom are in sterling silver and the center link has an 18k gold baby bee. This bracelet is wonderful on its own OR you can actually add charms to it! It is GREAT! It stacks really well with other Saint bracelets (which I love to do) aaaaannnnd if you have collected the last three years of Saint exclusive bracelets - it fits right in on your wrist!

I have to tell you that the 2009 exclusive design (Trilogy Bracelet) is by far my most favorite and I am soooo excited about it. I already have mine!! I had to have it asap!!

Also note the retail price for the Trilogy bracelet bracelet is $695. PLUS The Plaid Giraffe is offering 15% off all Saint jewelry November 6-7 in honor of the fall open house. A FANTASTIC way to buy this bracelet!

The exclusive Trilogy Bracelet is only available through The Plaid Giraffe. So pleeeease do not email Saint or call Saint asking for the Trilogy Bracelet. All exclusive bracelets are sold only through The Plaid Giraffe. The exciting part is today is the first day you can purchase one. I suggest you call them right away as they go fast.

All of you who are not from Wichita - this is a GREAT Christmas or Hanukah present or a great way to get a piece of Saint that no one in your area will own!!

Here is their contact information so you can get your Trilogy Bracelet right away:

The Plaid Giraffe
302 North Rock Road
Wichita, Ks 67206

Tel: 316-683-1364

Times Have Changed But We Have Not

Saint first opened its doors approximately thirteen years ago. It is just amazing how we have come up against obstacle after obstacle and are still able to ride those waves. On that note, I will say that we have never come up against an "economic wave" such as the one that we are all experiencing more or less "together."

Metal prices have literally tripled and quadrupled in the last year and it really can affect the way a company will choose to design their product and the inventory levels they keep. We are a small, artisan company. Everything is still produced in house and under our watch. In some aspects this has helped us and in other ways it has really challenged us more than ever, in the last year.

They type of product we are known for, as well as appreciated for, have been pieces of substantial weight and extra detailing on both the inside and outside of the piece. We are seeing that a lot of "of the moment" designers are coming out with designs that are of extreme light weight and hardly any workmanship. A "new look," if you will. It is always refreshing to see new looks and I myself greatly appreciate simplicity. I suspect that there are several reasons that this lighter weight and more streamlined look have become such a popular direction for jewelry designers and their investors. I dare say that the main reason isn't about creativity but rather business and the bottom line.

If you can create a very simple and light weight design - it will cost you a lot less in labor and metal costs and will be much cheaper and easier to produce overseas, as well as a lot lighter weight to ship back to the U.S. Therefore that gives you extra money to put into your packaging and branding. In the end you have put very little money or value into a product with a fancy designer name and packaging and can then attach a handsome retail price tag. In other words the product that the consumer is being encouraged to purchase is the popularity of the brand name and not the quality of the product. Does this make sense?

Saint, is waaaaay behind the trend when it comes to making a buck! Saint is a small, American made, artisan, design house with extremely high quality materials, artisan design details and very small domestic production runs.

As a Saint collector or as a new Saint customer, you are going to really appreciate these qualities in that you are investing in a piece of work that not only has intrinsic value but your Saint pieces will retain their value as well as their aesthetic.

I share this with you so that you can become an educated jewelry shopper. The next time you are shopping and you see a pair of tissue-thin silver earrings in a handsome box that are the same price as a pair of heftier earrings with hand carved patterns and grill work on the underside as well as solid 18k gold details (not 18k painted on details or stamped on details) you will at least know by these simple features which pair of earrings is more valuable in metal and workmanship. You may go ahead and purchase the lighter weight, simpler earring (like I said, I love simplicity myself) but you will at least KNOW what you are spending your money on.

Oh To Be In Paris

Image via Wikipedia

My niece Maddie is presently studying abroad at The University of Oxford in England. She is an extremely bright young lady who attends Sarah Lawrence in Bronxville, New York. Maddie left for Oxford approximately three weeks ago. My husband Art and I can't help but wonder how she is doing and what she is doing all the time. Every few nights when Art comes home from work, one of us will say "I wonder how little Maddie is doing" on her overseas experience?

I suppose some of my curiosity is from wishing that I were living her experience. Having spent time abroad during my post college years, I remember what a life altering and a real growing experience it was for me. I spent my time in Paris studying Haute Couture (high end fashion). I still hold the memories of Paris so close to my heart. I loved Paris. I loved all that I learned and mostly I loved the ambition, the belief and the passion I had for what I was pursuing in my life.

I was so young. I was so young. I was young!!!!!

I think one of the things that I enjoy most about being creative and being a jewelry designer, is that it does help keep me "young." There is something about exercising creativity or creative thinking that causes me to feel alive and happy and well... young.

I suppose that until I am able to rendezvous in Paris again, designing jewelry and corresponding with my bright eyed niece on Facebook will just have to do!

A Day In the Mountain

This past weekend, my husband and I took off for a little breather and the two of us headed up to Flagstaff for a relaxing dinner and a nice hike/run to the top of Mt. Humphreys the next morning.

It is amazing what a night away from home can do to rejuvenate your mind and spirit. I have to say when we got into the car Saturday afternoon to drive up, I was tired, stressed and scatter brained! When we drove back down Sunday afternoon I was a new woman! Even when we got stuck in motionless traffic for 1.5 hours (yes, I wrote 1.5 hours stuck in traffic)coming back to Phoenix, I was able to laugh, sing to all the Hall & Oats songs that they were playing on the radio and enjoy the sunset.

It was a last minute getaway, and well worth the effort. I think both Art and I enjoyed spending some time alone and it brought back a lot of memories of what our life was like B.C. (before children). It was kind of surreal to be able to do something by yourself for such a long period of time. I kept double checking myself because I kept feeling like I was forgetting something.... I was, my children! Yikes!

We had beautiful Fall weather and relished in watching the sparkling Aspen trees let go of their yellow leaves. The day on the mountain was a wonderful time for both of us to clear our heads and work our legs and heart rates!!

The weekend was complete when we opened the door and were welcomed home by our two little smiling tots, faces covered with mac and cheese and milk mustache lips.

Home Sweet Home.

The Age of Exposure: Is Fashion's Mystique Gone? - WWD.com

The Age of Exposure: Is Fashion's Mystique Gone? - WWD.com

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This is a very interesting article. The title pretty much explains the content. I go back and forth on the topic and it is something that I have been thinking about on and off for the last few years. I was delighted to finally see someone take a stab at it.

Personally, I do feel that fashion has lost its mystique. It seems as though it has become "just another trade," a very big and valuable trade to our economy both globally and domestically.

I think these days, real live actual designers and assistant designers are very challenged to be "designers." Because it is such a fast pace, bottom line driven industry, even designers find themselves spitting out the same pants "with a twist" each season (all made overseas of course). Everything is all geared towards making a profit and therefore the concept of just creating to create is a very short catwalk. Don't get me wrong, we can still be creative with parameters (like cost of goods sold, global or domestic production, fabrications, findings, materials and quantities). In other words "the collection you designed looks great but we can't take it to market until you replace the buttons, change the sleeve, hem, change the collar, remove the pleats, find a different fabric, take out the lining, use a different color....great, now we can sell it!" Quite a collaboration! Not much mystique and glamour in that!

I suppose every industry has its "commercialization side." As a jewelry designer, whose pieces are all hand carved and still made one at a time in the United States, it is frustrating at times to see another collection receiving accolades and notoriety for its "creativity and craftsmanship" when I know full well that it was machine designed, mass produced and made overseas. It has a cool name, gorgeous packaging and great advertising. It is all about the brand. The product itself it truly a minor detail or perhaps an after thought. These collections receive the hype, great billing and "so and so is wearing it." I have to tell myself "they are a different business than the one I am in. We are not the same." Most times, years later these collections fade away or have serious problems with returns because of "poor construction." On the contrary, we seem to be in the "design business." We are creating a product and our business is about our product. I am really proud of that. I honesty don't think there are many of us left. Why? It is too hard in today's retail environment.


The "designer world" is totally accessible to everyone in today's world; the internet and cable tv, even tv stations fully dedicated to fashion around the clock, and literally hundreds of fashion magazines. Everyone one knows every designer and all about that designers life. What was once an exciting and alluring topic is now COMMON KNOWLEDGE.

I have to say when I see Lindsay Lohen half heartedly taking on the role of "Creative Director" for a design house like Ungaro...my heart drops all the waaaaaaaay, waaaay, way down to the tip of my toes. There is so much amazing talent in our world (not that she isn't talented). Based on the personal experience of being an educated designer with 20 plus years of experience in the creative process, I would just prefer to see someone that is in our industry and has spent the last ten years or more or or even less, have the opportunity to take on such a role and have Ms. Lohen start her own collection under HER OWN NAME. HOWEVER, the diplomatic side of my brain says we live in a capitalistic, democracy, for which I am thankful - so in the end, if that is what the house of Ungaro wants to do - then so be it!! It is really Ungaro that made this decision and we all know that these days everything is all about the bottom line.

I do think that some lines, such as Gwen Stefani's L.A.M.B. are genuinely created by the name behind the brand. I think you can just tell that Victoria Beckham and Gwen Stefani are truly passionate about their collections and even though they might not be the ones sitting behind the sewing machine, they are in the studio creating and doing a great job, I might add.

So, I guess when it comes down to it, the mystique is gone. To quote Marc Jacobs "It is what it is." It really is all about commerce and moving product. Our world is definitely changing. Even designers have to feed the beast if they want to prosper.

Why The Name Saint?

A common question that myself or anyone working with Saint gets routinely asked is "why is the collection named Saint?"

It is a good question and when I look back to the genesis of Saint, I ask myself "why was it so important for me to come up with a name that wasn't my own?"
First of all, the idea of coming up with a name for a collection that isn't your own name is in itself an exciting creative process. I remember brainstorming for a name and I also remember what an enriching process it was in helping me establish and identify the company brand. I think without the brand name the identity of the collection would not be as linear as it is today. We know who we are. We know what we create. We know our standards.

With much deliberation, we (my parents and I) all agreed on the monosyllabic name "Saint." WHY??? First and foremost it exudes a feeling of strength and integrity. The word Saint describes someone who is or has done something above and beyond good. Saint is a reminder to aspire to be better than you already are, to excel and succeed.

Graphically it was very strong.

It was in my heart to create a collection that was able to balance being timeless in style, sophisticated, meaningful enough to be worthy of passing through generations, well constructed and substantial, while at the same time being able to humorously add delicate touches of whimsy. Knowing this, I liked how the word Saint had both a yin and yang quality to it, in that it is very strong and innocent.

I still feel that the name Saint and the jewelry reflects all that it set out to be. We are 14 years in business and the name still runs strong and it still coincides naturally to our collections.