Simply Smashing, Deb Rohzen’s absolutely fabulous downtown Campbell (CA) boutique, is simply my favorite clothing retailer in the Valley, hands down. So I’m very happy to announce that as of July 3, 2009, Simply Smashing is carrying a variety of Glimmerdream necklaces, bracelets and -- earrings, earrings, earrings – many of which are brand new designs not yet on the Glimmerdream web site.

A refreshing change from the big-retailer look and feel, Deb carries clothing lines one only used to see in Europe. I've never visited when I haven't found something fabulous and unique. Deb has smashing taste and she purchases in such small lots that chances are you'll never see what you're wearing from there on anyone else.

Stop by and take a look, meet Deb, have fun…

more info: http://simplysmashingstyle.com/

For me, summer means sun, beach, outdoor barbeques and fabulously bold colors that can hold their own in the sun's bright rays. And, speaking of barbeque, Glimmerdream's July Special offers two versions of casual stretchy bracelets with a patriotic flair, inexpensive enough share. Enjoy!

P.S. If you're in the Pacific Northwest or headed that way, you can see some of my elle schroeder work at the grand opening of Purple Starfish Gallery in Depoe Bay, Oregon on July 4. more info

Blue & purple lead the top 10 hues for spring '09, rounded out by lush greens which evoke a sense of renewal and a fresh start. Sophisticated neutrals ground the overall palette, providing visual stability in an economic climate that is anything but.

"New York's fashion designers encourage hopeful attitudes with lively colors, while sophisticated, grounded hues address the need for stability in times of economic uncertainty,"

explains Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute.

Colors tend to evolve from season to season, and the blues which dominated Fall 2008 are now being expressed as spring's Palace Blue , a navy with some added sparkle which pairs easily with the entire palette; fall's rich purple has morphed into Lavender...lighter, more summery, and even a touch mystical.

The fun, optimistic characteristics of yellow continue to make it an important hue, especially as tangy & luminous Super Lemon which is not only eyecatching, but cheery.

Subtle, summery orange'ish Salmon Rose is not only friendly and approachable, but also flatters most complexions, and blue-toned Fuchsia Red adds classic, sensual elegance both to clothing and cosmetics - like lipstick and nail polish.

Subtle rose tones result in a sexy, dimensional neutral in Rose Beige, while cool Slate Gray has bluish-green undertones which creates a nuanced neutral for the other 9 colors.

I embrace hope. Hope is my leap of faith into positive energy. Hope is the silver lining of my dreams, kept alive with affirmations. Hope is the balm that eases my pain while I go through a lesson. No matter what the challenge, hope is my healer.

See hope jewelry.