• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Wendy Brandes Jewelry Blog

Never Is the Next New Thing

  • HOME
  • SHOP
  • ABOUT
  • FAQ
  • CONTACT

Fourth Blogversary

July 23, 2011 by WendyB

On this date in 2007, I published a post called “Just a placeholder,” which said, “I’m going to start this blog soon but right now I’m busy redesigning my regular website.” Two days later, Britney Spears stole one of my rings. That simply had to be blogged and suddenly I was off and running.

I started this blog to promote my fine jewelry line. I envisioned making my high-end, limited-edition jewelry accessible to a lot of people. I knew that not all of my readers would be able to afford my work because of the costly materials and U.S.-based labor I use to create wearable art. (For more about the cost of manufacturing, read this 2010 post.) But I didn’t think that should stop people from being involved with me and my jewelry in some other way, whether that meant reading about my inspirations, showing me their takes on the latest fashion trends or imitating my one and only outfit pose.

I was influenced by my clothing designer friend Zang Toi, who is wonderful to customers of all ages, shapes and sizes. That has always seemed so stylish to me. It also expresses his confidence that he can create something to make anyone feel beautiful. What’s passé is the kind of designer who looks down his or her nose at the customers, let alone the people who can’t afford the goods. Trust me, I’ve dealt with those types. When I heard one privately badmouth a customer’s appearance, I asked, “What? Her money isn’t green enough for you?” I mean, really! Appreciate the people who appreciate you. It is chic to be nice! I love all my customers, and I love all you blog readers — whether you’ve bought jewelry or not. Thanks for visiting me here.

I heart you all!

You might also like
Zang Toi, Now in Cartoon Form
Blondie, Beatles, Bronski, Duran, Nirvana
Miscellaneous

Filed Under: anniversaries, blogs and bloggers, blogversary, Britney Spears, zang toi

Previous Post: « Sending Love to the People of Norway
Next Post: I Hoped It Was a Hoax, but Amy Winehouse Is Dead »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. eyeliah says

    July 23, 2011 at 12:51 am

    Congrats!!

  2. Julia, the Thanksgiving Girl says

    July 23, 2011 at 1:52 am

    YAY, CONGRATS!! :))

  3. Any Second Now says

    July 23, 2011 at 2:24 am

    YAY! Happy 4th year blog anniversary! Here’s to many more dear Wendy!

    xoxo
    Cyrillynn

  4. Megan Mae says

    July 23, 2011 at 2:35 am

    Happy blog-iversary! Looking forward to many more!

  5. Vix says

    July 23, 2011 at 2:54 am

    My word verification is Martini so cheers and here’s to the next four years. x
    PS Britney Spears stole my rings would be an excellent name for a band.

  6. Mo Thompson says

    July 23, 2011 at 3:45 am

    Happy Anniversary for a great blog.
    By the way Richard III is at BAM’s Harvey Theater in New York in January 2012.

    xxx

    • WendyB says

      July 23, 2011 at 10:46 am

      Whoa, thanks for the alert! I have to see it!

  7. Sherin says

    July 23, 2011 at 4:51 am

    Happy Blogiversary!! Can’t believe I’ve only newly discovered your blog! Hope to get many more years of reading it.

  8. That's Not My Age says

    July 23, 2011 at 7:46 am

    Happy Blogversary to you!

  9. Christine says

    July 23, 2011 at 8:20 am

    Happy Blogversary! I love your blog and though I can’t remember when I found it, I am sure glad I did.

    I think of the big mistakes made by designers and manufacturers make is to pick a “muse” or envision the women they want wearing their clothes, etc. and to not want to sell to anyone who doesn’t fit that mold. Even worse are shop staff who look you over and then ignore you, in my case, because I’m heavier than average. Taste doesn’t die when you pass 150 pounds. Or 100 pounds it seems from some designers.

    Not every woman is a supermodel or even close, but some have the means to buy luxury goods. You, Zang, and Stacy have all worked with me to make clothes and Jewelry (sometimes I need an 18″ chain) and for that, I will always be a very loyal customer.

  10. Penny Dreadful Vintage says

    July 23, 2011 at 8:41 am

    Aw, you are a lovely lass. And I swear I’ll be able to afford one of your pieces one day. It is what keeps me going 😉 x

  11. Queenzelda says

    July 23, 2011 at 8:44 am

    And we love you too Wendy!!

  12. Patti @ NotDeadYet Style says

    July 23, 2011 at 8:57 am

    Happy anniversary! I so appreciate your approach – you show sincere interest in all your followers, not just the ones who can readily purchase your designs. Oh, and you have the best anti-spam words in the blogosphere.

  13. une femme says

    July 23, 2011 at 9:12 am

    Congratulations! Happy Blogaversary! I’ve really enjoyed reading, but especially meeting you.

  14. K-Line says

    July 23, 2011 at 9:40 am

    Your blog is one of my fave things in the internet universe. xo

  15. Eli says

    July 23, 2011 at 10:37 am

    Happy blogaversary! Hasnt it been much longer?!? Cheers to you Wendy, one of the nicest and funny people I have met through blogging

  16. Cara says

    July 23, 2011 at 10:39 am

    Congratulations on 4 years! Glad to know you do still appreciate all of us who oggle your designs but just can’t afford them. Having one of your pieces is on my list of “I’ll know we’re doing well when…”

  17. Tanvi says

    July 23, 2011 at 11:24 am

    Wow! 2 Anniversaries back to back 🙂 Congrats!

  18. Lynette says

    July 23, 2011 at 11:44 am

    Congrats on the anniversary. I thank the blog-gods that you somehow came across mine so that I could reciprocate by finding yours. What a treat it is to experience so very much with you, WendyB, lots of which I find highly entertaining, enlightening, challenging–thanks!

    Come on out to Portland on a Friday night–we’ll dine at 3 Doors Down Cafe!

  19. StefM says

    July 23, 2011 at 12:00 pm

    Rock on!

  20. Metsy says

    July 23, 2011 at 12:09 pm

    congratulations on the bloggiversary! You are a great role model for how brands (big or small) can use social media to interact with current and future customers. When’s the anniversary party? 😉

  21. Susan Tiner says

    July 23, 2011 at 12:17 pm

    You and your blog inspire me! XOXO

  22. mystyle says

    July 23, 2011 at 12:23 pm

    Hi my dear-A very Happy Blog Anniversary, your blog is so truly inspirational, funny and unmissable, keep up the excellent work!! xxx

  23. Rosie says

    July 23, 2011 at 12:50 pm

    Happy blogaversary and here’s to many more years of wonderful style, fantastic wit and an amazing heart 🙂

  24. Cameron says

    July 23, 2011 at 3:45 pm

    Joyeux 4ème blogiversaire Wendy ! May you enjoy 4 more, and then 4 more after that!

    And I know how you should celebrate: By getting “BANG-ed” in only Jacobs’ finest! 😉

    • WendyB says

      July 23, 2011 at 5:23 pm

      Ha ha…it’s coming…it’s coming!

  25. noelani says

    July 23, 2011 at 5:25 pm

    Brava! Happy 4 year blogiversary! I just discovered your lovely blog myself and I am so happy I did. I can’t wait to check out your designs, and of course, look back in the archives for more about this Britney story. Dying.

    • WendyB says

      July 23, 2011 at 5:27 pm

      Great to meet you!

  26. priscilla says

    July 23, 2011 at 6:38 pm

    Thank you for your blog. 🙂

  27. Rubiatonta says

    July 23, 2011 at 7:55 pm

    “It’s chic to be nice.” Now *those* are words to live by, dear Wendy!

    Congrats on your Blogoversary!

  28. Lara says

    July 23, 2011 at 9:43 pm

    Congrats Wendy! You were one of the first bloggers I started reading and you have been a major inspiration. Your humor, straightforwardness, kindness and reaching out to so many bloggers has kinda been my model. Thank you. xoxo

  29. Suzanne aka Punk Glam Queen says

    July 24, 2011 at 6:55 pm

    Happy Blogversary! Because of this blog I found you and your lovely jewellery, not to mention many other lovely people! I’m happy you did start blogging — even if a theft was the way to get you started!
    XXX
    Suzanne

  30. Terri says

    July 24, 2011 at 8:54 pm

    Happy 4th! Your approach to blogging is so refreshing…and I appreciate the attitude towards green.

  31. Lynn says

    July 25, 2011 at 12:55 am

    I heart you and all your designs, too. Congrats, and Lord knows how grateful I am to elle.com for bringing me to you. Many, many more years to come with many, many more interesting, intellectual and entertaining content! No one can beat that Britney Spears story so far, lol. It’s not what’s covered, it’s how it was covered.

  32. The Style Crone says

    July 25, 2011 at 9:20 am

    Happy Fourth Blogversary Wendy! I love your jewelry designs, your brilliant energy, your intellect, your sense of humor, your support of other bloggers, your style, your advocacy of diversity, your remarkable writing; I could go on! And many more!

  33. stacy says

    July 25, 2011 at 9:16 pm

    Ooooh, I missed this one somehow!
    Congrats Wendy! 4… holy crap.
    You are a trendsetter.

  34. Kristin says

    July 25, 2011 at 10:25 pm

    Thank you for a being a blogging inspiration and for creating beautiful pieces for us to drool over!

  35. Sheila says

    July 26, 2011 at 2:00 am

    Much blog-love and cheer to you, Wendy! I adore your blog and your sass – you are an inspiration!

  36. The Styley says

    July 28, 2011 at 12:36 pm

    Congrats Wendy! I agree with you that kindness is always chic. I love your witty and intelligent take on such a wide range of subjects, so I’m glad you’re going strong after four years. Here’s to another four, and many more after that!

  37. For Those About To Shop says

    August 1, 2011 at 12:38 pm

    “It’s chic to be nice.” Wendy, I love that. So simple and so true. I can’t believe Britney stole your ring!! So ironic how sometimes people who can easily afford something feel they’re entitled to take it for nothing! I hope OK mag did make good and you got compensated.

Primary Sidebar

MEET WENDY BRANDES

Award-winning designer of fine jewelry inspired by women's history and pop culture. A former journalist who writes about jewelry, fashion, medieval history, news, feminism, dogs, cats and whatever else is on her mind. Blogging since 2007.
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

ARCHIVES

CATEGORIES

Facebook Pagelike Widget

POPULAR TOPICS

NEWSLETTER

Subscribe for Email updates.
* indicates required

Original jewelry designs, photos and text are © Wendy Brandes 2007-2016. All rights reserved.

© 2016 · FOODIE PRO THEME COPYRIGHT BY · SHAY BOCKS GENESIS FRAMEWORK · BUILT ON THE WORDPRESS