I’ve written about the problems of using nontraditional gems in engagement rings: People are just too tough on everyday rings to mess around with pearls! That’s why I prefer to use only the hardest gems in engagement rings. Diamonds, for instance, rate a perfect 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, while rubies and sapphires (aka…
About Wendy
Jewelry Peeps! Come See Me in NYC & Portland
I will be on panels at two jewelry-related events in the next few weeks. First up is a New York Jewelers Group event on Tuesday, Sept. 26. I’ll be on a panel about how the jewelry industry and jewelry customers are changing. If you’re on the West Coast, you can catch me at the Portland…
Wednesday’s Video: Jewelry Cleaning & Repairs
I was inspired to do this week’s YouTube video about jewelry cleaning and repairs because customers frequently bring other designers’ fine jewelry to me, desperate for help. Accordingly, I’ve got advice for jewelry customers and other designers/retailers. Remember: If you are my customer, please bring (or mail) your Wendy Brandes jewelry back to me if…
What Wendy Wore: Musical Patrick Kelly
Remember how Eryn and I went to a jewelry-industry breakfast in July and got caught giving the stink-eye to a totally innocent designer? We took an outfit photo on our way out. What Wendy Wore Jacket: Vintage Patrick Kelly (purchased on eBay in 2010) T-shirt: MaxMara (pre-2005) Jeans: Madewell (2016) Shoes: Onex (2015) Purse: Louis…
Throwback Thursday: Stephen Sprouse Skirt
I can’t remember exactly where or when I got my pink Stephen Sprouse skirt, which is from his Hardcore 1988 collection. I think it was in 2006. The first photo I can find of it is from 2007. This is how I wore it in 2011, while out on the town with my friend Julie….
Woman Crush Wednesday Video: Debbie Harry
Like one of Stefon’s club recommendations, my YouTube video for this week has everything. I talked about my longtime crush on Blondie lead singer, Debbie Harry; one of her and my favorite designers, Stephen Sprouse; and the history of rap. If you stay for the demonstration of my own straight-fire rapping skills, you get two…
Caught on Camera: Halle, Taylor, and Me
Taylor Swift announced on Wednesday that her sixth studio album, coming out November 10, will be called Reputation. That got me thinking that if I were a pop star dropping a new album, the most appropriate name for it would be Procrastination. I could schedule my album for the 10th of Never. A post shared…
Throwback Thursday: WJA Awards Fun
For Throwback Thursday, I have a few more pictures from last month’s Women’s Jewelry Association Award for Excellence gala. First, the sentimental one. I love the way this picture captures the camaraderie of the WJA members. All hands on deck! This photo says it all – @womensjewelryassociation has connected us with SO MANY brilliant designers,…
Wednesday’s Video: Wendy Brandes Wedding
I recently kicked off my Wendy Brandes Wedding collection with an 18K gold snake tiara … … that was modeled by my gorgeous friend Alyssa Brownell. This week’s YouTube video is about the general concept behind my wedding collection and the three tiers of jewelry available: fully custom, one-of-a-kind inventory, and customizable semi-mount settings. While…
Wednesday’s Video: Vintage Clothing FAQ, Part 4
I’m continuing my series of FAQ videos about vintage clothing today with Part 4. Wondering how vintage clothing differs from resale or dead stock or consignment? I’ll tell you! If you missed the earlier vintage FAQ videos, you can check them out now. Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 In today’s video, I’m wearing a…