Yesterday, the New York Times published a fascinating story by Ellen Barry on young rural women in India who are recruited to move to Bangalore to work in factories. There, the women — some of them teenagers — make products for Westerners, including Marks & Spencer miniskirts. The work is relentless, the hours are long,…
The Weeks in Review, Plus Wax Jewelry Models
In case you missed it, here’s what’s been on the blog recently. Monday, Sept. 5: September’s birthstone is sapphire and it comes in a rainbow of colors. Tuesday, Sept. 6: Love big diamonds? This is the wedding ring of your dreams. Wednesday, Sept. 7: Snake jewelry and signet rings have endured since ancient times. Friday,…
Fashion Repeats Itself: Anchors and Rainbows
I like to keep an eye out for “Fashion Repeats Itself” moments, so I was pleased that Vanessa Friedman of the New York Times pointed out the anchor wedges at the recent Thom Browne runway show. But a tip of the hat goes to my designing friend Stacy Lomman, who alerted me to Vanessa’s tweet….
I Agree With Pantone: Let’s Do Lapis!
This week, the color experts at Pantone released its picks for the 10 top colors for spring 2017. I’m most excited about Lapis Blue, because lapis lazuli is one of my favorite gems. I’ve loved lapis ever since I went to see the blockbuster King Tut museum exhibition in the 1970s and saw Tut’s solid-gold…
First Day of Fall, Last Dresses of Summer
Every year, as fall approaches, I realize I haven’t worn all my summer dresses. I raced to squeeze in a few of them recently. For a nonprofit organization’s cocktail party and dinner, I wore a JC de Castelbajac dress that I bought in Paris in 2013. What Wendy Wore Dress (with pockets!): JC de Castelbajac…
Wendy Brandes Jewelry on National Jeweler
Thank you to Amanda Gizzi of National Jeweler for including my Cleves winged earrings in her post about black and gold jewelry! CLICK TO READ AMANDA’S STYLE FILE STORY. The earrings — inspired by Anne of Cleves, the fourth wife of Henry VIII — are onyx set in 18K yellow gold and accented with 41…
Wendy Brandes Rebel Jewelry on JCK Online
When I found out that JCK was looking for examples of jewelry with rebellious motifs, I hardly knew what to send in! I make a lot of jewelry with attitude. For instance … Finally, I narrowed it down to my silver middle finger emoji ring and my more recent 18K gold earrings celebrating 40 years…
Emmy Awards Postscript
I forgot to include Kerry Washington in last night’s post on the fashion at the Emmys. Embed from Getty Images Her sleek, cut-out dress by Brandon Maxwell — combined with her advanced pregnancy — was definitely a “Wear What You Want” look. I approve! Judith Light still gets the award though. Separately, Fast Company wrote…
10 Years Ago Today: CPJ Honors Walter Cronkite
Ten years ago today, the Committee to Protect Journalists honored iconic CBS news anchor Walter Cronkite for 25 years of service as CPJ’s honorary chairman. MrB and I were there! Here’s a goofy photo someone took with my camera. And here’s Getty Images more serious, action shot, in which I’m identified as “guest.” LOL. Embed…
My Best Dressed at the 2016 Emmy Awards Is …
The television folks at the Emmy Awards don’t always give great red carpet, but tonight’s 2016 event impressed me. First of all, Kristen Bell’s Zuhair Murad was one of the most beautiful gowns I’ve seen in a long time. Embed from Getty Images I would wear that in a hot second! Like Bell, Sarah Paulson…