After a few days in Paris in June, MrB and I went to Bonn, Germany, where MrB was taking part in the Global Media Forum. I attended a panel he did about Trump and the media, and live-tweeted it; check out his description of the way in which Trump differs from Nixon. Then we went to…
Throwback Thursday: Paris in June
In June, MrB and I visited three cities in Europe. MrB was giving speeches and/or participating in panels everywhere, and I went along for the ride! Paris was first. When MrB wasn’t busy, we walked around by the Eiffel Tower, because I can never take too many pictures of that. On our way there, we…
Wednesday’s Video: Engagement-Ring Advice
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…
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…
Hey, New York Democrats! It’s Time to Vote!
It’s primary day for Democrats in New York City. The voting is for mayor, public advocate and comptroller; the five borough president positions; all 51 city council seats; the Brooklyn and Manhattan district attorney posts; and civil court judges and other district leader positions. Local elections are important. Where do you think national politicians —…
September 11, 2017: “We Go Higher”
On September 11, 2001, 3,051 children ages 18 and under lost a parent during the coordinated terrorist attacks on the U.S. Those parents were in the airplanes that were turned into weapons, in the World Trade Center, and in the Pentagon. Some of their children now want to tell a story of hope through a…
The Week in Review
In case you missed it, here’s what was on the blog this week. Monday, September 4: My previous week-in-review post, plus some thoughts about Taylor Swift and Game of Thrones. Tuesday, September 5: An outfit post featuring a short-sleeved Patrick Kelly jacket. Wednesday, September 6: In this week’s YouTube video, I spoke about repairing and…
Donate to Islands Devastated by Irma
When I was a kid, I had the good fortune to visit St. Thomas and St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands more than once. They and other Caribbean islands have been badly affected by Hurricane Irma. In some places, nearly all of the housing is gone. Author Tobias Buckell put together this helpful list…
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…