Blogs

Hello Friends!

OK, it’s official.  I'm a blogger!  Yes, really and truly.  Since I am not a professional writer, please bear with me.  I'm excited to use this forum as a way to connect with all of you.  Also, please feel free to make comments to let me know what else you would like to hear from me - I definitely want your feedback!  Judie has been very gracious by sharing her blog platform with me a few times, but I felt that it was finally time to start my own.  So, please let everyone and anyone know about my new blog.  I will be covering all things jewelry- and fashion-related, as well as other “Things I Love” that excite and inspire me throughout the day.

As the Style Director for the Judith Ripka Collection, I thought it was only fitting that my first blog was, in essence, a Spring 2013 Trend Report.  The runway shows were chicer than ever, getting back to basics with a lot of black and white, and neutrals like grays and taupes.  Ahhh, what a sigh of relief!  The runways validated my wardrobe, because my closet is a sea of black!  What I love most about this classic take on spring ready-to-wear is that it provides the perfect backdrop for jewelry and accessories and LOTS of it!  Like Judie, for years, I have always picked out my jewelry first, and then based on the jewelry I was in the mood to wear, chose my outfit accordingly.  The best part about blacks and neutrals is that they provide a blank canvas, and the sky is the limit with how you can mix and match and express your own personal style through your accessories.  Also, for me, it takes the pressure off feeling like I have to buy new clothing to stay on trend.  It allows me to shop my closet for the basics, and then have fun with my accessories.  Now, don’t get me wrong, the Spring runways were definitely sprinkled with flashes of brilliant pops of color and standout prints (mostly floral), but the spectrum of bright, bold hues were definitely rooted in luxurious blacks and navy blues, icy grays, and buttery beiges and taupes.

With the foundation set, it is now time to SHINE!  Judie has outdone herself for her upcoming shows with many NEW designs.  I love everything NEW for Spring.  It just feels fresh – like a new beginning.  And, to balance out the new, these shows will also include some classic best-sellers and customer favorites, as well.  I just saw the show line up, and there are so many styles I love that it was hard to choose my favorites to feature in this blog.  But, here they are – I have narrowed down my must-haves for Spring.

Everyone who knows me knows that I love watches.  I always have.  Even before I officially starting working with Judie for the QVC Collection, I have always thought of watches as so much more than just a time piece, rather another piece of jewelry in my wardrobe.  Therefore, you can only imagine how over-the-moon thrilled I was when Judie added watches to her collection.  And, our plan for 2013 is to expand the watch category even more.  This weekend, we will be focusing on three watch styles – the Chronograph, the Ceramic, and the NEW pearlized silicone strap watch.  True to Judie and QVC, the watches are the finest quality, very similar to what you would find in luxury watches.  All of the watches feature warranties and long life batteries.  (I know it’s a little thing, but I love that they feature long life batteries.  Such a huge perk!)  They are all water resistant, which is also a great bonus, because I never take my watch off during the day.  So, even if I am washing my hands, I don't have to worry about a splash of water here and there.  All of the watches are stainless steel, and the durability is exceptional.  As with all of Judie’s jewelry, Judie wants you to enjoy these watches every day and not worry about damaging them.

For those of you who have yet to purchase the Chronograph watch (J269939),  just do it!  You won't regret it.

I find myself reaching to wear it at least 3 to 4 days a week.  The watch is available in silver-tone, gold-tone, and rose-tone.  Although this is not a new item, it is definitely on my list of top 10-favorite must-haves for Spring.  This watch is as super luxe as it is sporty, and in the short time since Judie debuted it, it has already become one of her best-sellers.  I knew it was a hit when I walked into our New York City corporate office last week and saw over half of the women wearing it.  It made me smile and also reminded me of the very first thing Judie said to me when I started working with her:  “Allison – Whenever I interview a potential employee, I ask them if they like the jewelry and would buy it.  One of the most important job requirements is a love for jewelry!”  Clearly, our wonderful staff loves the jewelry and especially this watch design!

If you already own the Chronograph and are looking for a new style, my personal pick is the new Pearlized Silicone and Stainless Steel Watch (J280165). 

This style is a new twist on Judie’s silcone watch and offers a new pearlized strap in three colors including Emerald Green, Silver, and White.  The pearlized finish gives this watch a great new lustrous look.  We decided to choose Emerald Green as the “pop of color,” as it was voted as “Pantone’s 2013 Color of the Year.”  To quote Pantone, Emerald Green is “Lively.  Radiant.  Lush… A color of elegance and beauty that enhances our sense of well-being, balance, and harmony."  I could not agree more!

To complement this Spring’s trends of simple, chic elegance, my next top pick is not a single piece of jewelry, rather a collection.  I am OBSESSED with anything 100-Facet.  Yes, that’s right.  Obsessed.  For years, Judie has used Diamonique to give all of you the “look of diamonds” because it is the world's finest simulated diamond.  In 2011, Judie wanted to further elevate the brilliance and look and introduced the 100-Facet round Diamonique into the collection.  These stones have almost double the number of facets as a standard cut round Diamonique which means more sparkle and more brilliance.  Judie’s 100-Facet Diamonique Collection has grown since its debut and will continue to grow throughout 2013.  The most notable piece is the classic diamond stud (J268391), which we offer in either a 2-carat size or 5-carat size.  The offering has also expanded beyond silver and is now available in 14K clad, both gold-tone and rose.

So, what’s my go-to 100-Facet Diamonique piece?  I could easily say EVERYTHING 100-Facet, but if I had to choose just one piece, it would be the 100-Facet Diamonique Adjustable Necklace (J269592).  I wear it every day regardless of any other jewelry I mix and match with it.  Part of my attachment to this piece is that growing up, my own mother always wore a solitaire diamond necklace, and it reminds me of her.

Although the Spring color palette trended towards basics and neutrals, many designers added interest and intrigue to their runway silhouettes with textured fabric or trims, with the biggest trend being leather or the “look of leather.”  When I saw that leather and leather accents were trending for Spring, I breathed another sigh of relief!  One of my most favorite pieces of jewelry for over 20 years has been the Braided Necklace with Heart Charm from Judie’s couture collection.  It has truly been a staple in my jewelry wardrobe, and I often refer to it as the “little black dress” of my jewelry box.  As you know, we introduced a version of this necklace to QVC in sterling, J276113, and now, I am thrilled to announce that we will debut NEW versions of this style in 14K gold-tone and rose-tone.

I also wanted to share with everyone that the material we use for Judith’s couture collection is the same as the one we use for QVC.  The reason is that the material wears better, and is softer and more flexible.  And, it has a colorfast attribute that you do not always find with genuine leather.

Last but not least, I always like to say, make new friends but keep the old.  My final Spring pick is the Smithsonian Sterling Diamonique and Gemstone Flower Ring and Earring (J269028).

This classic floral design was inspired by one of Judie’s 18K couture floral collections and was perfect for the Smithsonian show, as it represents the cherry blossoms in Washington, D.C.  This simple floral silhouette speaks to Spring in a sweet, soft shade of pink.  Not too candy pink and not to pale, it's just perfect!  I usually don't like wearing jewelry that is too matchy matchy, but   these earrings and ring just feel right together.  And, once you mix in some layered cuffs, bangles, and necklaces - voila, you've created your own Spring runway look!

There are many more new designs coming your way from the Judith Ripka Sterling Collection this weekend, so please tune in!  Show times are as follows:

Saturday, March 23rd:

• Midnight - 2am, EST


• 3 - 5am, EST


• 1 - 3pm, EST


• 5 - 7pm, EST


• 10pm - midnight, EST

Sunday, March 24th:

• 4 - 6am, EST (Free Standard Shipping & Handling on Retiring Styles!)


• 4 - 6pm, EST


• 7 - 9pm, EST

Wishing everyone a wonderful day!  And, of course, as usual, Judie will also be blogging prior to her show.  It is definitely a must-read!  She will be sharing BIG news about a special, first-ever giveway and maybe, just maybe a TSV treat that could be coming your way!  Thank you again for your warm welcome and support.  I truly love being a part of the QVC family.

XO Allison