6 Gifts with Special Meaning Sparkle

Black Swan jewels from Swarovski

Black Swan on Rose Gold 

Black Swan on Silver

When you represent a company that’s been given the prestigious title of a “Black Swan” business because of its ability to disrupt an entire industry (think Apple, Google and Amazon), then you can feel pretty confident that you’re on a meaningful career path.

Rodan + Fields skincare – which is now a billion dollar brand and the number one selling skincare in the United States – has been called a Black Swan for years. I love being able to represent this amazing company, which is based solely on a social selling business model, by simply sharing these transformative products with others. 

While R+F treats us to lots of fabulous incentive gifts, there are times when Independent Consultants want to recognize their teams for specific goals that have been achieved. 

My Gift Giving Favorites  

While searching online for gift items that would have special meaning for my own R+F tribe, I came across the Swarovski line of Black Swan jewelry shown above. How perfect!

The Swarovski brand is known for its luxurious gift items that feature crystal cut creations. Along with their Black Swan icon based jewelry, I found a number of other potential gifts that would add a sparkle to any R+F consultants eye ... 

Lucky Evil Eye Bracelet

When one of your R+F team members top selling product is Rodan + Fields Lash Boost, this would be a spectacular reward.

Kris Card Bag Charm

When you’re on the go, you need to have a place to carry your R+F business cards. How cute is this bedazzled pink bear leather card carrier complete with lush lashes? I think it would be perfect as a new consultant or level advancement gift.

Swarovski Diva Sunglasses

When your team has earned an incentive trip to a sunny destination, a pair of sparkly black Diva shades would be a fabulous way to say “Your business is shining bright, girl!”

Jason Wu Jewelry for Spring via Swarovski

When you’re looking for a special gift that’s truly remarkable, the champagne toned Swarovski collection by fashion-designer Jason Wu (who I’ve actually met in person at one of his New York Fashion Week runway shows) has some stunning pieces. Everything he designs is pure gold in my opinion : )  

Rainbow Colored Pavé Butterflies on

Rose Gold Strand from Swarovski

Lilia Pierced Earrings

The team I joined when I started my R+F journey over 2 years ago (Team Moxie) has a butterfly as its mascot. These rose gold strand earrings with multi-colored butterflies (in the same colors as our product lines, Soothe, Reverse, Unblemish, and Redefine) totally says “R+F team” to me. How pretty would they be worn at a gala event during the next Rodan + Fields convention scheduled in New Orleans this coming September? Officially on my wish list! 

Which of these sparkling beauties would you choose for yourself or as a reward gift?

Share your favorites with me via twitter @yblacker

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One Room Challenge: Getting Ready

Vintage Dress Form via Chairish

Wait! I’m not dressed yet!!! As is my tradition, I’m not quite ready to share the final reveal of my Calling it Home One Room Challenge design project. But I plan to post images from my new master closet here as soon as the dust settles (literally and figuratively!) Want to see it when it’s done? Subscribe to this blog and you’ll get the update delivered to your inbox. Thanks to all who have been following along!

Please be sure to check out the Week 6 reveals from the sponsored designers here and the participating guest bloggers here. Congratulations to everyone who made their deadlines! It takes a LOT of planning, dedication, resources and hard work to make these projects happen. I admire each of you and love seeing your final results!

Media Sponsor

One Room Challenge: Hanging in my Closet

With Iris Apfel, Rare Bird of Fashion event, December 2009

“Dress gives you the opportunity to express yourself – who you are, who you think you are or who you want to be.” 

– Iris Apfel

Over the years I have had the pleasure to attend some really fun events and meet some pretty cool fashion and design icons as a result of this little blog. When I posed with legendary interior designer and fashion maven Iris Apfel in 2009 at her “Rare Bird of Fashion” exhibit that I was covering as a blogger, I had no idea just how iconic she truly was – Iris is a master at remaining relevant even when what is fashionable comes and goes (have you seen her latest jewelry collection for HSN, put forth in her 90s no less?) Her words of wisdom spoken that evening seem fitting to me today, as I look at the clothes hanging in my closet, wondering which pieces will make the cut to hang out in my new master closet when my One Room Challenge project is complete (halfway mark already!) And yes, I still have clothes in my closet dating back to the year 2009! How does this happen???

Getting dressed for memory making.

I think the reason I have a difficult time letting go of outfits from my past is because many of them have special memories attached to them. Do I still wear these clothes? Some of them, yes. I’m just now realizing that only yesterday I wore the black jacket in the photo above to work and then out to dinner with friends! Other pieces have not been worn as frequently over the years, and to be completely honest some may not even still fit me, but they do still have a special place in my heart. When I look at them patiently waiting on their hangers, I’m reminded of times that were definitely outside of my normal routine. Times that were “pinch me” moments. Below are my top 10 outfits that I just can’t seem to part with ...

1. Black and gold zig zag dress with black ribbon bow.

Jason Wu NY Fashion Week

Design Blogger After Party with Brizo

2. Jewel toned wrap dress with braided leather belt.

Jonathan Adler NY Studio Party, Blogfest

3.  Classic gray pencil skirt with royal blue ruched top.

Twinning with Thom Felicia at Blogfest

4. Ikat patterned fitted shift dress (with pockets!) 

York Show House Ocean Inspired Teen Bath

5. Chevron patterned macrame-overlay dress.

Meeting design celeb Kelly Wearstler via BlogTourLA

See the full dress here

6. Silk ombre-colored dress with animal print vintage scarf.

My ode to motherhood ... wearing vintage scarf from my grandmother.

The Summer Nursery at Tapley Hall // photo credit: Eric Roth

7. Bright green banded cocktail dress with hot pink wrap.

My first design show ...

A Fairy Tale Event, May 2009

8. Black lace and sequined cocktail dress with cowl neck.

My last design show ...

Glen Magna Holiday Show House

Gala Preview Party photos

9. Classic grey sheath dress from Calvin Klein

(lampshade optional : )

BlogTourLA instagram photo with designers

Christian May and Ashlina Kaposta

10. Two-toned dress: black asymmetrical top over white skirt.  

More recently ... my consultant trip to Vegas with Rodan + Fields.

Hanging with some favorite characters snap via Instagram.

What “super outfits” are hanging in your closet?

Have you had a chance to see the latest Lego movie? Even Batman has a closet full of costumes that chronicle his personal career journey over the years (and he was quite attached to his wardrobe favorites, too, I must add).  Fashion has the power to transform. To create confidence. To provide super hero like protection as we face the world outside. It’s accessible armour, and on our best days it can be really FUN! So for now, I will be holding onto some of these rare occasion costumes and will be finding a special spot in my new closet for them, although I will be more than happy to add something new to my fashion mix when the next opportunity presents itself. I recently decided to give Stitch Fix a try, so I am hoping that helps me to break out of my fashion comfort zone a bit.

One Room Challenge media partner:

Back to my scheduled design makeover ...

So just how is my ORC makeover going? I don’t have much progress to show this week unfortunately, which is why I resorted to taking a good look at what I plan to move into the new space and ended up going down this memory lane rabbit hole of blogger fashion. I have, however, found a great way to get rid of unwanted items (I promise to try hard to find some!) My town has set up a few collection bin sites for clothing, shoes, purses, linens, fabrics, even stuffed animals. The money from donated textiles will benefit our school system (they will all be properly recycled). Now I can get rid of even my oldest fashions and worn to death shoes and not worry that they will end up unused or unwanted in some donation bin or landfill. If I was really motivated, I would try to sell the better items online, but I just don’t have it in me. I’d much rather bag them, drop them off, and move on (unless you see something you like here : ) Only my true favorites will be allowed to move up to the new closet. Once it is done. Please let it get done. 

Check out the latest Calling It Home One Room Challenge design updates for week 3 (invited designers) here and (guest participants) here. 

You are Invited: Sip + Shop at TaggArt Studio

Join me along with some of my fashion-forward friends as we share what’s new and trending in our respective businesses! 

Wednesday, September 16th from 6pm–9pm

TaggArt Studio, 339 Salem Street, Wakefield MA

Light bites and refreshments will be provided.

Raffle to benefit GatheringChangeInc.org

taggartstudio.com

yblacker.myrandf.com

stelladot.com/cindyhanshaw

heidifurlong.cabionline.com

Questions? Contact yblacker@verizon.net

Hope to see you there!

Designer Faucets + NY Fashion Week

Jourdan Shopper by Jason Wu

I am packing my bags! Well, technically not till February 6th when I head to New York to meet Jason Wu for Mercedes Benz Fashion Week! The brilliant marketing team behind the fashion-driven Brizo brand plans these amazing blogger events that take place in New York during fashion week and I have been invited to attend! Not only will I get to meet the people behind the Brizo brand –  including fashion designer Jason Wu who has designed a stunning bath collection for Brizo – I will also get to spend my few days in New York with a small group of fellow design bloggers. We will get to learn more about the Brizo brand, attend special events including a cocktail party with Jason Wu, and get complimentary seats to watch his runway show featuring his fall collection for 2013!! What an incredible opportunity! I am beyond exited!

fashion designer Jason Wu

“Design impacts every aspect of our lives.” Jason Wu

image courtesy: Brizo

watch the video here

If you have been following my posts on the Designer Bath blog, you have probably learned a little bit about this uniquely-stylish line of bath and kitchen fixtures. I actually asked that Brizo be brought into the showroom when I first started there as Marketing Director last year. After hearing so many interior designers sharing their love for this brand on both twitter and on their blogs, I knew it should be made available in our showroom. I was very happy to hear when we officially brought the line on, and it has done very well. Our customers love it! 

Brizo collections are both artistic and elegant, while offering the innovation of SmartTouch Plus Technology. The designs really stand out with their fluid lines that mimic shapes found in nature. Below is one of their images that I chose to display in our showroom windows ...

Inspired by the bluebell flower's distinctive silhouette,

Talo is Brizo's first traditional pull-down faucet.

image courtesy: Brizo

“Brizo is unique from a brand perspective because it’s pretty much designer-driven. We view the things we do as functional sculpture or jewelry for the home.”
– Judd Lord, director of Functional Design, Brizo


I am truly looking forward to this exciting business-meets-pleasure brand-sponsored trip AND finding out who will be sharing the experience!

Let me know if I will see you in New York!

Fashion Destination: Madison Avenue

Do you like designer labels but don’t want to pay full price to change out your wardrobe each season? For my local readers, you have to check out Madison Avenue Consignment Boutique in Melrose. The owner, Joanne Cotton, has created a one-stop shop for fashionistas. We’re talking runway wardrobe at “I’ll take two” prices. All items are meticulously curated – including items on consignment and new fashion-forward jewelry lines. The store is filled with cool accessories, must-have handbags, conversation starting shoes and a lot of designer bling, not to mention high-end brands that would upgrade most closets.


Visit the Madison Avenue website or their facebook page for updates on what is currently available or stop in to experience some bargain-shoppers delight ... you won’t leave empty handed! The store recently celebrated its one year anniversary at its Main Street location. Read about the concept behind the consignment here. 

photo courtesy Madison Avenue

Tangerine tango, anyone?

Have you heard the Pantone Color of the Year is Tangerine Tango? I have always appreciated a splash of orange. Do you like a little, a lot or none at all? Check out this set on Polyvore then take a peek at a few of my orange crushes ...

• Xtreme Sports Inspired

• Farmhouse Chic

• Small Space, Big Hit

The gift of wine

“I have something for you!” my younger sister exclaimed with a twinkle in her eye one Friday night when I was over her place for a visit. “What? It isn’t even my birthday?” I replied. We were sitting in her kitchen enjoying drinks and snacks. She got up quickly and disappeared into her pantry. When she returned, she handed me a tall green bottle (ooh, my favorite type of gift!) and she said with a grin, “I saw this and thought of you.” Here is what the label on the back said ...



How often do people tell you what they really think of you or how they see you, and then hand you a bottle of wine? Usually a few drinks come first before the compliments ; ) While I wouldn’t consider myself a drama queen, I do like her outfit the best of all the other Middle Sisters in the wine’s lineup of characters (check them out here) and I do like social events, and fashion shows, and fundraisers ... hmmm. Just to be sure, I took a test on the website to determine which Middle Sister I really am (I actually discovered I am a Smarty Pants, so there, although I might have some Goodie Two Shoes in me, too : ) The Middle Sisters, whose motto is “there’s a bit of middle sister in all of us,” even have a cute blog with random – and funny – posts from each of the wine girls, like the time Drama Queen was caught out in public wearing Crocs (she wasn’t happy about it!)






While on the site, I discovered that the Middle Sisters donate to organizations that support and promote sisterhood like Dress for Success and Wine, Women & Shoes, which produces socially engaging events that combines – you guessed it – shoes, wine and girlfriends to raise funds for women and children’s causes. Well, I’ll drink to that!





And while I don’t have a large supply of either shoes (I’m too practical for that) or wine in my house (if I buy it, I drink it ; ) I do think this t-shirt that Linda Smith picked out to sell at New England Fine Living is kinda cute. It is available in-store or online and will be seen in the next issue of New England Finery Magazine which, BTW, I am working on as we speak! Look for it hopefully by the end of June along with a new website devoted just to New England Finery. Obviously I have a lot of work to do over the next five days, so unfortunately I will have to keep my wine drinking to a minimum ; )

Black and white on Alluminare

Busy as a bee this week! Visit my latest
guest post at Alluminare.com!
Have a happy weekend : )

Secret tip for my readers ...

I am still working away on the second issue of New England Finery Magazine. There was so much good content to include that it is turning out to be bigger than we had originally thought it would be!

This boho-chic Big Buddha hobo bag (the JCourtny) is one of the items you will see on the pages of the soon to be released issue. As you are one of my dear readers, I will let you in on a secret ... the price at New England Fine Living is well below the major department stores that carry this line! Our resident fashion stylist Jenny Scala has brought in a bunch of new spring-to-summer pieces that are all pretty cute (and well priced). Stop in soon to get the best selection of bags, sundressses, tunics and more.

And remember to subscribe to New England Finery! The subscription is free and it will put you on the email list to be notified when the next issue is released. I can promise that it is chock full of great New England finds and talents!

Vote today!

Vote now for Jennifer!

My friend Jennifer Scala, who you may have seen recently in New England Finery magazine, is in the top three today on the Bloomingdale facebook page style contest! Click here to vote for her (but do it before 6pm today!)

Good luck, Jenny!

Best dressed ...

Taryn photographed by
Elizabeth Wertz Photography

With the 2011 Oscars on deck for tonight, all eyes will be watching the red carpet for that most coveted award ... best-dressed! Much like a model working the runway, the woman wearing the gown is the real star who brings the design to life.

Taryn modeling for Seams Couture at the
Fenway Park Bridal Festival in Boston

While on the topic of working the dress, if you are wondering where to find Taryn, our beautiful cover girl for the first issue of New England Finery, she is currently listed with Model Club, Inc. of Boston. Not only is she naturally gorgeous, but she is also a joy to work with, smart and very professional! And she would get my vote even if she wasn’t my niece ; )

Click here to see one of Taryn’s recent runway shows in Boston at the Liberty Hotel, and check her out as she models the winning design for Boston Symphony Orchestra’s Project Tchaikovski.

{Screen shot from Oscar.go.com}

Starting at 6pm tonight you can visit Oscar.com for an interactive experience (including red carpet coverage) with this years award ceremony.

Come back later and tell me who you thought was best dressed. Enjoy the show!