Journey of a Jeweler

a journey into fashion decorating style and life with jeweler lisa lehmann

Lisa Lehmann Designs, formerly StudioJewel

handcrafted jewelry

Find the right necklace for your neckline – fashion tip

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Necklaces. We love them. But sometimes choosing the right one can be perplexing. Sometimes we get stuck in a rut. Sometimes it’s easier to go without!

My general rule? Find what you love and wear it. However, that leaves many of us…shall we say…perplexed?. Often I find it easier to know the rule…follow the rule. That way, when my mind is not functioning on all power, I at least know I look pulled together. Somewhat. For me. At least. Awww…give me a break!

I had the privilege of giving some tips to my friend Galit Breen. She put all my tips together is this amazing article posted on allparenting.com! Instead of reinventing the wheel, I’m going to send you over there! And not just selfishly for MY info…but there is a wealth of parenting tips and tricks worth checking out!

So shoo!

Click the link. Read the article. Leave a comment. (bloggers love comments). And if you are so inclined – let me know your tips and tricks for accessorizing. Inquiring minds love to know. And remember…bloggers love comments. That doesn’t sound too needy does it? 🙂

xoxoxo
lisa

Telling your story. Telling my story. Telling my story of depression with jewelry.

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It is the stories.

Sometimes they are your stories and sometimes they are mine.

 

But truly, behind every piece of jewelry I design, or every piece of jewelry someone purchases from me or even elsewhere, there is a story.  I love the stories.

Sometimes I like to TELL my story. But sometimes it’s easier to show it.

Awhile ago I was invited to share my story about my struggle with depression to a group.  Out loud. In front of real people! Probably one of the most difficult things I have ever done. In preparation…I wrote my story down. All of it. From the very beginning.

 

Sometimes I like to TELL my story. But sometimes it’s easier to show it.

 

It was hard. Like really hard. It made me relive a lot of memories. Memories I would rather not linger upon. Memories better left buried.
The entire time I wrote, the story kept playing itself out in visual form. I live in the visual… so it makes perfect sense.

 

I began to sense the need to design. The need to create. I wanted to make something.
Something tangible.
Something visual.
Something that would SHOW my story rather than just tell it.

 

This ring emerged.

 

 

Here is its story.
Because it is a beautiful piece of jewelry, it shows that there is beauty after the storm.
The swirling shape reminds me of how I felt. It was as if I was stuck in a spiraling whirlpool that was sucking me down into the very depths. Drowning. Gasping for air.
But there’s more. The spiral also stands for something else. It is a reminder that even when I didn’t FEEL it…God was surrounding me with His arms. His presence was always there. Although I felt to recognize it most of the time, he never left me.

 

Recycled sterling silver. I use recycled metal in all my designs because the environment is important to me. But this time? This time it meant something more. Being remade into something more beautiful. Given a second chance at life. Not starting with new… using what I had to become something better. I like that.

 

The Garnet stone in the center is a reminder of Jesus gift to me. It reminds me that he died for me. Not because I deserve it. But because he loves me. And because I am enough.

 

Enough. A single word.

 

Perfectly created. Seamlessly design. Living a life he intended.
Full of faults. Full of sin. Full of ugliness.
Surrounded by grace.

 

Again…this is MY story.
You may not believe it. You may not embrace it. That’s perfectly okay.

 

I just needed to SHOW my story. For me.

 

Because it really is all about the stories isn’t it? We all have one to share. And by sharing our stories…who knows?

 

Who knows who we may touch?
Who knows who we may inspire?
Who knows who may have needed to hear your story at that very moment.

 

Sometimes they are YOUR stories.
But this time?
This time…the story is mine.

 

xoxoxoxoxoxxxxxooo
lisa

10 Fashion Don’ts you really need to follow

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We tend to focus on trends and what IS fashionable. What shoes to wear. What looks best with cropped jeans. What kind of accessories you need to spruce up your summer wardrobe.

But at some point you need to process what you should not do! We’ve all made those mistakes. And really in the great scheme does it really matter? Probably not. But why not save ourselves from one more embarrassing moment?

Here are my top ten fashion no-no’s.
  1. Leggings and/or tights are not pants. I know we have covered this before. But it bears repeating. It’s just too much information if you know what I mean, no matter how amazing you think you look in them!
  2. Shorts that are too short. There are very few, save the actual Daisy Duke, who can pull off the short shorts. And even if you can, don’t. It screams cheesy, cheap and easy. Again, too much information. Anything less than a 3″ inseam for the younger set, and 5-6″ for the {{ahem}} more mature is just plain not cool.
  3. Platform sneakers. They are just plain ugly. Seriously ugly. Like ewww. Please, just don’t!
  4. Animal prints. In general let’s just say a little leopard can go a long way. As an accent. On your feet. On your handbag. Just don’t go all out animal or you look like you are a Bronx Zoo escape-y!
  5. Sweatpants and running suits. Are you headed to the gym? On your way home from an awesome workout? Those are the only two reasons you should be wearing one. They aren’t cute, not so much flattering – and like I tell my girls who want to wear sweatpants to school….NO! It looks sloppy. Present yourself well.
  6. The Ugg dilemma. I love my Ugg’s truly. But I live in Indiana. And it was a cold winter. Therefore the weather demanded warm footwear. But once the temps rise enough that you don’t really need pants…you don’t really need furry boots. Capiche?
  7. Bad undergarments. Did you know they show? Did you know they shouldn’t? Just as much as I never want to see “pink” emblazoned across someones buttocks, I don’t want to see your pink bra strap, unless you are inevitably wearing a tank top and can’t help it. I definitely do NOT want to see your thong hanging out of your jeans. Again….ewwww! And on the other end of the spectrum, baggie panties just don’t do it. Buy some that fit, seamless even…please.
  8. Overalls. I know they are making a comeback. Everything does. But unless you are tween or young teen you just look like you belong in a Kenny Chesney video. And hey, if he wants you to wear overalls in his video…go for it! Just leave them on the set. K?
  9. Pajama pants. Right up there with exercise gear. Are you heading to bed? A slumber party? Then rock it sistah. Otherwise, don’t even do carpool in them. You know what your mother always told you about wearing clean underwear when you leave the house? Well, the same goes for pajama pants. You just never know what might happen!
  10. Tight and short. If you have to strain to zip it. Or you can see the mole on your back rising through your shirt. You need to upsize. There is nothing wrong with upsizing to fit your body. You may be feeling out of shape and like you want to lose weight…but nothing screams it to the world then clothes that are too small. WHO CARES what size it is. Buy something that fits. Don’t refuse to buy a large because it’s a LARGE. I always buy large…especially when I am bargain shopping from companies that carry designer names. Their clothes notoriously run small. Buy what fits. You will look better. You will feel better. And you will present yourself better.
So friends, those are the first 10 fashion don’ts that came to mind. Nothing that should have made you say “i never thought of that”…but hopefully just a gentle reminder. We all need them once in awhile.

don’t wear this either. what IS it?
Anything you want to add? Anything I missed? Leave it in the comments – I would LOVE to know your thoughts!

As an FYI, I AM wearing a tank top today…you can see my bra strap…but it’s a gentle light pink, and my tank top is not skin tight…therefore I shall count this as a WIN!

xoxoxoxoxooxoxo
lisa

ask Lisa – What shoes are hot for spring and best for season transition

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Spring. Sometimes it’s cold. Sometimes it’s hot. Often it’s just mushy.

We long for flip flops and sandals. We’re ready to box up our boots. But what do we wear now?

This is a question I not only get asked a lot, but I ask myself on a daily basis! Who knew shoes could produce so much angst?

Here are my top pick for transitional spring shoes – guys included – you didn’t really think I wanted to ignore you did you?

Let’s start with you, since in all reality, you have it MUCH easier than us girls!

Office job? Oxfords are STILL hot. Great with jeans or khakis. Seriously adore. Spice it up with a pair of blue suede shoes. I mean if Elvis can do it…



Play time! Why the boat shoe is back – hello 80’s – I’ll never know…but as long as you go Lacoste (think tiny alligator) you’ll never go wrong. But if I was a guy, I’d choose these Sperry’s and wear them proudly!




Of course guys, you can always choose a pair of Chuck Taylor Converse – they just never go out of style. Like ever.

Now on to the ladies. Yeehaw!!

  • 1. Color and patterns are super hot…so why not colored patterned Espadrilles like these from Ugg! J’adore! (Zappos.com)
    • – pair with jeans – shorts – denim skirts – sundress – cropped patterned pants. 
  • 2. Metallics are still popular and I love these Kelly & Katie Limbo silver flats from DSW.com.
    • – really cute with skirts  and skinny jeans!
  • 3. My new fav? These oxfords from Target. Two sets of laces. All sorts of fun. And seriously? Pink soles? I die. (they come in other colors too!)
    • – boyfriend jeans – denim skirt – shorts – any sort of baggy-ish pants rolled up.
  • 4. Graphic printed anything is in. So are sneakers. Why not combine the two? So you could make your own polka dot tennies like Isabel did (here’s the tutorial) or you could buy a pair like these Keds at Kohls. I’m sure they are on sale. I mean really, does anyone pay full price at Kohl’s? 
    • – jeans – shorts – short skirts and sundresses
There are my top pick for transitional shoes. I’m still mixing in my strappy sandals and flip flops as weather allows. But when it’s NOT cooperating, there is no need to be stumped on what looks fab on your tootsies.

And just in case the rain won’t stop? I recommend a pair of galoshes. They are super cute and available just about anywhere! My favs? These from DSW.com. LOVE!

Happy spring stylish friends!

Do you have a question for me? Just shoot me an email at hello@StudioJewel.com – if I choose your question you get a $25 gift certificate to my shop. Easy peasy!

xoxoxoxoooxoxo
lisa

    Weekend Family Fashion the Easter edition

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    Honestly, I spent most of my weekend in workout clothes – and not just to be comfy. I was really putting them to good use! Seriously!

    I have this new “thing”. I bring my workout gear to the studio. When I start to feel like I’m hitting the proverbial “brick wall”, I take a productive break and spend 15-20 minutes exercising. I use the Nike Training Club app on my iPad – warning this is NOT for casual fitness…this is some serious bust your butt workouts. 

    But this is a weekend fashion post…is it not?

    Friday was Good Friday – and we went to church to reflect on our Saviors death. The girls and I did a little photo shoot before we headed out.

    Isabel’s outfit is very simple, yet very put together – she is talented like that! The touch of lace gives it a light touch of spring under her very weather appropriate sweater. Don’t you just love her shoes? Straight from Japan-town in San Francisco!

    sweater H&M • jeans Old Navy • lace tank Meijer • shoes Japan-town
    Tahlia always has her fashion sense on. She found this cute summer dress but knew it was still too cold. A cropped sweater, some leggings and sparkle flats…tadah! Fashion complete!

    dress and sweater hand me down from big sisters – leggings Old Navy – shoes Payless
    Anneke was a little late to the party..aren’t all teenagers? But she was taking time putting some pretty curls in her hair. 1-1/2″ round curling iron all over. Love!

    There were silly moments…
    Me? I paired my Old Navy shirt dress with these fab Steve Madden flats and leggings. Remember? Leggings are not pants 🙂 Also embracing the aviator sunglasses trend.

    The shirt dress is busy enough, so no necklace…just earrings and bangle bracelets to bring out the metallic in my shoes.

    Easter Sunday. My favorite day of the year! Why? Because Jesus is not a hater…he is a lover of ALL people. He died for EVERYONE. For all our sins to make us right with God. And…he is Risen!!!

    I think our kids show the joyous feeling of the day with how much color they embraced!

    noah – jeans Levi’s / shirt Old Navy / shoes Nordstroms Rack • Anneke boutique dress • Isabel dress Forever 21 / shoes Kohls • Tahlia hand me downs…poor thing!
    This might be my favorite photo of the day. My little seen husband was coerced into posing with me! Aren’t we just perfect together?

    This dress is one of my favorites, purchased last year at JB and Me. Black and white are a HUGE trend for spring and summer and the diagonal lines are a flattering – distracting – design. A simple black cardi to keep it seasonally appropriate and minimal jewelry…well, minimal for me. No earrings or necklace. A slight mix of copper and silver – the copper to some warmth. Ignore my crazy hair. I mean geesh! I had it cut by someone new this week 🙁 I hate it. But that’s a story for another day.

    dress JB&me / cardi Banana Republic / Shoes DSW / jewelry my own
    I hope you had a wonderful weekend with family or friends. We finished out Sunday with our traditional egg hunt. Since we are still in a transitional home, we decided to do it at church…lights out. Let’s just say next Sunday some kids may be very happy when they discover the eggs we just couldn’t find! 🙂

    I’m off for a shopping day in Indianapolis today. The girls have informed me they have NOTHING to wear for spring. Wish me luck!

    xooxoxoxx
    lisa