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Oprah gives a boost to former Blairsville designer
Sep 6th
Barbara Boz, a former Blairsville resident whose Style Naturale line of jewelry was featured in these pages last year, has been paying close attention lately to Oprah Winfrey’s televised talk show.
The entertainment entrepreneur and trend-setter has regularly been wearing some of Boz’s organic hammered bangles on her wrist when she appears on air.
It’s just more good publicity for Boz’ business, after Oprah initially appeared on the August cover of her own O Magazine sporting an armful of the same hoops.
The A-list client and high profile appearances have translated into heightened demand for both Boz and her fashion accessories.
Since the magazine hit the stands in July, the bangles and many of the other pieces of women’s jewelry Boz has designed have been flying out of her inventory and onto additional store shelves or directly into new customers’ wardrobes.
"The endorsement is incredible," Boz said of the decision by Winfrey and her staff to include Boz’s bangles in the August magazine cover shoot.
"Oprah has great style," Boz said. "I’m thrilled and honored that she has chosen my jewelry, knowing that she’s got thousands of choices!"
The Organic Hammered Bangles worn by Winfrey are finished in 18-karat gold-plate with an irregular hammered texture and an organic oval shape, allowing them to fit the wrist naturally. They are expected to develop an attractive patina with repeated wearing. They also are available in silver-plate and oxidized silver-plate.
With the added attention Winfrey has afforded her jewelry, Boz recently has been interviewed for appearances on two local television stations in the Detroit metropolitan area she now calls home. She also was interviewed for that city’s popular "Mojo In The Morning" drive-time radio show.
Boz is quick to point out the spotlight is not so much focused on her as it is on her jewelry and its new connection to Winfrey.
"It’s Oprah, and I’m kind of along for the ride," Boz said,tiffany Pendants sale, adding, "It’s a great ride to be on."
She learned that more than 100,tiffany cuff Links on sale,000 listeners tuned into her appearance on the "Mojo" show.
And nearly all of them must have gone running to the Web site where Boz directly markets her fashion pieces.
"It got 155,000 hits during that day," she said.
Boz’s in with Oprah didn’t just happen by magic. She made several inquiries with an O magazine fashion editor before getting to make a pitch in person last November.
She learned in February that her bangles had been included in various poses shot with Winfrey but didn’t know for sure that her jewelry had made the cover until last June, a few weeks before the August issue hit the stands.
Winfrey liked the pieces well enough to purchase them for keeps.
Boz said she feels she got in the door with the O staff because she shared their instincts about fashion trends for 2007.
"Bangles are really hot right now,cheap tiffany Pendants," she noted. "It’s a fashion influence from the ’60s and ’70s.
"Everyone’s looking for strong, singular pieces with not a lot of fuss."
Boz noted that all her jewelry is designed to have an "organic" appeal, incorporating body-conscious forms that allow for wearing comfort and easy movement.
Other guiding elements of her jewelry include: hand-crafted textures that are artisan-inspired; versatility; and affordability.
According to Boz,tiffany rings for sale, her designs can be described as "classic chic, bridging the gap between the casual eclectic and the classic, merging the modern with the timeless. The line features bold designs that are stylish yet relaxed. The look is fresh, smart and unpretentious."
In addition to luxury metals, her pieces incorporate semi-precious gemstones and crystals.
After high school, Boz studied interior design at LaRoche College in Pittsburgh, where she graduated with honors.
She became a top executive in one of the country’s leading interior architectural design firms before striking out to pursue her own fashion ideas.
In the past, her jewelry has been featured on the QVC home shopping cable network.
Her parents, George and Mary Plunkett, still live in Blairsville.
Jeff Himler can be reached at jhimler@tribweb.com or (724) 459-6100,tiffany earrings sale, ext. 13.
Beautiful day to start a tradition
Sep 1st
Saturday was a picturesque day at Aiken Golf Club, which seemed appropriate since it is likely many will look back on it as a memorable day. That’s because the first round of the inaugural City of Aiken Amateur Championship was held at the nearly 100-year-old golf course.
"It’s just fun being here," said Chuck Woodard, one of 80 golfers to complete the first round of the 36-hole event which will conclude today. "I’m amazed it didn’t start 50 years ago."
Given the rich tradition and standing golf has in Aiken,earrings, it’s hard to believe there hasn’t been a singular championship for either the city or the county prior to this tournament.
"It had been discussed with clubs and the city on and off for years," said Tom Soderstrom, the tournament director. "Bo McCullough, one of the members (at Aiken Golf Club), and Lorraine Morgan, the golf shop manager, took initiative for it to get off the ground. They took the bull by the horns. Now, the city is very enthused by it. The concept is to create an annual event that rotates between the Aiken city clubs in hopes that it becomes one of the major amateur golf events."
Saturday was the culmination of the years of conjecture regarding the City of Aiken Amateur Championship. When Terry Montgomery hit his tee shot on No. 1, the tournament was official.
"I got to hit the first shot in the city inaugural championship," said Montgomery, a member at Aiken Golf Club.
He finished with 92,tiffany rings clearance, second best in his foursome composed of Aiken Golf Club members Charles Osborne (90), Charlie McPherson (95) and Ray Parker (117).
It was another foursome with Aiken Golf Club members, however, that produced the co-leaders at the end of the first round. McCullough — who took the initiative to make the tournament a reality — shot 2-under-par 68, tying him for the top spot on the leaderboard with reigning Aiken Golf Club champion Ron Schroder.
"It feels pretty good," McCullough said of leading,discount tiffany bracelets, although he said he didn’t play that great. "I’m more happy the tournament is going so well and that the players are having a good time."
That was definitely the consensus of the players as they returned to the clubhouse. Regardless of their score, most were pleased to be in the field of the inaugural event.
"I think it’s great for the community,shop for tiffany money clips," said Patrick Cunning, who is three shots off the lead after his first-round 71.
"I’m honored to be a participant," said Mike Wiland, who was unhappy with his performance although he’s in fourth place after shooting 72. "It’s an honor for the Aiken Golf Club to have the first one, and I’m glad the McNair family got it."
The McNair family’s fingerprints were all over the event. Ellyn McNair, widow of Jim McNair, Aiken Golf Club’s former owner, was on hand. She was there, in part, to cheer on her grandson, Jim McNair III, who was in the field and shot 80.
"I think it’s fantastic," Ellyn McNair said. "This will set a high standard for other clubs, hopefully."
Much of the credit can go to Jim McNair Jr., owner, head golf professional and superintendent at Aiken Golf Club. He set up the course for the championship. By all accounts, it was in top condition.
"The course is in excellent shape," said Bob Petrulovich after carding an 87. "It was difficult but fair. You couldn’t ask for anything more."
Most players echoed those sentiments. It seems that the course — which is playing at a distance of 6,007 yards for the Regular and Senior Division and 5,660 yards for the Super Senior Division — compensates for its lack of distance by demanding accuracy around the green.
"If you get on the wrong side of the hole, be careful," said Todd Fields, who shot 77. "This golf course, its only defense is the greens, and they’re rolling fast."
"Pin placements is what made it challenging," said Matt Musolf,tiffany cuff Links sale, who played with Fields and shot 73, leaving him tied for fifth with Stephen Anaclerio and Chaz Masters. "The greens won today."
McCullough might have summed it up best, saying, "The way Jim has it set up is awesome."
The players will return for the final round today. The first group is set to tee off at 8 a.m., with the leaders slated to start at 11:20 a.m.
While some players are likely out of the running for the overall title, the event has been flighted to give all players a chance to win prizes, regardless of the overall scores.
There will be a champion who will have his name emblazoned on the championship’s trophy. It will be in the unique position of being on top of all future winners.
"The player who wins the city championship is going to be a player who has all facets of the game," Jim McNair Jr. said.
Contact Noah Feit at nfeit@aikenstandard.com.
Area teens have passion for fashion
Jan 27th
Brandi Beutler’s back-to-school shopping goal is simple: Find cute clothes at bargain prices.
On a recent trip to the Lewiston Center Mall, she and three other 16-year-olds said the best school clothes are a perfect combination of style, comfort and affordability, and fashion is subjective.
“I go for whatever is a reasonable price and cute,” said Brandi, daughter of Michele and Bill Valentine’s Day gift.
Tiffany Ho, daughter of Linda Do and James Ho of Clarkston, said she prefers the “urban look” of jeans tucked into boots, long cardigans and long necklaces.
“If I feel like making a bold move, I wear something different than what everyone else is wearing,” Tiffany said. “One time I wore leather leggings to school with pumps. I got many different responses. My English teacher liked it a lot. I think I wore them twice.”
Kids who just want to blend into the crowd can play it safe with jeans and T-shirts, but it takes a bit more confidence to break out of the box. “As long as you don’t care what other people think, you can pull it off,” Brandi said. “I have pink and purple pants. Some people looked at me kind of funny when I wore them. I like them, so it doesn’t really matter.”
Skye Leighton, son of Michelle and Jesse Leighton of Clarkston, said he enjoys dressing nice for school on game days. “I like ties that are interesting but professional, not crazy like a clown tie. I like a sweater over a shirt and tie. Your belt, socks and shoes have to match.”
Accessories are important, said Lexee Hoffman, daughter of Bev and Mel Hoffman of valentine’s day jewelry gifts.
“Bracelets are big,” said the high school junior, who was wearing five on one of her wrists.
“And prescription glasses are in style,” Skye added.
As for shoes, flip flops are still popular, along with sandals and sport-inspired footwear, such as Converse, the teens said.
“I bought five colors of the same style of sandals,” Brandi said. “They were like $6, so it was a good deal.”
Most schools have dress codes, but the rules are rarely enforced, the kids said. For example, shorts are supposed to be fingertip length and tank tops should have thick straps.
If it’s hot on the first day of school, the girls plan to wear shorts, tank tops and sandals. “I like tank tops that have stuff on the back, like a design,” said Lexee, finding an example on a rack.
Skye said he’ll probably opt for a T-shirt and shorts on the first day, which is pretty standard for the male student population. “Guys go with their favorite teams a lot. I personally like Boise State. In winter, it’s sweatshirts. The rest of the time it’s T-shirts.”
Wearing a jean jacket with jeans is a fashion don’t, the teens advised. Vests are OK, unless they’re too valentines day jewelry. “No marshmallows,” said Lexee. “And jean shorts for guys our age is a fashion no.”
“These are a cheesy no,” added Tiffany, pointing to a T-shirt that says, “Hello. My name is awesome.”
Skye, Tiffany and Brandi buy most of their clothes. Lexee said her parents foot the bill for hers. She estimates her back-to-school wardrobe will cap out at about $400.
“It varies,” Brandi said. “Sometimes I spend $100 and other times I’ve spent up to $500.”
“People get jobs, save money and buy their own clothes over the course of the summer. It’s not like a one-day event anymore,” Skye said.
Finding a good deal is imperative if you’re on a limited budget, they said, and boys have a built-in advantage.
“Guys’ clothes are way cheaper than girls’ clothes,” Skye said.
That’s because clothing merchandisers know young women get hooked on certain must-have items and set the prices valentines gifts, Brandi said. “Girls set their hearts on clothes and if they can’t get it, they’re devastated. At least, most girls are like that.”
Clothes from Hollister, Abercombie & Fitch and American Eagle usually fall into that category, said the girls.
Brandi and Tiffany said their favorite store is Forever 21, and the closest one is in Spokane. Lexee likes the Buckle, which is in Moscow, and Skye doesn’t have a favorite.
“I like to express myself in a lot of different ways,” said Tiffany, who wants to work in the fashion industry someday.
“For the most part, I just want to dress decent,” Brandi said.
An artsy stroll with music and chocolate in Chandler: Jewelry, paintings, graffiti to line downtown streets
Jan 26th
You can love or hate Valentine’s Day with its lacy doilies and sappy love notes, but most people look favorably on one aspect of the holiday — chocolate.
The Downtown Chandler Community Partnership is well aware of the sweet-tooth cravings that abound valentines day jewelry up to Valentine’s Day, and the organization is offering free chocolate to the first 50 people who come to their booth at the Downtown Chandler Art Walk on Wednesday.
Artwork featured will include photography, jewelry, paintings and more. Musicians will also provide entertainment.
“We will have the Brisas Mallets, which is a group of elementary school performers,” said organization member Eileen Brill Wagner. “They are very talented, and when they played last year they drew a huge crowd.”
Brill Wagner encourages all members of Chandler families to come out for the event.
“Kids can be dropped off at Mind Over Splatter, which is a downtown shop, for a free activity while their parents browse around the art walk,” she said.
Some of the art to be featured will include work by John Koleszar, who uses a spray-painting technique with handmade stencils, and urban graffiti by artists Brez and Closer.
“The group of artists who make up the art walk are a jury,” Brill Wagner said. “If other tiffany money clips are interested in displaying their work on the art walk, they submit photos and the jury votes. We limit the number of artists in each category so that we don’t have too much of one thing.”
“It’s a wonderful evening to stroll along the downtown streets where the restaurants are open,” Brill Wagner said. “I can’t think of a better family-friendly thing to do for free on a Wednesday night.”
Chandler Art Walk
When: 5-9 p.m. first Wednesday of the month
Where: Historic downtown tiffany pendants
Admission: Free
Information: Downtown Chandler Community Partnership, (480) 855-3539
Trade ministry will seek support for export sectors that need it
Jan 24th
The commerce ministry has concluded its sectoral review of exports and will seek additional support for industries still under pressure, commerce and industry minister Anand Sharma said on Wednesday.
“We will see what we can do and seek continuation of support where it is absolutely necessary,” he said, adding that labour-intensive sectors such as handicraft, leather, and gems and jewellery continue to be in trouble.
“Sectoral reviews have been completed. I am soon going to work on the recommendations. They will also get tiffany jewelry on our budget proposals,” Sharma told reporters at the sidelines of a conference organized by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, or Ficci.
The Directorate-General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under the ministry carried out the performance review of key export sectors.
It also examined if any sector might need additional incentives due to the slump in external demand for Indian goods.
Asked if the finance ministry would withdraw some of the incentives provided to the exporters, Sharma said any such move will be a considered pull-back. “The finance minister will dispassionately examine the sectoral performance and do what is judicious,” he said.
Merchandise exports rose in November for the first time this fiscal to $13.2 billion (Rs61,512 crore) from $11.16 billion tiffany money clips, up 18.28%. However, exports in the April-November period were lower than in the year-ago period, having dropped 22.32% to $104.25 billion.
Sectors that saw significant growth are gems and jewellery (40.4%), petroleum products (83.6%), iron ore (47.2%), and plastic and linoleum (28%).
The sectors that lagged behind are textiles (6%), drugs and fine chemicals (8.7%), tobacco (5.6%), carpet (5.8%), and engineering goods (6.8%).
Earlier on Wednesday, commerce secretary Rahul Khullar said: “I am not in favour of providing incentives if it cannot be sustained.”
Khullar also called for “some degree of stability”, expressing apprehension that there could be a tendency to “tiffany pendants back some of the incentives” already provided to exporters.
Gems and jewellery sector worried over changes in Direct Taxes Code
Jan 22nd
Faced with severe margin pressures, members of the gems and jewellery industry (GJI) are tiffany now concerned about the proposed changes in the Direct Taxes Code, including provisions relating to search and seizure, tax deduction at source (TDS) and minimum alternate tax (MAT).
The All India Gems and Jewellery Trade Federation (GJF), an apex body representing the trade feels that since the proposed changes are in the draft bill now under circulation, the Finance Ministry could reconsider these provisions. If the Code gets cleared in the present form to be applicable from April 1, 2011, the industry would be adversely hit.
The Director of All-India Gems and Jewellery Federation, Mr Mohanlal Jain, said, “if these changes are not brought about before enacting the Direct Taxes Code Bill, 2009, the provisions relating to seizure of any stock in trade of bullion, precious and semi-precious stones or jewellery, is draconian and discriminatory against the GJF trade.” The seizure of entire stock in trade when there is any difference during raids is not acceptable. The GJF has also objected to 2 per cent tax on gross assets since the industry operates on small margins with high inventory valentines jewelry levels. There is a discrepancy in this as a company earning 2 per cent net profit will require to pay the same tax as a company earning 8 per cent net profit, Mr Jain said.
The GJI in India contributes to approximately 3 per cent of the gross domestic product of the country and is a key player in the economy. Therefore, it would be in the interest of the Government to ensure that it remains healthy and the trading community are not subjected to these proposed provisions.
“As a representative of the industry trade body, we are taking up the matter with the Finance Ministry and apex silver bangles chambers and hope that the changes are brought about before it is finally enacted,” he said.
Maybe This Is The ‘Darkest Hour’ Before A Better ‘Dawn’
Jan 19th
There has been plenty of reporting over the huge advertising-page declines afflicting most women’s fashion/beauty magazines. But the brutal economy gets a tacit acknowledgment at best, when the sharp decline in discretionary spending is what made conditions so terrible. Chart on page 3 shows the devastation, made worse at Conde Nast because of the discontinuation of the multimedia Fashion Rocks. Major partner for the 2004-2008 Radio City Music Hall (New York) event was Citigroup, so FR was doomed by the financial–not fashion–crisis.
The consensus from publishers is clear: what were huge inserts from large fashion/beauty companies and retailers in Septembers past have trickled down to a few pages, and 19 out of the 22 charted magazines being advertising page-down in September is expected. Exception #1 is InStyle (+2.10%), where hired-in-February 2009 publisher Connie Anne Phillips (ex-Vogue) credits the “inspiring work” of managing editor Ariel Foxman (ex-Cargo) and the creativity of associate publisher/marketing Ron Prince in
putting together the 28-advertiser Fifteen for Fall integrated marketing program to help mark IS’ 15th anniversary (more to come).
Exception #2 is People StyleWatch, with a perfect-bound September (+14.10%) being further proof of publisher (since September 2007) Michelle Myers telling us that “we really are driving people to retail”–with September advertiser Tiffany being an upscale example.
Exception #3 is Fitness (+47.29%), which publisher (since July 2007) Lee Slattery and editor-in-chief (since September 2008) Betty Wong have taken from the doldrums. Wong’s increasing beauty content from 10.2% to 14.8% is a big factor, says Slattery.
One September example of being down in ad pages and up in creativity comes from Marie Claire’s (-23.12%) The New Way to Shop onsert. “Focus is on motivating consumers to go back to stores,” says publisher (since September 2004) Susan Plagemann. Advertising includes beauty exclusivity from Alberto-Culver’s Tresemme shampoo.
But Plagemann also says: “There are less dollars in the market. Period.” When will there be more? What matters most, says promoted-in-March Elle senior vp/chief brand officer Carol Smith, is “people feeling good about their situations, especially their jobs.”
Vogue publishing director (since February 2002) Tom Florio predicts that “we’ll come out of this stronger than ever,” with Vogue remaining #1 in fashion. As it was with September 2007 and Vogue’s record 727 ad pages, which are revisited with next month’s release of the Sundance Film Festival-winning The September Issue. That’s when times were great.
WOMEN’S-FASHION SEPTEMBER AD PAGES: 1999 THROUGH 2009 (rounded off)
FR = Conde Nast 2008/2007 ad pages include 40 to 70 ad pages from Fashion Rocks onsert
” ” 2006 ” ” include 30 to 40 ” ” from Fashion Rocks onsert
30 = Hearst 2009/2008/2007/2006 ad pages include fractional number from 30 Days of Fashion onsert; Harper’s Bazaar’s 2009/2008 ad pages include about 10 from Runway Report
Spring jewelry auctions yield mixed results
Jan 15th
| Sotheby’s sold this 1860 diamond pendant hair ornament by Bapst for $260,000 at its Magnificent Jewels auction. |
“Diamond prices were exceptionally strong, with aggressive international private collectors and international trade buyers competing heavily in a market where important stones are extremely scarce,” Teakle says.
Lisa Hubbard, executive director of Sotheby’s International Jewelry, says of her house’s sale, “Once again this spring we are seeing a clear trend that collectors are seeking beautiful, wearable jewelry. While our top-priced diamonds failed to find buyers, we saw active competition for signed vintage pieces by the best makers.”
Notable items from the Christie’s sale include a 51-carat D flawless pear-shaped diamond sold to jeweler Laurence Graff for $3.4 million-exceeding estimates of $2.5 million to $3 million. An art nouveau bracelet by Rene Lalique sold for $365,900, and a set of seven pearl and gemset starfish brooches by JAR went for $220,300. The collection of jewelry sold by actress Kim Basinger to benefit the Performing Animal Welfare Society totaled $132,167, beating the high estimate.
Among highlights of the Sotheby’s sale were a 1930 Tiffany cabochon emerald and diamond ring that sold for $96,000, exceeding estimates of $50,000 to $70,000, and a 1920 Cartier diamond and onyx bracelet for $60,000, twice its estimated price. Another highlight of the sale was a circa 1860 diamond pendant hair ornament by Bapst that was formerly from the Collection of the French Crown Jewels, which brought in $260,000.
Tiffany Declares Regular Quarterly Dividend
Jan 13th
The Board of Directors of Tiffany & Co. (NYSE: TIF) has declared a regular quarterly dividend of 17 cents per share on its Common Stock. The dividend will be paid on July 10, 2009 to stockholders of record on June 22, 2009.
Company Description
Tiffany & Co. operates tiffany jewelry and specialty retail stores and manufactures products through its subsidiary corporations. Its principal subsidiary is Tiffany and Company. The Company operates TIFFANY & CO. retail stores and boutiques in the Americas, Asia-Pacific and Europe and engages in direct selling through Internet, catalog and business gift operations. Other operations include consolidated results from ventures operated under trademarks or trade names other than TIFFANY & CO. For additional information, please visit www.tiffany.com or call our shareholder information line at 800-TIF-0110.
Eastgate outlasts Demidov to capture his 1st bracelet
Dec 14th
Tournament director Jack Effel, who uses his mike to acknowledge celebrity tiffany jewelry players in the crowd at the World Series of Poker, gave a big shout out of another sort Monday.
“Let’s hear it for the money!” said Effel, drawing a roar from fans who had seen a mountain of cash piled high on a table.
Peter Eastgate, a 22-year-old from Denmark who became the youngest player to win the WSOP’s Texas Hold ‘Em Main Event early Tuesday, earned first-place money of $9.15million after beating Ivan Demidov in the longest final in WSOP history.
The two-day final table play took 274 hands and 15 hours, 28 minutes, surpassing the previous long of 14 hours, 10 minutes in 2005.
Despite the endurance, this was not a winner-take-all tournament. Of the 6,844 players who entered, 666 finished in the money. That ran from Eastgate down to finishers 617-666, who made $21,230 for the price of their $10,000 entry fees.
All nine finalists already had been paid $900,670 for at least ninth place. So Kelly Kim, 31, silver earrings of Whittier, Calif., who started the final table with the lowest chip count, was keenly aware what it meant when he finished eighth instead of ninth.
“About 380 (thousand dollars),” Kim said.
Make that an additional $387,547 that Kim got for winning eighth-place money of $1,288,217.
Not that the ninth-place money was chump change for Craig Marquis, 23, of Arlington, Texas, who dropped out of college to pursue professional poker.
“I’ll probably be playing poker for a few years. I have enough money now where I don’t have to sweat the small stuff,” he said.
For second, Demidov, 27, of Moscow, won $5.8million, which is a whole lot more than the $560,000 total that Doyle Brunson got for winning back-to-back Main Events in 1976-77.
Demidov acknowledged he will share most of his winnings with a Russian financial supporter who silver key rings helped him get here.
“I have a backer that pays for me, and, yeah, I’m going to share the monies with him, with him getting more than me,” Demidov said. “Without him, I wouldn’t be able to even come and play here.”
Such deals are not uncommon in poker. Last year, Englishman Jon Kalmar placed fifth and won about $1.26 million. He said he would share his winnings with British pros, who backed him financially.
Eastgate, who won his first WSOP bracelet, said he paid the $10,000 entry fee. Did he receive any backing that might entail sharing his $9.15million?
“That’s confidential,” Eastgate said.
There are other ways in which winnings are shared in poker. Away from high-profile tournaments, silver necklaces pros and amateurs play cash games among themselves.
When poker pro Erick Lindgren received his player of the year award for his overall performance in the 55-event World Series, he passed along a message to Eastgate and Demidov.
“Brunson told me to tell them that there is a cash game when they’re done tonight,” Lindgren said.