Dusk & Rubies: women support women project

Showing posts with label women support women project. Show all posts

3/7/14

Your Invited Inside: Main Line Fashion Week

[Photo @mlfashionweek]

Where: Grace Winery At Sweetwater Farm

Other Details: This week marked the first ever Main Line Fashion Week in PA, and we couldn't help but be completely interested! The runway shows took place inside the Grace Winery at Sweetwater Farms- an amazing rustic backdrop to some killer Spring looks. Wednesday night's runway show was hosted by Philly Blog Love founder Jessie Holeva. As she announced, we sipped wine, munched delicately on h'or doevres from 12 St. Catering, and soaked in some spring trends from: Out There Outfitters, Sache Boutique, Element 6, Tish, Gramercy, and Van Cleve.

Gold Leaf Inspirations

Sometimes something just catches my eye, and then I can't stop imagining the different ways in which I can design it into jewelry. Lately, I have been inspired by gold leaf. I absolutely love figuring out all the ways I can design earrings, necklaces, and bracelets with these pieces. Here is a sneak peek of some of my most recent designs!

New Jewels Are Up On D+R Website!

A new year calls for some new jewels, new looks, and new experiences. Hey, we can help with that. We have a few new pieces up on the website, and a fun offer! Refer a friend to "like" the Dusk & Rubies Facebook page, or like it yourself if you have not already, and receive a 10% off coupon. Once you have liked us, message us via Facebook and BOOM you'll have a coupon code to apply at check out. Now that is a great way to start off the new year!

Stay Lovely,

D.R

Editor and Curator of

Dusk & Rubies

12/9/13

New Projects: Fashion Bloggers' Meeting At The New York Times

Writers at NY Times Meeting

It was last February, when I started my blog Dusk & Rubies as a way to add a voice behind my brand Dusk & Rubies Jewelry Company. In those first early months, I could never have imagined all the wonderful things I would gain to experience from starting this small but eager blog. Not only am I constantly in awe by the readers who are supporting, reading, and sharing our content (#teamlovely), but I am also in awe by the amazing opportunities, and people it has brought into my life. One of these amazing opportunities includes my invitation, from Bello Consulting, to attend a Fashion Bloggers' meeting last Thursday. It was held at the...wait for it...New York Times building in NYC.

As a writer, I know that trying to explain the feeling of walking into Time would be comparable to the sputtering of a small child trying to recount the magic, and sense of endless opportunity of visiting Disney World. Just imagine a cherubic child with twinkling eyes, and cheeks turned rosy from trying to say everything before taking a huge gulp of air...That was, is, and always will be what my excited face looks like.

Although I can't say what the meeting was about exactly (it is under wraps!), I can tell you that I am extremely excited about continuing on this path to support women, small businesses, and to pass on my positivity to anyone who may want or need a little more positive vibes in their life.

I think there is a lot to be said about how special a person is when they have the ability to bring others up, rather than put them down. It is so often, in our culture, that women are in competition with one another, rather than standing together proud of each other and their accomplishments. The sentiment of standing together, to support one another, was so strong during our meeting that everyone who was invited felt as if they could take on the world. I was completely inspired by each person and their story. It was so nice to be surrounded by like-minded individuals, and women who find importance and purpose in supporting others...oh, and look stylish while doing it of course.

Here are some more photos that I snapped while inside the Time Building.

Stay Lovely,

And remember:

Even small steps create paths which help to create new opportunities!

D.R

Editor and Curator of

Dusk & Rubies

10/20/13

Find Your Niche With (Nich) Boutique

On walking into (nich) boutique, one is greeted instantly with well curated sights, sounds, and smells.

First, your eye catches the black leather bomber with lace details you just have to try on! Then, you notice the old school sewing machines in retro colors as part of the stores' awesome eclectic décor, and vintage vibe.

Second, you recognize MGMT is playing softly in the background and you're thinking: Yessss, I haven't heard this song in for-ev-er...

Wearing:
From (nich)-
Black leather jacket over maroon a-line dress
Necklace-
Dusk & Rubies

...and finally you smell the clean scented candle burning behind the cash stand, which is next to old wooden crates that double as a display for the tastiest of fall accessories (ohheychrisi included).

What follows is a small prayer to the goddess of retail and the words "I don't care if I am Dorothy; please, leave me in Oz"...Well at least that's what happened to me, when I entered (Nich) boutique. That, and the instant grabbing and trying on of so many beautifully collected pieces.

Kristy Mak, the owner and curator of this little slice of heaven located on 161 Market St. Collegeville, PA 19426, is not only über chic greeting her customers with a vibrant lip, and a well stylized outfit, but also extremely friendly and knowledgeable on what looks good on who, and what types of pieces she wants to represent her brand.

Left to Right:
Kristy Mak, owner and curator of (nich)
Chrisi Lydon, designer and Philly blogger of ohheychrisi

As I was perusing, Kristy was giving feedback to another customer. The customer modeled what she picked out, while Kristy gave her her undivided attention, and a few styling tips. If you want to feel like perfection in your clothes, and like that idea of having a personal stylist, then Nich is the boutique you've been searching for. Kristy Mak helps everyone who walks into her boutique find there fashion (nich).

Want to see more?

web: www.ShopNich.com

instagram: @nichboutique

email: info@shopnich.com

Stay Lovely

D.R

Editor and Curator of

Dusk and Rubies

-------------------------------------------

Part of the WSWP: Women Support Women Project:

Know someone who is starting a small business and is looking for press? E-mail us your story, and your business may be chosen to have an article written about it [duskandrubies@gmail.com]

Written by: Danielle A. Rufrano
NYS Teacher Certification in English Language Arts
Freelance writer for: yourzenlife.com and getfesty.com
BA in English, 2010

10/9/13

The Be Bold Collection: Working With Jenna Mule of Jenna Mule Photography

With flecks of gold, and some bold colors- voila! The #BeBold Collection has been born! Or should I say with the expert eye of Jenna Mule Photography, and the steady hand of Melissa Gaglio of Magic's in the Make-Up The #BeBold Collection was created?

I was so lucky to get to work with the uber talented, precise, artistic, fun-loving, up for anything, playful Jenna Mule of Jenna Mule Photography.

Last Monday I walked into Jenna Mule's studio super excited, and slightly nervous. A couple of weeks ago we had discussed all of our ideas, our dreams, our hopes, and boy was there a lot of them! I found out quickly that Jenna and I think so much alike, artistically, and we are just about down to try anything to get a good photo (just check out some of these shots for a reference).

What's great about Jenna is she is not only a professional, who graduated cum laud from Post University for Photography, but she is also a relaxed, competent photographer who makes everyone she photographs completely at ease.

Between having my hair done, my face put on, and choosing which jewelry to shoot, I was able to ask Jenna a few questions:

Danielle: You have so many amazing shoot ideas, including this one, what inspires you, and your photography?

Jenna: People. (laughs) Their look, the interactions they have with one another. You know, if someone is having a bad day, and then you make them smile. That's my whole outlook/ idea of what photography should be.

Danielle: That's probably why you capture people so well. I love your ballerina series- the movement/ the poses- they look effortless and just so real. If you know what I mean.

Jenna: Yes! I know exactly what you mean. Let me show you my Christmas card picture; it was not the norm, but we loved it! (Talking about her and her boyfriend she showed both Melissa and I a large print of last years' Christmas photo including: her two dogs and cats.) We are not even all looking at the camera, but it just captured us!

Danielle: (laughing) Your essence. I love how you guys are laughing and looking at each other. It's perfection! I noticed your website jennamulephotography.com is a great platform for your work. You have so many beautiful shots that you have captured. What has been your favorite project so far?

Jenna: Thanks! Today was really fun. Where this is going to go is going to be really fun. (Pointing to Me and Melissa). It's fun to mess around with paint, and someone's face, and that's not something I can do on a normal shoot. I really loved the ballerina shoots too!

I really liked the neon splatter with black light, the girls on black series, and the pin up girl series.

Working with Jenna Mule I was astounded by her ability to walk the line between professionalism and personability. Her strengths include really listening to what her clients want. Jenna told us a story about a shoot she did two weeks prior. They were family shots which incorporate not only having to listening, but being patient. When the parents would state "the baby looks alert" she wouldn't hesitate to take as many shots as possible. I call that a photographer's intuition. By capturing what others want exactly Jenna is able to respect others visions as well as her own.

I cannot wait to work with Jenna Mule again! So please check her website out, and if you need photographs for any occasion she is your woman.

Website: www.jennamulephotography.com

Follow her on Instagram: @jennamule

Stay Lovely And Support Small Businesses,

D.R

Editor and Curator of

Dusk & Rubies Blog

-------------------------------------------

Part of the WSWP: Women Support Women Project

Know someone who is starting a small business and is looking for press? E-mail us your story, and your business may be chosen to have an article written about it [duskandrubies@gmail.com]

Written by: Danielle A. Rufrano
NYS Teacher Certification in English Language Arts
Freelance writer for: yourzenlife.com and getfesty.com
BA in English, 2010

10/2/13

The Magic's In The Make-up: Working with Melissa Gaglio

"I am a creator of alter ego's, weekend aliases,

bad girls, and good girls.

The question is...

If the magic's in the make-up, then who am I?"

-Melissa Gaglio

After having the amazing opportunity to collaborate with Melissa, a full time make-up artist, and the Owner & Founder of The Magic Is In The Make-Up, I think I have the answer to Melissa's question. I would have to say you are the all-mighty and powerful Oz!

The Wizard of Oz...

...and all things MAC!

This past Monday Melissa, Jenna (a super talented photography) and I came together for one amazing shoot! I was lucky enough to have my face transformed by Melissa who made me look like the offspring of Lady Gaga on her Applause album cover and a Jackson Pollock... if they were to have mated...and ya know...produced more iconic art. During our collaboration I was able to sit down and ask Melissa a few questions about her style, her love of all things make-up, and which products she suggests.

Danielle: So let's talk your own style, because you have an awesome look. What inspires you?

Melissa: Thank you! Old Hollywood glamour. I am in love with Lucille Ball, her look is probably my number one inspiration. More modern takes on her look that also inspire me are like Gwen Stephani, and Christina Hendricks from Madmen.

Danielle: I never thought about the connection between Gwen Stephani's look and Lucille Ball but I can completely see that. Speaking of looks, what is your favorite look that you have either experimented with or created for someone else?

Melissa: Usually when I get the chance to do some out of the box work, like we're doing right now; that's what I really like. I really like doing zipper eyes, Halloween gore make-up; the non-traditional stuff. I can appreciate good gore make-up...my boyfriend and I (smiles) were watching an episode of Dexter, and a girl was killed in a bathtub and I turned to him and was like, "that gore make up is terrible!" (laughing) He was like, "It looks pretty good to me."

Danielle: (laughing) Not something someone, other than a make-up artist, would pick up. It is awesome though, you have an entirely different perspective then my own when watching a show. You're looking purely at the magic of the make-up.

Danielle: People, women in general, always want to know which products are the best, and obviously everyone will have a different opinion, but today you used a plethora of make-up on me, probably more make-up was put on my face than I have ever had in my entire life, and yet it feels like there is nothing there. My skin feels like it can breathe! Which products do you recommend, and which products can you not live without?

Melissa: Of course Mac, Hourglass is great if you're looking for an all-natural alternative, or you have sensitive skin. Mehron. I cannot live without my Inglot gel liner, and Hourglass icon lip stain!

Danielle: What about favorite make-up artists? You have to have a few you aspire to, are inspired by...

Melissa: Yes, I love Joyce Bonelli who does Kim Kardashian, and Nikki Minaj. And, Max Factor because he is just a pioneer.

Photo taken by: Ashley Victoria Makeup: Melissa Gaglio Magics In The Make-up

I loved having my make-up done by Melissa, not only is she personable, and full of energy but also meditative, capable, and precise all without losing her spur of the moment artistic edge. A true enigma, like most amazing artists. While sitting and having my alias for the photo shoot put on I kept thinking:

This must be what the stars, and celebrities feel like when they are getting ready for there red carpets, and photo ops.

The Queen Suggests...

One step inside Queen City Cupcakes, and you'll think you have died and gone to pinterest heaven. You won't be able to resist snapping a few photos with your smartphone. I know I couldn't, as you'll play witness to my lack of restraint below.

While it's name, Queen City Cupcakes, may be deceiving, those of you who love a little indulgence will be pleasantly surprised that you can indulge in not only cupcakes, but also hot sellers like Carol's (the shop's owner) specialty vegan bars. And, if you're looking for a treat that's just a sweet, but not as sugary then you're also in the right place. Carol has her specialty shop set up to perfection, so that everyone who wanders in from Main Street will be greeted with an eyeful of enchantment.

One of my favorite pieces from the Dusk & Rubies
"How Country Feels"
Fall Collection 2013

There's Dusk & Rubies' Necklace and Earrings on Display!

Outdoor seating perfect for gabbing with girlfriends over coffee.

There is even more to see and taste, so come on down and meet Carol, the shop's owner and curator who is lovely and beyond friendly! Order a coffee and peruse the store at your leisure, maybe even snap a few photos. I can't imagine a better way to unwind after a long day of work...

...except for adding a turtle cupcake to your order. It might make it a smidge better...just a smidge.

Stats

Web: http://queencitypatchogue.com

62 West Main Street

Patchogue, New York 11772

Stay Lovely,

D.R

Editor and Curator of

Dusk & Rubies

-------------------------------------------
Part of the WSWP: Women Support Women Project

Know someone who is starting a small business and is looking for press? E-mail us your story, and your business may be chosen to have an article written about it [duskandrubies@gmail.com]

Written by: Danielle A. Rufrano
NYS Teacher Certification in English Language Arts
Freelance writer for: yourzenlife.com and getfesty.com
BA in English, 2010

8/2/13

What To Wear: To A Festival

Firstly, I apologize for being M.I.A from the blogosphere. I have had quite the tumultuous, exciting, and daunting couple of weeks as of late. (Part of me is upset that last sentence lacked parallelism but it will just have to do!) Anyway, of course this means there is a lot to share, but the most exciting is yet to come. The month of August will play host to most of my traveling opportunities this summer; I leave for Grenada today, and then Colorado. I also might be making a quick trip to Orlando (since I won a vacation for four! But hmmm who should I take?)

Now, onto what this post is truly about: The Great South Bay Festival and even more importantly something ridiculously awesome I saw there! You know I am a big fan, and advocate for small businesses. I love their attention to detail, the personable ways in which they make sure their clientele is taken care of, and of course the amount of passion and hard work that goes into creating something truly unique. That being said, I found the next small business I wanted to highlight on my blog. Their store is named, fittingly, Nomad. I became acquainted with this business at GSB!

Let's talk about how great of an idea this is! Food trucks are extremely popular right now. There are even television shows dedicated to those who aspire to own and operate their own food truck businesses. So why not fill a truck with delicious creations that won't add inches to your waist line, but rather cleverly hide, cinch, embellish, or highlight your lovely attributes instead? I'll take a second helping of that please, with a large statement ring on top!