Trunk Show Tuesday Night December 3rd in Newport

Heidi Brueggeman Trunk Show

Tuesday, Dec. 3rd

5:00 - 7:30 p.m.

@ North Sails Sales Office, IRYS Bldg, 4th Floor

449 Thames Street, Newport

MAJOR DISCOUNTS...Refreshments! 

Happy Holidays!!!

If you would like to schedule a private appointment please contact me at HeidiBrueggeman@gmail.com

www.HeidiBrueggeman.com





Betwixt by Heidi Brueggeman necklaces awaiting new homes



Vintage Eisenberg jewelry samples remade into necklaces using vintage chain or silk ribbons $70-400



Pyrite necklace on vintage chain, Green Onyx and Turquoise earrings, Long Carnelian and Turquoise necklace



Moonstone hoop earrings, Green Onyx and Turquoise Earrings, Antlers with Apatite, Small chandelier earrings with Carnelian and Peruvian Opal (sorry these were a bit camera shy)

It's Here

I haven't written much lately...I think I've been focused on feathering my nest and making sure my cold weather gear was in order. I knew the day would come when I needed a sweater and a fur. It's here.
The weather has actually been here for a little while now. I've been going back and forth with loafers versus boots, bare legs versus tights, and whether or not mittens are appropriate accessories before November. November is upon us, beaches are closed (or open depending on your level of interest in riding horses along the tideline), and alas, we must fall back with our timepieces into increasing darkness.
Preparing for the worst and hoping for the best...
HB

Decisions made on the beach will have to wait until 2014...

Commencement

Without school to plan for the last decade plus, I've wrestled with the start of Fall. Even though we don't officially bid adieu to Summer until the equinox on the full moon this month, anything post-Labor Day takes on a more serious air. Therefore so do I.
I start announcing "it's the last..." of this and that - beach days, al fresco dining, sandals, and summer sunsets. The reality is these events go on as long as we need them to, sometimes with a few more layers of clothing. Summer will return. Sometime in late April we will get the feeling that Summer won't let us down and it comes back. Maybe this is why I find comfort in the seasons. I need the reminder that life is cyclic, consistent. I too will survive a harsh winter like a daffodil bulb or a peony bush in hibernation.
I finally release the grief about summer when cool mornings arrive on my doorstep and the sun sets noticeably earlier. Town quiets to a dull roar on weekends and I inventory my sweaters. There are renewable ideas to get excited about once more because a new season is knocking at the door. A cozier season with crunchy leaves, fires, football, and routine.
Tomorrow is the beginning of New York Fashion Week, even though it's Spring 2014 collections it ushers in the beginning of the next season. Back to work, back to school. Today is also my half birthday. Usually the birthday is the beginning of the year in the spiritual world, today being my halfway point. I'll take this harvest time to review what has been, and what needs to be. Until then, let's express ourselves creatively and with humor. Most often these are the bones of my life giving me tenacity and curiosity to explore what is next.
Until my next post...

Heidi Brueggeman Trunk Show at Rē in North Kingstown, RI TODAY!

Noon until 7 o'clock at Rē on Post Road in N Kingstown, RI.
A percentage of the sales will benefit the Rhode Island Food Bank.

Sunday Style

My friend DMK and I were reminiscing about the small silk scarf and its multiple styling uses. We agreed that our 1990s neckerchief use was a consistent style statement of ours - both above and below the Mason Dixon line. DMK and I decided we really need to dig these small scarves out and start using them regularly again in all sorts of ways. Summer being a great time to play with colorful anything, really.
Grace Kelly shown below donning her Hermes neckerchief circa 1956. Grace's clothing was always simple (and impeccably tailored please note) and her accessories were too. Well chosen lines, moments, and consistency create timeless style and confidence.

My Favorite Color

It never hesitates to make me happy...and I love it with its friends navy blue and green.

Sunday Style...

It has been a while, I know. I've been traveling. It never stops me from collecting inspiring images. The one below surely makes me want a variation on my denim jacket, a staple in my wardrobe since the 80s. I no longer have my guess? jeans acid-washed oversized version cluttered with buttons and safety pins...seems someone at NYFW was feeling the 1980s inspiration. Good on you style sister!

Sunday Style

Excellent look, for the Serengeti or Farmer's Market.

Sunday Style (on Monday)

This shirt dress is perfection! Spring is here and summer is soon to follow... Isn't this dress gorgeous and exaggerated as fashion is supposed to be?

Artisans & Antiques at Habersham...

As usual I have committed myself to another event!  Really I enjoy them, except the night before. 

Tomorrow my co-Promoter (and mother) and I are hosting Artisans & Antiques at Habersham in Beaufort, South Carolina.

Habersham is the cutest new urbanism neighborhood in the Lowcountry.  We are lucky enough to have our little pop-up shop here, The Boxwood Cottage.  Bobbi and I cannot resist the temptation of throwing together an event for all to enjoy! 

Check out the website for more information if you happen to be in the Beaufort area!  We would love for you to discover Habersham and this lovely collection of artists, craftsmen, chefs, and antique dealers we have assembled.  Until then...

Margaret Thatcher

I was lucky enough, at the insistence of my roommate, CB, to hear Margaret Thatcher speak at my alma mater, Elon College in the late 90s. Thank you to CB for pushing me to go.
For days before she arrived Elon students were fascinated by Scotland Yard lurking around our campus. They brought bloodhounds and one even played bagpipes. Americans love a foreigner, especially a Brit.
What I recall the most about PM Thatcher's speech at Elon was that she was educated as a chemist. It's as if CB had some inside information that this would be the main message I heard. I was working on my BS in chemistry at the time, and eventually graduated with the degree. I was not meant to be a chemist, doctor, or lifelong student of higher learning. Neither was Margaret. As Mrs. Thatcher had done for so many in the UK, and others around the world, she gave me hope. She gave me hope as a young woman that I didn't have to be a slave to my science education. I could pursue and do what I wanted to do, what I needed to do (none of it was going to be accomplished in a white lab coat).
Of course that chemistry background is where our similarities end, for now. Margaret Thatcher is a woman to admire and study, a woman with the utmost integrity, direction, patriotism, intelligence, and sense of humor. At the very least we can take one page from her extraordinary life and apply it to our own.

I love, I mean L.O.V.E., that Margaret Thatcher is wearing a caftan in this photo with the Queen.  Chic.

Two of my favorite historical figures of all time.

Sunday Style, part deux : for Lilly Pulitzer

Thank you to darling Lilly Pulitzer for making our lives a little more colorful in Beachfront states and landlocked cornfields. The Pucci of America, she has been an inspiration.
I have collected vintage and new Lilly for, well, decades now. Even during the quiet Lilly years of my life, I bought a few vintage pieces. How can you resist? They are like clothing candy, and I love candy.
I hope we all reach into our summer wardrobes and whip out some Lilly in her honor. A woman who pioneered the color movement in the name of hiding fruit juice staining. Practical, gorgeous, fun-loving, and eccentric...Long Live Lilly Pulitzer. xoxo

Sunday Style

She was a style genius. Who doesn't love a woman who wears a boar tusk necklace in such an elegant way? Cheers to your legacy, DV.

Sunday Style

Simple and chic. Sometimes it doesn't need to be complicated. French women always master this...

Happy Easter!

Sunday Style

I'm just obsessed with this look. To the point where I may have to convince someone to sow patch pockets onto one of my striped dresses...

Wait - I just found out that this is the Hayley dress from Club Monaco.  I desperately need to be within distance of Club Monaco.  This is evidence.  Instead I am planning to patch pockets on to one of my stripey dresses...

Oh Happy Day

Disco Balls...

This post is in honor of one of my BFFs from College.  Yesterday was her birthday, and I missed it (ugh).  Most of the time my mind is whirring around the creative universe, not quite tied to calendars and clocks.  Even still when I miss a birthday I feel terrible. 

Both of these images remind me of her.  Not only was she super fun in College (her 21st birthday was excellent because her name is longer than mine...), but she has been a loyal and supportive and FUN friend since.  Just days after we got our bids I met her in her cheerleading uniform and long blonde braids.  She kept me in check when we had pledges of our own.  I moved to her home-island after college and her family welcomed me with open arms.  She was even the connection and catalyst that moved me to Newport.  And she danced on the tables at my 30th birthday (what else would I expect?). 

She is a great mother, a good friend, and one of the funniest people I know with the biggest heart.  Thanks for being my amazing friend, Docks.  Sorry I missed your birthday...of course now we are probably not as concerned about the age as we were in 1997...

Sunday Style

Happy Saint Patrick's Day...
And Happy Birthday to LPR and EFS!

Retrograde Issues

Well it's official.  I almost didn't notice that Mercury was in retrograde...until yesterday.  I broke my cellular horn.  I don't think I have ever broken a cellular.  I have used them until they have given up on me, for sure.  After spending time debating the insane business practices of one of the major wireless companies, I discovered Mercury (not my planetary pal) is in retrograde until tomorrow.  Maybe Saint Patrick will help me rid the wireless plan world of some snakes so I can get a working horn without selling something major. 

 

This is a lovely picture...not sure who took it.  This nutty weather is certainly attributed to that pesky little planet.  Now move on ahead, Merc. We will see you 'round the orbit. 

The Ides of March Jewelry Sale at The Boxwood Cottage

30% off all jewelry! In honor of Caesar, my favorite salad, and Shakespeare.
*shakespeare and salads are currently unavailable at The BC, but I will be happy to make a delicious local recommendation for the latter...!
**to receive the discount online at our Etsy Shop (click here) use the code IDES30

It Is Coming

I promise.  We have our first hint of real Spring weather down here in SC - finally.  Dear Northern Readers, it must come for you relatively soon!  The beaches are lonely. 

The perfect beach set up.  Especially for my Eastern European pal WWL. 

This is the most perfect tiki bar of all time.  If there's a hotelier reading, please please build one like this ASAP. 

Sunday Style

The print mix is genius and of course only validates my home decor theory that toile is, in fact, a neutral.

Adorable Savannah

I am lucky enough to live near Savannah.  I have touted this little bit before, I know. 
Savannah has stately, grand, elaborate mansion-esque "houses" all lined up facing gorgeous squares and brushed with Live Oaks dripping in Spanish Moss.  This is the Savannah everyone comes to enjoy via trolley or walking tour.  It's lovely, and I truly love it. 
There is another side of Savannah, too, that most tourists aren't lucky enough to see (the locals are probably alright with this).  The numbered streets that run East-West just south of the squares and giant Forsyth Park are just as wonderful as the "downtown" area of Savannah.  The houses start as massive and columned and lined up like well dressed belles one boulevard strolls.  Slowly as you meander into the 40s and 50s the big homes shrink into adorable bungalows.  Even though they are small they are not want for detail. 
This morning while on Vintage Safari (see my other job at The Boxwood Cottage) I came across this very well done home. Cozy and a rather miniature version of the houses that decorate Victory Drive, this house is just as elegant and a bit easier to take in completely.  Don't get away without noticing the French doors that open onto the porch.  Excellent!



One of Savannah's hidden gems. 

Sunday Style

Love the look. Happy Sunday!

Honey Badger Earrings

Sure the Honey Badger might be played, but you cannot dismiss the fact that he doesn't care and he gave us all a little more inspiration to take on Cobras, Bees, and Hyenas (all of which I have tangled with at times...). Badger claw earrings adorned with black diamonds - I think the Honey Badger would be pleased with these.  And of course, as most of you Dear Readers know, I LOVE a claw/horn/dagger/antler...

Badger Claw and Diamond Earrings by S. Carter Designs, $800.

If I Have to March...

...I'll do it in these.
Happy March! Spring is (allegedly) around the corner!

Annie Was Right

The best way to battle fatigue is to remain optimistic.  I am optimistic that the sun will come up tomorrow and the flowers will bloom (eventually).  I continue to find so much joy in the people and things that truly make me happy.  I hope that is the same for you, dear Sugarbuzz Reader. 

Always keep your chin up like the kitty!

For MOF and EW, Newport.

Sunday Style

Lee. Love the earrings.
Happy Oscar Sunday!

Malachite: A Stone Needing No Introduction

There's no hiding the fact that another one of my obsessions is Malachite.  I have written about it before.  In fact, I haven't used it very often in my jewelry work for the mere facts that a) not all Malachite is cut equally and well cut Malachite is hard to find; b) I want to be sure everyone appreciates it at the same level I do...

As I have said on this very blog before, Malachite was the first semi-precious gemstone I learned from my Grandmother.  She was an avid jewelry connoisseur, dealer, and collector.  I attribute my appreciation and connection to Malachite to my Grandmother, M.E.Q.

See below for a few Malachite developments.  I am certain I have shared the Rolex before.  It's too good not to revisit.  Happy Thursday!

This piece is just too incredible. Solid gold Rolly with malachite face.  Circa 1970s (I believe).  Most good design to this tune was worked out in the 70s.  Chic.  Would go well with a cocoa brown 1977 Benz convertible if you ask me... Last I checked a similar Rolex to above photo was going for about $22,500.  A hair more than the Benz.

I think this is a Nate Berkus.  Correct me if I am wrong.  Regardless, I would love to do a lav in black beadboard and Malachite paper.  Hello!  I would probably add a little more brass and bamboo in lieu of the rope detail...bamboo being a leading obsession here at the Sugarbuzz and all...

Drawer pull.  Who makes this I am unsure.  But it's genius as all things Malachite really are...

Lanvin. 
That's it.  One word.  Lanvin.  Besides the Rolex or a Malachite accented vintage Benz (or Jeep Wagoneer! ah!) this is really design perfection.  Chic. Green. Gold. Lanvin. Paris.