the story of a successful maiden

It all began where it all began. It was a brisk evening on Thursday November 4th at the Graves 601 Hotel. The lights were dim, the wine and G&Ts were flowing, the women were chirping and there was the faint noise of the Medtronic Conference downstairs. 2010 Maiden Minnesota was a great success! It was an evening of giving, shopping, talking and smiling.

Isabella Jewelry stood out as a newbie to the high-end fashion, home and beauty event. We were an affordable price point and we had the coolest reason to stop and chat at the booth for a while-an Editor's Pick for Mpls St.Paul Magazine and "as seen on TV" Necklace Drawing!

We received more than 250 names for the Necklace Drawing and at the end of the night Erin, from Northfield was the lucky winner. Thank you to all participants and keep your eyes peeled for holiday pieces inspired by the necklace drawing!

The event was a story of success. We effectively communicated our brand to 1500 men (yes! there were a few males in attendance) and women; garnered the attention of Mpls St.Paul Style Editor; met and mingled with successful maidens from around the state and had fun!

A special thanks to the absolutely priceless assistance Isabella had at the show-Heidi, Kate, Kellyn and my Mother were not only stunning models, they were the best sales team a girl could ask for.

THANK YOU!

Isabella in the Sunday Pioneer Press

We are very excited to announce Isabella Jewelry was chosen as a feature vendor in the Pioneer Press coverage of 2010 Maiden Minnesota. The article written by Allison Kaplan showcases two pieces the Izzy Amethyst and Jade Necklace ($80.00) and the Izzy Big Gold Hoop Earrings ($40.00).

So check us out and thank you to Allison Kaplan!

And also...COME TO MAIDEN MN!

WHEN: THIS THURSDAY November 4th from 5PM-10PM

WHERE: Graves 601 Hotel, 601 First Ave. N. Minneapolis

WHY: To support a great charity, Free Arts Minnesota and check out 36 local women-owned companies

TICKETS: $20.00 in advance and $30.00 at the door ORDER AT www.maidenminnesota.com

statement necklace spotted on Grey's season premiere

Yes, I still watch Grey's Anatomy. Don't judge.

And I'm glad I do because otherwise I would've missed out on this BEAUTY of a statement necklace worn by Mrs. Meredith Grey-Shepard (yes she did finally marry McDreamy for all of you quitter-watchers)

It's that time of year again...

FASHION WEEK!!!

September 9-16

Z Spoke by Zac Posen, DvF, Carolina Herrera, Adrienne Vittadini, oh my!!!

check out the latest news about Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

New Isabella Facebook Event CHALLENGE

Isabella CHALLENGE: "The Green Necklace"

Dig deep in those closets ladies, because "THE GREEN NECKLACE CHALLENGE" is on!




RECYCLE AND RECIEVE A FREE ISABELLA TWO-DROP NECKLACE!



Fall fashions are well underway and we are looking for your mother's grandmother's and great aunt Martha's old clip-on earrings, pins and broaches.

......

Here is how it works: You send us three or more pieces* and we will send you back an Isabella Two Drop Necklace, our most popular item COMPLETELY FREE. You choose silver or gold.



Send to: Sarah at 19400 Park Ave, Deephaven MN 55391



If you have any questions, reservations, or comments please don't hesitate to e-mail, info@isabellajewelryonline.com or call Sarah, 612-247-5017


*a pair of earrings=one piece



IF YOU HAVE A BOAT LOAD OF OLD JEWELRY: Please e-mail or call us so we can discuss a reasonable compensation. Sarah at 612-247-5017 or info@isabellajewelryonline.com

winner

WARNING:IF YOU'RE SHOPPING FOR FALL BE AWARE OF FALL TREND COLORS:)

EMERALD GREEN, GOLD, PURPLE, NUDE/OFF WHITE, SHEER BLACK and JEWEL TONES

Isabella in Deephaven Life

As September Issues are weighing down our mailboxes, beach bags and briefcases and Vogue Editor Anna Wintour is filling our minds with thoughts of Autumn jewel tones I MUST direct your attention to DEEPHAVEN LIFE.

We are excited to be the featured Young Achievers in the September 2010 Issue and encourage you to read the copied article below. (Unfortunately there is not an online version of the publication as of yet)

Deephaven – You don’t need to look very hard to find Deephaven’s best kept secrets, the neighborhood beaches, boutiques and yoga studios are around both corners! But keep your eyes, i-pads and mice peeled because Deephaven natives Natalie Judd and Sarah Welle are approaching the one year anniversary of their locally designed and crafted online jewelry venture, Isabella Jewelry LLC.


To know the faces behind Isabella Jewelry is to know that their story involves not just two girls close in age, hair-color, texture and straight teeth. Although they do share a dentist, they also share families better described as relatives you can choose.

Friends PK (pre-kids), Natalie and Sarah’s parents met in Excelsior and raised their kids mostly at Deephaven Beach. Both Natalie and Sarah have referred to Wisconsin and France as home at different times in their lives, but for now they are back to their roots in Deephaven and happy to be close to family and friends while searching for what the next chapter of life will bring.

Down to some real business, Isabella Jewelry was born of an idea to encompass women’s various style personalities (t-shirt, work, bold and occasional) under one brand. The four styles, Liz (t-shirt), Elle (professional), Izzy (bold) and Bella (occasionally special) are all found under the same brand, Isabella, and can be bought online at their website or on etsy.com, the booming online marketplace for everything handmade.

Throughout the past year Natalie and Sarah have been busy hosting home parties throughout the metro area, selling online using Etsy, as well as building their own website. Isabella Jewelry is anxious to start breaking into local art fairs and expo shows while keeping up an online marketing plan and their strong social media presence.


Don't know where Deephaven, MN is on a map? Check it out!

When you feed a mouse a cookie...

she will probably ask you to go to the NORDSTROM anniversary sale.  The season of change is upon us. It starts with Fashion Week and then the sneak peak sales get you all excited to wear your FRYE boots, except it's 90 freaking degrees outside, then Natalie starts classes in PRAHA, football two-a-days begin and before you know it you're sitting in a sales meeting discussing holiday liquor merchandising. What woven webs we weave.

Although I cannot explain the previous paragraph I will tell you "I'm out for a walk, but I'll just stop by and buy some jewelry shoppers" ISABELLA HEADQUARTERS have moved locations to Park Ave. If you have any questions e-mail us at info@isabellajewelryonline.com.

Enjoy this wonderful month!

and keep an eye out for new product, we are getting excited for FALL TRENDS!

a summer draught

So we haven't been the best bloggers this summer, and for that Isabella apologizes. Even though our Blogger numbers don't show it, we have been quite busy this month.

A total job transformation is taking place right now.. Sarah has accepted and started a sales position for a beverage distributer (hello, wine tastings!!) and Natalie has finished work at the restaurant and is getting ready to ship off to Europe for a year of teaching.

Isabella HQ is relocating lake-side chez Sarah so she can better prep for our exciting show this fall-- (drum roll, please) MAIDEN MINNESOTA 2010! Though we are hardly helpless maidens, this show is a great opportunity to show our line in Minneapolis along side other women business owners. So mark your calendars (Nov 4th, 5-10 pm, Graves hotel) and come show your support for Isabella Jewelry!

SALE SALE SALE

Thanks to Isabella's dear friend, Allie Baba, we were able to get a sneak preview tour of the upcoming Nordstrom Anniversary sale. Pre-odered items include:

• Michael Kors gray skinny trouser pant
• Frye over-the-knee boots
• Calvin Klein patent leather black flats
• Frenchi cardigan
• Gold aviator sunglasses

Sale starts Friday and I recommend heading to our last great department store before all the goodies run out!

Bridesmaid bundles

We are busy here in HQ creating... WEDDING JEWELRY!

Cute little bundles for bridesmaids wearing this sangria colored halter dress for a gorgeous wedding in PR. With a mix of purple and white freshwater pearls and fuchsia crystals set in front of a sterling silver hoop these earrings will be perfect for Lindsay's closest girlfriends on her wedding day.. and a nice memory to wear after the big day, too!

you might laugh at me but I'm ok with it...

because I am proud to say that "I LOVE JEGGINGS!!"

(for those of you unaware of the term, 'jeggings' is a clever combination of 'jeans' and 'leggings'.)

A little bird told me about the killer sale at Anthropologie the other weekend and I found a little piece of heaven in my Pilcro and the Letterpress black dream pants. I asked the sales lady, "Are these leggings? They're so thick! They even have back pockets, a faux front button/stitching/front pockets AND they slip right on like leggings.. I'm pretty sure I just fell in love with JEGGINGS!" After the eye roll and forced excitement on her part I practically ran to the register before anyone could take them from me.

So, laugh it up, but I promise you that the moment you find your jegging-happiness you will want to shake my hand.

"Miss Pillsbury"

For all you Gleeks-doesn't this scream Emma Pillsbury, the guidance counselor?! I was inspired...

Cutuest little flower ring you've ever seen!

A few of you have inquired about rings and bracelets. Since my partner rarely utters the b-word...we won't go there. HOWEVER, we found the most precious little flower ring you've ever seen!

We will be selling them at our upcoming parties.

LIMITED TIME OFFER.

They are a generous size 7, brushed silver.

my new fav...my black-n-gold caterpillar

Although the eighties might seem a little too close for me to whip this one out...I just did.
Lightweight black and gold chain make up this statement called my
black-n-gold caterpillar.

Just call if you want one!
I'm also thinking black-n-silver, silver-n-gold, purple-n-silver...maroon-n-gold...
:)

what do you think about the photography? We're trying new things.

It's party season!

June officially means the start of endless parties... whether it's a graduation, marriage, or a perfect summer night (or day for that matter) Isabella is adding JEWELRY to the list of celebrations.

As we finish our full circle branding make-over Isabella is booking parties like whoa. If you are interested in adding your name to our list of summer hostesses, or want an e-vite to one of our already scheduled parties let us know! Send an email to info@isabellajewelryonline.com and we will get you set up

Spring trend: Clogs

I'm not really feeling the '70s revival of the clog that was ever-present at spring runway shows. Something about a 3" wooden platform heel with nothing holding your foot in except tired little toes helplessly grasping for something inside a leather cave in the middle of a warm spring day...

This guy, however, seems to have his own interpretation that is...well, hilarious.

SATC2

Yes, I am a girl. Yes, I know it sounds cliche and ridiculous. But I am so freaking excited for Sex and the City 2 this weekend!!!

The plot may be questionable and a little rushed... 
I am being forced to throw all moral objection to Miley Cyrus out the window for 2 hours...
but I feel it is my duty to see this show through til the end.

It is bound to be a good time for any fan who has been with the show since Carrie talked to the camera, forgot to use curly-hair products, and was a chain smoker.

A classy tumble...

OK so I really do feel bad for Chief of Protocol of the US Capricia Penavic Marshall as she tripped on the stairs just when Mexican President Felipe Calderon et wife, Margarita Zavala, arrived for the State Dinner... but doesn't it kind of does seem like she was just chillin on the steps, hanging out, then gets caught as Barack and Michelle sneak up behind her?

Side note-- Michelle, that dress is perfection on you.

Isabella.Jewelry.Women's Expo.wmv

Weekend plans? Come hang out at the Expo!!

Isabella Jewelry is participating in it's first major expo show this weekend at the St Paul fairgrounds. The Women's Expo will be held Saturday and Sunday (yes, tomorrow) and is going to be really really great.

We have been working our little fingers tirelessly to have new vintage pieces, lots of inventory, and some new displays to show off. 

Check out the website for directions, time, and more information about all the vendors.

Haircuts for humanity

Heard about the massive oil leak in the Gulf? I hope so. Now you can do something about it-- get a haircut.

That's right, go to a participating salon (Aveda, for starters) and have your hair clippings donated to the relief efforts. Check out more details on the Matters Of Trust website to learn more about how you (and even your dog!!) can help prevent more damage to the already weary shorelines.

Real or Fake: Beyonce's tattoo

Frankly, I don't really care. The woman can do no wrong in my eyes.

A fun video to liven up your Monday

Thanks to the lovely Heidi Z, Isabella has a video to prove just how much fun we have at any Isabella event.

Check it out here! 

Spotlight: local designers

The MN fashion week shows have ended and we are now introduced to Minnesota's latest aspiring fashion designers. Check out the line up on the official website and here's a sneak peak into my favorite pick, George Moskal.

His line, self-described as "softened geometry", consists of wearable fabrics, complimentary colors, and enough edge to keep the looks from being too boring. You can find his entire line on his website.

To try, or not to try... that is the question

Out-there lingerie

Quite possibly our favorite blog, WhoWhatWear, has recently presented a trend that makes Sarah want to go buy neon bras, lace tops, and hot pants. Oh wait, she already has them. 

She's dying to try this daring trend, and she's not alone. 

But the questions remains: where the hell can you wear this in MN?!

Comment dit-on "par-tay"?

We have had a busy couple of weeks with Isabella gatherings- an "all French soiree" and a "neighborhood par-tay". Needless to say, our brains are fatigué as we continue to prepare for upcoming expo and art shows,  work on our new website (the unveiling to come in less than a month!), and shamelessly promote ourselves through various social media :) 
We tried to gather new pics of our pieces on..."models" at our recent show. This is what we had to work with:

the lovely Kate

Just a thought...

Well, hello there.

scatter brained

A truely beautiful spring weekend meant being outside uncovering our gardens, sunburn on my pale Minnesotan skin and the continuous buildup of excitement over Opening Day in our new Twins stadium. Also, it left our brains totally scattered on this Monday 'back to reality'... so we are drawing a blank on locations in the Twin Cities area that would be ideal for hosting a large spring trunk show to spotlight our new line + our friends clothing line + be spring-y/fun

Any ideas?!
Go Twins!
Where's the aloe??

Spring is here and Mother's Day is fast approaching...

So if you are thinking of hosting a party don't hesitate to let us know. You can e-mail us at jewelry.isabella@gmail.com to schedule a party/trunk show at your convenience.

:)

Did I mention...

...how much we love chain?

Any chain, really-
Silver, gold, old, or new.
Nothing too frilly,
wear one or a few.

Feelin' springy

Spring fever has hit hard at Isabella HQ. Real hard.

I'm not gonna lie-its been a long winter, and with whispers of 70 degree temps next week we're feeling all giddy. People are taking long walks in the afternoon, little green things are popping up in neighbor's gardens, and I've even worn pink!

With that in mind, here's a sneak peek at our spring vintage pieces that we're making for our next party in early April (hurry home, chief!!!!) We're browsing antique stores, our grandmothers jewelry boxes, random old ladies' coats for must-have pins, broaches, and clip on earrings to use for the beloved statement necklaces that are literally ALL OVER the place right now.

Traveling Partners

There is nothing like new colors, new environments, new people, new people-watching and new landscapes  to inspire a fresh look. After some travels our heads are bursting with ideas for new one of a kind pieces and additional accessories to make a snappy casual Spring/Summer 2010 easy as pie.

Isabella is getting ready to launch a new website!

Inspired perhaps by the lovely new Caribou re-branding...our attendance at the 2010 women's entrepreneurial conference...

New York Fashion week...

the retirement of my old bedroom curtains or...

                                                                                        Spring...we are excited to reveal our new project.

Soak up some Spring!

Where in the world is Natalie visiting??

ATTN lovers of humor--

this is a MUST READ article on today's queen of comedy, Tina Fey.

The cover girl of the March 2010 issue of Vogue speaks candidly (as usual) about being accepted as the brunette nerd of Hollywood. Highlights include her take on fashion, 'she would' stories from her past, and mom jeans.

Check out the article on Vogue.com here

On my honor, I will try...

... ok so I forget the rest of the "Girl Scout Code", but I will never forget Isabella's adventure to our neighborhood Daisy Scout meeting at our old Elementary School. Troop leaders Leslie and Lisa invited Isabella to talk to the 1st graders about being female entrepreneurs and to do a jewelry-related craft with the Daisies.

We started with a little dialogue on the carpet in hopes to relate to the young scouts--

Sarah: So girls, when Natalie and I were your age we had an idea for a great business. Can you guess what that was?
Daisy #1: Ugh, a jewelry business, duuuh.
Sarah: Not exactly. Any other ideas?
Daisy #2: A clothing business?
Sarah: Oooh good guess! Anyone else have an idea? No? We wanted to start a library! We named it "N&S Library" and made cards for each book.. does that still happen? When we were kids in order to check out books you had to sign your name on a piece of paper inside the book Everything is electronic now, isn't it? Oh boy...
Daisy #3: Did you have Dora books?
Natalie: Dora didn't exist back then... feeling old now.. OK LADIES, who wants to make a pretty necklace?!

We skipped the rest of our "Women can do anything! Female entrepreneurs, yay!" speech and went straight to the craft. The creative group definitely kept us entertained with their young reason and contagious energy.
The Daisies earned an Isabella badge for beautiful necklaces & putting up with Sarah's attempt to win musical chairs.

Working hard or hardly working?

2010 Women Entrepreneurs Conference

SPRING COLORS

I love what is coming out right now, all the new arrivals show beautiful rich colors and lots of layering. I especially enjoy the deep jewel tones of this fall still lingering, but brightened up with yellows and pinks and purples.

RIP Alexander McQueen

From Alexander McQueen 2010 Spring Collection

New York Fashion Week started today with the tragic news of Alexander McQueen's death. The London-based designer was an inspiration to many and the fashion world is shocked and saddened to hear of this loss.

B

probably the biggest hoops I've ever seen.

Glittery Fame Monsters at the Grammys

If you missed the Grammys last night.. don't worry, you didn't miss much.

Naturally, the highlight was the opening act featuring Lady Gaga and Sir Elton John. It was a theatrical performance including 'Poker Face', 'Speechless', and Elton John's 'Your Song'. With matching bedazzled glasses, ash-smudged faces, and dueling pianos this duo was everything a pop music-lover needed.

Check out their performance HERE

Another reason to love Target

If you haven't stopped in your local Target to check out the Rodarte line, I encourage you to do so IMMEDIATELY!

The fantastic designer duo have some great pieces at everyday prices, what's not to love?

Check out the looks here!

...I couldn't resist this mustard skirt with tulle