Damen + Division Jewelry and Life Blog

Tassels

2010-09-03T08:31:00.000-07:00

I love tassels lately. They are the perfect ending to a great 70's style necklace. Their opulence can dress up a vintage chain or a strand of beads in a snap. Here are some fabric tassels on necklaces made with vintage chain. I did a silver for those of you who enjoy that sort of thing- ;) ! xo

Night and Day

2010-09-02T16:50:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of cute earrings we've made with these oddly shaped glass drops. One with vintage cages, and the other with pearls and vintage CZ posts. Super elegant for day or night! xo

A D+D Wedding!!!

2010-08-28T13:27:00.000-07:00

Paige Lurie's bridesmaids, all in D+D smoky pear drop earrings! Fab!! P.S. married at the Penn- what a dream wedding, so happy to be a part

Equestrian Inspired Vintage

2010-08-28T13:21:00.000-07:00

Here's a cute necklace that is pretty simple by D+D standards, but I love it for daytime with a long t-shirt and leggings. It is made with vintage horsebit findings and chain.

A cute new pair

2010-08-21T14:31:00.000-07:00

Here is a pair I worked on yesterday. They have these very organically shaped purple stones, with iridescent gold and blue and green all over. I bought a couple of strands of these stones at the weird show in Milwaukee, and I can't wait to use them more, they really put on a show. I think I'll call them the "Hendrix" earrings :)

Suki Long Earrings and Charcoal Oven

2010-08-19T08:09:00.001-07:00

Yesterday Mike and I went to Skokie's Charcoal Oven for my birthday. It is super retro and cozy. And Mike gave me this beautiful Electra bike. I love the color and the basket! Worn with Leifsdottir skirt and yes, I am wearing Tory Burch wooden platforms on the bike, but just for the picture! Not a regular occurrence!! xo

Chicago Magazine Best of 2010 Party Highlights

2010-08-08T10:34:00.000-07:00

SARCA wins best new women's store! Wow, what a scream!! Congratulations!!!!!

Lolla Pop

2010-08-08T10:15:00.000-07:00

This weekend is Lollapalooza here in Chicago. Although I will not be attending (I'm more of a Ravinia gal, which is where I am headed tonight) D+D will be there en force at the Hard Rock Hotel / Sophia Vintage celebrity suite! Please enjoy this pair of Agate earrings with vintage findings and a whole lot of rebellious spirit, and a turquoise and onyx necklace inspired by Lollapalooza... xoxox

D+D in Style Admirer!

2010-07-27T05:17:00.000-07:00

Click here to see the news: http://styleadmirer.com/2010/07/simply-fabulous-damen-division-turquois-drop-earrings/

D+D Vintage Glass Drop Earrings on Garmental!

2010-07-26T13:45:00.000-07:00

Click here for the link: http://www.garmental.com/archives/2010_05_10/

Damen + Division now at Sophia Vintage Oak Street!!

2010-07-26T06:08:00.000-07:00

New D+D styles are available at everyone's favorite vintage store, on everyone's favorite shopping street!! Visit http://www.sofiavintage.com/ to see all of their great offerings, xoxo

SARCA TRUNK SUMMER 2010

2010-07-25T05:16:00.000-07:00

Here are some highlights from the recent D+D trunk show at SARCA, one of the most beautiful places in the world to buy clothes, jewelry and accessories. Thank you to store owner, Alexis Cozzini (pictured in Turquoise Festival Necklace/Elisabethan Necklace combo) for her generous hospitality and support xoxo

Getting Better All The Time

2010-07-17T15:05:00.000-07:00

We are still getting settled here at the new residence. Lots of A-MA-ZING estate sales here on the North Shore, so Mike and I are finding plenty for the house, garden and most importantly, I am uncovering a treasure trove of jewels from all of these lovely homes! xoxo

Go West

2010-07-17T15:03:00.000-07:00

Good morning from D+D!

2010-07-15T08:06:00.000-07:00

An Afternoon To Chalet And Patio Earrings by D+D

2010-07-14T16:37:00.000-07:00

Now let's get to potting people!!!

D+D on Garmental

2010-07-13T19:23:00.000-07:00

Check it out here: http://garmental.com/archives/2010_07_07/

Route 66, xo

2010-07-09T22:59:00.000-07:00

Always Remember: D+D Loves You

2010-07-09T22:51:00.001-07:00

All The Cards...

2010-07-09T22:45:00.001-07:00

Heavenly Emporium of Benevolent Knowledge

2010-07-08T21:28:00.000-07:00

mermaids; fabulous ones; stray dogs; those that are included in this classification; those that tremble as if they were mad; innumerable ones; those drawn with a very fine camel's-hair brush; etcetera; those that have just broken the flower vase; those that at a distance resemble flies

For Your Entertainment

2010-07-08T20:54:00.000-07:00

Some more preview for the SARCA trunk show this Saturday. These are so essentially D+D; a kiss of vintage, over-the-top gold, and a dark, strong, sexy vibe. Very, very limited edition.

Good Morning from D+D!

2010-07-08T05:02:00.001-07:00

Trunk Show Preview

2010-07-07T20:10:00.001-07:00

Just a sampling of earrings I've made this past few months. Lots of vintage, turquoise, peridot, CZ's, eel skin, and LOVE. I am having a trunk show at SARCA this Saturday, 10am-6pm and will be posting more beauties up until the show so stop back soon! xo

Moving Day And New Atelier

2010-07-07T20:06:00.001-07:00

This is my new playroom...

D+D in Sales Check, Chicago Magazine

2010-07-07T07:30:00.000-07:00

K-I-S-S Zoey Onyx and Agate Bracelet

2010-07-05T19:15:00.000-07:00

I wear this with my platinum Cartier LOVE bracelet and a smallish gold watch for a sweet layered look

D+D Out On The Town

2010-07-02T09:43:00.000-07:00

Sam Saifer, marketing director for Chicago Social Magazine, sporting some D+D vintage drop sparklers at the Salvage One 'Dress for Success' Fashion Show.

2010-06-30T20:49:00.000-07:00

D+D Vintage Clover Tassel Earrings

2010-06-26T17:29:00.000-07:00

The most amazing thing! A short stay at the Ritz Chicago (we are moving and needed a place to stay between closings, more later) and at 10pm-ish, BAM! BAM BAM BAM! The Navy Pier fireworks were going off and we had a perfect view from the 29th floor! I had forgotten about the show- they do it every Saturday in the summer. Amazing. Anyhoo, I'm here at the Ritz with the puppies while we move out of our loft into our new house. Lots of time on my hands, and lots of beautiful jewelry to be made!

Press the Play button for the fireworks display:

Dinner at the Blackstone

2010-06-25T18:32:00.000-07:00

Last night I went to dinner at Mercat a la Planxa. Incredible Catalonian! You can find it inside the Blackstone hotel. Such a colorful environment called for a colorful ensemble- D+D eggshell Patio Earrings, D+D Malachite ring, and Anthropologie skirt.

2010-06-24T23:45:00.000-07:00

Yachtsea

2010-06-23T10:51:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Mike and I were invited to spend some time on Lake Michigan aboard a friend's boat cleverly named, The Yachtsea. Have you ever heard of a more clever name? We couldn't get over how cute! Knowing there would be killer light, I brought along some nautically themed jewels from D+D.

Hearts everywhere

...

I < 3 The 80's

2010-06-22T15:11:00.000-07:00

Not for sale, just for fun- a Damen + Division 80's plastic charm necklace, on a vintage gold chain of course! Click on the image to enlarge- and see if there are any charms you had growing up! xo

Good Morning from Damen + Division!

2010-06-21T11:34:00.001-07:00

Milwaukee

2010-06-21T11:23:00.000-07:00

About a week ago Mike and I spent a couple of days in Milwaukee. We were there for the Bead and Button show, and we stayed at the historic Pfister hotel, which is beautiful and still maintains its old original charm. I was able to find a lot of vintage there, a lot more than I had hoped, and I can't wait to start tooling around with it!

2010-06-17T14:09:00.001-07:00

Somebody out there is very lucky...

The most beautiful clip earrings- perfect for party, or patio!!

2010-06-17T13:52:00.000-07:00

These are something new for D+D: the top piece is a gold plated vintage clip, and the bottom is a recycled wooden drop, with real eggshell on the front, and corn husk on the back, dipped in lacquer. Very lightweight! And believe it or not, these are the small version. I also have a large which are out of control gorgeous! These drops also come in eel skin and honeycomb, which are breathtaking. xo

Some gorgeous statement earrings

2010-06-16T12:23:00.000-07:00

These are made from vintage "new-old" stock- what that means is an old jewelry designer or company never used these pieces for sale, so I was able to snatch them up new, and in multiples. Shown with either a vintage brass GP'd drop or new, from-this-century glass drop.

A couple of D+D necklaces with a vintage outfit

2010-06-15T19:08:00.001-07:00

I had this vintage denim wrap skirt shortened and wore it to dinner with a vintage LV clutch, Ferragamo heels, and the D+D shell locket and vintage pendant necklaces. Click on the picture to enlarge. Feeling pretty dorky posing for pictures but I am trying to get over myself! xo

Silver Plated Silhouette Cufflinks

2010-06-14T15:01:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Mike's birthday. I have been nagging him to wear Damen + Division since we started- a brooch on his tie, or a simple onyx bracelet. The answer was no, he is such a boy. So I made him these cufflinks- they are silhouettes of our beagles, Molly and Clinton with a glassy resin overlay. Of course now that I know how to make these, I will be making all sorts! Time to buy more french cuffs, babe. xo

Bones

2010-06-13T09:37:00.001-07:00

I love these shoes!!! Perfect with the D+D Damien Skull necklace or bracelet, no? Buy the necklace here:

http://www.damen-division.com/cmd.view/10951

http://www.luisaviaroma.com/index.aspx#getData.aspx|CallType=Product&prodId=L4Z2&des=117&cat=&gender=women&group=&vendorColor=MjA=&season=actual&seasProdID=52I

Pic: Sea of Shoes

Vintage Finds

2010-06-12T12:14:00.000-07:00

I have a few lovely vintage pendants I have paired with vintage chains that are so beautiful! A great way to add glam during the day or anytime. I have the perfect floor length LBD for these- and also the perfect pair of black leggings and a tee! xo

A pretty picture of SARCA

2010-06-12T11:24:00.000-07:00

SARCA in the Gold Coast. A D+D Festival necklace in the jewelry case. A lot of people know me as a jewelry designer, but I also have a day job as owner of Barrett Photography in Bucktown- this picture is one of mine from SARCA's new collection

From my personal collection...

2010-06-12T11:16:00.000-07:00

2010-06-12T11:05:00.000-07:00

Summer Coral from D+D

2010-06-12T11:03:00.000-07:00

A fab Damen + Division vintage chain fringe bracelet

2010-06-10T13:00:00.000-07:00

Damen + Division Elizabethan Statement Necklace

2010-06-09T09:27:00.000-07:00

Seen in Modern Luxury's Nightlife Collection Ads:

Just hanging out today...

2010-06-08T22:04:00.001-07:00

2010-06-08T18:46:00.001-07:00

A couple of D+D cocktail rings. xo

Leg Chain Prototype

2010-06-04T08:34:00.000-07:00

Summer has inspired this leg chain. It's just a cute little something that peeks out from underneath a short skirt, or hidden under a longer one for a more dramatic reveal.

The REAL intersection

2010-06-03T15:30:00.000-07:00

Okay okay so I live a block off of Damen + Divison, the infamous intersection here in Wicker Park! But soon, in about a month, I will really have a dilemma: we are moving! Miles away. Towns!

Damien necklace is larger and in silver!

2010-06-03T15:27:00.001-07:00

Just a few lovely things...

2010-06-03T15:25:00.000-07:00

2010-05-28T02:04:00.001-07:00

SARCA store owner Alexis Cozzini wears D+D earrings on WGN news Sex And The City segment! Watch here: http://www.wgntv.com/news/coverstory/wgntv-sex-in-the-city-chicago-may27,0,5730759.story

Dinner and Drinks

2010-05-24T21:12:00.001-07:00

Turquoise

2010-05-17T10:40:00.000-07:00

Carolyn Pelissero, publicist extraordinaire, rocking a pair of custom D+D chandeliers

She's just like her mama

2010-05-16T17:50:00.001-07:00

Here is one of my beagles, Mrs. Molly Beaglesworth, playing dress-up with some of her mama's old jewelry. The other beagle, Clinton (as in William Jefferson), is "not allowed to wear jewelry!" says my husband.

RINGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-05-15T17:00:00.000-07:00

Damen + Division Rings ($175- $ 450) Discreetly adjustable...

2010-05-14T20:50:00.000-07:00

No two cocktail rings are alike at D+D- that's because all of the stones are had selected for their uniqueness and oddness. The more curious the stone the more I love it! Here are two new ones for Summer 2010: A Labradorite with a vermeil base and a pick druzy dipped in 22k gold xoxoxoxo

2010-05-13T14:16:00.001-07:00

Damen + Division Summer 2010!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Apartment Therapy Write Up

2010-05-08T16:29:00.000-07:00

Our apartment was featured on Apartment Therapy awhile back- I thought you might like to see where all of this beautiful jewelry is created!

You can find the article here: http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/chicago/house-tours/sonia-mikes-quaint-cozy-lofthouse-call-111911

2010-04-24T18:09:00.000-07:00

Damen + Division was lucky enough to be a part of the Mercedes Benz "A Night in Monaco" fashion bash. See video here. All of the clothes are from a store I sell at, SARCA

2010-04-24T18:03:00.000-07:00

View the Mercedes Benz fashion show featuring Damen + Division Jewelry here :

http://www.nbcchicago.com/around-town/events/CS_Mag_s_Mercedes_Bash__Earth_Day_Chicago.html

I've Always Been a Maximalist

2010-04-14T22:21:00.000-07:00

Neo Bohemian

2010-04-14T22:20:00.000-07:00

2010-03-12T18:56:00.000-08:00

New Spring at SARCA!!

Finally it's feeling like Spring. Thank GOD. Here are some new DD looks available at SARCA

2009-12-14T12:44:00.000-08:00

2009-10-18T23:29:00.000-07:00

3 days at Bloomies 900 N Michigan will teach you a lot. I now know that I don't like Betsey Johnson Jewelry, for instance. I also am not always a fan of Alexis Bittar. Alexis, baby, what happened this season? I do like Kate Spade although she is giving me a run for my money and I don't want to but I like Juicy Jewelry. Here is the first, and the oldest Bloomies in NYC.. Makes me feel like part of a tradition.

2009-10-07T23:23:00.000-07:00

I will rock a turquoise earring all day long. These weigh nothing!

Beautiful Bibs

2009-10-01T21:15:00.000-07:00

It FINALLY feels like fall, y'all. Here is a fall/winter necklace. You will be seeing a lot of neutrals in this collection. But the look is anything but. And I also have a lot of shorter looks for your higher collars.

xoxoxo

2009-09-11T23:38:00.000-07:00

Just a glimpse at fall...

Los Angeles: NOT bad. Not bad at all!!!

2009-09-11T14:13:00.000-07:00

I never thought I'd say the words: I love LA!

But I dooooooooo! Shopping on Robertson was NOT like shopping on Armitage or Damen, or anywhere. Truly. It was SO LA. Thanks to Carly for spotting my ring, loving it, and giving me a shout on her blog. Here is a link: Immersed Within. She has featured the Damien Bracelet, the Patterned Crystal Ball Earrings, and the Big Bang Brooch. Loves it!

Don't get me wrong-- this does not mean I am going to start dressing Mike in jeans with more detailing on the back pockets than mine.

2009-08-28T18:24:00.000-07:00

D+D @ our favorite department store Bloomingale's Michigan Avenue!!!

2009-08-24T00:13:00.000-07:00

Some new D+D you might like. That's Jeri, she's got on a silver piece. And that's me with my head cut off-- I have on a ring!! All D+D!! xoxo

Ruby Room Trunk Show

2009-07-14T14:25:00.000-07:00

D+D can now be found at Ruby Room! Here are a few pics from the kick-off trunk show. If you haven't been there already, Ruby Room is the most beautiful store in Wicker Park- a must see. They have a "compound" which includes retail, spa and spiritual services. I am so proud to be a part of the family.

The Caitlin Earrings steal the show!!!

2009-04-25T01:45:00.001-07:00

These Caitlin Earrings are bright and beautiful!! You swing, they swing, you sway, they sway. You'll love the new pastel blue and Swarovski crystal combination. Very now, and the belle of the D+D ball! $79

We've Jazzed Up the Verona!

2009-04-25T01:41:00.001-07:00

Check out the new brushed chain on the Verona Beetle Wing Necklace! Didn't think we could love it more!

New Summer Jewels!!

2009-04-25T01:29:00.000-07:00

Hello All-- it is time to break out the sunscreen, tank tops and long flirty necklaces for a day at the park, beach or whatever sort of recreational facility near you. I'd say give this one a try...

Or this one...

CS Magazine Best of the City!!!!

2009-03-30T16:31:00.000-07:00

Best of the City '09! We are all so happy and proud! Thank you everyone!

Bloomingdale's Trunk Show

2009-03-30T16:23:00.000-07:00

Damen + Division has been all over the place trying to get amazing statement jewelry finds for you! Scouting is such a fun part of the job. This past month I have visited the Gem Show in Tucson, AZ as well as took a buying trip to New York City. Truly a bi-costal adventure, all for the amazing D+D summer finds, available next month on www.damen-division.com

As you may have heard we have had some fabulous trunk shows at Bloomingdale's. Thanks to my friend Jessica W. for helping out and Caitlin S. for helping with all of the final touches. In the meantime, check out the current D+D trends, and glossedandfound.com in the Archives section( March 4, 3/4) for a HILARIOUS video starring yours truly.

2009-02-12T21:01:00.000-08:00

I think we all just need a little luck in our lives, no? She's bluffing. She wins it all back, they all go home happy. It's a great little scenario. Here's to living!

2009-01-16T18:08:00.000-08:00

This is a layered look from Spring/Summer 2009. The new line will be available for purchase at http://damen-division.com/ in March. I love the whole vintage, layered feel, as it just looks like you've been collecting for decades, or raided your mom's jewelry drawer. Integrity in fashion is going to be important these days. it says "I'm fashionable, but I'm also smart, classic, practical, and care about the past." The trend is "thoughtfulness". And oh how thoughtful this collection is! I hope you enjoy!

Winter Write-ups

2008-12-28T22:55:00.000-08:00

Damen and Division has been getting some very good press! I am so excited that the word is getting out there, and we are being embraced by fashionable women in Chicago and beyond.

Check out the following to catch up on your Damen + Division news:

Daily Candy

Juli B

Chicago Magazine

I myself have been doing a little online shopping, and with these crazy economic times, it has really come down to the gotta-have-its. If I see something I like, something I just gotta have, I find a way to get it. So a big thank you to my shoppers! I know times are tough, and it is a huge complement to see someone find something on Damen-Division.com they connect with enough that they've gotta have it. I will make sure I am using the best quality products for the price, and I will always offer a good number of items under $50. Cheers, and Happy New Year!

There's more in store next year... stay tuned lovelies

2008-12-14T22:58:00.000-08:00

As you may or may not know, we are having a SALE! And boy do they come out in droves for it. I will plan on having a sale at the end of every season, just to make room for all of the new stuff. But that does not mean all of it will be there in the end! We've had a very truncated season just to get up and running, about 1 month, so the sale came fast and furious, to get in sync with all of those holiday shoppers! Everyone is loving the simplest piece I put out there: the Elizabethan Small Drop Earrings. The long version is doing well too. But we all love the bead, that is what I am learning. I will use that bead in the next collection as well, never fear.

2008-12-12T23:22:00.000-08:00

My current ad-- we'll be sending out another on Sunday night so stay tuned! Just for you D+D blogger insiders... we're having a SALE!!!

Cleanliness is Next To Godliness

2008-12-12T23:09:00.000-08:00

My associate Brenda Lee and I turned it out today. We are making the studio a little more interesting. I'll post the interior photo soon. Out went all of the old frames from The Barrett Photography studio. I took those off the walls years ago to make room for another shooting gallery, but somehow they ended up in the home office a half-mile away. There is something very family-like and homey about working with friends. Thank you B Lee!

The big trouble now, is where to put the miles and miles of wrapping paper. I adore giving someone a nicely wrapped gift. There is such promise in the shiny paper, such hope in grosgrain ribbons and satin bows.

The Damen + Division necklace boxes are to the nines. Thick black, covered in logos. Yummy!

By the way Barrett Photography is in for huge changes as well. Look for a big facelift after Christmas time. We love launching on holidays! In case you haven't seen the site : http://barrettphoto.net !!!

2008-12-11T23:28:00.000-08:00

The brand, and subsequently the website, http://www.damen-division.com , is named after the intersection off which I live. I have been in the neighborhood for 7 years now. People always say they have seen some changes. The older folks claim to have REALLY seen changes. The new folks seem to see the most changes. I guess the good news is that it is changing. Check out the Wicker Park Bucktown SSA for more info on the place I call home.

The Look is Gold

2008-12-11T23:23:00.001-08:00

I have been getting a few requests here and there to do some "white gold" or silver pieces. While the idea is not completely out of the question, I am, through and through, a golden girl. Dilemas, dilemmas.

2008-12-05T00:46:00.001-08:00

Here are some fabulous pieces from the Winter 08/09 line. Some are no longer available, so hurry!

2008-12-05T00:43:00.000-08:00

This is Marissa. She is a dancer and a gymnast, and a brain and a beauty. She has a very buttoned up day, but lets her hair down at night. A real peach of a girl. I'm so glad to know her! She will have a pair of earrings named after her, just like Jeri.

2008-12-05T00:39:00.000-08:00

This is Jeri. She was the little girl in pigtails I used to babysit for and now she is all grown up. A fabulous muse for these pieces. Jeri is not afraid of anything, or anyone. She is definitely a bold dresser. She will be married in the spring. You should see the dress!