Hiatus

Hello all!

We will be taking a winter nap and be back and refreshed for 2011 on January 3rd!

Happy holidays!  Have a safe and joyous time with your loved ones!

People from our past...

Here at Monet the designers are constantly pouring over pictures of our past and turning our archives into an updated collection.  But, it's not often that we at Monet get the chance to speak to people from our past.  

When Anna received the below email it was like an episode of This is Your Life...

Dear Mr. Goepp,

My daughter, Denise, contacted your assistant, Anna, and she gave us your e-mail address so that I could share with you my happy memories of working at Monet, some 50+ years ago.

When I worked at Monet, from 1953 to 1956, it was located at 32 W. 32nd Street and I want to tell you what a truly enjoyable experience it was.  During that time I married and only left my job in 1956 because I was about to give birth to my first child.  I worked in the office and Mr. Pearlstein was my boss (looked like Oleg Cassini with that mustache!)  I performed secretarial duties, took dictation and sent out letters from Mr. Pearlstein and Ms. Lambert.

Some of my other responsibilities, which I loved, were to show the new Spring and Fall collections to the salesmen and arrange the jewelry in the showroom display cases.  I'll never forget the day Bess Myerson, the former Miss America and host of a popular TV game show, came in and I helped her pick out some jewelry as prizes for her show’s contestants.  That was a lot of fun, but, I have to say, one of my favorite things was whenever I was called downstairs to Michael and Jay Chernow’s office.  Apparently, I had the perfect neck back then, so the designers, along with the Chernow’s, liked to see how the necklaces looked on me in order to decide how long to make the chain...it was exciting and made me I feel very important!

I bought quite a bit of Monet jewelry in those days, for myself and also as gifts...it was all quadruple plated in silver or gold.  I want you to know, it all looks as good today as the day I bought it.

I went on a cruise recently and thought one of my silver sets would look great with a new grey blouse.  I’ve attached the picture so you can see some of Monet’s finest from the 50's...I enjoy it as much today as I did back then!

Let me know if you would like to see some more pictures of my classic Monet jewelry.

Continued success...

Sincerely,

Pearl Decker

See, the truly special thing about this email, besides how darn cute Pearl is (and is that the most perfect name for someone in jewelry or what!?) but, what really tickles me is how much she enjoyed her time working with the company.  The memories she has in her short 3 years are still with her today, as is her jewelry.

Michael and Jay Chernow were the brothers who started this company, back in 1929, and Pearl was lucky to have worked with them, in fact, modeled for them!  

It sounds like Pearl had a blast with the company, as I do, today.  Looks like nothing has changed.

Happy First Day of Winter!!

Wow.  The first day of winter. The winter solstice marks the shortest day and the longest night of the year.  Personally, I love when the days start to get LONGER!

The sun appears at its lowest point in the sky, and its noontime elevation appears to be the same for several days before and after the solstice.  And it's a full moon tonight, I bet it will be beautiful!

And, the best jewelry to wear with a scarf and gloves, PINS!  Layer them on your winter jacket for that extra sparkle!  Do it!

Christmas in New York

Did you know that the first tree debuted at Rockefeller Center on Christmas Eve, 1931?
  
And still to this day it fills our hearts with joy, love and... LED lights!?

For the fifth annual year, the Rockefeller Tree, a 74 ft. tall - 12 ton Norway Spruce from Mahopac, NY, will sparkle with 30,000 energy efficient LED bulbs ... that's more than five miles of lights -- along with the Swarovski crystal star.

Even better yet, some of the electricity used to power those lights will come from solar panels installed atop the Rock in 2007.

Read more here! And have a very Merry Christmas!

Favorite Fridays

Ahh, how I love having a Favorite Friday's attached to a giveaway! 

Meet Brianne Lee.  Brianne is a Boston based blogger and thrift store enthusiast. Her editing eye keeps readers of her blog up to date on the most current fashion trends.

When performing closet consultations for clients, Brianne helps women mix wardrobe staples with thrifted finds. This mix of high and low keeps readers hooked to her daily updates.

And, luckily for us, Brianne is hosting a Monet giveaway of the below necklace!!! 

Enter on her site!! 

Trend Thursdays

Today's trend is all about lace.  And not just any lace, black, feminine lace.

We are entering our "return of womanhood" phase and this delicate, sensual fabric is the perfect addition to any wardrobe.  But, our biggest tip, is to accessorize minimally.  We can't all be walking down the runway like the above Christopher Kane, Gucci or Dolce and Gabanna models.  Pair your lace top with a black jacket and jeans. But either way, lace makes women feel and look very ladylike and sexy.  Try it!

Monet Archives

Throughout our long history, Monet has been an inspiration in the costume jewelry 

industry. 

From being the first costume jewelry company to stamp our pieces with a trademark to being one of the most collectible items on eBay, we are a leader.  Because of this heritage, we are very proud of our archive pieces of jewelry!

And, when they are drawing, creating and planning the future collections, the designers always have our Monet heritage and style in the back of their mind.

Since Monet has such a strong department store business, we decided to create a sign that would call out the archive collection to customers.

This sign is placed next to the pieces that are inspired by our heritage. 

So, when you see the Monet blue box, not only are you getting a quality piece of jewelry, but you are getting piece of our archives, and it's that much more special. 

Look for it at you local department store, or shop us here.  Monet.com

Designers Tips

Speaking of Tiffany Bausch, have you checked out our Director's Tips section on Monet.com?

Its a great place to check for gift ideas, trends and outfit advice.  Check it out!!

People Style Watch

Technology is amazing.  And, technology is ever evolving. 

Just the other day I saw a truck driving around Manhattan that said "tweet a picture of this truck to be entered to win..." 

But, this latest buzz is a new thing for me. 

We were featured in the December/January People Style Watch. It is a beautiful photo; big, bold shots of different colored bracelets take up the entire page.  it's stunning.  But, you ask, what is the amazing technological feature?  

Well, look closely at the credit.

Do you see after each description a little pink phone icon and a code?  Ours is SWMONET.  Well, after some humming and hawing, I discovered that these are text message codes.  You text your code to People and they text you back where to buy and the style number.  It works, I've tried it!!  Plus, I havent received a text from People yet, so it's not some marketing scheme!  

Very cool, People Magazine.  Very cool.

Oh and by the way, enter PEOPLE20 on Monet.com until 12/20 for an extra 20% off the entire site.  Happy Holidays from Monet and People!

Favorite Fridays

Introducing, Laura Bear, one of our favorite bloggers!  And, the current host of a GREAT giveaway. 


Laura's blog, Laura Bear, is a quirky escape from the ho hum blog world.  Laura-Bear is a Midwesterner living in LA via NYC. She is an artist, photographer, stylist and designer, and love to welcome readers into her whimsical world. Visit her blog for our holiday giveaway, and check back often for lovely inspiration.

And, dont forget to enter her giveaway. It ends December 18th and there are a LOT of ways to enter, so you could be the lucky gal!

Trend Thursdays

Today we start a new feature called, "Trend Thursdays."  I used to do these posts on Mondays on Facebook, but decided Trend Monday's was not catchy enough.  For this blog, we are all about alliteration. 

For our first instillation of "Tiffany's Trend Thursdays", (too good to be true!) we are all about leg wear, leg wear, leg wear!! And, the Fall/Winter runway shows back us up!

So far, this winter is proving to be a cold one.  And what better way to stay warm and fashionable than with your leg wear.  Socks, tights, knee highs, color try it all. 

The first trend is color: Try a pair of colored tights with something like Milly did above, a more conservative outfit.  Also, I read a tip on Twitter last week from @Bergdorfs, layer colored tights under pattered ones for a real pop!  

Socks, Knee-highs and thigh-highs: We've all seen the 1950's trend coming back in a BIG way.  Marc Jacobs, DKNY, Brian Reyes and Marni all demonstrate how this simple accessories can complete your look.

Check out Style bakery for where to buy! And stay warm!!

Dear Santa...

Each year, our parent company, Liz Claiborne, works with non-profit organizations in New York and New Jersey to help brighten the holidays for children in need. 

This year, LizACTS received over 350 letters to Santa with special requests like, nerf footballs, bicycles, roller skates and make-up.   

I have never done anything like this before, so I was thrilled at the opportunity to brighten a child's Christmas.  As were most of my co-workers...

Monet designer Erin Cornell picking a letter

Anna Madonia showing us her pick!

Monet designer Joanne Chang thinking hard about her gift

Liz employees at Dear Santa

Some of the letters

What a wonderful experience!  I only wish I could be there when Noheris opens her barbie and Brandon gets his science set (with skeleton!)

Thanks, LizACTS!

Happy Holidays from Monet

You've seen the photos of the finalized showroom, pictures of the product (and hopefully own some of it!!) but, here is the video documentation of the madness that is putting together a showroom... 

Thank you Sirk Productions for being the best video team around!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Happy Birthday to the woman who makes coming to work fun, 

 

our Director of Design, Tiffany Bausch!!!

Favorite Fridays

Favorite Friday edition 2!

Meet Vicky of Aspiring Socialite.  

Vicky hosted a giveaway with us in October.  She was so much fun to host with since she centered her giveaway around Halloween (a favorite holiday of the Monet jewelry blogger, ME).  

Since Vicky was a cat for Halloween, she didnt wear ANY jewelry, but she submitted a GREAT photo of the winner, Cindy Barfuss from Rock Springs, WY. 

Next time, it could be you!


We asked her a few fun questions:



When did you start blogging? I started blogging in February 2010.



What’s the best thing about being a blogger? The best thing about being a blogger is being up there with society’s tech savvy elite.



Why does fashion interest you? Fashion interests me because shopping for the next ‘it’ thing has gotten me through some of life’s most trying times.

What’s your jewelry philosophy? Keep it simple and elegant.



Scariest fashion trend? Ponchos are probably the scariest thing to ever hit the runway. I am dreading the day they come back into style.

Must-have jewelry for socialites? Every socialite must have a jeweled headband like the ones Blair sometimes wears on Gossip Girl. They can make you stand out at any party or event. Just be sure to match it to your outfit. Also, a set of black pearls is an awesomely rebellious take on a classic.



Silver or gold? I will have to go with silver. I love the look of silver with the little black dress.



Pearls or gems? I keep it classic in Pearls.



Chandeliers or hoops? Chandelier earrings brighten up both your eyes and your outfit.

Grateful Giveaway's and M&Ms

We have very exciting news!  We have been accepted into the Grateful Giveaway's blogger consortium and we have lots of giveaways to report today!!! 

1. She Saved 
2. IgoBogo
3. Hoosier Homemade
4. Penny Pinchin Mom
5. Nicole's Nickels
6. Koupon Karen
7. Coupon Dad
8. Totally Target
9. "Cents" Able Momma
10. Wild For Wags
11. I Heart Publix
12. Hip2Save

Give the Gift that Gives Back

Every year I struggle with holiday gift giving.  What do I get everyone on my list and how do I get it done by next month? 

Once I tried planting a tree.  But the little card that lets you know your tree was planted just doesnt say "Happy Holidays" like I wanted it to.  I've also tried making all of my gifts.  I've given food.  I've made . 

But this year, I am going to give the gift that truly gives back, and I think you should consider it, too.  Check out St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital Hope Gift Book for 2010 for all of your gift giving ideas. 


This year, we are especially honored to be a part of the Hope Book.  Check out our Monet Jewelry page with holiday keepsakes and gold jewelry. 

Just check it out.  You wont be able to resist at least reading the stories about the kids.  Happy Holidays!

Monet Late Winter Collection

For my second showroom switcheroo, December, January and February collections, we transformed our space into a global marketplace. 

We wanted to convey that Monet is not just a leader in costume jewelry in the United States, but around the world. 



We started with a map, where all good projects should start. We hung the map from the ceiling.

In front of the map we hung models of famous buildings around the world. 

This is a showroom we could NOT have done without the help of many, many fantastic summer interns.  They researched famous buildings in all of the countries in which we are sold.  They looked up flags of those countries, and where to buy them.  And most importantly, they helped us assemble those buildings, made of sheets of paper.  

(I must say, the real star is one of my co-workers, Suzanne, her meticulous-ness was the driving force behind getting these buildings completed.  The Colosseum, constructed with 45 sheets of paper, took she and her husband 3 days straight.) 

After we hung the buildings, it was time to design the incase.

Each case was propped with marble, which you can see in the picture to the left.  And believe it or not, I found those in the garbage. One mans trash is another woman's treasure!!

 

We also used mini metal buildings and other such geometric props like pipes and concrete.

 



Out in our lobby, we decorated with flags of many countries.  Creating a welcoming atmosphere as soon as anyone walked in!

I believe the showroom was very well received by all of our accounts, but especially our International partners.  It is a fine chance that we had to honor their place in our company, and I am glad we took it!

Paris and Madrid Trip

Over the past few weeks our office has been all abuzz, from planning for the holidays, decorating for market and organizing the trip to Paris and Madrid, we have been more than busy. 

Galeries Lafayette

We were proud to have Director of Design, Tiffany Bausch and Director of Merchandising, Minjoo Chung, as our European representatives from Monet.  Their trip was packed full, from press events and dinners to interviews and award shows, they were busy! 

Their first stop was Galeries Lafayette, where Monet and Co calls home.  The department store is one of the biggest in France, and was fully decorated for the holidays. 

On Monday evening interviews were set up with the French press.  Journalists from the top French magazines came to meet Tiffany and Minjoo, which was so much fun for them.  Since Monet has only had a presence in France for about 10 years, this was a great opportunity for us to meet and greet and share the Monet vision of the 21st century. 

Being interviewed in Paris

The next stop was Madrid, for both the Top Glamour Woman of the Year Award, and more meet and greet press interviews.

The girls met up with our Spanish counterparts on Wednesday, of course for some more shopping and eating. 

Wednesday evening a press dinner was held at the prestigious Ramon Freixa restaurant in Madrid. 

Monet was the host for ten editors; Belen Zabala from Glamour, Silvia Montoliu from Elle, Leticia Riestra from Harpers Bazaar, Enrique Campos from Marie Claire, Alicia Chapa and Carla Aguilar from Telva, Raquel Pelaez from Vanity Fair, Carla Sierra from Vogue, Yo Donna and AR. 

The event was a smash.  The food delicious and the conversation better.  Tiffany and Minjoo had a blast trying to keep up with the chatter and more importantly develop relationships with the Spanish press!  We are always hosting luncheons or events with the press in New York, and this was such a great opportunity for us to treat the Spanish press to a party!  

Setting up for the event

A table setting fit for a queen

  

The Menu



First Course

Everyone enjoying the conversation (and food)

Second Course

Dessert!!



History of Monet

The history of Monet Jewelry dates back to 1929, where, in Providence, Rhode Island, two brothers were making monogramed handbag fixtures...

We discovered so many unique facts while researching the above video, that we had to share!!  And, in fact, I learned so much that I am writing a Wikipedia Article about it.  Stay tuned!!!

Hope you like the video!

Favorite Fridays

Today starts the first edition of Favorite Friday's. 

It is here that we will divulge our favorite bloggers, the reasons why they are our favorite and maybe even an interview with the Blogger of the Week!

Today's edition features Aly Walansky.  Aly is hosting a Monet jewelry giveaway starting TODAY.  Enter on her blog.

We asked Aly a few questions about herself, blogging, fashion and life!

When did you start blogging?

I've been blogging (in various incarnations and several genres) for about five years.

What’s the best thing about being a blogger?

I've learned so much -- I often feel like I'm getting a constant education. Every day, there's a new product, a new innovation, new trends and ideas -- and I get to be at the front line to see it all happening. It's an honor, and also a tremendous opportunity.

Why does fashion interest you?

I love the concept of fashion as wearable art, but also as the most visible form of self-expression. We like to say we "wear our emotions" - but fashion is the only context that this truly becomes valid.

How would you wear the Monet product in your giveaway?

Mine is classic glamour - I'd pair it with a simple black shift dress and let the jewelry do the work!

Your best jewelry shopping tip?

I am the consummate bargain shopper - I love to compare deals and prices and get the best buy for my buck. I also believe in the cost per wear - if you find something fabulous that you know you will wear often, then that is a great value for you!

What’s your jewelry philosophy?

I don't have a lot of jewelry, but what I do have, I love, and I know it will last the years. Jewelry is timeless, the pieces you choose today are the pieces your daughter may be wearing ten years from now.

How are you going to make your holiday season sparkle?

With love and laughter - that's the greatest accessory of all :-)

Funniest NYC moment?

I work from home, but often take my computer to a nearby Starbucks to have a bit of change in scenery. I'm there often enough that the barista will ask if I've been on vacation if I miss a few days. Recently, I was at the Starbucks, blogging away, and I received a call on my cell phone that a messenger was at my apartment, attempting to drop off a package. I explained to him I wasn't home, but was nearby - and he offered to bring it to me. I often call Starbucks my "office", but never was it more true than the day I got a messenger delivery as I sat at my "desk"!

Silver or gold? silver

Pearls or gems? gems

Chandeliers or hoops? hoops

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving Fun Facts:


*Though many competing claims exist, the most familiar story of the first Thanksgiving took place in Plymouth Colony, in present-day Massachusetts, in 1621. More than 200 years later, President Abraham Lincoln declared the final Thursday in November as a national day of thanksgiving.

*Congress finally made Thanksgiving Day an official national holiday in 1941.


*Sarah Josepha Hale, the enormously influential magazine editor and author who waged a tireless campaign to make Thanksgiving a national holiday in the mid-19th century, was also the author of the classic nursery rhyme "Mary Had a Little Lamb.


*In 2001, the U.S. Postal Service issued a commemorative Thanksgiving stamp. Designed by the artist Margaret Cusack in a style resembling traditional folk-art needlework, it depicted a cornucopia overflowing with fruits and vegetables, under the phrase "We Give Thanks."


thank you History Channel

Monet Back Pages

Monet has advertised with the major fashion magazines ever since the 1950's.  But, it wasnt until recently that we discovered our History on the Back Page.

Each season, we redecorate our showroom to unveil our new collection of jewelry.  Spring 2011 is all about the 1970s.  With goose necks and white enamel, the jewelry fits right in with the trends.  So, to go along with the decor of the showroom, think shag rugs and egg chairs, we purchased some 1970's magazines.  They arrived in pristine condition- thank you ebay. 

But, imagine our surprise when we flipped the magazine over and there we were, Monet, advertised on the back page.



Harpers Bazaar- February 1979



Harpers Bazaar- February 1979

Mademoiselle August 1979



Mademoiselle August 1979

 

We were shocked!  What are the chances that out of the 5 magazines we bought, 2 featured Monet!?  It got us thinking, what other magazines were we in? 

So, my mission is to find all Monet Back Page advertisements.  Do you have an old magazine that features Monet?  Please help us! 

Send in your photos, including the cover and date of the magazine and you could be entered to win a Monet Jewelry Set.