SoapRocks by T.S. Pink, Inspired by Mother Nature Herself!

While vacationing in Michigan and touring our favorite gift shops in Saugatuck last summer, we came across what looked like beautiful gemstones.  They turned out to be gently scented soaps!  We loved them and we immediately wished we had a gift shop to sell them in.  Then we started thinking, we do carry the most beautiful and unique women's accessories in Tampa, and in our assortment of jewelry, we carry we have beads and stones made of some of the same stones that these soaps represent, so....why shouldn't we make them available to our customers. We bought them!

SoapRocks (6 oz.) and SoapRocklets (4 oz.) are made in New York from mild, extra long-lasting vegetable glycerin soap.  Up to 180 steps are required to make some of them.  They combine their own unique blends of whole herb extracts, vitamins and minerals from aquatic, botanical and terrestrial sources.  Each stone has its own unique gentle scent. They are biodegradable, contain NO animal products, they have been tested on humans, not, animals.

SoapRocks dress up any bathroom and make perfect usable gifts for hostess, teachers, friends, and neighbors.

Look Out World, Here Comes the Next "IT" bag, Hammitt Los Angeles

The Hammitt Los Angeles collection of handbags combines the very finest leathers available with clean, crisp silhouettes and just the right amount of embellishment. More and more celebrities are being spotted around town carrying pieces from this up-and-coming collection, designed by former international model and successful Los Angeles stylist, Stef Hammitt.

Zoëy Bloom learned of the line after receiving a message from one of our jewelry designers, right after she returned from a trunk show in New York City. She said the ladies at the show were going crazy over these "fabulous" handbags and that she, herself, couldn't resist buying two! Keep in mind that this designer is not one to gush, but she raved about this collection and immediately forwarded us information on the line.

Of course, we absolutely loved what we saw! After speaking with the company's CEO, Tony Drockton, we knew we had to have these bags in our store! We couldn't be happier with this decision. Crafted from a quality of leather that can only be described as exemplary, every satchel, hobo, messenger and clutch is made by hand in Los Angeles. The handbags are lined with suede and made to last a very long time. The raw edges and semi-structured construction make each piece unique and add a sporty edge to the line. And the gold studs are plated in 24 karat gold, which gives them a lasting luster and rich color tone.

Stef Hammitt's star is definately on the rise, with this winning collection. You've probably seen Hammit bags on Gossip Girl, Entourage, and possibly on Hannah Montana. Fashion-conscious celebrities such as Angelina Jolie, Lindsey Lohan and Paris Hilton all have been spotted carrying Hammitt bags. Kelly Rippa is modeling Hammitt's Westwood crossbody messenger in the picture to the left.  As embellished and studded accessories and apparel gain rapid importance in today's fashions, Hammitt Los Angeles is perfectly poised to become the world's next "IT" bag. They have indeed managed to stitch a little "L.A." in every bag!

The Jewelry and Purse Forum: Our Passion for Purple - Trend 2009

The Jewelry and Purse Forum: Our Passion for Purple - Trend 2009

Lightweight Handbags with Tons of Style!

"I can't believe it," says one customer, as she returns to our store. "I was stopped at least five times last week. Everybody loves my handbag, even the men!"

We hear comments like this a lot at Zoey Bloom, but we have to say that the MZ Wallace collection of handbags has a special attraction that invites compliments like no others.

Perhaps it's the elegant pleats and the way the satin finish reflects light. Maybe it's the contrasting Italian leather trim, tipped with a signature berry color. Or maybe it's the fact that these attractive bags don't have somebody else's initials all over them. Who knows? When you pick up an MZ Wallace handbag, you really become hooked.

These bags are as light as can be and the bedford nylon handbags are Teflon-coated. The fabric actually repels water and stains! Loaded with pockets and compartments, these fantastic bags are easy to organize, with a place for everything, from lipstick to cell phone.

Another nice feature: Tucked inside each bag is a market bag, attached with a leather tether. Perfect for cosmetics, change, credit cards and more, the tether makes this handy pouch easy to locate. Or you can detach the pouch and use the tether for your keys, so you can always find them!

Sneak Peek - Rebecca Minkoff's Metal Eyelet Impression. (November 2009)

Some of our favorite handbags to date are from Rebecca Minkoff's resort collection. The only down side to these fabulous bags is that you have to wait until November get them! The collection is made of soft, rich leather and the high-quality metal eyelets (grommets or studs) are hand-plated.




A. "Eyelet First Love" Bucket Tote

• Designer or Manufacturer: Rebecca Minkoff
• Material(s): Leather, gold-plated hardware
• Color(s): Auburn
• Expected Delivery: 11/1 - 12/10
• Price: $495

B. "Eyelet MAB mini" Satchel

• Designer or Manufacturer: Rebecca Minkoff
• Material(s): Leather, gold plated hardware
  
• Color(s): Aquamarine
• Expected Delivery: 11/1 - 12/10
• Price: $595

C. "Eyelet Devote" Hobo

• Designer or Manufacturer: Rebecca Minkoff
• Material(s): Leather, gold plated hardware
  
• Color(s): Passionfruit
• Expected Delivery: 11/1 - 12/10
• Price: $675
  

D. "Eyelet Nikki" Hobo

• Designer or Manufacturer: Rebecca Minkoff
• Material(s): Leather, gold plated hardware
  
• Color(s): Ebony (Black)
• Expected Delivery: 11/1 - 12/10
• Price: $650

E. "Eyelet Devote" Hobo

• Designer or Manufacturer: Rebecca Minkoff
• Material(s): Leather, gold plated hardware
  
• Color(s): Ebony (Black)
• Expected Delivery: 11/1 - 12/10
• Price: $675

NOT PICTURED: "Big Impression" Zippered Eyelet-Studded Wallet

• Designer or Manufacturer: Rebecca Minkoff
• Material(s): Leather, gold plated hardware
  
• Color(s): Ebony (Black)
• Expected Delivery: 11/1 - 12/10
• Price: $185

To pre-purchase any of these items, call Zoëy Bloom at (813) 251-1706.

We encourage your comments. Just click the comments link at the end of this article.

Since merchandise sometimes sells before it ever makes it to our Web store, Zoëy Bloom will make these items available for pre -sale, if you call us at the listed number.

Because Zoëy Bloom will be removing this merchandise from their store shelves, returns on pre-sold merchandise only will be accepted if the product is found to be defective. Every item shipped will have been inspected upon receipt, and you will be contacted if anything questionable is found. The delivery date quoted here is the same as what has been promised to Zoëy Bloom by the manufacturer. We will notify you if we are become aware of any delays.

Sneak Peek - Foley and Corinna's Asymmetrical Hobo (October 2009)

From time to time, we will share with you glimpses of merchandise well in advance of it's arrival on store shelves. The pictures we use will be a little cruder than the rest of the photos on our blog because they are the same pictures we bring home from the market to remind us of what we saw prior to writing our orders. There is so much amazing merchandise coming in this fall/holiday season and we want you, our readers and customers, to have an idea of what's in store before you make your seasonal purchases. We encourage your comments, just click the comments link at the end of this article to leave one.

Since this merchandise sometimes sells before it ever makes it to our Web store, Zoëy Bloom will make these items available for pre -sale if you call us at the listed number.

Foley and Corinna's Asymmetrical Hobo

Occasionally we see a sling style bag slip into a designer's assortment but never have we seen one as chic and as versatile as this Foley and Corinna's "Asymetrical Hobo"(sic). With cross body styles gaining more popularity this year, we absolutely LOVE! this one for it's versatility alone. This hip new handbag can be carried as a cross-body style, a shoulder pouch, or as a hobo. Made of ultra soft leather, it features outside pockets/compartments and long fringed zipper pulls.

• Designer or Manufacturer: Foley and Corinna
• Style: "Asymetrical(sic) Hobo Sling"
• Material(s): Leather
• Color(s): Black, Sapphire
• Expected Delivery: Black 10/1 - 11/10; Sapphire 11/1 - 12/10
• Price: $448.
• To pre-purchase this item call Zoëy Bloom at (813) 251-1706

Because Zoëy Bloom will be removing this merchandise from their store shelves, returns on pre-sold merchandise will only be accepted if the product is found to be defective. Every item shipped will have been inspected upon receipt and you will be contacted if anything questionable is found. The delivery date quoted here is the same as what has been promised to Zoëy Bloom by the manufacturer. We will notify you if we are become aware of any delays.

Bracelets Take Center Stage - Summer 09 Trend (update)

Wow, the bracelets this season are look amazing! Our customers are going nuts over all of the wonderful corded and leather bracelets. If you are just tuning into the look, let us help.

Look for wrists wrapped in leather and cords this season. Leather and, well, lots of other things like beads, crystal and studs. Some wrap once, some twice and some make it easy by grouping multiple strands together. Cover the trend by wearing at least one but stack on 2 to 5 inches of them and you will show you really understand the look.

The bracelet above and to the right right is now in stock. It features tiny, hand knotted sterling beads (click on picture for details). Below are some studded leather bracelets by Linea Pelle. They are currently in stock as well.

The Statement Necklace - Having a Blast with Jewelry

Not since the 80's has jewelry shined so brightly in the fashion arena. It is about time too because people have been craving change; sameness is boring!

Embellishment started finding its way into necklines of gowns and even casual tops a few seasons ago. It remains today and can still be found everywhere from premier designers like Prada in their spring 2009 resort collection to your local discount store. This look was quickly embraced by consumers and today we are seeing magnificent neck-pieces also known as "Statement Necklaces"http://www.zoeybloom.net/Black_Stone_Floral_Statement_Necklace_p/4242.htm purchased to achieve versatility in apparel and to stretch the budget. Simple dresses and tops can be transformed instantly by adding some drama to the neckline. Adding a statement necklace to an older dress or top will make it look new again.

Forget how old the garment is or how often you have worn it, simply by adding a statement piece around the neck, that old dress or top is new again; the old frock no longer exists! Some of them will even transform a daytime look into an evening outfit.

Many people think of statement necklaces as an elaborate single piece, a collar or a bib, but as we have previously noted, it is all about embellishment. This look can also be accomplished by layering multiple strands of chains or beads. Try combining some single strands you may currently own. You may want to take them to your favorite accessory shop and mix them with different necklaces to create your own signature style. In the picture to the right, actress Debra Messing is wearing multiple strands of semi precious stones by noted New York Jewelry designer, Margo Morrison. There is no denying the statement necklace trend has been accomplished magnificently, with a unique and inspiring twist!




Stone flower necklaces above are by Nakamol and will be part of Zoey Bloom's pre-fall collection of jewelry. Amy Adam's collar is by Fred Leighton and contains diamonds, sapphires, emeralds and rubies. Debra Messing's necklace statement is by Margo Morrison-New York.

Our Passion for Purple - Trend 2009

Perhaps it has something to do with it's association with royalty and nobility. In times gone by, certain purples were only affordable to the elites; the blue dyes to make it were very hard to come by.

Much later General George Washington attached honor to the color when he awarded a select few of his troops the special award of a small purple cloth badge of merit. This award later evolved into he National Purple Heart of Honor.


Amethyst gems are said to impart intuition and peace, In flowers the purple orchid represents love while, in Christianity, purple means penitence. In Hindu belief, purple is the color of the crown chakra.


Purple in recent seasons continues to gain in popularity. Usually fashion colors start to fade as the season exits but there seems to be no stopping this trend. Our recent buying trip to New York shows it is going to be key again for fall 2009. The handbag market is full of it which means it will be a key color. This really surprised us, but then, who are we to argue with the likes of royalty, George Washington, and 5th Avenue!

See Michelle Obama look stunning in a Purple Mizrahi Coat Dress from his pre-fall 2009 collection at the Met in the May 19th issue of WWD or on line. Ladies, buy purple it with confidence. You have more than a season to carry it!

Unique and Inovative Travel Accessories - Introducing the Brag

Just when you think they've come up with everything, something else comes along. No, this isn't a handbag, though Canadian Brag designer Jane Web swears people have carried them as such, this is a lightweight, hard travel case to protect your bras when traveling.

Now guys may think, what is there to break in a bra? but any woman who wears formed or padded bras knows that it is really very easy for a bra to become dented and crinkled from a tightly compressed suitcase. Yes you can stuff them with socks and other lingerie items and sometimes it works and other times it doesn't.

And just like people do, they come in more than one size. The buxom size is for larger cup sizes (over D generally) but also work for smaller bras when you need more capacity.

Each case holds up to six bras, is hinged on the bottom, and closes with two large snaps on the top. There is a carrying handle too if you decide you just have to carry it as a crazy purse.

Brags have been featured on NBC's The Today Show as well as several magazines including Scoop and Redbook.

Brags always get a smile whenever someone sees them for the first time. They make wonderful gifts and are often given with their coordinating Panty Paks. Remember these items for a humorous bridal shower gift that ends up getting a lot of use.


Incidentally, the Panty Paks hold several pair of panties. The inside consists of two mesh zippered compartments. One side has a label marked "Clean" and the other side is labled "Not So Clean" in order to eliminate guessing. The exterior has a panty applique with an open top that can hold other items as well. These are fairly inexpensive and are a much nicer way of carrying your unmentionables than in a plastic grocery bag!

The Forcast for 2009 is Bright and Sunny!

Even before Michelle Obama's wonderful bright and colorful clothing was in the spotlight, color was in the cards for spring and summer 2009. Color makes people smile, it energizes and lifts the spirit. It is just what we need as we enter into this new year of renewed hope; we have been through a lot! Vibrant shades of emerald, purple, hot pink, orange and yellow will pump some energy back into us again. Carry a bright handbag like these from SHIH and Kooba, along with your other accessories like these earrings by Jose and Maria Barrera for evening and you will bring your wardrobe up to date. It will really change the look and don't be surprised if it doesn't change your outlook as well!

Smart Traveling Companions - Accessories to Make the Trip Easier

It seems there are millions of travel accessories on the market but if you are traveling abroad, especially if you are country hopping, none can give you greater peace of mind and keep you better organized than the leather travel valet we found from Abbas.

The Travel Valet has a place for all of your travel essentials including itineraries, air and rail tickets,vouchers, currencies, coin, reward and credit cards, passport, and even your drivers license. You can keep it all together and have everything you need at your fingertips.
This great looking valet is available in different colors of crocodile embossed leather and other coordinating leather accessories such as luggage tags, credit card holders, and passport covers .

Fringe - Spring and Summer 09's Most Fun Trend

We seem to sell them as fast as we get them in. I am referring to anything with fringe. I guess the trend has not been around in a while and now women are liking all the fun movement that goes with it.

My absolute favorite are these new styles from Posse New York. Above is an amazing purple hobo. To the right is our favorite elongated satchel that was originally intended to be hand carried as a satchel. Zoey Bloom asked them if they could make one for them with a larger, 8 1/4 inch, opening so it could be worn over the shoulder and they agreed to make it for us! Now it can be worn as a true accessory, over the shoulder, and becomes part of your outfit!. One thing I especially like about these fringed bags is the leather. It is embossed with a tropical leaf print before it is fringed (cut). The style on the right is especially flattering and it hangs well below the hip.

Click on pictures for more information.