The Jewelry and Purse Forum

The Ultimate Purse Organizer & Jewelry Traveler

2011-06-13T23:26:00.007-04:00

For a few years now, PurseN has been recognized for having taken purse organizers to a whole other level - practical and functional, yet stylish and fashionable. (PurseN oganizers are sold at zoeybloom.net)

PurseN organziers expand to fit larger bags, have tons of pockets and ridged sides that don't flop over. For those who like to change their handbags frequently, these organizers have handles to pull them out easily and insert them into different handbags. They are a godsend for owners of those bags where everything falls into a big pile in the bottom of your bag! While the fabrics and prints change seasonally, the basic style remains the same.

PurseN's latest design is the Tiara Vacationer Jewelry Traveler, and, in our opinion, it is already on its way to becoming even more popular than the organizer! With large see-through windows, you can pack even your large pieces of costume jewelry and easily identify your treasures to wear them out for the day or evening.

Inspired by origami, the sides fold in and overlap; each layer offers more protection for each jewelry item you enclose. The bottom windows snap out completely, and there is even a padded bar in the bottom to hold your rings securely. If you bring chunkier pieces, the bottom of the case can be expanded another inch so as not to overcrowd. At $48, the Tiara Vacationer makes a terrific gift.

The Tiara Vacationer is also available at Zoeybloom.net. We can't wait to see what PurseN comes up with next!

Hammitt Creates Handbag Collection for HBO's Hit Series, True Blood

2011-05-19T20:48:00.010-04:00

With well over 7,000,000 likes on Facebook, it's safe to say that the hugely popular HBO series, True Blood, is going to be around for a while. It truly has a loyal following. When HBO went looking for a handbag company to design a unique and edgy collection inspired by the series, they found Hammitt Los Angeles. Handcrafted in the United States, and known for their rich Italian leathers and contemporary urban styling, Hammitt bags had already been featured in contemporary series like 90210, Entourage, Melrose Place & Gossip Girl.

Set to debut this fall, the "Hammitt for True Blood^TM" handbag collection features five handbags, each is named after a different character on the show.

The “Sookie” is based on the main character, Sookie Stackhouse, played by Anna Paquin. Made of pleated dove grey suede, it is a ladylike frame bag made edgy with flat multi-colored rivets on the side gussets. It’s feminine and tough, very much like the Sookie character.

The “Eric” is based on the vampire sheriff, Eric Northman, played by Alexander Skarsgard. This is a crossbody bag and is simple, black, and, appropriately, accented with silver bullet-shaped studs and gold flat rivets on the sides.

The “Alcide,” is inspired by the resident werewolf, Alcide Herveaux. While its exterior of soft leather and faux fur reflects the softer side of the character’s good guy nature, the wolf image printed on the underside of the bag flap and the rivets on the handle reflects his underlying fierce side.

The “Lafayette,” is based on the character, Lafayette Reynolds, the flamboyant cook at Merlotte’s and drug dealer who sells “V” - vampire blood. Like the character, the handbag is flamboyant and fashionable. It features reflective studs, metallic leather with a stamped alligator pattern, alluding the Louisiana bayou and, as a nod to the V dealer, a V-shaped exterior pocket.

“Fangtasia” is a toast to the bar in Shreveport, Louisiana that serves as a hangout for vampires. This bag evokes the Goth nature of the bar with its black leather, rivets, and sexy corseted detailing on the front.

Each bag features a deep red lining printed with the True Blood logo. The bags start at $395 and can be pre-ordered at www.zoeybloom.net

Cool Cases For Credit Cards!

2010-12-16T22:15:00.004-05:00

These may be the perfect gift and they are only $39. Made of Swedish aluminum by Ogon, they come in a ton of colors including black, brown and silver; they appeal to women and men alike. The cases are light weight and hold the cards with an accordion style base so you can just flip through them to see all your cards with ease.

Each case holds about seven cards comfortably, but really, how many more does a person need?

Aside from being great looking and functional, the aluminum exterior prohibits radio frequence identity (RFID) theft. Thieves who steal via scanners, through your handbag or pockets, will not be able to obtain your information. Similarly, the magnetic strips will not become accidentally de-magnetized!

Ogon aluminum card cases are available at Zoey Bloom, in Tampa.

New Virginia Laptop Case by Rebecca Minkoff - Function Meets Fabulous

2010-10-26T16:12:00.017-04:00

Do you despair of ever finding a great looking laptop case? Well, despair no longer. Rebecca Minkoff has designed your solution, and she has named it New Virginia. No longer will you have to lug your laptop around in a boring, generic black nylon case; it now can be carried as a fashionable and chic accessory.

The New Virginia is made of gorgeous alligator-embossed leather, and it comes in black and teal with gold-tone hardware. It is large enough to hold most 15” laptops, and has padded walls to help soften the inevitable jostling from being carried around. An open, outside pocket provides a place for items that you need quick access to, and there is a detachable, adjustable shoulder strap that gives you a cross-body option to allow you to keep your hands free.

Carrying a laptop everyday can be a drudge; so, at the very least, you should look fantastic doing it. Take the New Virginia laptop case to work, class, or on the plane, and watch heads turn!

What Every Woman Needs - To Keep her Purse off the Ground!

2010-09-09T17:50:00.018-04:00

Do you pull up an extra chair at a restaurant just for your handbag? Do you hog an extra seat next to you at the movies to set it on? I'm a little afraid to ask what you do with your handbag when using a public restroom, but if you answered yes to any of the other questions, you need to know about this new product we have received. It solves all of these problems (and more), is inexpensive, and doesn't look like it came from a greeting card store. Watch the video for more information!

The Clipa is strong - it holds up to 45 pounds. There is a non slip pad on each end that will keep your handbag from sliding off and will not scratch your furniture. Mothers of small children can use a Clipa to hang an umbrella or handbag on a stroller at the park, or to hold a diaper bag while changing baby. It even makes a great makeshift coat hook when a hanger can not be found! They sell for $20.

>

Available at Zoey Bloom in Tampa and on their Web site.

Slapper Watches

2010-09-05T09:27:00.005-04:00

Fun never had a color before, and it certainly never told the time . . . until now. We love these Slapper watches from TKO. More stylish than their 90's bracelet predecessors, these bold and sassy slap-on timepieces have been modernized to match your every whim. Trade color combinations with a second watch, or purchase an optional accessory pack. The silicone rubber watch bands and casing wraps are all interchangeable! You can pop out the dial, slide it off of the band that worked with yesterday's skinny jeans and tee, and slide it onto the band of the color of your school or favorite team for today's big game. Dial with case measures approximately 1 3/4" and the band is 1" wide - it fits everybody! Each Slapper watch is only $50 and has a 5 year warranty. Three different accessory packages $35.

These fun watches are available at Zoey Bloom

Hammitt Good Day LA StyleFile

2010-06-07T21:14:00.000-04:00

Here's a great video from an up and coming line of U.S. made handbags. Hammitt Los Angles.

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

2009-11-13T17:37:00.003-05:00

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

2009-10-07T09:06:00.009-04:00

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

2009-09-06T11:29:00.000-04:00

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

Lightweight Handbags with Tons of Style!

2009-09-01T08:09:00.007-04:00

"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)

2009-07-30T17:48:00.014-04:00

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)

2009-07-10T20:53:00.017-04:00

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)

2009-06-30T16:00:00.002-04:00

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

2009-06-12T21:29:00.003-04:00

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

2009-04-14T18:32:00.006-04:00

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

2009-03-25T14:24:00.000-04:00

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!

2009-03-18T09:25:00.000-04:00

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

2009-03-16T21:41:00.000-04:00

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

2009-03-11T19:51:00.000-04:00

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.

Short, Fat, Lightweight, Lower Priced, Purple Bags are all the Rage for Fall 2009!

2009-03-01T10:22:00.000-05:00

The fall 2009 handbag market has just concluded and a lot of positive things have come out of it. I am happy to say that the designers has worked very hard to keep their retail prices down and are starting to recognize that heavier handbags are difficult to sell!

The prices of handbags have been soaring in the past few years. Designers such as Prada, Chloe, and Balenciaga had been raising their prices by huge amounts steadily to the point of ridiculous. Many women who once bought gold-range designer handbags, have begun to look to bridge designers like Lockheart, Kooba and MZ Wallace for quality handbags at half to a quarter of the price. Bridge handbags that were pushing $800 in price, we are seeing now under $600 A side benefit from shopping these collections is she is getting bags that are more unique since these lines tend not to be knocked off and available on the streets of any larger city.

Metal hardware had been stripped off of many purses the last couple seasons. This is probably due to the complaints about the weight. Through a combination of using lighter materials, we are finding more interesting designs and lighter weight handbags.

Popular silhouettes in handbags are all over the board this year. The boxy satchel is still big but we are seeing a strong upturn to the hobo again as well. The freshest style is a bag that is wider than it is deep, This east-west silhouette often has a flap and usually has two handles.

In terms of color, purple is absolutely the color of choice by that handbag designers for fall 2009. Patent finishes and the shiny metalics are hardly being shown.

The Ultimate Sale Event

2009-02-22T10:29:00.000-05:00

Wouldn't it be great to be able to walk into a store, select anything you love, AND have it be on sale?

Well right now, Zoey Bloom is doing just that. You can select from fine jewelry and fashion jewelry from designers like Dana David and Robert Lee Morris, amazing handbags from collections like Kooba, Lockheart, Francesco Biasia, Rebecca Minkoff and many others, shoes from Kate Spade, BCBG Max Azria and Beverly Feldman and EVEN anything that is on their Clearance sale! So pick up that 18 karat gold bracelet you saw in a magazine, a diamond pendant, a great pair of chandelier earrings, a new spring designer handbag, or a great pair of shoes now while the bargain can be had!

It sure beats being tempted by all of the newest styles as you make your way to the back of the store (because you want a bargain) and having to pick through last seasons left-overs!

This event is running through the end of February and is valid for any single item in their store or on their Web site, noe exceptions, no small print! When shopping on line, use coupon code: SPCLEAN25

Free Shipping ? Better Look Twice at Your Savings!

2009-02-21T15:17:00.000-05:00

I really get a kick out some of the Web sites out there. Knowing that the number one reason people leave one Web site for another is to find free shipping, many web retailers are padding the prices of the merchandise itself to make up for what they claim to be offering us for "free". The bottom line, it that their customers actually end up paying more.

One good example is a shoe I just listed on zoeybloom.net. The shoe is by Beverly Feldman and it is called the Barcelona. Just for kicks, I Googled it to see who else was selling it on line as I often do. I found many sites selling the same item for $20 more than us and half of them offered "Free Shipping". Hey, wake up people, we offer free shipping on regular priced merchandise right now too but even when we do not have the free shipping special going on, the ground shipping would only come to $12 for this shoe; it still nets $8 less which will buy you lunch in a lot of places! In this case, it was Amazon but sites like the incredibly popular Zappos pads their base prices with consistency.

Bottom line: Be sure to watch the base prices too if you have this thing about only buying from sites with "Free Shipping" Sometimes it is a hoax! Buyer Beware!

Addicted to Reading Glasses

2009-02-14T07:31:00.000-05:00

It's not easy getting older, but declining eyesight is something I personally experience. Note I didn't say (experienced); It keeps on getting worse! As evidenced by the readers glued to my head in my profile picture, I need readers. Like with most people, at first I started holding the menus farther back then I swore my arms were getting shorter. I went to the optometrist at that point and he told me my eyes were getting old (as if that were any better than saying I am getting old) and that most people at my age (there he goes again) will need reading glasses. He told me what strength I should buy and sent me on my way to the drug store to pick up a pair. When I got there, they all looked like the style my dad wore some 20 years earlier! Since I couldn't read the price tag, I bought a pair anyhow. This was the beginning of my reading glass addiction. Suddenly I regained my independence. Nobody had to read menus to me anymore, I started reading books again and I stopped mis-quoting the prices on the merchandise to my customers!

Here is where it starts to get bad. No longer can I deal with the drug store, "old man" styled glasses. My wife was even teasing me about them. I was wearing them on my face all of the time. If I was not reading, the glasses rested on my head. I was on a quest to find some with style and this is not easy, especially for men. One day, the president of Saks at the time, came in my office and plopped a pair of very stylish readers on my desk and that started my "collection". Now, I must have about 20 pair of them scattered throughout the house and office and life. And you know what? I am STILL finding myself without them.

About 6 months ago, on a buying trip, I found a pair of readers I that I could always count on. They folded up into a case about the size of a credit card, weighed nothing and looked pretty sharp. At only $20, I had to have them for our store. The moment they came in I bought a pair myself and asked my wife if she would keep them for me in her purse. This solved my problem once and for all. The glasses have become the single most re-ordered style in the store and I no longer need an interpreter when dining out!

The Jewelry and Purse Forum: Having a Baby Doesn't Mean You Have to Give up Style

2009-02-13T02:05:00.000-05:00

The Jewelry and Purse Forum: Having a Baby Doesn't Mean You Have to Give up Style

Having a Baby Doesn't Mean You Have to Give up Style

2009-02-05T20:01:00.000-05:00

When I saw this bag on another blog, I fell in love with it! it. Upon closer inspection that I noticed that it was a DIAPER bag! This leather Diaper bag from Rosie Pope is the diaper bag of the stars, it is leather, and it is under $400! Yes, you can carry the same bag Jennifer Garner carries. Check it out, click on the picture for more information!

2009-02-04T17:16:00.001-05:00

Monday, January 26, 2009

Designer "IT" Bags are Loosing Their Appeal - Women are Opting for Unique

An article I read a while ago titled “’It’ bags are out,” says it nicely. According to the January 2008 article in The Wall Street Journal, which notes that “The proliferation of knockoffs has helped erode the mystique of owning a high-end bag. Affluent customers have grown confident in their own sense of style and (are) increasingly turning to unique accessories to set themselves apart from the crowd.”

I agree 1000 percent. Who wants to look like everyone else anyhow. When you own the "It" bag, not only do you look like everybody else with money ... you look like many others who buy copies on the street for $25 in the same season! Really, show your own personal style ladies!

It's is exciting to see so many fresh and creative designers out there turning out high quality like SHIH and Treesje in handbags, Claudia Lobao and Dana David in fashion jewelry.

Women are having fun with fashion again and their options are growing every day!

The Forcast for 2009 is Bright and Sunny!

Saturday, January 24, 2009

A Unique Boutique in Tampa

Zoey Bloom, in Tampa, Florida has the right idea. They built a store that offers their customers stylish alternatives to the logo designer bags like Gucci, Chanel, Louis Vuitton etc. Not only is it refreshing to see so many really cool looking alternatives, it is refreshing to know that they are available at 1/4 of the price!

Another benefit of such a store is that you are not going to be seeing these bags on every other woman in town! They buy one or two (max) of most everything and they also have real fashion in ther fashion jewelry. You can buy those huge hoops and chandelier earrings you see in the fashion magazines and on celebrities.

From the moment you walk in the door, you feel as though you have been projected to New York's trendy, Madison Avenue. The only difference is that at Zoey Bloom, you can actually receive old-fashioned, personal service! Visit them on-line at http://www.zoeybloom.net

Thursday, January 22, 2009

The First

Hi Everyone,

Jim is my name, and this is my first post. (no, this is not a 12 step program)

I am part owner of Zoey Bloom Inc. and www.zoeybloom.net , a better woman's accessory boutique and Web store located in Tampa, Florida. My partner is Jo Anne.

I look forward to sharing with you notes, observations, comments and probably a few other random things that mostly have to do with my life as a buyer, shop owner, my buying trips, shopping, shoppers, fashion, and designers especially in the accessory market.

Please feel free to ask any questions and share your own thoughts.