Boulder and the Beautiful

What: The Flatirons Mineral Club of Boulder will hold its annual Gem and Mineral Show. Features 19 gem, jewelry and mineral dealers, exhibits, demos, activities, classes and programs.
Where: The Boulder County Fairgrounds Exhibit Building
When: Dec. 9-11
About: The Flatirons Mineral Club is a nonprofit dedicated to developing and maintaining interest in all aspects of earth science and associated hobbies. It has been a part of the Boulder community since 1957.
More info:  http://bcn.boulder.co.us/community/fmc

Highlights:
* Local artisan Caren Johannes will teach a beginners’ class in wire-wrap at 1 p.m.  Saturday. Students will make a handmade sterling silver pendant set with a stone cabochon and enough wire to make another. Johannes makes wire-wrap jewelry for many dealers.
* Pete Modreski will talk about Colorado diamonds at 2 p.m. on Sunday.

From http://geosurvey.state.co.us/minerals/Gemstones/Pages/Diamonds.aspx

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Icelandic Design is opening its seasonal fashion show to a select few this year — and in case you weren’t on the guest list, I’m doing some sneaky-sneaky journalism work for you. Here’s a sneak peak at this 30-year-old Colorado-based company’s Fall 2012 line, not available for retail purchase until August.

Look for:
Nordic wool sweaters
Luxuriously embellished coats
Fun cold weather accessories (hand-knit in Nepal and Peru)

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Obviously, I love unexpected pairings.

I married a man nearly 2 feet taller than me, who loves the sun, is laid back and loves relaxing while listening to Jack Johnson. (I, however, burst into flames if I see sunlight, am high strung like a toy poodle and relaxing stresses me out because it reminds me of all of the stuff I should be doing).

I also am currently wearing a sea green polyester grandma skirt with a black leather corset.

Unexpected fashion pairings are like surprise parties, or finding a $20 in the pocket of your winter coat.  They’re also key to how to put together a fantastic modern outfit — even if you’re on a budget. Take what you already have and put it together in impossible ways. This works especially well for color-blocking with bright colors.

Photo from http://web.me.com/sheinatacarn/www.sheinatacarnhallartistportfolio.com/Blog/Entries/2011/3/20_Color_Block.html.

Here are a few inspirations:

 Beverly Feldman shoes:
 

From http://vantagepointvintage.blogspot.com/2010_10_01_archive.html

From http://somuchtosmileabout.com/2010/10/unexpected-pairing/From http://mondette.com/blackburnandsweetzer/2010/06/29/events-loft-shows-off-fall-2010-at-the-chateau/

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This cold, dumb air makes me want to be a hermit.
I just want to stay home all day and clean and decorate my house and nest.
But instead, I am at work, which is the exact opposite.

Here are things I want to put in my house, from Modcloth.com.
They are also great gift ideas for the holidays.

1. Little Old Lady Recipes book, $14.99.
http://www.modcloth.com/shop/books/little-old-lady-recipes
 

2. Perfectly Primrose Tea Pot, $34.99.
http://www.modcloth.com/shop/kitchen-decor/perfectly-primrose-tea-pot#

3. Nest Friends Pillow, $34.99.
http://www.modcloth.com/shop/room-wall-decor/nest-friends-pillow

4. Tea wall hooks, $64.99.
http://www.modcloth.com/shop/room-wall-decor/practical-proprie-tea-wall-hooks#

5. Let There Be Flight hanging lamp, $97.99.
http://www.modcloth.com/shop/lighting/let-there-be-flight-hanging-lamp

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Need fashion  inspiration?
Check out the HospiceCare & Share Thrift Shop “All That Glitters” event 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Sunday at the store, 5290 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder.
The sale features higher end, used women’s evening gowns, accessories, shoes, handbags, slacks and tops — perfect to prepare for holiday parties and New Year’s Eve.

Tip: Holiday gifts and decorations go on sale for half off after 2 p.m.

Fashion flash: 

What: The Swiss Chalet is hosting a silent auction to benefit HospiceCare of
Boulder and Broomfield counties.
Where: The Swiss Chalet, 1642 Pearl St., Boulder.
When: Friday, Dec. 9, noon-8 p.m.; and Saturday, Dec. 10, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Also:Catering by Laudisio’s.

About the event: The Swiss Chalet is known for its fine timepieces, so be prepared to find plenty to bid on.

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