Naugi Tiaras

We’re upgrading the Naugi Blog!!!

Good bye’s are sometimes a little bit sad…and sometimes a little bit happy…

Today it is time to say good bye to the Naugi blog as it has been known for the last 6 months and I’m pretty darn excited to say this! Tomorrow we will say hello to The Tiara Blog, my beautiful new space to write about our products, brides, fashion, answer questions, and offer tips! Using more advanced  software the new blog will allow me to take the next step in blogging. Yay! My wonderfully talented husband David has worked hard to create the gorgeous look for the new blog. I can’t wait to show you tomorrow so please stop by and check out our new look and what we’ve been up to…

xoxo

Jessica

P.S. Our new home is official now: The Tiara Blog

Brooches, Bows, & Vera Wang

I was on the Knot looking for an example of a wedding gown that beautifully incorporated the use of a brooch when I found found this strapless Vera Wang (top photo). Look at the draping of the smooth satin on the bodice and the way the it’s pulled together by a brooch (a bow no less)! It’s minimal and modern with a feminine accent courtesy of the perfect, dainty bow.

Next I saw this ethereal deep v-neck gown with wispy overlapping layers also by Vera Wang (bottom photo). I love the almost casual way the bow brooch has been pinned on the strap. I believe it’s the same brooch on both dresses used in two different ways. Placement is everything and should always be deliberate and well though out. That’s why I love Vera Wang- the details are always immaculate and thoughtfully placed.

I’ll be back tomorrow (hopefully on our new blog :-) with a showing of our brooches and different ways to use them.

xoxo

Jessica

For the Love of a Bow- The J.Crew Silk Gala Clutch

I’ve caught a bit of “bow” fever lately! You can’t look at fashion right now without seeing some version of a bow, whether on a beautiful dress at the Oscar’s, on shoes, hair jewelry, and this gorgeous silk clutch by J.Crew. The Silk Gala Clutch won my heart when I saw the sumptuous drooping bow made with rich luxurious silk! And look at the fresh, clean, spring colors- you can take the ivory along to your wedding or take the tea rose out to dinner. Why thank you J.Crew, I love it!

I have a few new ideas in still in the beginning stage for bows translated into what else, but hair jewels! For one I’m thinking a loose bow with tails that linger down and wrap the side of a large chignon. It’s a lovely thought right now- I’ll share when it comes to life!

Jessica

Oscars, Emeralds, & Angelina Jolie

Okay so yes, I look at the gowns on Oscar night, who doesn’t look and longingly wish for a reason to get decked out in such an opulent fashion, but what I am really looking at are the jewels. Angelina Jolie and her jewels are my favorite from last night and to be honest I don’t see anyone topping it for some time to come (at least in my book)!

I tuned in late as I was watching Ratatouille with a favorite little boy, and I caught a glimpse of green flash away from the screen. It was Angelina Jolie wearing jewels by Lorraine Schwartz and the over sized emeralds were instant love for me. Paired with a basic black Elie Saab floor length gown which created a gorgeous silhouette, simply pulled back long dark locks and natural makeup, the 115 carat emerald teardrop earrings and 65 carat ring were a stand out. Bold, simple, sexy and a definite departure from the overall muted color palette of other stars last night!

Jenny Packham Sorrento Gown- a Sensuous Goddess

I’ve come to love the designs of British designer Jenny Packham. Her bridal collections are revered for the traditional styling layered with lush expensive fabrics, sensuous shapes, and jewelry-like embellishments. I mentioned a few days ago that I would like to see the new Florence Hair Ornament paired with one of her dresses because it reminds me of her eye for detail in its curls and curves. I don’t think this dress needs anything else- just two or three of our Florence for the defining accent on one gorgeous dress!

Enjoy!

Jessica

New This Week- Curls & Curves

A curl here, a twist there, beautiful lines- the Florence Hair Ornament is my pick of the week for new items. Wear in the front and off to the side for a vintage 20’s feel, or in back accenting a twist of hair. This might sounds kind of over the top, but two, even three of this design arranged together is really beautiful and very dramatic!

I’ll be back tomorrow to show you one of my favorite dress designs of the season by glamorous UK designer Jenny Packham. It’s the dress I would pair with Florence (or 3 Florences)!

Enjoy!

Jessica

i HEART brownies

Nothing says “I love you” like a heart shaped brownie. Roll the edges in powdered sugar and the result is a super sweet and inexpensive special treat for your valentine. I found it was easier to cut the hearts out with the cookie cutter when the brownies were still slightly warm, but got a better result rolling the edges in powdered sugar after they had completely cooled. Serve them on your sweetest china to make the treat extra special!

I am working on a new comb and jewelry collection this week called Queen Anne’s Lace which is so beautiful I can’t wait to show you!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

xoxo

Jessica

This Week in Color- Black is Back

Wow! Isn’t this dark floral stem an absolute beauty?! The black paint set against a dark hair color creates a subtle and sparkly accent. I love the understated quality of this combination of a dark accessory and dark hair. On the flip side when set in light hair it becomes a lovely bold piece. I envision a low pony tail with the Black Beauty Hair Ornament tucked into the side. Gorgeous! Have you noticed the use of purple every where in fashion right now. I love it!

Enjoy!

Jessica

January Contest Winner

We picked the winner of our January contest last week and I was quite pleased to find out that she lives in Lexington, KY! We’re located in Newport, KY on the Ohio River just across from downtown Cincinnati. Ellen chose the Dogwood Back Piece a beautiful enamel painted flower piece to accent her black gown and veil! I seriously can’t wait to see pictures of Ellen and what sounds like a beautiful ensemble.

Congratulations Ellen! Your piece is drying today and should be ready for shipment by Wednesday! Thanks so much to everyone who entered and took the time to make a selection! I very much enjoyed reading all the comments and can’t wait for our next contest…I’ll keep you posted!

Happy Monday!

Jessica

A Sneak Peek at Spring- White Flowers are in…

Well it seems as if spring is just around the corner! It’s 55 degrees here today and I’ve caught a bit of spring fever, or maybe it’s spring hopefulness! It seems a perfect day to share with you a piece from the new spring line: the French Garden Headband. This piece is special because the entire piece, from the headband to the lovely jewel and pearl encrusted flowers, are painted with enamel. The look is soft, reminiscent of fabric, and well suited for a summer garden wedding. I have other summer floral inspirations to show you but am waiting (with good reason :-)!

Hope your weekend is as spring like as mine!

Jessica

What is a Back Piece?

Well, hello! I’ve been MIA on the blog for about two weeks and I am sorry. We’ve been working on an exciting new project (hint- upgrading the blog)! I was waiting to post new entries until we’re ready for the launch but we’re just not quite ready, and that’s okay. Sometimes things just take a little longer : -) Here’s where I left off last…

I started making “back pieces” as custom requests many, many years ago as hair styles began trending toward low buns or chignons. Now back pieces are a regular part of each season’s designs and by far one of the most popular ways to accent the hair. I‘m not exactly sure how the term back piece emerged but it raises a lot of questions from brides about what it is and how to wear it. This is the first of a few posts about the different types of head pieces. So here we go!

Some pieces such as the Beautiful Girl Back Piece and the  Grape Flora Hair Ornament can be worn along side a french twist or tucked into the gathered section of hair that is half up/half down. The Grape Flora Hair Ornament is made so that is also works well in front, perhaps on the side. Others such as the Jackie Back Piece and the Syvie Back Piece are very rounded and more suited for the shape of a chignon. In general there aren’t many “rules” about where a particular piece goes. For instance the Jackie Back Piece is very dramatic and beautiful placed in front and off to the side. It’s all up to your imagination & hair style!

I’ve been completely amazed and slightly amused to see the combinations and placements of headpieces over the years. Do you have a question about how to wear a piece? Do you have a picture of yourself wearing a piece that you would like to share (please I love receiving pictures of our brides :-)? Email me- I’d love to hear from you!

Have a safe and happy weekend!

Jessica

Virginia & Early Snow

Two of our favorite combs, Virginia and Early Snow, are now available as back pieces! They are long overdue additions to the back piece collection. The Virginia Back Piece is a more understated delicate floral design. I love the symmetry of this piece. The Early Snow Back Piece on the other hand is a more organic gathering of leaves and flowers. It’s a bold piece that can stand out against a large chignon. Years ago I made it in gold with light pink and ab crystals and it was the prettiest combination! I wish I had taken more pictures over the years of beautiful and whimsical combinations like that one!

Oh, and the pearl colors in both of these pictures are a mix of creme and white. It’s a very pretty way to add dimension to a piece and works well for most dress colors, especially diamond white. Of course, all of our pieces are available in all creme and all white too!

Later this week I’ll talk more about what a back piece is and what some of the differences are between all of the “kinds” of combs. Until then if you have any questions about how a specific piece might work in your hair let me know. We can send pictures of the piece being worn.

Happy Monday!

Jessica

Sign Up For the Naugi Newsletter and Get a Coupon!

When you sign up for the Naugi Newsletter you’ll receive a coupon to use on your first order! You’ll hear from us 1-2 times a month letting you know about specials, new products and services, tips and style advice, and what’s happening in our store. We recently launched this newsletter feature and I am so excited about it! It’s a new way for me to stay connected and up to date with customers. I know we’ll hear from lots of new brides over the coming months and I hope you’ll want to hear from us too!

To sign up go here and type in your email address. You’ll receive your welcome email and coupon right away!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Jessica

Pretty Chandelier Pendants

New for this week is a group of pretty chandelier pendants. They all have matching earrings but don’t necessarily need to be paired together. A larger statement pendant, as a few of these are, may be better paired with a stud or simple drop earring. I LOVE wearing a necklace with a long drop like no. 5, the Penelope Pendant, with a deep v-neck or a simple strapless dress. I would wear a bigger piece like this for the rehearsal dinner or wedding and then continue to wear is for months to come. A better idea may be to wear it only on special occasions, but my style philosophy tends to be a bit obsessive- I get something I like and wear it continually until it falls apart or something better comes along!

The smallest pendant of this group is a new design- no. 3  Pari Pendant. I love the super tiny Swarovski crystals embedded into the oval. Tiny crystals sparkle so beautifully and lend a vintage feel to the design. A more understated piece such as this will integrate well in many ensembles lending just enough sparkle…

No. 2, the Milla Rose Pendant, is well one of my absolute favorites! In my opinion it was meant for a deep v-neck sleeveless lace gown. Oh, so romantic! The medium sized Elsa Pendant no. 1 would be beautiful paired with lace as well. The Swarovski baroque crystal that dangles from the center bottom is gorgeous- a true reference to a light filled chandelier! With a similar sparkle is no. 4 the Claudine Pendant and its three over sized round crystals dropping from a circle of studded crystal.

Lastly, no. 6 the Stella Pendant has had my heart since I designed the earrings several months ago. A  medium sized design with a classic romantic feel and a modern twist (love the over sized round Swarovski crystal at the bottom)!

This new group of pendants was inspired by customers really. We took many requests and special orders for necklaces that came from the chandelier earring designs. Any special requests, ideas, jewelry problems you can’t solve? Let me know, send me pictures, ideas, questions and we’ll create something beautiful!

Enjoy!

Jessica