And....it's done!

The piece that I had shown progressing (see posts below) is now done and ready to hang! Thanks to an unexpected snow-day and some uninterrupted studio time, I was able to finish this off today. The text reads, "mothers of boys have the trickiest of channels to sail. They must be strong--but not overpowering." You can probably guess from the finished piece that I have three sons, one of whom has flown from the nest...aka 'he's away at college.'


The song lyric on the sheet music at the top of the piece reads, "And tho' I sing a song, it's hard not to cry--" That sums up my feelings about having my boys grow up and begin their own lives. It's bittersweet--on the one hand I'm so proud, but on the other hand I could cry.

© Nancy Lefko

Wedding Decor

We enjoy the reactions of guests as they walk into a ballroom that's totally transformed. As much as we would like to be adventurous when it comes to weddings, we know that the couple has their families to answer to if the decor is too outrageous. Planning a wedding? Talk to us! What will help us most is giving us your budget and we'll work our hardest to work within it. We promise! Here are some theme colours that are not over the top.

Fashion Fringe Accessories 2011 names winner

Kerrie Luft was today named as the winner of Fashion Fringe Accessories 2011. Kerrie was selected from a shortlist of four candidates and will receive an apprenticeship at French company Roger Vivier.

The Fashion Fringe 2011 Accessories was chaired by Bruno Frisoni, Creative Director of Roger Vivier, who selected the winning candidate in London today. Bruno commented; “I embrace the spirit of Fashion Fringe as it provides an open door to the rather closed world of fashion. Kerrie stood out as she has the potential to be a great designer in her own right. Her personality shone through, and her design approach is very organic, whilst embracing new technology to give an incredibly contemporary feel – we welcome her to Maison Roger Vivier.”

O´Neill launches competition to find face of SS12 campaign

O’Neill is launching a search for a model to become the O’Neill Girl that will appear in the SS12 fashion campaign. The competition, which is fronted by Australian supermodel Elyse Taylor, will run from today (1 April) until 15 May on www.facebook.com/oneillgirls.

Twelve finalists will be flown to Ibiza in June to walk the One Way Runway in front of a panel of judges that includes Elyse, professional O’Neill surfer Raine Jackson and fashion editors and stylists. The O’Neill Superkini is made with a new nanofront material which makes the suit sticks to the body when wet.

Basler opens new London store next week

Fashion label Basler is opening its fifth UK store at Westfield London on 8 April. Situated on the ground floor, the new store design concept will showcase the current SS11 collection that offers modern variations of classic styles that work as easy wearing separates. There is also an additional range of accessories to complement outfits. To celebrate the opening of the store, Basler is offering a free gift with every purchase made on the day.

CEW (UK) announces finalists for UK Beauty Awards 2011

CEW (UK) has announced the finalists of the CEW (UK) 2011 Beauty Awards. Following the Product Demonstration Evening, nearly 600 Members voted online for their favourite product in each of the 24 categories.

There are three finalists in each category and each category consists of:

Mass Categories:
1) Best New Bath and Body Product - Mass
2) Best New Haircare/Styling/Colouring Product - Mass
3) Best New Everyday Facial Skincare Product - Mass
4) Best New Skincare Treatment Product - Mass
5) Best New Make-up Product - Mass
6) Best Classic Beauty Product - Mass
7) Best New Men’s Grooming Product - Mass
8) Best New Brand - Mass

Prestige Categories:
9) Best New Bath and Body Product - Prestige
10) Best New Haircare/Styling Product - Prestige
11) Best New Everyday Facial Skincare Product - Prestige
12) Best New Skincare Treatment Product - Prestige
13) Best New Make-up Product - Face - Prestige
14) Best New Make-up Product - Eyes or Lips - Prestige
15) Best Classic Beauty Product - Prestige
16) Best New Women’s Fragrance - Prestige
17) Best New Men’s Fragrance - Prestige
18) Best New Men’s Grooming Product - Prestige
19) Best New Brand - Prestige

Mass or Prestige Categories:
20) Best New Certified Organic Skincare Product - Mass or Prestige
21) Best New Self Tan or Sun Care Product - Mass or Prestige
22) Best New Hand and Nail Care Product - Mass or Prestige
23) Best British Brand - Mass or Prestige
24) Best Iconic Beauty Product - Mass or Prestige

Mass Categories:
1) Best New Bath and Body Product
2) Best New Haircare/Styling/Colouring Product
3) Best New Everyday Facial Skincare Product
4) Best New Skincare Treatment Product
5) Best New Make-up Product
6) Best Classic Beauty Product
7) Best New Men’s Grooming Product
8) Best New Brand

Prestige Categories:
9) Best New Bath and Body Product
10) Best New Haircare/Styling Product
11) Best New Everyday Facial Skincare Product
12) Best New Skincare Treatment product
13) Best New Make-up Product – Face
14) Best New Make-up Product – Eyes or Lips
15) Best Classic Beauty Product
16) Best New Women’s Fragrance
17) Best New Men’s Fragrance
18) Best New Men’s Grooming Product
19) Best New Brand

Mass or Prestige Categories:
20) Best New Certified Organic Skincare Product
21) Best New Self Tan or Sun Care Product
22) Best New Hand and Nail Care Product
23) Best British Brand
24) Best Iconic Beauty Product

For a full list all brands and products nominated please go to the CEW website here.

Michael Lewis AW11/12 collection

Michael Lewis began his footwear design career 15 years ago in Paris for Jean-Charles de Castlebajac, before working alongside Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs and Christopher Bailey at Burberry. Most recently Lewis has worked with Tom Ford and Versace.

His AW11/12 collection embraces provocative and feminine designs and is inspired by 1980’s Mugler and Kubrick’s Eyes Wide Shut. The range features intricate detailing in the dark hues of the season. There has also been the introduction of a new cigarette heel and sculptured platform. The collection will be available late June, early July and will be priced from £388.00 to £606.00, available from Harvey Nichols and Dover Street Market.