These sets feature Pangea Collection’s Fair Trade Eco Recycled Plastic Handbags and Beach Bags from India. Perfect for brightening up your wardrobe.
![[Gopez High] Rach: Creative Beading](http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-set/BQcDAAAAAwoDanBnAAAABC5vdXQKFkluWTVYMUh6M1JHbUxlQ3ZMUmFoT3cAAAACaWQKAWUAAAAEc2l6ZQ.jpg "[Gopez High] Rach: Creative Beading")
[Gopez High] Rach: Creative Beading – by Akaya on Polyvore.com
Archive for the ‘Shopping’ Category
What To Wear With Fair Trade Eco Recycled Plastic Handbags
February 23, 2009
How To Wear A Fair Trade Wide Bronze & Lapis Cuff
February 12, 2009These two sets, “Gold Knot” and “All I Need” features Pangea Collection’s Fair Trade wide polished bronze and Lapis cuff.
Gold Knot – by BabysInBlack on Polyvore.com
All I need – by Nowicz on Polyvore.com
Valentine’s Artisan Jewelry
February 3, 2009Looking for a perfect Valentine’s gift for that someone special? Pangea Collection has a selection of fair trade and artisan jewelry that will be sure to please.
The artisan jewerly pieces in this special Valentine’s day gift guide include handmade Balinese Harmony ball pendants and earrings, handmade sterling silver link bracelet with heart pendant from Mexico, fair trade Indian jewelry in romantic red, sexy chandelier earrings and more.
Whether you are looking for a perfect give or a gift for yourself, you are sure to find a beautiful piece in Pangea Collection’s Valentine’s Gift Guide.
Pangea Collection Valentine's Artisan Jewelry Gift Guide
Artisan Jewelry Gift Ideas For The Holidays
November 8, 2008This holiday season give the ones you love the quintessential gift of harmony with a piece from Pangea Collection’s artisan Harmony Ball Jewelry. Available as a pair of earrings or a pendant, each sterling silver, handcrafted Harmony Ball chimes softly when shaken, evoking memories of sleigh bells and holidays past. Made by the skilled silversmiths of Celuk, Bali, each ethereal piece is unique and tells a story in its design and song!
Artisan Crafted Harmony Ball Pendants and Earrings
Handmade Silver Ball Drop Earrings – InStyle
October 22, 2008Pangea Collection’s Handmade Silver Ball Drop Earrings from Mexico are featured in November’s InStyle Magazine.
Check out November’s InStyle, “Your Look, Instant Style”. See how the Mexican Silver Earrings are paired with a fur collared black coat, platform shoes and a silver clutch.
November InStyle Magazine
Silver Ball Drop Earrings from Mexico Featured in InStyle Magazine
Retail Therapy – Artisan Jewelry, Shoes and Clothes
September 21, 2008When I was living in Paris, a typical Sunday for me would be to take line one to St-Paul have a leisurely coffee and wander the streets of the Marais looking for the latest in artisan jewelry and clothes. I loved wandering the streets of the Marais, the whole area has so much character and the shops are wonderful. It is especially great for artisan jewelry. Good for shoes and clothing but great for artisan jewelry. I can’t tell you how many pieces of jewelry I’d buy while wandering the streets.
This morning I was feeling a little down and tired of working every day and night and sitting at my computer so I thought, it would be a good day for a little coffee and retail therapy.
I started my morning at the Starbucks, for me it’s a grande, non fat, sugar free dulce latte and a fat free turkey bacon breakfast sandwich. I sat in a comfy chair and read the morning newspaper – perfect start to a Sunday.
After I finished sipping the coffee and reading my paper, I headed across the parking lot to the Winners and Shoe Company for a little RT. As I was walking across the parking lot, I thought to myself how different North American RT is from that of my life in Paris. While it is true I was walking rather than the typical drive the car to each store, the parking lot simply could not compete with the romance of the Marais.
I do enjoy the excitement of a great find hidden in stuffed racks in the warehouse style shopping of Winners it too missed the leisurely experience of roaming for pretty boutique with all the garments laid out so beautifully.
None-the-less I was cured of my blues once I started to discover the amazing sweater dresses and seventies style blouses for twenty bucks! My mood had changed. After trying on many pieces I decided on a few, paid and went next door to the Shoe Company. Now for me a new pair of shoes or a piece of artisan jewelry makes me feel fantastic instantly – they fit and look great even if I’ve put on a few extra pounds!
I checked out the front of the store where the new merchandise is displayed but nothing caught my eye. I went into the back where the clearance items are displayed and to my great pleasure I started to discover many great deals. Some of this season’s best trends are about retro fashion and I often find that the shoes in the discount section are perfect for achieving one of the retro looks. Get this – I bought three pair of shoes for a total of $50 including tax!
Feeling giddy with my purchases I decided when I arrived home it was time to change my closet over from summer to fall/winter. In doing this I was able to mix and match a number of pieces in my existing wardrobe with my new purchases. In total I spent about $120 and extended my wardrobe significantly.
I’m wearing a new combo tomorrow! I’m pairing a pair of black tights with a new seventies style sweater dress (puffy sleeves) with a pair of purple suede and leather wedges with ribbon accent, and some artisan jewelry from Pangea Collection (did you think it would be any other jewelry?).
This new outfit combo will make having to get up super early on a Monday morning a little less painful and I’ll be smiling as I put on my pretty new purple wedge heels!
Artisan Jewelry & Fashion Trends Fall/Winter 08/09
September 19, 2008Fall is arriving, one of the biggest signs for me is when the Canadian Geese start to warm up their wings. You can see them flying around in circles and squawking. They are such a beautiful animal, but that’s for another post.
In preparation for fall and winter 2008/09 fashions, I’d like to introduce you to a few new artisan jewelry pieces as well as highlight a few key fall and winter fashion trends. Pangea Collection’s believe however is – go with what you love and while it’s great to have a few trendy pieces, we believe that the best fashions stand the test of time.
Actually we’re seeing many “trends” each new season that are either somewhat of a continuation of previous season’s themes or are retro. These retro trends make it perfect for shopping your closet.
Go in deep to the back of the closet I bet you still have something from seventies and/or 80s in there, unless of course you weren’t born yet, in this case raid your mother’s closet. Some of you (or your mom) may even have pieces that work beautifully for the 50s glam pin up look.
This season basically every era is back and you’ll look right on trend wearing any retro decade piece – one suggestion though is not to over do it. One or two retro pieces, whether apparel or artisan jewelry, with something more contemporary works really well. This is a common way for the designers to make retro fashions look contemporary. They add a new twist to the retro style either in design, fabric or accessories.
Our suggestion is dig out and recycle/reuse those beautiful retro pieces from the back of the closet and mix them up with fresh elements, you’ll be looking perfectly stylish.
Here are a few of the trends and in particular I’ll highlight the artisan jewelry pieces from Pangea Collection that could put the finishing details on the outfit. Don’t forget though to look at what you already have and add new pieces only where you need them, this will save you money and time shopping and is eco responsible.
Here are a few of the Fall/Winter 2008/09 trends:
Overarching
Two over arching trends are:
i. A mix of day for night. By this I mean wearing pieces which one would traditionally wear as evening wear for daywear. I’m not talking the full on gown but rather a sequin tank say under a blazer for a little daytime sparkle.
ii. Trends that run through both apparel and accessories most of the trends are affecting all elements of the outfit which is nice because you can choose how far you go with the look of the trend by the element you select ie want to be a little more subtle go with just one accessory from the trend.
Colour Trends
Apparel and artisan jewelry in purple, pink, deep red, green and blue are hot.
Bali Green Agate and Silver Drop Earrings
I. Isn’t It Romantic
It’s wonderful to have a romantic trend in fashion into the fall. When we want to bundle up into warm sweaters, it’s nice to have a counter balance in flowing fabrics and romantic accessories, a la Victorian style.
Artisan jewelry to achieve this look would definitely include chandelier earrings.
Bangladesh Romantic Chandelier Earrings
II. Mumbai Mystique
Asian fashion and East Indian fashion specifically, is becoming more and more popular. Designer Alexander McQueen’s fall runway show was a perfect example of this. No surprise he spent 6 months in India – makes sense the inspiration for the collection came from India.
Pangea Collection added a large collection of Fair Trade Indian pieces which started to arrive in the end of summer. Check out the new pieces now available many of which include fair trade jewelry. You can view the entire Indian Fair Trade Collection or just the Mumbai Mystique trend pieces
Fair Trade Jewelry – Red Rondelle Burnt Horn Necklace
III. Bangle Bazaar
There seems to be no end to bangle desire – hint this is a good investment to take you into spring/summer 2009. NYC Fashion Week was last week and there were plenty of big chunky bangles on the runway for Spring/Summer 09.
Check out the artisan jewelry bangle collection
Fair Trade Jewelry – Jali Cut Wood Bangle
IV. Metallics
Gold, Brass, Silver and Pewter oh my! Metallic influences in clothing and in accessories. See Pangea Collection’s Metallic Artisan Jewelry
V. Leather
Whether you’re going for the rocker chic look or a more polished classic image, leather is hot this fall.
Leather is showing up in clothing and accessories – from bomber and motorcycle style jackets to leather mini dresses to bags, scarves, gloves and necklaces.
VI. Fringe and Feathers
Fringe dresses like flapper dresses from the 20s, fringes on boots and bags. Feather accents on apparel and accessories.
VII. Architectural
Apparel shapes are reflecting an architectural influence – interesting draping and cuts in the clothing.
Art Deco and Architectural inspired artisan jewelry
VIII. Decade Retro
20s through to the 80s with a focus on 50s Pin Up , 70s Hippie and 80s Preppy
Chunky Double Wood Chain Necklace – Fair Trade Jewelry
IX. Leg Wear
Tights and knee socks rule again. Cable knit, solids, funky patterns, wet and metallic look to Gossip Girl argyle.
X. Shoes
A word about shoes, as you know I’m a self professed recovering shoe-a-holic. I covet shoes and this season if you love shoes you are in for a treat as shoes take on an important fashion role (not that they didn’t before but even more so this season).
Here are a few shoe trends:
• Ankle Boots Kick It – Lace Up Booties – especially Oxford Style, Booties with Cut Outs, Extra Fabric and Folds
• Boots – Fringe, Riding Boots
• Chunky Platform heels – new 70s anyone?
XI. Long Term Trends
While above are the latest fall/winter 2008/09 trends, I believe that there are two trends that are real long-term trends, rather than fads. These two trends are ethnic fashion and social conscious buying such as fair trade jewelry and fashions.
The reason I believe this (other than the obvious fact that I started a business which is directly related to these two trends) is that is where society is heading.
Our cities are becoming more and more multicultural and we are loving it! We’re loving the food and the fashions.
In terms of social conscious buying everything from green fashion to fair trade is becoming more important. We are asking more questions and we care about how and where we spend our dollars.
Again look for pieces you already have an add to them to give you an current look but one that reflects your own personality, no point in looking just like everyone else.
Happy fall!
Rocker Chic Look with Artisan Fair Trade Jewelry
September 15, 2008How to wear the rocker chic look with artisan jewelry and fair trade jewelry.
In this set are several Pangea Collection pieces:
Handmade Silver Jewelry – Cuff
Fair Trade Jewelry
- Wood Chain Necklace
- Jali Cut Bangle
- Graduated Wood Ball Necklace
Visiting Vienna – Pangea Collection Insider Tips
September 14, 2008Vienna is one of my favourite cities. I have been to Vienna a couple of times at Christmas and I have to say it is magical.
I will write another post specifically about Vienna at Christmas focusing on the wonderful experience of the Christmas markets.
For now, the details below will provide a good guide to what I believe are some of the best things to see and do and would be great experiences regardless of the season.
I. Museums:
They are fantastic…especially:
Albertina
There is a new installation there. Really great! Not to be missed especially if you like Monet and other Impressionists. It takes you through different art styles. For this exhibit I’d recommend quite a lot of time, don’t go tired or just do part of the exhibit, it is huge!
http://www.albertina.at
Leopold
If you like 1900s Viennese art (Schiele, Klimt and Kokoschka)
http://www.leopoldmuseum.org
Museum Quarter
There are several other museums in the Quarter so pick those that suit your style.
Sissey Museum
In the Hofburg Palace. This is really wonderful and right in the heart of the city. It tells the story of Sissey, both my husband and I really liked it when we visited.
The whole palace is worth your time, absolutely stunning.
II. Palaces/Art:
The Belevedere
The Belvedere is a little further out but still in the city. We went because we like the 1900 Viennese Art especially Klimt, we did not go to the other exhibits which may have made it worthwhile. The Belevedere wasn’t our favourite. But if you like Klimt “The Kiss” alone might make it worthwhile.
Schonbrunn Palace
The summer house of the Hofburgs. This is even further out but you can take public transit or a tour bus if you are into tour groups. It’s massive, I wouldn’t recommend the full tour unless you are really into Palaces it gets a bit long.
www.schoenbrunn.at
III. Vienna Boys Choir:
We actually found this disappointing, we went to mass on Christmas Eve and the boys only come out for a very short time but are singing the whole time. It’s an interesting experience but not one we would do again. If you are really into that kind of thing it might be worthwhile but otherwise, I’d spend my time doing something else.
IV. Theatre/Ballet/Opera:
Staastoper
It will depend on the season what you might be able to attend, in any case the Staastoper is beautiful, worth a visit even if you can’t get tickets or don’t have time, I think you can still take a tour, check with your hotel to confirm.
V. Other Major Sites:
Stephandom
Gothic Church, quite impressive.
VI. Food:
Find somewhere for traditional Goulash (which is actually Hungarian) like the Cafe Landtmann.
Just a word of caution, there is still a lot of smoking in restaurants/cafes in Vienna (at least there was the last time we were there, Christmas 07).
Wein & Co
This is one of the best known restaurants in the city and may be a challenge to get a reservation. There is one in the Albertina (a good place for breakfast) and one which overlooks the Stephandom. The food is good and the view (if you have the right table) is interesting. It’s very sleek inside. Joe (my husband) felt it was a bit over-rated but still I still think it was worthwhile.
Coffee Houses
This is a must, a part of the culture. You can go to Cafe Landtmann as reco’d above or choose one of many others….like Cafe Central or Aida (Aida is a chain and there are many around the city). Landtmann is by far our fav but be careful not to sit anywhere near the smoking section (as noted above smoking is still common)!
Additionally Vienna is famous for a chocolate style cake (called Sachertorte) and apparently two cafe’s claim the credit. Cafe Sacher and Demel. They are both really beautiful and worthwhile going in and having a coffee, but honestly, the chocolate cake in France is way better. The atmosphere though it worth the wait in line. Consider the apfelstrudel instead of the cake.
Vienna has its own coffee naming system which may not be familiar to you. They have cappuccino but also melange which is a milky coffee served with milk froth on the top. There is a whole list of other coffee names.
VII. Getting around:
It’s an easy city to walk (in the inner ring) but getting a pass for public transit is highly recommended. It is really efficient and saves your feet. The transit system is very convenient. No really need for taxis.
If you plan to go to a lot of sites I’d recommend the “Vienna Card” it includes free use of transit and discounts on entry to sites/museums, well worth it in my opinion.
VIII. Shopping:
The area around Stephandom is lined with the major changes. The city is great for just wandering and you will find shops along the way.
IX. Getting from the airport:
You can arrange ahead for your hotel to send a car, get a taxi or take the “Cat” if your hotel is near the Cat, I’d recommend that route, cost efficient and easy, otherwise take a taxi because you have to get from the Cat to your hotel and if you have luggage it isn’t easy getting it on and off public transit.
It is one of the most elegant cities to which I have ever travelled, I absolutely love it. We love art and museums so you can see our list focuses on that but there are many other things to do in the city too.
Enjoy – it’s a wonderful city to explore!
Who is the Pangea Collection Customer and Why Buy Artisan Jewelry and Fair Trade Jewelry?
September 4, 2008The Pangea Collection artisan and fair trade jewelry customer is a socially conscious consumer. She is educated and takes great pleasure in exploring the world through travel, art and culture.
She takes pride in her personal style and enjoys artisan jewelry and fair trade jewelry pieces which reflect her individual personality. At the same time she is proud to be contributing to enabling artisans through the practice their traditional jewelry craft. In doing so the artisan is able to achieve the art of self reliance.
