I just received my March issue of In Style Magazine the other day and over the rainy San Diego weekend I had time to look at the myriad of shoe fashions gracing the pages.  High heel platform shoes seemed to dominate the pages.  I’m just not sure if I want to be that tall and for me they would  be an accident waiting to happen.  But for those of you who are slaves to fashion (and who can balance like a high wire performer) those in the know say they are very chic and sexy.

I also noticed that some shoes never go out of fashion – like stillettos.  According to the fashion experts, we should all keep a pair or two in our closet for those nights out on the town or those nights you feel like staying in and slipping into your sexiest teddy.  

Lace pumps and fringed footwear were also shown in the magazine, evidence that shoes are constantly changing and evolving.  Personally, there is nothing more feminine and sexy to me than a pair of dressy, skinny-heeled pumps that do more for a woman’s legs than anything else….other than a pair of dazzling barefoot sandals!

With styles from casual (for that winter vacation or cruise) to elegant (for a romantic beach wedding or a night on the town), we offer something for every gal on your list.   Since barefoot sandals can be worn with shoes, it doesn’t have to be summer for her to enjoy them.  Pair our Elegant Evening barefoot sandals with a sexy heel and she’ll be ready to party the night away on New Years Eve.  Or plan a romantic evening at home in sexy lingerie in front of the fireplace  Barefoot sandals will dress up her cute little toes!

Be sure to place your order now so we can guarantee delivery by Christmas! We make every effort to get orders on their way within 24-48 hours of receiving them.  Give the gift of beautiful jewelry for the holiday’s this year!

Shown here on the red carpet are two of the colors of custom-designed barefoot sandals that we handcrafted for one of their dances.  They matched the magenta and green costumes worn for that performance.  The sandals were a big hit with the crowd and with the dancers! 

And just so you know, the dance troupe is available for private parties, wedding receptions or any type of event that is looking for some fabulous, up-beat and colorful entertainment.   Contact Priya via e-mail on their web site http://www.dhoonyadance.com .

Remember that we will custom-craft barefoot sandals for any occasion in any color so if you know of another group of dancers who might like to add bottomless sandals to their costumes – just send us an e-mail at jan@jewels-by-jan.com

Those birthday’s that end in a zero are special. They’re milestones and they should be celebrated.  But Pat doesn’t like to be the center of attention and she made her husband swear he wasn’t doing anything special for this birthday.  He was off the hook.  Little did she know that it was her sister in San Diego who was sneaking around sending out save the date cards followed by one of her famous poem invitations. 

Yep, we got her good! And it was all SO worth it.   Everything turned out great and I was able to see all my family in one place!

After the festivities were over (attended by 50 of her closest relatives and friends) we had the chance to put on our official Jewels by Jan Swarovski crystal tees to take this photo.  If you’re a fan of our barefoot sandals, the shirts will be available on our web site soon!  They’re made of top-quality cotton-poly with genuine clear and pink Swarovski crystals.  What a fabulous way to add some bling to your wardrobe!

Mother Nature even wore a pair of barefoot sandals made with green leaves – but unfortunately, no one took a picture of them.  

Needless to say, we all have another year to come up with ideas for next year’s costumes!  Now it’s time to get ready for giving thanks.

JAN

If you’re a savvy consumer (which of course you are), you will put more stock in your friends’ opinions and independent product reviews.  Since my goal is to provide my followers with useful information I would not be doing my job if I didn’t tell you about Looney Maiden Jewelry.

Recognized by The Knot as well as top bridal magazines, Judith Cartier Oliver has created over 700 individual styles of affordable bridal jewelry, bridesmaid jewelry, flower girl jewelry and wedding hair accessories.   With 90 Swarovski crystal colors and 30 pearl colors to choose from, you’re sure to find just what you’re looking for.  If you don’t,  Judith will make it for you.  She’s worked with countless brides for over 15 years to create exactly what they are looking for.  And now, Judith and I have “teamed up” to accessorize you literally from head to toe. 

Call us the “Dynamic Duo”!  Together, we will make you look gorgeous….and more.  I will handcraft custom beautiful foot jewelry to match the jewelry pieces that she creates.  Keep in mind that we haven’t forgotten about your bridal party.  Whatever colors you’ve chosen for your wedding – Judith and I can coordinate the perfect wedding day jewelry accessories that will turn you and your attendants into the most beautiful wedding party . After all, feeling beautiful is the best way to start a new chapter in your new life!

“Bollywood-inspired” dance is not only a fast-moving, gyrating sort of hip-hop, its also fabulous exercise.  One of the first Bollywood dance classes to begin teaching this type of dance started in the D.C. area by a company called Dhoonya Dance.

The Dhoonya Dance Performance Company (DDPC) is a co-ed dance troupe comprised of the Washington area’s most elite and talented South Asian dancers.  DDPC has performed at numerous festivals and events and will soon be performing one of their biggest shows of the year at the Takoma Park/ Silver Spring Performing Arts Center in Silver Spring, MD.  And when they do, they will be wearing Jewels by Jan barefoot sandals!

How did all this come about, you may ask?  I saw the Dhoonya Dancers on the Oprah Winfrey Show a few weeks ago.  As I watched them perform I couldn’t help but notice they were barefoot.   (When I see performers who are barefoot my brain starts working over time!)  Being the eternal optimist and not one to miss an opportunity, I put on my detective hat, found their web site and sent them an e-mail about our sandals.

Fast-forward to today, I have spoken with Priya, one of the Managing Directors, we have gathered all the necessary information and we are currently hard at work handcrafting the foot jewelry they will be wearing     at their next big performance!  In addition, our beaded foot jewelry will be available for purchase on their products page in just a short time. 

Here’s a short You-Tube video to show you what Bollywood dancing is all about!

This happens more than you know – and not just to us.  I’m sorry to say that because of the unreliability of this postal method(which in my opinion is nothing more than a way to charge more money), we no longer even offer Priority Mail.  Countless times we used this method of shipping, putting our trust in the United States Postal Service which charges $4.95 (as of this date).  Countless times, they have disappointed not only us but more importantly, our customer who never receives their order in the 2-3 days that the Post Office advertises.   Do they feel any guilt about this at all? I think not!

What can consumers do about this?  Who can you complain to that can DO something?  Owning a business has its frustrations, certainly but how can our government-run postal system  justify repeated failure  to handle THEIR end of the 2-3 day Priority shipping agreement?

Jewels by Jan is proud of our commitment to deliver efficient, professional service – we’ve stood by this promise since 2003 when we started our business.  Our orders are shipped within 24-48 hours of receiving them and our products are handcrafted with the utmost care and precision using superior quality materials.   This is OUR promise to our customers and we guarantee this every, single day that we are in business.  But how can we put our trust in a failing system that continues to disappoint and frustrate?

I have no qualms in making this statement – Priority Mail is nothing more than a scam.  The Post Office will gladly take your money and MAYBE your envelope or package will make it to it’s destination one day….but don’t let anyone kid you – it won’t make it in 2-3 days.  Don’t waste your hard-earned money on Priority Mail!

Imagine how nice it would be to sit at your computer in your comfy clothes with a nice cup of coffee or tea and Christmas shop at your leisure.  No crowded stores with endless waits to get to the cashier.  You can take your time looking at everything and when you’re ready to check out you have your own personal cashier.

I just discovered this site and I was so impressed I had to open up my own shop with our handcrafted foot jewelry.  1000 Markets is an art-filled, authentic shopping experience where everything is handmade.  If you appreciate the time and talent of a uniquely handcrafted item,  you will love this site.  One-of-a-kind items you won’t find at Nordstrom or Bloomingdales.  Gifts for everyone in the family – every order guaranteed.  They’ve partnered with Amazon to give you the best guarantee in the business. Relax. You’re covered.

With over 60,000 items, your sure to find something for everyone. Like these surfboard chairs – where could you find chairs like this?  Or another unique, handcrafted item – this gorgeous blown glass Amethyst bowl. You’ll find all kinds of art, clothing, accessories, toys, home and garden items, jewelry and much more

I highly recommend spending some time on this site!

JAN