Bernadette's

"A Nak for Fashion"

2011-06-04T09:29:00.001-07:00

Anthony Nak was a popular Austin, Texas based fine jewelry line, until the brand shuttered in March. Co-creators Nak Armstrong and Anthony Camargo created the line more than 10 years ago after a chance meeting in New York. Nak, a native of Texas, and California-born Camargo were in the city pursuing designing careers, and soon discovered their common passion for fashion. They relocated to Austin, TX in 1999 and the brand was born.

Anthony Nak jewelry used fine materials such as 18 carat gold, sterling silver and precious gemstones to create bold yet feminine pieces, influenced by nature and man-made architectures, and worn on the red carpet by Madonna, Angelina Jolie, Reese Witherspoon, Beyonce, Rosario Dawson and more. They were also commissioned to create jewelry worn by the Bush twins at the 2001 Inaugural Ball. The brand went on to receive several awards and honors, winning Swarovski’s Perry Ellis Award for Accessory Design; they were also a former finalist for the prestigious CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund.

A few years ago the pair parted to embark on solo lines. The Anthony Nak website no longer sells jewelry, and many retailers have now run out of their remaining stock. Bernadette’s is proud to have a wide range of hard-to-find Anthony Nak designer styles for sale online. Click here to browse these true collector’s pieces that will only become more valuable as these designers progress in their still young careers.

Green Glamour

2011-04-18T12:44:00.000-07:00

This Friday, we at Bernadette's will join the world in celebrating Earth Day. This yearly event was created in 1970 as a way to bring attention to important environmental issues, and encourage citizens to protect the planet and its resources.

If you buy vintage, antique or collectible goods, you're helping the environment (perhaps even without realizing it) by reusing or recycling materials, rather than creating a demand for new textiles to be manufactured. Also, vintage and antique purchases keep material and packaging out of landfills.

At Bernadette's, we also pack purchases in recyclable gift bags and boxes, and even save you a bit of gas by bringing our finds to you online!

We urge you to get into the green spirit of Earth Day this week, whether you plant a tree, give to an environmentally conscious charity, or purchase one of the many fashionable and affordable pieces (like vintage jewelry, footwear and more) for sale at Bernadette's right now. Going green doesn't mean compromising on great style--you can look fabulous and shop responsibly on Earth Day and every day.http://www.bernadettes.com/shop/bernadette-back-room.html?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=2&category_id=2

Easter

2011-04-13T21:45:00.001-07:00

Whether your family’s traditions include a Passover seder, Easter service or a great spring meal, add even more fun and celebration to the day by adding a special piece or some spring color to your look.
We currently have a number of fantastic pieces perfect for all your Spring occasions: flowery straw purses perfect to bring to a picnic or egg hunt, to unique vintage earrings that add a pop of floral color. Beautiful white and pastel designer handbags like this Louis Vuitton Papillon Rose style and pretty and affordable lilac pumps will brighten up any dinner or Easter service outfit. There’s even an outfit available for your four-legged friend!
Save yourself a trip to the overcrowded mall this year—instead, purchase one of these knock-out pieces to complement your Spring style, and enjoy quick shipping and fantastic customer service from Bernadette’s.

Spring Cleaning Your Closet

2011-04-13T21:43:00.000-07:00

Spring is arriving at last! For most of us, this means excavating the heavy woolen scarves and chunky boots from our closets in favor of summer colors and styles. The key to a perfect warm weather wardrobe isn’t a piece of clothing, it’s a concept: curation.

At a museum, a curator carefully researches and selects collections of fine items to be displayed. We are all the curators of our own style. What does this mean in practical terms? Here are some tips:

-First, separate the winter items you won’t wear in coming months, and put them neatly into storage. This includes footwear, winter scarves, and outerwear. Keep a sweater or two out for those chilly evenings.

-Next, take a fearless inventory of what’s left in your closet. When you come across something you are holding onto for purely sentimental reasons, take a photo and let it go to a new loving home. Anything that doesn’t fit should go straight to the tailor or the donation pile.

-Anything else you haven’t worn in awhile should also go in the charity pile, unless you’ve been holding out for the right piece. Make a written list of items which would help you wear neglected pieces. For instance, has a dress been waiting for the right pair of shoes or accessories? Those items go on your spring shopping list. It helps to take a photo on your smartphone to reference while you shop.

-Lastly, research the trends and colors making a splash. You’ve come to the right place—the Bernadette’s blog offers free style tips, designer education, and more resources to help you create your dream wardrobe at any price point. We love bright colors and a touch of sparkle for spring. We’ve also stepped into Spring on the site by improving the browsing experience and adding some great new pieces. Visit out our (fabulous vintage shoes) and (unique retro jewelry). Check back early and often for even more great spring style. Shop now and let Bernadette's help freshen up your style.

Halston: America’s Designer

2011-04-13T21:40:00.000-07:00

Good designers make great clothes. Great designers influence and inspire style. But a truly legendary designer comes along once or twice in a lifetime, altering the fiber of fashion forever. Halston was that rare designer. While modern clotheshorses are quite familiar with names like Marc Jacobs and Trina Turk, Halston—who perfectly embodied and reflected the zeitgeist of the 70s—may be a relative stranger. However, you may be surprised to discover that his innovative body of work still ripples remarkably strongly through today’s business of fashion.

Halston (who early in his career left his first name Roy behind, and became known by his more sophisticated middle name) ascended the rungs of the industry in short order. In a few short years he had left his Midwest upbringing in the rearview, rising from window dresser to milliner (hat maker) assistant to Lilly Dache to co-designer. Before long, he had gained enough caché with the editors and tastemakers of the day to move on to the position of head milliner at Manhattan’s famed luxury department store, Bergdorf Goodman. Here, Halston showed an early ability to not only influence but also pioneer, blazing new fashion trails. He convinced the store to allow his name to be sewed onto the hats’ labels, an honor never previously bestowed upon another designer. His name soon began appearing on much more than the inside of hats—when Jackie Kennedy wore a hat he designed to JFK’s inauguration, he became a household name, designing women’s wear, glamorous shoes and more for the hottest stars of the day, including Lauren Bacall, Elizabeth Taylor, Liza Minelli among many. Newsweek soon dubbed him "the premier fashion designer of all America".

Fans of today’s flashy, over-the-top fashion weeks should tip their very stylish caps to Halston. He was the first designer to recognize and harness the potential of the catwalk show –until then, a dull, stiff event featuring models holding numbered placards– as a true performance event with vibrant music and lighting, infused with art and attitude.

His calling cards were simple, sleek, impeccably tailored clothing, accessories and products that often lacked buttons or zippers. His shoe designs were glam and feminine, with fabulous craftsmanship and attention to detail (check out this gorgeous, hard to find pair we have in stock). American fashion was ready for new fabrics and cuts that reflected both the swiftly changing culture and timeless style. Halston delivered, popularizing many looks which are still worn today, from cashmere to halter dresses to flowing caftans and knitted caped stoles. He also made the shirtdress a staple which remains an ensuring favorite of women everywhere. His elegant compact (click here to own it) and perfume bottles were also sleek, chic, outside of the box styles unlike anything the industry had seen until that point.

Halston was also the first designer to understand the potential of licensing his name. He established a licensing agreement with JC Penney (although this is commonplace for designers now, it was beyond shocking to the celebrities and fashion elite who had been his sole demographic to that point), in order to make his designs available to middle income women. Halston was a perfectionist; unlike his peers, he refused to put his name on something that was not primarily designed by him personally. However, he chose to construct much more than exclusive catwalk looks. He designed and heavily influenced uniforms, including outfits for airlines, rental car companies, US Olympic teams, the Girl Scouts, and the NYPD.

However, this impressively diverse volume of licensed designs also contributed to his unfortunate business downfall. His tendency to overextend himself and proclivity for the excesses of the era led to a decline in profits and increased temper flare-ups; this series of events spiraled into a series of hostile corporate takeovers that amazingly led to Halston being prohibited from designing clothes under his own name, as he no longer owned the right to it. He privately continued creating red carpet looks for his closest celebrity friends until his death, but his name and mark on the business of fashion will endure forever.

History of Louis Vuitton

2011-04-10T23:11:00.000-07:00

History of Louis Vuitton

Louis Vuitton Malletier, commonly known as Louis Vuitton is one biggest fashion industries known across the universe. It began when a 33-year-old French gentleman, Louis Vuitton, began to manufacture trunks in Paris in 1854. His work at the time was known especially for its designer luggage pattern: a beige-on-chestnut monogram. As the company he started went on to become one of the world's most famous makers of luxury goods. This now $2.7 billion industry, based in Paris, France, specializes in leather goods, clothing, shoes, sunglasses, accessories, jewelry and even books and umbrellas for both men and women. The famous LV logo is one of the most recognizable brand symbols in the world as it represents prestige and luxury. The company possesses one of the highest quality materials and prices in the international market of luxury retail.

Click here for our collection of Luis Vuitton items

Why Buy Vintage?

2011-04-10T23:09:00.000-07:00

Why Buy Vintage?

Purchasing vintage instead of new products does have its advantages. One of the reasons vintage has become so popular recently is because it supports a green lifestyle. It is much better for the planet to recycle and reuse than to keep producing more things. Not only can you feel good about your carbon footprint, but you can also be more unique with your style. Finding a purse or a set of earrings that no one else has is a great conversation piece. Rare accessories can make an everyday outfit look extraordinary. It is also a fun way to try on different fashion styles from various eras throughout history. Who would have thought that something vintage or antique could add so much new and fresh personality?

Check out our antique Pair of Rhinestone Brooches