New Favorite Catalog Contender

My love of catalogs will someday lead me to a church basement - sitting in a circle, sipping black coffee, talking about "addictive behavior cues." Until that day, I will continue to hurry to my mailbox daily to see what our mailperson has left. On a good day - Wisteria, Anthro or Sotheby's Jewlelry. Bad day - Duluth Trading. On a great day - a brand new catalog which I have never perused. Friday was a great day.

On Friday, Cambria Cove arrived. Here are a few of my favorites from their pages...

They had me at this:

MOR Tea Cup Candle...what a nice hostess gift!



I've never met anything patent that I didn't like...gogovoyage Patent Laptop Sleeve.



Love the old world look of these Cameo Earrings with carved ivory insets...




These Portuguese soaps are amazing...the perfect Claus Porto Deco Collection sampler.


Aren't these pretty for a summer cocktail with your girlfriends? Sunflower Etched Glasses.


And they have stationery.
Be still my heart.



Obsessed with these Berry Cartouche Calling Cards.





Mandarin Sunburst Correspondence Cards. Flat gorgeous...


If you like any of the above, checkout their website. There are plenty more well-chosen gifts, accessories, stationery and candles.


Yours amidst stacks and stacks of retail wants and wishes,

Mrs. News Readin'

Giving Bling

In a time when the mall jewelry store trappings of Valentine's Day seem obnoxious, seek other options. (For me, every kiss begins with VCA. Most definitely not Kay.)

But, we are working with a limited budget this year. Maybe if I hadn't paid my taxes (ahem, Tom Daschle) I would be scoring a lovely Alhambra necklace...but I digress.

If you are sending your sweetheart in search for a little affordable bling, maybe suggest an option that would benefit a good cause.

The Breaking News Team loves the simplicity of Diana Warner jewelry and especially appreciates her Materialism Matters line which supports an array of non-profit organizations.


The Obligato Necklace - Obligato, Portuguese for something that one cannot live without - supports a well-digging project in Africa. Each purchase provides clean water for 10 Africans for an entire year.



The Parker Puzzle Necklace - A portion of the proceeds from each necklace goes to the Breakthrough Corporation, which works diligently to improve the lives of adults with Autism.



Beginning with You Necklace - Proceeds from the sale of this necklace support the Beginning with You Organization, that provides for vulnerable children internationally.


I'm also a big fan of her initial charms (which I wear almost daily) and bracelets, which make my wrists look magically minuscule.

Even if you don't go with one of the Materialism Matters necklaces, you can feel good about buying jewelry from someone who has such a big heart.

Your Jewelry Cupid,

Mrs. News Readin'


And for those who check daily anticipating the Presidential China post - it's in the works. Promise.

More at 11.

The end of an era at Tiffany & Co.

After 30 years as Design Director at the one and only - Tiffany & Co., John Loring is retiring. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Loring while working for both Sotheby's and Phillips auction houses and can say there is not a nicer man in the jewelry business.

Just to give some perspective to Mr. Loring's contribution to the 170+ year old company - when he joined the firm in 1979, Tiffany & Co. had five retail locations and grossed in the nine figures. Today, the firm operates 200 stores (and counting) and last year earned a pleasing $3 billion. For a while you couldn't walk five feet without spotting a sterling silver Return to Tiffany heart tag charm bracelet. Well done, Mr. Loring.

During his tenure as Design Director he has also authored 25 books about Tiffany & Co., ranging in topics from table settings to silver and of course - jewels. All of his books are chocked full of interesting history, beautiful photographs and would make stellar additions to any coffee table.

Here are a few of my favorites...

All cover images courtesy of Harry N. Abrams, Inc.

Greeting from Andy: Christmas at Tiffany's is a wonderful little book with all of Warhol's Christmas card illustrations and drawings that he created for the firm, prior to his pop culture artist fame. Filled with quotes and stories regarding Warhol and his work, it is a wonderful gift for an art enthusiast.




Tiffany Style is the one volume you should you own. Mr. Loring compiled over 170 years of beauty, craftsmanship and American elegance in this book. Amazing.





Tiffany Diamonds chronicles the significant history of Tiffany & Co. and the precious stone - from Charles Lewis Tiffany being anointed the king of diamonds to how the firm is responsible for the engagement ring, as we know it today.




Tiffany's Palm Beach is a year book of who's who of Palm Beach society and just happens to highlight all their fabulous objects and jewelry from Tiffany. Published in 2005, it coincided with the grand reopening of the Palm Beach store.



Tiffany Flora & Fauna a spectacular box set, illustration of Tiffany & Co. designer's interpretation of Mother Nature's best works. (I had the privilege to make a small informational contribution to these...)

Tiffany Pearls is beautifully illustrated history lesson of the classic gem. A must have for anyone who adores pearls and their lustre...



A Tiffany Christmas is '90's excess at it its finest. A nice addition to an existing collection. See the tablescape below - a great example of being totally over the top.



Maybe not as fabulous as what might be contained in a little blue box, but the incredible history of providing the world with elegance somehow seems more important these days.

Enjoy!