Drawing at Zingee Zou

In keeping with CyberMonday tradition I'm offering this necklace in a drawing over at the sister store today.



There's also a code for 20% OFF in that store only.
Code is CM2009 and can be applied at checkout.

Good luck!

Wedding Steps Bridal Expo

I am not quite sure who enjoyed themselves more - the children or myself.

Maybe it was a draw.

We were at the Portuguese Cultural Center in Danbury, CT -enjoying the company of local vendors and many gorgeous brides-to-be. We even got to meet a few grooms.

Impressive for Football Sunday!










Beatrice was thrilled to have her hair done by one of the lovely ladies from the TCB Salon in Danbury, CT. She'd been so excited about her dress that it was very nice to see her get a completed look.



Needless to say, she felt like a princess - and spent most of the morning strutting around the wedding hall handing out favours and showing off the wristlet provided by Whisconier Florist.



It was also fun to promote some of the in colours for 2010.









Raphael (my son) was my second helper.

He was in charge of handing out information packets.

Did pretty well with the ladies too!

It was truly wonderful seeing the look on bride's faces when they realised that I wasn't representing anyone but myself. That they could get involved, and get what they want for themselves and their bridal party. Some had stories to tell, others had drawings or magazine cuttings of their dresses to show.

It's why I love working one on one with people.



Especially brides.

You get to see first hand what they are passionate about, and why they are passionate about it.

And lets face it ... your wedding is the one day in your life where you get to focus on yourself.







Yes, you do have to co-ordinate many many things.


But on your wedding day ..
you get to shine.


You're entitled to look gorgeous and get exactly what you want.


I met a lot of wonderful service providers yesterday - and look forward to blogging about them over the next few months.

Remember to enter to win the coin pearl necklace on my website. It will run till December 8th, 2009 - but there's no time like the present.



And in case you're wondering what happened to all the pink balloons hanging all over the place at the event ...

.. they are now living with us!

Before I go ... I just want to say a quick thank you to the brides who came to the expo yesterday.

I wish you all the best in the run up to your wedding, and look forward to working with you!

Wedding Steps Drawing

If you were at the Wedding Steps Bridal Expo at the Portuguese Cultural Center in Danbury, CT on November 22nd, you saw this piece in person.

Now you have the chance to enter this drawing and win it for yourself.

A freshwater pearl known as a coin pearl lies at the heart of this necklace. The rest of it is made up of Swarowski pearls and crystals. All accents and findings are made of sterling silver.




The necklace measures 17 inches but can be resized at no cost to the winner.

It is valued at $95.

This lottery is only open to brides - so please do not enter if you are not getting married.

Entering on behalf of a bride you might know is not permitted. Rather, please point the bride of your acquaintance in this direction.

I will pick up the shipping costs for the item - or deliver it if you live close by.

More information about the drawing can be found here.

The drawing ends on December 8th, 2009 at 6pm EST.

The winner will be notified by email.



Good luck!

A Sparkling Collaboration

Few things in the networking world are as rewarding as finding a service provider you admire who is keen to work with you.


Meet Amelia - the driving force behind Whisconier Florist & Fine Gifts.





The wonderful thing about her?


What you see is what you get.


And she's personable.


Very personable.







She and the amazing Dawn put together the most gorgeous flowers for me to take to the bridal show tomorrow - including the bouquet at the top, a boutonnière, and two wristlets.

They inserted my pearls and crystal sparkles into them, and I will be displaying them at the expo tomorrow.



I really can't praise these two ladies enough. Their attention to detail is just superb - as is their creativity.



The shop is located on Federal Road in Brookfield, CT and more about the establishment can be found here.

Pantone has spoken ..

Actually Pantone spoke quite a while ago - during New York Fashion Week in September (as is their wont) - but I'm only now getting round to blogging about it.

Pantone is pretty much it when talking about colours and palettes.

The forecast for Spring/Summer of 2010 includes such colours as Turquoise, Tomato Purée, Fusion Coral, Violet, Tuscany, Aurora, Amparo Blue, Pink Champagne, Dried Herb and Eucalyptus .

The full report can be found here.

Tamara's Jewellery

A few weeks ago Tamara emailed me from Utah.

I think my overall idea for the necklace is to maybe have it be a pretty chain with sets of two pearls and crystal/rhinestones around it ( maybe like four sets) and then at the center to have a piece with a pretty arrangement coming down longer and ending with the same pearl that will be on the earrings.


We put our heads together and came up with this.


The wedding is slated for April 2010.

Elizabeth's Protoype

Elizabeth shared
a photo
of her
bridesmaid's dresses.


We've decided to go with Siam Red Swarowski crystals, and use white (as opposed to translucent) seed beads to give the necklace a more substantial look and to make them fit in a little better with the wedding colours (which are red, white, and black).

Work begins on the four necklaces on November 23rd.

Image of dress taken from David's Bridal.

Congratulations Elizabeth!

I felt very proud when I found out that the winner of the recent bridesmaid jewellery drawing is serving overseas.

Elizabeth will be getting married in early 2010, so over the next few days we'll be putting our cyberheads together and talking about dresses and colour schemes.

Thanks to everyone who participated.

Look out for more good stuff soon!

Wedding Steps Bridal Show

I'm excited to share that I'll be at the Wedding Steps Bridal Show on Sunday, November 22nd.

It promises be a fun afternoon - with door prizes, refreshments, and a chance to meet many local vendors in person.

If you're local, please drop by!

Portuguese Cultural Center
65 Sand Pit Road,
Danbury, CT

The show will run from 1pm till 4pm.

Although i will be donating a door prize to the event, I'll also be hosting another drawing on the website. I'll post about that when it goes up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to register with Hyenacart to make a purchase from your store?

Yes, but all registration means is a sign up using your email address. The system does not require anything more, and no personal information will be required of you. There are lots of other wonderful stores within the online mall, too. Registering will give you access to all of them.

How can I get in touch with you?

Once you register you will be able to utilise the contact seller button. This is located just above the time stamp towards the top of the page. Alternatively ,should you wish not to register as a shopper with the Hyenacart system, you can contact me at lililutu@gmail.com

Can I meet with you in person?

If you live in Fairfield County, Connecticut, the bordering part of New York state, or happen to be passing through, please email me your contact details and we can schedule a time to meet and discuss your options. Feel free to bring your maid of honour or your mother to the meeting if you so wish.

Do you charge for consultations?

Consultations are always free – regardless of whether they take place over the phone, via webcam, or in person.

How long will it take you to make a custom order?

It typically takes one to two weeks to make custom orders, but it could be closer to three weeks depending on the number of items that need to be made. If you need your order sooner, please be upfront. It is highly likely that I will be able to accommodate you.

What materials do you use?

I use sterling silver, argentium, and goldfill as base material. Pearls are either freshwater or Swarowski. I use Swarowski crystals unless there is a request to do otherwise.

What is the difference between natural and cultured freshwater pearls, and which do you use?

The difference is mostly human intervention. Both types grow in oysters – except that natural pearls grow quite by accident inside them whereas cultured pearls are formed by the human implantation of a nucleus. A natural pearl has a thicker nacre covering than a cultured one. I only use A grade cultured pearls in my designs – and there is no flakiness in them.

What are Swarowski pearls?

Swarowski pearls are perfect imitations of natural pearls. They combine an innovative pearl coating over a crystal core to give a flawless look. Consequently there is more weight to them than glass imitation pearls. They are resistant to perfume, perspiration and ultraviolet rays, and come in a host of different colours.

Do you offer crystal samples?

Yes. If you are not sure whether a certain crystal colour will match your dress(es), I will be happy to mail you samples (if available) to help you make a decision you will be happy with.

Will I see photos of my custom order before it ships out?

Yes. I make prototypes and email photos to the client. I do not close up necklaces and bracelets (or start on multiple items in the same design) until the prototype has been approved. It is a lot easier to make changes that way should they be necessary. Moreover, your input is valued and important. If you live very close to me I will most likely be able to bring the jewellery to the final fitting at your dressmaker or store of choice.

Do you offer discounts?

If three of more of the same item are ordered you will get a 10% discount. If more than five of the same item are ordered you will get a 15% discount.

Can a necklace or bracelet in the store be resized?

For the most part, yes. Those that cannot be resized will be clearly defined as such. Please read the section helpful hints carefully before you purchase jewellery or place a custom order.

If something is sold out can it be replicated?

If I have enough supplies to make another one, most likely the answer will be yes. However, please check the listing carefully, as some things cannot be replicated at all.

Do you have a return policy?

In the event that you are not satisfied with your purchase, return the item within 7 days of receipt. I will gladly provide a full refund - less shipping charges - as long as the item is returned in new, unworn condition.

Please note that custom orders and bridesmaid orders are not refundable, due to the extra time and materials involved.

How do you ship items?

I offer First Class or Priority shipping for domestic orders. The overnight option is available upon request. International shipping is also available.

What about insurance?

I require all custom bridal jewellery to be insured. The USPS rates for domestic insurance start at $1.75 for contents valued under $50 and run upwards from there. If you are placing a custom order your invoice will reflect the insurance fees. This may change without notice depending on the practices of the USPS - over which I have no control.

What payment methods do you accept?

If you make a purchase directly off the site you will need to use PayPal. If you would like to pay with a personal cheque or money order you can – but be advised that cheques will have to clear before items are shipped out. If you decide to go this route, please email me so that I can reserve the item for you, as the system will not let you check out without payment.

How can I earn some or all of my wedding jewellery?

By hosting an online jewellery party through Zingee Zou – the sister store. This is very similar to a home jewellery party – except that everyone can do it from the comfort of their own home. For more details please look in the earn your jewellery section. If you live close to me I will happily host a party for you as well.

Do you have any feedback?

Currently the only feedback available for lili lutu is in the testimonials section on the website. However, there is plenty of feedback on the sister site - should you care to read it.

Free Drawing - Bridesmaid Jewellery

Are you getting married at the end of 2009 or in 2010?

If so it's time to start thinking about your wedding jewellery!

To give you a head start I'm offering necklaces for a bridal party of up to three adults and one flowergirl - in the style featured in the picture. Earrings for the three adults are also included.

Clearly this is a prototpye. I will match the crystals to your colour scheme.

The total combined value for the jewellery (necklace and earrings for three adults and one flower girl necklace) is $140.

Despite what it says at the bottom of the website page, this is a free drawing. That is a default statement that I cannot remove. Please rest assured that the winner will incur no financial obligations.

The Hyenacart system will take care of the logistics – and pick the winner randomly when the time slot for the lottery ends.

This lottery is only open to brides - so please do not enter if you are not getting married. Entering on behalf of a bride you might know is not permitted. Rather, please point the bride of your acquaintance in this direction.

I will pick up the shipping costs for the items - even if you live outside the United States.

Feel free to email me with any questions you might have at lililutu@gmail.com

The drawing will run through the evening of November 15th, 2009.

You can enter the lottery here.

Meet lili

Welcome.

I am originally from the Mediterranean. From the island of Malta, to be precise. A tiny geographical dot (and at 9 x 17 miles this is quite literally the case) just 60 miles south of Sicily.

I have been in the United States over 7 years now, and have three children.

And a husband.

Can't forget him ... as he helps out with pesky design engineering issues and can occasionally be prevailed upon to do the polishing when I hammer silver.

I love to do custom work - so if you have any ideas floating around in your head that you want brought to fruition please feel free to contact me.

I've been contemplating starting a blog for a long time, and actually secured this spot quite some time ago. However, there were so many interesting things going on in my life in 2009, that I didn't have the time to sit and write.

I both anticipate and intend that 2010 will be a wonderful year in terms of where I take my bridal jewellery business - and would love to share that with all of you.

At the moment I am using an online mall as my centre of operations, and you can find that here.