Strange Love: Strange Invisible Perfumes

Heralded as the future of perfumers, Alexandra Balahoutis is as unique and original as the fragrances she creates. Since she was a child, Alexandra has always known that she was to follow the path of a perfumer. Rather than take the traditional study of fragrance production in Paris, Balahoutis formulated an intense independent study including mentorship by  John Steele, master perfumer, archaeologist and anthropologist. By her mid 20s, she had already defined herself as a creator of luxury botanical perfumery, Strange Invisible.

The results of her creativity are an ever growing selection of tantalizing natural fragrances. Using only fresh ingredients, her aromas are distilled and grown in California. The veils of hypnotic aromas include notes of Frankincense, Sandalwood, Peppermint, Magnolia, Vanilla, Ylang-Ylang, Lemon, and long lists of other ingredients. Balahoutis arranges them in liquid harmonic form as if composing a bouquet of blossoms to spring out of the mist. Titled to form questions of mystery, such as Prima Ballerina, Moon Garden, and L’Invisible, Strange Invisible’s intoxicating perfumes are a perfect match for the Juno & Jove customer who wants an organically rich and refined experience.  Truly, the essence of luxury.

Enter to win a perfume of your choice in our Valentine Gift-Away!

Be a Whistleblower for Peace

The deadliest war in recent times is in Congo.  Over six million people have died in the last ten years, thousands of men, women and children continue to be victimized on a regular basis.  The people of Congo face the horrific realities of sexual violence, fear of government, malnutrition, disease and abuse every single day of their lives.
A prominent issue of the conflict is the continued abuse of young children coerced to fight in the frontlines by the very soldiers who are supposed to protect them.  Many of these children try to escape the atrocities of the war regions, risking death as they flee.  
Very few are lucky enough to get away; those caught are used as examples to the remaining children.
Whistleblowers are the children too small and youthful to carry a gun.  They are directed by their militant abductors to carry a whistle instead.  The sole purpose of those selected is to warn soldiers of the approaching enemy with their whistle and to take the first round of bullets.  They are human shields, innocent victims of the heinous, deplorable war.
In response to these unconscionable realities Falling Whistles was born.  Falling Whistles is a Charitable Non-Profit that works to restore the lives of children affected by the Congo war.  The program is completely funded by sales of their symbolic whistle pendants, designed by the founder to spark interest and show support and honor the falling victims.
So shout from a rooftop the story of war torn Congo by wearing one of these conversation starters around your neck. Buy a whistle and be a symbol for justice in Congo…be a whistleblower for peace.

I’m pregnant. What do I wear?!

Although next to, it’s not quite impossible to find comfortable, trendy clothes that will expand on the body during gestation and then size down again after the baby arrives. Many women today do not wear “maternity” at all during the nine months their bodies alter shape to make room for the baby-to-be.

Without labeling a department “Maternity,” the buyers at Juno & Jove have searched high and low for clothing lines that offer comfortable, stylish pieces that can compliment the body in flux. Wearing organic fabrics has also become increasingly important for expectant mothers…keeping the interior and exterior of their bodies toxin free for the duration of the pregnancy.

An outfit for a Mommy-in-waiting should have stretch and sometimes structure. A defined shoulder and neckline will allow for you to be drapy in other places. Remember, too much drapy = dumpy!

A few of our bump-cover favorites:

Stewart + Brown’s Lengthened Scoop Neck long-sleeved t-shirt in 100% organic cotton is a good basic that has nice stretch in the middle and will accommodate the beginning stages of pregnancy.

Clothes By Majestic offers a long sleeved Seamless Draped Dress that is a great choice during pregnancy, as well as afterwards when momma’s body might need time to adjust to normal. Can easily be worn as a tunic or dress depending on the size of your bump!

Depending on your body frame, EcoSkin is a no-brainer for stretch and comfort. One of our favorites is the clever Convertible Pant that goes from pant to jumpsuit in a cinch. The adjustable waist allows it to be shifted over or below the expanding tummy.    The Navajo Dress in Medieval Blue is pregnancy perfect with a forgiving waistline and knee length hem.

Our #1 favorite maternity piece has to be the Prairie Underground’s Your Orbit/Satellite tunic tops!   Relaxed and comfortable, these tops have structured seaming in the shoulders and back, a perfectly draped cowl with sewn in cleavage coverage and can be worn casual or dressed up (depending on the color and styling).

An indespensible accessory for the expectant mother is Eairth’s Mandaya Wrapped Scarf. Organic cotton and brightly colored, it’s super size easily converts from around the neck to non-slip, feeding-time  coverage.

Although it seems difficult to realize your natural beauty during the earliest stages of motherhood, learning about styling your new, albeit temporary, body can be fun. Not only do you get encouraged and excused to shop for yourself, but wearing comfortable clothes exclusively can be a cozy relief!

For ideas, suggestions and styling help call our customer service chat line or stop into our Sarasota, Florida Flagship store.

The Pyrite Burst Necklace by Jamie Joseph: Your Delight is in the Details

Considering pyrite is stronger than gold, and can twinkle a thousand yellow rays when twisted and twirled in the light, adoration comes easy when viewing such a piece as Jamie Joseph’s Pyrite Burst!
Jamie’s work is noted for the most brilliant and choice colored stones and this pendant, with its dynamic glacier cut, (which stonecutter Jeremy Joseph has mastered), creates a kaleidoscope of a display against any background.
Small Pyrite beads were chosen to stack among the links of the 14k gold strands which alternate with oxidized sterling in her signature zebra chain, a favorite of ours because of the stunning use of mixed metals!
Pyrite has been touted to encourage creativity and positive energy which are qualities easily connected to the dazzling reflectiveness of its character.

Handcrafted Cuffs: Gift Giving Cordero Style

jewelry, holiday gift guide, turquoise, December birth stoneDistinctive is a word that describes Calleen Cordero’s Turquoise Cab Cuff.

Bracelets were a natural evolution from Cordero’s shoe and handbag collections, which use captivating combinations with leather, metal and stone. Her soft and sturdy signature designs are handcrafted in the USA with great care that results in high quality products very much in demand by fashion-minded seekers of the unique.

Calleen uses minerals noted to have healing properties such as the greenish-blue opaque stone that is centered in the Turquoise Cab Cuff. Turquoise, which is formed with copper and aluminum, has been attributed to transforming negative energy into positive. Such a natural component included in an adornment is an added benefit considering it may help
bring a bit more balance to your day while it definitely makes a beautiful statement floating atop your arm.

Calleen’s designs have delighted our Juno & Jove customers from the beginning of their appearance in our store and our JunoAndJove.com online boutique. Enjoy hearing her describe a bit about her creative process in this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=624IagHKsh8

 

Retail Therapy: Win a $500 Gift Certificate to www.JunoAndJove.com

Folks have started their holiday shopping already and the hustle and bustle has officially begun. Have you survived Black Friday? What about Cyber Monday?! The holidays are right around the corner, literally.

With that in mind, we are thrilled to announce our Sizzling Facebook Sweepstakes, online now through December 15, 2011. The prize is a whopping $500.00 Gift Certificate toward your purchase at www.JunoAndJove.com or at our boutique in Downtown Sarasota within the Whole Foods Centre. To enter our sweepstakes, just like us on Facebook and click on the Sweepstakes Tab to fill out the short form. Easy as pie, but hurry because this opportunity won’t last long.

Also, don’t forget to let your friends in on the chance to win $500.00 in Retail Therapy.

What would you covet if you took home a $500.00 Gift Certificate from Juno & Jove? We want to know! Peruse our festive Gift Guide, which has unique gift ideas For Her and For Him as well as your Seasonal Essentials to last the New Year and beyond. Please share your faves here.

 

Holiday Tips for Seasonal Sanity

Each year, the days of October through January 1st jumble together in a whirling vortex of events that make it hard to determine where one celebration ends and the next begins. With the added rush of the seasonal obligations, it’s easy to forget yourself in all of the hullabaloo.

To help you keep your sanity in tact, Juno & Jove has put together some hints that may bring more mindfulness to your 2011 festivities.

Start first with your calendar.

Recognize the specialness of the season can be diluted by too many functions. Choose only those that mean the most so you will have enough time to accomplish your own holiday preparations and still perform necessary daily duties.

Prepare your look.

Self-care helps build confidence to navigate through an array of duties.
Hair and nails – If these are areas you plan to address, make your appointments early, as your favorite stylists could get booked early.

Plan your wardrobe. See what pieces will be used from your closet so you can determine what needs to be added or updated. Remember in this season of giving to donate what you won’t wear again. You WILL need comfortable dress shoes, at least one great sweater and festive jewelry!

Use Santa’s example and make your lists!

Gifts – Be selective and respectful to your budget.  Look for the best quality your funds can buy. Should you need help with ideas, a JunoAndJove.com customer service team member at 941-953-9500 will be happy to assist you!

Charity donations – Helping others is not just a holiday time of duty; giving from the heart to better the planet and those who live on it is a year round need. Doing what you can, whether monetarily and/or voluntarily, benefits not only those you serve, but is also a gift you give yourself!

Holiday Gatherings

Guests – Keep the number of guests manageable for your space, efforts, and expenses.

Food – Unless all your guests are Foodies, simple recipes are often the best. Arrange in advance to have friends and family members aid in preparation to relieve the burden of the occasion.

Decorations – Themes are great, but overdoing it can stretch your budget, time and taste level.

Entertainment/Activities – You can always have plans, but do not be disappointed if they are not used. Sparks of spontaneity are often the hallmarks of a great party! On the other hand, it’s always nice to have something in mind should an ice-breaker be needed.

Stress Busting Habits:

Pick your holiday treats wisely. Buffets are enticing, but memory usually savors only a few dishes. If you eat holiday fare with awareness of aromas and flavors, take small bites and chew each one well, satisfaction will occur before overindulgence.

Stick to your exercise routine. Those endorphins help to quiet the stress monsters.

Remember to rest. Your body needs the complete sleep cycle to rejuvenate from all those holiday happenings!

Strengthen your spirituality. The holidays offer many opportunities for inspirational motivation. They are a time to reflect on what matters most to you and the world.

While preparing for this holiday season, be wise and take care of yourself so you can enjoy this time with others and still begin the next year with a fresh new start!

Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2011: Pay It Forward

These agencies, and others like them, need donations to continue their work. Without the help of the public they couldn’t do what they do. Regardless of whether you’ve already been affected by the disease personally or proximately, the prevalence of the epidemic suggests that at some point it will touch our lives in some way. So, let’s build some good karma, and pay it forward!

From October 26-November 2, Juno & Jove will donate 15% of online purchases to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Thank you to all that participate and Ladies, remember your mammograms!

Please take a few moments and listen to Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz’s statement on Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

EDUN PIONEERS and RUNWAY SHOW: Celebrating innovative people doing amazing things

Edun’s Spring ’12 Women’s Collection was a surprising mix of Bohemian flow and, of all things, grommeted glam.  Held in an old riverside warehouse in Tribeca, the celeb-studded event marked Edun’s third collection under the LV Group wing.  With the exception of the awkwardly pitched heels, the show was styled to great aplomb.  As always, tremendous prints were balanced with a unique combination of textures including draped leather, mesh knits, eyelet and laser cut silks.  Look for unforgettable flowy dresses, open knits, perfect pinks and exceptional black and whites.

 

Edun Party at the Red RoosterAfter the runway we all met up at the Red Rooster to honor 10 men with “substance and style” at the inaugural EDUN Pioneers Event.  This talented collection of men are “doing great things in their community and beyond”. One of the honorees was food activist and gracious owner of Red Rooster, celeb chef, Marcus Samuelsson who seduced us all with his luscious mac n’cheese, mini biscuits and saucy crab cakes.

After dinner we caught up with Sean Carusso, the founder of Falling Whistles, an organization that is devoted to bringing awareness and reform to the citizens of  war-torn Congo.  Graham Hill, the founder of one of our fave websites, Treehugger.com, was also one of the renaissance men of note. The other leading men of the first class of EDUN Pioneers is as follows:

Jonathan Prince – a “social athli-vist” who runs to raise money to promoting recovery and positive change

Waris – An American Sikh jewelry designer and actor

Aaron Rose – Documentary Filmaker and Founder of the Make Something Art School

Adam Braun – Founder of Pencils of Promise

Jeffery Azize – An Actor and Artist

Neil Blumenthal and David Gilboa – Founders of the ethical eyewear company Warby Parker

and last, but not least

Jim Moriarty – CEO of the Surfrider Foundation

 

Overall, an awesome Fashion Week weekend!

 

 

Ashley Watson Q&A + Heron Bag Giveaway!

Ashley Watson PortraitSoooo this pending Autumn continues to excite me…  To ring in the season we’ve teamed up with one of our FAVE accessories designers, Ashley Watson, to bring YOU a FAB BAG GIVEAWAY!

Last time we visited with Ashley in her Vancouver studio to pick out our Fall order‘s color palette from her collection of secondhand leather clothing, we asked her a few questions that might be of interest to all of you aficionados out there…

Where did you learn your craft? I did a fine art degree in Nova Scotia at NSCAD and then did a fashion design program here in Vancouver at a community college.  In terms of my specific craft working with leather – I guess I kind of taught myself.

What inspired you to produce your collection? My inspirations are all over the place, but for the most part anything antique or vintage really inspires me!

How do you find your muse? I guess by doing – I’m not a draw-a-whole-bunch-of-designs designer – I start with a small idea, draft a pattern and change it five million times until I have the finished piece that I like.

Do you have a favorite story of appreciation of your work? I once got a letter from a man that had bought a bag for his wife as a present and he wrote the letter to say thanks…it said something like, “Thank you for the bag.  My wife loves the bag almost more than me!”  It was just really cute and really sweet that he bothered to write that to me.

If you could change one thing about the fashion industry what would it be? I think it would be the disposable nature of the fashion industry – always needing something new.  This mindset really encourages things being made cheaply because the average person can’t sustain their fashion needs by buying ethically, etc….they can’t afford it!  So then people turn to big box stores that get things made very cheaply and unethically – which honestly, for me, is very hard to compete with as well as horrible for the environment.  Admittedly, I am completely guilty of this myself…it has become so prevalent that it’s impossible to avoid entirely.  If we all were just happy with buying one more expensive thing every so often as opposed to ten cheap things it could be realistic to sustain.

Do you have a favorite piece that you’ve created? My favorites change all the time, but right now I’d say my favorite style of mine is the Grebe – it is what I carry every day!

Favorite tunes for work and/or play? My music obsessions change all the time, but I’m currently obsessed with the whole Head and the Heart album as well as a Decemberists song called June Hymn.  While I work, I usually listen to podcasts – my favorite is by two comedians from Vancouver and its called Stop Podcasting Yourself.

Ashley Watson Heron Handbag GiveawayIf you weren’t reincarnating beautiful leathers into fabulous accessories what else would you be doing? I have always wanted to have a jewelry line and thought that would be what I’d do instead of making handbags, but I’m actually currently in the process of starting a jewelry line that will be available for fall!  Other than that I would probably do something to do with food as I love everything to do with it – cooking it, eating it, etc. etc.

 

…Sounds like we’ve got a lot of good things to look forward to!  Don’t forget to enter to win the Heron Handbag! Thank you to Ashley and Good Luck to everyone! : )