Modern Mom Necklaces reports that despite the economy Christmas sales were still steady. Jewelry continues to be a traditional Valentine’s Day gift for women of all ages and the store reports they are starting to see some Valentine’s Day gifts being ordered.

Modern Mom Necklaces offers a variety of pendants and gifts for mothers. Each item in the store was picked because of the special meaning it offers for mothers. They carry a variety of brands, including Posh Mommy Jewelry and the Mother and Child Collection.

Posh Mommy Jewelry is completely customizable. Each pendant can be set with birthstones and engraved with up to six names. This makes it a great gift for mothers. Prices start at well under $100, making them an affordable gift.

Birthstone necklaces seem to be replacing the traditional mother’s ring. The Posh Mommy Jewelry line has been featured in People and Us Magazines and several celebrities have been captured wearing Posh Mommy Necklaces.

The Posh Mommy Loop Necklace is the most popular. Up to five names can be engraved on the front and it can be set with up to five birthstones that show through on both sides. The back of each pendant can be engraved at no additional charge as well. Popular backstamps include  or nicknames.

The Valentine’s Day promotion starts now and runs through Valentine’s Day. Customers placing customized orders that require engraving and birthstone setting should order at least two weeks in advance to ensure they will receive their order in time.

SCALA by ASHLEYlauren is a comprehensive line of prom and pageant gowns, cocktail and evening dresses, separates, as well as mother of the bride (MOB) and bridal gowns that are constructed to accentuate a woman’s figure, providing superior craftsmanship and fit.

Kerr’s “passion for fabulous” led her to create a line that is playful, provocative—and

Shaila Dúrcal wearing SCALA by ASHLEYlauren at the 12th Annual Latin Grammy Awards

affordable. “I love fashion—beautiful pieces crafted out of rich and luxurious fabrics,” she said. “There is nothing more satisfying to me than seeing a woman enter a room in one of my dresses, looking gorgeous and glowing with confidence. Collaborating with SCALA has opened the door for my designs to be sold to an even broader international market. SCALA’s 26 years of success gives my line instant appeal.”

Tavecchia owner Judith Parker said, “SCALA by ASHLEYlauren meets the level of quality and style that our customers have come to expect from us.  Knowing it was created by a fellow graduate of Waynflete gives me an extra degree of satisfaction.” Seasonal party-goers and fashionistas can view one of Kerr’s dresses on display in the window of the Exchange Street store.

Simply You owner Lori Irving says she’s proud to carry an international line created by a local designer. “Ashley has worked incredibly hard on her new line. Anyone who has seen her products or had a chance to try them on is completely floored by their design, shape, fabric, and colors.”

“I’ve had the privilege to work with designers and clients around the world—from Asia to Latin America—but nothing is more fulfilling for me than seeing my dresses for sale in my home state of Maine,” said the 28-year-old Kerr.

ABOUT SCALA by ASHLEYlauren

Ashley Lauren Kerr recognizes the power of fashion. Immersed in design, intrigued by the latest trends and influenced by classic silhouettes, she takes great pride in creating clothing that allows her customers to match their choice of dress to their unique styles and personalities.

It is her passion for fabulous that led Kerr to create a line that is fresh, provocative, and playful yet, still affordable. Setting the line apart is  Ashley’s special attention to detail, fit and construction that goes into each dress. In SCALA by ASHLEYlauren, women radiate the confidence that comes from knowing they are dressed to the nines.

About SCALA USA

SCALA USA has a 26-year history of providing beautiful evening wear for all occasions. The retailer’s reputation comes from a stunning and diverse selection of colors, designs, fabrics and fits in prom dresses, evening dresses, cocktail dresses and more.  SCALA designs have been seen by millions around the world, and their dresses are currently sold in 83 countries. You’ll be dazzled by the beauty of SCALA dresses and you’ll quickly discover why they have been such a popular choice since 1985. For more information visit www.scalausa.com. Find SCALA on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scalausa and Follow them on Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/scalausa.

 About Ashley Lauren Kerr

Since 2008, Ashley Lauren Kerr, has been a go-to style guru for women of distinction. Her company, AHSLEYlaurenKerr, offers individualized coaching, beauty advice and uniquely designed clothing to an international clientele. Other services offered by ASHLEYlaurenKerr include styling, poise and personality coaching, and makeup and hair training for a variety of high-profile clients including pageant contestants and industry executives. In addition, Ashley authors a high-end fashion blog, ALK Style at http://www.alkstyleblog.com.

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Thanks to the Internet and social networking, paper doll enthusiasts are a growing group. The nostalgic appeal is fuelling a renaissance of the once-popular childhood past time. Celebrity paper doll books have been around for decades and they enjoyed a peak in popularity in the 1940s and ‘50s. Some of the stars, such as Bette Davis, who were subjects then, are being recreated by contemporary artists like famed fashion illustrator, Jim Howard. Debbie Reynolds was the subject of several paper doll books in the ‘50s and illustrator David Wolfe has created a new book depicting the enduring star at the beginning of her long career when she starred in hits such as “Singin’ in the Rain.” Marilyn Henry has been producing movie star paper dolls for several decades and she is highly regarded in the community of collectors. Her latest subject is elegant star of films and television, Loretta Young and her next paper doll will be ‘40s film actress, Joan Fontaine.

The inventory of Paper Studio Press, housed in Taliadoros’ Kingfield home office, could well revive the famous tagline coined by MGM Studios long ago. “More stars than in heaven” used to refer to the star roster of the famed Hollywood Studio. But Paper Studio Press has an equally impressive line-up that includes Marilyn Monroe, Marlene Dietrich, Jane Powell, Ida Lupino, Dorothy Lamour, Leslie Caron, Doris Day and even Phyllis Diller.

The entire catalog of paper dolls from Paper Studio Press can be viewed on paperstudiopress.com.

Modern Mom Necklaces features a variety of fine jewelry items for mothers. All items are sterling silver or gold. They feature many different kinds of necklaces and there is certain to be one for every kind of mom. The company reports that due to high costs of gold this year, silver is a hot item.

Posh Mommy Necklaces are one of their biggest sellers during the holiday season. Posh Mommy Jewelry has been featured in magazines like People and In Touch. Many celebrities wear Posh Mommy Jewelry as well.

What makes this brand so hot? Posh Mommy Necklaces are completely customizable. They can be set with birthstones as well as engraved. They come in several different shapes and sizes and fit many different budgets as well. They make a great gift for mothers and grandmothers and tend to be a hot gift item during the holiday season.

The store also features the Mother and Child Collection and the Forever Child Collection. Each of these offers a sentimental gift with special meaning.

Based in Portland, Modern Mom Necklaces reports that they sell many necklaces nationwide. Although they do not yet ship internationally, they report they have had several requests from other companies.

Portland, Maine (September 13, 2011) – Sashay’s will launch its new line with an evening of fashion, complete with a full show, dancing, prizes and more on September 16, 2011 at the Portland Country Club. The night’s proceeds will go to Dress For Success Southern Maine.

What: Inaugural Fashion Show benefitting Dress for Success Southern Maine

Where: Portland Country Club, 11 Foreside Road in Falmouth

Time: Cocktails and hor d’oeuvres at 6pm, Fashion show begins at 7pm.

Cost: Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at Sashay’s (240 U.S. Route One, Falmouth) through Thursday.

Highlights: Showing Fall and Holiday line and debuting Sashay’s Clothing Line, DJ and dancing until 10pm, cash bar. Proceeds to benefit Dress for Success Southern Maine.  In keeping with a ‘fashion night’ theme, attendees are encouraged to come in cocktail attire.

“My new Spring 2012 line, Sashay’s, is bright, playful, comfortable and responsive to the needs of today’s busy woman,” said Shay Johnson, owner of Sashay’s Wardrobe. “The line will include a full range of pieces for creating and perfecting any outfit.”

About Dress for Success
The mission of Dress for Success Southern Maine is to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. www.dressforsuccess.org

About Sashay’s

Sashay’s is a unique women’s clothing, jewelry and accessories store located in Falmouth, Maine.  Sashay’s mission is to help every woman look and feel her best from the inside out.  Every woman has a formula to her most flattering fit and Sashay’s helps you uncover that secret. www.sashayswardrobe.com

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PICNIC MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES ITS FOURTH ANNUAL EVENT, WITH MORE VENDORS THAN EVER BEFORE!

Contact info:

picnicportland@gmail.com

www.picnicportland.com

We’ve been at it for four years now! We are pleased to announce the 4th annual Picnic Music + Arts Festival on Saturday, August 27, 2011 from 11am to 6pm at Congress Street and Franklin Arterial in Lincoln Park. As always, it will be free and open to the public, and the festival will go on rain or shine.

It’s the biggest Picnic ever! Presenting 120+ talented artists from the local DIY indie craft scene. Crafters and artists will be selling handmade products in a variety of materials. Shoppers can expect clothing, jewelry, prints, accessories, bags, plush, stationery, photography, housewares, ?ne art, as well as vintage goods.

There will be live music all day and tasty food by local vendors. This year we’re thrilled to host a polaroid photo booth, presented by Mayo Street Arts! Hope to see you there!

Picnic is a collaborative effort of Noah DeFilippis and Amy Teh, designers and owners of
Pinecone+Chickadee, a Portland-based design and silkscreening studio with a new storefront at 6 Free Street , www.pineconeandchickadee.com; Sean Wilkinson, co-founder of local design shop Might & Main, and President of AIGA Maine, www.seanwilkinsondesign.com. Music is curated and presented by Bryan Bruchman of Hilly Town, http://hillytown.com/. Please visit www.picnicportland.com for updates and a list of participating vendors.

Contact info: picnicportland@gmail.com

picnicportland.com

Bands: Butcher Boy, Weird Children (NYC), Toughcats, Sunset Hearts, Bandana Splits (NYC), The Outfits, Mouth Washington, Clouder (NYC), Mango Floss

Photos from last year’s Picnic here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/doktorfutura/sets/72157626558025199/

Miss Texas USA arrived in Kerr’s hometown in Old Orchard Beach, Maine in early June to train under Ashley’s sharp eye in all aspects, including hair, make-up, poise, walk, projection and most importantly, her Miss USA wardrobe, gowns and jewelry. Against the backdrop of the rugged Maine coast, Ana practiced walking and stage presence with one of the world’s top pageant coaches, Grace Fontecha, a member of the Ashley Lauren Kerr fashion management company.

Miss Texas, Ana Rodriquez in Maine at Bailey’s Lobster Pound

“Ana’s strengths are her confidence and projection.  It was a pleasure to work with her and I am so proud of her accomplishments,” says Kerr. “Her confidence reflected well on our designs and training.”

In all, Ashley Lauren Kerr worked with 7 Miss USA contestants this year, dressing Miss Massachusetts, and both training and dressing Miss New York, Amber Collins, who placed in the top 16, Miss New Jersey, Miss Connecticut, Miss Iowa, Miss North Dakota and Miss Texas. Ashley also worked with Miss Bahamas winner, Anastagia Pierre, and will dress and train both Miss Bahamas and also Miss Nicaragua as they compete in the Miss Universe pageant this fall.

Ashley Lauren Kerr has been in the pageant business in various capacities for the past three years and will soon launch a fashion line in collaboration with Eduardo Las Cases.

About Ashley Lauren Kerr

Founded in 2008, ASHLEYlaurenKerr provides support for all aspects of high-end fashion and elegance to women of distinction. The company offers individualized coaching, beauty advice and uniquely designed clothing on an international basis. Headquartered in Scarborough, Maine, ASHLEYlaurenKerr operates showrooms in New York City and Beijing that specialize in bridal, red carpet, pageant, prom and jewelry collections. The company manages international fashion designers from Venezuela, Puerto Rico and Miami who produce haute couture attire, as well as design for ASHLEYlauren. Other services offered by ASHLEYlaurenKerr include styling, poise and personality coaching, and makeup and hair training for a variety of high-profile clients including pageant contestant and industry executives.

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Twice Loved Boutique will have their annual Anniversary Celebration the week of May 30th through June 4th and will donate 10% of each day’s sales to the following organizations: TenthLife Cat Rescue (May 30th), Waldo County Humane Society (May 31st), Marsh River Theater (June 1st), FUTURE MSAD #3 (June 2nd), Brooks Park Boosters (May 3rd) and finally on June 4th they will be holding a bag sale at their store on Lincolnville Avenue. Similar to the bag sale held in October to raise funds for Breast Cancer Awareness, however this bag sale will raise funds for New Hope for Women, The sale will begin at 10:00am and will continue until 6:00pm when the store closes, or until everything is sold, whichever comes first. Customers will be provided with empty shopping bags and a wide selection of specially chosen items to choose from. Customers will pick what they want from these items and pay just $10.00 per bag.

Twice Loved Boutique boasts a superior selection of high quality clothing, shoes and accessories for juniors, misses and young men at prices you can’t find anywhere else. TLB continually finds ways to support the community and local economy such as hosting accounts for local organizations and showcasing pieces for local small businesses. TLB also offers their consignors a generous 50% off the sale of their under-loved items, the balance of which can be used as store credit or can be taken as cash, benefits that can’t be found in many other resale stores.

For more information call Twice Loved Boutique at 207-338-5511 Monday – Wednesday 9am to 4pm, Thursday – Friday 9am – 6pm and Saturdays 10am – 6pm

Posh Mommy gained momentum last Mother’s Day when Ellen featured the collection as part of her Mother’s Day giveaway episode. The collection is worn by many celebrities which has led to the necklaces being featured in a variety of magazines. Mothers such as Kim Kardashian, Sheryl Crow, and Halle Berry all have Posh Mommy necklaces. The Posh Daddy Dog tags are worn by many famous dads as well, including Carson Daly, Mario Lopez, and Jason Priestly.

Jewelry Ninja offers authentic Posh Mommy necklaces and they are confident they sell them in the lowest prices available. Unlike other companies, their collection does not include any hidden charges. While most companies charge extra money to engrave on the back, Jewelry Ninja does not charge for any engraving. The price includes the chain, unlike other companies.

The company’s website offers the Posh Mommy Collection  in silver. They do offer the line in white gold, rose gold, and yellow gold as well. The company’s owner, Stephen Hasty states, “The price of gold changes everyday. We want to keep our collection as competitive as possible so we update our prices on the gold Posh Mommy line daily.” Email them for gold Posh Mommy prices.  

The company guarantees they sell Posh Mommy at the lowest prices in time for Mother’s Day shopping. “If you find it anywhere else cheaper, email us and we’ll beat their price,” says the owner.  CBS news called the collection one of the hottest gifts of the Christmas shopping season and it’s expected to be even hotter for Mother’s Day shopping.