Charm School on Thursday

I was reminiscing with my mom over the weekend about goofy things I used to collect as a kid. My favorite things, from about 3 years old until fourth grade, were those plastic charms from vending machines that you were supposed wear on plastic chain necklaces (remember, this was the 80s). I had a shoebox full of them, and I cherished them so much that I never wanted to actually wear them for fear of loosing them!

I’m a little older now, but I still have a love of charms, and I know I’m not the only one.
Next Thursday (September 11), the Clothes Gallery is holding Charm School from 10 AM to 8 PM for all you charm lovers (and charm newbies) out there. The lovely ladies there will help you become a jewelry designer, as you mix charms, bracelets, and necklaces to create your own unique piece. Featured designers will be Pandora, Brighton, Pilgrim, and Debra Sheperd.

Pilgrim Jewellery was founded in the 1980s in Denmark. It is one of the fastest-growing international jewelry and accessory brands, with products made from pearls, resins, beads, wood, semi-precious stones, silver and 14K gold. Shop online and see the whole line here.

Originally founded in 1982 in Copenhagen, Denmark, Pandora is now one of the world’s top charm and jewelry companies, with their products being sold in 18 countries. Pandora’s line is designed in Denmark and hand made in Thailand from sterling silver and 14K gold. While you can only buy Pandora in-store, you can check out their website here to find the perfect piece for you.

Brighton was founded in 1991 with a single collection of belts, but today carries a complete line of women’s accessories. Each piece is designed with a defining detail that gives it special meaning, like a love note engraved on a bracelet or a photo frame on a handbag. Brighton is not available online, but you can check out their current collection here.

Debra Shepherd designed her first pair of earrings in 1972 but never really did anything with it. After years working as an art director and designer, she and her daughter found that pair of earrings in 2002 and decided to launch a jewelry line. Today, her line is found in 21 countries with tons of loyal followers, including Hilary Duff and Lindsay Lohan. See the Debra Shepherd collection here, and stop by the store to pick up your favorite.

Be sure to stop by The Clothes Gallery on September 11 from 10 AM to 8 PM to enroll in Charm School and design your very own piece. Call us to RSVP at 815.455.3307 or, to email us, click here.