Closets & Cocktails with Jewelry Designer (and Blogger!) Wendy Brandes

For this week's installment of Closets and Cocktails we are so excited to be featuring one our fave jewelry designers and bloggers, Wendy Brandes. This journalist-turned-jewelry-designer can be found musing about everything from 80's pop culture to the best in vintage finds on her blog. Her re-occurring feature "What Wendy Wore" is not to be missed! (Anyone who actually owns Alexander McQueen is a superstar in our books!) Not only is her jewelry to-die-for (see P's post If I Were A Rich Girl featuring one of Wendy's fab designs), she does custom pieces as well! Engagement ring, anyone? So without further adieu, a few insights into Wendy's fashion philosophies and closet confessions...

Wendy with her fave cocktail (or more accurately, a bottle of her favorite cocktail...) Rosé Champagne

What is your style motto? "Wear What You Want."

If you could change one thing about your closet, what would it be? It would be bigger!

Who's style, past or present, do you most admire? That changes from day to day. Right now I love 80's Joan Jett. Leather and heavy eyeliner.

What is your most treasured possession in your closet? My vintage Ossie Clark snakeskin jacket. He gave it to an employee in lieu of cash many years ago, and I bought it directly from her. (More about the jacket here)

What is your greatest shopping regret? Always something I DIDN'T buy.

What do you consider your greatest score? My sex-ay pilgrim dress is Donald Brooks couture. I got it on eBay for $60.

Wendy and her most treasured possession, the Ossie Clark snakeskin jacket!

Which words or phrases do you most overuse? "Actually."

What is your greatest extravagance? Having my own business. Nothing's more expensive than that.

BONUS QUESTION: What is your favorite cocktail? Rosé Champagne.

Thanks so much, Wendy! To view the fabulousness that is Wendy Brandes jewelry, go to www.wendybrandes.com. (Prices start at just $50 so there is something for everyone!) And to follow Wendy, and the latest in her designs, sartorial spreads, and witty anecdotes check out her blog.

Oh, and did we also mention that Wendy writes for The Huffington Post? Her latest article "Mullets go Mainstream" will bring you back to a time when the only Cyrus who had their name in lights was Billy.

Love, A&P