There is no time like the new year that makes you want to reflect on time past while simultaneously looking forward. In the final hours of 2011, we could not help but feel like we were ending the year as some very lucky ladies. As we’ve mentioned in the past, we have not been immune to the effects of the recession. No small business can truthfully say the past few years have been an easy time to maintain, let alone build, a small business. And yet we have persevered, continuing to find new ways to keep bringing happy little luxuries to all of our loyal customers.

So we’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again. 2011 was a blessed year for us, and we have no one to thank but all of you. We were truly thrilled to see all of your positive reactions to our Fall 2011 collection as well as to the opening of Viv&Ingrid at Oxford Hall. And so it is with this momentum that we’ve turned toward 2012 with a renewed energy in designing and seeking out new and unique lines for the store in hopes that we can continue to delight each and every one of you that has helped to make our company a success.

So sit tight – we’ve got a big year coming up and we couldn’t help but plan a few surprises for all of you. From our travels over vacation we’ve found some treasures that we can’t wait to debut in Oxford Hall, and we’re already busy dreaming up new collections inspired by the art and architecture of our holiday vacation destinations. We’ve also always found working with our bridal customers to be one of our favorite parts of designing jewelry, so we went ahead and put together some new special services just for V&I brides. But more on both of these things later. In the meantime, we thank you again. And we wish you and yours success and health and, most importantly, happiness in the new year.

But before we sign off, we can’t help but share this little tidbit. Late last night we were neglecting our bedtime and doing some online shopping/watching our DVR’d episode of Top Chef {is there really anything better than Restaurant Wars?} when we stumbled upon the trailer for the new film, Friends with Kids. Last January, we were contacted by the film’s costume designer and asked to lend some pieces for filming – and how could we refuse? With a line up including Maya Rudolph, Kristen Wiig and writer/director/star Jennifer Westfeldt {we love all of these ladies} there was really no saying no. Fast forward to this January and we nearly rolled off the couch when in the first few seconds of the trailer we were hit with some V&I jewelry – and the cameos kept coming! If the trailer is any indication our lovely little baubles got some serious screen time in this film and we could not be happier. We are thrilled to be a part of a project helmed by and cast with such smart and talented women. Not to mention that the film looks incredible – we can’t wait to take an office trip to see it in theaters next month!

We could not think of a better way to start 2012. Cheers!

Courtesy of Ingrid all the way from Spain, we can't stop daydreaming about these colorful lamps and the Moorish district in Granada where this snapshot was taken.