Platinum Style released it’s “Winter Fire” issue this month with a red hot feature on the New York-based R&B group, Allure.

Patty Tobin was thrilled to drape these gorgeous and extremely talented young women for Platinum Style’s winter fashion special. Akissa Mendez (right) and Lalisha “LaLa” McLean-Sanders (left) both rocked Patty Tobin jewels for the photoshoot. It was so much fun to see each lady immediately gravitate to pieces that so clearly reflected what each woman describes as her personal style.

Click image to shop this style at pattytobin.com.

When asked to describe her own individual style, LaLa, told Platinum Style that she is the “versatile” one. And we weren’t surprised at all! Of all the Patty Tobin jewelry out to choose from, LaLa decided to rock our new Hematite & Vermeil bracelets ($195 each).

Call it a coincidence, but these are the same bracelets we are always highlighting for their versatility. You can wear them as bracelets, or fasten two together to wear as a short necklace, or three together for a longer rope look, and that’s just what LaLa did! Check out the beautiful shot of LaLa sporting two bracelets together as a choker-style necklace with two more stacked on her wrist as bracelets.

Call us at 212.414.0174 to place your order for either or both of these beautiful necklaces.

Akissa, on the other hand, describes herself as the “edgier” one, which is easy to believe. Not only did she pick one of our big “mega” torsades in gorgeous faceted aqua quartz briolettes, but she also chose to rock our Hematite Rope necklace as a belt!! We LOVE when we get a chance to work with women who totally appreciate all of the different ways you can play around with Patty Tobin jewelry to reflect your own personal style.

Allure has produced three studio albums and are currently putting the “finishing touches” on their fourth album. As a family business, Patty and I totally admire these hard-working, tight-knit, female artists who describe themselves more as sisters than just members of the same musical group.

They know what it’s like to create your art independently; without the big checkbook and resources that come with a big label. (Oh, how well we know that story…) And just like these determined, tenacious women, we too agree that when it comes to your name, your brand, your business, creative control is worth everything.

So sing it sisters! We’re with you!

If you haven’t checked out Allure yet, you can visit their Facebook page and read the full story at PlatinumStyleMag.com. Don’t forget to check out the great fashion spread in this month’s issue while you’re there!

Special thanks to Benjamin Soto Ortiz (Photographer) and Bree C. at Platinum Style.

It’s a new year and with each new year comes a new year’s resolution! It is with this in mind that I can’t help but take this opportunity to suggest to our readers the most important resolution all of us could make for 2013: Buy more products that are Made In America!!

I realize this may seem easier said than done in many cases, but it’s not impossible, and I know for a fact that awareness on the subject is rising. I also feel completely confident that a real consumer movement to buy “American Made” is on the horizon. Even in the last year to 18 months, Patty and I have noticed a considerable jump in the number of people who walk into our little W. 17th Street shop and ask us where we make our jewelry. New York! Is always our enthusiastic reply.

Aqua Quartz Briolette Necklace ($395)

Many can’t believe that we could possibly manufacture everything here and keep our prices so affordable without sacrificing the quality of our product. It’s not easy, that’s for sure. But nothing is easy in this economy. And no one understands the challenges of building a new business in “The Great Recession” and of competing with the many “fast fashion” retailers, then owners of small to mid-size businesses like Patty Tobin. But, as Patty would say, “At the end of the day, we really do believe it is the right thing to do.”

Top: Freshwater Biwa Pearl Torsade in pink & peacock shades with large sterling silver clasp ($695). Bottom: Large South Sea & Baroque Freshwater Pearls on 14K gold ($795).

I am genuinely encouraged by the many conversations that Patty and I have had with people who are eager to curb their purchases on products that are made oversees and who are actively seeking out businesses — usually small to mid-size ones like us — who make their products right here at home. Obviously, it’s not only about being Made In America. It’s about making quality products that people want and can afford. That’s really the winning combination and what has been at the heart of our success over the past few years.

Patty Tobin customers love the “look” of our jewelry. They love the colors, the stones, the pearls, the artisan quality it all has, and the versatility of so many of Patty’s designs. People love that is elegant and classic, but with a fresh, fashion-forward twist that makes it fun and different and appealing to women from 18 to 80. They love that it is hand-crafted; with many one of or few of a kind pieces for customers who want something unique that no one else has. They love that it is made from high-quality materials — real pearls, real gemstones and precious metals. They love the price-points and being able to treat themselves or someone they love to something that is luxurious and affordable. Then to add to that that it is all Made In America makes people feel so good about their purchase.

We’ve always known these principles are what set Patty Tobin apart from other jewelry designers and retailers. Getting the word out is always more challenging, of course, but after three and a half years of operating our NYC flagship boutique in Chelsea, we know that it’s our combination of beauty, quality, and affordability that translates into a real value for customers. That’s what keeps so many of them coming back and spreading the word to their friends, family and co-workers about Patty Tobin.