While out to dinner one evening at Chuck’s in Ko Olina last week (such a luxury to eat al fresco in January!!), I came across a lovely sixteen year-old, who had a very cool outfit on — fitted dark-wash skinny jeans, a peach silk blouse with black detail, and grey suede wedges. I would describe her look as polished, a little preppy, yet with a nod to vintage. Her ensemble was topped off by a charming pixie haircut and a fabulous druzy headband. (gotta love bling for the hair!)
I love the subtle sparkle!
In chatting with her, I learned that she owns about 15 different headbands, and wears one just about every day. While the pixie and the headband are definitely on-trend, she really makes it her own with her wardrobe choices. The complete effect is someone with a strong sense of personal style at a young age. Awesome!
If you follow my Jewelry Fashion Tips Facebook page (and if you don’t, “like” it right away — there’s tons of goodies on it!), then you know that I was enjoying myself in Hawaii last week. I was staying with friends who live there, so one of my first stops was the local grocery store to stock up on my fave foods. The cashier’s wrists caught my eye right away, adorned in traditional gold Hawaiian bracelets.
Traditional Hawaiian Bracelets
Known as Hawaiian Heirloom Bracelets, they are inscribed with names and sentiments just for the person who wears them. They first became popular back in the 1860’s, and their popularity certainly doesn’t seem to have waned. I saw them all over Oahu on wrists of all ages!
During my stay on the island, I noticed yet another Hawaiian bracelet trend — lovely slim bangles, either in silver or gold, enhanced with a single charm. I saw charms ranging from shells to Tahitian pearls to sea glass. While in Sand People (a popular beach-themed chain store on the islands) in Kailua, I saw these lovely examples with Tahitian pearls designed by Oahu-based Beach Girl Jewels.
Simply elegant!
I was also on the lookout for bangles by Hula Hoops, which is a Maui-based designer, as this is where my friend Jeanette found some beauties! When she stacks a bunch of them together, here’s how it looks.
Jeanette’s “simple” stack
When she takes it a step further, incorporating other bracelets, the result is simply stunning!
Totally unique and fabulous stack!
I must admit, that I did come back to the mainland with a singular bangle. (Aren’t you immensely impressed with my restraint?!) I’ve decided that I will add additional bangles on future trips. Meanwhile, I look forward to adding my new “addition” to some of my creative bracelet combinations. Aloha!
I certainly remember a few times in my life when I would get the “evil eye” from someone–perhaps when accidentally cutting off an unsuspecting car on the freeway, or when I got caught flushing my amethyst stones down then toilet when I was about 6. (yes…true story) And I know that as a third grade teacher, I certainly gave that “evil eye look” on occasion while out on yard duty. The concept of the evil eye, and being able to send harm through one’s gaze crosses a multitude of cultures. To escape the effects of the evli eye, people began wearing evil eye talismans and jewelry. By donning these, it was said that the harm and negativity would be reflected away from the wearer.
In Turkey, the amulets are known as “nazar” and can be found everywhere, with their powerful indigo color protecting everyone.
Evil Eye Talisman
Evil eye jewelry has become increasingly popular, and it seems to be a growing trend for spring 2013. I’ve been seeing many evil eye bracelets mixed among many cool stacks. Here are some pretty designs from Yanina & Co.
Great for mixing with other bracelets!
Sydney Evan has designed very petite enameled evil eye studs for everyday wear. I wonder if earrings bring double the protection?
This is definitely a creative take on the theme in the form of a ring by Danni Jo.
Uber-trendy!
Even Lindsay Lohan was sporting the trend (I’m sure hoping for protection!) during one of her recent court dates.
Not sure even the power of jewelry can help her
If this trend appeals to your personal style, then you’re certainly in luck, as there are a multitude of choices out there at every price point. Protection be with you!
No, this is not a Halloween post. Instead, it’s about a seriously chic woman I recently encountered at the Wilke’s Bashford grand re-opening bash in Palo Alto.
How did she think of this?
This combination consists of 3 longer necklaces and one shorter one. The first (with the grosgrain ribbon detail) is by Nanette Lepore. Then she added a costume gold/rhinestone necklace, and third one by All Saints.
Now this is re-worked jewelry!
This shorter necklace is a lariat by Tiffany & Co. She then made it her own by adding the small, black skull by Links of London and another little charm she had. So creative!
As a final touch, I caught a glimpse of her wrist…
Understated skulls
I love how she threw in the skull bracelet in her stack. (I believe that’s by Links of London as well.) I bet that most people don’t even notice it, which makes it even cooler. Chic with a bit of attitude!
NYC is always ahead of us Californians fashion-wise, and Europe before them. (I think perhaps fashion travels east to west…just a personal theory of mine). While cruising around SoHo in NYC, I saw quite a few stylish 20-somethings sporting the jeweled collar trend.
Interesting take on a necklace
But I know this trend is going big-time when I saw this display at the Stanford Nordstrom last week.
There are many choices available!
I was strolling through the boutiques on Fillmore Street, and I came across this creative interpretation at Lilith. It has beads sewn right on to an actual collar, that can be used in a variety of ways. Clever!
There are so many variations on this trend!
I spotted this sweater by Milly that has it’s own detachable jeweled collar. I’m telling you, it’s everywhere!
This a bit reminiscent of the late 50’s, don’t you think?
While I don’t think this trend fits into my own personal style, I can certainly appreciate it, and I know that many of my readers will embrace it with gusto! If you’re among that group, then rock it in style!
While working in New York City this past week (oh my fabulous!), I had the opportunity to do some exploring. Hopping off the E subway line at 14th, I started wandering the increasingly retail-oriented streets. Though there was on and off rain, it didn’t stop the vendors in UrbanSpace from showcasing their wares. It’s located on Washington, between Little W 12th and 14th.
I loved stumbling across this market!
Basically, this is a semi-permanent market, packed full of stalls selling jewelry, t-shirts, and other assorted items. There were also food vendors, but I didn’t check them out. (Priorities, right?!) Many of the vendors will show through the holidays, braving the sleet and snow when they come. While I was intrigued by so many of the jewelry booths, here’s a snapshot of some of my favorites.
First is Bora ([email protected]), a brooklyn-based designer. His work is inspired by the Ottoman empire, and I was just loving his ornate rings! And yes…one just may have gone home with me.
These look MUCH more expensive than they cost.
Then there was Edward Owl (named after the designer’s grandfather’s name and her grandmother, who loved owls).
Simple and organic — lovely
The brightly colored necklaces at Wink and Flip are totally on-trend. This spring trend has no signs of dying down and has transitioned right into fall style.
This table was just happy!
I also appreciated the clean lines at We See Stars, also made locally.
Minimal and chic
They also had these cool cast brass rings.
A little bit edgy, and easy to mix with other rings
This is just a glimpse of the array of jewelry available at this market. If you’re in the area, I definitely suggest you stop by. And if you find yourself there around lunchtime, as I did, I highly recommend eating at The Standard Grill at the nearby Standard Hotel. (It’s on the same side of Washington, just across the street from the market) The potato/leek frittata was absolutely delicious!
As is typical here in San Francisco during summer…we get foggy, gloomy mornings. On a good day, it’ll clear by lunch, but many times we’re immersed in grey for the whole day. Trying to “look” like summer (while staying warm) when the high is going to be 64 degrees can be a challenge, to put it mildly!
Yesterday I was heading out of Neiman’s, when I accosted this darling girl who was lunching with a friend. Not only is she right on trend with her bold, colorful necklace, but I love how she paired it with the black and white check shirt. Inspired! And I like how she kept the rest of the accessories clean with her watch and simple, yet elegant ring.
She said the necklace was from J. Crew a few seasons ago. (Does this make it vintage?!) Just goes to show that you don’t need to break the bank to make a killer statement with your jewelry!
Neiman Marcus is one of my absolute favorite department stores, and they had a killer promotion going on this past week. They were offering a gorgeous brooch with certain purchases, and let me tell you, they literally flew out the door! I’m sure it’s no surprise to my readers that I…uh…qualified for this prezzie, and I can’t wait to give it to one of you! I think you’ll love the gold tone, and the sparkling jewels in hues of blue and green.
Wouldn’t you love to wear this ?!
Brooches are one of the hottest jewelry trends of the season. While they are traditionally worn on a jacket lapel, be creative! Use one pinned to your favorite clutch to really spice up your bag. Or pin it to the band of your snappy fedora. If you’re the lucky winner, enjoy! (This contest runs until Friday, Sept. 7th.)
I’ve got a pretty darn solid sense of my personal style, which I describe as luxe bohemian. Translation: beachy, globe-trotting, relaxed feel dripping with gorgeous jewelry and accessories! (No one will ever accuse me of being a minimalist!) This is where developing my jewelry signature really helps define my style. My jewelry signatures include horn pendants, stacked rings and bangles, and druzy/agate pieces, to name a few.
I’ve begun adding a new signature the past 6 months or so…the leather bracelet. The concept evolved naturally, as I began incorporating some into my bracelet stacks. And now, I’m just becoming obsessed with them and noticing them everywhere! (It’s like the phenomenon when you’re shopping for a new car, and suddenly you start seeing your desired car all over the place!) Case in point, while shopping in San Francisco recently, I spotted this tremendous stack.
Hermes bracelet stack
This combination includes two Hermes enamel bangles (the H bracelet and the patterned one) along side a wide leather bracelet. It’s a little rock-n-roll, yet remains very sophisticated as well.
Victoria Beckham was also spotted stacking Hermes. Now this particular look is a bit too hard-core and sleek for my own personal style, but I can certainly appreciate it on her!
Edgy Hermes stack
While in Las Vegas a couple months ago, I did encounter this killer bracelet at the Fendi store. This one spoke to me both with it’s lighter neutral color and the singular spike closure — just a bit of attitude, but not too much. In addition, it runs really tiny, so it fit my wrist perfectly. (Who knows why, but I have crazy small wrists for a tall girl!)
Softer rock-n-roll vibe
I also loved discovering Mulberry’s Bayswater leather bracelet when their store recently opened here in San Francisco. A client and I both swooped one up the week they opened! And the good news here is that they do come in more than one size and in quite a few different colors. I like that it’s not too wide, so it makes it easy to stack with other bracelets, allowing you to create very eclectic combinations.
Be creative with your stacks!
Double-wrap leather bracelets are also increasingly popular. Hermes designs one of the most famous double-wraps, as shown here.
Hermes Kelly Double Tour bracelet
Gorgeous as this one is, for my own style, I prefer this taupe stunner with a big piece of Druzy by Rachel Olesker. I found this gem at The Store in Mill Valley, CA.
This fits my luxe boho style perfectly!
So how do you feel about leather bracelets? Is this something you can see yourself wearing? Whatever your answer is, I bet you’ll notice one soon when you’re out and about! Cheers! 🙂
I remember the first time I visited Fragments in SoHo in NYC. It was like stepping into this amazingly huge jewelry box with such exquisitely curated collections, that I didn’t know where to start looking (and trying on) first! Well unfortunately it’s been quite some time since I’ve been back in the Big Apple, but I’m thrilled with the new and improved website that Fragments just launched this past week.
The storefront on Prince Street
While I’ve certainly spent countless hours on jewelry websites, I have to say that this site is oh, so, much more than your average bear! As Danielle Gadi, their PR gal told me, “It’s a jewelry journey.” Well said. It’s shopping, it’s educational, and it’s very on-trend.
As I explored the site, I first went through the different designers. Instead of just showing the lines (and they do carry both fashion and fine jewelry), they had pictures of the designers, information about them, and short interviews that really give you an insight into the creative forces behind the jewelry you’re looking at. I always think that getting to know a designer really makes their jewelry more personal. I love knowing random facts like what their guilty pleasure is, and what piece of jewelry they never take off!
The next section that really grabbed me was Janet’s Jewelry Box. Janet, the founder and CEO of the company, uses this forum to show her top picks each season, based on different themes and trends. In this first edition, she starts where she should — with the basics that you should have in your jewelry box. I can’t wait to see what her next batch of picks are!
Jewelry basics by Janet
Two pages on the site that I will be sure to keep up with are Trend Watch and Style Spotlight. Currently, they’re featuring Maria Duenas Jacobs, who’s the senior accessories editor at Glamour magazine. I love finding out some quirky things about her, as well as see what jewelry she’s currently obsessing over. (because I am NOT the only jewelry-obsessed girl in the world…)
Chic layout!
There’s also more than just jewelry on this site. There’s a section on events going on around the city, and a whole section dedicated to art. How cool is that? On my next visit, I can literally use the site as a mini travel guide! And finally, I have to mention the kick-ass glossary they include. You can get definitions of everything from jasper to toggle clasps. I know that I learned a few things from perusing it!
Thanks for letting me wax poetic about this updated website. I’m just so happy that I can really get my “Fragments Fix” even though I’m on the opposite coast. Hope you enjoy it as well!
