crimson mim – Jewelry Fashion Tips

Diana Broussard Necklaces @ Crimson Mim

You may know the name Diana Broussard from her work at Calvin Klein, Christian Dior and Gucci. While she is certainly famous for her shoe line (she used to design shoes for Gucci under Tom Ford), she is also the designer of some fabulous necklaces, currently available at both the Los Altos and Palo Alto locations of Crimson Mim. (Gotta love when you find cutting-edge fashion close to home!) Her feather-light resin chain-link necklaces are the perfect centerpiece for this spring’s minimalist look.

Handcrafted by Italian artisans, they come with just the links or with an added padlock pendant, and range in price from $275-$375.

Here’s Miroslava Duma, the former editor of Harper’s Bazaar Russia, modeling one of the necklaces.

They are selling like hotcakes, so if this rings your jewelry bell, then definitely rush to Crimson Mim and give them a try. It might be the perfect go-to accessory for your spring wardrobe!

Layering Delicate Necklaces

I recently wrote an article about the spring 2014 trend of layering delicate necklaces. (If you missed it, click here to read it.) I told you that I was going to go through my jewelry box and see what combinations I could come up with. Well never wanting to let you down, here are a few of the mixes I came up with.

This first trial includes a labradorite bead necklace (worn doubled) by Flying Lizard, a bezel-set diamond chain I got years ago from Ross-Simons, and a sort of boho creation that I got at a boutique somewhere in Santa Cruz.

The next incarnation combines a painted crystal purchased at Crimson Mim quite a few years ago, and a newer raw diamond necklace by Ali Grace, acquired at Carrots.

Next, I paired the same Ali Grace necklace with a petite pendant by Adel Chefridi, from Gallery of Jewels.

I wanted to make a mix with a longer necklace in it, so I pulled out a long sterling silver bead chain, also by Flying Lizard, and paired it with my Armenta horseshoe from Head over Heels and a tiny diamond disc on a black cord which I purchased through Gilt.com a couple years ago.

Finally, I wanted to see if I could bring my Nordstrom diamond circle pendant necklace (circa 2005?) back into rotation, so I coupled it with a Chan Luu silver and gold leaf long necklace, worn doubled, from Leaf & Petal.

I’ve definitely been having some fun with this, and I plan on creating more mixes in the weeks to come. What about you — have you tried it yet? I’d love to see what you’ve come up with!

Stacy King of Lulu Designs

I always love to check out the latest in style (I’m sure you’re shocked to hear!) at one of my favorite boutiques, Crimson Mim. (now with locations in Los Altos and Palo Alto, CA) It’s a double bonus when my visit coincides with a jewelry trunk show! I was very pleased to meet Bay Area local Stacy King, the designer of Lulu Designs.

Stacy, in her thirteenth year of business (and come to find out next door neighbors with one of my clients!), studied art history and ceramics. Eventually she evolved into jewelry making as a hobby, which then became a bonafide business. Her inspiration for the lovely line comes from nature, architecture and textiles. She has a talented group of trained metal smiths here in the Bay Area that cast her jewelry in silver, and then use 24K vermeil.

One of the things I like best about her pieces are her unique materials, which include ancient Thai silver trade beads, hand-cut deer leather and Baroque pearls. Many of her necklaces have a delicate quality that are just itching to be layered within her line or with other necklaces you may already have.

Lulu0711_141 — Can you picture layering these?

There are numerous stores who carry this versatile line, so I’m sure you can find a retailer near you. Enjoy!

Cleaning Silver

Tarnish is the bane of my existence with my silver jewelry. Storing it in a jewelry box or a felt bag certainly cuts down on the tarnish, but nevertheless, it eventually comes.

sterling silver cuffs — sterling silver cufffs

Christine Campbell, the owner of one of my FAVE boutiques, Crimson Mim, (with locations in Los Altos and Palo Alto, CA) made a very cool video clip of a new way to tackle the tarnish. I haven’t tried it yet with my own jewelry, but she says it works like a miracle!

No more stinky creams or treated cleaning gloves for me!