Hand Jewelry by Colette Steckel

While at Couture in Las Vegas, it was so fun visiting the booths of designers that I interviewed last year! Colette’s new designs were overwhelmingly creative and beautiful. She had well over 100 unique pieces — how does she have the time?! The one I just HAVE to share with you is this amazing hand jewelry, crafted in just one piece with sparkling diamonds and emeralds. Have you ever seen anything like it? I certainly haven’t!

Here's how it looks on the hand....
Here’s how it looks on the hand….

And here's how it looks off...
And here’s how it looks off…

With hand and body jewelry becoming increasingly popular, it’s clear that Colette is at the forefront of this movement. You can find some of Colette’s work at Fragments in NYC. (one of my fave stores!!) And I also want to congratulate Colette on winning a Couture Design Award this year in the category of diamonds below $20,000. Well deserved!!

The Woods Fine Jewelry: A Stellar Sister Act!

I’ve been following The Woods Fine Jewelry for quite some time now, though I’ve only seen a few of their pieces in person at Carrots, one of my fave SF boutiques. When I saw that the two sisters, Shawn and Sam, would be doing a personal appearance and trunk show at Carrots the day after I got home from 3 weeks of travel, game on! I battled major traffic and a parking dilemma, but it was well worth the effort.

The two sisters, based in Denver and Aspen, launched their line about 7 years ago. When I inquired how they co-design while being in two different cities, they told me that they are really each on their own design path. How interesting! But their aesthetic blends perfectly, and their luxe, naturally gorgeous line has really taken off.

the woods and amy roseveare

Here’s a shot from their website which gives you sort of a feel for their line.

They have a neutral color palate that transcends trends
They have a neutral color palate that transcends trends

While they have traditionally been known for their beaded pieces, they are now moving more into chains, with a variety of pendants that can be interchanged. Take a look at these gorgeous chains (on my jewelry lust list, for sure!) and this re-claimed deer antler with inlaid diamonds. Seriously, this pendant was the size of my hand!!

notice the diamond details
notice the diamond details

amaze-balls!
amaze-balls!

Here’s another stunning enhancer, which would look fabulous on a variety of chains.

Yes...you know I have a thing for Buddah!
Yes…you know I have a thing for Buddah!

I tried on a stone arrowhead pendant, surrounded by diamonds, on a pyrite bead chain. Can I say l-o-v-e? Fab on it’s own, or easily layered with other necklaces.

the woods fine jewelry

This trunk show was the first time I’ve tried on some of their rings. I think the design on this articulated cross ring is fantastic.

Though it's one piece, it felt very comfortable!
Though it’s one piece, it felt very comfortable!

Here’s a shot of me wearing another of their rings, along with a diamond bracelet with a resin horn. Oo la la!

the woods fine jewelry

This line really is a natural, organic way to rock some diamonds. Do you think it would meld with your personal style? If so, check them out!

Body Chains…What Do You Think?

I spend (too much) time on Pinterest, scouring boards and images to see what’s hot out there in the world of jewelry. Something I’ve been seeing more and more of are body chains. Here’s a prime example I came across.

body chain

In this image, it does look pretty darn sexy, given the model’s gorgeous back and low-cut dress. But would this work in the real world, on the average Jane? Well looks like we’re about to find out, because they’re hitting the mainstream, no longer just in fashion shoots. While having lunch in Laguna Beach, I saw body chains on not one, but TWO mannequins! The first was at Anastatia Boutique.

A cool, boho vibe
A cool, boho vibe

The next one was spotted at Fetneh Blake — a store that is seriously as beautiful as an art gallery! This piece was a little more rock n’ roll, by London designer Fannie Schiavoni.

fannie schiavoni body chain

While they were both so cool to look at, I don’t know if I’m ready to don one myself. What about you? Have you started seeing them while out an about? Send me photos if you do!

Organizing your Baubles!

Jewelry and organizing are two of my favorite things, so I was in heaven working with a client (and very dear friend) in the Santa Barbara area last week. She is combining items from a few households, trying to figure out what to keep and what to purge in every category, including her clothes, bathroom items, and linens, just to name a few. It’s a major project, to say the least! On one particular day, we decided to tackle her fashion jewelry collection.

She had most of her costume jewelry stored in baggies, with some in boxes or little drawers. But due to the move, they were stored all over the house (including under the bed in the guest room), so she wasn’t able to use her jewelry effectively. The first thing I did, after locating all of it, was sort it out by category — bracelets, rings, necklaces, etc. I set them all out on the bed and a folding table, so we could go over each piece, one by one.

sorting jewelry

Phase one...sorting
phase one…sorting

Next, we took each item out to see if it was a keeper or not. Some of the dated gold and silver pieces we set aside to sell for the metal. She’s going to make some major cash selling all this!

gold & silver to sell
gold & silver to sell

We also filled up a whole shopping bag of jewelry to be donated to a local women’s shelter.

for donation
for donation

We were very excited to find some surprises as well, such as a couple diamond necklaces that had been misplaced and a few family heirloom pieces. All of these were tucked away neatly into her safe. With what was left, we then split it all up into what she wanted available to her now (spring/summer jewelry and year-round jewelry) and what would be stored away for the fall/winter season. All the pieces for the next season were stored in individual plastic baggies, so she could easily see what she has. I advised her that when it comes time to switch out her wardrobe for fall, that she should just switch out her jewelry as well.

items to be out for use now
items to be out for use now

fall/winter items to be stored for now
fall/winter items to be stored for now

Now came a hard decision…where were we going to store and display everything? There certainly didn’t seem like there was much room available! We took a close look at this bank of drawers in her closet, which housed mainly lingerie, socks, and some swim wear. With a little weeding and reorganization, we cleared out all the drawers and now had a great space for her jewelry! Plus, the drawers were nice and shallow, which was perfect. As an added bonus, her scarves were folded above this bank of drawers, which would make it very easy to coordinate when accessorizing her outfits.

the future home for her jewelry
the future home for her jewelry

With a couple trips to Bed, Bath and Beyond for acrylic storage containers, we were all set to go!

5 drawers of fabulous-ness!
5 drawers of fabulous-ness!

necklaces were separated by color
necklaces were separated by color

IMG_4954

bracelet heaven!
bracelet heaven!

We were both so thrilled with the finished project! Now she knows what she has and where it is, so she can really start wearing her jewels on a regular basis. I think this is a key to all organization — you need to be able to see your things, from clothes to kitchen items. If it’s out of sight, it’s not likely to be used. Keep only what you love and what you use, and find new homes for the rest. I hope this project inspires you to do some purging and reorganizing in your space as well. Have fun!

Ann Dexter Jones Bracelet

While working in Montecito this past week, I took a quick break to check out one of the newer shops in the upper village, called Julianne. It’s a modern, highly curated shop, and I thoroughly enjoyed browsing and chatting with the kind staff.

On my way out, I took a peek in the jewelry area…and stopped…and asked the gal to take out her key pronto. Was it a watch? A bracelet? I was completely intrigued.

ann dexter jones bracelet

Look at that mother of pearl face!!
Look at that mother of pearl face!!

It turns out that it was indeed a bracelet, designed by Ann Dexter Jones. The sheer scale and weight of the $14,000 piece was impressive. Here’s a shot of it draped over my wrist, to give you an idea of its size.

Wow!!
Wow!!

Made of sterling silver, 18K yellow gold and yellow diamonds, it was quite a spectacular bracelet, unlike I’ve ever seen before. I wonder who it will end up going home with. Oprah does live about 3 minutes from the store…just sayin’. 😉

Kelly Wearstler Store in Los Angeles

In addition to being a jewelry-obsessed wardrobe stylist, I also have a penchant for interior design. I often joke that this will be my career in my “next life.” I admire the work of a range of designers, from modern to eclectic to traditional. Kelly Wearstler has intrigued me ever since I saw her as a judge on “Top Design” and purchased her book, Hue. My interest was further piqued when she branched into the jewelry scene.

I was delighted to visit her flagship store on Melrose during a recent trip to Los Angeles.

kelly wearstler shop

Entering the store is like walking into a fabulously appointed abode, from the interior elements, to the racks of edgy clothes (I scored a great oversized teal biker jacket for 60% off!), and the tables of jewelry (of course!).

The jewelry was very accessible, begging to be tried on
The jewelry was very accessible, begging to be tried on

I consider architectural elements to be one of her hallmarks, and these necklaces with ball pendants are a perfect example of her aesthetic.

kelly wearstler necklaces

And these wrapped brass pieces are so cool. In one display, she used the bracelets as stunning napkin rings.

kelly wearstler jewelry

There were also some amazing one-of-a-kind pieces in the store. This ring really made my jaw drop. Not only is the stone gorgeous, but the architectural setting is noteworthy. Wow!

kelly wearstler ring

Kelly often incorporates gems into objects d’art, as shown in these stunning boxes. I remember seeing some of these at Bergdorf Goodman in NYC and drooling over them…

kelly wearstler jeweled box

kelly wearstler jeweled box

Kelly’s pieces are fabulously modern, eye-catching, and they have a great feel when you wear them. Click here to find out where her line is available near you.

D.L. Rhein: Creative Jewelry Display!

I love when I can take some time to explore new shops, and it’s even more fun when I’m on vacation. While cruising around different places in Los Angeles, I came across a small store on W. 3rd Street called D.L. Rhein.

Filled with delightful decor objects, heavenly smelling candles, and beautiful scarves, there was more that the eye could take in during just one swing around the place! No surprise, I made a bee-line for the jewelry, which was displayed in such a creative way — on a baker’s rack!

Way to maximize display space!
Way to maximize display space!

Each tray was filled with tiny, white rocks, and the necklaces were carefully laid out on each tray, organized by color. So fun! It was a visual feast.

d.l. rhein jewelry tray

d.l. rhein jewelry tray

It was so easy to pull out each tray to inspect the treasures. I love that whenever you travel, you see things that you’ve never seen before…even a clever way to show jewelry.

Nan Fusco: Designer

I can’t quite remember the first time I saw a piece of Nan Fusco’s jewelry online, but I instantly fell in jewelry lust! Her pieces are edgy, feminine, and organic at the same time. I’ve been dying to see them in person! While on a recent trip to southern California, I was so excited to meet up with her in Laguna Beach and find out more!

nan fusco and amy roseveare

Our hour together just flew by, as she pulled out trays upon trays of treasures. We started with bracelets, and this stunner made from natural Kasumi pearls, wrapped with oxidized silver chain, made my jaw drop.

The range of color in the pearls is amazing!
The range of color in the pearls is amazing!

Next she showed me some bracelets with a staurolite as the center medallion. I had never heard of these before! She explained that they are also known as the “twin cross.” They are found naturally in the ground in just a few places, such as Georgia (it’s actually their official state mineral) and in the Swiss Alps. Legend says that they are formed when a fairy’s tears hit the ground.

Staurolite  with fossil coral and malayan garnet
Staurolite with fossil coral and malayan garnet

This is one of the unique aspects of Nan’s line. She “artfully composes” things that she finds on her wanderings. Often, it might be something that others would pass by (such as the staurolite). But not Nan — instead she comes up with singular designs, some of which wakes her up in the middle of the night, having dreamt about it.

Nan’s bracelets stack beautifully, as shown in this garnet stack, which includes everything from Keishi pearls to elk antler to cognac diamonds. Stack-tastic!

GarnetStack_ig

Another fabulous thing about many of her pieces, is that they can be worn many ways. Take her “quattro” necklace (which means 4 in Italian) It starts out looking like one long chain. BUT…you can wrap it multiple times to wear as a bracelet, or style it in three different necklace variations. Check it out!

The Quattro
The Quattro

Wrapped as a bracelet
Wrapped as a bracelet

Worn as a lariat necklace
Worn as a lariat necklace

Worn hooked to the side
Worn hooked to the side

Or simply tie it!
Or simply tie it!

With a background in graphic design, she started her jewelry business in 2003, along with her husband Michael. She clearly has a mind for design and balance, as so many of her necklaces have elements of asymmetry, yet they all hang perfectly. Case and point are her claspless “loop” necklaces, which have a small loop of chains that allow you to adjust the necklace to any place you’d like. Here’s an example of this inventive concept shown in oxidized chain, elk antler and a diamond loop.

Yes, please!!
Yes, please!!

And what’s not to love about this raw ruby tie necklace? And of course, it can be worn various ways as well.

nan fusco raw ruby tie neclace

Nan is a self-taught, one-woman show. She designs and makes each piece by hand in her southern California studio. And I don’t know how she finds time for it, but she and her husband also run an ad agency as well. How does she do it?!

I love how Nan really uses unique stones. She told me that she looks for high quality, yet not “perfect” stones. The uniqueness and natural variation in her materials really inspires her. Take a look at these exquisite baroque pearl earrings, with her signature chain wrap. (did I mention she oxidizes all the chains herself as well?)

They balance perfectly!
They balance perfectly!

I could definitely go on and on about this line, and I encourage you to check out her website. She said the most common thing she hears when people see her work is, “I’ve never seen anything like it!” I must agree.