2013 – Page 10 – Jewelry Fashion Tips

Madyha Farooqui: Designer

I met Madyha during the Couture jewelry show in Las Vegas. She was standing next to a very tall case of exquisite gems that practically had me drooling!

Madyha is only a couple years into her jewelry business, but she has an amazing background that will certainly ensure her success. From traveling the world while growing up as the daughter of a U.N. diplomat, to getting a degree at Parson’s School of Design, to working at Cosmopolitan Magazine, she’s both worldly and stylish.

She just sent me some recent images from her new collection, and I’m so happy to share them with you. First of all, here’s a pair of colorful statement earrings that are red-carpet worthy! They are made with blush, lavender, and brown sapphire slices with champagne pave diamonds. And color is surely on-trend this coming spring!

On the more delicate side, I’m loving this bracelet of labradorite with a slice of brown diamond, surrounded by pave diamonds. Such sparkle!

Finally, I think these studs of brown diamond slices with champagne pave diamonds would be SO versatile! Simple enough to wear every day, yet special enough for a fancy dinner out. These would be a valuable investment.

A unique take on the classic diamond stud

Madyha’s hand-made jewelry is just beautiful, and it really meshes with my personal style. (luxe bohemian) I hope to see her again at the Couture show this spring, and see what other new pieces she has in store!

Charlene Court: Jewelry Judge

I think that sometimes people must think I’m a total nut-job when I accost them in public places. I found my latest “victim” while I was having lunch with a friend at the Rotunda in San Francisco. This lovely young woman walked by, I caught a glimpse of the fan-tabulous necklace she was wearing, and truly leapt out of my seat to go after her.

Turns out, that she was wearing the designs of her friend, jewelry designer Charlene Court. (I LOVE when I discover a designer that I’ve never heard of!) So here’s the necklace that she was wearing.

Here’s a close-up of the pendant.

And get ready for the surprise in the back….

It's beautiful coming and going! — It’s beautiful coming and going!

In addition to this magnificent necklace she was also wearing a fab ring, also by Charlene.

And in case you want a close-up view of the ring, as I know I did!

So I suppose that you don’t have to guess whether the Jewelry Judge gives a thumbs up or a thumbs down this week. Wow! Know that I did eventually get back to my table to finish my salad, but I was on a jewelry high for the rest of my lunch!

ModeWalk…Ooo La La!

On Thursday I went to a ModeWalk trunk show at Azadeh in San Francisco. ModeWalk is a unique business model in the world of fashion. Basically, they get hot, luxury fashions from Europe (many brands that I’ve never heard of!) and sell them online, through selective trunk shows, and via stylist appointments. Interesting! While I went to the show intending to focus on the clothing, my attention was (not surprisingly) re-directed to some stellar pieces of jewelry!

First up was this fab necklace by Fiona Paxton. With its pop of neon, it’s truly on-trend.

a stylish way to add some neon — Stylish way to add some neon

Another statement necklace that had me drooling was this rose-gold stunner by Lara Bohinc.

I certainly didn’t want to ignore my wrists, so I quickly tried on this amazing bracelet by Parisian designer Philippe Audibert…well actually it’s much more than a bracelet. I don’t even know how to describe it! But I love it — it makes my arms look so sleek!

I also adore these knotted bracelets by Coralie De Seynes. I’m very tempted by the orange one. While orange isn’t a color that necessarily looks good on me in clothing or make-up, why not add a dash of it in an accessory?!

If you’d like the opportunity to see some of these gems live, you’re in luck. ModeWalk will be having another trunk show this week (Feb. 5-9) at Azadeh in Los Gatos, California. You can find out about their upcoming trunk shows on their Facebook page. Happy shopping!

Calypso St. Barth @ Marin Country Mart

One part of my job I just love is exploring new shopping areas, especially when I can do it with my dear friend and colleague, Jen. Tuesday was one of those days, so we headed north over the Golden Gate Bridge to the Marin Country Mart. While I was expecting the hustle and bustle of the Brentwood Country Mart in southern California, which is stocked with fab stores and eateries, Marin was very quiet and there were many open shop fronts available. But I do think there’s a lot of potential there. It’s lovely, has a nice layout, and it has a truly prime location right near the Larkspur ferry. The BIG draw for me was Calypso St. Barth, one of my fave resort-inspired shops, including some drool-worthy jewelry.

Walking into the inviting store, I loved how everything is laid out by color, including the jewelry. The first tray that caught my eye was this grouping in emerald, teal and lime green.

The cut crystal pieces by DanniJo are a little bit vintage, yet a little bit rockin’. I also loved the delicate beaded quality of these earrings by another designer. Here’s a close-up of the earrings.

The teal transcends seasons -- great all year long. — The teal transcends seasons — great all year long.

I next headed to an area where neutrals were the story — cream, tan, beige, and white. This selection of baubles would be very versatile!

My favorite is the collar on the bottom left. It’s by London designer Fiona Paxton. I think it would dress up a basic, solid-colored sweater or tee, or enhance a cocktail dress!

This tray of boho-inspired necklaces drew my eye (I know you’re not surprised!), and I was a bit envious that Jen went home with the camel necklace with the leather tassel by Hipchik Couture. I wonder if she’d let me borrow it….

The visual delight continued as you went to the cash desk. There, you were greeted with a plethora of colorful bracelets, from designers ranging from Chan Luu to Julie Rofman.

After all the shopping, of course we had to eat lunch. We dined at the Rustic Bakery, and we were not disappointed. Though I think on our next visit, we should each get our own (giant) chocolate chip cookie, instead of splitting. 😉

Druzy Headband: Jewelry Judge

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!)

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!

Hawaiian Bangles

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.

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.

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 — Jeanette’s “simple” stack

When she takes it a step further, incorporating other bracelets, the result is simply stunning!

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!

Stacked Bangles with Style: Jewelry Judge

It’s on those rare days when the escalator is down that I find myself in the elevator at a department store. But today, this unexpected detour gave me the chance to see some chic arm candy.

While her over-all image is very cosmopolitan and refined (right down to her Prada bag) the stack she put together has a little bit of a global vibe, which really adds dimension to her appearance. I think I could tell a lot about her without even exchanging words. Well done!

Evil Eye Jewelry

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 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.

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.

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. — 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!

Vintage Chanel Cross: Jewelry Judge

Do you remember how a while back I told you that my interest had been piqued about vintage jewelry? Well ever since then, I seem to be noticing it more and more! (I guess it’s sort of like when you’re in the market for a new car, and suddenly you’re surrounded by the make and model you have your heart set on.)

At any rate, I found myself at a swanky cocktail party in San Francisco, and I was taking in the scene unfolding around me. Before I knew it, my eyes made a bee-line for this cross around a very glamorous woman’s neck.

I may not be religious, but I'm loving this cross! — I may not be religious, but I’m lovin’ this cross!

In chatting with her, I learned that she bought this at the Vintage Fashion Expo back in the 1980’s. Looks like this show will be back in the Bay Area in September, so I just may have to check it out! (They have three shows in the Los Angeles area this winter/spring as well) I think it’s great that this piece has stood the test of time, and that she makes it her own by mixing it with current fashion.

Horse Hair Bracelets

I may offend some of you by saying that I’m not the biggest animal person around — the only pets I’ve ever had were goldfish, and let’s just say that didn’t go so well. But I am certainly surrounded by many animal lovers in my life, and it seems that lots of them are over the moon for horses. While I’m pretty much petrified of said animal, I was very intrigued when one of my horse-loving friends started talking about horse hair jewelry. Say what?!

Turns out that there’s a local company, On Deck Designs, that will custom make you jewelry using the hair from your horse’s tail. Here’s the type of bracelets they make.

I would have a hard time knowing what this was made of, if I didn't know. — I would have a hard time knowing what this was made of, if I didn’t know.

Here’s a darling photo of my friend’s daughter and her trainer wearing their bracelets. The trainer received a bracelet for the holidays made from tail hairs from all 18 of the horses she trains. What a meaningful gift!

Here’s a close-up view of their bracelets.

Upon checking out the website, I see you can even bling up your bracelet with beads and pearls!

If you are a horse-lover, then this type of jewelry is probably right up your alley! When searching the internet, I was just amazed at how much horse hair jewelry there is out there. Just goes to show that there are always jewelry surprises out there, even for jewelry die-hards like me!