Amy – Page 49 – Jewelry Fashion Tips

Miriam Salat: Designer

Gypset…it’s a term some of you may not have heard about before. This is a term used to describe the gypsy, jet-setter lifestyle. (There’s a actually a beautiful book that delves into this theme.) This embodies a life full of adventure, color, luxe travel and joy. Miriam Salat’s line is designed with this woman in mind. When the gypset woman is out embracing life, she clearly needs to be adorned in beautiful jewelry.

Officially founded in 2010, this line is primarily composed of resin, sterling silver, and 18 K gold vermeil. Though her pieces are extremely on trend with the whole color story, that’s not what intrigues me. More it’s the feeling that I need to be shopping at the bazaar in Istanbul when I wear her pieces.

Here’s a beautiful set of her bangles. Worn together or intermixed with bracelets you already own, I’m just loving these!

miriam salat bangles — Sweet stack of bangles

This gorgeous pair of earrings would pair perfectly with a breezy white linen sundress.

And this ring gives you the look of stacked rings all in one. I actually own this ring in camel, and it’s really become a go-to ring for me.

miriam salat ring — There's another silver layer on the other side

With Mother’s Day approaching, Miriam Salat (in cooperation with Fever Tree, DRY Soda and Vosges Haute-Chocolat) is donating 15% of sales to Water For People, which is an international non-profit organization that aims to bring access to safe water and sanitation to those in need. This event runs May 8-13th, so be sure to take advantage of this! It applies both online and in her store, located in Columbus Circle in New York City.

You gotta love jewelry that gives back….

Stacking Rings

I’ve written about layering necklaces and bracelets, but I’ve yet to talk about stacking rings. I think this goes beyond being a trend — it’s more of a personal style. Mixing metals, styles and scale, one can really let your personality shine through with this technique. And the bonus is that there are no set rules…you just need to experiment until you get the vibe you’re going for.

On a recent shopping trip with a client, she was excited to show me her new (beautiful) David Yurman ring which she had purchased on a girl’s weekend in Las Vegas. She and her long-time friend bought matching rings to commemorate the trip. She smartly paired this with a diamond band she already owned. On our shopping expedition, she found the perfect thin black diamond eternity band at Gallery of Jewels to complete the trifecta. Loving it!

diamond and black diamond stacking rings — Great combination!

Here’s another stack that was created over a few years’ time. The bottom ring is by Armenta, the middle ring was purchased at an estate sale, and the top ring is a beauty by Nina Bashrova from Manika Jewelry. Though they are all different, they still appeal to the same sensibility with the delicate gold/diamond story. In addition, the scale of each ring works harmoniously together.

diamond stacking rings — A coherent gold & diamond stack

Let your creativity run wild when experimenting with combinations. This group by Sylva & Cie rocks!

Sylva & Cie rings — Creative combination!

I’d love to see what stacks you come up with. Feel free to send me photos!

Country Overboard!: Jewelry Judge

This is another pic I snapped at the Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas. Granted, the whole Vegas thing elicits a particular dress code, but I think this gal took it a bit too far. Love the Erin Featherstone black beaded mini-dress she’s wearing, but I do think she went a big overboard on the jewelry. Did she really need those oversized, bohemian earrings? (which might be perfect with a bikini on St. Tropez) AND the big bangles? AND the layered necklaces? And the photo doesn’t even show the huge cocktail ring she was wearing on her right hand. Darling…scale it back a bit and you’ll be stunning!

too much jewelry — Beautiful woman, yet over-accessorized

Storage: Part Duex

So I know that I’ve already written about jewelry storage in a previous post, but I just HAD to show you another amazingly organized (and large) collection. These photos are from the closet of one of my clients. She travels the world, and has curated one of the coolest jewelry collections that I’ve seen during my many years as a stylist. No, it’s not all fine jewelry, but it’s amazing. I can’t tell you the number of hours we’ve spent “playing” in her jewelry box, accessorizing all her outfits. And I can’t honestly think of one time that she didn’t have just the right piece to finish off an outfit. She certainly gets a big, gold star for the way she has stored her jewelry in both a lovely and user-friendly way.

elfa storage drawers — The main part of her collection is stored in this Elfa drawer tower

elfa drawers — An inside look into some of the drawers

Her necklace collection has grown so large, that she got these great lucite wall mounts to display her most commonly used necklaces.

necklace storage — When you can see it, you'll wear it!

And finally, many of her earrings are now on display on top of the Elfa drawer tower. Great idea!

earring storage — Clever way to display earrings

Yet another client has been building a fabulously cohesive jewelry collection. She had a storage shadow box custom made at the local framing shop. It seriously looks like art hanging in her closet!

jewelry shadow box — Way to highlight your jewels!

She lined the cork board with silk, though using a sturdier fabric, such as linen, may be a better choice if you’re going to move your pins often. My client doesn’t, so the silk worked out perfectly.

I hope these examples inspire you to store and display your jewelry in a new way, if your current system isn’t working for you. Happy organizing!

Rings Gone Wrong…

I, probably more than most, can certainly appreciate the sentimentality of jewelry. I’ve got my Italian grandmother’s engagement ring, which features blue glass that has been weathered by work in harsh chemicals. I’ve still got a lovely black safety pin embellished with beads from a German pen-pal from when I was nine. Oh, and of course some of my Swedish grandmother’s “cruise” jewelry. (translation: pink rhinestones)

But when you wear all your mementos on your fingers all at once (along with a dated manicure) it’s just not right. Though I loved hearing the story of each and every one of the rings this sweet woman wears daily, I really think she should selectively wear her rings and not over-accessorize. (Curious side bar: why has she ignored her pinky fingers when she is clearly into abundance?!?)

too many rings — Edit, edit, edit....and get a current manicure!

Spring Trend: Art Deco

So what exactly is Art Deco that we’ve been hearing so much about? Basically it’s a jewelry style that gained popularity during the World’s Fair in Paris in 1925 and remained en vogue for about 10 years. It’s name is derived from the official name of the fair, and it’s characterized by very architectural features: squares, circles, and triangles that form very cool geometric patterns.

Art Deco has been popping up everywhere from the fashion mags to the street, so if this trend appeals to your personal style, then jump on the bandwagon! I’ve seen examples at a range of price points. Here are a few cool pieces that have caught my eye. First up is a pair of earrings that would take you from jeans to a LBD.

CA & Lou aventurine earrings — Aventurine & Crystal disc earrings by CA & LOU

I think this red resin ring by Trina Turk would add a lot of umph to a maxi dress, with a margarita in hand, of course!

trina turk ring — Trina Turk Button Ring

This fabulous Deco bracelet by Kenneth Jay Lane is very hot. It really combines two trends, with the cuff being another important theme this season.

Finally, this necklace would spice up a slim cardigan and skinny jeans. Love it!

Kara ross necklace — Kara Ross Art Deco Necklace

So if you want to get your speakeasy on, then scoop up this trend while it’s in a store near you…because you know these things never last.

Man About Town: Jewelry Judge

While I do typically focus on women in my Jewelry Judge series, I must say that a very tall drink of water stopped me in my tracks today. All decked out in a black suit, polka dot shirt and bow tie, his personality definitely came through (in a tasteful way) with his choice of brightly colored beaded bracelets. While not always a fan of “man jewelry,” this one definitely worked for me! His collection included pieces from Chinatown in SF, Hawaii, and a multi-bead combination made by a friend. In my book, he’s got it goin’ on!

kenny dodson — Showing his personality with accessories!

Just ALL wrong!: Jewelry Judge

I first have to apologize for the quality of this photo…it was taken in a dark place during a concert. Even though the show on stage was quite tremendous, the hand of the gal next to me just stole the show. It’s one thing to rock the huge, embellished cross ring. I can get into that if it jives with the outfit. But combined with one of the most frightening manicures I’ve ever laid eyes on, I just was flabbergasted. What was she thinking?!? (And really, those nails must be a safety hazard!)

cross ring — I am almost beyond comment....

Alexis Bittar: Designer

Hot guys and jewelry…put them together and how can you go wrong?!? It’s even better when that guy designs some of the most amazing and increasingly popular jewelry around. When I first stumbled into Alexis Bittar’s Soho store in NYC years ago (I think circa 2005), I knew he was on to something big. Press fast forward and he’s become one of the most well-known jewelry designers I’m aware of.

Alexis’ line is probably most famous for his lucite pieces. In fact, my friend Jen seriously needs to enroll in a 12-step program to deal with purchasing said pieces. Here’s a peek into her collection:

alexis bittar jewelry — Can we say Jen is a collector?!

His collection has three different branches. I think the one he’s most well-known for is his Lucite collection, which includes amazing hand-carved, often embellished works of art. Then he’s got his Miss Havisham collection, which is a bit more hard-core — encrusted with crystals and the occasional feather detail. Finally, there’s the Elements line, which truly has an organic esthetic.

While his line can be found in major retailers throughout the nation (Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and Sak’s to name a few), I feel it’s his singular boutiques which really get his vibe across. San Francisco (my stomping ground) had the privilege of his store opening this past year on Fillmore Street. I stopped by for a visit recently. Upon entering the boutique, I felt like I had walked into a large jewelry box, complete with bleached grey cabinetry filled with his vision, a light grey marble floor and papered walls adorned with painted cherry blossom branches. This case highlighted his tribute to Grey Gardens, with feminine tones of pinks and greys.

alexis bitter grey gardens jewelry — Tribute to Grey Gardens

One of the coolest aspects of his boutiques are the collection of vintage pieces he has curated. He has a been a collector for most of his life, and he’s accumulated a wide array of delights which he now sells solely at his retail boutiques. Here’s just a few of the items available on the day I visited.

alexi bittar vintage jewelry — Clearly, jewelry from a good "vintage"

So between his own designs and the amazing treasures he’s picked up from his lifetime of travels, I think I have a crush on him. If he’s not yet on your radar, then get up to speed. You may find yourself in need of an Alexis Bittar 12-step program yourself.

Adley Stump of “The Voice”

I had the amazing opportunity to attend the Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas this past Sunday. Now I know the style-du-jour in Vegas is typically something resembling Malibu Barbie in platform heels. But trust me, throw in the country awards show and it was simply mind-boggling!

Just a couple seats away from me was Adley Stump, a contestant from the wildly popular singing show “The Voice.” She had the most bubbly personality and was more than happy to chat with everyone, sign autographs, and be in photos with fans…a genuine sweetheart!

Now I know that her headbands are part of her signature style. But what do you think about all the gold jewelry in combination with the sparkly shirt? Is it just right for the venue and event? Or is it going to far? For this one, I’m curious what YOU think! I look forward to your comments.