Monday evening Wilke’s Bashford hosted “A Time to Dazzle” in their beautifully remodeled San Francisco store. You know that I was one of the first to arrive, eager to view the spectacular array of goodies in the cases. Here are the pieces that really caught my eye (but in no particular order).
1. Two bracelets by Yossi Harari — The one with white diamonds is called the “corset cuff,” and the one with cognac diamonds is named the “bubble Lilah cuff.” Stacked together…wow!
Double the fun!
2. A trio of aquamarine and diamond rings by Loren Jewels
I couldn’t decide which was my favorite!
3. An art-deco feeling diamond and ruby bead necklace by Oscar Heyman
Rubies galore!
4. A new take on the diamond hoop — “confetti” cognac diamond hoops by Paul Morelli
Beautifully different than the average hoop
5. The perfect necklaces to wear everyday — druzy and diamonds by Kimberly McDonald
During my week working in NYC last month, I had the opportunity to scour the shops in numerous areas. While on Madison, I was pleased to visit the Yigal Azrouel store. Aside from the fact that he’s super hot (I’ve met him before) and has an incredible line (predominantly made in NYC), it was the perfect respite from the sudden downpour.
Amidst the lust-worthy racks of garments, there was a tasteful display of jewelry. Made Her Think collaborated with Yigal for his autumn/winter runway show, which is why it was available in the boutique. Well I loved it, especially the thorn cuffs.
I bought a small and a larger size to layer together
They came in a variety of metals in both widths. It was hard to choose! The designer, Meredith Kahn, “designs each collection with a playful irreverence, flirting with darkness as she combines sentimental historical contrasts that long to inspire.”
Here’s photo of some more of her work, though I didn’t get the opportunity to see these in person.
Streamlined, chic, tough, and also feminine
Looking through their website, I learned that they’re also made in the USA, which gives them 10 points in my book! Now that I’m aware of this edgy, seemingly punk-inspired line, I hope to run across it more often.
I was practically sprinting through the maze of make-up counters at Sak’s the other day, when I came to a full stop in front of a darling gal wearing SUCH cool earrings!
What a statement!
While statement necklaces and bold rings have certainly been a big trend, the statement earring is one I haven’t seen much. Turns out this woman made these out of rooster feathers, and she sells them on etsy! I think she styled it just right, too, with the simple black outfit. This really makes the earrings the major focus point.
Closer view
I don’t think that I, personally, could pull these off with such panache, but I know there are many of you out there who can. Brava, Hasnaa!
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!
When I approached Colette’s booth at the Couture show, I assumed that the woman I saw was a model for the jewelry. But no! This beauty was actually the French-Mexican designer herself. As I spoke with her, I discovered that her personality is just as lovely.
I so enjoyed meeting Colette!
Raised part time in Paris, and part time in Mexico City, Colette Steckel is a big-time nature lover. The majority of her designs seem to be inspired by nature, whether it be the starry sky, the sea, or even a singular leaf. In fact, she told me that her leaf logo actually was based on one she spied outside her door in Paris. She adored that it was not perfect, yet beautiful at the same time. Here is that leaf come to life in the form of a stunning black gold and white diamond bracelet.
The Saint Germaine Bangle
One of her most famous collections is the “galaxy” group, inspired by the cosmos. Just like the dark sky full of sparkling stars, this collection is comprised of elements such as black diamonds, labradorite, pearls and Sri Lanka moonstones. Here’s a ring from “Galaxia” (in Spanish), made of 18K black gold, white diamonds and obsidian.
Wish on a star….
Colette’s hand-made line is very feminine, yet definitely out of the ordinary. In her words, “I like my designs to be very real, but with a twist of fantasy and edge.” She hopes to create heirlooms that will be passed down to future generations.
Most recently, her jewelry has exploded with color! After spending a month in Corsica, she was truly moved by the sea. Each day she would note the ever-changing tones and colors of the water. She also loved the colorful dragonflies that would skim above the sea, their delicate wings reflecting both sun and sea. Here is one of her dragonfly necklaces, created from black gold, emeralds and diamonds.
How vibrant!
I was very drawn to quite a few pieces made from vintage purple turquoise. I’ve never seen such a stone! And in fact, I found out that they aren’t being mined anymore, so it’s rare indeed. Here’s a pair of earrings showcasing this purple turquoise, along with pink tourmaline and white diamonds.
“Lula” earrings
While shopping with a client in NYC this week, I was thrilled to see Colette’s line at Fragments in Soho. It can also be found at other specialty retailers around the world.
OK…this combination virtually rendered me speechless. When I first saw these earrings, they sort of looked like beige lips with a darker-toned cherry on top…uh…and then combined with the pink/white striped floor-length dress and sequined shrug, I really think it was just one hot mess. Though I will say that the earrings were very light-weight for their size, and she was most definitely a lovely girl. But really, I don’t understand anything about this whole look. What IS her personal style?!?
I have this beautifully decorated folder called my “Style File” that sits front and center on my desk. Whenever I see something in a magazine that I love, I rip it out and add it to my file. These are not necessarily items that I can afford or even fit, but they just speak to me. Through this process, I’m really able to see my style direction, and it inspires me each and every time I look through it.
Well about a year ago I saw a pair of earrings (though I can’t even remember in what publication!) that just took my breath away. They were an elongated teardrop of some sort of horn, with the tiniest of diamonds carefully inlaid in each one. I HAD to try them on! So off I went to Barney’s, and voila, there they were, in the Monique Pean case! Yes! They were perfect — they suited my face shape, complemented my coloring, and they were as light as a feather. Had they been in my budget, I would have gone home wearing them. But alas…I am left to just dream about them.
With this experience still fresh in my mind over a year later, imagine how delighted I was to meet this talented designer in person at the Couture show.
Meeting one of my jewelry idols!
Once I started researching Monique, it wasn’t just her incredible designs that drew me to her. In fact, she is “committed to luxury bespoke products that promote social and environmental responsibility.” Her entire line is comprised of sustainable, conflict-free and fair-trade materials. She is active in the No Dirty Gold campaign, as well as various other charities. She explained to me that mining gold releases mercury into the earth. (that’s not good!) And creating just one ring NOT using sustainable materials can create up to 20 tons of waste!! I can’t even wrap my head around that one. One of her main thrusts has been to help people get clean drinking water. Currently, she has made that happen for over 5000 people for the next 20 years. Now if that’s not awesome, I don’t know what is!!
OK, I can go on and on about this highly-awarded designer, who’s line launched in 2006, but I’ll stop there. Let’s get down to the jewels!!
Here is a classic example of how she uses fossilized walrus ivory along with black diamonds to craft a one-of-a-kind statement ring.
This would work dressed up or down!
And here is a bracelet also made from the fossilized walrus ivory. You can really see how the natural materials have great color variation.
Organically stunning
Not all of her pieces are on the larger scale. She also has many delicate designs as well. I think these opal slice studs would be an amazing addition to my jewelry box! (dreaming again….) She told me that all the opals she uses are hand-chiseled, with no dynamite used.
Another item on my lust list
While this necklace is about the same price as a luxury automobile, I’d still choose the necklace! It’s created from diamond slices and slices of fossilized wooly mammoth.
Fit for a princess!
It’s no surprise that Monique has a huge celebrity following as well, from Michelle Obama to stars of screen and stage. Here’s Leighton Meester adorned in some lovely earrings by Pean.
I think she’s happy because she’s wearing such pretty earrings
I just love that this jewelry is making such a positive impact on the earth, in addition to making it more gorgeous. I hope to one day own my own piece by Monique, but in the meanwhile, I will keep appreciating the collection and all Monique does for our planet.
The first time I made the short jaunt from Union Square to Jackson Square to see the newly-opened boutique, Carrots, I was in love! The vibe was so modern and fashion-forward. It was like stepping right into some completely chic woman’s enormous closet, yet you can actually try on and buy the merchandise. And one of the selling points to me, was that it really covered everything from head to toe. You need the perfect bootie for those skinny pants? What’s your size. Oh, and a wide belt would be the finishing touch on that dress? Well then here, try this one. And of course, the pièce de résistance is that they carry some of the coolest, edgiest jewelry collections around. Whether you’re completing a look while trying on clothes, or just searching for that “perfect piece that MUST go home with you!!!” then you’re sure to find it here. (By the way, that’s an official jewelry category in my mind.) 😉
Opened in fall of 2007 by the lovely sisters Melissa and Catie Grimm, these gals really know what they’re doing! Although they grew up literally surrounded by carrots, (their family is the largest grower, producer and shipper of carrots in the world!) they certainly know what they’re doing in the glorious realm of fashion.
Last week I popped in (you know me and my pre-season “rounds”) and Catie spent some time showing me the latest and greatest. Here are a few items that turned my head.
First is this fantabulous leather, chain and beaded necklace by Marin local Geoffrey Young. You know that I’m currently obsessed with leather bracelets…and then this comes along!
This would certainly “make” a simple t-shirt!
I found these rose gold sword earrings by Suzanne Wilson extremely intriguing as well. Though I can’t necessarily picture myself wearing them, I can certainly envision them on some other, edgier woman. And here’s the interesting thing — when I browsed through this designer’s website, I didn’t see any earrings like these. But that’s where Catie and Melissa are so brilliant in their buy. They are experts at curating their own, signature look in their store.
Luxe mixed with a bit of danger
There were a couple groups of bracelets that really grabbed my attention as well. This first display is oxidized silver and Italian-made by Goti. I could see them layered with other bracelets, or simply on their own. They are artistic, a little tough, and utterly hip, all at once.
I love the texture and detail on these!
Perhaps a bit more attuned to my luxe-boho look are these beaded bracelets by Elizabeth Martin. I enjoy the patina of the turquoise and the organic feel of the rough black and cream beads.
Hmm…which one has my name on it?
Of course, I wouldn’t want to ignore my fingers. I adore the sleek designs of these silver and druzy rings by hitchcock Madrona. (I’m SO bummed I missed this store while up in Seattle earlier this year! One more reason to go back.)
Natural elegance at it’s best!
Last, but not definitely not least, was this pair of stunning earrings. Taking a departure from the traditional chandelier earring for stepping things up a notch, these lovelies have natural diamond balls with a gorgeous tassel of oxidized silver. I must say that they are officially on my “lust list.” Created by a two-sister design team named The Woods, I’m in jewelry heaven!
Now this is NOT your average earring!
I could go on, but I will stop here. Needless to say, if you’re ever in San Francisco, I would definitely add Carrots to your “to do” list. I know you won’t regret it!
Items that have multiple functions are something I love. Whether it’s a leather motorcycle jacket that can be transformed into a killer vest with de-tachable sleeves, or my hiking pants which can become capris with ease (don’t laugh!), I think it really extends your cost-per-wear on an item.
Dartmouth and Harvard-educated Clara Williams has brought this vision to jewelry, which you know is pretty much one of my biggest passions. With her patent-pended magnetic clasp technology, and over 11 years in business, she has broached (no pun intended) a whole new territory in jewelry. Honored to meet this Chicago-based designer at the Couture show in Vegas, I was so intrigued by her line.
Clara and I at the Couture Show
So the concept behind her necklaces is that you choose the main necklace element, be it one or her 14K or 18K chains, or something more exotic, such as pearls. From there, you choose your center piece, which magnetically clasps to the necklace. How brilliant is that?!
14K braided gold necklace with tourmaline centerpiece
With your imagination, the sky is the limit with the combinations you can come up with. Here are some beautiful examples.
Love the blue hues of lapis and turquoise!
The rough aquamarine has my name all over it!
Her earrings are also convertible. Different enhancers easily slide on and off the basic earring. I can imagine that this line is the traveler’s dream, with the amount of different looks you can achieve with her jewelry! In addition, once you start “collecting” her line, you can just keep adding different pieces, really creating a multitude of looks.
Though Clara loves spending her time fly-fishing and traveling to exotic locales such as the Galapagos Islands, you can also catch her here state-side. Her line is offered in a variety of retailers, and you can even see it live in Pebble Beach coming up on August 16-19 at Elan at the Lodge. If you ever needed a reason to visit one of the most picturesque places in the Unites States, here you have it!
The first time I met Petra Class and saw her beautiful line was at the American Craft Council show in San Francisco. (She’ll be showing there again this coming weekend, August 3-5!) Her line had a very modern aesthetic, with clean lines and delicious gems. I was delighted to once again see her at the Couture show, and I had a chance to chat more with her (loved finding out that she’s a 2nd degree black belt in Aikido!) and really explore the line.
Two curly girls!
Petra was born and raised in Germany and started designing right out of high school. She adores sitting at the work bench working on her designs. All her pieces are made right here in San Francisco, and she only uses recycled gold.
Hard at work on something (undoubtedly) gorgeous
Here is a stunning ring. The blue-green hues elicit the feeling of the Mediterranean. I can almost feel the sun shining down on me…
Gorge!
This bracelet really showcases Petra’s perspective. As she told me,”I like crazy in a structured way.” Well, I certainly believe she achieved it with this creation!
A rainbow for your wrist
I thought this pair of pearl, gold and diamond earrings had a particularly feminine feel, though combined with a modern edge. Nice juxtaposition!
Organically beautiful design
Aside from at various shows, you can also find some of her line at Gumps in San Francisco. Personally, I really hope to make it to the ACC show at Fort Mason this weekend and see her latest work. If you’re in the SF Bay Area, hope you can make it as well!
