So…does this array of stunning gems get your mouth watering? I know it does for me! Given the choice, I don’t know which one I’d want to wear first! Well all of these lovelies are the creation of Malak Atut from her jewelry line, Zaiken. (I learned the name Zaiken is a combination of her two sons’ names.) I was very honored to spend some time with her at the Couture show, and get an inside look at her collection.
Malak and Amy
Malak’s line is based in Manhattan, and every piece is made there. (Woot!) She has two main looks in her line. The first is Throwing Stones, which the above photo shows. This is where she “bezel-sets eye-poppingly gorgeous gemstones atop other gemstones.” The result is truly unique and lovely. Here’s a closer look at a pair of rainbow moonstone earrings from the collection.
One of Malak’s specialties is using unexpected color combinations. These earrings, made with sapphires and adorned with paraiba and yellow diamonds, are case and point. They are simply works of art, don’t you think?!
With the tag line, “There’s more than one side to you,” you’ll understand her other main collection, Alter Ego. The pieces in this group have a geometric feature that flips over, revealing a whole new design. Because it’s true that we all have two sides to ourselves … maybe a little bit naughty and a little bit nice? I tried on one of the rings, which has diamonds on one side and enamel with diamonds on the flip side.
Two looks with one ring!
Here’s another clever example in the form of a necklace.
During our interview, I couldn’t help but notice her wrist, and the beaded bracelet that clearly was made by a much younger designer — a 4 year-old, in fact. Her son gave it to her when she was leaving for the show so that she’d have part of him with her while she was gone. How cute is that?!
Not only is Malak a talented designer and loving mom, but she also is involved with a special project in conjunction with Gemfields. Gemfields is the largest supplier of ethically mined stones in the world. You may have seen some of their press, with Mila Kunis as their ambassador. Malak has designed a capsule collection for them this year. This pair of gold and emerald studs and ring are part of the capsule. I think it’s fabulous to know the jewelry you wear has come from a good place, don’t you?
The passion and creativity were simply bursting from Malak while we spoke. I can tell that she has numerous designs in her head, and I can’t wait to see them come to fruition. I’ll be waiting and watching!
Did you receive your August J.Crew catalogue in the mail today? I did, and I was pleasantly surprised to see that they’ve launched a fine jewelry collection! While I’ve been a long-time fan of their costume statement pieces, I think they’re very fashion-savvy to bring some fine jewelry into the mix. I mean let’s face it — that’s how most people dress, right? Mixing up the high and low?
I think they’ve done an excellent job curating a nice selection of 14K gold and precious gem jewelry which includes some of their own designs, as well as capsule collections by some pretty big names in the world of jewelry. Their own designs are very clean and classic, such as this rectangular signet ring and gold hinged bangle. Most of the items are perfect for engraving as well.
I think the ring I’d find most useful as an addition to my own collection is this slim gold and black diamond band by Gabriela Artigas. Can you believe that I don’t own any black diamonds at all? (yet!)
Catbird, one of the Brooklyn-based jewelry stores on my bucket list to visit, has some great items available. I think these “ballerina” earrings would be a cool look to wear in lieu of studs or small hoops.
From the look of things, it appears these baubles are only available online, but I can envision that changing if it becomes really popular. I wouldn’t be surprised, as just while writing this article, the signet ring sold out in sizes 6 & 7! Please let me know if you decide to made an addition to your jewelry box — would love to see what you choose!
Right now my mind is drifting to the beach (as it often does), and I’m picturing Jane Bohan out in the waves on Fire Island. I think this talented designer loves the beach as much as I do, and she often finds her inspiration there. In fact, a surfboard was the thought in the back of her mind when she designed this turquoise necklace!
These necklaces are part of her Barcelona collection, with inspiration coming from the famous Spanish architect, Antoni Gaudi. Here’s an example of his architectural style.
Jane has done a fabulous job interpreting the line and design of his work into her jewelry.
I tried on one of her bracelets from this collection, which features three stations with green quartz and mixed metals.
Jane started her hand-fabricated line back in 1983, when she was working with mostly brass and sterling. She has now transitioned to gold and precious stones. She thrives on creativity, and ideas come to her when she’s out and about in her daily life. Clearly her time by the sea was inspiration for her opalescent waters collection. The depth of the labradorite in this ring summons a feeling of diving down into the sea.
Pearls are most definitely one of Jane’s signatures. While speaking with her at the Couture show, I was admiring this new bracelet, made of south sea pearls, and oxidized silver fishbone chain with 18K gold accents. Delicious!!
Jane described her line as, “…sensual, sophisticated, and feminine,” and I couldn’t agree more. There were so many soft blush-colored tones in her pieces, which would flatter a wide variety of skin tones. You’ll notice the texture on these rose gold and diamond earrings. Texture, is in fact, extremely important to her.
The junipers in her back yard were the impetus for the texture on these rings I tried on.
It was an absolute pleasure meeting Jane and trying on all her goodies! Her line is sold at various high-end retailers around the country, so you can go try on for yourself. (Click here for a complete list of stores.)
I knew that title would get your attention! So the other day I found myself with a little time to kill between appointments in Union Square. So what’s a jewelry blogger to do with this time? Well… I decided to visit Neiman’s and take myself on a virtual shopping spree, where I could pick out the top five pieces I’d like to own, and with an open-ended budget — the sky is the limit! (It’s a great fantasy, right?!) I was so happy that Lea Kushnir, my go-to sales associate, had some time open as well, and she loved my idea! So off we went, and here’s what I picked out. (in no particular order of preference, by the way)
Chocolate and black diamond ring by Bessa, $13,750
Diamond and sapphire earrings by Loree Rodkin, $12,900
Now, if I only had the $42,750 (plus tax) to make it a reality…well, a girl can dream, can’t she?! Thanks so much, Lea, for going along with my fantasy! xo
I was at the jewelry counter at Neiman’s the other day working on a story, and up walked this lovely woman, clearly on a mission. And given that she was holding a necklace, I knew it was one of my favorite types of missions — finding earrings to coordinate with her necklace. Lucky for me, she was open for my assistance in process. Here’s the necklace she brought, with beautiful beads accented by a large polki diamond bead.
I inquired about the necklace’s designer, and she explained that friends of her daughter, Lauren, had made the necklace. Once I explained that I was an image consultant and jewelry blogger, she quickly picked up the phone to ask Lauren the designer’s name. NO surprise to me, it was made by The Woods, who I l-o-v-e, and who I interviewed a while back. (Click here to read that story.)
Vicki, the woman-on-a-mission, was going to wear this with a natural linen-colored outfit to an event up in Napa.
“So I think that a simple diamond hoop would be great with this, don’t you think?”
“I’ve got those, and they just don’t work…”
“Are they too refined for the style of the necklace?”
“That’s exactly right! Too refined!”
She was going for a coordinating, yet not overly-polished look for the earrings. Some oxidized silver with diamonds hit the perfect note, and we certainly knew the right designer’s case to find them in, that of Irit Design, another over my total faves! (Click here to read my interview with her.) And there they were, just waiting to be tried on.
The mix was perfect. The earrings were a compliment to the necklace, but they didn’t overpower it, so the focus is still on the necklace. Since the hoops were a modified shape, they really add some interest, and it’s not a shape she currently had in her jewelry box. In addition, these will be a great choice for her everyday options, as they’re great on their own when just running around the city. This gives them great cost-per-wear. If they were some big, fancy earring that could only be worn for special occasions, they wouldn’t have been nearly as cost-effective.
So not only did this encounter involve two of my most loved jewelry lines, but it was great to meet Vicki, and I have a feeling that I may be lunching with her and her daughter sometime soon! Hope that she had a great time at her event!
Sometimes the universe is just brilliant — how you can cross paths with someone at just the right time, without any planning or forethought. That’s just what happened yesterday. I was checking out the latest and greatest at Gallery of Jewels in Union Square (I know…shocker!) and once again eyeing this particular ring by Sakura Haru. I’ve tried it on more than once, and I love everything about it, from the mixed metals, to the weight and comfortable fit on my finger, to the sparkle of the diamonds.
Well wouldn’t you know it, but in walked Sakura to the boutique!
Though I clearly must have been keeping her from the mission that brought her into the store in the first place, she had a sense of ease and happiness as she let me barrage her with questions about her and her line. It turns out that she’s from Japan’s southernmost island, Okinawa, where the climate resembles Miami. (Who knew?!) And for Sakura, her line is inspired by this tropical island and “fun in the sun.”
I tried on a couple more pair of earrings…
The texture in this last pair of earrings is SO unique — part of her Paleo collection. That’s when I found out why she was actually there (drum roll…) to bring in her new body chain from this collection. How fun! You can wear it over a dress, under a tank, with just a hint showing… just use your imagination!
Designing the line for 8 years now, this San Francisco-based designer makes each and every piece herself. Her work is ethically made with recycled metals, conflict-free stones, and low-waste studio practices. She was fortunate to have an amazing art teacher in high school back in Japan who introduced her to jewelry making. Clearly, she was an effective and inspirational teacher, as Sakura’s line is just beautiful. As she says, her jewelry “appeals to women who embrace beauty in natural forms.”
Here’s a shot from her website, to give you more of a feel for her work. Definitely go check it out in person if this gets your jewelry heart pumping!
I’m just thrilled to have Brenda Kinsel, one of the top image consultants in the country, as a guest blogger today! Brenda is the best-selling author of many books (You’ve got to check them out.), has been on national radio and TV shows (she rocked it on the Oprah Winfrey show!), and has been featured in countless magazines. During a recent interview on the nationally syndicated Richard Stevens Show (where she appears weekly), callers wanted to know how to look stylish once the weather starts warming up. Of course, Brenda has great solutions, ALL of which involve jewelry. Read on to enjoy her expert answers.
1. “I miss how my wintery jackets, blazers or cardigans always made me feel put together. Now when I’m just wearing a blouse and a pant or a tee shirt and a skirt, I feel underdressed. What should I do?”
One thing I’m wearing a lot of this summer are leggings or skinny rolled up jeans with tunics, which are just two pieces as well. To add a finishing touch, I’m adding long necklaces. Long necklaces or layered chains add so much interest to the top part of your body. And don’t forget about hats! Wearing a hat that works with your outfit can go a long way toward having a put together look. Hats are great for protecting your face and they’re great for your outfit too!
A simple, long pendant adds interest to a summer top
Wearing my heart pendant and my hat and dining outside at Cornerstone in Sonoma
2. “Necklaces can be hot in the summer. Are there alternatives?”
When it’s super hot out I want everything to be lightweight. A bulky, heavy necklace that felt great over a long cashmere tunic in the winter feels too heavy right now. I’m all for lightweight necklaces in the summer. Leather cords with something interesting coming off of them is a way to adorn while still being very lightweight. So are certain chains. The large-scaled link necklace in medium gray mesh in the picture collage (below left) is actually super lightweight. Heat shouldn’t make you shy away from adding a necklace to your outfit!
All these necklaces are lightweight
3. “I used to wear scarves around my neck all winter and that always added interest to my outfits while keeping my neck warm too. Function and fashion- I liked it! Now I don’t want anything around my neck! What options do I have?”
In the middle of a Sonoma heat wave, I find collars on summer dresses or tops to be just too hot. I try to wear clothes with no collars so my neck doesn’t contact fabric at all. And of course, scarves around the neck will feel warm most days too although a linen scarf can be a good option. However, if you want a no-scarf zone, you can still adorn the space between your ear and your shoulder line. Bigger earrings are a great choice. I have an earring I wear more in the summer than the winter because it’s larger and needs to be able to float without running into a scarf or a high collar. You can easily wear a long chandelier type earring and pair it with a crew neck linen top or sweater. The earrings make a great focal point, as it’s so close to your face.
My moonstone earrings love to be worn in the summertime!
4. “Lots of people are wearing cute sleeveless dresses but that’s not going to be me. I’m more comfortable wearing a summer print in a top with a ¾ length sleeve. What can make my outfit look more interesting?”
If you’re wearing shorter sleeves in the summer, it’s a great time to pile on the bangles. While one petite bracelet may look too dainty with all that open space, a cluster of metallic thin bangles mixed with pearl bracelets could be fabulous. Or wear one or two bulkier bangles. Especially good for summer are ones in lighter or brighter colors, or in lighter colored-metals or try some in Lucite. It’s such a simple way to add some interest to your outfit. In fact, your bangles could be a whole conversation starter. Have fun picking some out!
Bangles are a great summer adornment!
5. I have a hard time mixing jewelry together-like my earrings and bracelets and necklaces. I’m never quite sure what I should put with what or if I’m doing it right. Can you help?”
Be sure your jewelry speaks the same language. If you’re doing earrings, bangles and a necklace, they need to relate to one another some way. Once you’ve created a group that works well together you have what I call a Beauty Bundle. That Beauty Bundle can be worn repeatedly whether it’s with casual outfits or dressier ones.
Here’s an example. I recently purchased this taupe-gray distressed leather cuff with a decorative studded pattern in gold by Calleen Cordero. I decided to make the color gold the common thread for tying it together with earrings and a necklace. Because I plan to wear this cuff in the summertime, I went for a crystal earring with gold edges and I found a multi-strand necklace with fine gold beads at another store. I’ve worn that bundle multiple times already.
Some things that can relate together are items with a similar color or texture or mood (like romantic, modern, or urban).
These accessories all have the color gold in them. It’s what makes them hang together and be a Beauty Bundle.
6. “In the wintertime I tend to wear just classic pearls or small silver hoops and darker colored clothes. In the summertime I like to wear white or more vibrant colors. My classic accessories look so wimpy with white or bright colors. I don’t want to look boring. What can I do?”
Save the classic jewelry pieces for the wintertime when your outfit has a lot more going on. This is the perfect time to team turquoise with coral, or turquoise with lapis. And if you have some vintage pieces, they are often more colorful. Don’t be afraid to bring on the bling and make yourself more colorful! You can tame down again when the temperatures head to the 30s and the skies get gray.
7. “In the summertime I like to wear simple sheath dresses. How do I keep them from looking boring?”
A simple, sheath summer dress can be transformed with a necklace that follows the line of the neck and creates the look of a collar. A statement necklace is like that: It makes a statement and is a great choice when your dress is more reserved. It can be done, but it takes a certain personality to be able to wear a statement necklace and a wildly colorful print dress without having them fight each other for attention. With a simpler dress and a more dynamic necklace, we all will know where the focal point is–right on your beautiful face!
Bring some bling to your sheath dress!
I hope these tips are helpful to you as you put your summer wardrobe together with ease and style! You can look great at any age when you focus on style.
One of the things I like best about the Couture show is that it’s like traveling the globe, right in Vegas. One minute you’re in Italy, and the next moment you find yourself in Germany. This post finds me in Brazil, at the booth of Carla Amorim. And first up, I had to try on this stunning “Brasilia” ring from her Black Label collection. (Brasilia is where the designer lives with her husband and two children.) The modern, sculptural design and the plethora of diamonds definitely creates a substantial look on my finger!
Twenty-two years ago, Carla designed and made her first ring, which had a textured gold pattern. She continues the theme to this day, as shown in this “chapel” ring in rose gold.
I learned that Carla has three main inspirations in her design. The first is her country of Brazil, including its culture, nature and lifestyle. The next is Brazilian architecture, most importantly the designs of Oscar Niemeyer. The third is the Catholic religion. It turns out that 96% of the country is Catholic (who knew?!) and she goes for a “liturgy chic” look — love that! Since I am not Catholic, and I’ve never had a rosary, I really enjoyed seeing her modern and not “in your face” religious interpretation of them. In particular, I thought her rosary ring was genius! It spins on your finger, with each gem representing a rosary bead, so you can say all your Hail Marys in a very subtle, yet sparkly way.
She also has these very cool layered necklaces that represent Jesus and Mary. Each year she adds pieces to her Sacred Collection. She really has a brilliant way of letting people express their religion in an on-trend way that isn’t ostentatious. I admire that.
But of course, there were two pair of earrings that were most definitely show-stoppers, in my opinion. Just the detail of the diamond-embellished onyx earrings is fabulous. And the fact that her pieces are produced in her country is an added bonus.
I was certainly not surprised to find out that Carla has 7 stores in Brazil, as well as having a major international presence. I’m so happy that I got to take this little jaunt to Brazil!
Summer is here, and it’s time to travel! One of my clients is taking a fantabulous trip with her two young boys. The itinerary includes Paris, London, Italy and the south of France. (Who me? Green with envy?!) While she’s not limiting herself to a carry-on bag, we also don’t want to have a monster-sized bag that she has to lug around from place to place. So the key is to have outfits that will definitely do double or even triple duty. This striped maxi dress by Vince is a great starting point.
Now I know many of you might be saying, “But, Amy,…don’t you know that horizontal stripes are universally unflattering?!” I hear ya, but I’m going to call you on it. This is an old rule (like not wearing white after Labor Day), and it’s not always true. I’ve been pleasantly surprised with many striped outfits over the years that look totally hot. And remember, the outfit will be broken up with other items and accessories, so that is also a big contributing factor.
For the first look, I’m going for a, “Come on boys! We’re going to spend the whole day wandering the streets of Rome — from savoring gelatos at the Fountain of Trevi to visiting the Sistine Chapel.” Translation fashion-wise: very comfortable shoes, layers, and fun jewelry. I always advise my clients to travel with costume jewelry. No need to tempt a pick-pocket, right?! This cargo vest by Velvet is the perfect day look for over the dress. (The pockets are an added bonus for keeping track of tickets, etc.)
For the sake of comfort and safety, a cross body bag is a must. Adding this one by Marc Jacobs in a bright red-orange hue definitely adds some punch to the outfit.
I definitely prefer when things are not all matchy-matchy. And I hate to say that for this trip, an actual comfort shoe is in order. Now this doesn’t have to mean you have to look like an unstylish tourist — I promise that there are some cute, hip alternatives out there, such as these metallic sandals by Ecco.
Since the vest looks best worn open, I want a long necklace, which will in turn elongate the whole look. Love this white beaded necklace with a tassel pendant from Anthropologie.
These double teardrop earrings and an organic slim cuff finish off the look. This bracelet would also stack very easily with others that might be in the suitcase…or acquired at a street market. (Yes…I’m dreaming of what I’d be doing there!)
Now for the stint in Paris, I know that she is meeting up with some other moms for a girl’s night out, Parisian style. Oo la la! So she much look tres chic, or I’ll be in trouble! So same dress, but let’s go a little more high style. First up, ditch the vest and don this white silk jacket by Amanda Uprichard.
Then leave the flats in the room (with the kids and the babysitter) and strap on these heels by Sol Sana. One reason I like them for travel is that they have a very wide heel base, making it much easier to walk on cobblestones, especially after a few glasses of champagne! The wide straps also give your foot a lot of support, holding you in as you meander to the next stop for the evening.
For a bag, I think a wristlet is the perfect solution, as it is safer having it around your wrist (as opposed to just a clutch), and it can double as your wallet for the rest of the trip, tucked inside the cross-body bag. And you know I certainly don’t want a boring one, so this gold version by Halogen adds some nice shine to the outfit.
I opted for a shorter necklace for this outfit, and in a much more streamlined, sophisticated style. This gold and lucite look by Alexis Bittar is just the ticket.
Paris is certainly one of the global headquarters of fashion, so I’ve got to make sure she blends in with the locals. (I told her if she gets asked for directions, then I did my job well.) These reversible stud earrings give some edgy attitude to the outfit. Might be fun to wear one with the gold side showing and one with with sparkles up front for an unexpected twist.
To continue this edgier look, I think it’s great fun to bring a set of multi-finger rings, along with a stand-alone ring to mix and match for different looks. Again, advising against bringing fine jewelry while traveling, this affordable ring set by Luv Aj and open design ring by Campbell are cool without the major price tags. These rings will also go great with her more casual looks, and they can be worn in different configurations.
Since Paris is one of THE best places in the world to find amazing costume jewelry, I hope that my client has some time for a little shopping as well. Can’t wait to hear all about her adventures! And don’t forget, if something in this article piques your interest, just click on the blue links for more info. Cheers!
At my first Couture show, I just fell in love with Efva Attling, both as a person and with her amazing jewelry line. I have since visited her store in NYC with a client, and I look forward to seeing what new designs she has in store each year. This year was no exception, and here’s pretty much how it went down when I visited her booth.
“So Efva, I’ve been seeing you around the show in a fab necklace. Is this the latest and greatest in your line? Tell me about it!”
“Well, Amy, I’ve got balls.”
“Tell me something I don’t know, Efva.”
Seriously, I just adore this woman. And I also adore her new necklace with large sterling silver balls (the main one which moves) that I’m wearing in the photo below.
It felt light and comfortable on my neck, and it was a MAJOR statement, which was perfect with my all-black outfit. I also like how it looked when I slid the necklace around to the back, with the largest ball now serving as the centerpiece.
And of course, always being on the cutting-edge of jewelry, Efva also has a ball ear-cuff which doesn’t involve any piercings. (Gotta love that!) This may be the edgiest my ear has ever looked.
Now I can’t way WHO, but there was a hot-hot-hot fashionista enamored of this necklace as well. All I can say is that they clearly have great taste, and I hope to see it available soon.
