Ok…so I admit that I have a soft spot in my heart for my godson. But on a recent visit, he blew me away. His mom (my college roommate) and I were chatting away, and he suddenly disappeared. A while later, he reappeared with his hands behind his back. Now you can never guess what a little boy might be holding…an earthworm? something he accidentally broke? In this case, it was one of the most special pieces of jewelry I’ve ever received. He had created a necklace with fishing wire and a shell he’d found on the beach near his grandfather’s house. It was hard not to cry when I put it on. Thanks, Andrew!!
How did he know I'm such a jewelry-a-holic?!
The proud designer!
Not only did he make me one, but he also created one for his mom from a precious heart-shaped shell he found on that same beach. I think we have a true romantic on our hands!
I recently made my way to Seattle for a fun girl’s weekend. (In fact I think I’m still recovering…) I didn’t have time to do any shopping research before leaving (oh, the horrors!), so I just relied on tips from locals and hitting the pavement to see what I could find. I knew there were some gorgeous items just waiting to be discovered, and I was right!
I’m sure you’re not surprised to hear, but I think I was shopping within about and hour and a half of landing! The first boutique I visited turned out to be one of my favorites of the trip. Alhambra is conveniently located right near Pike’s Place Market, and I was delighted to meet one of the owners, a lovely Turkish woman named Serpil. When you walk into the shop, you feel transported to some exotic location. The merchandise is cleverly displayed in every nook and cranny. She carries some of my favorite jewelry designers, from Erica Molinari to Nava Zahavi. There’s a wide array of price points and styles, so I’m sure that most shoppers can find something they just “must” have.
Serpil and Amy
A glimpse of the exotic decor
(Side bar: If you’re into vintage jewelry, check out Isadora’s Antique jewelry just across First Street. I spotted some cool Native American pieces and some lovely 1890’s Persian turquoise.)
If you wander a few blocks further down First, you can’t miss Watson Kennedy, which is a virtual cabinet of curiosities come to life! It’s a huge store, and there is jewelry tucked in quite a few places, so you really have to spend some time looking. (like that’s a chore, right?!) I thought these earrings (made by a friend of the owner) were quite intriguing, as I do have sort of a “thing” for religious artifacts. They’re made from vintage French medallions.
Charming earrings
Watson Kennedy doesn’t sell any fine jewelry, so you can be sure that they have lots of baubles at accessible price points. It’s a truly eclectic mix of goodies!
Colorful delights at every turn!
In talking with locals (and the ever-so-helpful concierge), I next found myself heading about 20 minutes from downtown to the Ballard neighborhood. This is purported to be an “artsy” area of town, which in my mind translates to unique jewelry! I was about done exploring and hadn’t come across anything that turned my head…and then I discovered Curtis Steiner. This triangular, well-lit shop is just amazing! Everything in this delightful boutique is either antique or hand-made by (predominantly) Washington artists. The owner designs exquisitely feminine necklaces, many of which can transform into short or long lengths.
A tri-level display of Curtis' designs
The displays of antique jewelry abound!
A parade of bangles
Gorgeous antique pieces
The walls of the store are covered in floor-to-ceiling displays of hand-made greeting cards, also a creation of Curtis.
Hangin' with Curtis
Of course, all this shopping makes a girl hungry. In Ballard, stop by La Carta de Oaxaca for some amazing Mexican food. Yum! Or if downtown, make your way to the Purple Cafe & Wine Bar for drinks and dinner. Gotta keep a shopping girl well-fueled!
So you know that I’m all about layering necklaces and stacking bracelets. But when you decide to wear all your gold at once, you resemble an extra from “Pirates of the Caribbean” more than a chic woman about town. Case in point with this gal. While I really loved her diamond encrusted sea star pendant, it was completely overwhelmed by the heavy chain/gold coin and the thick omega with diamond enhancer. And let’s not even mention the seahorse pin with the heavily patterned vest. I think this is the perfect opportunity to edit, edit, edit….
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!
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.
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 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.
Yum!
Finally, this necklace would spice up a slim cardigan and skinny jeans. Love it!
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.
Art deco is a huge trend this spring, but it can be interpreted in a very Halloween costume-y way. This gal, whom I spied south of Market in SF last week was spot-on with her choice. Not only is the necklace a cool combination of tribal meets art deco, but it’s set off perfectly by the subtle geometric pattern in the blouse she’s wearing. She gets a jewelry gold star in my book!
So Native American jewelry can go one of two ways…horribly wrong (are you still in your Pocahontas Halloween costume?!) or terribly chic (channeling a Ralph Lauren ad). Personally, I’ve always been drawn to this genre of accessories, and it works in beautifully with my boho chic personal style. On my most recent trip to Las Vegas, I unexpectedly learned a little more about it.
While in Vegas you will usually find me browsing the luxury shops. But this time I had the opportunity to take the public bus (thanks, Jeff) down to Fremont Street. (I don’t think I’d been there since I was a child!) While this area definitely is a whole other side of Vegas, I stumbled upon a hidden Vegas treasure — the Indian Arts & Crafts store right near the New El Portal theater.
My highlight of Fremont Street
While the shop was definitely home to lots of cheesy tchotchkes, I was quite impressed by the jewelry counter. As a major fan of turquoise, I was drawn to the array of shades from blues to greens. Yum!
Navajo jewelry
All their jewelry is hand made by local tribes. Each piece has the initials of the artisan on the backside, verifying it’s authenticity. When I came home, I pulled out a thin, Indian bracelet that my mom received in high school. Sure enough, there was the initials of the artist! Unlike a piece I bought near Los Alamos, New Mexico — which I clearly purchased at a non-reputable place.
I came across this lovely woman while shopping in Burlingame shortly after my trip. Her incredible Squash Blossom necklace literally stopped me in my tracks. THIS is how to do the Native American thing in an extremely stylish way! Her outfit was simple, yet elegant, and she was only highlighting that one piece. Often people think if you’re wearing the necklace, then wouldn’t it be better to also add the coordinating ring and earrings? Absolutely not. This is when you end up looking like you’re wearing a costume.
Amazing Navajo turquoise necklace
I am definitely on the hunt for my own Squash Blossom necklace. I did encounter some fabulous ones at Peregrine Galleries in Montecito, CA a couple weeks ago, but none that went home with me. I’m confident that the right one will appear at the right time.
In the morning you’ll usually find me munching on an Golden Delicious apple and working on the computer with “Live with Kelly” on in the background. (I still miss Regis, though.) I love to see what Kelly Ripa strolls out on stage with each morning. Back in January, she started wearing a brightly colored necklace, really almost day-glow, each and every day. Well her stylist was right on trend with that choice! (Side note: I love that she feels comfortable re-wearing items, instead of having to don an entirely new look each day. How real and refreshing, especially for a TV personality!)
Now that I’m once again hitting the stores daily with clients shopping for their spring wardrobes, I am running into bright bursts of color everywhere! For those of us who don’t want to wear head-to-toe brights, as shown in the magazines, adding a carefully selected bit of colorful jewelry can make your outfit very fashion forward. Here are a few of my favorite finds.
This necklace by Tom Binns is a major investment, but wow!
Tom Binns Handpainted Crystal Massai Necklac
Dannijo creates a multitude of looks in her line, and this pair of earrings is quite smashing.
Cocktail rings might be relatively small, but they can pack a colorful punch! Gotta love this coral creation by Kenneth Jay Lane!
Kenneth Jay Lane Coral Ring
If the tidal wave of color overwhelms you the next time you walk into a store, don’t fret. Remember that you can take it down a notch yet still be stylin’ with your brilliant baubles!
I always love to check out the latest in style (I’m sure you’re shocked to hear!) at one of my favorite boutiques, Crimson Mim. (now with locations in Los Altos and Palo Alto, CA) It’s a double bonus when my visit coincides with a jewelry trunk show! I was very pleased to meet Bay Area local Stacy King, the designer of Lulu Designs.
Me with jewelry designer Stacy King
Stacy, in her thirteenth year of business (and come to find out next door neighbors with one of my clients!), studied art history and ceramics. Eventually she evolved into jewelry making as a hobby, which then became a bonafide business. Her inspiration for the lovely line comes from nature, architecture and textiles. She has a talented group of trained metal smiths here in the Bay Area that cast her jewelry in silver, and then use 24K vermeil.
Lulu designs necklaces
One of the things I like best about her pieces are her unique materials, which include ancient Thai silver trade beads, hand-cut deer leather and Baroque pearls. Many of her necklaces have a delicate quality that are just itching to be layered within her line or with other necklaces you may already have.
Can you picture layering these?
There are numerous stores who carry this versatile line, so I’m sure you can find a retailer near you. Enjoy!
I spied this waif of a thing at Nordstrom in Palo Alto. She was sporting the latest style with her skinny, colored jeans, but what really made the outfit was her statement necklace.
The necklace makes it!
The iridescence of the beads complements the sheen of her feminine leather jacket. And while you may be surprised that such a petite person can carry such a chunky necklace, there’s no doubt that she can. Rock it, girlfriend!
