One of my monthly indulgences is getting a pedicure. It’s an hour of true bliss, and I’m usually just in my own little world while Sara gets my toes all dolled up. But at my last appointment, my eyes kept drifting to the gentleman seated in the next chair over. He had more than your ordinary wedding band.
Subtle, yet with a little bling
Three rows of small, black diamonds, encased in matte platinum really made for a unique ring, and it truly seemed to suit his personal style. Normally I’m not into big bling for a guy, but I thought this was pretty cool. His wife, seated one more chair over, said that they had it made by a jeweler in San Francisco. They were clearly both very happy with how it turned out, and quite smitten with each other as well. Love that!
No, this is not a Halloween post. Instead, it’s about a seriously chic woman I recently encountered at the Wilke’s Bashford grand re-opening bash in Palo Alto.
How did she think of this?
This combination consists of 3 longer necklaces and one shorter one. The first (with the grosgrain ribbon detail) is by Nanette Lepore. Then she added a costume gold/rhinestone necklace, and third one by All Saints.
Now this is re-worked jewelry!
This shorter necklace is a lariat by Tiffany & Co. She then made it her own by adding the small, black skull by Links of London and another little charm she had. So creative!
As a final touch, I caught a glimpse of her wrist…
Understated skulls
I love how she threw in the skull bracelet in her stack. (I believe that’s by Links of London as well.) I bet that most people don’t even notice it, which makes it even cooler. Chic with a bit of attitude!
While I don’t have a tattoo, I can certainly appreciate some of the amazing ink I’ve seen on my friends (Leslee’s whole back is covered!) and on random people on the street. Jewelry designer Catherine Angiel takes it a step further. Her tattoo-inspired jewelry line is the epitome of rocker chic.
I had a blast getting to know this multi-faceted lady at a recent trunk show at Neiman Marcus in San Francisco.
Hanging out with Catherine
Catherine was born and raised in New York City. Music (drumming in particular) is in her soul, she loves the “grit” of the city, and she loved being part of the underground music scene. Graffiti, rock n’ roll and tattoos are what inspired her in creating her line, which is famous for its use of black diamonds and precious metals. She opened her Greenich Village store in 1993, the same year that she also appeared on the cover of Newsweek magazine. (An interesting side note: Catherine is the one who coined the term “commitment rings!” How cool is that?!)
Cover by Sunny Bak
As she states, “My vibe is all about breaking the rules; whether it’s in my music, my jewelry, or my life. I’ve always been a renegade.” No doubt! And her cool jewelry line lives true to that vibe. This bracelet was the first piece I tried on. I could envision it as a tattoo around someone’s upper arm, but for me, this was the perfect way to sport the look.
I adore the scroll design!
I took this image from her website. Being deathly afraid of spiders, it’s probably good I didn’t see it in person. But again, I can appreciate her use of white diamonds and black spinel beads.
Perhaps this fits your personal style?
Every piece in the line is hand-crafted right in her NYC workshop. Catherine talked about how she loves the relationship between stones and metal. She feels that stones actually “choose” the metal that they’ll be in harmony with. I like that thought process, and I think the stones in these rings made great choices!
She loves working with colored stones
She has a men’s line as well. These cufflinks would be perfect on the right guy!
Do you know a guy with a rocker attitude?
Here’s an image from her website that really captures the whole look and feel of the line. It’s artistic, edgy, rocker chic, fashion-forward, and likely much cooler than I am.
A shot from her website
While she describes herself as a “bad ass jewelry designer,” Catherine is also a big animal activist, and loves to garden and cook. I know I’ll never forget that sparkle she had in her eyes when talking to me about her life story and her jewelry line. If you’re inspired to see more of her collection, you can find it at her store in NYC, Neiman Marcus in SF, Fragments in NYC and Montaigne Market in Paris.
NYC is always ahead of us Californians fashion-wise, and Europe before them. (I think perhaps fashion travels east to west…just a personal theory of mine). While cruising around SoHo in NYC, I saw quite a few stylish 20-somethings sporting the jeweled collar trend.
Interesting take on a necklace
But I know this trend is going big-time when I saw this display at the Stanford Nordstrom last week.
There are many choices available!
I was strolling through the boutiques on Fillmore Street, and I came across this creative interpretation at Lilith. It has beads sewn right on to an actual collar, that can be used in a variety of ways. Clever!
There are so many variations on this trend!
I spotted this sweater by Milly that has it’s own detachable jeweled collar. I’m telling you, it’s everywhere!
This a bit reminiscent of the late 50’s, don’t you think?
While I don’t think this trend fits into my own personal style, I can certainly appreciate it, and I know that many of my readers will embrace it with gusto! If you’re among that group, then rock it in style!
I was thrilled to be working in NYC last week! After I finished outfitting my clients, I had a couple days to really explore the city. And no surprise how I spent my time…no shows…no visiting ground zero…just shopping!
As I cruised around the shops in the Meatpacking district, I stopped by Scoop. The most darling guy greeted me from behind the counter, and we started chatting. I was immediately drawn to his array of bracelets and ring. It seemed so spot on, both for his personal style and for the vibe of NYC.
He rocked this combination!
The widest bracelet he has had for “ages” (he mentioned since high school), the thinner nail bracelet was purchased his first day working at Scoop, the cross, well because he’s obsessed with crosses (though I failed to ask his religion), and the awesome ring was from an ex. I think it comes together in a uber-cool, harmonious collection. Dee-lish.
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.
Given that my mom is one of my best-est friends, I’m always pleased when I meet other close mother-daughter duos. While at the Couture show in Las Vegas, I was very pleased to meet Rhonda and Tiffany Bartolacci, the mother and daughter behind the fabulous Borgioni Private Collection.
Rhonda, Amy and Tiffany
Though they live on opposite coasts, the pair have built a thriving business the past six years. The whole line was inspired by the family matriarch, who left the women some vintage jewelry. They really wanted to re-design these pieces so that they could be worn today, yet still represent their own style. From there, they decided to develop a collection comprised of “unique pieces of art that can be worn as accessories.” Rhonda (the mom) is definitely a bit more rock-n-roll in her aesthetic, while Tiffany has more of a vintage/boho vibe. But they are able to combine their viewpoints in a very creative, bejeweled line.
They first became known for their bracelets, both their beaded ones and the handcuff design. But that was just the beginning — buddahs, snakes, the evil eye and animals are just some of what you’ll find in their stunning creations. (In fact animals are currently a very strong theme in their line, as they are both such animal lovers.)
The first thing that caught my eye at their booth was an amazing group of large, rectangular rings. Here’s a stunning showpiece in rose gold.
It’s powerful and feminine at the same time!
Still with the rose gold theme, I think this rose gold and diamond flower on a sting ray cuff is beyond cool!
I would rock this on my right arm, with my watch and a stack of bracelets on the other.
If more delicate bracelets are your style, then take a look at this one. You can wear it just as easily on its own as you could stacked with other bracelets you already own.
Subtle rock n’ roll with the snake and evil eye.
As my readers know, I have a completely unexplained addiction to buddah. (Perhaps I was Buddhist in a former life?!) I was a happy camper looking through their pieces, as buddah popped up in everything from pendants to bracelets!
Ommmmm….
While you might see this jewelry on everyone from Heidi Klum to Steven Tyler, you can also try it on yourself. You can find this collection at Neiman Marcus, Amazon, and in specialty jewelry stores around the country, including Fragments in NYC.
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!
I’ve got a pretty darn solid sense of my personal style, which I describe as luxe bohemian. Translation: beachy, globe-trotting, relaxed feel dripping with gorgeous jewelry and accessories! (No one will ever accuse me of being a minimalist!) This is where developing my jewelry signature really helps define my style. My jewelry signatures include horn pendants, stacked rings and bangles, and druzy/agate pieces, to name a few.
I’ve begun adding a new signature the past 6 months or so…the leather bracelet. The concept evolved naturally, as I began incorporating some into my bracelet stacks. And now, I’m just becoming obsessed with them and noticing them everywhere! (It’s like the phenomenon when you’re shopping for a new car, and suddenly you start seeing your desired car all over the place!) Case in point, while shopping in San Francisco recently, I spotted this tremendous stack.
Hermes bracelet stack
This combination includes two Hermes enamel bangles (the H bracelet and the patterned one) along side a wide leather bracelet. It’s a little rock-n-roll, yet remains very sophisticated as well.
Victoria Beckham was also spotted stacking Hermes. Now this particular look is a bit too hard-core and sleek for my own personal style, but I can certainly appreciate it on her!
Edgy Hermes stack
While in Las Vegas a couple months ago, I did encounter this killer bracelet at the Fendi store. This one spoke to me both with it’s lighter neutral color and the singular spike closure — just a bit of attitude, but not too much. In addition, it runs really tiny, so it fit my wrist perfectly. (Who knows why, but I have crazy small wrists for a tall girl!)
Softer rock-n-roll vibe
I also loved discovering Mulberry’s Bayswater leather bracelet when their store recently opened here in San Francisco. A client and I both swooped one up the week they opened! And the good news here is that they do come in more than one size and in quite a few different colors. I like that it’s not too wide, so it makes it easy to stack with other bracelets, allowing you to create very eclectic combinations.
Be creative with your stacks!
Double-wrap leather bracelets are also increasingly popular. Hermes designs one of the most famous double-wraps, as shown here.
Hermes Kelly Double Tour bracelet
Gorgeous as this one is, for my own style, I prefer this taupe stunner with a big piece of Druzy by Rachel Olesker. I found this gem at The Store in Mill Valley, CA.
This fits my luxe boho style perfectly!
So how do you feel about leather bracelets? Is this something you can see yourself wearing? Whatever your answer is, I bet you’ll notice one soon when you’re out and about! Cheers! 🙂
