alexis bittar – Jewelry Fashion Tips

Cuff Me!

No, I’m not making reference to Christian Grey, but rather to one of my latest obsessions — the cuff bracelet. I have written about beautiful cuffs by many designers the past couple years, but for some reason my interest in this particular style has really been piqued lately. I almost feel stronger in some way when I wear one. Perhaps I’m channeling my own inner Wonder Woman?!

Well wearing a cuff on each wrist is becoming more and more popular, and it really can be a chic look. I’m gravitating towards the sleek, modern look of these.

While shopping with a client in San Francisco last week, I discovered that Reed Krakoff, whom I normally associate with gorgeous handbags, also has some amazing pieces of jewelry! My client and I both fell love with this gunmetal t bar oval cuff. It sits very comfortably on the wrist, has an easy-to-use and secure closure, and just screams style!

Upon looking through Reed Krakoff’s website, I’m also totally taken by this one, which is a combination of metal and resin.

Elsa Peretti, who designs for Tiffany and Co. has created an amazing “bone” cuff. The design is different for each wrist, so that it molds naturally to the shape of your wrist. I’m SO going to try these on next time I’m at the store!

Lanvin has a very geometric version of the cuff. The design is slightly reminiscent of 60’s architecture to me. Do you see it too?

There are many options out there in rose gold as well. Personally, this layered-look cuff by Alexis Bittar just makes me smile.

Speaking of the layered look, I also like the idea of layering a bold, wide cuff with a narrower one. I bet this smaller one by Saint Laurent would work for that.

One really important thing I’ve learned about cuffs is that you HAVE to try them on. Some feel way too heavy. Some are soooo tiny that I can’t even get my wrist into it! And yet others are too big, and they fall down too far, making it difficult to bend your wrist. I mean heck, I’m willing to suffer a little for fashion, but not that much! So just like Goldilocks, you’ve got to test them out until you find one that’s just right for you!

Spring 2013 Trend: Floral Motifs

I know that when you see images from a runway show or a photo shoot in the latest issue of Vogue, you may say to yourself, “Who would ever wear that in real life? I know I certainly wouldn’t!” Well that’s true. These looks are not meant for the average person to walk down Main Street in. The way these images are very useful, though, is to extrapolate what trends and themes will actually appear in your local stores.

Take for instance, this over-the-top floral necklace that was seen on the runway at the Giambattista Valli show.

Well he wasn’t the only designer showing floral jewelry, so I am not surprised that we’re starting to see it coming up roses everywhere from Bergdorf Goodman to Kohl’s.

Here’s a more toned down version by Martine Ali that has a similar effect, yet is more user friendly.

And here’s J.Crew’s take on the floral trend. I think J. Crew really does a great job at offering beautiful jewelry at a more accessible price point.

Alexis Bittar expertly combines color with this floral brooch. This pansy comes in three colors, too!

Forever 21 is always on-trend, and their jewelry is extremely affordable. Here’s a cool filagree bracelet that looks much more expensive than it is.

This Kevia ring (sold at Fragments in NYC) has a little bit of rocker edge to it, don’t you think? The smoky quartz and cubic zirconia create an edgy flower.

Here are a pair of clean, modern floral dangling earrings designed by Patrick Irla. I think these would look great as an everyday look or for a special evening out on the town.

If flowers are your thing, you can see that there’s a veritable bouquet just waiting for you out there in the stores. Happy shopping!

Jewelry Box Basics: The Lady Who Lunches

This is the first article in a 6-part series about what basics you should have in your jewelry box, based on your personal style. In my many years as an image consultant, I’ve spent countless hours working with clients and their jewelry, helping them to carefully select the pieces that really enhance their outfits and express who they are. I’ve come up with six different personal styles: the lady who lunches, bohemian, rock star, minimalist, trendy and romantic. For those of you who are wondering where the creative style is, don’t think that I’m neglecting you. Instead, I’ve learned that there really aren’t any “basics” for the creative type! This personal style likes each piece to be a work of art.

Granted, no one fits exactly into one “box,” but hopefully these articles will at least give you a framework of where to start in building your jewelry wardrobe. Personally, though my own style definitely veers towards the bohemian esthetic, there are elements from each style that I love (and have in my jewelry box!). In each article, I’ll be showing an example of each item, but don’t let the price point bother you, whether you think it’s too high or too low. Just use the example as the general “look” and then shop at the price point that you feel comfortable with.

Ok, so here goes…”the lady who lunches” is very prevalent here in the Bay Area. Active with their children’s schools, always involved in various charities, and with a booked social calendar, this woman needs jewelry that will take her everywhere.

Watch
I recommend a high quality watch in the metal that looks best on you. You may even decide on one embellished with diamonds, if your style and budget support that. I think this one by Philip Stein is very versatile, and I love the unique shape of the face.

Bracelets
Three to five bracelets in the same metal color as your watch are perfect for stacking. They can be worn on the same wrist as your watch or on the other arm. Personally, I’m a big fan of Ippolita. Her bangles come in just metal, or embellished with diamonds and semi-precious stones. The bangles don’t need to all be by the same designer, either. Just look for harmonious design elements in your grouping.

Rings
A colored stone, worn in the largest scale that you’re comfortable with, really goes a long way. It’s appropriate during the day, and can also add a lot to a cocktail outfit. This blush colored sapphire ring by Jill Alberts is lovely.

Earrings
If you’ve been following my blog, then you know that I think hoops are about the most versatile earring on the planet. I’ve yet to find a person, no matter what their personal style is, that doesn’t resonate with the perfect pair of hoops. For the lady who lunches, I really think she needs at least two pair — one, in her metal of choice, and then another with diamonds. (Can you tell that this is a pricey personal style to have?!) Of course, this look can easily be achieved with cubic zirconia as well. This pair by Roberto Coin is just lovely.

Necklaces
I find that various strands of pearls in different lengths, colors, and textures, are definitely a basic for the lady who lunches. Now these are NOT your stuffy, old-lady pearls we’re talking about. Instead, imagine multiple layers, various scales, and even interspersed with metal chains. No need for real pearls, either. There are plenty of man-made pearls at various price points. Here’s a very cool take on a multi-strand necklace by Alexis Bittar.

With these five elements in your jewelry box, you’ve got a good base on which to build. A jewelry collection takes time and money to create, so just enjoy the process. Invest in pieces that you LOVE and that really appeal to your personal style, and you can’t go wrong.

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.