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Jewelry Box Basics: The Bohemian

Welcome to the second installment of “Jewelry Box Basics.” In case you’re just joining us, this is a 6-part series about what basics I recommend that you have stocked in your jewelry box, based on your personal style. I’ve come up with six different personal styles: the lady who lunches (who was featured last week), bohemian, rock star, minimalist, trendy and romantic. Again, I know that virtually no one fits into just one style box, so read this with an open mind, seeing what appeals to you. Also, don’t let the price point bother you — just take each piece as an example of a look, and then shop at the price point where you’re comfortable.

I’m pretty psyched to write this article, as it’s definitely where my heart lives. From the Navajo necklace my father bought me when I was 6 years old (yes, I still have it!), to the orange tie-dye dress that I lived in (against my mother’s wishes…orange really wasn’t my color), I’ve always had some version of the boho tune singing in my head. The interesting thing about this personal style is that it has a real range! It varies all the way from Haight-Ashbury hippies to what I call “luxe boho.” The examples I’ll showcase in this post definitely veer more towards the later look.

Watch
The chic bohemian still loves her bling, yet is a bit more casual than the lady who lunches. This watch by Brera really hits that note. The leather strap and visible screws have a great juxtaposition with the diamond-encased watch face. And the strap is interchangeable with other colors, so the boho girl can really mix it up with her bracelets.

Bracelets
Speaking of bracelets, the bohemian woman is the queen of stacking bracelets and bangles. There’s no doubt that “basics” in this category range from beaded, elastic bracelets to jewel-encrusted bangles. This polki diamond bangle from Ross-Simons is a fabulous basic. The raw, organic feel of this type of diamond is the perfect representation for this style. And don’t worry if your metals don’t match. With the eclectic combinations created, it all comes together harmoniously.

Here’s a great example of the elastic-beaded bracelets that I referred to for stacking. This stunning bracelet is by Rona Pfieffer, one of my fave designers.

Rings
There is no room for a minimal ring for the Boho girl, unless it’s part of a big stack of slim rings. Rather, a large statement ring is her basic. I’m loving this teardrop quartz ring by Peppina. It’s the perfect neutral to blend with any outfit, and it really resonates with the natural feel of this personal style.

Earrings
Once again, hoops are the basic go-to earring of choice. In comparison to the lady who lunches, the bohemian’s hoops are likely to be even larger in scale. A varied array of metals and embellishments are sure to be found in her jewelry box. These slim, yet large hoops by Jennifer Meyer (love the singular diamond station!) are fabulous.

These would blend easily with any outfit

Necklaces
This is where things get a little complicated, as the bohemian style really doesn’t lend itself to just one necklace. Layering necklaces is really intrinsic to this style, so her basics will likely include at least two necklaces. One should be a bolder, long piece, and the other a daintier necklace that can be worn harmoniously with the other one. This shark tooth necklace by Givenchy (yes, it’s on my jewelry lust list) would be a very versatile choice.

If you pair this with a shorter necklace, like this pyrite and natural diamond one by Jemma Sands, then you’ve really created quite a look. And of course, either necklace can certainly be worn separately.

But I have to go just one step further with what a boho woman would consider basic. One of this woman’s favorite things to do is travel, and she undoubtedly picks up singular pieces along her adventures. It could be a scarab ring from Egypt, a buddah charm on a bangle from Bali, or a piece of history from the southwest, as in this amazing Native American squash blossom necklace.

This CAN be a basic for the bohemian style! — This can be a basic for the bohemian style!

Whether this jewelry collection made you say, “Yes!!! That’s SO me!!” or, “There’s no way I’d ever even look twice at these pieces!” it’s all good. This is what makes the world go round. The key is to learn what speaks to you and develop that jewelry signature. When you have a solid sense of your style, things just fall into place and shopping gets a lot easier!

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.

Spring 2013 Trend: Spikes

Now I know that when most of you think about spiked jewelry, your mind likely goes to a punk-rock sort of look, complete with black nail polish and a black leather biker jacket. But spiked jewelry has really morphed into a mainstream phenomenon this spring, with looks ranging from rocker to more refined. In addition, there’s quite a variety in the type of spike, from the long, pointy ones to those that more resemble a little pyramid.

Take a look at this ensemble. While it is a bold use of spiked bracelets, it comes across more feminine when combined with the teal skirt and the lady-like chain handled bag.

This is an ecclectic way to incorporate spikes

Here’s another, more subtle way, to wear the trend with bracelets. This gal was at the Trina Turk store in Burlingame, and she combined some of her Trina Turk enameled bracelets with her others for a lovely look.

Subtle "edge" to this stack — Subtle “edge” to this stack

So sport an avantgarde look in the realm of spikes, this bracelet by RK New York would certainly do the trick.

If you want to add just the “tiniest” bit of this trend to your outfit, then you might like this simple, yet versatile cuff by Vita Fede. Who knew spikes could be so sweet and delicate?!

This trend is not limited to your wrists. There are a wide array of spiked earrings out there. This lovely rose gold and diamond pair by Majolie would be a more sophisticated way to explore the trend.

Not quite minimal, yet not overly “spiked,” is this pair by Viv and Ingrid.

Whereas this pair by Topshop is definitely more of a statement.

But don’t let us neglect the neck! Necklaces galore are showing their spikes, such as these two layered necklaces by Pamela Love. Instead of a rocker or refined look, it veers more towards the bohemian vibe.

And if color is your thing, then you’re in luck too. Spikes are combined with every color of the rainbow this season! Here’s one by Sara Designs.

As you can see, this is a trend that may appeal to many different personal styles! You can find pieces at virtually every price point, so have fun exploring, and send me photos if you find the perfect piece for you!!

Melissa Joy Manning: Designer

If you appreciate organic beauty, and value sustainable, socially-responsible jewelry, then Melissa Joy Manning is your gal! When I first entered her boutique in Berkeley back in 2011, I was struck by how this line really was unique. Inspired by nature, the jewelry cases were accented by fossils, vintage taxidermy and insect specimens. It was like being in a little museum of curiosities, where you could actually buy what was behind the glass. (jewelry, that is…)

It wasn’t until I was at the Couture show that I actually got to meet Melissa in person. Though she claims that she is deceptively shy out of “work”, I find that hard to believe. I thought she was just charming!

During our chat, I certainly could understand her life-long love of jewelry. (definitely something we have in common, aside from both being Bay Area natives) From the time she was a child, making jewelry at her Montessori grade school, she was hooked. At age 20, she went to Mexico to learn silver smithing, and finally made the leap into full-time designing over 15 years ago.

This dramatic pair of chandelier earrings is made from dumorierite, petrified wood, and pyritized ammonite. Have you ever seen anything like them?

She travels to gain inspiration for her designs, and nature is especially important to her. As she says, “I like to challenge the ideals of traditional jewelry by blending conventional materials to create neoteric pieces.” She only uses 100% recycled silver and gold. The majority of her stones are sourced here in the USA, and all her materials are from reputable suppliers who also are share her vision of sustainability.

This geode cuff is quite fantastic. And you’ll notice her prong settings are different that most you see. This is one way I’m able to identify her pieces when I come across them.

It's an artifact for your wrist — It’s an artifact for your wrist

Melissa also designs many simpler pieces, that can be worn in a variety of ways. For example, take a look at this freeform chain bracelet. With its mixed metals and different scale chains, it’s perfect on its own or in a stack with other bracelets.

She has a very interesting collection of non-traditional bridal jewelry as well. If you’re in the market, you might like a ring like this one.

Just this past Sunday, I stopped by Red Bird, one of my absolute favorite boutiques. A tall jewelry case just beckoned to me, and I was blown away by these earrings, by none other than Melissa. I tried them on, and they were just perfect with my coloring and personal style (and not too heavy for my ear lobes). Alas, they were not in the budget at this time, but I won’t soon forget them!

I was in awe of these gorgeous creations!

All these beauties are hand-made right in her Berkeley studio — no outsourcing, no casting — just pure, old-fashioned metal smithing. It’s a real gift when people can make a fair living doing what they love. Hands-down, I’m an all-around fan of Melissa Joy Manning!

Spreading the Love Through Social Media

Happy Valentine’s Day to my lovely readers!! I’d like to thank you for following my blog, and I hope that you’re getting a lot out of it. I know I have a blast writing about all things jewelry, and I just love hearing your opinions and comments.

I’m not sure if you’re aware, but Jewelry Fashion Tips has a strong (and growing) presence in the land of Facebook and Pinterest. While I’m posting a couple times a week on my actual blog, there’s a whole other jewelry world going on out there in the land of my social media.

First of all, if you’re not a fan already, I highly encourage you to “like” my Facebook page. While I do have links to my blog posts, I also post something almost daily that is sure to tickle your jewelry box.

Have you "liked" my page yet? — Have you “liked” my page yet?

Some days it might be a humorous jewelry-related quote…

And other days it might be about an upcoming trunk show or a special sale going on with some fabulous jewelry line…

Wish I could jet down to Montecito to see this!

My Facebook page is definitely where you can stay current, and you wouldn’t want to miss out on anything, would you?!

Pinterest has also become an amazing platform for me to spread the jewelry love! With boards on everything from “my jewelry lust list” to “stacked bracelets,” this site is a source of real inspiration. I invite you to follow me, and also share your boards with me!

I see more jewelry on Pinterest than I ever could in person, even if I shopped all day! I regularly pin new photos to my boards, so there’s always something new to look at. Check out this necklace I recently came across!

The organic beauty of this stunning ring just made my heart sing.

If you’re reading this on an RSS feed, you may not see the buttons linking you to these pages, so feel free to click the links in the actual post to get you there. For those of you reading this post on my actual blog, you can also use the little Facebook and Pinterest buttons to the right of this article. I hope to see you online, and my next post will be back to regular programming. 🙂

Madyha Farooqui: Designer

I met Madyha during the Couture jewelry show in Las Vegas. She was standing next to a very tall case of exquisite gems that practically had me drooling!

Madyha is only a couple years into her jewelry business, but she has an amazing background that will certainly ensure her success. From traveling the world while growing up as the daughter of a U.N. diplomat, to getting a degree at Parson’s School of Design, to working at Cosmopolitan Magazine, she’s both worldly and stylish.

She just sent me some recent images from her new collection, and I’m so happy to share them with you. First of all, here’s a pair of colorful statement earrings that are red-carpet worthy! They are made with blush, lavender, and brown sapphire slices with champagne pave diamonds. And color is surely on-trend this coming spring!

On the more delicate side, I’m loving this bracelet of labradorite with a slice of brown diamond, surrounded by pave diamonds. Such sparkle!

Finally, I think these studs of brown diamond slices with champagne pave diamonds would be SO versatile! Simple enough to wear every day, yet special enough for a fancy dinner out. These would be a valuable investment.

A unique take on the classic diamond stud

Madyha’s hand-made jewelry is just beautiful, and it really meshes with my personal style. (luxe bohemian) I hope to see her again at the Couture show this spring, and see what other new pieces she has in store!

Charlene Court: Jewelry Judge

I think that sometimes people must think I’m a total nut-job when I accost them in public places. I found my latest “victim” while I was having lunch with a friend at the Rotunda in San Francisco. This lovely young woman walked by, I caught a glimpse of the fan-tabulous necklace she was wearing, and truly leapt out of my seat to go after her.

Turns out, that she was wearing the designs of her friend, jewelry designer Charlene Court. (I LOVE when I discover a designer that I’ve never heard of!) So here’s the necklace that she was wearing.

Here’s a close-up of the pendant.

And get ready for the surprise in the back….

It's beautiful coming and going! — It’s beautiful coming and going!

In addition to this magnificent necklace she was also wearing a fab ring, also by Charlene.

And in case you want a close-up view of the ring, as I know I did!

So I suppose that you don’t have to guess whether the Jewelry Judge gives a thumbs up or a thumbs down this week. Wow! Know that I did eventually get back to my table to finish my salad, but I was on a jewelry high for the rest of my lunch!

ModeWalk…Ooo La La!

On Thursday I went to a ModeWalk trunk show at Azadeh in San Francisco. ModeWalk is a unique business model in the world of fashion. Basically, they get hot, luxury fashions from Europe (many brands that I’ve never heard of!) and sell them online, through selective trunk shows, and via stylist appointments. Interesting! While I went to the show intending to focus on the clothing, my attention was (not surprisingly) re-directed to some stellar pieces of jewelry!

First up was this fab necklace by Fiona Paxton. With its pop of neon, it’s truly on-trend.

a stylish way to add some neon — Stylish way to add some neon

Another statement necklace that had me drooling was this rose-gold stunner by Lara Bohinc.

I certainly didn’t want to ignore my wrists, so I quickly tried on this amazing bracelet by Parisian designer Philippe Audibert…well actually it’s much more than a bracelet. I don’t even know how to describe it! But I love it — it makes my arms look so sleek!

I also adore these knotted bracelets by Coralie De Seynes. I’m very tempted by the orange one. While orange isn’t a color that necessarily looks good on me in clothing or make-up, why not add a dash of it in an accessory?!

If you’d like the opportunity to see some of these gems live, you’re in luck. ModeWalk will be having another trunk show this week (Feb. 5-9) at Azadeh in Los Gatos, California. You can find out about their upcoming trunk shows on their Facebook page. Happy shopping!

Calypso St. Barth @ Marin Country Mart

One part of my job I just love is exploring new shopping areas, especially when I can do it with my dear friend and colleague, Jen. Tuesday was one of those days, so we headed north over the Golden Gate Bridge to the Marin Country Mart. While I was expecting the hustle and bustle of the Brentwood Country Mart in southern California, which is stocked with fab stores and eateries, Marin was very quiet and there were many open shop fronts available. But I do think there’s a lot of potential there. It’s lovely, has a nice layout, and it has a truly prime location right near the Larkspur ferry. The BIG draw for me was Calypso St. Barth, one of my fave resort-inspired shops, including some drool-worthy jewelry.

Walking into the inviting store, I loved how everything is laid out by color, including the jewelry. The first tray that caught my eye was this grouping in emerald, teal and lime green.

The cut crystal pieces by DanniJo are a little bit vintage, yet a little bit rockin’. I also loved the delicate beaded quality of these earrings by another designer. Here’s a close-up of the earrings.

The teal transcends seasons -- great all year long. — The teal transcends seasons — great all year long.

I next headed to an area where neutrals were the story — cream, tan, beige, and white. This selection of baubles would be very versatile!

My favorite is the collar on the bottom left. It’s by London designer Fiona Paxton. I think it would dress up a basic, solid-colored sweater or tee, or enhance a cocktail dress!

This tray of boho-inspired necklaces drew my eye (I know you’re not surprised!), and I was a bit envious that Jen went home with the camel necklace with the leather tassel by Hipchik Couture. I wonder if she’d let me borrow it….

The visual delight continued as you went to the cash desk. There, you were greeted with a plethora of colorful bracelets, from designers ranging from Chan Luu to Julie Rofman.

After all the shopping, of course we had to eat lunch. We dined at the Rustic Bakery, and we were not disappointed. Though I think on our next visit, we should each get our own (giant) chocolate chip cookie, instead of splitting. 😉