While out to dinner one evening at Chuck’s in Ko Olina last week (such a luxury to eat al fresco in January!!), I came across a lovely sixteen year-old, who had a very cool outfit on — fitted dark-wash skinny jeans, a peach silk blouse with black detail, and grey suede wedges. I would describe her look as polished, a little preppy, yet with a nod to vintage. Her ensemble was topped off by a charming pixie haircut and a fabulous druzy headband. (gotta love bling for the hair!)
I love the subtle sparkle!
In chatting with her, I learned that she owns about 15 different headbands, and wears one just about every day. While the pixie and the headband are definitely on-trend, she really makes it her own with her wardrobe choices. The complete effect is someone with a strong sense of personal style at a young age. Awesome!
If you follow my Jewelry Fashion Tips Facebook page (and if you don’t, “like” it right away — there’s tons of goodies on it!), then you know that I was enjoying myself in Hawaii last week. I was staying with friends who live there, so one of my first stops was the local grocery store to stock up on my fave foods. The cashier’s wrists caught my eye right away, adorned in traditional gold Hawaiian bracelets.
Traditional Hawaiian Bracelets
Known as Hawaiian Heirloom Bracelets, they are inscribed with names and sentiments just for the person who wears them. They first became popular back in the 1860’s, and their popularity certainly doesn’t seem to have waned. I saw them all over Oahu on wrists of all ages!
During my stay on the island, I noticed yet another Hawaiian bracelet trend — lovely slim bangles, either in silver or gold, enhanced with a single charm. I saw charms ranging from shells to Tahitian pearls to sea glass. While in Sand People (a popular beach-themed chain store on the islands) in Kailua, I saw these lovely examples with Tahitian pearls designed by Oahu-based Beach Girl Jewels.
Simply elegant!
I was also on the lookout for bangles by Hula Hoops, which is a Maui-based designer, as this is where my friend Jeanette found some beauties! When she stacks a bunch of them together, here’s how it looks.
Jeanette’s “simple” stack
When she takes it a step further, incorporating other bracelets, the result is simply stunning!
Totally unique and fabulous stack!
I must admit, that I did come back to the mainland with a singular bangle. (Aren’t you immensely impressed with my restraint?!) I’ve decided that I will add additional bangles on future trips. Meanwhile, I look forward to adding my new “addition” to some of my creative bracelet combinations. Aloha!
It’s on those rare days when the escalator is down that I find myself in the elevator at a department store. But today, this unexpected detour gave me the chance to see some chic arm candy.
The perfect mix
While her over-all image is very cosmopolitan and refined (right down to her Prada bag) the stack she put together has a little bit of a global vibe, which really adds dimension to her appearance. I think I could tell a lot about her without even exchanging words. Well done!
I certainly remember a few times in my life when I would get the “evil eye” from someone–perhaps when accidentally cutting off an unsuspecting car on the freeway, or when I got caught flushing my amethyst stones down then toilet when I was about 6. (yes…true story) And I know that as a third grade teacher, I certainly gave that “evil eye look” on occasion while out on yard duty. The concept of the evil eye, and being able to send harm through one’s gaze crosses a multitude of cultures. To escape the effects of the evli eye, people began wearing evil eye talismans and jewelry. By donning these, it was said that the harm and negativity would be reflected away from the wearer.
In Turkey, the amulets are known as “nazar” and can be found everywhere, with their powerful indigo color protecting everyone.
Evil Eye Talisman
Evil eye jewelry has become increasingly popular, and it seems to be a growing trend for spring 2013. I’ve been seeing many evil eye bracelets mixed among many cool stacks. Here are some pretty designs from Yanina & Co.
Great for mixing with other bracelets!
Sydney Evan has designed very petite enameled evil eye studs for everyday wear. I wonder if earrings bring double the protection?
This is definitely a creative take on the theme in the form of a ring by Danni Jo.
Uber-trendy!
Even Lindsay Lohan was sporting the trend (I’m sure hoping for protection!) during one of her recent court dates.
Not sure even the power of jewelry can help her
If this trend appeals to your personal style, then you’re certainly in luck, as there are a multitude of choices out there at every price point. Protection be with you!
Do you remember how a while back I told you that my interest had been piqued about vintage jewelry? Well ever since then, I seem to be noticing it more and more! (I guess it’s sort of like when you’re in the market for a new car, and suddenly you’re surrounded by the make and model you have your heart set on.)
At any rate, I found myself at a swanky cocktail party in San Francisco, and I was taking in the scene unfolding around me. Before I knew it, my eyes made a bee-line for this cross around a very glamorous woman’s neck.
I may not be religious, but I’m lovin’ this cross!
In chatting with her, I learned that she bought this at the Vintage Fashion Expo back in the 1980’s. Looks like this show will be back in the Bay Area in September, so I just may have to check it out! (They have three shows in the Los Angeles area this winter/spring as well) I think it’s great that this piece has stood the test of time, and that she makes it her own by mixing it with current fashion.
I may offend some of you by saying that I’m not the biggest animal person around — the only pets I’ve ever had were goldfish, and let’s just say that didn’t go so well. But I am certainly surrounded by many animal lovers in my life, and it seems that lots of them are over the moon for horses. While I’m pretty much petrified of said animal, I was very intrigued when one of my horse-loving friends started talking about horse hair jewelry. Say what?!
Turns out that there’s a local company, On Deck Designs, that will custom make you jewelry using the hair from your horse’s tail. Here’s the type of bracelets they make.
I would have a hard time knowing what this was made of, if I didn’t know.
Here’s a darling photo of my friend’s daughter and her trainer wearing their bracelets. The trainer received a bracelet for the holidays made from tail hairs from all 18 of the horses she trains. What a meaningful gift!
Natalie, Tuxedo & Jen
Here’s a close-up view of their bracelets.
Look at the range of colors!
Upon checking out the website, I see you can even bling up your bracelet with beads and pearls!
Cute, and great for stacking!
If you are a horse-lover, then this type of jewelry is probably right up your alley! When searching the internet, I was just amazed at how much horse hair jewelry there is out there. Just goes to show that there are always jewelry surprises out there, even for jewelry die-hards like me!
I’m a big fan of the “Show the Love” jewelry line, and if you read my post about them last week, you likely are as well! I’m so excited to announce a new necklace giveaway from them — check out this magic lantern necklace!
Wouldn’t winning this be a great way to start the year?!
Retailing at $120, this gold-plated brass necklace really has a special meaning. As explained by the designer, “Who doesn’t love the notion of a magic lantern? Just one rub and a genie pops out to grant your every wish. At STL jewelry what we love about this lantern is that it reminds us that ‘happiness is not having what you want, but wanting what you have.’ Take a rub of this lantern and be grateful for all the goodness that you have in your life and you might find that by acknowledging your abundance, more goodness will flow your way.”
I can envision wearing this on it’s own, or layered with other necklaces you already own. It’s on an 18″ chain, and the pendant measures about 1.5 inches. I wish you the best of luck in this giveaway, and I hope that abundance and goodness flow into your life! 🙂
You know how some people just radiate good energy? Well jewelry designer Jen Pleasants is just one of those people. I had the fortune of hearing about her line while at In Her Shoes in Palo Alto via her business partner, Amy Salisbury. (Yep…I pretty much interrupted her private conversation with another woman when I heard “jewelry line!”) Fast forward a few weeks, and I found myself in her amazing studio in Portola Valley, CA.
While Jen did start designing about 10 years ago, she had to put it on the back burner for a decade while having three kids. Come May 2012, she’s back at the drawing board and has launched a truly wonderful business. Once an eco-blogger, Jen has always strived to give back, and finds that making the world a better place is one of her life’s callings. Combined with her creative nature and background in sculpture, she has now found the perfect intersection of her passions in her jewelry line, Show the Love. (5% of their profits go to water.org)
Trying on a necklace with Jen
This is truly an inspirational jewelry line. Each piece is carefully designed, named, and has a message. As stated on their website, “STL jewelry emphasizes positive affirmations, invokes ‘girl power’ and is crafted with recycled metals and ethically sourced stones. We designed and named each piece to express a feeling or sentiment. Our hope is that by wearing STL jewelry, women will be inspired to ‘Show the Love’ for themselves, for others and for the Earth.”
I was immediately drawn to her bangles with a Herkimer diamond drop. First of all, it was the first time I’d ever heard of Herkimer diamonds, which are double-pointed crystals from Herkimer, New York. They promote healing and white light circulation. And inspecting the bangle further, I saw that it was inscribed with “She believed she could, so she did” Can I say awesome?!?
More than your average bangle
This precious necklace was inspired by her young daughter when she said, “Mamma, you know what love is? Love is showing your heart!”
SO sweet!
This line features both fashion and fine jewelry (at a wide range of price points), and uses metals from yellow and rose gold to brass to silver. I think the following necklace and earrings from her “Soldier of Love” group are just fabulous. The subtle diamond chevron pattern make these pieces very versatile, to be worn with anything from a t-shirt and jeans to an LBD.
Soldier of Love earrings
Soldier of Love necklace
The organic beauty of these pieces, along with their cherished inspirational messages really make it a special line. AND…if this collection brings a smile to your face, then just wait till next week. My next giveaway is a stunning piece from this very line. So stay tuned for your chance to win!
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!
When Oprah gives her stamp of approval to something, you know it’s bound to be a hit.
You know you’ve made it if Oprah endorses you!
Well I can confirm that she was right on the money with these stylish wall-mount jewelry storage boxes by Izzy Jewel Box. I finally got to see them in person at a local art & wine fair, and let me tell you, the booth was brimming with activity! And perhaps it’s time for some new jewelry storage after receiving some special holiday gifts?
Their basic boxes come in three sizes, with a variety of options as far as background color & pattern, as well as layout of the pegs and earring strips.
example of their medium-sized box
Here’s one of their small earring boxes (holds 24 pair) with a cool multi-colored background.
Love the print!
There are also some that are a bit more grand, such as this beautiful mirrored earring box.
I have a thing for anything mirrored!
If you’re in the San Francisco Bay Area, you can catch them live at a variety of festivals and fairs. But no fear if you’re not — they have a full selection for sale on their website.
