While browsing the boutiques in Carmel one recent sunny afternoon, I spent more time chatting to a gal in the shop about her eye-catching necklace than I did trying on the merchandise! Turns out that her necklace is made from a vintage diamond and emerald brooch. (Way to work the Art Deco trend!) Her now-husband bought it for her as a wedding gift, and she wore it in her hair for the ceremony. Now, it happily resides around her neck, really showcasing her personal style and adding some bling to any outfit she decides to wear. Love it!
I stopped in my tracks when I spied this woman in downtown San Francisco. Attired in a simple, yet chic black dress and neutral layer (which you always need in the city!), this outfit just came to life with the jewelry!! The longest necklace is an acrylic pendant. The buddah, which you know I’m obsessed with, actually had some sanskrit on the backside. The bezel-set coin was an 1888 US silver dollar, from the year her grandmother was born. Combined with the double-wraped chunky silver chain, it was an unexpected, yet cool combination. It sort of had a bit of a zen meets rock-n-roll vibe. Kudos from the jewelry judge!
Shopping amidst a major downpour isn’t my favorite way to shop, but when I spotted this fabulous necklace it brightened the Seattle Day! Very happy with her smashing Miriam Haskell necklace, this gal just had it going on. Despite her petite stature, her presence definitely carried the scale of this necklace. I also like how her crocheted sweater vest compliments the design of the necklace. Two thumbs up!
I had the time to pop into Angela’s in Menlo Park recently — a well-loved boutique. I almost ran right into a customer, as her amazing array of necklaces just had me mesmerized!
Neutrals and diamonds done right!
As I turned around, I literally started seeing double, as there was her twin sister adorned in another fascinating combination!
Love the pop of color with the white dress!
Come to find out that she’s the jewelry designer of all these lovely creations! I can’t wait to check out her line in person. And don’t worry…I’ll be sure to let you know all about it! 😉
Ok…guess it’s time to let the cat out of the bag. I watch some pretty trashy TV. But really, it’s sort of like a train wreck where you can’t look away — really! So, here I am watching the umpteenth season of The Bachelorette. While I think Emily has appeared quite, uh, quite milk-toast these first two episodes (though it looks like she sparks up in future installments), I must applaud her on her earring choice in Monday night’s rose ceremony. I just adored the vibrant green earrings paired with the purple gown. Many would have played it safe with a shade of purple or a metallic, but not Emily. Perhaps this is her letting her “true colors” show.
Unexpected, yet lovely, ensemble
This bold combination was reminiscent of Cameron Diaz’ red carpet look from a few years ago.
Rockin' contrasting hues
So next time you’re sitting in front of your jewelry box trying to choose the perfect accessory for your outfit, consider coloring outside the lines. Sometimes a unique color combination is just what the doctor ordered!
Gypset…it’s a term some of you may not have heard about before. This is a term used to describe the gypsy, jet-setter lifestyle. (There’s a actually a beautiful book that delves into this theme.) This embodies a life full of adventure, color, luxe travel and joy. Miriam Salat’s line is designed with this woman in mind. When the gypset woman is out embracing life, she clearly needs to be adorned in beautiful jewelry.
Officially founded in 2010, this line is primarily composed of resin, sterling silver, and 18 K gold vermeil. Though her pieces are extremely on trend with the whole color story, that’s not what intrigues me. More it’s the feeling that I need to be shopping at the bazaar in Istanbul when I wear her pieces.
Here’s a beautiful set of her bangles. Worn together or intermixed with bracelets you already own, I’m just loving these!
Sweet stack of bangles
This gorgeous pair of earrings would pair perfectly with a breezy white linen sundress.
Blue beauties!
And this ring gives you the look of stacked rings all in one. I actually own this ring in camel, and it’s really become a go-to ring for me.
There's another silver layer on the other side
With Mother’s Day approaching, Miriam Salat (in cooperation with Fever Tree, DRY Soda and Vosges Haute-Chocolat) is donating 15% of sales to Water For People, which is an international non-profit organization that aims to bring access to safe water and sanitation to those in need. This event runs May 8-13th, so be sure to take advantage of this! It applies both online and in her store, located in Columbus Circle in New York City.
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!
I, probably more than most, can certainly appreciate the sentimentality of jewelry. I’ve got my Italian grandmother’s engagement ring, which features blue glass that has been weathered by work in harsh chemicals. I’ve still got a lovely black safety pin embellished with beads from a German pen-pal from when I was nine. Oh, and of course some of my Swedish grandmother’s “cruise” jewelry. (translation: pink rhinestones)
But when you wear all your mementos on your fingers all at once (along with a dated manicure) it’s just not right. Though I loved hearing the story of each and every one of the rings this sweet woman wears daily, I really think she should selectively wear her rings and not over-accessorize. (Curious side bar: why has she ignored her pinky fingers when she is clearly into abundance?!?)
While I do typically focus on women in my Jewelry Judge series, I must say that a very tall drink of water stopped me in my tracks today. All decked out in a black suit, polka dot shirt and bow tie, his personality definitely came through (in a tasteful way) with his choice of brightly colored beaded bracelets. While not always a fan of “man jewelry,” this one definitely worked for me! His collection included pieces from Chinatown in SF, Hawaii, and a multi-bead combination made by a friend. In my book, he’s got it goin’ on!
I first have to apologize for the quality of this photo…it was taken in a dark place during a concert. Even though the show on stage was quite tremendous, the hand of the gal next to me just stole the show. It’s one thing to rock the huge, embellished cross ring. I can get into that if it jives with the outfit. But combined with one of the most frightening manicures I’ve ever laid eyes on, I just was flabbergasted. What was she thinking?!? (And really, those nails must be a safety hazard!)
