Posts Tagged ‘Jewelry’
Simply Fabulous: Damen + Division Turquoise Drop Earrings
Monday, July 26th, 2010
Chicago jewelry line Damen + Division makes knock-out statement pieces rooted in artisanal glamour and vintage detail. We love these eye-catching “Suki” gold and turquoise drop earrings ($158; Sarca; 710 N Wabash Avenue).
Tags: Accessories, Chicago Boutiques, Chicago Designers, Chicago Shopping, Damen + Division, Earrings, Jewelry, Sarca
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Chicago Designer Spotlight: Winifred Grace
Thursday, July 8th, 2010
I first met Winifred Grace Gundeck a little more than two years ago. At the time, I was writing a feature on her jewelry line, Winifred Grace, for a local magazine. I arrived at her small, sunlit studio for the interview and was greeted by a petite and welcoming Winni, as she is commonly called. We chatted on the lone sofa in the box-shaped studio before she showed me the work station. The table was covered in bits and pieces of metal, rhinestones and chains soon to be transformed into accessories rooted in her distinct aesthetic. After learning how that aesthetic materializes and seeing the finished product, I realized what Winifred was fashioning was a sparkling future in jewelry design.
Fast forward to present day and the Winifred Grace line has continued to blossom. Though it seemed impossible back then, the Spring 2010 collection is even more spectacular than the one I fondled during the interview. The season’s introduction of graphic brass elements adds a complementary contrast to the oxidized silver and light-catching Swarovski crystals. “I was inspired by vintage textiles and ancient tribal jewelry,” Winifred says. “[The brass] gives a unique vintage quality to the modern designs.”
Top image from left to right: Rhinestone and oxidized silver necklace (shown in the model’s hair), $185, with the oxidized chain and rhinestone bracelet, $275. Brass and jet drop earring, $115. Above image from left to right: Tiered rhinestone and brass necklace, $345, with the oxidized chain and rhinestone bracelet, $275. Cut crystal and brass charms necklace, $195.
As with every season, the spring collection includes necklaces, bracelets and earrings that together feel well-edited and perfectly cohesive. Along with the craftsmanship, what distinguishes Winifred’s designs is how she harmonizes a raw edginess with feminine flare. The quality is obvious and exceptional, the vision unique and breathtaking. Each piece is made to order and handcrafted here in Chicago by the Winifred Grace team. This includes the oxidation of metals—one of her signature techniques.
By mixing and distressing various metals, chains and embellishments, each piece embodies a versatility that can be dressed up or down. They can also easily be layered with other Winifred Grace items or with your own jewelry. Whether your look is trendy, classic or understated, the line filters beautifully into any given wardrobe. “The collection is a mix of casual, sophisticated elegance,” she says. “I’m most happy in flip-flops and a tunic but welcome the chance to put on my party shoes! I think the collection speaks to both sides of my personality.”
Tiered rhinestone and brass necklace, $548, with the cut crystal and brass charms bracelet, $460.
Just as each Winifred Grace collection is a small treasure trove of gold, silver and crystal, the label’s future promises to be just as dazzling. Soon, Winifred will introduce one-of-a-kind couture pieces available only on her e-shop and a few stores. But that’s just the beginning. “I also have some top secret plans for expanding the Winifred Grace brand into the lifestyle arena,” she says. “Stay tuned!”
We certainly will!
Written and produced by Meghan Turner
Photography by Ace Ujimori
Model: Brittney Jo
Makeup: Jennifer Hanwright
Hair: Kelly Tracy
Special thanks to Kaitlyn Groth and Maia McGinley
Tags: Accessories, Chicago Fashion, Chicago Fashion Designers, Jewelry, Winifred Grace, Winifred Grace Gundeck
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Simply Fabulous: Paoo “Starlight” Ring
Wednesday, May 26th, 2010
This 18k gold plated and blue lucite ring by Chicago jewelry designer Paoo ($79) seems to glow from within. It’s quite an eye-catcher.
Tags: Chicago Designers, Jewelry, Paoo, Ring
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Simply Fabulous: Lucius Sweet Cupcake Necklace
Wednesday, May 5th, 2010
Hey there, cupcake! We just came across Lucius, a new Chicago-based line of delectably girly jewelry. Their “Sweet Cupcake” necklace ($85) is our favorite piece in the collection.
Get 15% off your purchase through May 15 with promo code STYLEADMIRER!
Tags: Accessories, Chicago Designers, Jewelry, Lucius Jewelry
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Simply Fabulous: Jules Statement Necklace
Tuesday, April 13th, 2010
A simple tee or tank becomes extraordinare with the right necklace. Jules‘ gold and hand-oxidized sterling silver necklace with white quartz gemstones ($550) is organic yet glamorous.
Style Admirer readers save 20% on Jules jewelry thru May 7! Use code MOM20.
Tags: Chicago Designers, Jewelry, Jules, Necklace
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Chicago Designer Spotlight: Jess LC
Thursday, April 8th, 2010
With no prior interest in jewelry making, Jess Constable became an accessories entrepreneur at an early age. At 15, inspired by a friend, she began making ankle bracelets at her neighborhood pool. Women showed interest, and Jess found a money-making alternative to babysitting. Ten years later, she’s got a full-time business designing classic, sophisticated jewelry for the all-American woman. Like a marriage between J.Crew and Adina Reyter, Jess LC designs are whimsical yet structural. Their simplicity and elegance immediately stand out, but it’s the underlying girliness that resonates with shoppers.
To maintain focus on her design approach, Jess’s rule is to allow her work to evolve with a “natural grace” by avoiding overuse of design elements. “I don’t like to have extra things just for the hell of it,” she says. “If there’s a pop of color or something kind of interesting, that becomes the focal point. I don’t try to compete with [that].” Those thoughtfully infused accents form into geometric silhouettes with an innate softness, which attracts shoppers with a classic sensibility and need for versatility.
This aesthetic permeates both her collections: the Chicago Collection and Soc Chic. With respect for her Chicago roots, Jess names each line in the Chicago Collection after local streets, like Madison, State, Division and Elm, to name a few. The nine lines are comprised of necklaces, braclets and earrings crafted from gold, silver, ribbon, beads and quartz. Ranging in price from $18-$200, the Chicago Collection caters to various styles and budgets.
Two of Jess LC’s Soc Chic necklaces, “The Match Made in Heaven” (left) and “The Falling Star” (right). Top image: Some of our favorite designs from Jess LC’s Chicago Collection.
The second collection, Soc Chic, features nine necklaces with dainty charms, all benefiting various social causes. Each necklace has a catchy name, like “The Pink Lemonade” and “The Lucky in Bed,” and comes in a custom box that describes the respective cause, allowing shoppers to the choose a design and charity they identify with. Imerman Angels, paws4people, and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation are just a few of organizations reaping the benefits of your jewelry shopping. The Soc Chic necklaces come in both silver and gold and are priced at $40.
As Jess looks to the future of Jess LC, she plans to grow her collections in new ways. You’ll find the same modern jewelry, but the designs are of a bolder nature. She’s looking to interior design and patterns of repetition for inspiration, creating pieces that are both contemporary and classic. And when it comes to buying designer jewelry, that’s a nonnegotiable for us.
By Danielle Parker
Images courtesy of Jess LC
Tags: Accessories, Chicago Designer, Chicago Fashion, Jess Constable, Jess LC, Jewelry
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Simply Fabulous: Embossed Bangles by Burberry
Wednesday, February 17th, 2010
Clear accessories are big for spring, and these embossed acrylic bangles by Burberry ($165 each) will add a splash of color in a funky, girly way.
Images courtesy of Burberry
Tags: Accessories, Bangles, Burberry, Jewelry
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A Love Affair
Thursday, February 11th, 2010
I’ve never been a Valentine’s Day kind of gal, but I do love V-Day-themed fashion (the non-tacky kind, of course). The key to finding that ideal accessory is to consider its versatility. Can you wear it after Valentine’s Day as well? Whether you’re dropping clues to your significant other or treating yourself to something special, here are a few adorable, love-perfect accessories for Valentine’s Day and beyond.
Clockwise from upper left:
Cupid may or may not have found you true love, but this angel wings necklace by Heroine Chic ($85) is sure to attract his attention.
V-Day is a great excuse to splurge on new lingerie. I adore the dainty, glamorous styles by Elle Macpherson Intimates, including the “Dentelle Contour” bra ($65) and “Dentelle Culotte” briefs ($30).
Topshop’s over-the-knee heart socks ($16) bring me back to my childhood, when all my tights were embellished with hearts, stars or dots.
Love is in the air, and now it can be on your finger too. This “Love Ring” by CC Skye ($125) will be an eye-catching finishing touch to your Valentine’s Day ensemble.
It’s said that you should wear your heart on your sleeve, and with Jess L.C.’s heart bracelet ($68), you can.
Diamond earrings are a classic gift, but Dana Rebecca’s “Julianne Himiko” turquoise and diamond heart earrings ($880) are a refreshingly unique approach.
By Meghan Turner
Images courtesy of Heroine Chic, net-a-porter.com, Topshop, CC Skye, Jess, L.C., and Dana Rebecca Designs
Tags: Accessories, CC Skye, Chicago Designers, Chicago Shopping, Dana Rebecca Designs, Elle Macpherson Intimates, Heroine Chic, Jess L.C. Jewelry, Jewelry, Lingerie, net-a-porter.com, Topshop, Valentine's Day, Valentine's Day Gifts
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Bling Bling, Baby
Thursday, January 28th, 2010
The bracelet watch has transformed the way we’re wearing timepieces. Inspired by men’s styles, these oversized accessories are more like statement bangles than functioning clocks. The gold-toned options have a ghetto-fab flashiness that’s brought down to size with classic shapes—a combination that delivers everyday wearability with less fuss than you may think. With their distinct edge and chic flare, they look amazing alone or with a wrist-full of gold bangles and bracelets. Here are some versatile yet oh-so-striking styles that can go from the office to the dance floor in seconds.
1. Freelook watch ($330; Stitch; 1723 N Damen Avenue)
2. DKNY watch with mother-of-pearl face ($185; dkny.com)
3. Michael Kors watch ($180; Macy’s)
4. Guess chronograph watch ($135; Guess)
5. Fossil chronograph watch ($125; Fossil)
6. Marc by Marc Jacobs “Henry” watch ($225; Nordstrom)
By Meghan Turner
Images courtesy of Stitch, DKNY, Macy’s, Guess, Fossil, and Marc by Marc Jacobs
Tags: Accessories, Bracelet Watches, DKNY, Fossil, Gold Watches, Guess, Jewelry, Macy's, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Nordstrom, Stitch
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Simply Fabulous: Antique Cut Steel Cuff
Wednesday, January 6th, 2010
The cuff is a popular trend that’s edgy, glamorous and hip, all at the same time. This Antique Cut Steel bracelet from Gem ($280; 1710 N Damen Avenue) has steel beads and soft leather that give it a rustic yet feminine feel.
Image Courtesy of Gem
Tags: Accessories, Antique Cut Steel, Chicago Boutiques, Cuff, Gem: A Jewelry Boutique, Jewelry, Trends
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