Style Tip: Best Travel Jewelry for Summer 2011

Packing is like a math problem. How many outfits can you make combining as few pieces as possible? Next problem…what jewelry to bring. Never wanting to spend extra time at airport security, the search is on for a few pieces that can easily transition from day to night. I picked three pieces that will keep you hip, bejeweled and a light traveler this summer!

A long gold chain that can be worn long with a tunic, doubled for a bigger evening look, or wrapped around your wrist.

Gold dangle earrings that can pass as casual day earrings with hair down or more dramatic for evening with upswept hair.

A bit of green. Green is the hottest trend in jewelry this season. I am traveling with an oversized turquoise and wood ring. It is so hip!

 

Have a happy holiday weekend!

Style Setters: The Jewelry Brief Interviews Faso

The jewelry of Faso is a joint collaboration between two long time friends, Banafsheh Fatooriechie and Maryam Sardari. Banafsheh, who has a background in textile design, creates pieces that must feel as great as they are beautiful. Marayam, an art therapist, incorporates the therapeutic use of color and certain gemstones into their designs. The outcome is a fantastic collection of unique, hand-made pieces that are fun and easy to wear.

What is the source of your design inspiration?

BF (Banafsheh Fatoorechie)- It may sound a bit odd, but I get a lot of inspiration from my dreams. Another source is nature and I’m also very interested in different cultural traditions and find my creative energy flowing easily whenever I’m exposed in any way to cultural events.

MS (Maryam Sardari)- It is hard to pin down one source that inspires me. I find inspiration in just about everything, but the most inspiring sources for me are music, organic shapes (nature), and textiles. Sometimes I see design in words.

How does color fit into your creative process?

BF- My background is in textile so I’ve had a lot of exposure to rich colors and designs. I use color in my wardrobe due to a particular mood or wanting to evoke a particular mood, so it is natural for me to use the same in my creative process. I gravitate toward colors. Their energy attracts me and their energy inspires me.

MS- I’m an Art Therapist by training. Not only have I been a witness to the therapeutic value of color in action, I’ve used it in my own artistic endeavors. Colors evoke different emotional responses as well as feelings. You can manipulate someone’s mood by changing the surrounding colors. The same holds true in designing jewelry. I must admit I don’t always consciously set out to use a specific color, I let my feelings lead me to certain colors. How do I want to feel when I wear this piece? The answer just pops out and the choice is made clear. No matter what the process, the pieces must be something I would like to own myself. You could say that I design for myself. I realize it sounds rather self-centered, but I cannot be pleased with something I won’t wear myself.

Who has the greatest influence on your life?

BF- All the women in my life especially my mother and grandmother. Gustov Klimt, Camille Claudel have been of great influence artistically. I’m also endlessly fascinated by the pattern and design in Persian carpets.

MS- It’s hard to choose one thing as the greatest source of inspiration. The women in my life have certainly played and play their part but I’m also influenced by my husband, music, poetry and art. Art, literature and love are timeless and that is the most important quality design should have. Treasured for all seasons.

What do you love most about what you do?

BF- The creative process unfolding. Starting at a particular creative point and ending up at a different finish line. This to me demonstrates the creative force at work. The creativity carrying me away. I do, however, create some pieces in a methodical, planned way, but I like to be carried away by inspiration.

MS- What I love the most is where creativity takes me. There have been many times when I’ve realized my hands have been busy but my mind (may be soul would better describe it) has flown away only to come back and witness the almost finished product. It’s difficult to explain this phenomenon. I do, of course, start out with a plan and a design in mind in most cases but it’s like as though the moment my fingers come to contact with the materials I exit my body. This I refer to as my own art therapy. The sublimation is always the product created. My mood and are always in a higher state.

Jewelry Trends: Fall 2010

As fall eases in, it brings along the wonderful autumn palate of burnt orange, olive green, and all shades of brown. The runway is sporting a more masculine look with tailored jackets, trim button downs and flattering trousers.

The statement necklace is still a must: big yellow gold links by themselves, with warm complimentary colored stones, even with fur. I love the mink and gold-plated links necklace by Louis Vuitton; fur is one of the season’s hottest trends. Necklaces are being worn shorter now so they can be left inside the clean lines of a tailored blouse or jacket. I plan on pulling-out my yellow gold vintage pocket watch and watch chain, which also pairs with the season’s military inspired looks.

Cuff bracelets and chandelier earrings continue to be hot trends for the fall. Cuff bracelets are showing up everywhere from the office to the red carpet. They are a chic piece of jewelry even if they only peak out from under a blazer. I love the colors and texture of stingray bracelets, which are an economical way to keep current. (available at Amazon.com)

Chandelier earrings trump all jewelry for evening. The fashion of the moment seems to be less is more when accessorizing, but more is more when it comes to dangling earrings like these earrings from Faso. So, don’t be afraid to put on a little black dress and over the top earrings.