ALEXIS KLETJIAN STYLE LAB

This week's STYLE LAB is a quick and easy ensemble straight out of Palm Springs, or how I would dress if I were attending a party there... 

Spring trends heavily rely on the color forecasting services by Pantone, the authority on color.  This Winter, Pantone named Peace and Serenity their 2016 colors of the year.  Let's preface this by stating I am not a pastels person, which you probably already know by now.  I usually gravitate towards an all neutral palate come Spring, or strong, saturated colors in the the Winter and Fall, for my accessories and fine jewelry to take center stage. 


You'll find these styles in every store, at price points high and low.  From Burberry to H & M, you can layer this trend seamlessly into your wardrobe, for seasons to come.  I could go on and show you further how to style these colors through beautiful european draping, cocooning cashmere, street-style suedes, and my favorite, the urban chic.  But, we are here for the jewels, right?  

Let us master the trend by using this season's color palate as a jumping off point to mix your metals.  Just a hint, I always put white gold in the middle to play off the rose and yellow gold hues.  I think it is easier on your eye, it differentiates the golds, giving it a modern, romantic look.  But, you could mix in some black for a little edge, I like that, too.

ALEXIS KLETJIAN LUCKY STAR RINGS

ALEXIS KLETJIAN FINE JEWELRY COLLECTION, IN MIXED METALS

ALEXIS KLETJIAN LUCKY STAR STUDS

ALEXIS KLETJIAN LUCKY STAR STUDS IN ROSE GOLD AND DIAMOND

ALEXIS KLETJIAN DIAMOND INITIAL CHARMS

Alexis Kletjian, personal bangle collection - it keeps growing!

I wanted to share creative images featuring your favorite stones and stilettos, here on the blog.  Sharing as a creative outlet helps connect like-minded individuals while providing the opportunity to create lasting bonds, around the world.  Did you know that real-life friendships are being formed via social media everyday through the shared love of books, dogs, fashion, food and jewelry?  They are, I have benefitted from many. 

I pulled these images from Instagram through the hashtag I created (#stonesandstillettos) and included a link to the feed where the post originated.  Be sure to tag me in your posts, (@alexiskletjian) have fun, and be creative!  I can't wait to see your stone and stilettos...

Gold for Love

Nicole from Treasures for Liesel

Cyndi from The Fab Nab

Veronica from The Jewelry Bureau

Yvonne from Luck and Lockets

Do you love this new series?  Leave a comment below, or feel free to reach out and contact me to share your stones and stilettos!

Claire's bringing back the brooch with her win!

Random acts of kindness are powerful.  Spontaneous, kind gestures are a positive way to lead your life and inspire others to do the same.  So often we walk with our heads down, our faces shoved into a device, living our lives on the go...  We all need to slow down, take care of our souls, shift the balance, and show you care by giving back when you can, even with the smallest gesture of a smile.  Hold a door, help a friend, volunteer your time, participate in a charity, or give something away that no longer brings you joy.

You are probably wondering what this has to do with jewelry, so I will tell you... 

Jewelry is a placeholder for your emotions, and your stories.  One visual of your beloved piece and it brings you directly back to the moment of when you first saw it.  Your mind will replay stories of your favorite times wearing it, bringing you joy and happiness all over again.  However, when unwanted, unworn jewelry sits in a box, that story is never replayed, and the joy is gone.

Recently on Instagram, I spontaneously decided to giveaway a few items from my jewelry box that I no longer wanted.  I had planned to convert some antique pins and lockets into modern-day treasures, but in the end, I felt it was not truly my style.  I did consider selling them, trading them, or even melting for scrap to return my investment, but then I decided the emotional investment of happiness when giving them to new, loving homes far outweighed the time and effort.  

One post and their new homes found them.

Antique treasures from my jewelry box

I am very pleased to say everyone was thrilled with their new-to-them treasures and sent me images, which made me so happy!  I love knowing they now reside with collectors that will love and adore them, instead of selling to someone with an uncertain fate. 

The winners were announced on Instagram

Jennifer won the Star Pique Brooch, I was going to convert into a ring...

Cindy won this fabulously old turquoise star pendant, with a hidden locket in the back!

Just one of Cindy's jewelry box displays....

I can only hope these winnings serve as a reminder to participate in more random acts of kindness inside and outside of our community.  I was so inspired by all of the responses, I am going to do it one last time.  I have just a few more items I was going to convert, so in the spirit of random acts of kindness, you can look forward to round two ;)

Do you have a random act of kindness jewelry story to share?  I'd love to hear it.  You can either contact me, or a leave a message below!

I am always telling you to mix your metals and master the trend - am I not?  Well, this is how it is done in the December/January STYLE LAB!  We are entering the two busiest months of the year, rushing from event to event, bombarded with glittering lights, and filling up your calendars with the upcoming festivities.   

Now, I know it is very hard to resist the holidays without exploring your own shimmery version of an ornament, so let's do it while mastering the trend of mixing metals with fashion and jewelry in style.  This winter, I'm going platinum, and I should because as of late more customers are asking me for it! (Stay tuned for more on that in the new year.) 

I choose items from my closet that I wear (a lot).  I would be remiss if I styled an entire layout of items that are not made of excellent quality, or that I have not road tested myself, right?  Fear not, this is me we are taking about, and I would never do that to you.  Like, ever.  So, all in favor raise your space suit arm now.  Yes, that is what my husband thinks of this very jacket and every time I wear it he asks me when I leave for my mission to the moon.  Love him. 

MONTCLEAR PLATINUM JACKET

Every woman NEEDS a jacket that makes her look like she totally has it together, even if she is literally wearing her pajamas underneath said coat at the bus stop.  Sometimes, that is me.  But, I have found this coat to be a little chilly if you do not have a proper layer underneath, so fair warned!  This coat travels excellent because it packs up teeny tiny, but is best worn with close fitting pants, leggings, and dresses.  I am sure you can find a coat (maybe even warmer than this) in a variety of price points.  This season, I wanted to embrace the precious metal look and steer clear of all black because it is so depressing in the Winter.

Our brand new Retiarii earrings are the perfect statement earring to wear to your holiday parties, or jaunts around town.  I like to pile my hair up with a cozy oversized cowl sweater and let earrings be the focal point, and Retairii is the perfect choice for this for the unique style statement she makes. 

ALEXIS KLETJIAN RETIARII EARRINGS IN SILVER

There always seems to be a "sweater of the season" and this one from Vince just does it for me.  At first, I let it sit in the box when it was ordered late summer, during a sale.  I glanced at the unopened box.  I waited.  I pondered if the oversized shape was what I was after this fall, and did I really need another (overpriced, yet versatile) Vince sweater? Hmm, I did.  Once I researched my own closet, I decided it could stay. Your lucky sweater - you made the cut!  I've worn this sweater with leggings and boots, jeans and flats, as well as skirts and taller boots - it all works with the "sweater of the season", especially when you purchase it in the exact colors of your existing wardrobe.  Always, always check your closet first, friends. 

VINCE SWEATER IN CARBON

The triple threat Lucky Star rings, a customer favorite for their modern versatility and homage to our past.  Your hand will be the envy in every conversation, because everyone will be so distracted by the blindingly brilliance of these diamonds.  Purchase the trio as a set, or collect one-by-one over time, it's up to you how you choose to add more luck into your life! 

ALEXIS KLETJIAN LUCKY STAR RINGS IN MIXED METALS

Ok, this little fur scarf thing, I don't own.  I keep telling myself I will make one, and use those sewing skills, but you know how that is...  This looks very well-made and it is from Ellie Tahari whom doesn't design ill fitting garments or accessories, so I can confidentially recommend - if you are in need of a little fur in your face. 

ELLIE TAHARI FUR COLLAR