Monies, 2006                                                                                    2 7/8” wide

This stunning pair of mother of pearl bangles is from the brilliant design duo Gerda (nee Lynggard) and Nicolai Monies, who met in design school in the early seventies in West Germany.  They united both personally and creatively, and now work from their waterfront studio in Copenhagen where they are inspired and soothed by water and music.  The beautiful environment in which they create is reflected in their equally beautiful designs.

The Monies jewelry is made primarily from natural materials, including wood, bone, horn, amber and nail, as well as semi-precious stones.  Some fine man-made materials, such as resins, are also used.  Many of the pieces have leather cords which can be tied to the desired length; some have carved wood clasps; others have a toggle closure which repeats and continues the theme of the piece.  A number of the bracelets employ elastic cord (as do these) in order to maintain a clean, monolithic look.  Always the closure is an integral part of the design—never an afterthought—and that perfect detailing is a very important part of the appeal.  

I first discovered Monies jewelry in the mid-eighties—love at first sight!

My love affair with Denmark began when I was a very young child.  My uncle, who was a career serviceman, lived in Copenhagen with his family, and they sent beautiful Royal Copenhagen porcelain and Danish teak serving pieces at Christmas.  When they returned to the States I listened enamored to stories of royal palaces and exquisite gardens in far and away exotic lands, and dreamed of someday seeing it all for myself.

In the mid-seventies that childhood dream came true, and the reality lived up to my expectations.

I found the following when I did some research on Monies.

“We believe that the beauty of our surroundings will reflect on our work. And ultimately, in our customers. Therefore it is essential for us that our workshop radiates this beauty. For this reason the space we work in has been filled with eye-pleasing beauty and wonderful music. This atmosphere is an essential element in our creativity.

An ancient Chinese proverb claims that business thrives near the sea. With a view of the sea and the harbour, we are located on Copenhagen’s waterfront. And we know for certain, that the element of water lets the soul resound with inspiration. ”

Designers
Gerda and Nicolai Monies are an internationally-known design team from Denmark who create spectacular lines of jewelry.  Gerda and Nicolai met in design school in West Germany, and paired up personally and as designers- each working off and complimenting the other’s strengths and perspectives.  Both are inspired by natural elements and prefer to allow the essence of the material to speak for itself and determine what will flow from it.

Jewelry
The jewelry is made from nature’s own materials including wood, water buffalo horn, nail, bone, amber, and other semi-precious gems – as well as – fine man-made materials such as resins.  All materials used are certified in accordance with the International Wildlife Laws of the Washington Convention.

Popularity: 73% [?]

Technorati Tags: designer bracelet, monies, mother of pearl

anonymous, early 21st century
2 ⅜” wide x 4 ¾” diameter

So how much fun are these huge straw bangles?  Once again, it’s a triple impact trio when stacked together on one arm; it also works to only wear a single, or a single on one arm and a pair on the other.  Love that I found these at Neiman Marcus Last Call so I could get three for the price of one and have all these options!

These great bangles have no identifying tags; they look like Italian design and Philippine craftsmanship.

DONNA DIXON PINK STRAW PURSE /BAG CHARM BRACELET CHAIN $19.99

Popularity: 61% [?]

Technorati Tags: designer bracelet, Designer Jewelry, straw

Cecile et Jeanne, summer 2000 

I discovered Cecile et Jeanne in Paris in the spring of 2000; there were several single-line boutiques as well as counters in the department stores.  But, lovely as the jewelry was, none of the pieces moved me enough to purchase (I quite clearly remember not liking the hinges and the connecting details)…until I saw this stunning bracelet!  I had recently returned from Paris and found myself reliving those memories in the newly opened Soho boutique.  Even though this piece obviously came from the same designer, it also obviously did not come from the same production line of costume jewelry.  This cuff and a few other pieces in the shop were from a limited artisanal line.  So soon after my trip I seriously considered another luxury purchase, but this matte-finish gold on brass bracelet really spoke to me…and I’m so glad I listened!
   
I adore this bracelet!  And I wear it all the time—it’s another of those perfect pieces which accents casual or dressy in an equally elegant fashion.

Cecile et Jeanne was founded twenty years ago by the designer Jeanne and her brother Elie; they honor their mother Cecile in the company name.  Beginning with just fashion jewelry, the Parisian designed accessories line now includes handbags, belts, gloves, and perfume.  There are two New York locations, in Soho at 436 West Broadway (between Prince and Spring), 212.625.3535, and 1100 Madison Avenue (between 82nd and 83rd), 212.535 5700, as well as one each in San Francisco and Bethesda.

Popularity: 77% [?]

Technorati Tags: cecile et jeanne, designer bracelet, Designer Jewelry

Lamarthe, spring 2001
9 ½” l. x 4 ¾” w. (base) x 9 ½” h. + 7 ½” drop

Like the Calvin Klein seafoam pieces which I showed 06.23.2009—06.25.2009, the dusky aqua of this crisp, fresh tote is a just-beyond-neutral color—easy on the eyes, easy to wear. I love the effortless combination of the satin finished split cowhide with the natural cotton cord handle—another great summer look. And, the bag is beautifully, minimally crafted, unlined and with clean-cut edges.

Alfred Lamarthe founded his French luxury leather goods line in 1930 with the premise that his bags should be functional as well as beautiful; after patenting several accessories innovations he opened his first boutique in Paris in 1936. In addition to the Lamarthe boutique at 19, Avenue Opera, 75001 Paris, this European top seller can be found at Galeries Lafayette, Printemps, and Le Bon Marche. My bag was featured at Nordstrom, but I found the last one at T.J.Maxx!

Italy Lamarthe Leather Tote Purse Handbag Tan Brown Black Two Handles $29.99

LAMARTHE WOMENS GREEN PURSE BAG $20.49

Popularity: 66% [?]

Technorati Tags: Designer Handbags, lamarthe, leather, tote

Michael Kors, early 21st century

How great is a belt that’s also a necklace? Or a necklace that’s also a belt? With this elegant Michael Kors creation I take my inspiration from Coco Chanel and wear it a different way each time I put it on. It’s really quite stunning as a lariat!

This piece epitomizes the Michael Kors vision of chic, luxurious American sportswear.

New Michael Kors Womens Baby Pink Shoes Wedges Sz. 9.5 M $48.79

Michael Kors Stockton Sandals $27.99

Popularity: 62% [?]

Technorati Tags: Belt, designer necklace, leather, michael kors

Gap, circa 1995

Yes, really—the Gap! These leather Brazilian slides are an easy, minimal design…a perfect summer basic. (And the perfect basics are always the hardest to find—that’s why I still have these after a decade and a half!)

FRYE Avery Brown Leather Bronze Tone Studded Ankle Strap Toe Ring Sandals Sz 6.5 $39.00

PLINER SHEBA BLACK LEATHER CORK WEDGE TOE RING SLIDES SANDALS SHOES NIB$295 8.5 $89.99

Popularity: 66% [?]

Technorati Tags: Designer Shoes, gap, sandals

anonymous, spring 2005
6 ½” l. x 4 ½” w. (base) x 8 ¾” h. + 5” drop;                                
bag flairs to 20” @ top edge

This light-hearted nude saddle leather tote works equally well with a simple linen sun dress or jeans and a tee. It’s another feel good piece—so much fun to carry—it seems that flowers should be spilling over the top!

I can’t tell you any more about it than what you see in the pictures—it has no label, logo, or “made-in” tag. However, the Loehmann’s price tag did say it was from Italy.

JA1780 new beautiful fashion DESIGNER Satchel PURSE TOTE BAG handbag $9.99

Turquoise and Bronzed Brown Alexandra Cross body Tote Designer:Vitalio $52.95

Popularity: 72% [?]

Technorati Tags: Designer Handbags, leather, tote

C and N, summer 1992
1 ¼” diameter discs on a 36” cord (necklace)
⅝” diameter discs with a 1 ¾” drop (earrings)

This is the perfect summer necklace—it feels as light and airy as it looks. It can hang down in the typical fashion or drape horizontally across the shoulders. Playful as it is, though, it’s thoughtfully crafted with thin black tube cut into precise lengths that act as spacers for the edge-dyed acrylic discs. It’s also a great conversation piece; whenever I wear it I’m always stopped for a query and an inspection.

The coordinating earrings are equally delightful!

Popularity: 70% [?]

Technorati Tags: acrylic jewelry, c and n, caroline broadhead, Designer Jewelry, nuala jamison

Walter Steiger, spring 2000

Finding these amazing Italian sandals at Loehmann’s was another of those serendipitous shopping moments… I had recently found the Charles Jourdan tote (07.20.2009) in Paris; the bag and sandals came together perfectly. These patent leather sandals use ordinary vinyl tubing in an uncommon way—very clever as the gladiator laces. Another witty fashion moment!

Walter Steiger (born 1942 in Geneva) has designed shoes for a host of designers, from Mary Quant in the “swinging sixties” London, to Karl Lagerfeld, Azzedine Alaia, Claude Montana, and Kenzo; as well as Bill Blass, Oscar de la Renta and Calvin Klein. Among his sixteen retail locations worldwide is a New York boutique at 417 Park Avenue at 55th Street.

WALTER STEIGER exclusive Italian ladies sandals, sz 6B $19.00

WALTER STEIGER Women’s Shoes Yellow Strappy Open Toe/Heel Sandal Size 7.5 B $50.00

Popularity: 64% [?]

Technorati Tags: Designer Shoes, sandals, walter steiger

Charles Jourdan, spring 2000                                                                                                        
10” l. x 3 ¾” w. (base) x 7 ½” h. + 6” drop
Spring 2000 was a stellar season for handbags, and this very clever, unusually handled tote took me to the moon! I found it at the tres chic Charles Jourdan boutique on the Champs Elysses in Paris (Yes, the same shopping trip as the fabulous Jean Paul Gaultier pieces which I showed you 06.08.2009—06.11.2009). Part of the fun of carrying this bag is the memory of a wonderful experience in France!

This tote was made in Spain—I don’t think many (or even any) Charles Jourdan bags were still being made in France at this point. It’s a beautifully crafted piece, but the finish on the leather is too fragile for everyday use.

Charles JOURDAN tote…shoulder bag PARIS …BLACK NWT’S BLACK PEBBLED LEATHER $51.00

Charles Jourdan Designer Bag and Shoes $109.95

Popularity: 70% [?]

Technorati Tags: charles jourdan, Designer Handbags, tote, vinyl

CK Calvin Klein, spring 2004

Once again, the sunglasses are all about the color. The translucent white frames and champagne lenses reflect the colors of the Bead-filled Platform Sandals—it’s an easy (and fun!) way to unify your accessories and pull a look together.

Calvin Klein ck3078s sunglasses $30.00

NWT CALVIN KLEIN Womens Sunglasses R337S Gun/Gray $72 $32.50

Popularity: 60% [?]

Technorati Tags: calvin klein, ck, designer sunglasses

Anne Klein, spring 1999

What a fun idea to fill the platforms of these champagne leather banded slides with sparkling faux crystals! Too bad the company didn’t take the time to test the durability of the vinyl shell of the platform…the first time I wore these, one platform split open and the tiny beads trickled out! It was a sort of Hansel and Gretel event, with the shiny bits marking my shopping path in Soho!

Fortunately Neiman Marcus replaced these fun and funky Italian sandals; the second pair just doesn’t go long distances!

Womens ANNE KLEIN Bronze Slingback Sandals BEAUTIFUL! 10M $5.99

Anne Klein Iflex Kathmandu 8.5 M Black Strappy Wedged Sandals Heels Womens Shoes $13.99

Popularity: 60% [?]

Technorati Tags: anne klein, Designer Shoes, sandals

Furla, spring 2005
10 ⅜” l. x 4 ¾” w. (base) x 10 ¾” h. + 6 ½” drop

I love when my colors have yummy food names! And when I think they’re not really accurately descriptive, no matter how delicious they sound, I come up with another! I’ve never seen paprika quite this hue…let’s see, how about coral cream? Or nectarine sorbet? Anyway, that’s the designer in me—I have to make it my own.

This tote is really my go-to summer bag—it’s a clean, simple design and useful size (big enough for a statement/presence and to hold plenty; not so large as to weigh me down). Like the Francesco Biasia Wave Tote, there is no extraneous hardware to clutter up the bag or to compete with my jewelry. And, this beautiful not-really-paprika works equally well as a pop of color with black and white or a bright accent for neutrals.

Even after several summers of use, this bag still looks fresh and only lightly worn. I’m pretty careful with my bags, but high praise goes to Furla for its amazingly stain and scuff resistant leather. And Furla always has beautiful color choices which you are free to rename! When in New York, be sure to visit one of the two Furla boutiques, either 598 Madison Avenue @ 57th Street or 727 Madison Avenue @ 64th Street. Furla is known as an affordable luxury brand, but mine was even more affordable since it came from Loehmann’s!

FURLA Italian Purple Suede & Leather TOTE HANDBAG Hobo SHOULDER BAG Purse $70.00

Brand New Furla Handbag (Hangtag, Dustbag, Authenticity Card) NWOT $250 $170.00

Popularity: 62% [?]

Technorati Tags: Designer Handbags, furla, tote

Metal Pointu’s, spring 2000 

This lovely handcrafted gold on brass necklace was a find at the Galeries Lafayette in Paris…just a small digression from my handbag mission in the spring of 2000! I especially love it with the Francesco Biasia Wave Tote; the repetition of the undulating pattern reinforces the strength of each piece. And, the counterbalance of the precision-cut leather to the artisanal quality of the metal makes it infinitely more interesting.

Metal Pointu’s is designed by Bernard Bouhnik and fabricated in Paris. M. Bouhnik began creating jewelry in 1988; he now adds a new design to the collection twice a year to coincide with the Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter Collections. In addition to the five Parisian boutiques, Metal Pointu’s can be found in Soho at 252 Elizabeth Street, NY, NY 10012, 646.454.1539. Enjoy!

Popularity: 61% [?]

Technorati Tags: Designer Jewelry, designer necklace, metal pointu

Anne Klein, spring 1998

I bought these Italian slides as a starting point for an outfit to wear to an elegant spring wedding. Yes, I often start with the shoes or bags, or even a belt or pair of gloves. I definitely would style a look around a unique piece of jewelry. My clothes are typically simple, clean designs; this allows the accessories to star without the look becoming too cluttered. Also, this allows me to create more looks from my basic wardrobe…and have more money left for handbags!

So, back to the wedding…it was cancelled two weeks before the invitations were due to be mailed. My fashion event was certainly not of equal significance to that! The gold sandals just became incorporated into my wardrobe without leading to something new.

When you have a very specific design ideology (and strong personal style), and stay true to it when shopping, the elements of your wardrobe will always come together…at some point. (Shopping alert!  Don’t buy everything you like if it really has no place in your closet—be objective about your purchases! And call a friend with a hot tip if the item should really be in her closet!) When I found the Francesco Biasia Wave Tote I found a new counterpoint to these slides. The key element which brought them together is the color of the sandals—it’s a bit unusual, sort of a pinkish-cast warm gold—really nice with the warm metallic coral tote. Of course, both shoes and bag have a fresh, modern feel. So even though this is not the “wedding guest” look which I originally envisioned, it did find a place in my closet!

Popularity: 61% [?]

Technorati Tags: anne klein, Designer Shoes, mules, sandals, slides