The Return of Statement Earrings
Each year, we see trends come and go. Skimming through glossy pages in magazines to see what styles will be dropping in stores, and this season is no different, this spring/summer: big is bold and beautiful.
Keeping It Simple
Slicked hair, brushed away from a preened face appeared to showcase the ears and neck as a canvas, perfect for stunning pieces of jewellery. At Maison Margiela the earrings were simple but elegant, creating a focal point. A beautiful pair from Chanel's S/S catwalk, a set of pared down drop earrings. The highly polished crystal glistens against the model's face in a spring garden backdrop. Over at Balenciaga, models wore guilded chunky earrings but these shaped crystal drop earrings stood out, they're chunky but not garish.
One take away is that big is bold and beautiful. Will you be wearing statement earrings this spring?
Big, Bold, and Elaborate
Saint Laurent's show glittered with countless chandelier earrings but these oversized crystals sparkled amongst them. Asymmetric earrings dominated Burberry's catwalk, but each one shone- big and encrusted with crystals. Models at Dries Van Noten were enarmoured with chunky earrings, some crawled up the ear and others featured clusters of crystal strands that danced and swayed to the rhythm of the model's strut.
That was back in 2013. Since then, I’ve continued to be a huge fan, with owner Lori Leven doing an Instagram takeover while in Tucson one year and myself closely following along with the latest happenings from afar. I finally visited in January of 2014 during a quick trip to NYC for the Gem Awards! I had only a few hours in NYC before I had to catch a plane home and immediately knew I wanted to check out Love Adorned.
Love Adorned is one of those epic stores — one that you plan a trip to NYC just so you can visit, one that has so many beautiful things your heart just races the whole time. I was delighted to get to visit again for a third time, only this time fully documenting it all to share in my #JewelryRoadTrip project. I was greeted by Felicity, as Lori and her trusty sidekick Bird were in LA (there are three locations: NYC, LA, & Amagansett). As you can see, the interior is just as artistic as the designers that are carried at the store. From the floating cloud installation in the back, to the global influence of the decor…even the preserved flower station that you see upon entering.
It's like traveling to several different continents through one set of doors.
With over 2000 pieces of jewelry available at their Nolita store alone, I was in for a real treat. It was hard to decide what to photograph because I loved it all. Lori is well-known for her skill of discovering new jewelry design talent–people that handcraft their creations and take pride in their unique aesthetic. If you’re marching to the beat of your own drum, you belong at Love Adorned! Designers like Little H, Anthony Lent, Page Sargisson, Scosha, Fraser Hamilton, and Baker & Black among others fills the jewelry cabinets of the store. I always learn of a designer I’ve never heard of before but am blown away by their work whenever I visit, this time it was Carla Maxine. She is a young female designer based out of Australia that does amazing things with opals, tourmalines and diamonds. This opal hybrid ring took the cake for me.
Not only will you find an eclectic mix of jewelry designers, but lots of vintage and antique jewelry as well.
An entire case in the middle of the store is filled with vintage jewels from all different time periods and spanning every style. You can find pieces under $100 next to a $10,000 heavy, high karat gold chain. The mix is so fun and the pieces are one-of-a-kind, so falling in love and being tempted to buy is even more heightened. I love the vintage jean jacket styled with sterling silver pins displayed in the vintage case, along with a tray filled with sand where the antique rings are housed. The jewelry is creatively displayed and which makes it even more fun.
The newest addition to Love Adorned is their full-time piercing studio which was carved out in the far right corner of the store. It is its own little private oasis where you can get professionally pierced by some of the best in the biz, as well as choose from the best piercing studs in the game. There’s a whole section of gold studs with so many styles to pick from — as well as other body piercing jewelry.
It is a one-stop shop when it comes to piercing and if you see Felicity there, take a peek at her ears for some serious inspiration! She has some really neat piercings.
I had such a fun time visiting Love Adorned; special thanks to Felicity for taking the time and helping me with all the jewelry. Thanks Lori as well — you might have not been there physically, but your presence is felt and I hope to see you very soon!
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1. Choose a choker style that suits your need.
Subtle and dainty, show-stopping and opulent, or stand-out statement chokers - there's plenty to choose from since this accessory came back into the spotlight, after all it is an easy piece of jewellery to wear.
2. Placement makes a difference
Some chokers look stunning when floating on the middle of the neck, whilst others draw attention by sitting neatly on along the collarbones. Take your time to try different pairings.
3. Co-ordinating your choker and OOTD
Statement chokers look equally good layered over turtlenecks or bare necks. Opt for a dainty choker or two, you can customize your look by wearing several together for a unique piece or on its own for a barely-there finish. Dazzle with a crystal-encrusted choker to draw attention to plunging necklines, or punctuate a beautifully fitted ensemble.