Stiletto Jungle Hits the Spring Accessories Preview

Monday, November 02, 2009

--By Pearl C.

Hi SJ Readers! I know I’ve been the MIA writer lately and I promise there is good reason for that. After landing a gig at a very cool new company and leaving my spacious West Hollywood apartment for a tiny little place in New York City, I have finally arrived. Helloooo NYC! And I’m off and running for you already.

I recently had the opportunity to check out some new jewelry and accessories at Succarra’s Spring Fling preview, where they hosted pieces by Kim Gilby, Suzanna Dai, Jessica Hicks, Joy O Designs, Sisco Family Jewels, Otrera, Jenny Bird, Audra & Delilah, Aurum Vitae for Tam Tran, I4D, IJA Designs, and Dean Davidson as well as shoes by Anyi Lu and swimwear by diNeila. Although I liked a lot of what I saw, there were some pieces and designers that stood out in my mind and one in particular that I’ll probably dream about tonight.

Anyi Lu is a designer from San Francisco who studied chemical engineering in school and has a passion for competitive ballroom dancing. A pretty good recipe for a shoe designer! She makes beautiful heels and flats, designed for comfort and flexibility but in high fashion styles. Check out this beautiful Carolyn flat in the Phoenix Pitone color. Great for walking around town and adding a bit of pop and sophistication to your work day. I also dug her Paige shoe in black/eggshell patent coloring because it gives the feel of the ballet flat with the style of the heel. Anyi Lu shoes are a hit at Nordstrom right now, and will also be carried in Bloomingdales soon.

Anyi Lu - Carolyn Flat
Anyi Lu "Carolyn" Flat
$375.00 SRP

Anyi Lu - Paige
Anyi Lu "Paige" Shoe
$425.00 SRP

Kim Gilby is a jewelry designer that caught my eye for her inventive use of materials. She uses feathers, chains, leather, stones, shells to create her unique pieces that showcase her vibrant personality and drawing influence from photography and music. She says “Some days I feel like being a girly girl, while others I feel like being a rock star.” I could definitely see this theme whispering to me as I perused her bracelets and earrings. Kim’s gold-filled peacock feather earrings are so cool and add a great slash of color to an understated wardrobe. The rocker chick in me was lusting for her Luzmery black diamond cut chain necklace and Angelina silver Swarovski ring in black/red shades while the glam girl in me was digging her Katie metal mesh scarf (personally I’d go for the purple iridescent).

Kim Gilby Gold-filled peacock feather earrings
Kim Gilby Peacock Feather Earring

$60.00
Available at: kimgilby.com

Kim Gilby Long black diamond cut chain necklace
Kim Gilby Chain Necklace

$115.00
Available at: kimgilby.com

Dean Davidson was inspired to create jewelry during a trip to Africa where he found hand crafted items in Cape Town and became motivated to construct his own pieces. I loved the brushed metal look to his jewelry, particularly the cuff bracelets. The marquise rings were beautiful as well, adding a little bling to the brushed metal look (loved the smoky quartz!). This is definitely a designer to keep on your radar.

Joy O Designs is hardly a secret amongst celeb circles. Cameron Diaz, Eva Longoria, Anne Hathaway have been pictured wearing Joy Opfer’s whimsical designs. Her super thin bracelets and earrings were on my wish list as they were lightweight and versatile. The hammered angled bangles were so cool, and come in a set of 3 or 5 of mixed metals. I also really liked the simple thin cuffs, pictured on Cameron Diaz. And I must shout out her handmade hammered hoops that come in an insane variety of shapes and sizes.

Dean Davidson Bracelets
Dean Davidson Bracelets

Joy O Designs Hammered Hoops
Joy O Designs Hammered Hoops

Toronto-based Jenny Bird’s jewelry and purses stole my heart and kept luring me back to her table. Carmen Electra, Kelly Rowland, Whitney Port, Taylor Momsen and Rachel Ray seem to agree with me, as they also dig Bird’s designs. I was coveting her black studded pouchettes which were small and edgy enough for a late night out on the town. The piece that will be haunting me tonight is the leather and chain lariat, be still my heart. The lariat is from Bird’s aptly named Electric Lady line, and it’s several long chains pulled together with strips of leather; the ultimate concert accessory. I’m not sure I’d ever take it off.

Jenny Bird Handbag
Jenny Bird Studded Handbag

Jenny Bird Necklace
Jenny Bird Necklace

Hope you guys enjoy this accessories preview as much as I did, and that you find something you fall a little in love with (or maybe a LOT).
_______
Pearl C.
Pearl C. is a contributing writer for Adventures in the Stiletto Jungle. After nine years in SoCal, Pearl returned to her east coast roots, taking up residence in NYC. Formerly with Interscope Records, Pearl is now Agency Client Services Mgr. at Vevo, a start up music video site launching at the end of this year. Although a smart girl all-around, Pearl's true gift is for finding the best party in town.