What’s Going on with Kate Pankoke for Elaya Vaughn?

Posted on November 19, 2013 by SMM

So Kate Pankoke was a recent designer contestant on Lifetime’s hit show Project Runway. In fact, she was a contestant on both season 12 and season 11. I enjoyed both of her stints on the show. I was very much honored to see her final runway collection presented during MBFW this past September. Despite her not winning Project Runway, she will always be a winner in my book!

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of speaking with Kate. She was such a delight. I’ve also enjoyed learning more about Kate through her work as creative director for Elaya Vaughn Bridal. I’m pleased to share more information about this stunning brand, it’s upcoming line for next year, and we can’t go without paying a bit of tribute to her standout moments on Project Runway. So here is the brand basics for Elaya Vaughn, and also a bit of background on Kate.

The brand was launched in 2010. As Kate describes the brand, “it’s more than a brand; Elaya Vaughn is an Experience.” She wants to make sure the wedding gown selected by her client, the whole process, down to the big day, is truly an unforgettable experience. She ensures that each gown consists of the highest quality of materials/embellishments, such as silk Swarovski crystals and metal coil boning. Kate’s strongest attributes play right in hand with her work for the brand.

As was seen on Project Runway and as can be seen from her work (images in this post), Kate is all about artful femininity — a true focus and commitment to fit for each woman’s figure. I could go on and on about how breathtaking her work is, how effortlessly the work appears, but that in reality each piece is consumed with very hard and detailed work. Rather, I am going let these images continue this story so enjoy!

THE PARIS

A-line gown comprised of silk satin-faced organza with a tulle skirt overlay. The bodice & tulle skirt are trimmed in delicate Alencon-style lace appliques and a scalloped lace hem.

THE AKIANA

A voluminous ball gown with tiers of silk satin-faced organza and with an asymmetric draped bodice that is accented at the waist by a grosgrain ribbon & beaded silk organza flower.

THE ELLOISE

This is a ball gown of cascading tiers of gathered & pleated silk taffeta ruffles with sweetheart neckline accented by rhinestone edging. The waist also has a asymmetrical beaded rhinestone applique.

THE JUNE

A-line gown with asymmetric draped strapless bodice, also with a silk satin-faced organza that overlays a floral print.

THE GWEN

Alencon-style lace A-line gown with a neckline & hem trimmed in a delicate scallop. Also with tulle skirt overlay.

THE JORDYN

Stunning drop waist gown with corseted bodice comprised of silk duchess satin culminating to a voluminous tulle skirt

THE DAISY

Silk satin-faced organza mermaid gown with a seductive close-fit, a corseted bodice that hugs the body and is paired with a silk chiffon & silver beaded fringe shawl.

THE ZOE

Strapless gown encrusted with Swarovski crystals with a gathered tulle skirt creating an A-line silhouette.

THE DARLA

A romantic draped tulle gown with mermaid skirt that wraps asymmetrically

THE MARIA

Detailed tulle ball gown with a pleated chiffon bodice overlapped by a draped tulle tank. There are 2 abstract beaded rhinestone appliques which accent the shoulder and then the waistline. The skirt has 3 asymmetrical tulle tiers.

THE GISELLE

Silk taffeta drop waist gown with a neckline and applique on abstract bow, which is embellished with rhinestones. This is a trumpet skirt with a cascade of ruffled tiers.

THE DAPHNIE

A-line gown with a silk charmeuse bodice accented by 2 rhinestone appliques & a lace-up back; also with silk satin-faced organza skirt.

THE MARLO

Slinky silk charmeuse gown with silk chiffon accents and a wrapped tank bodice with sheer straps.

And to end, here are some great Project Runway memories. I can’t wait to see what is in store for Kate next — a future RTW line, more bridal, more eveningwear, the sky is the limit!!

SEASON 11 HIGHLIGHTS

SEASON 12 HIGHLIGHTS

MBFW COLLECTION

Brilliant Earth: Inspired Jewelry to Help Commemorate Special Moments

Posted on November 6, 2013 by SMM

THE BRAND

Brilliant Earth creates timeless jewelry for multiples types of occasions, but certainly has a strong mission — to serve the socially conscious consumer, support communities harmed by the diamond trade, and lead our industry towards the greater good. If you like what you see in this post, please take time to read additional information about this brand, from their elaborated mission to their non-profit fund, and also their personal brand story. But here is some prominent brand information and background. Click here to sign in and start customizing or shopping if your heart so desires!

brilliant_earth_3140 brilliant_earth_2978 Brilliant Earth is co-founded by Beth Gerstein and Eric Grossberg, who met at Stanford University. There search for their own engagement ring, which was conflict free, led to the development of the brand. Brilliant Earth has strong commitments to ethical sourcing, which means they are dedicated to socially and environmentally responsible sourcing. They carefully select suppliers that adhere to strict labor and environmental standards, and can demonstrate a complete chain of custody for their gemstones. Brilliant Earth also stands behind their high quality and high levels of customer care. For customer care there is free FedEx shipping both ways, eco-friendly packaging, financing/layaway options, free lifetime manufacturing warranties, and much more. Summing up a truly passionate and inspired mission, Brilliant Earth believes that high quality, fine jewelry need not come at a great human or environmental cost.

So now to a main reason for my post today. Brilliant Earth is launching a new line, The Wisteria Collection. Check it out below for pictures and more details!

The Wisteria Collection is inspired by Autumn Love. Inspiration is more specifically derived from the beauty of falling leaves to the graceful curves of bare Autumn branches, which combine to create a fluid design. Just as all of the other Brilliant Earth pieces, this line still offers no compromise between quality and conscience.

This line is an exclusive new design collection. It’s all about the natural beauty of Autumn — sinuous curves of vines, rippling of leaves in the breeze, dappled patterns of the sun on dewy petals, really capturing the light & movement of each piece. The branches & vines curve and overlap to represent 2 lives intertwining.

Just a bit more information you might want about Brilliant Earth. Outside of the sparkling and spectacular Wisteria collection, there are a host of other pieces to find online.

There are a variety of engagement rings to choose from — antique to custom to sapphire to unique colored gemstones.

You can search and work with a variety of diamonds and sapphires.

You can commemorate more than just your engagement, but also find bands or rings for the wedding! There are custom options available, diamond, sapphire and even bands for men. For rings you can have your settings without accents, with diamonds, with sapphires or w/ other gemstones.

BE2PD15R15_white_top_lg_t_w200_h200 BE250BDSE_white_top_2_t_w200_h200 There is also an assortment of fine jewelry — sapphire, diamond, and silver. There is more than just rings as you can see — pendants, necklaces, and earrings. Pieces here and in other shopping options offer choices of silver, platinum, or 18K yellow, white or rose gold.

BE4BRD1_t_w200_h200 BE404S5_white_t_w200_h200 capricorn_top_lg__t_w200_h200 Brilliant Earth has certainly been featured in the media — Glamour, USA Today, The Huffington Post and more. You can also see what other customers have said with the Customer Letters section, shared Unforgettable Memories, and Reviews.

If you love what you see, Contact Brilliant Earth today!

Check Out M.M. Lafleur’s NYC Pop-up While You Can!

Posted on October 31, 2013 by SMM

I was first introduced to M.M. Lafleur earlier this year at Baublebar’s pop-up during a collaboration event. M.M. Lafleur is both a luxury fashion brand, but also, very much a high fashion label. You can always shop online, but until Nov. 3rd, you can also check out their pop-up in Soho, 91 Grand Street. Look below for their remaining upcoming events!

There is a wide variety both at the popup and online, lots of cuts, fits, silhouettes, and colors. You can check out the full selection here and see just how amazing the styles are, from the Mae to Michaella to Yoko to Sophia. Also available at the popup are great selections of belts, blazers, cardigans, and scarves. With M.M. Lafleur you are getting amazing quality, but at a more affordable price, as compared to the high-end luxury designers.

The design team is packed full of experience. You have a former head designer for Zac Posen, who also worked with major brands such as Jason Wu and Theory. The fabric is nothing but the best as it’s shipped from top mills in both Italy & Japan. The belts are high quality leather. M.M. Lafleur’s ethos, as they say, is simple: to make the purposeful woman look and feel beautiful. Learn more about the brand here!

There is a lot rave about with this brand. There is so much versatility. The colors are very much on trend for the upcoming fall season, with options of lilac grey, peacock blue, oatmeal, aubergine, mayan red, charcoal, black, cinnamon and more. But what is great is that the colors are not just geared for the upcoming seasons, it will also work throughout the year. You can wear with or without tights/hosiery, dress up in heels or down with flats, and you could even pair with a light jacket or sweater if need be.

There are a few specific upcoming events for the pop-up’s final days:

Friday, Nov. 1st, 6-8 pm: Shopping Event for Women in Law
Sat., Nov. 2nd, 1-3 pm: Keep Calm & Carry on with Hitha on the Go
Sun., Nov. 3rd, 2-4 pm: Building your Personal Brand

So while it’s sad the pop-up vanishes after Nov. 3rd, it doesn’t mean there are not amazing opportunities to shop online. This team knows a woman doesn’t just try on one dress and tada!, that it’s the winner. When you shop online, you can select up to 4 dresses to have shipped. You then have 7 days to make your decision. Shipping is on Lafleur, both ways, how awesome is that?!? You only pay for what you keep! M.M. Lafleur is working diligently to find tailors to partner with across the nation. For now, in NYC, there is Beyond Bespoke. So if you need to make any tweaks, you can receive a discount from their tailor partners.

If you have questions, you can easily contact the team or check out the FAQs page.

Death to the Pantsuit: A Designer Rethinks Women’s Workwear (nymag.com)
Zac Posen (adlmagazin.wordpress.com)

Joyce Pilarsky & Her Wearable Floral Art Empire

Posted on October 16, 2013 by SMM

Fashion Week Brooklyn has come and gone. But for Fashion Nexus, there is still time to share and write about some of the amazing talent who presented during FWB. One designer, a true visionary, who certainly stood out, was none other than Joyce Pilarsky. There is no way that the stunning floral creations she sent down the runway were forgettable!

This Spring 2014 collection of course showcased some amazing floral motifs, but also utilized a lot of great and bold colors-lime green, orange, lavender and more! Each piece truly had it’s own story. The individual elements really came together so well for each overall look. The silhouettes were both modern and innovative. I enjoyed the use of asymmetry and cut-outs. I felt as if each look that came down was like a fun present I was getting to unwrap with my eyes-looking at all of the intricate details, seeing how well the piece looked from all angles and finding additional surprises for each look with the lovely jewelry that accompanied it.

Photo Credit for All Spring 2014 Images-Shawn Punch

I look forward to seeing more from this artistic innovator, creator and designer. Joyce hails from the Philippines, but it was such a pleasure being able to see her couture designs while attending FWB. I’m sure we have all heard of the “Renaissance Man”, well Joyce can have the title of “Renaissance Woman.” She is not only a designer, but she also sings, writes, models, and was a former beauty queen. Joyce of course loves wearing her own creations, which is such a joy to see. I like that the way she describes her pieces. Those descriptions are exactly what the pieces represent-sexy but sophisticated looks for confident women. While daring, they really are looks you can have such fun with. It’s of course fun to wear wearable art, right!

Joyce has been very busy developing her brand and presenting her bold collections. In 2010, she presented her jewelry collection in collaboration with Fashion Designer John Guarnes in Philippine Fashion Week 2010. In 2011, she presented her Holiday collection at the Philippine Fashion Week and in October that year she presented her summer collections. In 2012, global fashion show organizer and model Jessica Minh Anh picked Filipino designer Joyce Penas Pilarsky to join other creative fashion houses from USA, UAE, France, Austria, Spain, Poland, Malaysia, and Vietnam at the International J Summer Fashion Show on the 30th of July, 2012, on the Seine, Paris. She also presented last year at FWB so it was great that she decided to come back this year!

The posts higher up are her looks from the Spring 2014 show, but mixed throughout are past creations of hers from other collections. It’s clear she has developed an aesthetic, her own voice, what she wants to represent and where she sees herself in the fashion realm. It was such a true pleasure being able to meet and speak with her while at FWB. She radiates such positive energy and she was such a joy to be around. Make sure to keep up with Joyce-contact information; Twitter.

Fashion Week Brooklyn is like…… (shirleyshirle.wordpress.com)
Print/Pattern trends for Spring/Summer 2014 – Fashion Weeks in Review (fashionfetishism.com)

More from Ted Rossi in Spring 2014

Posted on October 10, 2013 by SMM

Recently, I took a trip back over to the Ted Rossi showroom to check out his recent work for Spring 2014. All I can say is WOW!! Okay, well I can say more than that, but if I had to sum it up, WOW works! There was so much to look at that I was just in awe. I could hardly stop myself from taking so many pictures as you will see from the tons throughout this post. Now remember, just a little while back I did a featured piece on the Ted Rossi brand, so for some great reminders on the history and basics about Ted Rossi, check it out here! But for now, let’s take a look at all the new and fun pieces, which will soon be coming out!

Shop Ted Rossi here! Follow Ted Rossi on Twitter! Additional shopping options here! Like Ted Rossi on Facebook!

In my last piece, I briefly mentioned and showed a couple of pictures from a new collection within the Ted Rossi brand, “Gotham Decay.” You have to check out the great additions to this line!

1st picture-Brooklyn Graffiti tote; 2nd picture-Brooklyn Graffiti crossbody

The Ted Rossi brand is all about being bold and Gotham Decay certainly doesn’t stray from making a bold statement. From the graffiti print to the rich infused colors to the chic modern feel, these pieces are all about being bold!

1st picture-Hologram bracelets with bullets & Graffiti double bullet bracelet & pyramid bracelet

2nd picture-bottom right corner, Hologram envelope; right above it, Brooklyn Graffiti crossbody

Gotham Decay still mixes it up a bit, so it’s not all about the graffiti prints, but you can also find more classic and basic pieces.

1st picture-top left, Hologram Diva tote in white; bottom left, Colorblocked Rockstar101 clutch; top right, Cobra Bullet satchel in black; bottom right, Cobra Ultra Glam clutch

2nd picture-Colorblock Envelope clutch in black and white

Hologram X-Treme Studded mini bag

From Gotham Decay we moved onto the delicate, but still statement-making Spring 2014 collection, “Pretty in Pastels.”

various Cobra Bullet, Cobra Double Bullet, Cobra Double Pyramid, and Cobra Pyramid bracelets

There are also still some great items from the Holiday/Resort/Summer 2013 collections to showcase.

And as always, on top of amazing new collections, there are always the luxurious, classic and staple pieces that will always fit perfectly into one’s own personal accessories collection.

20 Vintage New York Graffiti Photos (complex.com)
Geez Whiz Graffiti (atltomgirl.wordpress.com)

All About Yumi Kim: Flower Power & Feminine Mystique

Posted on August 29, 2013 by SMM

If you are a young woman, looking for fashionable variety, such as modern prints, fun florals or even vintage silhouettes, then look no further than the Yumi Kim brand. To be quite honest, I do not own a floral printed garment myself, but after learning more about Yumi Kim and seeing all of these amazing options, I know now I really need to fill this gap in my wardrobe! There is a wide selection to shop from-tops, bottoms, dresses and jumpers. You can shop from YK classics, must-haves, best sellers, last chance, on sale, and new items. YK is fast approaching its 5-year mark, but I definitely see longevity and more success in their future!

YK designer is Kim Phan. She always had a desire and passion for fashion and creative expression. Even at a young age, she was designing and revamping vintage clothing. She moved to NYC and launched Yumi Kim with no formal training, just her desire, motivation and creative impulses. The brand name is partially derived from one of the loves of her life, her Yorkie, Yumi. Inspirations for this brand are vintage silhouettes and accents, with touches of urban and modern feminine mystique. Phan is also a major fan of florals as patterns and incorporates them into many of her designs. Phan says, “Flowers are so girly and playful. They really accentuate the bright, fun mood I try to channel in my clothing, and makes every girl feel pretty”

It was in the fall of 2008 that Phan opened her 1st flagship store on the lower east side of NY, 105 Stanton Street. Soon thereafter, she opened another location on the Upper east side, 1331 3rd Avenue. She fills her stores with a medley of her favorite accessory designers, and cool vintage finds, mixed with handpicked home gifts that accompany the entire Yumi Kim collection. Yumi Kim can be found on Hollywood’s hottest starlets and stylish girls worldwide. Yumi Kim can be found in Bloomingdales, Anthropologie, and premium boutiques across the country.

There are a lot of new and great ventures coming for YK. Next year, Phan is launching a new line, Blessed Peacemakers. The company will also open some new locations. This fall, YK shoppers can expect more Fall florals. The prints will be in cool teals and warm golds to match the chilly fall breeze. As far as patterns, there will be mod-inspired geometric to aztec prints available.

I really encourage you all to check out Yumi Kim online. Some interesting links to visit are as follows. Check out YK press, such as the brand being featured in Cosmopolitan and Glamour. With any questions there are a wide variety of forums, general contacts and social networks to check out. If you need help with sizes, check out the YK sizing chart. Finally, learn more about fashion, YK and Phan by checking out her blog.

Yumi Kim Designer Kim Phan Shares Her Italian Riviera Vacation Essentials (and She Drops a Hint on an Upcoming Project!) (ForEverVogue.com)
Yumi Kim Designer Kim Phan Shares Her Italian Riviera Vacation Essentials (and She Drops a Hint on an Upcoming Project!) (glamour.com)
Sale Alert – Yumi Kim (galgoesnyc.com)
The new vintage… (simplybeblog.co.uk)
Romantic Florals for Spring (simplybeblog.co.uk)
Yumi Kim Coupons (yumikimcoupons.wordpress.com)

Get Excited: Phillip Lim’s Target Collaboration!

Posted on August 13, 2013 by SMM

Since everyone in the fashion universe is posting about the Phillip Lim collection collaboration with Target, I wanted to bring some attention to it myself on my blog. Whether you are a Phillip Lim or a Target fan, I am sure you will find some great pieces for this collection. You can start shopping in-store or online on September 15th. (Yay!! that is the day after my birthday, oooh, maybe I will go birthday shopping!) The collection will encompass both apparel and accessories. Price points for apparel are between $19.99 and $299.99, while accessory prices range from $19.99 to $59.99. Here are some of the pieces I am most excited about!

There seems to be a lot of great pieces and this is just what I like. You check out these links, NY Racked, StyleCaster and Teen Vogue for more pics! I love the variety. I think for fall there are some great trends in colors for the season-navy blues, green, red and warm yellow. There are some great prints that are also perfect for the fall season. There is great color-blocking as a trend with the navy blue and green, which looks spectacular! I also love the traditional and always classic basic black pieces that can easily be incorporated into anyone’s wardrobe! I may have to make a couple of purchases on September 15th! What do you think, will you?

Must Have Handbags for Fall: Phillip Lim for Target (myfashioncents.com)
Phillip Lim 3.1 X Target (sarahelizabeth822.wordpress.com)
Phillip Lim X Target (kitschybelle.com)
Get Excited: Phillip Lim x Target Images Are Starting To Emerge! (stylecaster.com)
5 Questions with Phillip Lim (essence.com)
All The Phillip Lim For Target Pics (refinery29.com)
3.1 Phillip Lim for Target: See Every Piece in the Collection (stylecaster.com)
3.1 Phillip Lim for Target Lookbook (freshnessmag.com)
All Set With Target (zazzine.wordpress.com)

PONO Jewelry: From Making Buttons to Designing Bold & Beautiful Jewelry

Posted on July 21, 2013 by SMM

I had the distinct pleasure and greatest time this week sitting down with the business and design team behind PONO Jewelry. I met with everyone from the designer, Joan Goodman, to her sister and business partner Barbara and others who contribute to making this jewelry brand a success. It was also great being in the office and getting to see many of their amazing pieces available for purchase now!

PONO, of course, offers a wide variety and selection-cuffs, bangles, chokers and necklaces. The pieces are truly bold and easily classified as statement jewelry. I couldn’t imagine that anyone wearing any of these pieces would not receive a large number of compliments that day! The various pieces are also diverse in the types of materials utilized, from horn, wood, metal, shell or Italian resin. The aspect that probably caught my attention the most was the use of color or the effect that certain pieces had. Perhaps it was the way the color caught the light, but my eyes were certainly distracted from one piece to the next. I found so many pieces that I instantly fell in love with! Another great part to the PONO brand is that they have some basic pieces that are always available for purchase, such as their chain-linked necklaces, but the team also mixes in some great pieces for a given season.

Take for example, the Fall 2013 collection, which several of the pictures in this post represent. The collection represents all things dark, rich and luxurious. As Joan discussed with me, there really is a deep richness to every color chosen. It was great seeing these amazing jewel tones and once Joan mentioned the night sky or the Arctic Circle, I could very much see how this collection came together. It truly is an inspired collection that works perfectly for the Fall of 2013, without being so literal! I love seeing these collections/pieces firsthand, but also being able to meet and talk with the designers/creators!

Joan Goodman has done a magnificent job with the pieces she has designed. I have no doubt that their 10-year anniversary capsule collection for January 2014 or Spring 2014 will be anything less than perfection. It might be hard to imagine that someone who once was only working within the button industry could be designing jewelry as wonderful as this, but believe it because its true! Joan was in the position of some major changes in her industry and she did a very bold and courageous act by branching out and I have to say Bravo!

PONO was launched in 2003 (with its 1st collection being Spring 2004), but Bobbi Trim, the button company, is also still in operation. PONO is easily described as a line that exemplifies classic pieces that encapsulate a twist with touches of Italy, Hawaii and of course, NYC. PONO is in fact a Hawaiian word for “goodness”. The brand really prides itself on being anchored, expressive and illuminating with their overall business process and practice. The final product is the creation of timeless pieces that are creative, colorful, conscious and collectibles.

PONO has experienced a great amount of press in publications such as Essence, Italian Vogue, and even in TV shows such as “The Good Wife.” The pieces are again, available for immediate purchase, so click here if interested! You can also keep updated on their work via social media as well, so Follow PONO on Twitter.

Accessorize Your Fall Wardrobe with PONO (manhattanwithatwist.com)
The Art of Layering Jewelry (confettistyle.wordpress.com)

Ted Rossi: A Jewelry Brand thats Both Bold & Luxurious

Posted on July 12, 2013 by SMM

I had such a great time yesterday meeting the founders of the amazingly unique jewelry brand Ted Rossi, Ted Wertz and Sebastian Rossi. I have to say, if you ever have this distinct pleasure as well, you will instantly be in the best mood and really see why these 2 love their brand and being a part of the fashion world. The passion and enthusiasm they have is very abundant and its easy to tell why Ted Rossi exists and why the brand has experienced success. Personality aside, this jewelry brand really is so gorgeous, it offers many options and could really be the perfect accessories for any woman to own!

The brand’s beginning started with a basic black bangle, using leather and python skin. More skin, leather and color options soon surfaced. The central focus has always been the use of leather and exotic skins (python, lizard and viper), just in different forms. There are cuffs, bangles, smaller bracelets, statement necklaces, rings, earrings and even handbags. Later, the use of some sparkle and bling were added by using Swarovski crystals and elements. The Ted Rossi brand has certainly grown since its inception in 2003 and has adapted to changing trends and seasons, but still remains true to its original voice and aesthetic. Shop here!

The original voice comes from Ted Rossi designer, Ted Wertz. One might find it hard to believe that someone who was once in an engineering background is now making such fabulous jewelry pieces. But believe it because its true! Ted experienced some rough times back in 2001, but didn’t let hard times keep him down. He started out by cutting belts, and using trial and error to create his pieces. He was in NYC and literally selling jewelry as a street vendor. With hard work, trusting instincts and finding passion in the work you are doing, are the reasons why Ted is a jewelry designer today and that the brand has experienced such success. The brand is still growing and expanding, and I look forward to following its journey! Follow Ted Rossi on Twitter!

The 10 years of being in fashion has certainly brought some great success for this brand. The jewelry has been featured in a vast array of magazines-Lucky, People, Seventeen, Teen Vogue, Marie Claire and more! There are also a large number of celebrities who are clients of Ted Rossi-Eva Longoria, Ashlee Simpson, Kirsten Dunst, Leighton Meester, Miranda Lambert and more! This is not just a jewelry brand for the celebs and its certainly affordable for even students like me! You can shop online at Amazon, Max and Chloe, Henri Bendel and more! The brand is also available in several different specialty boutiques and stores-Kitson, Neiman Marcus, Saks, Singer 22, Bloomingdale’s, and more! See all shopping options here.

I am happy to feature this jewelry brand on Fashion Nexus. It is very fashion forward and modern. New collections and styles are often released during a given season throughout the year, such as the pictures below, which show some upcoming pieces! The pieces are so chic, but definitely have some edge so wear and don’t be afraid to make a statement! Like Ted Rossi on Facebook! Or if you have any questions or want to contact, click here!

Sydney Evan-A Jewelry Brand Designed From Inspirations, Instincts & Meanings in Life

Posted on July 2, 2013 by SMM

In the world of fashion, and yes, even with jewelry, it is often trends and other designers’ works that guide what is being created. This is not the case for this immaculately designed jewelry brand, Sydney Evan. This is a jewelry brand that is not afraid to let inspirations, instincts and real meanings from life guide their design process. From this process, it actually sets trends, whereas letting an already set trend dictate their designs. This is all possible due to the amazingly talented, knowledgeable and experienced designer, Rosanne Karmes.

I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Rosanne at a Custom Diamond Charm Bar event she recently held at Bergdorf Goodman. I immediately knew I wanted to do a more in depth feature on her and Sydney Evan. From further speaking with her, I can see why she has the ability to create these remarkable pieces and achieve the success she has had. Sydney Evan is fast approaching its 12-year mark of being in the jewelry business. The name comes from two of the most important people in Rosanne’s life, her daughter Sydney and her son Evan. Rosanne and I spoke about having the opportunity to be re-acquainted with your past and the realization of just how much it can attribute to where you are at in life now. From this conversation, it is no surprise to see how someone who was making and selling jewelry in her early teens can be where she is at today. She has always worked in some realm of fashion, whether it was sales in fine jewelry companies or as a representative in independent sales. Attaining a vast amount of knowledge and gaining invaluable experience with jewelry and fashion are the reasons why Rosanne was able to conceive Sydney Evan and grow the brand to be as successful as it is today.

Rosanne has created several different collections over the years. I would say there is likely something for everyone depending on which collections would most speak to you as a customer. I would also say they are perfectly fitting as to how Rosanne describes her pieces as being classics. This is not to say they don’t make a statement or wouldn’t fit into a given season or trend, but rather that these are high quality pieces you can purchase that have the capability to be worn for many years to come. You can look through the 15 collections and shop by clicking here. I have gone thru and selected my favorite pieces within each collection, which was a very enjoyable experience!

Celestial-full of stars, moons, wings, starbursts & more!

Devout-various forms of the signature “Evil Eye” and more!

The Discs-all in so many sizes, forms and colors!

Duality-Find here, the lotus, Venus, Mars, Yin-Yang or more!

The Edge-So unique with horns, matchsticks, skulls & more!

Initials-Of course I went with “S”, so find yours now!

Mammoth-True ability to create variety!

Nautical & Sea Life-Starfish, turtles, anchors Galore!

Numerology-Find your # and pick the colors and jewels used!

Peace Luck Love-Is it from horseshoes, wishbones or peace signs?

Shy-most recent, bringing affordability to this classic brand!

Sticks & Stones-So many options of jewelry types and bead colors!

Sweet Things-Jewelry shaped as cupcakes, yes please!!

Wild Things-So hard to choose a fave here with owls or butterflies!!

The Words-Live, Dream, Faith, Believe

Sydney Evan really does offer a wide variety when it comes to what you are purchasing and how. There are tons of earrings, necklaces, bracelets, beaded bracelets and rings to choose from and of course all within the 15 different collections presented. When purchasing earrings, you can even just buy for 1 ear instead of both! Necklace options offer choices for chain lengths as well. All pieces are also offered in 14K yellow, rose or white gold, or black rhodium with pave diamonds or precious stones. Sydney Evan can be purchased online or in various retailers across the U.S., or even international retailers.

I always enjoy looking at the various press for a given designer and Sydney Evan does have a fair share of celebs who also love this brand as much as I have come to! I see some personal favorites on the list-Lauren Conrad, Hilary Duff, Kate Hudson, Audrina Patridge, Lea Michele and more! Celebs aside, I also know that this is not why she creates her jewelry, as I personally saw how attentive she was when I attended a recent Custom Charm and Bead Bar event at Bergdorf Goodman. You can also enjoy that personal attention and even meet Rosanne by keeping up with the upcoming events she holds by looking at her Events page.

Sydney Evan really seeks to satisfy each and every customer. If you have any questions there are a myriad of ways to communicate, including on social media-Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. I hope you enjoy reading about Sydney Evan and looking at the astounding pieces as much as I did!

Fashion Nexus

A fashion blog for anything & everything fashion, including fashion law topics

Category Archives: Featured Designers/Brands

What’s Going on with Kate Pankoke for Elaya Vaughn?

Brilliant Earth: Inspired Jewelry to Help Commemorate Special Moments

Check Out M.M. Lafleur’s NYC Pop-up While You Can!

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