Accessories designer Kara Ross
Here at Park Place, one of our favorite designers is Kara Ross (kararossny.com) because each of her fun and funky pieces is a work of art. I just returned from Manhattan, where I toured her showroom to see the brand new Gemstone jewelry collection, as well as the 2011 spring/summer line of exotic-skin clutches, belts, and jewelry in yummy sherbet colors. I asked Ross about her latest creations, and here’s what she shared with me…
What was the inspiration behind your just-introduced Gemstone pieces?
I’ve always been fascinated with the aesthetics of nature and architecture—the shapes and facets of gemstones, and a stained-glass window’s ability to refract light. So that was the inspiration behind the necklaces, earrings, and bracelets in the collection.
What will women enjoy most about these pieces?
bold and blingy: The Kara Ross large sterling silver cuff with black onyx, hematite, pavé black sapphires, and 18K gold accents.
I think they’ll appreciate details like 18K gold, semi-precious stones, pavé accents, and sterling silver “lacework” on the back. This line is spot-on aesthetically, and it’s a big look at a reasonable price. As a designer and gemologist, I can translate a $50,000 piece into a $2,000—or even a $200—piece, and that’s what women really want, maximum bling for their buck.
What can you tell us about your project with Tory Burch?
Tory and I grew up outside Philadelphia, and we used to ride the school bus together. We recently teamed up to design the Evil Eye bracelet line, and it was a lot of fun to collaborate professionally.
Check out a short video clip of Kara Ross’s showroom at parkplacemagazine.com/kara.
Fun Find: Refashioner.com
Gently worn couture deserves love, too. At refashioner.com, a new curated swap site, members exchange chic clothes and accessories. As owner Kate Sekules says, “Every fashionable woman has good stuff in the back of her closet—the mistakes and one-wear wonders too valuable to give away.” Join, then submit images of gently used treasures to the site’s fashion police. Each accepted item will be assigned a value. Once your items are posted, you can spend their value on other items on the site. You don’t even have to wait until your things have gone to fellow members. Gucci, Hermès, Louboutin, and other favorite designers await you.
Vintage Looks: What’s Old is New
Style editor Susan Brierly
Not long ago, I was on the phone with my mother, when she asked, “Would you like a few pieces of my 1960s costume jewelry?” I almost dropped the phone. Not only do I love vintage accessories, but it would be so special to wear my mom’s pretty things.
Do you have a stash of vintage accessories in your jewelry box? If you do, wear them! Try a rhinestone brooch on your cardigan or coat, pin one on a simple clutch, or pop two matching pins on a basic pair of evening pumps for unexpected bling.
Layer strands of old pearls over your T-shirts and silk blouses. Glamorize your lobes with vintage earrings. (Although my ears are pierced, I find the old clip varieties surprisingly comfortable.) Enjoy timeless silk scarves, gloves, hair ornaments, retro eyewear, and beaded evening bags.
I even found two fabulous coats from the ‘60s (with dolman sleeves, fur collars, and big covered buttons) at a local second-hand shop. After a trip to the cleaners, these unique pieces are good as new.
Now I’m hooked on consignment shops, flea markets, tag sales, and etsy.com’s vintage inventory. I especially like Winterhill Antiques in Scotch Plains (908-322-2553), My Inheritance in Upper Montclair (973-233-1112; myinheritanceusa.com), and 4 Ever Michelle Couture in Morristown (973-538-6700; 4evermichellecouture.com).
Best of all, this is a très chic way to recycle one-of-a-kind fashion accessories. Sure, these vintage pieces won’t replace your fine jewelry (and we wouldn’t expect them to), but they offer a fun and unique way to express your individuality this holiday season. Happy accessorizing, girls!
