Designer Spotlight: Alimonada

Heidi An has worked for some seriously cool fashion companies (you probably shop there monthly) and now focuses her time and energy into her beautiful and affordable jewelry line, Alimonada. Handmade in Brooklyn, Heidi uses beautiful materials that are handpicked from her native Brazil. What really made an impact on me was that she generously donates 10% of all proceeds to “Casa de Graca” (Grace House), a temporary shelter for local girls from underprivileged families in Brazil.  Keep reading to learn more about the creative and generous designer behind the fun jewelry line.

Let's start at the beginning. How did you get into jewelry design? Are you formally trained, self-taught, or some combination of the two?  

I’ve been a fashion designer for over 11 years, designing for retailers like Urban Outfitters and Forever 21. When I moved to New York a year ago, I decided to start making my own jewelry as a hobby.  I started receiving a lot of positive feedback, and that's when I decided to start my own shop.

From where do you draw your inspiration? 

I'm inspired everyday by things around me - it could be anything from a jacket to an art exhibition - but I think Brazil has had the biggest influence on my designs because I grew up there. I think you can see a bit of it in my pieces. Colors, music, the fashion scene, and people on the streets all contribute to create something different and new.

10% of proceeds from Alimonda jewelry sales go to "Casa da Graca" (Grace House), a temporary shelter for girls from underprivileged families in Brazil. Can you tell us more about this and what made you decide to include this generous aspect to your jewelry line?

A local judge places girls at Casa da Graça if they have been abandoned, neglected, and/or abused by their parents or guardians. Some of girls’ parents are unable to provide adequate living condition for their children due to extreme poverty and others have escaped from street life. Even when a girl is fortunate enough to return to her home, there is very little social assistance available to her family, which is the biggest challenge.

 

This past January I went on a mission trip to this shelter and spent 12 days with these girls, and it really became big part of my heart.

Being a jewelry designer, what do you like best about your job? What are some of the most challenging parts of running your own business? 

What I like most about my job, is that I am able to create new designs. I just love to spend hours thinking and playing with the materials until I find a design that I like and that I think people will like. It makes me very happy to see people liking my jewelry.

I think the most challenging part of this business is creating awareness about my shop, just getting the word out there. This is a very competitive business.

What is your typical day like?

I am usually making jewelry or going errands for inspiration. Oh, and I walk my dog three times a day :)

PS - Bloggers love Alimonada! Check out some blogger shots from Alimonda's website:

This or That: Branch Necklace

I love jewelry inspired by nature. One of my favorite "steals" from nature is a twig or branch inspired piece of jewelry.  I recently came across two fabulous but very different takes on this element and wanted to know which one you liked more.

Do you like the abstract look of Robyn Rhodes' 'Danni' wire branched necklace or the more realistic Horizontal Branch Necklace by Colby June?

Sound off in the comments below!

Jewelry Organization: The Inspiration

I was recently asked if I would showcase my personal jewelry collection on another blog. The idea both excited and scared me. I can't wait to share photos of my favorite pieces of jewelry, but my collection is stored in places all over the house, in random piles. Not so great. And not visually appealing in the least.

Yesterday I came across a (new to me) blog, a house in the hills, and the post at the top of site was about her recent jewelry organization. This lady has some fabulous tips and great photos for those of us still needing to organize our jewelry collections. She includes links to the sites where she purchased her jewelry stands and velvet jewelry trays. Seriously helpful.

I've gone ahead and ordered a few of my own velvet trays and stands and can't wait to get organized! Don't you just love when another blog inspires you to take action in your own life?

 All photos from ahouseinthehills.com

How to: The Art of Layering

As the temperatures begin to drop, layering clothes is a fun and practical way to stay warm.  But layering isn't just for clothing. Layering accessories is right on trend for Fall. I love layering my jewelry, rarely wearing just one necklace, or one ring, or heaven forbid, one bracelet.  The trick to good layering is having your jewelry look cohesive but not overly planned. It's a fine line, ladies.

Necklaces
I am a big fan of keeping layered necklaces simple. While a mess of bracelets can look cool and edgy, I find that a jumble of necklaces can be over powering and can quickly turn from perfectly layered to messy and distracting. I like to layer two or three dainty necklaces in the same base metal for a look that's decidedly clean, cool, and crisp.

Rings
One of my favorite ways to layer jewelry is with rings. I am definitely a ring girl, feeling naked without at least one special bauble on my fingers. My favorite look right now is layering a bunch of thin bands. You can easily mix metals for modern look and wearing first knuckle rings is also right on trend. A fan of bigger, statement rings? Keep your cocktail ring on one hand while layering thinner rings on the other hand.

The "Arm-Party"
Perhaps the most beloved body part to layer, arm parties have taken 2012 by storm. You can't find a blogger who hasn't mastered the art of the arm-party. Perhaps the easiest pieces of jewelry to layer, stacking bracelets is hard to mess up. Almost anything goes - mixed metals, bright colors, too many bracelets to focus on...  Start with a focal piece and then continue to add different textures and colors for an interesting combination.

Winner, Winner

pc: lofficielmode.com
Thanks to everyone who entered the Spark and Pepper giveaway! I am happy to announce that Sarah (comment #2) won the Spark and Pepper 'Amelia' necklace! Please send me your email address so I can get in touch about mailing you your prize. Enjoy!

Above: Amelia, Spark and Pepper

DIY Friday: Sparkly Ombre Bracelet for Fall

This DIY is inspired by my friend Lauren who made a similar version of this bracelet for herself with bright beads. Her bracelet inspired me to make a sparkly ombre bracelet in colors that are perfect for the Fall. Or if you're a mermaid.

I actually have more of these beads and would be happy to sell a few of these bracelets to use up the leftovers. Email me if you're interested in buying your own Sparkly Ombre Bracelet!

You will need:
- 12-14 sparkly beads in various colors
- flat nose pliers
- snips
- 2 crimps
- 2 crimp covers
- 2 horseshoe shaped wire guards
- 1 clasp
- 1 jump ring
- beading wire

Step 1:
Thread one end of your wire through the crimp, the guard, and out the other side of the crimp.

Step 2:
Loop the end of the wire back through the crimp for extra hold. Squeeze the crimp shut, cut off the excess wire, and cover with a crimp cover.

Step 3:
Sort out the order of your beads and lay them out. I choose to fade from light to dark.

Step 4:

Start stringing them on!

Step 5:
Repeat the same crimping steps to finish off the bracelet as you did to start it (steps 1 - 2) but this time slip your clasp on to the wire guard before going back through the crimp.

Step 6:
Be sure to leave approximately the length of one bead between the last bead and your crimp cover. If you do this too tightly, the beads will look beautiful all in a row, but wont have room to bend and curve around your wrist.  Giving the beads "one bead length" to move into the round bracelet shape is imperative! 

Step 7:
Attach a jump ring to the other end of the bracelet and close it off.

The finale:

No time to DIY your own? Email me to purchase this one! It's the perfect accessory for Fall :)

Celebrity Jewelry Style: Kate Hudson

With her enviable blonde wavy hair, comfortable, free-flowing style, and megawatt smile, Kate Hudson is undoubtedly one of my style icons.  Kate has a knack for accessorizing. She often sports a fun, large statement ring, long bohemian necklaces, or flirty earrings.  Speaking to  Harper's BAZAAR Kate playfully highlighted her love of jewelry. "My bauble," she says, fishing it out of her roomy bag to spruce up her current ensemble of an Under Armour vest and Adidas sweatpants and running shoes. "There," she says, grinning. "Now I feel better." Don't we all feel a little better with that special piece of jewelry that somehow makes us feel unique and put together? Kate seems to have nailed the art of accessorizing and her special pieces of jewelry often become the focal point of her outfits. See below for Kate-spiration!

pc: stylebistro.com and celebritystyleguide.com

Fall Jewelry Must-Haves

It's official, the days are getting shorter (sob, sob) and the mercury is beginning to drop. Before we know it the leaves will be changing to colors we never knew existed and we'll be piling on the layers to enjoy the crisp autumn air.  The slightly cooler temps got me thinking about Fall wardrobe staples and what the essential jewelry pieces are for the Fall 2012 season.  If you're going to invest in a few new pieces this Fall, something from each one of these categories would be my humble suggestion.

Chains:

Dannijo, Joanna Necklace 

Lauren Elan, Bennett

Gemma Redux, Crystal Drop Ellie Earrings

Catbird, Chained To My Heart Earrings

Gemma Redux, Braided Rose-Tone Gunmetal and Steel Chain Bracelet

Gemma Redux, Black Tourmaline Liz Necklace

Bright Bracelets:

Lauren Elan, Aja Bracelet

Lauren Elan, Lia Bracelets

Erickson Beamon, Modern Moghul Bracelet

Animal Inspired:

Vale, Shark Tooth Necklace 

Digby + Iona, Big Bunny Ring

Katrina Lapenne, Two-Headed Snake Ring

Verameat, Tiny Frenchie Lover Necklace

First Knuckle Rings:

Catbird, Dark Side of the Moon Ring

Catbird, Rose Gold First Knuckle Ring

Mr. Kate, Bow Crown Ring

Do or Don't: Nail Rings

I am a big fan of first knuckle rings but not totally sure where I stand on moving rings even higher up to the actual nail. I love the photo below, but not sure if I'd feel comfortable enough to wear a nail ring myself.

What do you think? Are nail rings oh-so-chic or way to Gaga for everyday wear? Let me know in the comments below!

If you think this is a "do" I found a really cool and subtle nail ring from Bijules here.

Giveaway: Spark and Pepper Necklace

I am thrilled to share this special little giveaway with Jolie Jouel readers. Last week I introduced you to Meredith Peck, the designer behind Spark and Pepper and today, I am giving away one Spark and Pepper necklace!

One lucky reader will win the Amelia necklace in gold. The Amelia necklace has a large gold bar, gold filled chain, and clasp. Valued at $63.00, this necklace is dainty and perfect for everyday wear.

To enter:
1. Leave a comment below! Say hi, tell me how you'd wear the necklace, or simply leave your name! At the very least, leave an email address so we can get in touch if you win.
2. Follow Spark and Pepper (@sparkandpepper) on Twitter
3. Follow Jolie Jouel (@JolieJouel) on Twitter

The lucky winner will announced in a week! Best of luck!

Designer Spotlight: Spark and Pepper

Meredith Peck operates her pretty jewelry line, Spark and Pepper from her San Fransisco studio. Her pieces are delicate with a pure and simple beauty that is pleasing to even the most critical eye. Her pieces are perfect for everyday, adding just the right amount of sparkle to your office attire or comfortable weekend wear. For more on this inspiring designer and what motives her precious designs, keep reading!

Take us back to the start. How did you get into jewelry design? Did you have a different job prior to Spark and Pepper that led you down this path?

I started making jewelry because I wanted to make things that I wanted to wear; things that were simple, delicate and with hard and soft lines. I have no formal training in jewelry making, but I do have formal schooling in graphic design. My “day job”, I guess you could call it, is in art direction and graphic design.

Where do you draw your inspiration from?

I’m very inspired by my travels to Japan. I have a great deal of appreciation for Japanese culture and for the Japanese aesthetic. I try to incorporate this elegant simplicity into every piece. Also, the experience in Japan of having even the most mundane of purchases painstakingly and beautifully wrapped in front of me really left an impression. I want to create that same feeling for my customers.

What do you like best about your job as a jewelry designer? What are some of the most challenging parts of running your own business?

My favorite part about this job is hearing the responses from my customers. Just knowing that people are responding to the designs, and have the same connection to the pieces as I do, makes me want to keep going. The most challenging part is taking what started off as a personal passion of mine that I was doing for myself, and turning it into a business. Running the day-to-day aspects of the business; bookkeeping, inventory, etc.

What is your typical day like?

My typical day starts with a cup of coffee and my little dog Lucy. My day is half designing and the other half is jewelry making.

You also have a blog, Inspire and Share, how much of your time is devoted to blogging and other online media?

I started Inspire and share because I wanted a place where I could share my aesthetic. I spend quite a bit of time looking elsewhere to find imagery that inspires me.

What advice would you give to other young designers who may just be starting out on their jewelry designing journey?

My advice to young designer would be to keep at it. Learn as much as you can about the techniques and skills. The industry is so saturated with great stuff that you really have to have your own point of view and don't lose sight of your own personal aesthetic.

Stay tuned for an exciting giveaway  from Spark and Pepper soon!

One Piece, Three Ways: Fall Scarf

I don't know about you, but I tend to think about scarves a lot like jewelry. It's one of my go-to accessories for fall, and if I am wearing a scarf, I don't tend to wear a necklace. So for me, a scarf is a lot like a big, fun, cozy necklace. Since the temperatures will start to drop soon (sigh) I thought I would put together three fall outfits that all look great with a scarf.  If you live in an area where it stays warmer for longer, trade out the scarf for a bunch of thickly layered necklaces or one big statement necklace, like this one.

On a Hike:
Scarf: French Connection Leopard Scarf, ASOS 
Shoes: Ash  
Army Jacket: ASOS  
Jeans: ASOS 
Boyfriend Knit Beanie: ASOS

To a Business Meeting:
Scarf: French Connection Leopard Scarf, ASOS
Super Skinny Leather Pants: J Brand
Tuxedo Blazer: Madewell
Top: Splendid
Earrings: ASOS
Bootie: ASOS
 
Girls Night Out:
Scarf: French Connection Leopard Scarf, ASOS
Dress: Nation LTD 
Jacket: ASOS
Booties: Jeffrey Campbell 
Bracelets: Vita Fede, French Connection, ASOS  

Trend Spotting: Chevron Jewelry

Chevrons are popping up everywhere - from pillows and curtains to dresses and sweaters. Jewelry is no exception to the chevron trend as I've seen the playful shape wrapped around fingers, dangling from necks, and hanging from ears. Here are a few of my favorite chevron inspired jewelry pieces:

1. Chevron rings, Etsy
2. Zig Zag rings, ASOS
3. Chevron necklace, Gorjana
4. Chevron Marquis Earrings, Max & Chloe
5. Eunice necklace, Spark + Pepper
6. Chevron Cuff, CC Skye
7. Black Pave Chevron Ring, House of Harlowe 1960
8. Chevron Long necklace, Piperlime
9. Chevron bangle, Gorjana
10. Leather-Inset Earrings, BCBGMAXAZRIA
11. Chevron Chunky bracelet, Forever 21

Spotlight: Graffiti Necklace

I love nothing more than when art and jewelry collide. Whether it's art inspiring jewelry, or the other way around, the two just seem to go together like peanut butter and jelly.  Jewelry designer Anna Sheffield has done just that, and taken classic "word plate" necklace and given it a dose of city street cred. Taking the cute sentiment "Love Me" and giving it the graffiti treatment, this little necklace is edgier than the average name plate. The coolest part is that the graffiti lettering is taken from artist Curtis Kulig's actual street art. How cool!

Obsessed

A collection of the jewelry photos I've been loving lately. All images can be found on my Pinterest, so follow me over there! My favorite just might be the fancy banana at the end.

brunch at saks / 25.media.tumblr / theyallhateus.com / shop kei / bloodandchampagne / http://vivaamore.tumblr.com/post/28730326436/s-twentytwo-via-imgtumbleviva amore / atlantic-pacific / moda operandi / theyallhateus.com / thechicdepartment / fancy banana