Here are some suggestions for brides this Fall:

I know this not because of chirping bluebirds, blooming flowers, and that certain scent that you just can’t put your finger on-just that “it smells like spring!”  No, it’s actually only 61 degrees here in Los Angeles, which for us is still quite cold, and making the whole spring thing harder to believe.

No, I know it’s spring because Google and Facebook tell me so.  All of my New York friends have been saying all week how warm and wonderful and spring-like it is…which is true, it’s 74 degrees there! (jealous) Plus the Google Doodle is all Marimekko and flowers and birds and such. Proof:

If the internet says it’s so, it must be true.  Anyhoo, the first day of spring means the onset of Spring wardrobe!  This is big folks.  Spring and Fall are my personal favorite seasons of style as layering is still possible without sweating, yet your super swanky outfits are also never hidden for sheer fear of losing fingers and toes to hypothermia.

Spring is also amplified by the fact that everyone is finally coming out of hibernation mode, so people are just a bit more cheery and dreamy and more apt to break into song, a la Glee.  Not to mention the re-introduction of maxi dresses, sandals and oxfords, blazers as a top-most layer, high-waisted shorts, sheer blouses, and yet, still not ready for bikinis.  All of these splendid things make me want to scream “ Black Tights-I banish you until at least October!” but that seems a bit premature as we in California are still on a slow-moving crawl towards 70 degrees.

With all of these wonderful wardrobe alternatives sprung (pun intended) upon us, we all need to do a bit of accessory updating as well…After all, the perfect maxi dress worn with Uggs and earmuffs is not only confusing, but a bit too hobo-chic for most of us.

So let’s talk some spring essentials here my loves:

1.  A Seriously Fabulous Pair of Sunnies.

As in something big enough to really protect from the sun but doesn’t swallow your face.  I’m always a true believer in the good ‘ol fashioned ray-ban wayfarer of any shape, size, or color but found two others that make the cut.

These Steve McQueen Persols are a unique aviator shape, which fold-up (HELLO!) making them wonderful for a small purse! Plus they come in a few colorways.

I am also loving these Dita’s which are a bit like an updated wayfarer and the gradated look  in the grey has wonderful vintage tendencies.

2. Flirty Hats.

Bad hair days, Good hair days-all are better with great hats! I am feeling particularly floppy this season.  I heart both of these options:

A perfectly floppy traditional straw version that vaguely reminds us of Venice gondoliers (Left) and (Right) floppy+fedora= floppy fedora (gasp!) which means you’ll never have to choose!

3. Two Fab Bags.

I have become a recent convert to the crossbody bag.  I’m unclear on why this has taken me so long, but it is sometimes true that I live under a rock. Seriously though, what’s not to like? Frees your hands, stays on your shoulder, sits at the hip—it’s never really in the way. The crossbody is a wardrobe essential for coming the music festivals and picnics of the coming warmer weather months.

I absolutely lurrrve this Monserat de Lucca version because it’s big enough to carry around on sunny days and have your essentials, but also small enough to carry as an evening bag.  It literally can be a wallet, a clutch with wristlet, or a crossbody.  Three ways for three days (of fun.)  If you get stuck at your boyfriend’s house for days on end (no judging) you’ll be covered from day to night.  Now you’ll just have to rework that same outfit for three days in a row!

The second must-have bag for lookin’ sexy in springtime is the leather tote. Yes, you heard me.  A Tote Bag.

But girl, this ain’t a Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s lookin’ thing.  With spring’s sunny days come so many enjoyable outdoor activities: Flea Markets, Farmer’s Markets, Antique Markets…safe to say spring’s got your marketing options covered.  I tend to end up with my hands full, therefore I’m swearing by a finger-lickin’ good oversized tote this spring. Designers are finally starting to create some sexy leather versions that still act as a ladies’ batcave for sunblock, undies, lip gloss, water bottles, reading for park benches, etc. but allow a stylish gal to remain, well, stylish.  Check out this bad boy:ut girl, this ain’t a Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s lookin’ thing.  With spring’s sunny days come so many enjoyable outdoor activities: Flea Markets, Farmer’s Markets, Antique Markets…safe to say spring’s got your marketing options covered.

Umm hi?! You had me at “glitter coated!”

4. Serious Baubles.

Fashion is loving bright vivid colors for spring which means that this season you can really wear anything.  Hello overalls! Not really, well, maybe?  I mean have you seen that slightly trippy Target commercial with little Target elves who make everything they touch turn into a slightly cooler and more colorful version of itself?  I actually have one captured in my living room, we’re going to do a bit of redecorating later…

Gals, this spring you get to do whatever you want. Think bold, bright, and blingy! Pull out those statement-making pieces gals, seriously.  If you’re needing some inspiration, or just wanting something new, here are a few of my current faves (aka on my Spring Wish List):

Spring Wardrobe MUST.  Pop of Color, Bit O’ Bling, and a sexy shade of Green.  Plus, you can wear it as a necklace or as a belt.

Honestly, if you buy one thing this spring, this baby will pay off as your go-to piece.

I’ve been pining for some jewels with pyrite for years now.  Pyrite can be dressed up or down and can somehow act as bold or subtle.  Pyrite is not quite black, not quite silver and not quite gold which means it miraculously can be worn with any metal and look stunning.  A perfect pairing for a simple sunny day dress, but also for date night at the LBD.  Plus they’re handmade!

My dad has one of these watches and has gotten more compliments than ever before.  No joke.  I’ve been giving them out as gifts to guy friends young and old, and they’re all raving about how girls can’t keep their hands off of them.  Seriously.  It’s a phenomenon.

We’ve had some glorious weather (for a change) in Southern California which has finally made the tourists happier that they came here than the 50-60 degrees of the previous week. It also makes the natives happier.

But along with that, and my time this week at both of our retail boutiques, came some interesting comments that have made me truly grateful.

One came when I heard about the client at one of our shops who was so appreciative of our stellar customer service that she insisted on giving our personnel a gift. This was so sweet and, although our sales team insisted that the client should spend the money on herself, the client prevailed. Wow!

The Passionate Collector’s philosophy has always been about great customer service and treating customers like guests at home, like friends. It really made me realize how profound an experience that can be for clients, and certainly, how rare it is in today’s retail world.

On top of that, was the employee who told me how grateful she was for her job and how much she loved working for us.

It’s almost hard to express how that made me feel. I felt so fortunate that we have made such a positive impact on someone’s life and given them an opportunity to be invested in the business. How lucky we are to have employees like that!  How truly, truly lucky.   When you think about it, a culture of gratitude would really make the world a better place. Kinder, gentler, better. And understanding the effect that one person can have on another–in the simplest way–is remarkable.

That is enough of an inspiration to get me out of vacation mode and into high gear.

We look forward to great adventures with you over the year.

And in the pages of Manhattan Magazine, you’ll find the mention of our annual Fall Boutique, next Tuesday, November 8th from 6-9pm. RSVP to susan@thepassionatecollector.com right away for secret location!  So, if you are in NYC on Tuesday evening, join us for some fun schmoozing, cocktail sipping, and pretty, sparkly jewelry.  Can’t wait to see you there!

http://www.modernluxury.com/riviera-orange-county/articles/retail-roundup-0

By the way, watch the clip. She is hilarious!  Way to match Conan one-for-one!

Most people pick earrings rather intuitively.  They see something they like, something very appealing and then, as long as some of the other criteria are met, they will actually try on the earring.  That’s a pretty important step! You may love it, but if you’ve got it on, and something just doesn’t look right, you might change the shape of the earring you are choosing.

One caveat though: The key is whether you prefer to accentuate the shape of your face or create the illusion of a different shape.  Sometimes, we choose not to mask our natural attributes; and sometimes we want to do the opposite.

It’s essentially up to you, but here are some general suggestions for creating the illusion of a “perfectly” shaped face.

Oval Face — conventionally “perfect” — has the length equal to about one and a half times the width. If you have an oval face, you can usually wear any kind of earring you like.

Celeb example: Jessica  Alba.  Here are some good choices for this face. The Gold Leaf Hanami Earrings would be fun for casual outfits and the shape is fine for her face.   The Pink Topaz Earrings go beautifully with her face, as well as her skin tone.

Round Face – it is roughly as wide as it is long.  Theoretically, you’d like to lengthen it, therefore you would choose earrings that are long drops; square, oblongs and rectangles; anything elongated that will draw the eye down. Anything that dangles is a good idea.

Celeb example: Catherine Zeta Jones.  You’ll look great in long narrow drops;  These Mother of Pearl Earrings do a great job of bringing down your eye, and the Crystal and Druzy Drops definitely catch your eye with the dangling crystal.

Square Face – have the forehead, cheekbones and jaw line almost equal in width.    Conventional wisdom says soften the jaw lines with contrast, by wearing studs, long drops, teardrops, multi-tiered dangles, curved  or rounded edges.

Celeb example: Angelina Jolie. The Crystal Long Drop Earrings do a good job softening the jaw and the Concrete and White Topaz Drops have a nice round edge next to her face.

Oblong Face — is longer than it is wide.  Your goal, should you choose to embrace it, is to widen your face with round, square or fan shapes; drops that are wide but not longer than your chin; teardrops, hoops, stud and chandeliers.

Celeb example: Sarah Jessica Parker. The  Dark Green Round Chandelier Earrings add ample width and beautiful color next to her face.  The Sunrise Smoky Quartz Earrings also provide round shapes that broaden her face.

Heart-shaped Face – is wide at the forehead and cheekbones and narrow at the jaw. Your goal is to add length to your face and width to your jaw. Have fun with chandeliers that are narrow at the top and wider at the bottom; teardrop earrings; rectangle shapes; oval and circular earrings.

Celeb example: Reese Witherspoon. The Labradorite Sterling Silver Drop Earrings add rounding near her jawline; while the Glittering Ruby Earrings give width there.

But, in my mind, it comes down to this…Your jewelry should add pop, sizzle and smile.  If it perks you up, if you think you look great, and you smile when you’re wearing them, you are on the right track!

Come visit us at our Balboa Island boutique, we’d to help you pick out the perfect pair of earrings to flatter your face!

Well, not for everyone, but you’d be surprised by the number of women who tell us that (1) either they have started wearing clip on earrings to hide their elongated ear lobes; (2) their lobes have lengthened because of the weight of some of their earrings; (3) they have noticed that their lobes have gotten thinner and sometimes longer; or (4) they have some extra heavy earrings in their collection that are uncomfortable to wear.

No matter what the reason for your ear lobe changes, there is now hope beyond plastic surgery, laser treatments or collagen injections.

Thanks to the customer who gave us the heads up, but the Lobe Wonder is an easy-fix, miracle product for just this issue. And, of course, we carry them and they are selling like hotcakes!

The Lobe Wonder is a little patch with a pre-made hole in it that will help support a weightier earring or lobes that can no longer keep an earring in place. You simply place the patch on the back of your ear, put the earring on, and the Lobe Wonder comes to your rescue by helping to distribute the weight of the earring.

Pretty ingenious.

Jennifer tried it immediately to support a pair of earrings and voila, it worked and felt great. As soon as someone comes into the store and says, “Oh I can’t wear earrings anymore…” we mention the Lobe Wonder and they are thrilled.

I especially love the fact that the inventor was a lady who is not even in the jewelry business at all, but just noticed, when sitting in a meeting, that women’s earrings were dragging them down and she decided to do something about it. Love that initiative!!!!!

Check them out!  A box of 60 patches sells for $20.00.  We have plenty of stock at our Balboa Island boutique. Come test them!

I bought a wonderful black and white pique print dress for this garden wedding. I think it will be perfect.  (Mine is prettier than this one!)

But the question that many people ask us is…what do I wear with this outfit? So here’s my take.

I’ve been wearing gold a lot lately, so I will gravitate toward that. Earrings, check. The print is busy, but my druzy necklace will hold it’s own and not look out of place with the dress. Bracelet, check [my gold and labradorite cuff]. Rings!!! Definitely, an extra ring, on my index finger.

I like the druzy with this bold print because it can stand up to the dress without looking lost. And the gold druzy will take me comfortably from day (wedding starts at 5PM) to night. In truth, I wear my druzy all day, almost every day, because it is so amazingly awesome.

As a woman who came in a few days ago said, “it’s great to have a ‘go-to’ piece” that you can always wear. And of course, she proceeded to by a stunning pair of our druzy earrings which are consequently sold out.  But don’t worry, we’ve ordered more!