May 2011 Archives

Heavy jewelry can be a hassle in the summer when it's hot and sticky out. Plus, outdoor parties and beach days call for a more "effortless" look, right? That's why we love this aqua cocktail ring by designer Mia Lara. The color is perfect for the season, and you can slip it on for statement style minus the effort in ten seconds.

Mia Lara Chloe Chalcedony Ring, $330 at AccessoryArtists.com.

Hegos Amanda Flats - $115 at scarpasa.com.

Tweed zipper pouch with bow and vintage button - $16 at Etsy

KK: Well, I've been interested in shoes since I can remember and I had always dreamt of designing my own but I never knew it was actually possible. After I worked at Louis Boston, where I was exposed to beautiful, almost art-like footwear and clothing, I knew I had to find a way to design and make my own shoes. So I found a class in New York City with teacher, Emily Putterman. Every weekend I would travel to take classes. She taught me everything there is to know. Originally it was just for fun but after I made my first pair I was hooked. I knew this was what I wanted to do. That was in 2004 and I've been designing ever since.KK: For this Spring/Summer season you'll find my signature fun, quirky designs. The collection features a mix of high heels, kitten heels, and ballet flats in a variety of bold black and white patterns, neutral tones and earthy metallics, crystal and grommet embellishments, bow ties, and beautiful textured python leathers.KK: I felt it was important to combine my designs with the finest quality materials and meticulous craftsmanship. That's why I chose to produce in Italy, home to the best tanneries and raw materials, as well as components, accessories, and shoe making machinery. There my shoes are hand crafted by a family operated factory located in the shoe-making region. These skilled craftsmen use the same shoemaking traditions that have been handed down from generation to generation, they have perfected the art of making shoes, as well as the ability to translate modern ideas into reality.

Add a touch of elegance to your look with these hollow clear glass bead earrings encased in brass bead caps. These seemingly simple earrings pack a lot of carefully added detail.

Large Hollow Glass Bead Earrings With Brass, $23 at Etsy.

Looking for the perfect romper this summer? Moxsie has a great selection from brands like Corey Lynn Calter, She Bible, and DV by Dolce Vita. Rock one with a belt and a chic pair of sandals and you're ready to go!

Shown: sandals, $240.

This fun necklace is made with pink agate baubles of varying sizes and shapes and a nickel-free brass chain. Perfect for sprucing up a white tee this summer!

Pink agate beaded necklace, $37 at Etsy

FE: Augden's Spring '11 was inspired by our Augden girl trekking around the globe for a multicultural adventure: St. Tropez, Buenos Aires, Nantucket, Venice Beach...Bohemian yet soft and refined, the collection plays with surfaces of nautical knots, crochet, pointelles, cables and intarsias all the while made lovingly by the hands of Andes artisans. The collection's color palette is reflective of the beauty of nature and our love for the planet while using the finest and luxurious natural alpaca yarns and pima gloss cotton indigenous to South America.

FE: Some essential knits this spring include pieces that are light and airy under the spring sun as well as some more substantial pieces to keep you cozy on an evening beach stroll. One of my favorite lightweight pieces in our spring collection is the Venetian Stripe Boho Top to wear with bright colored jeans or as a beach cover up. Another great choice is our hand knit Nantucket Knot Poncho perfect for that evening stroll.

Augden is available at Calpyso St. Barth and augden.com.