WRITER | PRODUCER | ACTOR | MANIFESTATION + SELF-LOVE MUSE
Hi lovelies,
Awards season is officially in full swing and one of my favorite events to attend is the GBK Golden Globes Celebrity Gift Lounge. It's always a day full of fun, decadence, luxury, and catching up some of the coolest people in TV and film.
For the latest in fashion, jewelry, and accessory design, I always head to where the Artisan Group has set up shop. It's one of my favorite parts of the event and uncovering all of the fashionable goodies inside the gift bag is reason enough to attend.
Like what you see? Be sure to comment below and share on your social channels! Happy awards season!
Hi lovelies,
I had the pleasure of meeting the wonderful Carole Shashona, jewelry designer and creator of “Meditation-on-the-Go,” the innovative to meditate and de-stress, anytime, anywhere, by simply using her mindful jewelry designs, inhalation mists, or meditation candles.
What sets Carole's designs apart from the rest is that she infuses the Art of Being: Spirit, Mind, and Body into every piece and using Sensory Design technique that incorporates all of the senses to increase your overall wellbeing and promote wellness.
She debuted her new "Black Diamond Collection" at Barneys New York in Beverly Hills and gave me a private mantra session where she advised me on what my personal mantra would be based on my birthdate, month, and the energy that she perceived from me.
Whenever I need to take a moment to meditate, I'll rub the coin and jewel on my bracelets, meditate, and repeat my mantra. I can slow down and create inner peace, anytime, anywhere, with my Carole Shashona jewelry, you can shop here for yours.
Sensory designer Carole Shashona redefines the purpose of statement jewelry by combining aesthetic beauty with spirituality. From the visual side, the luxe “Black Diamond Collection” perfectly encapsulates the elegance of the Art Deco period with the funkiness of America Pop Form and the mysticism of the Far East. However, the pieces also have symbolic meaning, as they are rooted in the art of Feng Shui and designed to bring harmony, protection, love, health, and overall positive energy to the women who wear them.
The Carole Shashona “Black Diamond Collection” launched 3 (three) years ago. It includes bracelets, earrings, rings, necklaces and hair accessories with precious gemstones, crystals and black diamonds, set in sterling silver or gold. The collection is sold exclusively at select Barneys New York locations. Retail price ranges from $3,500 to $65,000.
Carole trained with a Grand Master of Feng Shui in Hong Kong for 16 years, and became a Grand Master herself upon his passing. The “Black Diamond Collection” was inspired by Carole’s spiritual journey through the sacred images of nature depicted in the philosophy of Shan Shui art. As an art form, Shan Shui evokes a sanctuary of peace, patience, and harmony. Based on the teachings of the I Ching, Shan Shui captures the emotion and atmosphere of the mountains and waters, and Carole wanted to design a line of jewelry that also depicts the beauty she found in her personal journeys in the Far East. The black diamonds represent the reflecting stones she saw in the mountain streams as she walked with her Master and learned valuable lessons.
Carole’s interest in Eastern cultures and belief in the energy-influencing powers and colors also led her to a friendship with Andy Warhol, as they both shared similar philosophies on this topic. Crossing paths with Andy has encouraged and helped her to introduce designs for “wellness on the Go” with the splendor and power of healing stones.
Carole names her pieces based upon an understanding of natural essences combined with a practical knowledge of the rhythms of nature. She chooses each name based on the energy they provide. Carole believes the beauty of jewelry not only radiates outward, but sends beauty, balance, and serenity back inward to the wearer. For example, “The Earth Essence Lotus Bracelet” is named after a flower that balances inner struggle in order to emerge with singular beauty. Earth is symbolic of security, and essential to growth and grounding support. Carole suggests wearing the bracelet on the left wrist, which influences your personal desires and positive energy.
All designs feature a signature coin with black diamonds, whether attached to the piece or as a separate charm. This special coin is a personal amulet, and fashioned to assist with meditation at home or “on the go”.
“My jewelry was inspired and designed to evoke and maintain those same meditative qualities in whomever wears it, to follow them throughout their day, and to remind them of their dreams and desires,” says Carole. “Like all of my designs, every piece in my Black Diamond Collection works like a life compass, keeping the wearer on course toward personal happiness.”
More on Carole:
Carole is recognized as the only Asian trained American Grand Master in Feng Shui; she was trained in both the Compass and Black Hat Tantric Buddhist Schools. Following her training, Carole partnered with Louise Hay and Barbara Brennan to establish the Center of Living in New York, a destination promoting health and wellness. She also studied under Dr. Annemarie Colbin, the originator of Macrobiotics. To add to her credentials, Carole is a graduate of the New York School of Interior Design (and an accredited member of the ASID), and the prestigious Fashion Institute of Technology, in Fashion & Design.
Hi lovelies,
After attending the GBK MTV Movie Awards Celebrity Gifting Lounge, I was introduced to Shannon Hedges, the lovely designer behind the jewelry line, Bashful Owl, and I immediately fell in love with her Crushed Crystal Druzy Rings Collection, and wanted to share the scoop with you all.
Straight from the designer herself, who was also featured in the Urban Outfitters blog, see why she shines:
"I am a self taught jewelry artist who lives in the midwest, close to Chicago. Some may not like it here because of the cold winters, but I love it as it is my Home. I am married to the most caring and loving man, we have 2 of the most loving pitbull pups in the world, and we just welcomed our first baby boy in September. I have many dreams for my jewelry fashion career and they are slowly but surely coming to life because of you!
I love to create a lot of my pieces out of raw crystal stones...I think it creates a more natural, one of a kind look. Customer service and each of my customers are very, very important to me. I am grateful for every one of you who stop by my shop."
She makes a variety of jewelry with over 10 raw crystals that I crush to make a druzy-like appearance. The line of jewelry is unisex and every piece is made with love.
Check out more of her designs:
Hi lovelies,
I've been looking high and low for the perfect holiday gift this season and I'm excited to say, it's a watch by Bulova.
However, I have to admit that although I use my cell phone to tell the time, I definitely use my watch to make a fashionable statement because it completes any look with a touch of sophistication. Watches are making a major comeback as the must-have accessory for this season and beyond, especially those designed with facets.
My favorite way to create some lust-worthy arm-candy is by layering my stainless steel Bulova watch, style #96L203 that features 100 faceted crystal stones individually hand-set on case with a faceted bracelet and white mother-of-pearl dial, with my coveted charm bracelet given to me by my best friend, and a black hair tie that I never leave home without. The watch also features an E-Z link adjustable clasp, a second hand, and is water resistant for up to 30 meters with a 28.0mm diameter and 6.2mm thickness and retails for $325.
From casual looks running around West Hollywood, to dressing up for fashion events, to being on-set and behind-the-scenes at Fox Studios, what makes my outfit complete is my Bulova watch from the Facets Collection. It's the ideal gift for your best friend, sister, or mom, and now they will have no excuse for being late to meet you for coffee, a shopping trip, or just a fun hang-out session.
Another way I like to rock my Bulova watch is by combining my favorite fashion trends with what's currently on-trend for the new season.
For my personal fashion style, I always love the boyfriend and oversized look but since femininity and softness are two big trends this season, I wanted to combine both of them.
I achieved this by wearing my Bulova watch, which has a feminine and soft face and design, with a few extra clasps so it rests mid-arm rather than snugly around my wrist, so it's both on-trend while mastering the oversized look.
*Sponsored by Bulova
Hi lovelies,
If there's one thing I know for sure, it's that every girl deserves a little shine in her life. That's why I was so excited when Gas Bijoux, a luxury French jewelry line, collaborated with Swarovski to create some must-have pieces for this season.
Check out the below for the insider's scoop:
GAS BIJOUX IS DONNING SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS
For their 45th anniversary, Gas Bijoux is inspiring itself with the world of Swarovski Elements, the industry standard in the domain of crystal.
The two Houses are associating their savoir-faire and talent to launch a sunny, luminous line.
The creativity of Gas Bijoux’s Marseille workshop and Swarovski’s excellence in crystal making have been combined to re-imagine three emblematic Gas Bijoux pieces: the single and double Massaï bracelets and the Iroquoise earrings.
The pieces will be adorned with python, shagreen, or alligator skin. The designs will also feature Crystal Fine Rocks and Crystal Rocks inlay. The collection comes in varying colors. You can shop the collection during the Fall/Winter 2014-2015 season.
Sales start in mid-November 2014, exclusively in the Gas Bijoux boutique, fine partner department stores, and on gasbijoux.com.
Hi lovelies,
Now that the holiday season is in full gear, we are all on the search for the perfect holiday gift for those that we love the most. Luckily for us, jewelry and fashion designer, Michal Negrin, offers an array of delicate designs that is sure to please everyone on your holiday shopping list. Her pieces are eco-friendly and all are locally crafted and 100% hand-made.
Her jewelry designs serve as a message for love and romantic style while being always being on-trend with necklaces, earrings, bracelets, watches, rings, hair accessories, and brooches. The pieces come in both silver and gold jewelry coating options. Michal Negrin also has a fashion line that is in the same romantic style with tops, bottoms, dresses, skirts, vests, shawls, scarfs, belts, ties, and handbags.
You can also shop without breaking bank and pick up multiple pieces for those on your list while treating yourself to a lovely gift as well with a buy three pieces get the fourth for free along with free shipping offer for shoppers. You can view the jewelry and fashion collections here and then either visit or call the Soho boutique to make a purchase!
Or visit her boutique in SoHo:
Michal Negrin Soho Flagship Store
448 W. Broadway (at Prince St.)
New York, NY 10012
Phone: 212-334-2300
Here's a list of our editor's picks from the Michal Negrin Collection:
Hi lovelies,
I hope you enjoy my interview with emerging jewelry designer Anny Stern for Fashion Edits!
Fashion Edits talks with emerging jewelry designer, Anny Stern, on where she draws her inspiration from for her designs, and how her Brazilian heritage is one of her biggest creative assets. The designer is known for using bright colors, semi-precious stones, and adding her unique take on each piece.
Fashion Edits: Hi Anny, what was your inspiration behind creating your jewelry collection?
Anny Stern: Hi Candy, this is not a simple question to answer, but let me try.I was always fascinated and enchanted by the energy, beauty and uniqueness of the semi-precious stones. I look at them and we kind of have a “conversation,” it is as if they have a voice and tell me what they want to be.
In addition to that, a creative mind never stops! Everything around can inspire, it can be a color combination on a candy box (it happened yesterday) or a raindrop on a leaf, or anything else around.
I always have my cellphone with me, I use its camera all the time registering what talks to my soul, what catch my eyes, what makes me smile.
In sum, behind every single piece it is emotion! It is love! It is happiness! It is life…!
FE: What has been some of your most memorable moments designing the line?
AS: I live life intensely, I try to make every moment as memorable as it can be. The same it is with my work, every piece that gets ready is a reason to celebrate, every new element incorporated makes a difference. The creation process is memorable by itself because it is an expression of a “gift,” I really do not know how it happens it just does and this is the most memorable thing always!
FE: How do you incorporate your Brazilian heritage into your jewelry line?
AS: Through colors, warmness, happiness, and elements that brings the Brazilian vibe! I simply put my heart and soul on every single creation.
FE: What are your favorite items in the collection?
AS: You are asking a mother which son is her favorite, but what I like the most is combining pieces, mix and match, playing with colors and textures.
FE: What advice do you have for other entrepreneurs looking to pave their own way in the fashion industry?
AS: Love what you do with determination and professionalism. However, always be open to learn with who was on this path before you.
FE: What are a few items every girl should make sure to have in her closet?
AS: Every girl should have on her closet a piece that makes her feel powerful! Something that illuminates even the cloudiest day. Something that makes her smile and her eyes shine.
I am pretty sure that a piece of ANNY STERN Fashion Jewelry can do that.
But if I can give an advice I would say, “Do not save things for a special day, make today a special one!”
FE: What's next for you and your designs?
AS: I prefer to reveal it little by little…so every day I can have a good surprise for you and my customers!
Hi lovelies,
I had the pleasure of interviewing Maureen Vorswijk, the designer behind Mauke V jewelry. Read on for her insights on her collection, why she doesn't care about fashion trends, and the inspiration behind her designs.
Candy Washington: What's the inspiration behind your jewelry line?
Maureen Vorswijk: The challenge to create timeless and unique pieces for women which will make them feel feminime, strong and confident when they wear my pieces, and the challenge to reach that goal without going with the masses by staying true to myself when designing.
CW: What are some of your favorite pieces?
MV: Difficult question I love them all. If I have to choose it will be Choker Alter Ego choker and Cuff, Earring Play it Rough, choker Brocante and choker Viking.
CW: What are some trends in accessories and jewelry for 2014?
MV: Honestly I don't follow trends most of the time, my experience is that it brings confusion and that has an impact on my creativity. So I don't really know what the trends are for 2014.
xo,
Candy
The collection My Alter-Ego tells a story about a woman who show one version of herself but when looking in her eyes you might be able to see that there is something about her, there is so much more. Imagine you are the one who uncover her secret and find the other version(s) of herself, her Alter-Ego(s) which is asking for a voice.
The Afrik & Silver Collection incorporates all my experiences in life. Memories of my childhood, family, my trips to Suriname and Nigeria played a major role during the designing process.
A staple for any wardrobe is the perfect watch that can go seamlessly from day-to-night. The Michael Kors mid-size golden Layton Glitz watch adds instant glamour to any outfit and is appropriate for both the office and after hours.
The watch is golden stainless steel, has chronograph movement, with allover pave crystals on a golden dial, has tonal time stops, and is water-resistant with a deployant buckle.
