BON VOYAGE

Today I'm leaving on a cruise to Cozumel with my family. I'm not sure if I'll be able to post on the boat, but I will try. My wardrobe and accessory inspiration for the trip? Jackie O 1960, of course!

Photo by Mark Shaw

I'm off! See you in 10 days!

BEHIND THE SCENES: KENNETH JAY LANE

I've always been a fan of Kenneth Jay Lane jewelry. I mean, really, how could any self-proclaimed accessory junkie not be in love with this line?

After sitting down with Mr. Lane, I'm now a fan of the man behind the empire, too.

I thought my interview may have started off on the wrong foot when his answer to my first question was, "Haven't you read my book?" To which, I rather sheepishly responded, "Ummm, no..." Thankfully, he wasn't offended. 

He actually asked his public relations manager to bring me a copy. And the next thing I knew -- he was signing it. A true gentleman!

Accessory Source: How many years have you been in business?

Kenneth Jay Lane: Close to 50.

AS: What made you want to design women's jewelry?

KJL: I had to do something. I designed jeweled shoes for Arnold Scaasi. I made jeweled buttons, earrings and bracelets to match the shoes, and that's how it all started.

AS: How many of the same trends in the company's 50 years have you seen repeat?

KJL: We have pieces that we've sold for 40 years. Some we've revived or invented different closures for. (both below)

AS: Do you refer back to old pieces? Do you have a library?

KJL: We keep almost everything, everything is numbered. I take a little of one thing and add it to something else. I design very well with a copy machine, scissors, Wite-Out and tape.

AS: Are you ever excited when a celebrity is wearing one of your pieces?

KJL: In retrospect, Jackie Kennedy. She would wear a pair of earrings that she got from me when she was still in the White House. But I get most excited when I see a woman on the street that I don't know wearing it.

AS: Do you have any advice for women on how they should wear their jewelry?

KJL: Don't be afraid of costume. Six strands of real pearls is showing off, but simulated jewelry -- it's fashion.

AS: Is there such a thing as too much?

KJL: Think of it as if it were diamonds. Would it be too much? No.

AS: Do your female loves ones have large jewelry boxes filled with Kenneth Jay Lane?

KJL: Some have closets full.

As we walked around the showroom, we came to a drawer that was full of broaches, Mr. Lane uttered my favorite quote of the day. Perhaps my favorite quote about fashion.

KJL: Women don't wear broaches anymore -- ladies do.

He continued to say, "Stores don't by them as much, but they are the perfect gift because they fit everyone and you don't need to know their size."

KJL: This octopus I designed purely for my own amusement, and it's sold very well.

KJL: I love snakes.

I do too -- in jewelry design -- and this necklace is sinful!

KJL: The crystal elements that are not Swarovski are specially made in Germany. (below)

Before I walked away from Mr. Lane and ventured on to the rest of the showroom, he said to me, "The most important thing, is that I still love what I do."

Must be the secret to his success!

This is the warehouse, where all the magic happens.

A jeweler glues stones onto a bracelet. Her tool of choice? A toothpick, for precision.

Beads being strung on thread.

Chain being measured and cut.

This room is a library of jewels where editors go to select pieces and where orders are filled. I wish this was my personal jewelry closet.

There are hundreds of numbered drawers filled with baubles.

Of course, I had to try some stuff on!

While many retailers carry Kenneth Jay Lane, there is only one flagship store located in The Plaza Hotel. I highly recommend a visit. Trust me, it's a jewelry paradise.

When I got home I read Mr. Lane's inscription:

For Pandora,

Be careful and don't open the box.

Kenneth Jay Lane

Ha! I laughed out loud. The perfect end to a day.

SHOPPING FROM HOME

Holy Crap! These Roberta Chiarella jewels are under $50 on hsn.com. There are pieces as low as $14.95. Yes, $14.95!! I'm dying! Why haven't I checked out the home shopping site sooner?

Me likey HSN.

VMan

I normally wouldn't post a men's editorial, especially one that has nothing to do with accessories -- but I've become obsessed with Adam Lambert! I'm crazy for his theatrical costumes, guyliner and individuality. These candid portraits were shot by Mark Abrahams for VMAN magazine. Enjoy!

BEACHY KEEN

I loooove Cynthia Rowley, always have! Recently I learned that she's an avid surfer, which makes sense when you consider her latest collaboration. She designed a beachy (yet chic) line for Roxy's spring 2010 collection. Check out some of the duds -- I think I'm ready to become a surfer chick!

Life's a beach, in cute accessories!

SPINNING A YARN (BANGLE)

There's no excuse for my lack of posts this week, but I've been very busy. I apologize dearly.

Over the years, bangles have become a staple in my arsenal of accessories. Because they're constantly being reinvented, I have drawers full of them crafted from various materials, like wood, Lucite, plastic, metal, Bakelite, etc...

While I've been M.I.A., I came across these bangles from The Accessory Lady. Handmade with a yarn blend of mohair and cotton, they're a perfect addition to your wooly winter wardrobe!

I'd also like to take the time to thank Carly from Chic Steals for the Beautiful Blogger award. Carly's blog is chuck full of great fashion, and the award means a lot coming from her.

With the honor, I'm required to list 7 factoids about myself -- here you go!

1. Clothing was my first love, accessories came later.

2. I'm named after my grandmother. 

3. Molly Ringwald was my style icon as a young girl.

4. I live for road trips.

5. Twizzlers are my favorite candy.

6. I'm currently obsessed with Mad Men.

7. When I was in kindergarten, I didn't know my ABC's so I copied them off the girl next to me. Along with the ABC's, I also copied her name. Ha! I saved the best one for last!

I'd like to pass the award onto:

Piper from My mom, The Style Icon

MAK from Life. Love. Couture

Violet from Violet is so Vain

THE NEW BIB

I just previewed these stunners by R.J. Graziano (available in spring), and I'm actually giddy. Being constructed completely of beads, they're unlike other bibs I've seen this season. I think they have a Bohemian feel, perfect for earthy ensembles.

What do you think?