We love these sisters! They have been coming into our store for 20 plus years… they are like family to us. Mary Beth (center) turns 71 tomorrow and isn’t she the hottest?! Here’s to the 70’s they’re looking pretty grand.
-Colleen
September, 2009
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Happy Birthday Mary Beth!
Wednesday, September 30th, 2009What being a “Glamourista” means to Maura
Monday, September 28th, 2009
How would you describe your “everyday” style?
I am inspired by classic silhouettes and bold prints. I love the iconic fashions of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s (okay and some 80’s) and like to mix and match pieces that are inspired by each era. I am not the gal that needs everything to match, I wear navy and black together unapologetically and I never need to have my hair perfectly in place. To me being a Glamourista is embracing what may be considered traditional imperfections and making them your unique quality… Lauren Hutton’s gap, Kate Moss’ perfectly unkempt hair and who could forget Brigitte Bardot’s eyeliner, smudged in all the right places. To me perfection is in the imperfections.
How would you describe your personality?
I am very genuine person; I wear my heart on my sleeve. I have a very dry sense of humor and I have the ability to find humor in almost all situations. I am a very loyal friend and cherish the relationships I have made in my life. Good or bad I am a firm believer in the old adage “ everything happens for a reason”.
How does this influence the way you help customers?
For me it’s like solving a puzzle, I love finding the perfect gift or the perfect piece for our customers. The moment when you try on the perfect ring or slip the perfect necklace on that is what I love! When it looks like you already own it…. well that’s just the universe telling you “ you deserve this”. Being passionate and excited about our jewelry is simply contagious so it is a wonderful environment to be in.
What is something you have learned about your jewelry style since starting to work at NEWTW!ST?
It’s okay to mix metals! Before I worked at NEWTW!ST I thought it was a serious faux paux to mix gold and silver, but thanks to Me&Ro Jamie Joseph and Alison Shiboski (to name a few) I have learned the error of my ways!
What is your favorite summer trend this year?
Edgy layered Pearls! Everyone from Rihanna to Michelle Obama has been rocking the look. We have our version courtesy of Wasabi…. I love how it completely transforms the entire look.
What is a piece of jewelry/style advice you would like to share?
If you feel confident, you can pull anything off! Whoever said less is more wasn’t talking about fabulous jewelry!
Okay, so who are the artists and some of the pieces that you wear most often?
Jane Hollinger: Sweetie G, I love how simple and quirky this piece is. It is so easy to wear alone or layered up with others. I literally live in this necklace, it never comes off, and I still love it just as much as I did 3 years ago when I bought it!
Jamie Joseph: My black druzy ring! I am a sucker for big rings because quite frankly you get to admire them all day! This rough stone has so many dimensions and is offset by a little diamond. Truly art!
Jeanine Payer: My best friend and I bought this Palmer cuff when we graduated college together. The quote is so beautiful and poignant plus who doesn’t love a gorgeous silver cuff? Hello!
Melissa Joy Manning: After years of drooling over these (Gurhan bangles) I happily discovered MJM’s take on sweet simple gold bangles. These wonderful thin bangles are the perfect way to incorporate a flash of gold to any outfit. Plus I love the price!
Thanks Somer!
Wednesday, September 23rd, 2009
What a lovely Wednesday treat!! One of our favorite customers and friend brought us some tasty cupcakes from our neighbors at Marche Provisions!
Joli Jewelry: Invoking the muse in every woman
Monday, September 21st, 2009
Coco Chanel once said, “ Look for the woman in the dress. If there is no woman there is no dress.” This is how I feel about jewelry. When you see a piece of jewelry you notice the character and style of the woman wearing it, and how her choice of jewels fits into her story, not the other way around. When someone speaks of jewelry as vintage or classic what they are really saying is that it exemplifies the best of its age, has enduring appeal, and serves as a standard or model to which we can aspire that is not restricted by time. Joli Jewelry’s feminine, artful combinations invoke the muse in every woman, and reinvigorate your jewelry box. Each design is a combination of vintage glass, French enamels, bakelite (which is also an inspiration for another of our favorite artists Alexis Bittar), and found items such as perfume bottle tops and buttons to translate classic standards into artful jewelry. Growing up my mother collected antiques and she instilled in me the importance of sometimes searching the past as a way of moving into the future, which is why I have fallen in love with our new line Joli. Her brooches evoke the imaginative quality of childhood with her use of seahorses, butterflies, and cameos as design elements. The geometric chandelier earrings in a multitude of colors and statement necklaces transcend everyday silver and gold chains and hoops, becoming an outward expression of every woman’s inner creativity and playfulness.
What being “Practical” means to Ildiko
Friday, September 18th, 2009
How would you describe your “everyday” style?
My everyday style has to be very straight forward; uncomplicated and not fussy. It has to accommodate me from bicycling or walking in all weather to the selling floor to shipping and receiving and unpacking freight in the stock room.
How would you describe your personality?
I see myself as uncomplicated, down to earth and practical. That does not mean I am not sentimental or unfeeling and I do like to have fun!
What do your jewelry style and personality traits have in common?
My jewelry generally tends to be sturdy and not too delicate. I put it through a lot of abuse. However every piece I own has special meaning to me, whether it’s my Jeanine Payer “Wink” necklace with the “Like a Ship…” quote for spiritual protection to my Ileana Makri “Yin Yang” pendant for balance. I wear my Jamie Joseph Smoky Quartz ring because it imparts happiness to the wearer.
How does this influence the way you help customers?
I love every artist we carry. My job is to find out what the customer in the store is looking for and to connect them to their special pieces. I show them things that go well with the other jewelry they already own and new work they might not be familiar with.
What is something you have learned about your jewelry style since starting to work at NEWTW!ST?
My style has changed over the years from chunky, artsy jewelry like Thomas Mann to more delicate and light weight. I absolutely love our 24K collections like Gurhan and Yossi Harari for the rich color of the gold, the timeless quality of the designs and it’s value as investment pieces.
What is your favorite Summer trend this year?
I like long necklaces and layers of chains as in the work of Melissa Joy Manning and Dana Kellin. I like recycled gold (Melissa Joy Manning, Alison Shiboski), responsibly mined stones (Jamie Joseph, Manning, Shiboski) and fair trade (Wikkitz).
What is a piece of jewelry/style advice you would like to share?
Go with what you are attracted to. Often the best purchase is the first piece that catches your eye.
Okay, so who are the artists and some of the pieces that you wear most often?
Jeanine Payer: I love all her work for it’s romantic yet modern design and the poetry that adds another dimension of meaning to each piece.
Victoria Cunningham: I love the delicate quality of her design, the elegant simplicity. It compliments everything else I wear with it.
Jamie Joseph: What’s not to love about those big, bold colorful stones!
I also love and wear Melissa Joy Manning, Jane Hollinger and Me & Ro.
What being “Sentimental” means to Andrea
Friday, September 11th, 2009
How would you describe your “everyday” style?
Walk into the store Anthropologie and you will see my inspiration. I really appreciate the classic and graceful charm of the clothing that they carry. It’s as if they took looks from the past, things my Grandmother would have worn, and “freshened” them up a bit so that they appeal to today’s style. This idea of making old into new is a romantic concept that I adore and try to incorporate into my everyday style, clothing and jewelry.
My outfits are usually classic, feminine and simple. What my friends would probably call “very me”. I enjoy layering clothes in ways that not only create new, interesting looks but provide comfort as well. I approach my clothing style and my jewelry style in very similar ways. I have a humble jewelry collection that consists of delicate, sweet little things and I basically wear those same pieces everyday, just perhaps layered in different ways.
How would you describe your personality?
Romantic, sensitive, playful…utterly sentimental.
What do your jewelry style and personality traits have in common?
Everything that I own means something special to me. While I appreciate current fashion trends in jewelry and am actually a bit envious of how well so many of my friends pull these looks off, they just aren’t me. To me, jewelry is much, much more than just an accessory. I wear my jewelry as little reminders and inspirations. It has to capture my heart. I mix and match the few pieces that I own and tend to layer my necklaces quite a bit. Everything that I own is fairly delicate, nothing flashy, bright or chunky. If I am thinking about buying a piece, I think about how it is going fit into my existing collection. More importantly, I think about how that piece is going to make me feel when I wear it. In my opinion, wearing jewelry that represents a significant moment in your life, old or new, never goes out of style!
How does this influence the way you help customers who shop online?
I understand the importance of “falling in love” with a piece. I managed the Eugene store for 4 years before starting the website so now my customers are those who shop online with us. It is important that these customers have the same wonderful shopping experience online as they do in our store. This can be challenging because our customers can’t try on the jewelry before they buy it. Well, it’s my job to do everything I can to make sure the photographs and descriptions accurately portray the jewelry. I also encourage customers to call if they are uncertain about a piece. I am incredibly honest and detailed with what the jewelry looks like, feels like and if I feel like it will be a good fit for them or not. I always tell our customers if they purchase something and they don’t absolutely love it, then just send it back! There has to be some flexibility when purchasing something that you haven’t tried on. You HAVE to LOVE your jewelry or its just not worth having and I am the first person that’s going to appreciate that.
What is something you have learned about your jewelry style since starting to work at NEWTW!ST?
I love gold! It’s effortlessly dreamy, luminous and it adds a sunny, cheerful allure to any outfit. Definitely an investment worth making!
What is your favorite Summer trend this year?
Vintage! We picked up some exciting new lines of vintage inspired jewelry and I can’t wait to get those orders in and online! I am working with one of those artists now who is taking some of my Grandmother’s brooches and make them into necklaces that I can wear. How cool is that!?
What is a piece of jewelry/style advice you would like to share?
You should never find yourself agonizing over a jewelry purchase. Follow your heart and don’t force yourself to like something. I always emphasize this with our Jamie Joseph rings. I have watched our customers be overwhelmed with how many beautiful ones there are to choose from but I tell them to just relax, enjoy the process and try them all on. It is like Cinderella’s slipper. When you find the one, you will just know. (Okay, sorry for being so cheesy, but it’s true!)
Okay, so who are the artists and some of the pieces that you wear most often?
Victoria Cunningham: Love!! Her jewelry is perfect for me! Delicate, charming, and perfect for layering. I wear two or three of her pieces everyday. This tiny disc necklace is THE perfect layering piece and then I add a few other different length pendant necklaces with it.
Aurora Lopez: There is a simplicity to her work that I find incredibly enchanting. One of my favorite necklaces that I own is a pendant necklace (similar to this ) that says “Peace” on one side and “Passion” on the other. She uses an 18th century dictionary that provides what I would describe as a raw, romantic interpretation of the English language. I cherish this necklace because of what it means:
Peace: “It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart.”
Passion: “That which is suffered. That which gets you up in the morning. That which creates love. That which drives us.”
Jeanine Payer: If you want to talk about meaningful, sentimental jewelry…her work is filled with words of love, hope and inspiration. Check out my Barbara bangle and the rest of her work on our site.
Jamie Joseph: I’m just plain obsessed with her rings! (Aren’t we all?)
Other artists that fit perfectly into my sentimental style are: Me & Ro, Ten Thousand Things and some new artists that will be coming soon: Wasabi Vintage, Albeit and Joli.
M!x ‘em up!
Monday, September 7th, 2009
When I began working at New Tw!st a little over a year ago, I was all about sterling silver. For some reason, gold never caught my eye – or maybe I just never gave it a chance. I soon discovered what I had been missing out on within my first couple weeks working at the store. The tone of the metal simply warms the skin. My new found love for gold soon took over while my silver jewelry began to gather dust in the back of my jewelry box. It was only a matter of time before I realized I didn’t have to sacrifice one for the other. I could mix gold and silver subtly and tastefully so I could incorporate all of my favorite pieces into one look. For example, I love wearing my sterling silver and 10 K Me & Ro love nugget paired with the simple continuous circle necklace by Jane Hollinger and Jeanine Payer’s classic Natalya necklace in 18 K gold. Add some sterling silver bangles (I’m obsessed with the new hammered ones by Alison Shiboski!) mixed with one or two gold bangles, and you’re good to go. A little bit of both, not too over the top. Perfect.
Check out all our amazing artists like Me&Ro, Victoria Cunningham, and Alison Shiboski that used mixed metals in their pieces
-Hannah
What being “Classic” means to Colleen
Friday, September 4th, 2009
How would you describe your “everyday” style?
The clothes that I wear everyday to work aren’t much different than what I choose to wear in the evening. I choose outfits and jewelry that I consider to be classic pieces. Pieces that will always remain in style, that are effortless and fashionable. I tend to layer a lot, wearing basic pieces in neutral colors and adding small splashes of color or combining unexpected materials that still complement one another. The jewelry that I wear fits into my lifestyle effortlessly. During the day I may sport up to ten different artists, and yet it still has a classic appeal, not overdone. Mostly, the pieces I wear I never take off. They are simply a part of me.
How would you describe your personality?
Loving, a generous spirit and nurturing.
What do your jewelry style and personality traits have in common?
Well, I am a bit of a romantic which is why I tend to be drawn to pieces that are timeless. I invest in jewelry that I know I will cherish forever and wear time and time again. Nothing I own would be considered overly trendy. Each piece has a special place in my heart, I fall in love with it first then I just know it I have to have it. My style has not changed much since I first started at NEWTWIST. I still wear pieces that I purchased ten years ago and those pieces layer beautifully with jewelry that I buy now. To me, that is what being classic is all about.
How does this influence the way you help customers who walk into your store?
My customers know that they can trust me to take care of them. They can walk in with a list of gifts and know that I am going to help them choose THE best piece for every person on it. I hand select every single piece of jewelry in my store with my customers in mind. I find out as much as I can about the recipient, what they are about and what they do day to day. Basically, what is their style? I help my customers make smart, knowledgeable purchases because ultimately, it is not about what is in style today, it is about what jewelry is going to fit into the recipient’s lifestyle, what they are going to love and actually wear!
What is something you have learned about your jewelry style since starting to work at NEWTW!ST?
That jewelry has a more meaningful, sentimental side than I ever thought it could.
What is your favorite Summer trend this year?
Boyfriend jeans!
What is a piece of jewelry/style advice you would like to share?
Trendy is definitely fun , but keep in mind that: simplicity is key!
Okay, so who are the artists and some of the pieces that you wear most often?
Wasabi: Pearls, pearls, pearls! Wasabi creates beautiful strands of freshwater pearls in all different shape, sizes and lengths. And the best part? They are completely affordable! I love creating dramatic looks by layering all of these necklaces. It doesn’t always have to cost a fortune to look like a million bucks!
Ten Thousand Things: The studded double chain choker is a staple, the foundation for the rest of the jewelry that I am wearing that day. I love that I can wear it with any outfit, any metal and for any occasion.
Jeanine Payer: I hardly ever take off my Wink necklace. “Like a ship that took me safely through the wildest storm of all”. This is simply precious to me.
Other artists that fit perfectly into my classic style are: Victoria Cunningham, Me & Ro, Gurhan, Barbara Heinrich and Aurora Lopez. (To name a few…)
