It’s not an exaggeration to say that every “show & tell” that the Accessories Council puts on for editors to view the latest in a seasonal or themed collection is pretty spectacular, and makes even the most subdued editors very excited! The Mother’s Day event at BLT Fish was certainly no exception, with the conversation and comments in the room getting so animated, there was a lot of “shhhhh-ing!!!” going on throughout.
If you are wondering what makes editors literally leap out of their seats to take photos and see the items for Mother’s Day, that much closer, it is a very well curated collection of Mother’s Day gift ideas. Most of the items I’ll be suggesting a not just for moms however, every woman would covet these things. At the event hosted by Karen Giberson of the Accessories Council and guest hostess, mom-to-be Pamela Pekerman, we were treated to a showcase of items that had something for everyone and every budget.
Pamela Pekerman is a fashion and lifestyle expert who is often on TV and also a contributing editor for BELLA NYC Magazine, among other things. She is a mom-to-be as well, and her commentary about how she would personally use some of the gift ideas, was amusing and instructional.
Adrienna Landau Fox Key Chain
The Adrienne Landau Fox Fur Keychain is another affordable and fun gift for yourself, or for a budget-minded daughter for mother’s day. Adrienne Landau started her career in the arts as a painter in New York City. For her namesake fur collection, she is known for her glamorous ease, use of color and the juxtaposition of materials.The keychain features a bigrabbit fur pom pom in a rainbow of colors. I distinctly remember tying pom poms just like this one on my ice skates! This is a little bit of luxurious but also practical, with both a simple split ring keychain and a big lobster claw clasp to hook onto your handbag, jeans..whatever! Wear it as an accessory, or add your keys for a keychain you will never have to tussle to find in your handbag. So cute! Retail Price: $25.00..You can find hern “A by Adrienne Landau,” a faux fur lifestyle collection sold exclusively through HSN or also check out www.adriennelandau.com.
I’d never heard about Charming Charlie before this Mother’s Day Event but my colleagues were all over the store and its inexpensive but fun items, including this Precious Petals Stretch Bracelet for just $13.00. Affordable and so spring-like, the white stretchy bracelet is feminine and fun, lighthearted as an accessory, and will fit just about every wrist. The painted finish and glam rhinestone center detail of each of the flowers adds that something extra. Yes it is plastic, but that means you can wear it without worry and even at the beach this Summer. This is one piece you can buy for yourself “just because” but it also makes a cute gift for budget-minded daughters. Available at Charming Charlie stores nationwide and on www.charmingcharlie.com.
I was so lucky to receive one of Freida Rothman‘s chic jewelry items. In fact, it was this Turquoise Pave Radiance Pendant Necklace from the FEMME LUXURE Collection. It looks even better in person, trust me on this! It’s sterling silver based, 14k matte gold plated with her signature black rhodium finish, and around the “faux” turquoise there are hand set CZs. There is also an adjustable 16-18 inch long chain. The Retail Price: is $185.00 but it looks very expensive, and I’ve gotten tons of compliments on it. See Freida Rothman’s collection on Nordstrom.com
Lia Sophia is one of those jewelry companies that editors love, and we used to find ourselves salivating at the Lia Sophia lounge at every Fashion Week. Their jewelry is not just trendy, but nicely made and offers goodies at modest to still-reasonable price points. Alas, in the past few years the Advice Sisters have noticed that Lia Sophia tends to focus more on celebrities wearing their higher end items, than on other women (or writer, in this case). So I was delighted to find a piece of Lia Sophia jewelry (the Wayfarer Necklace- $178.00) in our sample bag to wear test and write about. The piece is stunning, navy (so trendy and perfect for Spring/Summer) and silver. The look is of three necklaces, but they can be worn as one. or as individual pieces. The necklace is created as a set of Adjustable 18-21″, 21-24″ & 23-26″ Set of 3 Detachable Necklaces that feature resin navy (or white if you wish) links, faceted resin stones accented with chain, and a chunky silver chain. The wearer of the Wayfarer necklace can combine this necklace over 7 different ways by shortening the strands, layering them, or detaching the strands and wearing one piece at a time, offering endless versatility and more than a week’s worth of style! IT’s so chic and SO far! Visit www.liasophia.com to locate a fashion advisor (or become one, yourself).
It is always chilly in air-conditioned places, even in the heat of Summer, and when you travel, a shawl or ruana can save you from shaking all over. But you want something stylish to wear, not just “something” to chase the chill. That’s why I like the Minnie Rose Cotton Fringe Ruana: 100% pure cotton with hand-knotted fringes ($128.oo) This poncho style ruana with fun fringe hem with lightweight and travel friendly. It comes in a rainbow of colors (white, pink popsicle, black, navy, platinum, pool, cargo, canteen, and cherry) and is one size fits all. Available in . Available on www.minnierose.com where you’ll find helpful people online if you need them. Wear the ruana with pants, skirts, dresses, even over shorts or beachwear. You’ll have a warm and fashionable cover-up/accessory to use all year long.
Olivia + Joy Lillie Wristlet is really quite stunning, with a $58.00 price tag it is definitely a must-have for you, and a great gift for mom. The Large ziparound with gold plate and removable woven chain wristlet strap is really an all purpose clutch, wristlet bag and wallet. The interior holds 16 card slots, 2 bill slots, 1 zipper coin pocket divider, and a multi- functional checkbook slot. There is also a really nice feature, a snap in/out pouch with a zipper closure that you can snap out and put into a pocket or tote when you really only want to carry a few bills or a credit card, lipgloss and phone. A lot of faux leather clutches look cheap, but this one looks expensive. The removable gold chain and faux leather wristlet is heavy, but it certainly adds a lot to the look and makes it easy to carry at events or dinner. Visit: www.oliviaandjoy.com
The first time I went to an event at the Accessories Council, Roman & Sunstone was showcasing gorgeous bridal accessories, and I fell in love with them! But this Preppy Pearl Faceted Marquise Cabochon Necklace is so affordable and makes such a statement, it isn’t just for brides or bridesmaids, but for every woman who wants to make a statement! This necklace features faux pearls and green and blue faceted stones that make an all-season look. It looks as though it would be really weighty to wear, but it’s actually quite lightweight, and beautifully finished. There is an adjustable chain and a lobster claw clasp so you can make this necklace fit high on the neck as a choker, or lower to fill in a neckline. It’s just beautiful! Available on www.romansunstone.com.
At the event, our sample items were tucked into this Stella & Dot The Classic Linen and lizard textured neon yellow trim exterior. Easy-wipe lining. This is no ordinary tote. First off, it features a zippered top, so whatever you are carrying stays in the bag, and stays private. It looks far more expensive than it is, and the photo doesn’t nearly do it justice. The bag costs $98.00 and is worth every penny as an everyday bag, or a travel tote, or for whatever you need to carry that doesn’t fit in a purse but needs to be transported. There are so many details including a bottle pocket, four interior pockets, and an “easy-wipe” lining (great if you carry water and food). The tote has a linen fabrici linen exterior and lizard textured neon yellow trim. The spill resistant fabric on the inside is a broken stripe print. Yellow is the perfect color for warmer weather and it will perk up everything you wear. I personally adore this tote! A worthy investment that is available on www.stelladot.com.
The Advice Sisters were so excited to review X by Trollbeads when they initially launched in the US (read review) . At the Accessories Council Mother Day event the X by Trollbeads Flow Bracelet ( $234.00) was suggested as a great gift for the younger or “trendy” mom. I think this doesn’t do justice to the face that the bracelet looks amazing on everyone. Why should older or more conservative moms settle for “mommy jewelery” if they want to look modern? X by Trollbeads uses black rubber links and metal charms to help the wearer design something unique out of silver, bronze, gold and black rubber links which join together with a “simple twist.” It is a concept for those with a strong sense of personal expression and style. I have a personalized X by Trollbeads bracelet that I wear all the time and always get comments on it (note: some of the charms and link are very affordable, and some are priced like the mini works of art they are). If you prefer a pre-made design the ‘Flow Bracelet’ features black links, bronze links, bronze clasp and decorative sterling silver, designed by Trollbeads Designer, Søren Nielsen. Available on www.xbytrollbeads.com or at Troll Beads NY Store, 1016 6TH Ave, between 37th & 38th.
If you want a more modern take on personalized jewelry, but still with that “mothers day” personalized touch, splurge on this lovely Trollbeads Black Flower Mosaic Bangle Retail Price: $216.00 . This delicate bracelet features a a sterling silver bangle, two sterling silver stoppers and a Black Flower Mosaic glass bead (personalized beads are the signature of Trollbeads and they were the first to produce this type of jewelry). The Black Flower Mosaic glass bead depicts a Persian flower mosaic cast in black with a shiny cast of dichroic glass. It is simple, and simply stunning. It will fit most wrists comfortably. It is available on www.trollbeads.com.
There were more items for mother’s day gift suggestions, including the Matterial Fix Strength and Dignity Bangle: available in Tangerine, White, Dusted Blue, Turquoise, Lemon-Lime (Retail Price: $60.00) which we didn’t receive, but I loved seeing up close. The young designer was wearing some of her own, art-deco inpsired pieces that were simply gorgeous. The enamel bangle is a representation of all girls – strong and dignified. The bangle is available in 5 colors; Tangerine, White, Dusted Blue, Turquoise and Lemon-Lime. As a reminder of what women represent, each bangle bears the inscription “She is clothed in strength and dignity.“ Even better, 10% of the proceeds from each bangle will go to Peruvian Hearts to help care for and educate girls in rural Peru. Designs are available on www.matterialfix.com
Also interesting if a bit splurge-y were the frames and accessories by Iristocracy.com . You can go to the site, take a photo with your video cam and look at how frames will look right on your own face. I had some trouble with my cam, but the idea was amazing! Glasses (frames) and accessories are available for purchase at Iristocracy.com.
And there was a cute and intricate heart necklace made of wood from Pico Means Little. This necklace is Pico Design’s architectural interpretation of the classic heart. The interior framework was designed to provide structure and strength to an otherwise delicate design. Available on www.picomeanslittle.com. On Vasimoda.com you can splurge on a luxurious and thoughtfully designed scarf with the design places so that it will be showcased when the scarves are draped, knotted, or wrapped.The scarf we saw at the event (one was raffled off to a lucky editor) was 80 inches long X 17 inches wide. We ALL wanted one!
I could go on and on, but I think we’ve offered suggestions that will appeal to moms of all ages and personalities, and all who love them, regardless of budget.
HAPPY MOTHERS DAY TO ALL THE MOMS, DAUGHTERS, GRANDMOTHERS, SISTERS AND “FUR MOMS” OUT THERE!
