art + jewelry
As a designer, I am very inspired by original art and color. I love how studying a painting or a room design inspires me to create a specific necklace or color palette for my jewelry. The principles and elements of each of these areas of design are very closely related, and can be translated into many other areas of design as well. The process is the same, no matter the outcome. Sometimes, it’s after the finished products are revealed that the connection between fashion and art or interior design is discovered.
Last week I went on a quick trip to San Antonio with a mission to find some great artwork for a project I’m working on. (If you’re not aware, I am an interior designer with Astleford Interiors here in Dallas, in addition to owning amanda k. jewelry. You could say I have a lot on my plate!) While searching through Sally’s amazing monotypes, Ashley and I noticed we had dressed the part! Our outfits coordinated perfectly with a couple of our favorite pieces.
What you cant see in the picture of me is that I also have on green pants and yellow shoes… it was like I had translated Sally’s monotype into an outfit.
And as an added bonus, we discovered we were all three wearing amanda k. jewelry! An impromptu photo shoot was necessary.
Another sweet detail to this story: Sally is Ashley’s mother-in-law. She creates watercolor monotypes with all sorts of beautiful colors and textures. What a fun and artistic family!
Black Tie on a Budget
A budget can definitely be the bane of any glam girl’s closet. For those who live in big cities where being fashionable is almost a requirement, looking great can be especially challenging on your wallet. Fear not, in our opinion great style doesn’t always have to equal high price tags. Mixing lower priced items with one expensive piece can cinch together an entire look without sending you into a fiscal meltdown. Below we’ve done just that using an amanda k. black onyx and rhinestone bow tie necklace as the focal point. The rest of the pieces are around $150 or under, proving you don’t have to spend a fortune to look like a million bucks.
Inspiring this look is the glittering age of the flapper: The Roaring Twenties. We imagine a Gatsby-esque party full of fabulous people and equally fabulous clothes and jewels. The champagne is flowing, the band is swinging, and everyone’s got their eye on you- the girl in the bow tie.
This fun and flirty beaded mini dress is from Dress Up Topshop and the jeweled heels can be found on Piperlime. Both run a cool $150. The pavé earrings are from a designer called Shashi and sell on Shopbop for $72. The BCBG mesh clutch is priced on the higher end at $168 but could easily be replaced with a cheaper alternative. The woven and jeweled bracelet by Sabine is a steal at just $36- again, another superb Piperlime find. Holding together the entire runway-worthy look is the black onyx and vintage, rhinestone bow tie necklace (contact for pricing info). The bow tie could be worn in the front, a menswear inspired look, or paired with an up-do as a fun surprise in the back. Stunning, either way and a sure conversation starter. Now you’re styled to the nines and ready for the biggest party in town!
How would you wear the bow tie necklace? It’s a versatile piece that could also be dressed down, adding a little sparkle to a simple outfit. Tell us your ideas below!
All Tied Up
Black tie affair? Put a feminine twist on the classic bow tie with this incredibly fun and majorly elegant piece made from black onyx and a vintage rhinestone buckle.
With this stunner you won’t need much else to complete your look, except a killer smile. Très chic.
Another “How We’d Wear It” soon to follow!
Beach Party
With a bit of rain and cool weather sneaking back into the early summer forecasts, we’re dreaming of warm sunsets, white sand, and parties under a cabana. Whether your summer get-together is on an actual beach or just a beach-themed pool party in your backyard, you will look positively perfect in this elegant and easy ensemble. Talk about beach-chic!
This stunning Anthropologie maxi dress looks great with the lime jade, aquamarine, and vintage gold amanda k. earrings. Flat sandals and a neutral croc clutch from the trendy brand Asos compliment the look, while a tropical bangle from the fashion/bargain powerhouse forever 21 adds just the right touch of bohemia. Don’t forget to channel your inner celeb-hiding-from-the-paparazzi with a wide brim hat and colorful retro sunglasses, courtesy of J Crew. Altogether, this ensemble is a little bit Riviera and a little bit Caribbean, with just a touch of the Hamptons for good measure.
Now if someone would just get us a sangria…
It’s Wedding Season!
Throughout the upcoming summer months many weekends will be spent either 1. by the pool, or 2. attending weddings. Yes, several of you probably have calenders similarly booked with the blissful nuptials of friends or family and all the festivities that go along with the occasion. Whether you find these events enjoyable or stressful, fun or dull, we want you to look particularly fabulous. (After all, you’ll never know who you might meet…) No, you do not want to upstage the bride – but there’s no harm in coming in second!
Below we’ve paired a color-blocked French Connection chiffon dress with a pair of Anthropologie wedges that would be simply divine with a peaches-n-cream mani-pedi.. With colors reminiscent of a summer sunset, the look is sophisticated yet relaxed and subtly “come-hither.” A chic up-do would show off the gorgeous amanda k. earrings made from gold vermeil and dyed jade that add just the right pop of blue. Add in a lovely Amrita Singh cuff and cocktail ring, grab your ombre clutch from Calypso St. Barth, and you’ll be ready to go.
New blog series: “How We’d Wear It”
Attention all jewelry lovers and fashionistas: starting today we will be publishing a new weekly series of posts called “How We’d Wear It,” showcasing various amanda k. pieces and how we would style them in a complete outfit.
By this point most who consider themselves social media saavvy have jumped on the Polyvore bandwagon, and we’re no exception. It’s a great Inspiration board and design forum, not to mention an outlet for your shopping and styling impulses! If you too are on Polyvore make sure to follow us and “like” our sets!
For our first “How We’d Wear It” segment we’re looking forward to summer: long days, cool drinks, and bright colors. Check out the turquoise necklace below, a versatile and fun staple. Pair it with clothes from J Crew (a fav of ours), Ray Bans, a brightly colored bag and sandals (pictured: Cholé bag and Gucci sandals) and you have the perfect go-to summer outfit for running errands, a day out on the town, or brunch with friends.
Harts N Crafts
Exciting news for those of you pining for a your very own amanda k design… we are now in Waco! Visit Harts n Crafts on 8th St near the Baylor campus to browse the new selection. And while you’re at it, grab a drink from Common Grounds next door, it’s a legend.
Visit our Facebook album to see more pictures!
Spring Trunk Show
It’s official: spring has arrived. And this year that doesn’t just mean rising temperatures, longer days, and bright sundresses with wedges – big things are happening at amanda k. jewelry as well!
We are happy to announce amanda k. jewelry will be having a trunk show this Saturday, March 31, in conjunction with the Grand Opening of a new Dallas boutique, Hacienda Chic. This unique shopping venue specializes in Spanish and Latin-influenced decor that is sure to please every señora or señorita.
We’ll be debuting an abundance of fresh designs and new pieces that will fit perfectly into your spring and summer wardrobe, so you don’t want to miss this Saturday full of style and fun!
Soft Opening: Tuesday and Wednesday March 27-28,10am-5pm
Grand Opening: Saturday March 31, 9am-5pm
4318 West Lovers Lane, Dallas TX 75209
Shop is Officially Open!
Rock Collection
Large ones. Small ones. Smooth and polished, or rough and faceted. Some with tiny bits of color peeking out, others with the faint glitter of quartz. Yep, I was one of those kids with a rock collection. For some reason, I was fascinated by the unique qualities of each piece I picked up. I would carefully select the prettiest ones, then toss the others aside. You see, there was only enough room for the best rocks.
I recently found one of my rock collections while at my parents’ house. After looking through the small box, I couldn’t help but wonder what on earth I was thinking when I grabbed some of them. As a child, I saw beauty in these bits and pieces. They were my treasure.
During one of my recent visits to a design trade showroom, I was struck by a beautiful “Grown-up” rock collection. The stones on display were some of the very stones I use in my jewelry. It was so fascinating to see the material in its original form, uncut and sometimes unpolished. I felt like a kid again, wanting to grab my favorites and stick them in my pocket for safe keeping.
Shopping for new gems and beads gives me that same feeling: I am treasure hunting for the prettiest few stones to take home with me. Only now, I’ve moved on to grown-up rocks. And my treasures become your favorite baubles and adornments.
Start your rock collection with one of these necklaces! All pieces shown are available. Please contact me for more information and pricing.
amanda k. 