Eden Philippa Jewelry

A little Q&A with super cool jewelry designer Eden Philippa:


Q- How did you get started designing jewelry?
 A- I did a two year goldsmithing program - after the second year I was in love and  completely fascinated! I’ve never once felt like I’ve picked the wrong path.
 
Q- Where do you get your design inspiration?
A-  I’m somewhat utilitarian when I’m designing.  I want my pieces to be pretty, but at the same time comfortable, easy-to-wear, everyday accessories. 

Q- How did you develop your brand identity is such a large market?
A-  It’s a very long process and doesn’t happen overnight.  All the people I admire in the industry and brands that I love are much older and have been doing it for much longer.  It’s really just about determination and being creative in an over-saturated market.    

Q- Who would your dream girl to wear your jewelry be?
A-  A girl who appreciates jewellery that is made by hand and not just a ‘fast fashion’ accessory quick fix.
 
Q- How would you like to see your company evolve in the future?
A- It would be nice to be recognized for my style - a girl can dream, right? I’d also really love to be able to do a bridal line and incorporate more gemstones into the pieces.   
 
Q- If you weren't designing jewelry, what do you imagine your career would be?
A- Oh god, all I know is that it would be a sad existence.

Order some for yourself here:

 http://www.edenphilippa.com/

Everything You Need for Spring: Los Angeles

The transition into spring, for many, means discarding any and all woolen apparel. However, for those of us lucky few that rarely even delve into our stock of cashmere sweaters and weather-proof hats, spring dressing is less seasonal and more perpetual. Here in Los Angeles we have been enjoying winter temperatures that rarely dip below 65 - which translates into a unfair amount of bare legs and distinct lack of winter coats. But for all this bounty of sunshine, spring is still an exciting time of eschewing old trends and embracing new (and sometimes questionable) ones. 

Cream Coverings: 

Now I've never been one to buy into the whole "Never wear white after Labor Day" mantra. Especially when white, specifically cream, has been such a force this year. Warmer weather calls for less material, and I'm favoring vests as of late. They're chic toppers to any occasion and add a dynamic layer to any look. Try the above pictured vest by Rochas, or IRO's selection of moto-style ivory leather looks. 

Minimal Adornment:
Typically the age-old adage of "Less is More" doesn't really agree with the nature of fashion. Until this season we self-proclaimed sartorially inclined were apt to layer on necklace after necklace, and recently knuckle ring after knuckle ring. But this spring, here in Los Angeles, its decidedly more 'effortless' to actually put in less effort - meaning choosing one or two statement accessories radiates the coveted "California cool" aesthetic. I suggest designers like Lionette NY, Rachel Zoe, Auden, Givenchy and Madewell for this look. A strategically placed lariat necklace or cuff really is more dramatic than an overwhelming amount of friendship bracelets. 

Sportswear:
Sportswear is having a moment, and I'm not talking about the soft-casual wear your mother has in her closet. It's taken on a very literal effect. Notice all the perforated materials? It's no coincidence that the current must-haves remind us of the singlets we used to wear in middle school gym class. The silhouettes are athletic and sleek, as seen through designers like Alexnder Wang, Tibi and Elizabeth and James.



The cherry on top: Here in Los Angeles there is always the constant pressure to obtain the perfect bronze as the thermometer continues to rise. Instead of doing it the old fashioned way (ask anyone who has skin the texture of burnished leather) I suggest any sort of self-tanner. Not only does it emit a healthful glow, but it complements any colored outfit, bright or neutral. It's a California essential. 

Beating The Heat

Just when I started to think a real summer heat wave wasn't in the cards for Southern California, we're bombarded with temperature advisories. Now, in between desperate trips to the beach or runs to the drug store for some more sunscreen, I was able to brave the sun for an outfit post. Granted, I'm not on the most timely basis, but who can blame a girl when she's soaking up the last rays of summer?

My Leifsdottir pants proved to be a perfect choice for warm weather outings (Because there's nothing I hate more than people vowing never to wear pants when the sun is out.) 

My shoes, pictured earlier above, are Zara. Yeah, they do make a pretty good likening to a certain Isabel Marant spring/summer staple. But I like the height, as I'm not very tall and my pockets are not very deep. 

My Alexander Wang tank is a perfect fit and shape for me. Loose and easy, it looks great paired with a simple necklace, like my favorite Jennifer Zeuner lariat. I accessorized with more rings on rings and some colorful sunglasses.

And with that, I'll be headed back to Broad Beach...

School Spirit Vision

Being at school is the last thing I want to be doing in August, let alone high school (I think we can all vouch for that.) However, when I received the pair of platform loafers in the mail, I had a vision. Bouncing on football field bleachers and pretending to skip class appealed to me in a whole new way. 

First, I'd like to brag about my triumph in the Zara sales. Online a few weeks ago I saw the same pair of said loafers that blog prodigy Chiara Ferragni wore in a few photos. When I got all my funds together to make the purchase, the shoes were gone. I kept my calm and said my nightly prayers that, along with good health, I would find those shoes again. And then, on a chance browse of the sale shoe selection, I found the same loafers I had been panting for weeks before. And 70% off no less!

The pants, by Vince, are a school staple. When I was actually in high school I probably would have rather filled my mouth with acrylic poster paint than wear khakis. But now, looking back on such naiveté with a cultured and open-minded outlook, I scoff at my prejudice. They're softer than jeans, more versatile, and with a clean pressing look a lot more crisp. The top, a breezy number by Helmut Lang, is soft enough and thin enough to be completely bearable in the summer heat. 

I accessorized with a duo of gold cuffs, a Jennifer Zeuner lariat Rayna necklace, and a few more gold chains. My sunglasses, Ray Ban, are perfectly dark enough so that if I was still in grade 12 I could keep them on during Calculus and comfortably snooze. 

By Lizzie Furlong

West Coast