ALL EYES ON HER

Loving these "Evil Eye" earrings by Peggy Li. What do you think? Eye catching?

Handmade in Philadelphia

Beautiful, eco-friend jewelry....

that arrives in packaging like this...

...yes, please.

*shop Bario-Neal Jewelry

Jess LC Franklin Collection: Necklaces with Intention

If you're a regular reader then you've probably heard me wax poetic about my love for friend, entrepreneur, and Chicago jewelry designer, Jess of Jess LC. I can't gush enough about how much I admire the person Jess is and the business she's created. She's been a huge inspiration of mine with Rue and is my go to person for all business related questions. So, I'm honored to tell you about her new fall line of necklaces: The Franklin Collection!

I love all of Jess's collections, but I have to say, I think Franklin is the best yet! The reason being because it's more than just about jewelry. If you follow Jess's blog you know that her life's purpose is helping others makeunder their lives - finding the best version of themselves already inside.

And the Franklin necklaces are daily reminders of living a life with intention, as they each have a special message carved out in braille: be brave, be present, be thankful, dream bigger, breathe.

I love the braille as a tactile reminder that's both subtle and powerful. I often reach down during the day to run my fingers along the surface of my necklace to remind myself.

Here I am with Jess, both wearing our Franklin necklaces. I wear the "dream bigger" one while Jess opts for "be present." I can't tell you how many people literally want to buy the necklace off my neck once they see it and even more so after they learn the story behind Jess's business and purpose. If you're in the market for a new necklace, I highly recommend checking these out!

So, which Franklin message are you?

Sponsor Spotlight: Devon Baer Designs

Please allow me to introduce you to Plush Palate's newest sponsor! Devon Baer Designs is a Manhattan based accessories line inspired by antiques and the lovely world of interiors. Devon uses bold patterns and statement jewelry in her signature style to create a powerful look.

I especially love all her statement necklaces! Using them is one of my favorite ways to bring an outfit from blah to fab in an instant. In my opinion, the bigger the better!

I also can't help but adore these whimsical belts... The big animal belt buckles are so much fun and really pop against the graphic fabric. Devon also designs luxury tunics, purses, earrings and more, so be sure to check out her etsy shop for more!

*if you're interested on being a sponsor, please email for information: plushpalate@gmail.com

Jess LC: The Division Collection & Inspiration

I've talked about my admiration for jewelry designer and friend Jess here before. But today I'm excited to introduce you to her newest jewelry collection, Division, because of the special inspiration behind it! An avid interiors lover, Jess took cues from her favorite patterns (chevron) and shapes (octagons) and translated those into her jewelry.

The result is her chicest collection yet. It's modern, graphic, and young. I'm looking forward to getting my hands on a pair of the rectangle chevron earrings for summer (that sterling silver will look great with a tan!).

Not only did Jess recently roll out the Division Collection, she also just finished completely relaunching her business, Jess LC, with a new and improved website and brand identity. Be sure to check out the site (don't miss the super fun lookbook) and peruse the new collection for yourself. Jess never ceases to amaze me with her ability to challenge herself and bring it to the next level.

In{her}view with Jess of Jess L.C,

I'm so excited to have jewelry designer and entrepreneur, Jessica Constable as Plush Palate's In{her}view guest today! When I first saw one of Jess LC's necklaces - the Astor St. Cluster Bib necklace in coral - I was so impressed by the simple sophistication of the design and gorgeous color, that I just had to find out more! It turns out that at the young age of 25, Jess is an intelligent business owner and entrepreneur whose brand is carried in over 100 stores across the country, with online customers worldwide! Let's hear how she got there, one jewelry piece at a time!

Plush Palate: You've got a pretty impressive entrepreneurial background; can you tell us how Jess L.C. began?

Jess L.C.: Really, the business was born when I was making (ugly!) ankle bracelets for myself at a pool. Some (tipsy) women came up and asked if I would make them some as well. I spent the rest of the afternoon making ankle bracelets and got a whopping $30 at the end of the day. After that I thought to myself, "I can do this." And the rest is history. I started to teach myself how to do other designs and experimented with better materials and kept showing people the work and they kept buying it...for about $10. But hey, learning, growing, and failing, taught me a lot about growing a business and now I'm doing it full-time.

PP: Where do you find inspiration for your pieces?

JLC: I find inspiration all over the place. I am a huge interior design nut so my latest collection, Astor St., uses howlite, which looks like white marble. White marble happens to also be in my dream kitchen. Otherwise, I experiment with the shapes and make sure everything looks "naturally graceful," which has become my motto. 

PP: Best seller at Jess L.C.?

JLC: There are a few strong pieces I would have to mention including the Lucky In Bed necklace, Simple Armitage earrings, and the Rush St. Layering necklace.

PP: If you weren't taking over the jewelry scene, what would you be doing?

JLC: Either an interior designer or marketing for a large company. I also have a blog, Makeunder My Life, so I guess that is my other choice.

PP: How would you describe your personal style?

JLC: A lot like my jewelry, naturally graceful. I like ruffles and details in moderation. My basic uniform is a straight leg jean or straight skirt, printed t-shirt, and cardigan.

PP: Current trend you wouldn't touch?

JLC: Gladiator sandals - my legs are rather short and thick from running and that style would do nothing for me.

PP: Current trend you love most?

JLC: Chevron patterned anything!!

PP: Last article of clothing or accessory you purchased?

JLC: I did some major damage at a J.Crew outlet while visiting my family outside Philadelphia, including a fuchsia and white printed mini-skirt.

PP: Favorite place to shop in Chicago?

JLC: Hm. Well, my favorite boutiques are all too expensive for me to afford in general. But I love Lori's Shoes and Art Effect. I probably shop most at J.Crew.

PP: Coolest part about having your own business?

JLC: Making my own schedule and being able to grow the business however I want.

PP: Most challenging part about having your own business?

JLC: Not knowing when your next orders will come.

PP: Best tips for finding customers when first starting out?

JLC: Talk to friends, family, and co-workers. My first customers were friends, family, and teachers while I was in high school. I kept a makeup bag of jewelry with me in school so girls could check out my new styles after class. It sounds silly, but it worked!

PP: When you're not working, what can we find you doing?

JLC: Running in the morning, eating nachos with friends, enjoying wine, and shopping at Trader Joes. 

PP: What differentiates your jewelry from others?

JLC: I think the quality of my jewelry from the materials to the handmade skill is much higher than others at the same price. I also think my styles fall into two categories: staples and statements. Half of the pieces  are designed to look great with everything in your closet. The other half are designed to create a standout look by combining a basic outfit with a statement necklace.

PP: Social Awareness is an important part of your business model; can you tell us a little about Soc Chic?

JLC: Soc Chic is designed as "chic necklaces benefiting social causes." Each necklace has its own special positive name and message and benefits a different non-profit. The necklaces raise money and awareness for the cause. It's like volunteering while doing what I do best! The next cause I would like to work with is the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, if anyone has a connection!

Thanks so much for sharing with Plush Palate today, Jess! Best of luck as you continue to grow your business and make your mark around the world! In the meantime, I'll be anxiously awaiting the arrival of your fall collection next month!

If you missed the first two In{her}views, you can get caught up with Cassie of coco+kelley here! And Brandon from TwentyThirtyForty right here! 

Ok, so it's Tori Spelling but..

...her jewelry collection is actually pretty cute! What do you think?

You can shop the Tori Spelling Collection right here.