LINE TO LOVE: Très Hot, Très Chic, TRE Rings!

Bigger is better...at least that's my opinion when it comes to statement jewelry this season.  And lately, I've been obsessed with rings - in particular, giant glass orbs by TRE.  These big bad baubles ad a bold pop to any outfit; and since they're thick, handmade Venetian glass - they won't tarnish or crack.  Which makes them perfect for tossing into your beach bag for instant seaside style.  

Available in a rainbow of delicious shades, TRE's treasures are superb alone or layered.  And the best surprise?  These lux gems ring it at only $85*!!  

To find out more about the TRE's (almost) too-good-to-be-true rings 'n things, I caught up with one-half of the design duo behind TRE, Marisa Brown (shown left):

NATTY: How did Tre begin?

MARISA BROWN: TRE started because Ulrica and I are both into different, fun "bang for your buck" fashion.  We don't like "obvious" head-to-toe looks, and we wanted to create accessories that were relevant, different, and really made a statement - something that would really impact your overall look without costing too much.  Glass was the perfect medium to begin with; it is a fabulous substance that can be played with in a variety of fun colors and patterns, and it doesn't tarnish or look crappy if you forget about it in your jewelry drawer (like so much other costume jewelry does).  

N: How did you and Ulrica meet, and what were you both doing before TRE?

MB: Ulrica and I have been friends for almost a decade!  We met out and about in the big apple - I immediately admired her style for being so different and chic - she always looked fabulous in an effortless way.  Before starting TRE, Ulrica worked first at an advertising firm, and then in home design and decor.  I have always loved fashion and been involved in the fashion industry in some way; I used to design and distribute hand smocked children's clothing from Brazil, hen I helped out my good friend, Allegra Hicks, with bringing her beautiful designs from Europe to the US.  

N: Where did the name "TRE" come from?

MB: TRE means 3 in many romance languages; we are 3 partners - Ulrica, myself and a third silent partner.  There has also always been something sort of mystical and magical about the number 3.  In fact, when we were choosing our company's name, the New York Times Sunday Styles wrote an article on just that - the power and magic of the number 3 - so we knew it was destiny!

N: What's the inspiration behind the brand and the designs?

MB: It's all about looking great and feeling confident without spending a fortune.  Our designs are chunky and bold, colorful and bright.  Our designs will never be too serious, just FUN!

N: Is there a dream person you would like to see wearing Tre?

MB: OPRAH!  She is absolutely my IDOL - both of ours - we love her passion for everything she does, and we share that same kind of passion for our collection.  Our designs can be worn on teenagers and grandmothers alike, and they can be worn to make an otherwise dowdy skirt suit look suddenly mod and chic, or they can make jeans and a t-shirt look more dressed up and put together.

N: Do you have a favorite piece from the collection?

MB: All of our pieces are named after our mothers, daughters, grandmothers, sisters etc.  My favorite piece is the GIOIA, named after my daughter.  Ulrica's is the ANITA in our new metallic line (the ANITA is our signature ring, the biggest and boldest of all, which the entire collection was based on, named after Ulrica's mother.)

N: Any styling tips for wearing Tre's designs?

MB: Wear any of our styles to take you in a different direction; sometimes you need a stylish accent for your jeans, other times you need a chicer look for your suit - we have a ring or a necklace that will make a huge impact on your outfit that day or night, and it will make you feel confident, stylish and fabulous!

Well speaking from personal experience, I couldn't agree more, Marisa!  

So stock up now, ladies, trust me - the compliments you will receive are well worth the small price tag...

PSST: Tre does more than just the Anita ring (pictured throughout post) check out the full collection on their website.

SHOP TRE
Additional styles available at the following retailers, as well as specialty boutiques across the country:

Bergdorf Goodman
Bloomingdales
Kirna Zibette
Henri Bendel
Neiman Marcus

*Collection prices range from $50 - $95 for different sizes and styles


- Natty

LINE TO LOVE: St. Kilda

If there is one prevailing trend in fashion right now, it's inconspicuous luxury, and the mixing of rough and tumble style with high-end accents.  Think current fashion-favorite, Erin Wasson's coveted "edgy chic" look of or girl-of-the-moment, Alexa Chung's blend of fashion-forward style and hedonistic embellishments.  These days it's all about a slouchy t-shirt, ratty pair of jeans and luxe accessories.  And nobody does luxe accessories quite like Australian born jewelry line, St. Kilda.

What makes St. Kilda so unique is their ability to seamlessly combine edgy looks with elegant execution, so that even a scorpion ring has a feminine feel when done in 18k gold and white diamonds.  But even the most conservative fashionphiles will find a little something to love in St. Kilda's extensive collection: There are the daintiest gold, silver and jeweled rings perfectly delicate on their own or stacked, floral shaped pink diamond studs for your ears, and tiny heart pendants that rest sweetly on your collarbone.

At St. Kilda it's all in the details; an apparently simple rose gold band offers a secret message with "loved" engraved on the side, and a snake bracelet winks mischievously from your wrist with one emerald eye.  Through sensational designs created in precious and semi-precious materials, St. Kilda jewelry is both on-trend, and classic.

To understand more about St. Kilda's inspiration, I met with the line's designer and creator, Nora Kogan.  See what she had to say about her lustworthy collection:

NATTY STYLE: When did you begin designing, and what were you doing before?

NORA KOGAN: Unofficialy, I started designing jewelry in my teens. My mother's passion was jewelry, she collected antique jewelry and had many pieces custom made. She appreciated my sensibility and taste and always asked my opinion.  Helping my mum segued into making jewelry for friends and girlfriends and led to custom work and eventualy to starting St. Kilda! 

Before I decided to go to school and study goldsmithing, I traveled and lived all over the world. In Japan, I worked in nightclubs and did Russian translations and radio voice-overs, in Israel I studied in a Yeshiva. In London, I worked as a nanny...I bummed around and avoided responsibility.

NS: What is the inspiration behind your designs?

NK: Anything that captures my imagination. Something I half see out of the corner of my eye and want to interpret as a piece of jewelry. Very often, it's the stones themselves.

NS: Do you have any muses?

NK: My girlfriend, Karen, is most definitely my muse, and often the recipient of my best new pieces! I love her style - laid back, she looks effortless but is kinda chic. She's a tomboy who's definitely a girl. And she is always true to herself. 

NS: Is there a dream person you'd like to see wearing St. Kilda, or a place you'd love to see it sold?

NK: Charlotte Gainsbourg. She's like the feminine version of Karen.

NS: Do you have a favorite piece from the collection?

NK: Right now I'm in love with my new wedding rings, especially the Rapture ring in 18k black gold!

NS: Anything else you would like to share?

NK: I just opened my first store a year ago and what I love now is being able to make one-of-a-kind pieces. Because people are coming to me now primarily for wedding and engagement rings, I'm doing what I love to do best, designing with a person in mind. I feel like I've come a full circle. Plus, doing the interior of the store has brought out the decorator in me. I'm feeling a second career in the future!

So are we, Nora - and if it's anything like your first career, it's sure to be filled with sparkles and success!

Visit St. Kilda's new Brooklyn boutique for the best selection, or shop online where Natty Style readers will receive an EXCLUSIVE 25% DISCOUNT now through Tuesday, February 2nd.  Enter the code "NATTY25" in the comments section upon checkout to receive your discount.  Happy Shopping!

-Natty

LINE TO LOVE: Roarke

Necklaces are huge this season. Not just figuratively, but literally too - with chunky styles in various metals and materials dominating the necks of women everywhere.   If you have yet to find your perfect piece, look no further than the lust-worthy wearables of Roarke - New York.

Newly founded in 2009, this novel brand has already garnered much industry attention and been spotted on celebrities like Ivanka Trump and Mary-Louise Parker. With such unique, "notice-me" necklaces, it won't be long before Roarke is on the lips (and necks) of every fashionphile from NYC to LA...

...Which is exactly what founders Mignonne Gavigan and Laetitia Stanfield are hoping. Educated at the Sorbonne - Paris, and Parsons - New York, Mignonne worked for various fashion houses including Asprey and Marc Jacobs, before designing her own collection. Inspired by vintage gowns, Mignonne uses elaborately beaded chiffon to form irregular shapes - creating a fresh, modern take on couture extravagance.

Laetitia, the other half of Roarke, has a trained eye for trend spotting and quality design. A former buyer for Bergdorf Goodman, Laetitia was immediately drawn to Mignonne's unique creations, and used her strong industry savvy skills to bring Roarke to life.

Roarke's signature style "Le Charlot" is the ultimate statement necklace, giving texture and luxury to even the simplest outfit. Available in a rainbow of colors this weighty, beaded bib drapes as perfectly over the neckline of your favorite t-shirt as it does a bare collarbone.

But Le Charlot is not the only notable item in the collection, which includes several chic collars, wrapped bracelets and even headbands - guaranteed to get a nod from even the toughest fashion critics.

But don't just take my word for it - visit their brand new website for a full range of styles, and even styling suggestions!  

www.roarkenyc.com

xx
Natty