Category Archives: Jewelry

09.29.10

Take Another Looksie: Talbots.

When I think of Talbots, I think of Mom. Neets, god rest her soul, was a realtor… and she dressed like a stereotypical realtor. Think Annette Benning in American Beauty. (Disclaimer: I know MANY stylish realtors… so please save your e-mails..)

I have so many memories of Mom pulling into the garage, and keeping her various red bags in the trunk until Dad left the house, then she would carry them in and we’d all hear about it when the AMX bill arrived in the mail. Learned behavior? Probably. Mike accused me just the other day of “hiding” my Home Goods bags (which I wasn’t, I actually had to put them in the laundry room so that I could get a towel for one of the contractors that was at the house) but I have been known to hide a J. Crew bag or two.


I digress. Talbots has come a long way in the last few years, and just released a new fall line that almost made my eyes pop out of my head. Classic Glamour at affordable prices. Another thing that I will say about Talbots is that their pieces are very well made. So pick a few items that you will want to keep forever. Here are the items that made it onto Kiki’s List:

1. Quilted Coat– $179 ***KIKI’S LIST FAVORITE

4. Skinny Bangles– $49
6. Kimono Shrug– $199 ***KIKI’S LIST FAVORITE
7. Three-Quarter Length Gloves– $79 ***KIKI’S LIST FAVORITE
9. Belted Double-Faced Wool Coat– $349 ***KIKI’S LIST FAVORITE
11. Croc-Embossed Platforms– $149 ***KIKI’S LIST FAVORITE
12. Lace Skirt- $149

09.09.10

A Peek Into Her World: Coralia Leets

Remember these beautiful dazzlers from my Mayastar post a few weeks ago?


Well…. I would like to introduce you to the woman behind the designs. Kiki’s List fans, meet Coralia Leets.


As you already know, I am a HUGE fan of her designs. Below are the items that I already own, and next on my list are the turquoise double-gem drop earrings that you see above.


Coralia is an Orlando-based designer who travels the world for inspiration. She started designing jewelry after a 20 year career in retail merchandising. Her designs have been featured in InStyle Magazine an were seen on several celebrities at the Cannes Film Festival this year. Coralia was gracious enough to chat with me and let us take a Peek Into Her World.



1. What inspired you to start designing jewelry?
My inspiration came from my personal creations that I would make for myself since the market was mostly limited at that time. Also seeing certain pieces that would benefit from a more personal touch and dash of unique style each piece carries.


2. What do you love most about it? What is the most challenging part of your job?
The part of my job that I love the most is every season comes a new take on creating new trends. Mixing stones and materials not expected and the rewards that my clientele will identify my collection from afar. Either at a department store gallery or something worn by my friends & customers.

The most challenging part is the detailed work behind every season which a new collection is created. All the details each piece carries is unique down to the very stone being used to complete a successful and beautiful piece.

3. Where do you find inspiration?
I find inspiration mostly from traveling all around the world , mostly because of my job. When I travel to different places each country and the people there leave me with a lasting impression on fashion, trends, ideas and an overall feeling of that part of the world.

4. Who are some of your other favorite jewelry designers?
I have several , one of my favorite is a personal friend of my mine from London named Fiona Paxton. She is an incredible designer with a totally different style than mine and that’s something I can appreciate. Also a classic designer that’s very elegant and timeless is Verdura.


5. Favorite gemstone?
Bright color quartz and chalcedony double faceted.

6. Favorite destination?
Prague – Amazing city. Very vibrant and great energy.


7. What is your favorite piece that you have designed?
I have several , but to pick only one, I would say my elastic nuggets bracelet with semi-precious stones. I wear several at a time and it’s a look that I love.


8. What’s the biggest mistake you have ever made on the job?
My biggest mistake(s) would be not always taking all the risk that I should be taking. Not any one time occurrence.

9. How would you describe your personal style?
I like simplicity that makes a statement.

10. When did you know that your business was going to be a success ?
Upon opening my doors for business back in 2000. I knew opening the store was the right move for the amount of attention my pieces were getting from a small clientele back then. Those same designs have allowed me to grow my business into what it has become today.

Thanks Coralia for letting us take a Peek Into Your World, and for creating such beautiful pieces. I look forward to adding to my CL collection!

08.27.10

Ode To Geodes.







Geodes are at the top of my accessory list for both jewelry and my home for this Fall. I adore the cocktail rings from Mayastar in Wednesday’s post. I just love the natural beauty of these crystal formations. In case you were wondering, a geode is a a hollow rock or nodule with the cavity usually lined with crystals. These geological rock formations occur in sedimentary and certain volcanic rocks.


Geodes were popular in the 80’s. I remember we had a few in our home (I wish I still had them.) Lead by jewelry designer Kimberly McDonald, these little rocks are making a big comeback. I even spotted a few at Home Goods last week (above.) Some have a big fat price tag, some are much more palatable. Whatever your budget, add a little bit of rock to your wardrobe this fall with statement pieces like these. Check out the geodes that made it onto Kiki’s List.

08.25.10

A Gem of Austin: Mayastar.

I cannot leave Austin without stopping at this sumptuous little store on South Congress Street. Every time I return home with a coveted piece of jewelry countless women ask me where I got it. Well, here is your answer. I also buy a lot of gifts for friends at Mayastar because the selection is so unique. All of my girlfriends have been waiting for this post.

Meet Maya. Owner of Mayastar. She has been on South Congress for 15 years. Maya started selling antiques and slowly phased in jewelry and clothing. Now Mayastar is a staple on South Congress filled with fresh clothing and some A-MAZ-ING jewels.
This one’s for all of those ladies who stop me at Wegmans and ask me where I got my bling… All Mayastar purchases are 10% off through September 25 with the promo code kiki (case sensitive) at checkout. Many of the items shown are not available online, so if you see something in this post that you cannot find online, please call the store at (512) 912.1475 to place your order.
Here’s what made it onto Kiki’s List:
1. Coralia Leets Long Necklace– $268 (PLUS AN ADDITIONAL 10% OFF FOR KIKI’S LIST FOLLOWERS) ***KIKI’S LIST FAVORITE
2. Coralia Leets Single Stone Earring– $163 (PLUS AN ADDITIONAL 10% OFF FOR KIKI’S LIST FOLLOWERS) ***KIKI’S LIST FAVORITE
3. Geode Cocktail Rings– $74-$111 (PLUS AN ADDITIONAL 10% OFF FOR KIKI’S LIST FOLLOWERS) ***KIKI’S LIST FAVORITE
4. Engraved Brass Cuff- $147 (PLUS AN ADDITIONAL 10% OFF FOR KIKI’S LIST FOLLOWERS)
5. Coralia Leets Turquoise Earrings- $163 (PLUS AN ADDITIONAL 10% OFF FOR KIKI’S LIST FOLLOWERS)
6. Citrine Quartz and Apatite necklace– $145 (PLUS AN ADDITIONAL 10% OFF FOR KIKI’S LIST FOLLOWERS)
7. Coralia Leets Double Stone Earrings– $358 (PLUS AN ADDITIONAL 10% OFF FOR KIKI’S LIST FOLLOWERS) ***KIKI’S LIST FAVORITE
8. Beaded Pendant Necklaces- $65-72 (PLUS AN ADDITIONAL 10% OFF FOR KIKI’S LIST FOLLOWERS)
9. Turquoise Cocktail Ring– $248 (PLUS AN ADDITIONAL 10% OFF FOR KIKI’S LIST FOLLOWERS)
10. Coralia Leets Dot Earrings- $163 (PLUS AN ADDITIONAL 10% OFF FOR KIKI’S LIST FOLLOWERS)
11. Enamel Cuff- $41 (PLUS AN ADDITIONAL 10% OFF FOR KIKI’S LIST FOLLOWERS)
12. Beaded Earrings- $64-74 (PLUS AN ADDITIONAL 10% OFF FOR KIKI’S LIST FOLLOWERS)
I already own # 1 & #2…. Next on my list; #’s 3 & 7….
Thanks again Maya… Can’t wait to come back!

08.24.10

Go Ahead and Cuff’em: Leighelena.

Okay.. here are the bracelets you’ve all been waiting for. I am so utterly excited to introduce you all to Leighelena. Enter Austin-based Leigh Elena Navarro, creator and designer of the Leighelena (a combination of her first and middle names, Leigh +Elena) line. Leigh learned how to fuse metal and glass as a little girl by watching her mother create wall hangings. She has turned Leighelena into a family business. Her mother helps hand-create each piece and any item large enough is finished with a stamp from her grandfather’s treasured stamp collection. I love the sentimental value that each piece holds. Every creation is hand made in Austin. All cuff bracelets are genuine leather and can be custom sized to fit your wrist. Leighelena has been featured in O Magazine, Real Simple, Redbook and Southern Living, and as you can see has been spotted on stars like 90210’s Annalynne Mccord

Here’s the best part: All Kiki’s List Followers will receive a 15% discount this week. You must place your order by calling the store to receive this discount. (512) 531-9673. If you see something in this post that you would like to buy, but cannot find online, let Leighelena know when placing your order.

Here are the items that made it onto Kiki’s List:

1. Green and Gold Cuff– $99 (PLUS 15% KIKI’S LIST DISCOUNT THIS WEEK) **KIKI’S LIST FAVORITE

2. Turquoise and Gold Cuff-$99 (PLUS 15% KIKI’S LIST DISCOUNT THIS WEEK) **KIKI’S LIST FAVORITE
3. Orange and Gold Cuff -$99 (PLUS 15% KIKI’S LIST DISCOUNT THIS WEEK) **KIKI’S LIST FAVORITE
4. Berry Carp Gold Cuff -$99 (PLUS 15% KIKI’S LIST DISCOUNT THIS WEEK) **KIKI’S LIST FAVORITE
5. Snakeskin Enamel Cuff– $85 (PLUS 15% KIKI’S LIST DISCOUNT THIS WEEK)
6. Leopard Print Cuff -$99 (PLUS 15% KIKI’S LIST DISCOUNT THIS WEEK)
7. Snakeskin Cuff -$99 (PLUS 15% KIKI’S LIST DISCOUNT THIS WEEK)
8. Nude Enamels– $60-$79 (PLUS 15% KIKI’S LIST DISCOUNT THIS WEEK)
9. Leather and Enamel Cuffs– $69-$99 (PLUS 15% KIKI’S LIST DISCOUNT THIS WEEK)
10. Brown Leather and Gold Cuff-$99 (PLUS 15% KIKI’S LIST DISCOUNT THIS WEEK)
11. Lizard Belts- $330 (PLUS 15% KIKI’S LIST DISCOUNT THIS WEEK)
12. Enamel Hearts– $38-$53 (PLUS 15% KIKI’S LIST DISCOUNT THIS WEEK) I am going to get the small hearts for my girls in their favorite colors; pink for E and blue for Lou.

… and here are the two that made it home with me. The cream stingray wide cuff (it actually sparkles just a little.) and the gold double wrapped python cuff. Next on my list, #2 and #4!


Thanks Leigh and Jimmy.. This feature was too much fun!

08.17.10

Love.



My latest obsession- this bracelet. Likey? Check out Kiki’s List one week from today to find out where to get one of your very own at a 15% discount for all Kiki’s List readers.

08.05.10

Take Another Looksie: JC Penney.


I have never been much of a fan of JC Penney. It reminds me of when I was little and my mom would try to convince me that I really could do my back to school shopping there. But the bargain hunter in me loves a challenge, and I think I met this one head on. Don’t get me wrong, I had to sift through my fair share of pleather shoes, CZ jewels and more polyester than anyone should ever encounter. That being said, check out the adorable finds that made it onto Kiki’s List at even more adorable prices:

1. Turquoise Stone Necklace– ON SALE $19.99
2. 6 Piece Gold Bangle Set– ON SALE $13.99
3. Flower Statement Necklace– ON SALE $19.99 **KIKI’S LIST FAVE
4. Wide Brown Stretch Belt– ON SALE $14.99 **KIKI’S LIST FAVE
5. Irina Pump– ON SALE $39.99
6. Regina Hobo Bag– ON SALE $129.99
7. Beaded Circle Flops– ON SALE $9.99
8. Yellow Statement Necklace– ON SALE $20.99
9. Studded Disc Belt– ON SALE $8.99
10. Pearl and Chain Necklace– ON SALE $19.99
11. Trilogy Pumps– ON SALE $44.99
12. Gold Flops- ON SALE $8.99
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