Stanford Shopping Center

I've always loved burgundy for fall so recently I've been incorporating the season's rich, Merlot hues into my wardrobe. It's such a versatile color, and I paired these Merlot pants with a silk Vince top and and a fabulous fur vest I purchased in Spain last year. And with the holidays just around the corner, the J.Crew "icicle" earrings add a festive touch to the ensemble. Find all of these pieces and more at Stanford Shopping Center!

Rosanne Karmes, from LA-based jewelry line Sydney Evan, talks about her latest collection at an exclusive Neiman Marcus event celebrating the designer's beaded bracelet collection. 

ALI BERGER: WHAT'S THE STORY BEHIND SYDNEY EVAN?

ROSANNE KARMES: I started working in the Fine Jewelry business while I was a student at Fairfax High School in Los Angeles. After many years of learning all aspects of the business I started a showroom to rep existing brands, where it became apparent to me what was missing in the fine jewelry category. Sydney Evan was started in 2001 and named after my two children, Sydney and Evan. Pop culture is a big influence in my work. My thumb stays on the pulse with my children, my staff and of course my love of fashion and art.

AB: WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT DESIGNING AND CREATING YOUR OWN JEWELRY?

RK: Seeing the happiness it brings to people and knowing that many pieces hold a special place in their lives from mother to daughter, husband to wife and friend to friend.

AB: WHAT IS YOUR DESIGN PHILOSOPHY?

RK: It’s quite haphazard actually. I come up with design ideas daily – some are classic in nature and others are completely unusual and hard to bring to life. But, there is a common theme that brings joy and love to those who see and wear it!

AB: WHERE DO YOU GO FOR INSPIRATION?

RK: I am inspired every day by the life around me. I travel often and I’m usually touched by something peculiar in those travels. When I read a book or go to a movie I’ll see something that tickles or inspires me to interpret that into wearable art.

AB: HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE LUXURY?

RK: Luxury is that which is precious and holds a special meaning to you. That could mean a night off with your family or a spa day - as much as it’s used to define that which is beyond your reach. While the SE brand is lavish, it is attainable.

AB: SUM UP YOUR AESTHETIC IN 3 WORDS...

RK: Whimsical, charming and timeless.

AB: TELL ME A LITTLE MORE ABOUT THIS COLLECTION. WHAT INSPIRED IT?   RK: Sydney Evan began with a few diamond charms with a whimsical sensibility. My inspiration to start the collection came from women who wanted to buy jewelry for themselves as meaningful pieces that defined some piece of them. Of course it did not stop there and the beaded bracelet was born so that women could collect and treasure multiple charms while being fashionable.   AB: OF YOUR COLLECTIONS, WHICH DESIGN IS YOUR FAVORITE?   RK: This is an impossible question, like asking [to choose] between my two children [Sydney and Evan]. I will say I am particularly proud of my “Love” collection because it started such a huge industry trend, the message is complete joy and it continues to be worn by some of the most exquisite women in the world.      AB: WHAT CAN WE EXPECT TO SEE IN YOUR UPCOMING COLLECTIONS?   RK: I will continue with my signature thoughtful charms with as much fervor as ever, however, I will be surprising people with new collections that distinguish the SE brand even more. Stay tuned!   At the Sydney Evan Custom Bead Event held at the Neiman Marcus Stanford Center store in Palo Alto, guests had the opportunity to customize their own beaded baubles and shop the collection side by side with the fabulous designer, all while enjoying cupcakes and cappuccinos.       To read more of my content, visit my official Simon Style Setter page or check out my personal blog.        

I was invited to Drybar at the Stanford Shopping Center to enjoy an afternoon of well-deserved pampering. As you already know, blow dry bars are not your typical hair salon. Each one specializes in their clientele differently, but one thing always stays the same “No cuts, No color, Just blowouts”.

During the initial appointment, Hair Stylist Bray Rose was kind enough to share a few new hair product kits with me. I got to experiment with everything from their Detox Dry Shampoo, Southern Belle Volumizing Mousse and their Money Maker Flexible Hold hairspray, which is now available in a new convenient VIP kit. From the creamy textures and empowering scents, not to mention the affordable pricing of $25, this kit is ideal for the girl on the go.

Manager Lydia Shore, shared her favorite Drybar product with me. Shore said, “Definitely, Southern Belle! Known as a volumizing mousse, it’s also amazing for short pixie cuts like mine. It creates curl memory in your hair, giving me the liberty to style my hair as funky or chic as I feel.”  

With the holiday season approaching quickly, Drybar will be launching an exclusive Blowout in a Box, which will include the Buttercup blow-dryer and the fun and glittery Joy to the Hair coasters.

A current fixation from Drybar would be their Sheriff, a firming hairspray that provides high control with long lasting sheen. After experimenting on a daily basis, I have found this product to be beneficial as a finishing product with a wide range of hairstyles.

Discover a new way to blow out and style your hair with quality products available at Stanford Shopping Center's Drybar.

Inspired by blush tones and nature, Monique Lhuillier's Spring collection featured intricate beading, floral elements, feminine silhouettes, and hues of pink, red, fuchsia and coral. Lhuillier has mastered the art of feminine and functional in ready-to-wear pieces that were curated for the modern-day woman. My favorite piece from the collection is the chic bandeau and ball skirt evening look in a vibrant combination of hot pink and persimmon silk gazar (pictured on the model below). The voluptuous, high-waisted skirt shows off a sliver of skin right beneath the bandeau, creating a look that is both sultry and sophisticated. Stop by Neiman Marcus at Stanford Shopping Center to see the beautiful collection for yourself!

Organizing and storing your jewelry not only makes your pieces last longer, but it also helps you keep track of everything you own, allowing you to effortlessly view and choose the appropriate jewels to complement any outfit. I usually keep my everyday jewels out, which typically consist of classic pearl studs, a Michael Kors watch, a bangle or two and a gold Tiffany's necklace my Dad gave me for my 21st (which I rarely take off).

Jewelry can look beautiful displayed on an objet d'art or pouring out of a jewelry box. However, picking the right one to house all your favorite baubles can be a challenge.

Last week as I was digging through my jewelry box while getting glammed up for an event, when I realized some of my pieces had somehow gotten caught behind the drawers. After several very frustrating attempts at getting them out (since the drawers don't pull out all the way), I decided it was time to figure out another way to store my jewelry. Fast forward one week later and I found myself at the grand opening of The Container Store at Stanford Shopping Center in Palo Alto, perusing the aisles of what I'd like to call any organized person's version of heaven. As I looked up and down the shelves of the jewelry storage section, I came across Stackers, an ingeniously designed collection of build-your-own, stackable jewelry boxes and trays. The array of interior layouts gave me the versatility of tailoring my box to suit my needs, which means no more delicate jewels caught in between and behind drawers.

Click here for more ideas and products to help organize your baubles!

The Container Store features plenty of other options for jewelry organization. Pictured above is the "little black dress" reinvented to store your jewels in your closet. Also, the absolutely essential travel pouch for transporting your jewels when you're on the move - whether it's to work or to Paris.