Last Days of Summer

September 03, 2026


Ohhh end of summer, how I used to love thee.  This year, however, the bloom is decidedly off the rose. It's just been a tad too hot and humid for my taste, and I suspect we are just getting started.  I hope you are finding ways to stay cool in this unusually steamy time in Los Angeles.  Of course there are things to love about this time of year, no matter the temperature.  The US Open is indeed one, and another thing I do always love about summer in general, is time spent in the swimming pool, floating away, and dreaming up new designs to bring to life.
This is exactly what I shall be doing this holiday weekend. We will be closed on Saturday, the 5th of September in observance of Labor Day... looking forward to seeing you next Wednesday, the 9th of September, when we re-open for the fall season.

Let's not forget how fun it is to wear a colorful earring in any season.  These are a few of my current favorites, featuring multicolored sapphires, and the coolest, deepest, most mesmerizing blue of one of my most favorite stones,  lapis lazuli. The history of the stone Is a fascinating one, dating back thousands of years, spanning across the globe to influence the artifacts and regalia of many elite societies.  One of my favorite things about lapis Is how It was prized by the ancient Egyptians, and employed In many ways to signify Its status as a divine symbol.  I can just imagine how dazzling it must have been to discover it in the mines back in those times, and how it must have seemed sent from heaven above with its saturated color and celestial glimmer.  I find it to be such a romantic and heavenly stone.

It is such a joy, creating new combinations of these vintage trade bead necklaces.  I find them to be an integral part of my summer wardrobe.  I tend to wear them all year round, but something about the summer really makes them shine.  They're easy to travel with, nothing too precious to worry about, and perfect for adding a pop of color or a little bit of a unique twist to whatever you're wearing.  The adjustable length makes them perfect companions for the other pieces in your collection.  They are fun to wear in groupings, or alone; long and loose, or short as more of a choker style.  We always enjoy helping people round out their collections, showing the best ways to layer, and taking custom ideas into account.  As we wind down the summer season and gear up for the fall ahead, feel free to swing by for a visit with us and our beads. 
 
Am I alone in the desire for a new bag every September?   I suspect not.  I think it ties into that age-old feeling of heading back to school, and needing a satchel of some kind to tote around whatever new things we might be required to have for the new term ahead.  I am long out of school, but that craving for newness remains every fall season.  Currently we have a lovely selection of LURA bags, handmade by skilled artisans in Italy, and in several shapes and sizes.  One will be perfect for whatever your fall bag needs might be.  I love the Nina bag photographed above, in a deep dark brown color they call Ebony, as well as the new mini Yve bags, which are the perfect small, crossbody or clutch companions to whatever your evening holds.  

During the heatwave we've been experiencing, I have counted on the pieces from our cotton collection to help keep me cool while still looking somewhat put together. I love these men's shirting cotton fabrics, and enjoy mixing them and adorning them with French lace details to soften the more geometric edges of the stripes, plaids, and checks.  I love the juxtaposition of the masculine and feminine, and particularly enjoy the shape of our Cordelia wrap skirt.  I have been alternating it with the Brigitte skirt and the Juno slip, which I wear with our long Maia duster, as well as our Lilia slip dress for what I have found to be the perfect summer wardrobe rotation.  

For the fall, which I hope will have many crisp and cool days in store for us, I am looking forward to wearing these gorgeous Liberty of London silk twill and silk satin pieces in heavy rotation.  I am not sure when that seasonal shift will occur, but I am ready with a plan!  If you're thinking ahead, or sorting out future fall travel to cooler climates, I can't think of a better dress to travel with than our Serafina dress in Liberty of London silk.  It packs into nothing, and gets you through the day or evening schedule with unique elegance.  Ditto for the Serafina blouse.  We have several print blocked versions to try, if you're around and feel like stopping by to try one on.

And if you do swing by, I might offer you a seed cracker to try with your iced tea or sparkling water.  I've been baking them on repeat for the past few weeks, and everyone keeps asking for the recipe, so here it is!  It's a nice, nourishing kind of snack to have around, especially when it feels too hot to eat much of anything at all.

Baked Seed Crackers

1 cup organic ground flax meal
1 cup boiling water
2 - 3 tbs. organic psyllium husk
2 cups organic raw mixed seeds, I use a combination of sprouted pumpkin, sprouted sunflower, sesame, and hemp hearts
Maldon or other flaky sea salt

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F.  

Place ground flax meal in a mixing bowl, pour over the boiling water, and mix to form a paste.  Add the psyllium husk, and let sit for 5-10 minutes before mixing in the other seeds.   

Pour the rest of the mixed seeds into the bowl, and mix using a spatula, until thoroughly combined.  

Line a baking sheet with a large piece of parchment paper, and use a few drops of olive oil to grease the paper.  

Place the seed mixture in the center of the paper, and use a spatula to spread thinly and evenly to cover the entire surface area of the baking sheet.
Sprinkle as liberally as you like with Maldon sea salt. 

Place the tray in the oven and set a timer for 35 minutes.  When time is up, Take the baking sheet out of the oven, and using a knife or pizza cutter, score into cracker sized pieces.  I usually do a grid of rectangles.  Return the tray to the oven, rotate, and bake another 30-35 minutes until ready.

Allow to cool, and then snap apart along the score lines.  Can be stored in an airtight container for up to two weeks, but they never last that long in my house!  

Enjoy,

High Summer

July 01, 2026

Hello hello!  I hope you are poised for a relaxing and restorative holiday weekend ahead.  Whether you are battling the intense heatwaves in Europe, or happily enjoying the marine layer in our little micro climate of Southern California, we will hope to see you soon and hear about how your summer is progressing. 

High summer calls for crisp cool cottons, and lots of stacking rings and beaded necklaces.  Happily, we have a wonderful selection of all the essentials.  With the exception of the holiday weekend (we'll be closed on Friday, July 3, and Saturday, July 4), we're here and always happy to help you find something delightful to enjoy along with the long summer days.

I am constantly mining my extensive bead collection to find combinations of things to string together.  This is one of the most recent additions.  It features a mix of ancient quartz from Mali, matte finished rose quartz beads, freshwater pearls, and a vintage carved carnelian bead placed just off center.  I love wearing beads for a pop of color, but also love the neutrality and cool tones of this particular piece. 

Putting together these one-of-a-kind necklaces is an activity that I deeply enjoy, and one that I have always found to be quite grounding and rather elemental.  If there are certain stones or colors that you like, and you are interested in a custom piece, please let us know.  I have a treasure trove of beads to choose from, and am always interested in a commission that results in something personal and unique.  You can contact us here and I promise that one of us will respond.

I am especially happy with the new shapes that we added to our Wardrobe Collection this season.  The Serafina blouse and Cordelia wrap skirt are two of my absolute favorites.  They are crafted in mixed prints from Liberty of London, in the softest and lightest 100% cotton lawn fabric.  The Serafina blouse and dress are essentially my versions of a t-shirt.  They are just as easy and comfortable to wear, but have a little more sophistication and flair.  We also have a sleeveless version, the Mariana.  We make these silhouettes in Liberty of London silk satin, crepe de chine, twill (so crisp and light!) and cotton prints, as well as in sold silk/cotton voile. 

I am equally happy with the delightful oxidized sterling silver and 18K yellow gold orb rings that I created specifically for the warm summer months.  They look precious, but you can easily take them along on a trip to a faraway place, or really anywhere the summer winds take you.  I love the way that the mixed metals play off of each other.  The shapes stack beautifully together;  each one complementing and contrasting the other in the nicest of ways.  The hand finished sterling silver beads float along the circumference of a simple 18K yellow gold band, and can be stacked alongside one another or with any of the other rings in the collection.  The way the silver has been hand finished gives it a lustre not unlike that of a treasured pearl.  In fact, everyone thinks that the smooth orbs actually are pearls, until we tell them otherwise.

You can always start with one and add to your collection as time passes.  I think it's lovely to build a stack organically, taking your time to really curate what exactly you like.  It's a bit like gardening. In fact, the fluted and melon versions were inspired by the poppy pods I found growing in my neighborhood, in front of a house that had the most well tended garden until its owner passed away, leaving the house and garden to be razed by builders.  In a way, these orbs are a tribute to him, and my memory of him sitting outdoors tending his garden daily, always ready for a neighborly chat as I passed by with my dogs, his garden thriving wildly during the summer months.

For me, summer has long been defined by salade Niçoise for Sunday lunch.  My mother made it throughout my childhood, and I then made it quite often for my children.  I honestly don't think they could imagine a summer without it.  I have naturally tweaked the version my mother made, making it more my own.  It has evolved over time, but remains in its essence, exactly the same as the one I remember.  Everyone has their favorite bits, and you can absolutely improvise with whatever you like, and is fresh and in season.  Also when you have a crowd, as we often do, it helps to have a wooden bowl that you could bathe a small child in.  Turpan in the Brentwood Country Mart sells beautiful options.

We recently hosted a very lovely birthday lunch, and as ever, the Niçoise took center stage.  With the holiday weekend approaching, it's the perfect time to make one, despite it being a national grilling holiday.  I suppose you could grill the tuna to feel more in line with the customary habits of the American experience.  I just sear mine on a grill pan in the kitchen.  I'm intimidated by grilling, I have to admit!

Salade Niçoise

Mixed lettuces (I usually use a mesclun)

Sliced cucumbers

Slow roasted tomatoes

Oven roasted fingerling potatoes

Blanched haricot vert

Soft boiled eggs (I prefer 5 minutes, 30 seconds for a jammy egg)

Quick pickled thinly sliced red onion 

Pitted kalamata olives (or whatever kind you prefer)

Tuna Ventresca in a jar of olive oil; or alternatively a large piece of Ahi tuna, seared well

Freshly torn soft herbs (I use a mix of dill and parsley)

I usually slice the red onions first, then leave to pickle in a jar of red wine vinegar with a pinch of salt.  Then I tackle the rest of the vegetables; blanching the haricot vert and plunging into an ice bath, soft boiling the eggs, and slicing the tomatoes in half and then roasting them in a generous splash of olive oil, salt and pepper, likewise the fingerling potatoes.  This can all be accomplished earlier if you like to plan ahead, then assemble whenever you're ready.  
Beginning with the lettuce, add everything to the bowl you are using, composing the vegetables in sections with the tuna in the middle.  I usually squeeze half a lemon over the tuna and scatter handfuls of fresh herbs and wait to dress and toss until we are ready to sit down.  Really any vinaigrette that you like will work, but I've recently taken to making this one...
Dressing 

One tin of anchovies packed in oil 

Two handfuls of parsley

One small clove of garlic

Two heaping tablespoons dijon mustard

Juice of one lemon

A few splashes of a vinegar you like (champagne vinegar is nice here)

Extra virgin olive oil 

Salt and pepper to taste

Add everything except the EVOO to the bowl of a Cuisinart or blender, turn it on, and slowly drizzle in the EVOO until the dressing comes together and emulsifies. You'll still see flecks of parsley, but the anchovies and garlic will be blended completely.  Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.  It should be a little sharp and very flavorful, but not overpowering.  This dressing is wonderful on the Niçoise, and equally so on a simple salad of radicchio leaves or other bitter greens.  I always have a jar on hand, and it never lasts long.  Summer is the season of the salad, is it not?

Enjoy,

Let's talk about Silver and Serafina

May 07, 2026

Mother's Day is on the horizon... and as we all well know, (or should know by this point) parenting is the most difficult job on planet Earth. The most rewarding and cherished, to be sure... but certainly not easy, and therefore, I feel we should all expend a little extra energy to honor the mothers and maternal figures in our lives. My own mother was an amazing and complex creature. Since she is no longer with us, I will honor her by doing some of the things she loved to do, with the people she loved the most. As for gifting for mothers and others, or for something to wear on Mother's Day as you're celebrating, we have so many lovely options. 

I am so happy with our new sterling silver pieces. The finish is a little smoky, a little incandescent, and feels much the way a good pair of vintage denim jeans do. I mean this in the way that they capture the patina of wear, and provide an instant sense of comfort and durability. These are pieces that are meant to be worn and enjoyed without any pretense or extra care involved. I designed these beads to be almost like pearls, with lustre, texture, and the irregular shapes of the most interesting baroque and south sea pearls. Little accents in the form of red silk knotting, or a spot of 18K yellow gold appear to offset and enhance the collection of textured silver beads.

Of course my heart belongs to gold, yet with the stratospheric increase in value I find that perhaps we can use it a touch more sparingly, really leaning into its inherent value and making it an accent instead of the entire main event. Much in the same way that Edwardian jewelry focused more on the white metals, using gold as more of an accent, I am turning towards reimagining some of my work in a mix of hand finished sterling silver with a just a little bit of 18K yellow gold.  

I think the mix is modern, quite cool, and infinitely wearable. Combining our 18K yellow gold alloy with sterling silver gives a piece an entirely different feeling. For me it creates an elegance and a utility that is completely different to a piece that is executed entirely in a singular metal. I'm such a proponent of layering in every sense: with pattern, color, and texture. Mixing metals is a natural extension of this philosophy, and something I think is essential to the creation of a well rounded jewelry wardrobe. 

I also love the way certain stones look when they are set into silver as opposed to gold. The silver, while also a noble metal and something that I find very precious in any form, lends a certain element of drama to stones. I love the juxtaposition of color with a dark frame, which is how I see the setting of the stones in this garnet cabochon ring. I am framing the color, the shape, and the smooth texture. For this particular parcel of stones, the blackened silver does what gold would not, and the silver seems somehow more appropriate here.  

On the wardrobe front, we have been busy with new shapes and new Liberty of London prints in both cotton and silk. I am delighted to introduce you to our popular new dress and blouse, Serafina. Serafina is cut on the bias with sleeves, and can be worn back to front, which makes it feel like two dresses or blouses in one with the pattern blocking. I packed a prototype of the Serafina dress for our trip to Europe a couple of months ago, and wore it in several different ways: to dinner, to walk the streets of Rome, underneath a cardigan, with a tailored jacket, and under a raincoat in London. The crepe de chine is perfect for packing -- the wrinkles just fall out in the time it takes to steam up a hotel bathroom in the shower -- and I received compliments on the dress everywhere we went.  

It has been an especially popular choice for the mother-of-the-groom or bride. In the silk twill or satin it feels a bit more fancy -- perfect for a special occasion. The one-of-a-kind or few-of-a-kind nature of the print blocking is an added bonus for such an important day or evening. We also have a sleeveless version: the Mariana. The blouse looks great with our silk twill Brigitte skirt, which is one-size-fits-most, and epitomizes the ease of what Spring/Summer dressing should be. The Mariana dress is slinky in the most elegant way, and gives you the option of wearing it back to front, for a deeper neckline if you so desire.


Whatever you're doing for Mother's Day weekend, I hope you enjoy. If you need a little something as a gift, we have delicious handmade beeswax scented candles, as well as heavenly silk sleep masks and even pillowcases, made in 100% silk charmeuse with one-of-a-kind print blocked Liberty of London borders... all of which would make anyone on your list feeI loved and pampered in the nicest of ways. If you feel like more of a splurge, we have an incredible selection of LURA handbags, which are both chic and incredibly useful. Come visit us! We love seeing you always, and hope you have a gorgeous weekend ahead.

Enjoy,

In anticipation of S P R I N G

March 11, 2026

Hello, hellooooooooo.  Well, it has been quite a year. Perhaps that is the ultimate understatement?  Well, despite all the madness, or because of it I've become a poodle evangelist. If you don't understand why, then you have yet to meet George.  He is single handedly (paw-edly?) responsible for keeping my nervous system in order.  Not a simple task at the moment, I can assure you.  Yet, yet...he is honestly the BEST.  There are so many dogs that need a home.  If you are in need of some sweet everlasting love in your home, I suggest you open your heart to one (or more!) if you can.  As you may know, Tess is our resident expert on the topic, and has lots of advice.  Let us know if you need any!

And if a four-legged sweetheart isn't in the cards for you at the moment, I imagine a little retail therapy could  be a potent source of delight in this chaotic moment.  If you also suspect that could be the case, I hope you'll come by the shop next week, as we host our talented and chic friend Yvonne Roe on March 18th + 19th.  Yvonne will be in town from Italy with her gorgeous collection of LŪRA handbags.  As the exclusive US retailer, we have just received our spring order, which looks GORGEOUS.  Yvonne is also bringing along a set of samples from her fall collection, as well as some other new pieces from her workshop in Italy that are available for purchase during the trunk show.  As ever, you can order a bespoke bag in the color and shape of your choice, to be delivered in about six weeks.  If instant gratification is your thing, then you won't want to miss the event next week.  

This month we have lovely new pieces arriving, jewelry that incorporates gorgeous stone combinations as well as new oxidized sterling silver, since the price of gold won't be falling for some time, I fear.  I happen to be a big advocate for mixing metals, wearing your gold pieces alongside your sterling silver treasures.  Why not mix your metals as well as your stones?  The combination of lapis and hot pink tourmaline feels fresh and festive, and like what spring should really be...an explosion of color and texture.   


In addition, we have new wardrobe pieces in the loveliest Liberty of London 100% silk twill.  The silk twill is new for us, and I can't tell you how wonderful it is.  It has a lightness and a soft structure that is completely different to the crepe de chine and charmeuse that we have used for the last decade.  Of course we still have deep abiding love for ALL the different silks that we use, but this twill is fun and new, and perfect for the spring season.  I hope you'll love it too. 

With all the craziness of our current world, I am definitely finding solace in the beauty around us.  The blossoms in the trees for one, all coming fast and furious with this unseasonably warm weather.  Apologies if you're on the other end of the spectrum and experiencing unseasonably cold weather, I'm not trying to rub it in.  Mother Nature seems to be taking us all along on quite a ride this year.  I caught sight of this stunning protea display, completely abuzz with bees on my morning walk with George yesterday, and wanted to share it with you.  We are just so very lucky to live in this part of the world.

Wherever you can find a little gorgeous moment, I hope you seize it and enjoy.  Dudamel has a few more performances at the Los Angeles Philharmonic, which has been such a source of joy for us, especially in this, his last year in town.  New York, you are so very lucky to have him.  LACMA is reopening soon, and I am so excited to see the art installed at long last, in the monumental new Peter Zumthor building. It's not all doom and gloom, though we can all be forgiven for thinking so at the moment.

And speaking of gorgeous moments, our son Sacha has opened a contemporary art gallery on North Western Avenue in Melrose Hill, Frankfurt/Ordorica, with his business partner Guillermo Ordorica.  I am incredibly proud of course, and super impressed with their inaugural exhibition.  If you are interested, you can read more about it here, and plan to visit the gallery if you're in town. There are lots of other galleries on the street, as well as restaurants to explore if you go.  

I hope you'll have time to swing by next week to meet Yvonne, and see her beautifully crafted handbags.  They are chic and elegant, as is Yvonne.  I am such a fan of her work, and carry her bags everywhere.  I can't wait to see what she has created for fall 2026.  You can have a more in-depth look at her brand here.

 

Enjoy,

PS I didn't have time to sort out a recipe to share with you this time, but we will have some homemade treats in the store for our shopping event with LURA next week, so do plan to join us if you can.  As ever, we will be delighted to welcome you into our world.

November 2025

November 24, 2025

'Tis nearly the season, and with only something like 40-something (!!!) actual shopping days on the calendar until Christmas, I suppose it's high time to embrace the holidays.  Walking the neighborhood with our new rescue dog, George(!!!) I've noticed that as soon as the scary Halloween decorations were taken down, my neighbors dove right into Christmas.  Why the rush?  I for one, am so happy to take my time between these celebrations, and don't entirely feel ready for the mad dash search for the perfect gifts to deliver.  Alas, it seems to be a welcome distraction from the noise of the outside world, so I am letting the holiday energy seep in slowly, allowing my thoughts to turn towards gift ideas that will dazzle and delight.

First and foremost, we have a new collection of hand finished, sterling silver pieces that would be perfect for anyone on your list.  We have been working on these pieces for awhile, integrating them into the collection here and there as they become available. We have a mix of blackened silver and shiny, as well as some hand finished pieces that have a lustre that reminds me of my favorite Tahitian pearls.  The chains are especially nice, and the prices are friendlier than their gold counterparts, which is nice of course. 

The silver pieces are also perfect for the men in your life. I wanted to make a collection for men that feels as special as the 18K gold pieces, but are a bit less precious, and more easily worn day in and day out. The ring collection has something for everyone, designs that are meant to be worn alone or stacked together to make a more dimensional shape on the hand. There are bracelets in larger sizes, and a couple of hand made chain necklaces that feel substantial and chic for everyone to enjoy. We are working to get all of the new sterling silver pieces up on the website, so check back often as you consider your holiday shopping list. 

The Diamond Honeycomb pendant is one of the standout holiday gift ideas that I can think of.  It has the perfect amount of edge and drama, which still feeling soft and feminine.  I love the contrast of the diamonds with the blackened silver, and think it will make a stunning gift for someone special on your list, perhaps even yourself!  If you need us to drop a hint, we are very good at that, so just let us know.  We are so happy to advocate for giving the best gifts always.  We can also customize this piece with different stones, or even make it for you in 18K yellow gold, rose gold, or white gold, if sterling silver doesn't do it for you.  Years ago we made a black diamond version in 18K rose gold that I still think about.   

If you are in town, I hope you'll swing by to see our dear friend Pamela Barish, and her Fall 2025 collection.  We will be hosting her for the day on Thursday, December 4th, 2025, just in time to find something special to wear for the upcoming holiday festivities. 

And speaking of what to wear for the holiday festivities, I think our high-necked Victoria dress in Liberty of London 100% silk crepe de chine is perfect for the occasion.  We also have one in sapphire and black color blocked 100% silk charmeuse, which feels very special as well.  The high neck and the open back are quite dramatic,  with the full batwing sleeve and tight to the wrist cuffs making it super feminine and flattering for most. 

For Thanksgiving this year, we will be spending the holiday with some of our oldest and dearest friends.  I am not cooking the main part of the meal, but will of course be making Persimmon Pudding, as my family can't imagine Thanksgiving without it.  In addition, I think I'll make a batch of my favorite cranberry sauce.  It's a Martha Stewart recipe from a million years ago, and I still make it every year.  It's the only cranberry sauce I've ever liked.  Maybe it's the ginger and the shallots, or the red wine vinegar, but it has a lovely warmth and spice as opposed to being cloyingly sweet.  If you give it a try, let me know what you think.  I usually make it a couple of nights before serving to allow the flavors to really come together.

Martha Stewart's Cranberry Sauce with Dried Cherries

makes approximately three cups

one 12 ounce bag of fresh cranberries

3/4 cup dried cherries

1/2 cup finely chopped shallots

2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar

zest and juice of one orange

2 teaspoons of grated fresh ginger

3/4 cup packed light brown sugar

Combine the cranberries, cherries, shallots, vinegar, orange zest and juice, ginger, and brown sugar in a medium saucepan, and cook over medium heat until the cranberries pop.  Reduce heat to low; cook, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries release their juices, about 15 minutes.  If the cranberry sauce becomes too thick, add water until the desired consistency is reached.  Transfer to a bowl to cool.   Store in an airtight container.  

Wherever you find yourselves enjoying the Thanksgiving holiday, I wish you a restorative and joyful time with the people and animals you love the most.  We will be here for you when your attention turns to shopping for the perfect gift, with an abundance of beautiful options for everyone on your list. 

Enjoy,

10 Years on Main (Street)...

October 10, 2025

 

Hard to believe, when I opened my first store on Abbot Kinney Boulevard in 2007 as a pop-up, that I would be here nearly two decades later, celebrating ten years on Main Street. Still in Venice, but a half-mile north, and what feels like a million years away...here we are. I moved here ten years ago, opening in January of 2015 with my talented friend and neighbor, Pamela Barish. We had a wonderful time, sharing an entranceway and our beautiful communities, and it was heaven while it lasted. Now, I'm the sole remaining store in what was once a trio of Abbot Kinney defectors. My neighbors have changed, but my vision and my space have remained steadfastly intact. I love being here, welcoming our faithful clients, who have become dear friends as well as our daily inspiration, and creating more and more beautiful things with which to adorn ourselves. 

To celebrate this milestone, we have created a set of five, one-of-a-kind, Liberty of London silk crepe de chine Asteria robes, and five, one-of-a-kind colored stone rings in a variety of colors and shapes. 

I chose colored stones, all tourmaline, in different shapes and sizes to celebrate the last ten years in our space on Main Street.  They complement each other beautifully, and I think represent the vibrancy and diversity of our time here.  I selected them as a set, and envision them either stacked together as a collection, or collected individually by those who would treasure a singular piece from this grouping.  I love the way the shapes nestle together on the finger, and the symphony of color that they represent together, and even the singular note each color strikes on its own. 

There is a shocking pink in a sharp and narrow marquise cut, as well as a softer, sunset hue-inspired peach in a rounded pear shape.  I love the acidic nature of the green oval tourmaline stone, and how it plays off of the deeper pear-shaped teal tourmaline stone. They feel like they belong together.  Finally, there is a smaller oval in a clear-toned red that to me feels like an everyday neutral.  I am always enchanted by these colors from nature, and in the gorgeous form that gemstones take. 

As for the special edition one-of-a-kind Liberty of London silk robes that we created to celebrate, I find it extremely difficult to pick a favorite.  I love mixing the prints, and had such a good time selecting the pairings for this project.  The prints really lend themselves to our Asteria robe, a classic kimono shape with a modern feeling. 

The Asteria is one of the first shapes we worked on when I created the wardrobe collection.  It was inspired by a vintage piece that I had long since destroyed through overuse, and that never had a proper belt, or felt quite substantial enough in the first place.

I envisioned something a bit more durable, with a self belt that couldn't be lost or misplaced, and something that felt chic enough to wear out and about.  I think the Asteria delivers on all fronts, and more.  The Liberty fabric makes them truly special, and these one-of-a-kind combinations of prints are so much fun, as no two are exactly alike.  I think they look amazing layered over other prints. While I realize that it might be a bit maximalist for many, I still encourage everyone to try it.  I am personally most happy when I wear at least three prints at a time, and as chaotic as that sounds, it feels completely harmonic to my nervous system.

As we inch closer to the holiday season ahead I start to focus one eye towards the more special pieces, the ones that make the perfect gift, the objects that are easily treasured, and so much fun to give.  So many pieces here feel like they fit that bill perfectly. We are also releasing a new 100% beeswax scented candle to add to our collection. This is one I've been working on for quite some time, as I've long wanted to create the scent version of a delicious cup of hot Earl Grey tea in the afternoon.  Think Bergamot, but warmer. I think we finally got there, and I hope you'll love it as much as we do. We call it Main Street, and as the name suggests, it really is a classic. 

Whether its time to treat yourself, or time for diving deep into your spirit of generosity, I hope you'll find a moment to swing by and celebrate the milestone of this particular part of our journey, the past ten years on Main Street in Venice.  As ever, we would be delighted to see you soon.

All Love, Love, Love,

September Sunshine

September 10, 2025

While my year isn't governed by the rhythm of a school year anymore, I still feel like September brings a particularly new and fresh energy to the calendar. I truly enjoy summer, but I LOVE fall... even though in this part of the country September is most normally the hottest month.
With that in mind, I wanted to share some of the newer pieces that have arrived as of late. There is an absolutely stunning five-part ring with brilliant diamonds. We made a version of this last year, which was only in the store for about an hour before someone swept it up as an anniversary gift. I imagine the same might happen with this one. It's truly that special. 

I am always working on unique ways to wear a pearl necklace, and love tracking how it has shifted with the fashions of the times. There were the Victorian ropes upon ropes, which were spectacular, and then of course Coco Chanel and her take on that era, making pearls a staple for the modern woman. Then maybe we jump to the 1950s and the twin-set sweater crowd, who wore a single or double short strand necklace of oftentimes graduated, cultured pearls. After that, most notably, I remember the 1980s and Barbara Bush with her gumball sized, triple strand of faux pearls by Kenneth Jay Lane. 

I love pearls, but need to make them my own way, something I expand on from time to time. I have made clusters of them on gold loops, which hang like a bunch of grapes from a leather cord, as well as impossibly long strands of South Sea pearls in a mix of colors and sizes. I also make what I call pearl scarves, that are open ended, and can be worn in a number of ways. My favorite of all are keshi pearls. Their irregular shapes and the fact that they are non-nucleated really appeals to me. Here, however, I've used freshwater pearls, in an unusual shape to adorn each link of this 18K yellow gold chain, and I couldn't love it more.  

On the wardrobe front, I'm looking forward to wearing our 100% silk Isobel blouse day and night. It looks beautiful mixed with another Liberty of London silk print, as well as with denim or under a suit jacket. I love the attached scarf, with its myriad of ways to tie, as well as the double ruffle on the cuff, which looks just so lovely peeking out from the sleeve of a blazer. The swingy cut looks great both loose and tucked in, and on everyone. We also make it in solid silks, in color-blocked or simply one color. It's a flattering, truly useful piece that will enhance any wardrobe for the fall season ahead. 

It has been hot, so I've been making lots of different herbal concoctions to pour over ice. One I've been making on repeat is a recipe I saw in an email sent from Fanny Singer's website, Permanent Collection. It's so light and delicious, uses herbs I grow in pots around my garden, and is caffeine free. It is lovely to drink at any time of day or evening. I hope she won't mind me sharing with you as well.

A Soothing Summer Herbal Tea

2 long sprigs of lemon verbena (a handful of dried leaves works too)
4 sprigs of thyme
3 sprigs of tarragon
the peel of one tangerine or small orange
1 cinnamon stick
2 tablespoons of dried fennel seeds

Place all ingredients in a carafe or tea pot and cover with boiling water. Allow to steep and cool before pouring over ice to serve.

Enjoy,

Ribbon Collection

August 02, 2025

The Ribbon Collection came to life through the design process of a custom engagement ring several years ago. The ring was for someone in the art world, who is modern, strong, and very feminine at the same time, as well as being quite a unique character. I wanted to create something that captured the feeling of tradition, but organically, as it intersects with the more lyrical nature of life and this very important symbol of commitment.  

It very quickly became an integral part of my design vocabulary, as there is a lightness to the ribbon motif that I love; a feeling that often softens a more structured piece in a modern and playful way. The bracelet in this collection is one of my favorite pieces. It looks great on its own, but also has a nice interplay with whatever bangles or link bracelets are in your collection.

From the most simple plain ribbon band, to the more elaborate combinations featuring diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, rubies, and more, there is a piece from this collection that everyone can add to their stack. The ribbon bands have a lovely little dip, where a solitaire can nestle gracefully, and also look especially good when stacked together. There is an overall openness to them, all the while feeling distinctly solid too, which is amplified by wearing more than one.

The earrings in this collection feel very clean and modern, and have a sinuous quality that really speaks to the spirit of the design. The hoops come in different sizes, small and medium, and look great stacked alongside each other. 

Of course, custom inquiries are always welcome. While I particularly like an oval shaped stone for this design, we can also explore other options. All pieces come in our signature hand finished 18K yellow gold, as well as in 18K white gold, 18K rose gold, or platinum by request. Swing by so we can have a chat about it. As always, we would love to see you.

Lotus Leaves

July 17, 2025

Consider the lovely lotus flower.  The divine and uplifting, universal symbol of purity and resurrection, it has long played a role in spiritual practice across several different cultures. 

I've been drawn to this motif as long as I can remember, and it appears quite often in my design vocabulary.  In particular, I respect the basic habits of the flower to rise and bloom, pristine and perfect, out of the muck and mud of murky waters. 

I admire the superpower of this blossom, and the resiliency it represents. Over the years we have stocked rings, earrings, bracelets, and necklaces that employ the lotus leaf as a basic structure in our signature, hand finished 18K gold.

We have also used the lotus leaf as inspiration for several very special engagement rings, which is something we love to do.  The lotus leaves add a particularly meaningful aspect to this very literal representation of commitment.

One of my most favorite lotus themed pieces is actually in stock at the moment, you can have a closer look here.

May you feel uplifted, and inspired to rise above the everyday muck and mud, and spread your beautiful pristine blossoms for the world to see.  It's definitely what the moment calls for.

Spring in Bloom

April 03, 2025

What a delight to see the blossoms on the trees, to hear the birdsong in the mornings, and to catch a glimpse of the new season at hand. These pink blossoms near the front of our house are very popular with the neighborhood bees. There is always a cluster of buzzy activity when I leave the house in the mornings. I love seeing them thriving and doing their thing.

Likewise, we have been busy doing OUR thing here at LFrank. There are lots of pretty things to see all around us, and several fun events on the horizon too. It feels good to know that we will soon be gathering our community together, and to spend time with our favorite designers and friends. I feel quite fortunate to be able to make beautiful things, and to share them with like-minded people, and to see what everyone else is up to in their creative lives. Color and texture are as ever a touchstone. In that vein, our new green tourmaline drop earrings have arrived just in time to personify the bright spirit of this new spring season.  

We also have a set of new rings that feel perfectly poised to become quiet touchstones. The sinuous shapes and smooth curves lend themselves well to stacking or making a sculptural statement in their own right. You can have a closer look here, here, and here. I am personally feeling drawn to intentionally strong shapes, with a softer edge and feeling, and these rings are meant to capture and represent that contradiction perfectly.
 
Of course with the new season, comes the desire to freshen our wardrobes. Our dear friend and former neighbor, Pamela Barish, will be spending the day with us on Wednesday, April 16th when we host a preview and trunk show of her Spring 2025 collection. I hope you can join us. We miss having Pamela next door, so it is always such a treat to have her and her beautiful pieces in residence. If you'd like a preview of Pamela's work, you can have a look at her website here.
I recently found a strand of abstract and irregularly shaped moonstone beads and was inspired to make a more substantial version of our pearl lariat necklace, which has been especially popular as of late. I love the red silk cord with the coolness of the moonstones, and the overall length combines with the larger size of the beads to make a more dramatic statement. I can imagine this piece with a crisp white shirt, or a low necked or backed slip dress. The beads can be worn in a variety of ways, and dressed up or down. Come try it on for size, if you're local. This could easily become a spring favorite. 
 
On the topic of spring favorites, if you've seen me at all in the past couple of years, you've most likely seen me in this quilted silk crepe de chine Liberty of London vest.  We made only one, and it's taken us ages to perfect the construction to make it reversible, but finally we have one available in the boutique. It isn't on the website yet, but it's gorgeous and I daresay it's even nicer than mine. It's fun to put together these one-of-a-kind pattern mash-ups. They have such a sincere charm, and are so useful, as they go with almost anything, sort of becoming a true neutral while still being a riot of color and pattern.
We can of course make the vest in a solid silk fabric for you, if pattern isn't your thing, and we have one in solid blues and greens here for you to try on. The silk batting inside the quilting keeps you warm during this transitional season, and it is a perfect piece for spring travel. I keep mine with me wherever I go, rolled up and tucked into my bag.
Speaking of my bag, I wanted to let you know that we are going to host our friends at LŪRA and their beautifully crafted Italian leather goods again in May, just before Mother's Day. I have been using my LŪRA bags quite a lot lately, and am always stopped by someone to inquire after them. I am happy to report that we will have them again soon, and in a special new leather. They've created a gorgeous collection in nubuck, and we will be the first to showcase it, in stock and ready to carry away with you for instant gratification, which is always fun. Of course, you can still place an order for a bespoke bag in your choice of color if you have more patience and feel like a custom treat.

It is really gratifying to make a special one-of-a-kind piece, so I wanted to share this lovely little angel necklace that we recently customized with tiny faceted ruby beads, and strung on red silk cord. The tiny pearls are so delicate, and the mix of sizes gives it a more organic feeling that complements the asymmetry of the rubies in the nicest way. It can also be customized with little emerald, turquoise, sapphire, or other beads. Let us know if there is something special you have in mind. I feel like we are all in the mood for something a little special right now.  
Stay well out there...
Much Love,