Hey, I Know Her!

Jewelry works like a charm every time (pardon the pun) for updating your wardrobe, so like a good fashionista, each season I keep my eyes open and on the prowl. And what is cooler than finding a cool jewelry source? Finding a cool jewelry source made by someone you know!

I was thumbing thought the September issue of O magazine, and this month the big O gives out her 2012 Fashion O-awards. The “Best Daytime Drama” award was given to a gorgeous pair of drop earrings by Dara Ettinger.

I met Dara Ettinger about five years ago, when I lived in LA. We both had booths at an indie designer vendor show. I consider it fortunate that I could not help but notice her gorgeous jewelry creations on my way to take a bathroom break from my booth. We struck up a conversation, and later on she popped by my booth to check out my stuff. We instantly hit it off. What made a lasting impression is that Dara is just as nice as she is talented.

I never doubted her success. Since then, she has relocated to the east coast. Her line quickly took off by leaps and bounds; in addition to scoring several layouts and ads in major magazines, her line is carried by several impressive retailers, and is being sold in her NY boutique.

Check out the pair of earrings on page 185 of O; you may very well be tempted to “trade in your studs for these dangly sparklers” as the magazine suggests. (Available at Shopbop.com)

Of course, I am biased in my opinion, but I wasn’t surprised to see Dara’s name behind the earrings, as they say Dara Ettinger all over them. She has a distinctive style, and although her line has expanded and changed since I first met her, it made an impression and I can usually spot her work. In fact, when I saw the earrings I thought about her.

I confess the druzy stone earrings in the feature are not my favorites; I prefer her larger pieces that have more of a rough feeling to them, but it’s just another plus that her line has something for everyone. It's definitely worth checking out. Pictures don’t do them justice, but I say that only because I was lucky to see a few pieces in person. If you can, check her jewelry line at an in-store location.

You may have a hard time making a selection, so my suggestion is to check out her cuffs, as they are one of the hot fashion accessories for fall 2012. I usually wear them as a pair, but some of them are so gorgeous even one would work for me.