Effortless Chic

French women can be so stunning in such an unassuming way. My favorite part of visiting France is people watching, or more specifically, French women watching. (My husband likes it too!) 

 I like to call their style "effortless chic." The way they tie their scarves, or how they put an outfit together is just an innate talent. A great French designer who inspires me is Isabel Marant. If you haven't seen her clothes, be sure to take a look at them at www.net-a-porter.com. The outfit above features her Bradi black leather jacket, the perfect addition for a cool walk down the Champs-Elysee.

 Shown above is the casually sexy Alden one shouldered dress. I love everything..... the fabric, the cut, the ruffles and the skirt is the perfect length.

 Talk about an unexpected mix! Isabel's Joliet skirt is a witty counterpoint to her Fujiyama sweatshirt.  Can't you picture this ensemble on some cute young French girl leaving Lauduree with several macaroons in hand!

 The Adriana top shown above is a personal favorite.  I could also see it with white jeans and a leather jacket. Ooooh la la!

And, finally, you wouldn't be French without some fabulous fringed scarf to throw around (effortlessly of course!)

Warm Breezes Sure Trump Arctic Blasts!

Yes, this has been one of the coldest, snowiest winters in the U.S. which brings us to the topic of the Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas. We were recently introduced to this fabulous resort and some quick research convinced us that we should spread the word about it. You can find out more by visiting this link http://atlantis.com The buyers for the Atlantis resort stores bought a wide array of our spring/summer line. Our jewelry is just arriving there, so we thought we would take a closer look to see what they had to offer.

 The verdict is a definite thumbs up. Accommodations look fabulous.

This is a view of one of the many casinos on the property. Wouldn't you love to throw your money away here!

Sure looks like a great shopping destination.

Here are some of the pieces we just shipped there. If you are lucky enough to be able to plan a getaway, we heartily recommend the Atlantis Resort, Paradise Island, Bahamas!

Find out more about our jewelry here: www.myrnahalpern.com

My Super Bowl Picks

It's Super Bowl Sunday and this blog is not about football! Instead I prefer to take up the topic of all things super (as in superlative) in the realm of food and travel. 

My favorite restaurant (shown above) is Don Alfonso in Sant'Agata, Italy.

Not only is the restaurant itself I sight to behold, the food pictured above is truly superior. All superlatives apply. Be sure to take a tour of the wine cellar in the basement... jaw dropping.

http://www.donalfonso.com/ristorante.asp?lingua=ing

Super Bowl Pick for favorite vista would have to be the Ponte du Gard,  an ancient Roman aqueduct in Southern France. My favorite picnic spot... really!

Had to mention the Hotel Eden in Rome in my list of superlatives. Here is where I got permanently hooked on linen sheets. Note the view out the window.

http://www.dorchestercollection.com/en/rome/hotel-eden

For a change of pace, consider Harry's Bar in Vence, France. Yes France. Not Harry's Bar in Venice. The ambience is unparalleled and the morning espresso is superb. Couldn't find an exact picture, but this neighborhood photo gives you a feel for the setting. A 7 a.m. visit introduces you to the town alcoholics getting started for the day.

Finally the best place on earth to veg out, Port Townsend, Washington in the summer. This body of water is the area where Puget Sound opens into the Strait of Juan de Fuca,  a super spectacular site!

And as far as the Super Bowl, GO SEA HAWKS!

Coldest Day in Central Park in 118 Years!

January 7, 2014, 4 degrees above zero with very below zero wind chill. Yikes,  I had a lot of work to do that day in the Big Frozen Apple.

Actually I had arrived in New York the afternoon before and sped right over to the ENK Accessories Show for a little inspiration. Always love to visit the booth of My Flat in London which is so gorgeous and sophisticated. Besides it helps to start your venture with a little food for thought.

Awoke the next morning to the coldest day in Central Park in 118 years! Since I was born and raised in Chicago, I bundled up like my mother taught me to do in the Windy City, and I began my day with a good hot breakfast at an old favorite, Andrews Coffee Shop at 35th and 8th. (My hotel was in Chelsea, so I had walked 6 blocks uptown, only 25 more to go!)

My mission that day was to see several of my favorite NY vendors and then meet my hubby for a late lunch at Jean Georges in the Trump Hotel overlooking Central Park. First stop, Beads World, a great resource for all the little trivial items that only a jewelry designer could appreciate!

Fearing frostbite, my plan was to walk no more than 8 or 10 blocks at a time. It worked. Here is the last vendor I saw. I was at 48th Street where I warmed up and emptied my bank account!

I then decided to detour over to 5th Avenue to complete a little "research" checking out the jewelry at Saks, Henri Bendel and Bergdorf Goodman, ten more blocks. Freezing his buns off, is the police officer guarding Rockefeller Center. Baby, it's cold outside!

From Bergdorf Goodman I headed west and finally made it to Jean Georges.....from the ridiculous to the sublime!

The ambience is amazing.

And the food is off the charts!

My next stop was Sola Showroom, the showroom representing my "jewels." It is on 20th. Yes, we had sense enough to take a cab!

Perfect timing! My fabulous rep Lisa was just writing up an order for me.

Here are a few of the pieces that Montage will be shipping to the Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas in February. One might think that this was the end of an exhausting day but, PS, we walked the 12 blocks back to our hotel for a little rest, and then our final walk of the day was to the theater district to see the previews of Beautiful, the story of Carol King, so fabulous! Yes, a very exciting day, and I think I worked off every calorie from that fabulous lunch at Jean Georges!

To see all the new spring jewelry from Montage visit www.myrnahalpern.com.

Mixing Old and New

When I design jewelry, I love mixing old and new. So it makes sense that I also gravitate to that look in home design. In the photo above, designer Stacey Costello unveils a seamless way to combine something old with something new. I especially love the way she mixed that gorgeous vintage tablecloth with lime green napkins, fruits and sunflowers.  No, your napkins do not have to match your cloth. See! Visit www.staceycostello.com for more ideas.

Suzanne Varner's website www.suzannevarner.com would be another fabulous resource if you enjoy this eclectic style of interior design. Her combination of a classic traditional dining table with leather chairs and 50's aqua walls is so unexpected and yet so sophisticated. Of course the magnificent chandelier is definitely the cherry on top!

Summer Thornton is another talented designer who exemplifies this quirky yet fabulous style of decorating. Love, love, love the funky color scheme and mint green glass lamps combined with the tufted velvet headboard and silver damask wall covering. Really cool. See lots more at www.summerthorntondesigns.com

I want to call this magnificent room "rustic revival." It is a real "McMansion" on Capitol Hill in the Seattle area. It sports an Old World look mixed with fabulous leathers and hides. Sweet!

Hope you will visit www.myrnahalpern to see how I put these eclectic concepts to use in a very different realm....... jewelry design. Have fun, cyber shoppers!

Ring in the New Year

This New Year's Eve there is a simple formula for what to wear.

Embellished sweatshirt + skinny black pants + high heels + lots of bling = Perfect Evening

Follow our suggestions below and you are guaranteed to look great and have fun.

Moda Operandi features this fabulous embellished piece.

http://modaoperandi.com/opening-ceremony/resort-2014/rtw-1787/item/sparrow-quilted-embellished-sweatshirt-212600?utm_medium=Linkshare&utm_source=Linkshare&utm_content=Hy3bqNL2jtQ&siteID=Hy3bqNL2jtQ-bCLBttMjxxV2jr_5gRQeCg

We envision the Moda Operandi top with our glitzy/fun Maria earrings made with emerald hydroquartz and vintage pressed glass posts with marcasites. Email us at themontagecollection@gmail.com if you must have them to ring in the new year!

Here is another great option. Rebecca Taylor has designed this sparkly cob web top which we love, love, love as a fun way to usher in the new year. http://www.rebeccataylor.com/tops/embellished-sweatshirt/invt/rt613525b094?source=239_75&cm_mmc=Google_AdWords-_-tops-embellishments-ebaarrivals-wxf-201-wxf-225-_-Embellished-Sweatshirt-_-884092531563&gclid=CLCxnfS-1rsCFSEV7AodH2cAvA

Our Dagmar earrings would definitely fill the bill here for a night on the town.

Our final sweatshirt suggestion is from J. Crew. Of course, we had to offer a gray option, so simple and so right for the occasion. http://www.jcrew.com/womens_special_sizes/xxs/knits/PRDOVR~04967/04967.jsp

Push up the sleeves of your fun sweatshirt and wear with one of our Quincy Swarovski cuffs and you are good to go! Oh, and one more thing......

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!

HERE'S TO A FABULOUS 2014

Spring Shopping Guide

Net-a-porter is a great fashion resource and today I have researched their site to share some of my favorites from their new spring collections.

I can't help but love this tank from See by Chloe. It's young and fresh and can work from day to evening. The deep scoop neckline calls for a fun necklace.

From our Lexie Collection, we suggest pairing the Endicott necklace with this top because it is flirty and fun.

http://www.myrnahalpern.com/458390/endicott-necklace/

Here is another fabulous top to add to your spring wardrobe. It is from one of my all time favorite designers, Marni. I would choose pale gray cropped pants with it.

Keep the accessories simple here. Just push up the sleeves of the sweater and add the Buckley bracelet. http://www.myrnahalpern.com/557258/buckley-bracelet/

This stretch dress by Kenzo is sophisticated, but far from stodgy. Just a fabulous pair of earrings is all you need to highlight it. 

Our Bella earrings in gray recycled glass are the perfect counterpoint. http://www.myrnahalpern.com/557248/bella-earrings/

This fabulous dress by Erdem is a work of art. The silk fabric is simply stunning and the accessories need to be simple.

We think it is important to keep the accessorizing to a minimum here and we have chosen our Spencer bracelet, feminine and yet edgy to add the finishing touch. 

http://www.myrnahalpern.com/557256/spencer-bracelet/