What I love about... December

Show Me Your ILR...Cindy in Singapore

About a Girl...An interview with Laura Conn

Laura is a college freshman, a talented photographer, super grounded and committed to serving people in need.

What gets you excited about the future?

For most of my life I've heard that once you get out of high school the world is open for anything. I don't know if that's true yet, but I'm excited for that possibility.  I love pushing myself out of my comfort zone and experiencing new things. 

Who are your heros?

I would definitely say that my parents are my heroes. The two of them balance each other out so well. My mom is truly selfless, and connects with everyone she meets. My dad works so hard everyday; always reminding my sisters and I that hard work pays off. They are my role models and I strive to be a combination of their greatest qualities. 


How would you describe your personal style? 

My personal style has always been simple, laid back and classic. Comfort is a necessity for me no matter the occasion.   I tend to wear the same necklace and earrings  everyday, but i love combining different types of gold and colorful bracelets to make it unique.   I also love to add a few trendier and chic items to my collection but still stay true to my understated and more elegant style. 

Covetable...Opening Ceremony

"Opening Ceremony was founded in 2002 by two friends from UC Berkeley, Carol Lim and Humberto Leon, as a place to share their passions for travel, art, and fashion. Inspired by a trip to Hong Kong, the two decided to leave their jobs in corporate fashion to realize their unique dream. What began as a single store on a quiet street in downtown New York is now a global community with outposts in New York, London, and Los Angeles, a department store in Tokyo, a wholesale showroom, an in-house clothing line, a blog, an e-commerce site, a TV channel, and an annual magazine."

What I love about... November

In My Bag

1. Jas MB Move On Tote in Brown Nubuck with Black leather trim.

2. Apple Earbuds (for watching Sons of Anarchy on my iPad at the gym).

3. Sugar Lip Polish by Fresh in a perfect goes with everything Coral.

4. Weleda Calendula Baby Cream, my favorite hand lotion for the dry winter months.

What I have been reading...

The Creatives: An Interview with Tess Kleinsmith

Tess Kleinsmith hails from Santa Cruz, CA but has made a happy home in Bucks County PA, helping to manage Shop Sixty Five - the go to shop for stylish gals in the know.  She has spent most of her working years in fashion, beginning with Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors, and Zoe, before landing at Shop 65. When she is not helpign clients find the perfect pair of jeans of the just right silk shift, she spends her days with her boyfriend (an equally cool hydroponic horticultist) and her one eyed Persian white cat named LOO (that she loves more than life itself) I caught up with her in the shop a couple of month ago. 

Trend predictions for fall/winter season?

Pops of color, everyone is so used to black and gray in the fall, but now we are seeing magenta and orange and greens, colors that are usually saved for spring and summer.

When was the last time you had a fashion epiphany?

I have on on a daily basis! Everyday I see someone wearing something and I think I have those same two pieces, I can do that!

What is your favorite high brand? Low brand?

Oh, it's hard to choose. High brand's I'd have to say, Lanvin, Givenchy, MiuMiu shoes and Celine bags. They look so luxurious and the materials are the highest quality and often rare - python skin and lamb skin. I love their use of subtle fabrics, Italian wool and knits and because they are made in France and Italy

When I buy favorite low brands, I buy I try to buy smaller underground labels that always makes it more interesting.  When I mix high and low I'll put a $20 Target top with $200 jeans and  Lanvin ( a very big recent birthday present splurge).

What is your go-to uniform?

That's easy. I wear white v-neck tees from Victoria's Secret, with jeans or jeans shorts and high top chuck Taylor Converse.

Who are your style icons?

My grandmother, Miriam is my style icon because she was classic, she was amazing.  She had incredible style and she didn't even know it. When I think of her, I remember her wearing a coffee colored jumpsuit with navy Keds, a flipped up collar and a Chanel bag.


Your favorite Ilsa Loves Rick piece?

My Couplet ring.  I never it off.

Introducing...The Wafer

Available online and in select store, The Wafer, is the newest ring in the ILR collection.  Forged thin and hammered for a bit of height off your finger, The Wafer looks delicate and sculptural on its own or more substantial when layered three to five deep.  Use coupon code LOYAL for a 20% discount on at the Ilsa Loves Rick shop.

What I love About... October

Ilsa Loves Rick Turns 2! (And a treat for you!)

I wanted to mark the anniversary of ILR by thanking you for your support! Beginning with a 14 piece collection in one shop ILR has grown to a 45 piece collection sold in 17 markets and online. This wouldn't have happened without you! Next time you shop online, please use the coupon code LOYAL to enjoy 20% off your order.

Covetable...Le Vestiaire de Jeanne

I accidentally stumbled upon this gorgeous bag by eponymous french line Le Vestiaire de Jeanne and was instantly smitten.  Made from exquisite leathers and linen this line of clothing for men, women, and children is the epitome of easy cool and oh so chic.  The cabas totes are my favorite (of course) but the home collection of linens and vintage objet truvee are equally covetable.

Event to Support Breast Cancer at Aoki in Philadelphia

Please join Ilsa Loves Rick, Aoki Boutique and Sciascia Confections for a evening of champagne and chocolates (and shopping) in support of breast cancer research from 6-8 pm Friday Oct 25 at Aoki Boutique, 116 South 22nd Street, Philadelphia. We will be donating twenty percent of the evenings proceeds so start stocking up on holiday gifts early!

Ilsa Loves Rick at Abigail Rose in Piermont, NY

I am thrilled to announce that the Ilsa Loves Rick line is now available at Abigail Rose and Lily too in scenic Piermont, NY. Abigail Rose is a unique woman's clothing store with an emphasis on simplicity and quality. Along with beautiful clothing, they feature covetable bags, jewelry, and accessories.  For 25 years they been the go to source for emerging designers, many of whom now have their own stores in Soho and Nolita.

Introducing...The North South Earring

A long version of the East West, this hammered hoop will be your earring uniform. Available in both yellow and rose gold fill.

Show Me Your ILR...Meike in Amsterdam

The beautiful Meike wearing her Kiss Cuff on her wedding day to Ezra Xenos. If you want to be featured in a post, just send a photograph along to ilsalovesrickjewelry@gmail.com. I'll be posting an accessorized you every couple of weeks.

Ilsa Loves Rick at Jack + Toba, Concord, MA

I am thrilled to announce that the Ilsa Loves Rick line is now available at Jack + Toba in Concord, Massachusetts, one of the most charming towns in New England. Purveyors of unique antiques and custom made antique Grainsack pillows, they also carry meticulously crafted blankets and rugs, and specialty items for you the home.

Introducing...The Harvest Moon

A large 1 inch hammered dome in 14k Gold Fill. Now available.

Covetable...Small Trades

"Small Trades was inspired by a photo story shot by Irving Penn in the 1950s documenting men and women representing tools of their trade. The first project under the Small Trades label is a collection of 100% cotton panel rib knit tee shirts made in a factory that is family owned and operated in the USA since 1907."

Show me your Ilsa Loves Rick

When I began designing Ilsa Loves Rick back in late 2010, I wanted to design a line of go-to jewelry staples that you would want to where every day and that would work with any clothing or accessory combination. It has been almost 2 years since the line launched (Oct 1!) and I am continually fascinated by the ways you wear your ILR pieces.  Meant to be worn layered for more and less bold statements of simple form, there are infinite ways to pair the pieces trumpeting your own voice.  I caught up with Kristen last weekend who sported her Ilsa Loves Rick Couplet, Kiss Ring and Kiss Cuff along with her stunning new engagement ring!  I thought it would be really fun to feature a picture of Ilsa fans wearing their favorite pieces.  Just snap a pic and send it ahead to ilsalovesrickjewelry@gmail.com.  I'll be sure to let you know when you are featured on the blog.

Ilsa Loves Rick at George Lifestyle in Kansas City

I am thrilled to announce that Ilsa Loves Rick is now available at GEORGE Lifestyle in Kansas City, Missouri. A rare and beautiful shop dedicated to timeless design, they search the world over for art, objet truvee, antiques, furnishing, tableware, apparel, jewelry, and apothecary to carry in their store. To quote their site, "pure, simple, and beautiful is our endeavor." I love that.

What I love about... September

Ilsa Loves Rick at La Maisonette, Sag Harbor, NY

I am thrilled to announce that the Ilsa Loves Rick line is now available at La Maisonette in Sag Harbor, NY.  Known for exceptional antiques from France and Belgium, this jewel of a shop is also the go to place for foraged and found objet truve, and artisan wares.  

Scenes from... San Francisco

Introducing...The Baker's Dozen

Thirteen gold filled ovals grace an oxidized sterling silver box chain. Available September 1.

Ilsa Loves Rick at Flora

I am thrilled to announce that the Ilsa Loves Rick line is now available at Flora in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Known for exceptional florals and extraordinary plants, this jewel of a shop is also the go to place for foraged and found objet truve, and artisan wares.  

The Creatives: An Interview with Linda La Rosa

I am always impressed by women who move through the world with an effortless cool-chic. Normally I'll spot someone south of 14th street in NY or somewhere along Nob Hill in San Fran. Occasionally, I spot them in Austin or LA. (and of course, practically everywhere in Europe). So imagine my surprise when I met the most stylish gal of all  just down the road at her shop in heart of Bucks County PA.  Linda La Rosa with her cadre of assistants (Tess, Ariel, and Fab whom I'll feature in later Creatives posts) has the best edited shop this side of the Big Apple. Since its inception Shop 65 emerged as the tastemaker boutique for the region, not only because you can find covetable labels and emerging designers, but because Linda is an excellent stylist to boot. In fact, she began her career in fashion as a stylist something that she keeps at the core of all her work whether choosing the next collection, taking a risk on an emerging designer, or helping you find just the perfect silk shift for running around on hot summer days.  I caught up with her a few weeks back.

What do you see trending right now?

I think that we will see 70's style trending in the next few seasons. I don't have anything to back that up, it's just my gut.  It's my fashion intuition.  In particular, I see people taking a piece of 70's influenced clothing or accessories incorporating it into something with more of a care free less structured attitude.

What are your favorite Hi and Low brands? How do you mix them up?

My favorite high brand is Gary Graham. I love that he takes inspiration from my roots of gothic Victorian, edgy, deconstructed elegance.  My favorite low brand is NSF. Nick Freidberg used to be the designer for my old favorite called EVER, casual luxury line developed for people who travel a lot, designed for comfort. Tragically,  they lost their funding.  I mix high and low by always wearing ripped up jeans shorts with a gorgeous silk top.

What is your go to uniform for a day at work?

In the summer you can find me in an easy silk dress, skinny jeans, striking boots. I love to wear t shirt and bespoke blazers, perfectly cut.

Who is your style icon?

Thats easy. Bridget Bardot. She is sexy without trying.

Favorite ILR piece?

The Wrap in Smoke. I wear it everyday.

Scenes From the Summer: Moors End Farm, Nantucket

Ilsa Loves Rick at Cathy Cross

I am thrilled to announce that the Ilsa Loves Rick line is now available at Cathy Cross in Northampton, Massachusetts.  Since 1983 Cathy Cross has been offering the best fashion wares in the western part of the state. Catering to urban transplants and college sophisticates alike with a curated collection that I would describe as classic contemporary and fashion forward offerings that include Ishvara menorquina sandals alongside Clare Vivier pouches and Tucker dresses. 

In My Bag

1. Il Bisonte Vintage Satchel. Classic. Perfect Size. Hand made in Italy.

2. Coco-Roons. Sweet treat for Gluten free vegans.

3. Brora Cashmere (arguably the Scotish import that trumps even single malt scotch) made this perfect little comb to help defuzz merino and cashmere alike.

4. Small paper pads for lists, doodles, and when you just feel like writing.

Ilsa Loves Rick at Inheritance Montreal

I am thrilled to announce that the Ilsa Loves Rick line is now available in Montreal at Inheritance Shop.  Jonah Leslie, owner and design savant has made his shop the go to place for hard to find indie designers on the brink of big and those happy to have earned cult status. Lucky Magazine has named this eclectic shop on Le Plateau as their very favorite in the city not only because you can find Wood Wood, Rachel Comey, Want Les Essential Totes, and Malin+Goetz there but because Leslie has curated his stock so carefully that you covet each piece.  His penchant for travel led him to Bangkok years ago where he discovered indie designers and an intense curiosity about what things people are drawn to and choose to love. From there he began curating a small shop just off Saint Laurent before opening his tastemaker shop a few years back.  

What I love about... July

Scenes from... the weekend in Montreal