Someone referred to August as “the Sunday of summer” and that feels so spot on. The weather is hot but not quite as blistering as July, trees are a deep green after a season of sun, and the last of the wildflowers are out. Once I see the Queen Anne’s Lace and goldenrod, I know there are only a few weeks left to take advantage of the season.
Inspired by those late summer blooms, I put together an edit of my best floral jewelry — flowers in gold with petals the colors of the sunset, a deep green or two. Take a peek and embrace what’s left of summer with me.
Inspiration
Astra Collection Inspiration
Inspiration, Behind the ScenesCommentThere’s something so wonderfully tactile and genuine about wobbly, imperfect forms. I get why we strive for perfection, but perfection feels a bit cold and untouchable, no? I like it better when you can sense the person behind an object. From an off-center shape or the marks of a sanding file or a scratchy finish, it just feels like it has more soul.
Embracing My Roots
Culture, Inspiration, On a Personal NoteCommentIt comes as a surprise to most people when I tell them I’m Puerto Rican. And although Puerto Ricans aren't immigrants (we're the US citizens everyone forgets about) I fell into that stereotypical 2nd generation immigrant phenomenon: wanting to be more like the people I grew up around (white, middle-class suburbanites) than my parents (thick-accented, loud-laughing, unapologetic Puerto Ricans).
Why did it take so long for me to realize that trying to be like everyone else is dumb? In trying to fit in, I lost touch with the incredible foods and flavors distinct to Puerto Rican cuisine, I wore neutral colors and silhouettes because “that’s what chic NYC people do, right?," and I missed so many chances to get to know people better because of how little Spanish I could speak.
"Loves Me, Loves Me Not" Inspiration
Inspiration, Behind the ScenesCommentI have memories of being a little girl, playing outside in the yard and picking the wildflowers growing along the fence around my house. I’d always look for the ones with long, spindly stems that could be wrapped together to make flower crowns for myself and tiny bouquets for my mom.
As I grew up, those flowers suddenly took on new meaning — “Loves me, loves me not, loves me, loves me not…” until you landed on the last petal, which told you if your feelings were reciprocated.
Porto Collection Inspiration
Inspiration, Travel, Behind the ScenesCommentYears ago I traveled to Portugal and Spain, a part of the world I’ve always felt drawn to thanks to my Puerto Rican roots. One of my stops was the Portuguese coastal town of Porto, and some of my favorite memories include a home-cooked meal of seafood caught earlier that day, ancient houses stacked endlessly on top of each along the hillside, and the azulejos —hand-painted blue and white tiles— decorating the facade of every building.