Everything She Wants

In case you haven't noticed, we have a thing for jewelry and accessories here at Everything She Wants . We also love to showcase talented indie designers, and Michelle Kim fits the bill.  Via email, we chatted with the 22-year-old designer-- who studied psychology at the University of California Irvine--about her handmade jewelry line, The Hatters . The fun and fashionable line includes 14-karat gold-filled and sterling customized name necklaces and rings, and zodiac sign and birthstone bangles. Designer Michelle Kim. Everything She Wants : Why did you decide to pursue a career in fashion rather than psychology?  Michelle Kim: Throughout college, I found psychology to be an interesting subject to study. However, when I began to think of my life after college, I didn’t see myself being happy pursuing a PhD.  Conducting research or being a clinical practitioner without a love for the field would have definitely detracted from my drive and ability. I ...

We fell in love with Debbie Merle Designs the first time we saw the jewelry line fashioned with chunky precious stones, crystals, Buddha charms and positive messages like "Love." Merle started making jewelry about 25 years ago as a hobby, but when she was diagnosed with cancer she used it as therapy and a positive tool in her recovery. Debbie Merle Designs " I see my jewelry as a rebirth of myself. It [marks] a new chapter in my life where I can express myself and also create something beautiful and meaningful in other people's lives," the jewelry designer said via email.  Read more of Everything She Wants ' interview with Debbie Merle: ESW: What inspires your jewelry?  DM:  Many things inspire my jewelry. One [thing] is nature. There is nothing as beautiful as what this planet provides [in terms of] different colors, shapes and textures. I am also very inspired by the healing powers and energies of certain gemstones and symbols. I ...

This summer, you can't have enough friendship bracelets, bangles fashioned from precious stones, crystals, beads and wood, and bracelets adorned with Buddhas, evil eyes and skulls.  Pile 'em on -- the more the merrier.  And e-commerce site, Bee Charming , has plenty of these trendy bracelets to chose from and other funky costume jewelry styles. Photos by Tracy Hopkins Founded in 2001 in New York City, Bee Charming's slogan -- " Catch the Buzz -- Get 'em, Wear 'em, Share 'em " -- is fitting since the jewelry is designed to be interchangeable and mixed and matched with fine jewelry.  The eye-catching collection is functional and features zipper necklaces that actually zip, handcuff bracelets that open and close, and leather, and chain wraps that can be worn as either a bracelet or a necklace. The charming costume jewelry line also has a new Vintage Collection that includes fun nautical charm bracelets, edgy Vintage Buffalo Horn necklaces an...