Stacking jewelry is having a moment. It’s a ‘the more the merrier’ situation for pendants, bracelets, and rings. When it comes to stacking, Irene Chen, handbag designer and co-owner of Parker Thatch in Orinda, advised in her newsletter: “The key is to be fearless, go bold, make a statement - be you.” Chen likes to layer big pendants on chunky chains and sport a large ring on every finger, but there are no rules other than to play: large with small, mixed metals, pops of color. “Combinations that tell your story,” Chen said. 

    Parker Thatch offers an array of jewelry just right for stacking, including simple sculptural rings, link chains, large pendants, wide and narrow bracelets, and classic charm motifs such as the horse shoe and the heart. Most of the jewelry selection is gold plated on brass, giving a warm, vibrant look. Check out the website: https://parkerthatch.com. 

    The editors at Vogue magazine want to know why everyone is wearing a “tiny crochet skullcap.” Apparently, the tight-fitting cap was spotted on many a fashionista during the spring 2025 fashion week in Copenhagen, as well as on runway models for Prada. The skullcap reaches back to the 1970s, although they were a popular dressy choice for women in the 1920s as well. The current revisit fits in with the general trend for all things vintage. Also on trend is handmade. So, why not hop on both and make a cap for yourself or a holiday gift? Crochet caps are what’s hot right now and Busy Stix yarn shop in Lafayette is just the place to pick up some yarn and a tip or two on crocheting. 

    “Claire McCardell: The Designer Who Set Women Free” by Elizabeth Evitts Dickinson (Simon & Schuster) was by far my favorite read this year. Most of us involved in fashion know of this revolutionary women’s fashion designer and there was a time in the 1950s when McCardell was a household name, but she fell off the radar, as did many women designers of that era. It’s about time she gets some recognition!

    There are four parts to the book starting with McCardell’s childhood in Maryland at the turn of the last century. At a young age she knew she wanted to design clothing for women – “she was determined to save the world from ugliness and dreary clothes” – and she also wanted to address the need for comfortable, functional clothing. Over the course of her long career, she introduced the wrap dress, ballet flats, hoodies, and mix and match separates, all of which have become classic staples.
  
    Dickinson, an award-winning journalist, paints for us a very full picture of McCardell and her life, providing details of her surroundings, quotes from letters and essays, and historical context such as the Depression and WWII. The is a great read for any fashion enthusiast. 
    Speaking of books, they make good gifts and we are lucky in Lamorinda to have two bookstores - Orinda Books located in Orinda Village Square and Reasonable Books in Lafayette. 

    Stay well-accessorized this holiday season and go forth in style.