Getting Personal with Gorjana

Layer It On 

The concept of layering is key at Gorjana.

Inside the simple and feminine designed jewelry concept store Gorjana.

Gorjana Reidel with her husband and business partner Jason Griffin Reidel along with their two children,
ages 11 and 7 at the opening of their Gorjana boutique in La Jolla, CA.

The recently opened Gorjana store at Fashion Island.

On her namesake storefront you’ll see Gorjana written in a clean shiny gold font with a lower case “g”.  Isn't there something approachable about the lower case "g"? Much like her jewelry which is wearable, approachable and carefree. It’s not about "look at my bling"— and this simple concept is the key to her aesthetic. Laguna Beach residents Gorjana (Serbian born) and her husband Jason Griffin Reidel have built their business from the ground up, one step at a time and they’re just getting started.

With so many brands around in such a competitive line of business, it's interesting to find out what has set her apart. Unlike the big and bold, trendy costume jewelry brands, her jewelry takes a quiet backseat approach and meant to be admired up close. It requires one on one attention to be noticed, which is frankly refreshing. It’s also the kind of jewelry you don’t have to change with each outfit, as they really "go” with anything, which is how tried and tested signature pieces are born. And their key element; they’re meant to be layered. If you’re like me and you have a hard time with this (and feel like Mr. T when you layer) read on, I asked her about this.

With a total of 7 stores (two in NY, Village and Nolita) and the rest in California, (La Jolla, Laguna Beach, Irvine Spectrum, and now Fashion Island) they’re on their way to creating a jewelry empire, one layer at a time. I recently had a chance to ask Gorjana some questions:

Sabrina: Did you ever envision having your name on a store and now that have several stores how does it feel?
Gorjana: I didn’t really think about having our own stores in the beginning, I really focused on the product and was so happy to have people wear it.  Seeing the stores now is pretty amazing.  It really allows our customers to get a better understanding and feel for our brand and what we are all about.

S:  Your tag line is "live, love and layer" what are your dos and don'ts (if any) in the art of layering?
G: Layering should be fun and really be a way to express your personal style.  As long as you feel great about what you are wearing you can’t go wrong.

S:  Why do you think your jewelry has struck a chord with the people that wear it?
G: I think the timeless and effortless aspect of the jewelry is what people love.  It’s pieces that become staples and the price point is so approachable that it’s great to keep adding to your collection.

S:  What's your favorite hang-out spot in Laguna Beach?
G: My favorite place to spend time is at our gorjana sponsored Bungalow at Pacific Edge Hotel.  It’s right on the water and its such great way to unwind.

S: Why do you think it's important to have a store in Fashion Island?
G: Fashion Island is the place to shop in Newport Beach.  It has everything you need and is a beautiful center with great shopping, great food and soul cycle:) Being a part of that is a great opportunity.

S: What's your favorite piece of clothing?
G: My Ulla Johnson dresses, they are so beautiful and comfortable at the same time.  I can dress them up or down and I always feel great when I wear them.

S: What's your first jewelry memory?
G: I was obsessed with dolphins growing up. My first piece of jewelry I bought when I was 11 was a silver dolphin ring.

S: What's the best and worst thing about running a business with your husband?
G: The best thing is to get to do this with my best friend and have fun.  The hardest thing is knowing when to stop talking about work and just be husband and wife.

S: Do you always keep to your artistic vision or does it change along the way? 
G: My creativity flows in and out and is always evolving.  I think that is reflective in the evolution of the collection.

S:  What advice do you have for other jewelry designers?
G: It’s a long journey and don’t look for the home runs.  Stick to your vision and stay true to yourself don’t let others get in the way.

Thank you Gorjana!

Yours truly with Gorjana at the opening of her namesake store in Fashion Island.

www.gorjana.com

Gin Inspired Scent Makes Me Giddy

The Scent of Good Times

The Penhaligon's counter at Bloomingdales, South Coast Plaza.

You know those stylish girls that wear the “must have” scent of the season? The ones that display the latest chic perfume bottle on their dresser? You must have met at least one trendy girl that smells like she’s just leapt out from one of the scented flaps inside Vogue? Well, I’m not one of them.

Don’t get me wrong I’m not a fan of powdery grandma perfumes (sorry Numero 5, I love all the other Chanel scents) but I like to wear something that not so available. I prefer not to smell like the hordes of glam women in the ladies bathroom at the hippest bar in town, even if they do smell nice. And I will hunt high and low to find my scent, the one that captures my imagination as well as my nose.

Penhaligon's Perfume

Penhaligons and I go way back to my college days when I was a Saturday “Harrods Perfume Girl.” I used to pass their counter on my way back from my lunch break and spray on Bluebell. The Penhaligon's counter was out of sight. It was closer to the toiletries department where the talcum powders, soaps and body lotions were. They were never really part of the top selling perfumes showcased in the front where we were. Considering I had a choice of any perfume in the world (Harrods has them all), I have no idea why I liked this simple English scent. But even though I was selling the big brand name perfumes (which I enjoyed) but off duty I liked to wear the lesser known ones. I still do.

There’s something unique about the fragrances that not everyone knows, the ones with a rich heritage. They offer longevity. If you can find one that meets the demand of our modern aesthetics but with a brand that has history, then you have it all. In this case the English Penhaligon's brand was established in 1870 in London. Mr. Penhaligon started as a barber, he opened a hairdressing salon and made his own products and made his way to the royal court.

Juniper Sling by Penhaligon's is the perfect blend of spicy and sweet fresh 
Spring scent.And the bottle? Well, it's a divine classic, still modern but with an old world charm.

Fast forward a few decades and as I pass by the perfume counter at Bloomingdales recently, my eyes fell on the Penhaligons counter. It felt like the oddest thing to come across the apothecary shaped perfume bottles sitting pretty in a row, far away from when we first met and locked noses. What's Penhaligon's doing in Orange County I thought? They didn't have Bluebell (which you can buy online)  but after spraying almost all of the bottles (some were too literal for me), I fell in love with Juniper Sling. The patient sales person described it to me as a midday cocktail.

 As soon as he turned around to help someone else, I took the bottle and drenched myself with the fragrance. I didn't want him to see how enamored I was with it, so early on. It was embarrassing how intoxicated I felt. But I was hooked. The fact that I later found out it's listed under mens fragrances didn't phase me the least. In fact I understood why I had taken a liking to it. Inspired perhaps by a real Gin Sling cocktail, this scent gave me the feeling of instant joy and energy. It’s fresh, spicy and sweet but not too light, with notes of juniper berry there’s something alluring about it. Wearing it gave me a rush, an exuberant feeling of happiness. And who doesn’t need a little afternoon pick me up? I certainly do. Salut!

Smart Timing - Montage Magazine

(Published in Montage Magazine, January 2018)

The holiday season is all about fun and games, until it’s over and you’re faced with the reality that January has come around a lot faster than you’d anticipated. To help soften the blow, give your significant other a digital upgrade with a smart watch that will help get him or her back on track and ease them into a new year.

Although luxury smartwatches are a relatively new frontier, they make popular gifts. Watch connoisseurs will be delighted with their sophisticated design and tech lovers impressed by their intelligent connectivity.

These modern timepieces are just as much a status symbol as their established forebears–they’re also a lot of fun. And although they can do many things (like monitor your heart rate or count your steps and calories while giving you directions to the nearest Spa Montage) purists will be pleased to learn that their primary purpose is still to tell the time.

 Louis Vuitton’s first foray in wearable technology is just as you would have imagined—luxurious. While the inside of the TAMBOUR HORIZON smartwatch is like most other smartwatch technology (with an Android Wear operating system, compatible with Android and iPhone), the outside—not unlike their handbags—is a statement piece. A luxury brand that’s renowned for its iconic L.V. monogram luggage and traveling pieces, it’s no accident that the company has decided to continue this tradition by creating a smartwatch with frequent flyers in mind. Housed with specific and exclusive apps (My Flight and City Guide) it’s likely to appeal to a well-connected, jet-setting crowd, $2,450, at louisvuitton.com.

The striking F-80 MOTION smartwatch by Ferragamo showcases the best of both worlds—maintaining the elegance of the traditional F-80 timepiece with its classic design, while providing high-tech capabilities that allow you to keep in touch and stay connected. Smart functions include activity and sleep pattern tracking, adaptive coaching, smart sleep alarm, automatic time zone synchronization and more. It’s accessible to Android and iPhone users through the MMT MotionX-365 app. A Swiss-made movement powers a three-hand time on a striking guilloche dial that completes the masculine design, $1,395, at ferragamo.com.

A perfect partnership, based on combining legacy and innovation, results in the creation of the latest APPLE WATCH, HERMÈS SERIES 3 model. Featuring a new built-in cellular technology means it doesn’t need to be synched to an iPhone for it to work. It also features powerful new health and fitness enhancements such as a barometric altimeter that measures relative elevation. The handcrafted Hermès leather band in perforated black Gala calfskin is inspired by the classic Hermès driving glove, and an additional Apple-designed watch face created with the Hermès Carrick font in mind completes the ultimate tool for modern life. The Unisex Single Tour Rallye band is paired with a 42-millimeter stainless steel case, $1,299, at apple.com.

Fans of the Apple Watch that have been waiting for a high-end luxury model should be thrilled with the APPLE WATCH SERIES 3 with a white ceramic chassis and sport band (both offered in white or gray). On it you’ll find an accelerometer, a GPS sensor and a heart rate monitor. If you’re a cycler, skier, stair climber or runner, it also has a barometric altimeter to track elevation data so you can watch the intensity of your workouts. The new S3 processor promises better WI-FI performance as well, with a much faster W2 chipset and brighter display. You can even ask Siri how you’re doing. $1,299, at apple.com.

Showcasing the recognizable single 12-o’clock dot, the MOVADO CONNECT touch-screen smartwatch is sleek and minimalistic, with a sturdy round watch face. Its smooth edge-to-edge crystal and an “always-on” display looks modern and cutting edge. Paired with a discreet LED window as well as a day-to-night transformation, it’s Android and iPhone compatible. It helps you connect by displaying texts, appointments and steps, and features a 46.5-millimeter stainless-steel case with black ion-plated bezel, black silicone strap and stainless-steel buckle, $595, at movado.com.
                                                By Sabrina Azadi

Getting Candid about Zadig & Voltaire

Mr. Z and I

I know, I look serious but pinstripes are not to be taken lightly.
At the newly opened Zadig & Voltaire store in Fashion Island wearing the navy pinstripe Volly Bi blazer.

Lena Camouflage sock-style bootie.

Zadig & Voltaire shopping bags.

Phlame Deluxe leather pants & Amber Bis "Fever" slogan sweater.

 Risty Jac silk deluxe dress with Jacquard guitar print and feminine lace.

Crinkled soft t-shirt style Rollins Deluxe leather dress.

Poetic style easy to wear Tink shirt.

Buttery soft Jaden silver lambskin leather skirt, perfect for the party season and beyond. 

I'm stylishly sandwiched between celebrity stylist Mark-Alan Harmon and store director Melanie Eon of the Zadig & Voltaire store on Abbot Kinney.  Melanie was in Fashion Island for the opening and spoke to me about the appeal of the French brand from her hometown (Paris) but is thrilled to be working in Venice, L.A. after being with the brand in N.Y.C. It's possible that Mark is not only a celebrity stylist but a mind reader, because when I asked him what he'd dress me in, he picked out the pinstripe jacket that I'd had my eye on for weeks. I'm an internet stalker kind of girl. You can be too: zadig&voltaire.

I rarely have any fashion secrets. But once in a while, I come across a brand that I want to keep all to myself. That’s been the story of Mr. Z and I. He’s been my French bit on the side, for some time now. I haven’t kept him hidden from my inner circle but I haven’t been entirely vocal about him either. With the recent opening of the Zadig & Voltaire store at Fashion Island, that’s all about to change.

Zadig & Voltaire (I call him Mr. Z) is not an exclusive or under-the-radar brand (they have several locations in L.A., N.Y.C. and elsewhere) but until now there hasn’t been a presence in O.C. In Europe they're pretty much everywhere and in some places you’ll find two locations on one high street. But here, it's been relatively unknown (something that I've relished) and so it's been my little secret.

My first encounter with the brand was in Paris where the brand hails from, years ago but as far as I can remember, it wasn’t eventful. My relationship with Mr. Z was the slow simmering kind. The kind where you discover one piece of clothing at a time (that I wanted to wear over and over again). So, I kept going back for more.

Founded in 1997 by Thierry Gillier, who comes from a family with ties to the Lacoste empire, the brand is named after the French Enlightenment writer Voltaire and his book Zadig ou la Destinée (Zadig, or The Book of Fate) with Zadig the protagonist, a philosopher in ancient Babylonia. Voltaire's best known book Candide is a delight and after writing this review I'm intrigued about the lesser known Zadig. (If you haven't read Candide I highly recommend it because once you read it, you’ll never quite forget it).

With a name that could be just as suited to a bookstore as a clothing line, it’s not surprising that there’s a familiarity even a “classic” appeal to this ready-to-wear collection, evident in the founder's love for the arts. But at the same time the brand is modern, with a rock and roll vibe. Their signature use of cashmere and leather transition easily from day to night; dressed up or down. I suppose it's still very French, but with a little attitude and an understated cutting-edge style. Wearing Zadig & Voltaire allows me to feel comfortable in my own skin. I'm not pretending to be someone else since the clothes allow me to be who I want to be and not the other way around. Perhaps like all great relationships, it brings out the best in me.

Although it stings my heart a little to know that soon I may be sharing Mr. Z with all of you, I know there’s room for all of us to enjoy him. But promise me that when he grows on you, you won't brag to me about how you've "discovered" a new French beau and hopefully you'll remember that it was here, that you heard about him, first. 

Zadig & Voltaire

Fashion Island

(949) 759-1978

Getting Personal with Ms. Mandela

Swati and I at StyleCon. (Swati's jacket is from her own collection).

Swati Mandela meeting and greeting influencers at StyleCon.

When I met Swati Mandela I naturally, addressed her as Ms. Mandela. Being the granddaughter of Nelson and Winnie Mandela, her last name speaks volumes. And right from the begining, she dropped the formality, “Please call me Swati,” she said. And that’s how our interview started.

Swati has a presence about her and whether her last name is a blessing or a burden she carries it well. Although she’s gracious she doesn’t have any airs or graces, which shows she’s comfortable in her own skin. Visiting from Johannesburg, South Africa where she lives, she was the keynote speaker at StyleCon. She spoke about her family legacy, women’s empowerment and her love of fashion. Afterwards, I got the chance to ask her some questions:

SA:What are the pros and cons of your iconic last name?

SM: Oh my goodness, let’s start with the cons. Actually there are no cons. I got over that and worked through that a few years ago. I thought that it was getting in the way of me being myself. So the pros are I have a great platform. I have this amazing legacy. I have the principals and values that both my grandparents taught me and I can take that on and live my life however I want.

SA: You’ve recently collaborated on a fashion line (Swati by Roi Kaskara). The collection showcases capes, scarves and a lot of color. You’ve also called fashion your armor. If you could be a superhero, who would you be?

SM: I’d be myself!

SA: What magical power would you like to possess?

SM: I’d love to be able to see the future. If I could see what is to come I could plan, I could strategize a way forward. Sometimes the scariest thing is not knowing what’s around the corner and not knowing if you’re making the right decision. So if I could have a looking glass and see what’s coming, that’s what I would love.

SA: In terms of style, what can we learn from South African women?

SM: Right now South African women are going through an emancipation of the self and they’re going back to their roots. You’ll see a lot of women wearing their natural hair or wearing “kente” cloth and just going back to being African. So it’s not about looking to the world for answers as to who we are, but knowing we are great within ourselves and building on that. I see a lot of that happening and it’s really empowering.

SA: What’s your favorite item in your closet?

SM: My old vintage Chanel handbag that I stole from my mom! Chanel was so ahead of her time. I don’t know any woman that wouldn’t want a vintage Chanel handbag!

SA: What do you like to take back home from California?

SM: Nice clothes! (She laughs). I think great connections and the amazing people that I’ve met and the experiences. You’re blessed when you go through life and meet interesting people, that add value to your life!

Thank you.

Sabrina x

StyleCon is Back!

Want to hang out with the cool crowd? Here’s your chance. StyleCon is back and it’s going to be packed with everything stylish. A convention for fashion and beauty lovers right here at The Hangar.

What: StyleCon fashion & beauty event.

When: Saturday, November 4^th 2017 – from 9am to 5pm.

Where: The Hangar at the OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626.

Tickets: $39 and includes a StyleTote with goodies. Use my promotional code: 20PERSIANORANGE to receive a 20% discount on StyleFan tickets at StyleCon.

Find out about the latest trends and emerging brands, the ‘Beauty of Empowerment’ themed event will give guests a chance to listen to expert panels on the StyleStage about entrepreneurship, networking, fashion, and beauty in today’s digital landscape. Hundreds of content creators attend StyleCon - Instagram and YouTube personalities, bloggers, industry professionals, and celebrities, including StyleStage Hosts Melanie Bromley of E! News, and Emmy award-winning NBC journalist Allyn Hoang, speakers Swati Mandela, granddaughter of Nelson and Winnie Mandela, and India Hicks, British royal, author, and lifestyle entrepreneur, plus musical entertainment by Aaliyah Rose, mentored by Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton on the 2017 season of “The Voice.” For more info visit StyleCon.

See you there!

Sabrina x