The Crown Jewel of a New Generation

My colleagues and I spend a great deal of time wondering why on earth kids today don't seem to have the motivation or enthusiasm of prior generations, unless it pertains to getting tattooed, stealing cheap booze from their grandmother's liquor cabinet, or piercing, I don't know, their labias, or something.

We try our best to promote this idea of being a good citizen, being a well-rounded person, using your strengths to make something productive of your life. Instead, we are often faced with a tidal wave of apathy from our young Americans, sitting in desks (slouching, is more appropriate) with an Ipod secretly tucked in one ear, zoning us out as though we are dishing out useless information. I always thought because I wanted to be an actress, and because I'm so goddamn ADHD, and because I have a sense of humor, that being downright theatrical in front of these kids would captivate their minds and hearts and inspire them to do great things.

It's all bullshit.

There are young people who perform, who rise to the challenge, who raise the bar, who have standards and exceed even their highest expectations, and then there are those who are complacent with the idea of running home and using their allowance to buy ITunes and download the latest emo album so they can feel sorry for themselves.

Praise be to GOD, there are young people who actually inspire ME.

Cassy Saba is truly one of those people. Her family, especially her mother, Sandra, are friends of mine, and if ever you want to see beauty, grace, and class intersect, just look at these two women. Her mother was my instructor at Sincerely, Sandra Modeling and Professional Development school, and when I was just a little girl, my Mother took me there for a "charm school" type class, which inspired me to want to run in pageants, go to college, and be this extraordinary woman, all because I was in Sandra's presence. She is truly inspirational, always has been--and let's face it, you can bet I don't say that to all the girls.

Her daughter Cassy is no exception. Trained by the best, she started her jewelry business as a very young girl, and was beading up gorgeous accessories since I started college ten years ago. Since then, her business has expanded and taken off, and now she is creating gorgeous jewelry that's graced the necks of Beyonce and other celebrities--no small accomplishment for such a young girl. Cassy is not even legally able to buy alcohol, ladies and gentleman, and she's such an outstanding young lady, she's certainly not raiding her grandparents' liquor cabinets for any, either. (I would know. Her grandparents are a-maaa-zing and from my hometown.)

It's funny what a small world it is, because just a week ago, a friend of mine, the lovely and talented Brooke Pace, who's a FIDM alumni and who works for Cynthia Vincent, the extraordinary designer, posted a bulletin announcing to the world that Cassy's Sassy Jewelry would now be available in Fred Segal boutiques. Fred Segal? I thought. Why, when I was in high school, it was put on the map by Cher Horowitz in Clueless. And now, little miss Cassy has her jewelry IN FRED SEGAL?

How to die. That is remarkable.

It just goes to show that when you have a dream, a vision, and drive, anything can happen, at any age, but especially for young designers, no matter how young. People like Cassy (who's already appeared on the Montell Williams show promoting her line) are going to be the leaders and visionaries of tomorrow, especially in the fashion world, and it's my honor to highlight their achievements.

After all, one generation of stylish women have to lift up the next generation, and inspire them to do even better. I have a feeling that Cassy will be inspiring plenty of young people with her business success, and will inspire plenty of fashionistas to run out and buy pieces from her collection.

Go get 'em, girl.

For more information, visit www.cassyssassyjewelry.com, Fred Segal, or Sincerely, Sandra in Chandler, Arizona.

Adorned With Inspiration

I am a big fan of quotes. If you know me well enough, I incorporate quotes into just about everything-whether I am giving someone advice, or writing an article or blog; or even on greeting cards I make myself. I post them up on my bulletin boards at work for inspiration, and I use them frequently in my teaching and lessons. I think that there’s always more to learn, and one of the ways we derive the most wisdom in this life is from other people.

It’s no wonder, then, that as I browsed the jewelry section at Barney’s New York, I was immediately drawn to Aurora Lopez Mejia’s jewelry collection. Her pieces are a little rugged, unique, tasteful, and yet classic. She uses different materials and metals and then incorporates words, quotes, or phrases that could motivate even the most downtrodden among us.


Lopez Mejia has been creating handcrafted pieces for over 20 years, but she also owns a store, Talavera, in New York City. She has designed custom pieces for celebrities, and continues to carry her line at Barney’s, as well. Lopez Mejia says, of her jewelry: “It is my greatest pleasure to produce a piece of jewelry which is filled with a true meaning and inspiration for the wearer. I like to envision that each piece is symbolic and also a reminder of what is important in life.”

Life can get pretty complicated. Sometimes, we need a little extra inspiration and something to remind us who we really are, and what we expect from ourselves and our lives. And if you can find it while accessorizing, that’s just fabulous.

Purchase Aurora Lopez Mejia’s jewelry at Barney’s New York, Talavera, or visit www.auroralopezmejia.com.

Diamond in the Rough

Quite some time ago, a friend and I were emailing back and forth during the work day and I remember, plain as day, telling him how I’m not exactly a “small town girl” even though I grew up in a small town, and moved back to work in small towns in Arizona. I remember him emailing me back immediately and saying “Just remember, you’ll always be a small town girl at heart, and that’s special, don’t forget that, it’s part of who you are.” I had to smile, because he’s a small town guy, too, and just because, he understood.

That being said, small towns often get a bad rep for being ill-equipped in the shopping department. I have to say, when I started teaching in Globe, Arizona, I was not thrilled at the fact that my students referred to Walmart as the Globe Mall. It made me shudder in agony, actually. As a self-proclaimed world class shopper, this is one of my joys in life, after all. However, if you really get to know your surroundings, sometimes there is a diamond in the rough, even in the smallest of towns.

The last week of school, I made 3 of my seniors, all of them my teaching assistants, venture into a small boutique in downtown Globe, Arizona with me. It had intrigued me since I first saw it from the coffee shop one day, but I had never actually gone inside. Once I did, I’ll admit, I was impressed.

The selection was impeccable: every type of setting you can imagine, custom made jewelry, accessories, and imported stones; the displays were clean, immaculate, glowing. There were various price points so that even the most frugal consumer can afford to take something home with them. I fell in love with a beautiful ring that had a canary yellow diamond in the center surrounded by tiny diamonds. It was very bling-esque and very LC. I admit to lusting after pretty silver necklaces that had your initial in the center and were very reminiscent of a collection from Tiffany’s.

The owners are very cordial and polite; they are helpful and willing to go the extra mile for their clientele. They were helping a veteran when I first entered the store and treated him with so much respect and consideration that I was blown away by their friendly demeanor and the happy environment of the store. While the store itself somehow smells like Scottsdale Fashion Square (which I was quick to point out to the owner) (and that is, by the way, a smell I would love to bottle and throw around my own home, if I could, but it is impossible) it is nestled right in the heart of downtown Globe, a stone’s throw away from the local museum (one of them) and banks, restaurants, and government buildings.

If you’re passing through, on your way up to the White Mountains (Pinetop is a popular destination for Valley residents this time of year) it’s worth a stop, and definitely worth spending in this great jewelry store.

Just like my friend said, I’ll always be a small town girl at heart, and just like me, Jewels by Jess is a priceless gem waiting to be discovered. ;) Happy shopping, dolls.

Take US 60 East, to Cedar Street. Go up one block, until you reach the railroad track. Hang a right, and you will see a peach colored building, home of “Jewels by Jess.” And while you’re there, cross the street and eat at Joe’s Broad Street Grill Restaurant, the food is VERY reasonably priced and delicious (hint: for all you skinny chicks or wannabe skinny chicks out there, try Joe’s Greek Salad with grilled chicken and ask for the dressing on the side. It is healthy and absolutely to die for.) (For all the rest of you, anything on the menu is delish.)