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Ariel Gordon: Jewelry Designer

10 ONLINE FINDS & LOCAL FAVES THAT ARIEL TREASURES

A NOTE FROM ELAINE: When I first saw Ariel Gordon's Jewelry, I had an overwhelming feeling of nostalgia that just warmed me up and got me all excited. The flat, delicate hearts reminded me of a necklace I had and loved as a kid (where is that necklace?)! As I continued to browse, I also continued to make chirpy little sounds of discovery. I PICKED FAVORITE AFTER FAVORITE. It was just uncanny how many personal, emotional ties I had to her line. The sweet monograms and knots....even the more graphic and geometric pieces felt both fresh and somehow familiar. So, there I stood, trying on this and that, taking my little trip down memory lane and enjoying the current, new point of view she's managed to infuse into her classically inspired pieces. But I don't simply love the designs.... I also love a good reinvention story....a follow your heart story.....especially one that ends in a success story! Ariel Gordon was not always a a jewelry designer. Like her mentor MAYA BRENNER, she followed her passion by way of another professional life (in Maya's Case, Social Work...in Ariel's, PR) and hasn't looked back. Judging by her healthy celebrity following, I don't think she'll have to.

Posted on January 7th, 2013

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A Note From Ariel

My list is a mix of things that I love (to eat and to buy) and things that I love for making my life easier. Owning my own business can be exhausting and these are all staples in my life that I keep coming back to when I don’t want to stress about making a decision. They’re laid back and authentic and yummy. Enjoy!

Ariel's Online Finds

My Top Shopping Tip: Amazon Prime VISIT WEBSITEAs a small business owner, sometime it’s hard to find enough hours in the day. Enter Amazon Prime. With the click of a button, I get free 2 day shipping on everything I need from office supplies to shampoo to coconut water. It makes buying essentials super easy (too easy if you ask my husband… who is greeted by a tower of boxes most days when he gets home)
Dine [or gift] In Style: Fornasetti Plates VISIT WEBSITEOver the years I have amassed a small collection of these iconic plates. I’ve always loved how whimsical and graphic they are. Palazetti has one of the best selections
Singing The Praises of This Music App: Songza VISIT WEBSITEI just heard about Songza the other day on NPR and I’m hooked! It’s similar to Pandora only you pick a radio station based on a theme (like ‘Indie Pool Party’ or ‘Songs from Apple Commercials’) rather than an artist. I’ve discovered a bunch of new musicians already.
A Virtual Treasure Chest: Moondance Jewelry VISIT WEBSITEWhen I was in college at UCLA I used to peruse this Montana Ave store and lust after all the gorgeous jewels. When I started my line, one of the goals that I set for myself was to sell at Moondance. Flash forward a few years… and now I do!! They recently revamped their website and it’s got an amazing selection of gems (no pun intended).
A List-Maker's Lifesaver: Clear App for iPhone VISIT WEBSITESome days it’s hard to know where to begin. That’s why I’m a ‘to-do list’ addict. When I feel overwhelmed, I just start at the top of the list and work my way down, item by item. This app is both functional and pretty!

Ariel's Local Faves

High Desert Getaway: Sacred Sands, Joshua Tree VISIT WEBSITEBecause living in the City of Angels can sometimes be less than angelic, we love to pack up the car and escape for the weekend. One of our favorite desert escapes is The Sacred Sands in Joshua Tree. This place is such a secret gem I’m almost afraid to let the world know about it. It’s run by a lovely couple who will cook you the most delicious organic breakfast, perfect fuel for exploring the National Park. We always end the night soaking in the tub under the stars. It instantly washes away any stress. There’s only 2 rooms at this B&B so be sure to book in advance.
Lobster Feast: Newport Tan Cang Seafood, San Gabriel Valley VISIT WEBSITEIf you’re looking for an authentic Chinese feast you’ll have to head east to the San Gabriel Valley. Newport Tan Cang in particular should be your pick. Weekends can have waits up to 2 hours, so sometimes we’ll go on weekdays after work to beat the rush. We always order the House Special Lobster, Beef Loc Lac, sautéed Pea Shoots, and sweet lemonade. It’s wise to bring friends and a big appetite.
Sunday Morning Shopping: Brentwood Farmers Market VISIT WEBSITEEveryone hypes up the Farmer’s Market on The Promenade but I’m here to tell you that the Sunday Farmer’s Market on Gretna Green in Brentwood is THE Farmer’s Market to visit. There is a much wider variety of fruits, vegetables, flowers, and vendors. We go every Sunday to by our weekly produce. Hands down my fave market to shop.
A Little Taste of Japan: Tortoise General Store on Abbott Kinney VISIT WEBSITEMy husband and I recently spent a month traveling in Asia and now when I have a hankering for something adorable and Japanese, I head over to this Abbott Kinney store. Doesn’t matter if I’m shopping for myself or for a present, for house wares or a new journal, I can always count on Tortoise having something chic and perfect. Check out their online shop too!
The Best $30 You'll Ever Spend: Aurora Foot Spa, Beverly Hills VISIT WEBSITEAfter a long flight or a long day at the office sometimes you just want to relax with a massage that isn’t such a fancy ordeal. The hour long combo massage at Aurora Foot Spa will work out all of your kinks. Yes… you’re in a room with other people and you’re sitting in a chair and you’re fully dressed. But these guys get in there and the price is so right that you don’t feel guilty doing it on the regular.