Italian jewelry designer Ippolita spends a lot of time on the road. During her travels, she finds creative inspiration that helps shape her designs.
"I travel constantly and am always inspired by the places I visit - from the architecture to the food, even the weather," she says.
Ippolita comes to Bailey's Fine Jewelry in Cameron Village for a trunk show 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. She will meet with customers from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Among the pieces she'll bring are her rosé collection, featuring earrings, bracelets, necklaces and more in the pink-tinged gold.
"The warm tones of rosé are a refreshing change and are very flattering on a variety of skin tones," she says. "Rosé can be fun and whimsical, yet sophisticated and pretty. My collections this season have a variety of silhouettes that look great worn together or mixed with your favorite sterling silver pieces."
Many of her newest looks go back to basics with less ornate shapes, drawing on the trend of simple, yet bold styling in jewelry. "Shape and form have always been important in my collections, but I'm noticing a broader trend to pare down and simplify, yet still make a strong statement," she says. "I've actually been revisiting some of my earliest designs and drawing inspiration from the beauty of a really simple shape."
Color and shape aside, Ippolita's top design influence is her customers. "It's important for me to design jewelry that has a multi-generational, universal appeal - fashion fine jewelry that women can wear every day, not just on special occasions."
A soiree with a purpose
New York-based boutique J. McLaughlin is celebrating its Raleigh debut by teaming up with WakeMed for a shopping soiree. During the shopping and socializing event, 5-8 p.m. today, customers can check out preppy chic looks for men and women, while helping the WakeMed Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Fifteen percent of the night's sales will go to purchasing a new basinet for the unit. J. McLaughlin is at 4209-121 Lassiter Mill Road, Raleigh. 803-3533.
Holiday open house
Cute Buttons Gift and Paper Boutique is getting in the holiday spirit with an open house featuring Beautimous Beads and Purple Polka Dot from 4 to 7 p.m. today. Shoppers can peruse handmade jewelry from Beautimous Beads and jewelry, accessories and gift items from Purple Polka Dot. There will also be food, drinks and a special discount during the event. Cute Buttons is at 115-A W. Chatham St., Cary. 462-9618, www.shopcutebuttons.com.
Meet, greet, buy
Hamilton Hill Jewelry in Durham welcomes Gellner: The Spirit of Pearls and Israeli designer Boaz Kashi for a trunk show, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday. European designer Gellner is known for elegant pearl jewelry set in silver, 18-karat gold and stainless steel. A fourth-generation jeweler, Kashi is known for creating boho-chic pieces in gold and oxidized silver. During the event, shoppers can meet the designers and receive discounts on pieces. Hamilton Hill is at 905 W. Main St., Durham. 683-1474, www.hamilton hilljewelry.com .
For their benefit
Shop for a good cause this weekend at the annual Assistance League of the Triangle Area's Baubles and Bags, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. The sale - which features purses, jewelry, scarves and some clothing - benefits the Assistance League's outreach services for women in the Triangle area. The sale will be at the organization's resale shop, Antiques to Zippers, 1689 N. Market Drive, Suite A, Raleigh. For more information, visit www.altriangle.org.
A new Ann
Fans of Ann Taylor have something to be excited about - the retailer has opened its first concept store in North Carolina at the Streets at Southpoint in Durham. The concept store offers personal styling and an expanded selection that includes tall sizes, wedding/event pieces and a special career wear collection. The store will hold a grand opening from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday. There will be a DJ, refreshments, raffles and a gift for any purchase of more than $100. During the event, 5 percent of sales will go to the Junior League of Durham and Orange Counties. The new store is at 6910 Fayetteville Road, Durham.
Wine and shoes
Celebrate hump day with a girls' night out party 5-8 p.m. Wednesday at Kristen's Shoe Boutique and Kristen's Place in Cary. Wine and other refreshments, plus new shoes, accessories and more, will be available. Kristen's Shoe Boutique is at 2045 Renaissance Park Place and Kristen's Place is next door, at 2035 Renaissance Park Place, in Cary. 678-1234, 677-9955.
