As the first Chictopia Influential Blogger of the Year award winner and after doing a collaboration with Jewelmint and running her own fashion store WeWe Clothing, we asked Folake Huntoon of Style Pantry to give Chictopia the deets on where she shops for the hottest jewelry! Folake does a special interview on her favorite jewelry shops for Everybody Is Ugly below.
What was your experience like with the Jewelmint collaboration?
FOLAKE: It was fantastic! I’m aware that Jewelmint is still pretty new, but have you seen their collection? I don’t even have to do any work. All I had to do was complete a profile on the site describing my style, and it resulted in bohemian pieces that were spot on and completely me – can’t beat that! I have been obsessed ever since.
How would you describe your style?
FOLAKE: My style has a strong nod to the 70s. The bohemian vibe. I like to describe it as “Three’s Company” meets Woodstock meets today’s fashion! Haha.
What kind of accessories do you like to wear?
FOLAKE: I go for the more chunky jewelry pieces: lots of stones in gorgeous bright colors. I like mixing metals (pairing gold, silver and rose gold) and stacking them on. When it comes to accessories, I don’t believe in simplicity. It’s just not me. Personally, accessories make the outfit.
What are five of your favorite jewelry shops?
FOLAKE: This is so hard. Jewelmint, the Melrose flea market (on Melrose and Fairfax) is like heaven for jewelry. All the vintage boutiques come out to play, LF Stores, Free People, and believe it or not…Forever 21.
Why do you like these shops?
FOLAKE: They are very spot on when it comes to selecting unique pieces. I also like the old, worn out characteristics in the pieces I find at these stores. In addition, they are perfect fits with my style.
You have experience with your own shop, WeWe Clothing. What is it like being an independent store owner and designer? Does it affect how you choose your favorite stores to shop at?
FOLAKE: It is definitely not an easy job to take on, but if you are in it for the art, it doesn’t seem like a task. I love fashion. I have always worked in fashion, even when I worked in corporate America for sometime, I always had a clothing line on the side. I tend to be a little more partial to independent shops and designers because I know the amount of hard work that goes into keeping it running on a daily basis, but I also have love for mainstream brands.
What are some style tips on how to incorporate jewelry into your outfits?
FOLAKE: With confidence, you can pull off anything. That’s key. You can start with a statement piece. For instance a long chunky necklace layered with a smaller piece. Cocktail rings (one on each hand) is another way to ease into it. Try stacking your thin bracelets – you can mix metals and colors, or wear one chunky bangle with a cocktail ring. The more you wear accessories, the more you get into it. Before you know it, you will be collecting them! :)
What’s your favorite piece of jewelry at the moment?
FOLAKE: Oh, I don’t have one favorite. I’m really loving chunky link chains and bracelets at the moment, though.
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Thanks Folake for the interview! Be sure to check out her looks on Chictopia.
Image via Style Pantry
