A Summer Jewelry Story

When I was four, my father returned from a business trip with a beautiful pair of tiny 24k gold heart stud earrings. It was at that moment that my parents decided it was time for me to bridge the gap between innocent tot and traumatized headcase: it was time to get my ears pierced.

In My Girl 2 (yes, I watched and loved it), Vada Sultenfuss refers to ear piercing as "a barbaric custom" -- at four years old, I wouldn't have disagreed. On two separate occasions, my mom sat me in the chair of death where a teen-aged ear-piercing-gun wielder stood poised over my virgin earlobes, and both times, I bolted like a frightened mouse into the surrounding mall.

Regardless of my sprinting prowess, I did eventually sit still, bite my lip and get my ears pierced. I won't lie -- it was awful. But the experience has forever shaped my jewelry collection, and I count myself lucky that I can wear beautiful earrings along with the rest of the world. No pain, no gain, right?

But I digress.

If you're a magpie like me, you covet all things glittery. Lucky for people with a sparkle problem, jewelry is the perfect obsession: it's low-impact in terms of space, so you don't have to feel too guilty about stocking up (unless of course your fetish is for Bvlgari, in which case I can't help you), and it's high-impact in terms of style and versatility. The sweetest summer ensemble is never complete without a little wink of gold. Even a colorful bikini worn with a sarong and sunhat can go from run-of-the-mill to high-fashion in a simple clip of a lobster clasp.

And we're happy to cater to the jewelryholics among you. As always, we're proud to offer pieces by Flint by Irenka Kudlicki, who is a local jewelry artist. Her pieces are always handmade, always fashionable, but still timeless. Our newest pieces are brightly colored and summery, from ropes of hand-knotted silk and shimmery orange Czech crystal, to delicate leather necklaces featuring clover charms.

Flint's Abby necklace (orange Czech crystal) $260, Flint's Gina necklace (rough disc) $130

Flint's Mia necklace (gold overlay discs, turquoise drop) $270

We also carry a great range of pieces from local favorite Viv & Ingrid ranging from itsy bitsy faux gemstone studs, to beautiful and delicate figural necklaces, featuring wishbones, elephants, and horseshoes. There are also coordinating studs to match in a variety of styles. Viv & Ingrid also offers higher-impact pieces: large gold pendant hoops and indulgent white jade drops. The range is impressive, fitting a variety of styles and just about every budget!

Viv & Ingrid's silver leaf post earrings $38

Viv & Ingrid's Belle necklace (citrine) $78

Viv & Ingrid's vermeil horseshoe post earrings $49

Viv & Ingrid's Dynasty earrings (white jade) $275

After seeing this summer's amazing jewelry pieces, I have to admit that I'm more grateful than ever to my frightened four year old self for taking one for the team. A life without post earrings would be an empty one indeed.

Say "Bonjour!" to Spring!

All of us at A La Folie have just about had it with the rain.

We don't want to jinx anything, but it looks like it may finally be gone! Yes, the flowers are blooming and it's now safe to wander 4th Street without an umbrella stashed in your purse. The galoshes can once again be stowed in the back of the closet (behind the sky-high straw platforms and itsy-bitsy summer sandals) and anti-frizz remedies can be tossed away with any memories of once-frequent downpours. Break out those cute dresses, floral skirts and airy lace tops! It's dry, bright, clear and sunny again in our city by the sea, and we couldn't be more relieved.

As we prepare for our Prima Donna & Marie Jo fitting event on Saturday, we've also been preparing our closets for spring, and we have some suggestions on how to bring a little brightness to your wardrobe!


We've been singing the praises of fleur't for ages, but the company's newest colors are sweeter than ever! Check out the classic fleur't Top Drawer boyshort in crystal, pink, mango, grapefruit, sapphire and iris! (And heck, it never hurts to have colorful bottoms if you're especially prone to Marilyn-Monroe subway grate moments!)


Just because cuts get simpler in the spring, it doesn't mean your bra has to be blah. These lovely Diamant plunges by Millesia represent the finest in lingerie construction and come in a breathtaking array of colors. Even the straps are embellished to perfection, so there's no need to fret about letting them peek out from under a cute 1950's summer dress!


Though we believe fully in the power of an expertly-crafted bra, lingerie isn't the only thing that can put a little spring in your step! These new Viv & Ingrid offerings are sweet, sassy and timeless. Gold hoops never go out of style, and these variations on the tried-and-true are sure to add a little extra something to your spring ensemble.

And while you're updating your wardrobe, swing on by to our event on Saturday! It's sure to put a little spring in your step!

A Last-Minute Little Something

Just because there are only a few days left 'til Christmas, it doesn't mean your gift has to reach eager hands incomplete. No matter how big or extravagant your present, there's no denying that the best touches are the ones that come from the heart, often at the last minute!

If you're still befuddled about just what to throw in her Christmas stocking at the 11th hour, never fear! We've got a few tips and suggestions to help you out.


1. Forever New. Before you scoff at a gift of detergent, know this: nothing says you want her beautiful lacy things to last forever better than our favorite soap. Forever New is specially crafted for intimates and delicates, and is organic and biodegradable. A bottle of Forever New along with a gift of lingerie says you put in the extra effort to make sure you'll both enjoy her underthings for many years to come. At only $10, a 16 ounce bottle won't break the bank either.

2. Viv & Ingrid birthstone studs. These earrings are simple, uncomplicated, and undeniably lovely. No matter how specific her taste in jewelry, you can't go wrong with a pair of birthstone studs. Since we recieved them just over two weeks ago, they have been our hottest seller. At $15 a pair, they're going fast!

3. Zinke's Goodnight Lovely Eyemask. An elegant delight! Zinke's Goodnight Lovely eyemask is fashioned in a delicate silk satin with light padding within the eye pillow. It's a classic gift for just about anyone: friends, spouses, relatives. It screams luxury, so they'll never know it was only $30. Even better, it comes in a lovely little box, so all you need is a ribbon to seal the deal!

4. Panties! You don't have to buy a whole set to make an impact, especially when it comes to a stocking stuffer. We have an excellent range of styles, colors and prices to peruse. From cozy and colorful fleur't tangas at just $25, to cream-of-the-crop Millesia boyshorts at $170, we have something to suit every style and budget!

5. Cervin Hosiery. We've been singing the praises of Cervin ever since their dreamy hosiery arrived at our store, and now we have more styles than ever to choose from! From the oh-so-scandalous Pigalle and Lido styles, to utilitarian leggings and Micromodal tights, our shelves are overflowing. Our most recent shipment included fully-fashioned Couture Bicolore stockings with blue, red and gold backseams. Trust us, nothing rounds out a gift of lingerie better than a pair of seamed stockings! Cervin hosiery ranges in price from $22 to $48.

6. Viv & Ingrid Jeweled Bobby Pins. Viv & Ingrid's bobby pins are another home run. They're as lovely as any piece of jewelry and at just $35 a pair, they are a seamless melding of form and function. Jeweled bobby pins are the perfect gift because they're sure to go with any holiday outfit and their sparkle is oh-so-New-Years-Eve!

7. Garment Guardian. Our customers have been asking for lingerie bags for ages, and we finally can oblige... just in time for Christmas! The Garment Guardian is meant to assist in the careful care of your delicates when machine washing. Simple, yet indispensable, the Forever New Garment Guardian is only $8, the perfect price for that last minute gift!

If you're still scratching your head, stop by and say hi. We'd be happy to help you organize your special someone's perfect gift!