*fab finds* in jewelry: the magical world of tarina tarantino

note: i promise part 2 of karen + erik’s incredible wedding is coming up early this week. i just felt compelled to drop in this little fun post in the interim!

my last post did more than just evoke memories of an incredible wedding i worked on last year. the site of the wedding, the historic paramour estate in the hollywood hills, has always been a favorite of mine. i first fell in love with it when i saw photos of another spectacular wedding held there… that of jewelry-maker extraordinaire, tarina tarantino, in 1999.

i thought i’d take the time to introduce you all to another fabulous find in my life: the whimsical, fun, and altogether delightful jewelry of tarina tarantino! i often tell people that i’d take a pink box (from tarina tarantino) over a little blue box ANY day, and they usually scoff. but i mean it! since early 2000 i have been completely enamored with tarina’s collection of glittering barrettes, earrings and jewelry and have amassed for myself quite a dazzling collection (if i do say so myself… and i do!). her work inspires me because it is so fresh and youthful. it’s the kind of jewelry that makes people stop and smile!

tarina made her first splash in the industry with her quirky crystal barrettes depicting adorable butterflies, dragonflies, and flowers. i have a number of these original designs and still wear them all the time. tarina soon drew a celebrity following and opened her flagship boutique (which is too cute for words, i might add) on melrose. her favorite implements for constructing these unique pieces include lucite and swarovski crystals. i like to call it grown-up costume jewelry!

today, tarina has built a veritable empire on all things adorable. in recent years, she has only made me love her jewelry more with the introduction of the “pink head” line. it’s a sanrio-licensed accessories line featuring the beloved hello kitty, spruced up tarina style! this hello kitty has pink hair (just like tarina!) and has taken many incarnations. although i still love all of tarina’s wares, the pink head collection has become my line of choice. 😉 i have loved hello kitty since childhood and am so excited i have a way to indulge my inner child without buying clicky pens and stationery! (note: she also has introduced a barbie line, if that’s more your style…)

at nearly all of my weddings you will find me sporting something tarina tarantino. whether it’s an oversized pink head pendant or a more “vintage” bauble covered in crystals, i love adding that bit of playful sparkle to my outfit. tarina does have a bridal line of accessories that i think would be perfect additions to a wedding day ensemble, in case you’re interested. 🙂

here are some favorite pieces from my own collection… photos courtesy of tarinatarantino.com

the necklace that started it all… my very first piece, still in heavy rotation today!

i loooove my chunky, funky bracelet!

there are only a few times a year i can wear this without being obnoxious. 😉

my first pink head piece, received years ago from erik. 😉 he surprised me with it one day, for no reason! he hid it in the 18th hole at a mini golf course and you should’ve seen my sheer delight when i found it. sooo sweeet….

if i’ve piqued your interest and you’re in the l.a. area, i highly suggest visiting her adorable boutique. for all of you who may be further away, her interactive website is a lovely distraction until you can get out here! enjoy!

xoxo, angel