The jewelry gallery, Gauthier, in Scottsdale has been a staple to the upscale shopping galleries on Marshall Way in Old Town Scottsdale for many years. After meeting the man behind the bling, Scott Gauthier himself during a private tour and interview last week, I am still finding the words to express how beautiful and creative the hand-crafted jewelry is. Luckily, you can visit the jewelry gallery in Scottsdale to see for yourself.

The pieces are both art and architecture; wearable and inspirational, and an instant heirloom for those who lucky enough to have. For 24 years, the self-taught jewelry designer, Scott Gauthier, has been creating and designing each piece himself. Yes each piece is still the design of the designer, though now he has a fabulous staff to help create each finished piece. But even after a staff, two stores, 24 years and a collection of jewels that even the Smithsonian has tried to haggle for, Gauthier still has a kid-like excitement and enthusiasm around his work, his designs and his international clientele.

The in-house design and jewelry operation is amazing and so quality-driven.   I can’t even pick a favorite of the many, many hand-polished, exotic stones Gauthier shared, though I keep seeing the aquamarine necklace suite in my day dreams. The collection of stones Gauthier has been gathering over his tenure will take your breath away. And the finished pieces, well, most will leave you speechless.

Gauthier has two stores in the Valley and a third to open soon in Santa Barbara, California. And even more exciting, now the internet shopper is able to purchase online with the launch of Gauthier’s online jewelry e-commerce site this week, allowing customers to add Gauthier pieces to their online wish list or purchase an amazing new piece for their collection with a few clicks.

Gauthier | 4211 North Marshall Way | Scottsdale, AZ, 85251 | 480.941.1707

L’Atelier at Kierland | 15034 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 120 | Scottsdale, AZ   480.443.4030

WANT MORE LIKE THIS? NEWS & TIPS TO YOUR INBOX EACH WEEK…IT’S FREE!

The makers of Velcro, that super sticky fabulous material used throughout our lives, from our daily Velcro rollers that give our hair a boost, to our kids shoes that keep us from tying and retying on the hour, has attached itself to a modern marketing and branding campaign.

Check out their new website at Velcro.com for inspirational ideas for crafts, costumes and home decorating.

FastCompany reports, that an online store may be on its way soon, so you can get super crafty with Velcro’s “Snag Free Sew On” fasters for your pants or even a Velcro Memo Pad for your office. Catchy ideas, dontcha think?

Image via GloHairExtensions

Discover your Rockport style May 12th inside Dillards’ amazing shoe department at Scottsdale Fashion Square.

Fashion expert Jeannie Mai, from The Style Network and the Today  Show, will be in store from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday for an “Ask the Expert: Discover Your Rockport Style” event, showcasing the latest in hot styles to rock this summer from Rockport Shoes!

I had the pleasure of having Jeannie answer a few of “mai” fashion questions before this weekend’s event. Enjoy the fashion tips from the expert and we’ll see you on Saturday!

Fashion Phoenix: What’s the biggest fashion mistake women make that you see most often?
Jeannie Mai: I often see women wearing clothes that don’t fit properly. I always say “if you don’t have fit, you don’t have fashion.” Even the very best ensemble can look horrendous if it doesn’t show off a woman’s body the way it is meant to be shown.

What’s hot for summer 2012 trends?
This summer’s hot trends list includes apparel and accessories in mints and oranges. Sexy sherbet shades of these colors are by far two of the most popular we are seeing show up the most in handbags, shoes, sandals and even nail color. Thanks to brands like NYX with their new Hot Orange nail color, the trend will be right at your fingertips.

Mother’s Day is just around the corner, what’s your pick for hot jeans for mommie who need help ditching “the mom jeans” look?
Not Your Daughters Jeans has an amazing amount of elastic stretch to feel comfortable wherever you go. Another secret I have always loved is Old Navy jeans. At under $40 a pop, they come in an array of styles that last so long and the fit is so amazing.

What are your styles of Rockport Shoes for summer?
I have to say that the Janae Pump in silver is a “Mai Musty” for sure. It has a fun platform heel which is perfect to dress up daytime meetings. Yet for evening soiree’s it has just the right amount of sparkle, and most importantly, comfort to last you through the night.

I am also really loving the Audry Quarter Strap Sandal in Orange – the shade is flattering on practically every skin tone. And hello… adiPRENE by adidas technology makes it as comfortable as it is fashionable.

Audry Quarter Strap Woven

The Lady GODIVA Program launched this spring honoring Lauren Bush Lauren as the first National Lady GODIVA. The program is an international philanthropic endeavor that celebrates inspirational women locally and nationally. If you’re looking for a unique and sustainable mothers day gift, check out these bags.

For Mother’s Day GODIVA has partnered with Lauren Bush Lauren (remember Ms. Bush married Ralph Lauren’s son) and FEED to create the FEED 10 tote bag. Each bag retails for $25.00 and will provide 10 meals to primary school students through the World Food Programme school meals program in cocoa-sourcing regions on the Ivory Coast and Ghana. The FEED 10 bags were designed by Liberian artisan women who used their traditional batik print fabrics to make the exclusive GODIVA FEED 10 bags.

Each bag is hand made and offered in a variety of patterns, so no two bags are exactly alike. The Lady GODIVA Program FEED 10 bags are now available nationwide in GODIVA stores and online at www.GODIVA.com.

The FEED 10 bag is the perfect Mother’s Day gift as it benefits both women and children in Africa, with a stylish gift for your mom.