THE ROOT 9: 8.3

Bridging the Gap: Accessible Statement Pieces from Independent Designers Inspired By Bold Interpretations on the Runway

Delicate jewelry layering has been quite popular. As designers tap into juxtaposing timeless pieces with more dramatic elements, statement jewelry pieces tie it all together for modern flair. While a blazer or crisp and clean white tee has a classic and sophisticated look, a statement piece can really make it feel more unique effortlessly.

When I think of the classics in jewelry, a diamond and the pearl are top of mind. Regardless of fleeting trends, a pearl carries an almost intrinsic sense of heritage and ageless grace. Yet, as someone who appreciates and wants to tap into some more trendy pieces, investing in a high-end statement piece can feel like quite the investment that clashes with the ephemeral nature of trends. Investing a significant sum in a bold of-the-moment piece can feel less intuitive than, say, investing the same into a classic gold staple for daily wear.

Fortunately for us, a wave of visionary small brands are artfully bridging this gap for the consumer. They're crafting statement jewelry at accessible price points, allowing us to embrace current aesthetics, champion independent artistry, and forge a more personal connection to the final touches of an outfit – a far cry from purchasing something similar from Amazon.

And speaking of pearls, I’m really excited by the modern twist that some designers are now infusing into layered pearl pieces. They're taking a quintessential gemstone and injecting it with contemporary flair, masterfully juxtaposing enduring refinement with of-the-moment trends in a compelling way.

To name a few, Bottega Veneta juxtaposed baroque pearls alongside a more retro green & gold beaded necklace in their Spring/Summer 2025 show to top off a sharp suiting look. Moschino nodded to pearls as body armor suspended from blackened silver chains, adding a rebellious spirit to flowing dresses. This bold presentation underscored the pearl's remarkable versatility, proving its power to command attention in even the most avant-garde settings.

On a more accessible note, I've been absolutely obsessed with the pieces coming from Scandivv:

Here are a couple of Scandivv pieces stealing my attention:

Opening Our Eyes to Local Gems

I love living in San Francisco's Marina, but I've got a habit of overlooking the more unique things nearby and sticking to my routine. Case in point: Off the Grid at Fort Mason. I’ve lived in the Marina for what will now be four summers (crazy) and though the monthly summer Friday night event has always been a 13 minute walk away, I've only been twice. Time to be a bit more present.

What is Off the Grid (and What's New):

It's easy to stick to the usual dinner plans, but finally checking out Off the Grid got me thinking. There's probably cool stuff happening in your city too – maybe a food truck gathering or a craft fair you haven't explored. It might be worth a quick search to see what's out there. You never know what you might find!

That little phrase, "it's just...", often feels harmless, a way to downplay something. But what if it's actually a subtle act of self-deception? What if 'it's just...' is the red flag you're painting green? I’m inviting you to consider the times you use this phrase to minimize actions you instinctively know aren't serving you well.

This was inspired by a pattern I’ve noticed in myself over the past two weeks. I’ve been using it to justify late nights, telling myself, "I just want to get this done; it’ll be better if I do it today rather than tomorrow morning,” or “it's just another night where I'll sleep less than 6 hours; I'll make it up tomorrow." In that moment, "it's just" becomes the brushstroke painting over the very real red flag: I'm not prioritizing rest and recovery. By dismissing it as "just another night," I'm essentially ignoring the impact on my well-being and failing to be a good steward to my future self. That "it's just" is a way of making an unhealthy choice seem inconsequential in the present, while the consequences quietly accumulate.