Guest Blogger: Mary Alice Stephenson

From the front row of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, CIRCA caught up with fashion and beauty expert Mary Alice Stephenson, to find out the story behind two of her favorite vintage pieces.

Why did you select these two vintage pieces in particular?
The earrings and necklace both represent significant firsts in my life. To me, jewelry is extremely emotional; each piece in its own way tells a story.


Tell us about these beautiful chandelier earrings.
They are vintage Chanel; I found them at the amazing Parisian boutique, Karry-O. I was in Paris covering my first Haute Couture show. I saw them and knew I had to have them. When I returned from the Paris shows, I took the earrings with me for my Met Ball fitting at Carolina Herrera. I was set on selecting a dress around my new obsession! It was the first time I had ever attended the Met Ball. I wore the vintage Chanel earrings, paired with a gorgeous black Herrera gown. It was a night I will never forget!

And the necklace?
I love this necklace! Its vintage YSL, I bought it at NY Vintage, an amazing vintage jewelry and clothing boutique I frequent regularly. What makes the necklace so fabulous is that it easily translates from black-tie to BBQ. I have paired it with gowns and over white tee’s and jeans, it instantly glams up any look! While I was pregnant with my son Willem (now 5), trying to maintain my perpetually hectic 24/7-work schedule and look good at the same time, I wore this necklace to an industry event. I was feeling exhausted, run-down and utterly un-chic. The statement piece instantly elevated my mood - even in my most exhausted moment; the necklace perked me right up! That evening at dinner, I felt the first real kick from my son! A memory that will last forever.

What does jewelry represent to you?
As a stylist, creative director and fashion commentator, I have been working with and talking about clothes for the last 20 years! Whether styling photo-shoots, consulting for the world's biggest brands or creating fashion segments for national television, clothing is always coming and going in my life! For me, it’s difficult to create an emotional attachment with ready-to-wear. It is my jewelry collection that provides that instant connection, the unbreakable bond a woman feels when she puts on a statement necklace, bold ring, or gorgeous pair of chandelier earrings. As you can see, an outfit without jewelry on just doesn't feel right to me! Print this post