The month of LOVE! No pressure. I have been with my husband for 18 years (married for almost 15) and even though we don’t do much on Valentine’s Day, I always buy myself a piece of jewelry…from him. He prefers it this way, given my picky aesthetic. This is when I usually buy vintage pieces or something really unique. More women are making their own self-jewelry purchases, and I love how the tradition has transformed. We have tons of great ideas for Valentine’s Day, whether buying for yourself or asking for a gift (we can help by sending a hint)! Take a look below at some of my top Valentine’s Day jewelry picks!
I spent Christmas and New Years in the Riviera Maya, Mexico at two resorts with my family. I loved them both for different reasons. I was pretty hesitant about an all-inclusive resort, but Grand Velas proved me wrong. Perfect if you plan on spending more than 7 days at one hotel with kids. Vast restaurant choices (one being one of the better meals I’ve had in a long time), constant entertainment for the kids with performances daily, bungee tramp on the beach and a great kids club as well. After dinner, they had kids karaoke nightly, which my kids adored and the bar for grownups was necessary. Really wonderful service for such a big hotel (sit by Jorgé at the pool, and he’ll hook you up with a big smile, constant top shelf drinks as well as sunglass cleaning. Tell him Doryn sent you)! Rooms were clean, and the service was great. I’d recommend staying at the main hotel. I was really pleasantly surprised. I tend to like a smaller, less lively hotels when I am alone with my husband, but this was great for the whole family.
ROSEWOOD MAYAKOBA
I spent years going to the Caribbean on vacation, and I am realizing how much better service is in Mexico. I cannot tell you how much I adored Rosewood Mayakoba. The rooms were beautiful and ridiculously well stocked with chips and guac, tequila and mixers, candy and cookies in jars for the kids and fresh fruit. The service was great (one day a man wanted to watch soccer on the beach and they set up a tent on the beach with a TV and extension cord). The was food excellent, and the beach was beautiful. I’d like to come back with my husband alone at some point. My ONLY complaint was that the pool area was a little tight, but it didn’t matter because there were plenty of places to sit away from it all on the beach. Definitely check out the adult only food truck and get a bottle of wine and relax. The kids’ tent with video games, basketball and chess kept our kids entertained for hours. We’ll be back!
As always, we are here for you for anything you need. Whether it’s a custom piece of jewelry, a viewing appointment or even a question about any of my recommendations, please feel free to reach out.
X, Doryn
I always love when January arrives! Aren’t the holidays stressful? Not a fan. Wish more people admitted this, however, I do love the energy of New York City during the holidays. I used to set goals for January for many years. I realize that if you set too many goals, you’re setting yourself up for failure by risking being overwhelmed. So if I could leave you with one little piece of advice for the New Year: set one goal at a time spread out over 3 months. Then add.
THE ADVENTURINE
PRESS
I am very excited about some recent press coverage that came out. One of my favorite jewelry websites, The Adventurine by jewelry historian, author and expert, Marion Fasel, included me as “one of six designers who will be huge in 2018!” Wow, what an honor, and I am truly overwhelmed to be included in such great company. You can read the full story here.
MARBLE
MONTHLY INSPIRATION
From the time I was little, marble excited me. Weird? Maybe. I grew up in a pretty formal home built in the 1920’s and the entryway had a marble foyer floor (which FYI is never ever practical especially when it rains or snows, or when you decide that “sock ice skating” is a good idea). As a creative kid, I would actually sit on that floor often and pay attention to the veins of color running through the marble and the crystals within it and be fascinated with the variation and how each square was different. It was Kelly Wearstler’s work at The Four Seasons (formally Viceroy) in Anguilla where I saw a book matched marble slab. I incorporated this into my own design work, and it’s why I am attracted to Agate and why it’s such a big part of my collection. I spend hours and hours finding the perfect part of the rough agate to include in my pieces based on color and pattern. I love that each one is different and while the overall design of the piece is the same, you’re always getting something unique.
MIAMI BEACH
TRAVEL
My husband and I wanted a quick trip during the mayhem of December and decided on a get away to Miami to celebrate our anniversary (6 months late). I have always been inspired by the beautiful Art Deco architecture in the city. We opted for a short domestic flight and flew to the Fort Lauderdale airport. I recommend flying from Newark or White Plains and never fly to the Miami airport. It always feels chaotic and congested. After a quick and easy flight and 30 minute Uber ride, we arrived at the gorgeous new Four Seasons at The Surf Club. Not sure about you, but unless I am having a girls trip, I have zero tolerance for the loud house music and scene at some of the South Beach hotels, so this was the perfect spot for us. You can read a little history of The Surf Club here (include a link to click to the below copy).
The rooms were gorgeous, the beds were very comfortable, the pool setting was great (it was a very quiet and cool weekend, so I can’t speak to a busier time), and the people were all incredibly nice, though service was spotty (this was more at breakfast and lunch). The location was somewhat far from South Beach (about 20 minutes) — we were happy relaxing at the hotel but could have easily gone in their house car if we wanted to venture out. We ate locally as per the hotel’s suggestions and highly recommend Atlanktikos at the St. Regis Bal Harbour for Greek food. Delicious! The hotel’s restaurant, Le Sirenuse for breakfast and lunch was just okay in my opinion. In fact, their room service breakfast and lunch was much better. The dinner experience at Le Sirenuse was much better, like stepping back into the 30’s, so of course I loved that. The service was wonderful, the presentation was absolutely beautiful, and the food was very good. Overall, it was an incredibly peaceful, relaxing few days and for all the fun South Beach evenings I’ve had over the years, I didn’t miss being in the middle of that one bit!
I feel incredibly lucky to be surrounded by such talent every day in New York City. More importantly, I feel so lucky to be surrounded by strong, creative, smart and powerful female entrepreneurs. Recently, I saw two documentaries (have I mentioned I have always wanted to make a documentary), by two good friends, and I was blown away by how amazing they are.
BOMBSHELL: If you don’t know much about Hedy Lamarr, she is not your typical old-Hollywood actress. This documentary is about the life and career of the acclaimed Hollywood movie star and underappreciated genius inventor. Hedy was hailed as the most beautiful and glamorous in the world. However, that was only the surface that tragically obscured her astounding true talents. Foremost of them was her inventive genius that a world blinded by her beauty could not recognize as far back as her youth in Austria with her homemade gadgets. This film explores Hedy’s life, which included escaping a loveless marriage on the eve of Nazi Germany’s conquest of her nation to a new career in Hollywood. However, her intellectual contributions were denied their due even when she offered them in the service of her new home during World War II. Only after years of career and personal decline in her troubled life would Hedy learn that her staggering aptitude created brilliant engineering concepts that revolutionized telecommunications, which forced the world to realize the hidden abilities of a woman it had so unfairly underestimated.
I am not going to say much more except this movie speaks to the way women have evolved over time (still WAY more evolving to do). The fashion and jewelry is gorgeous, the story while at times is funny and uplifting, is also sad and frustrating. It is just so many things — I adored it!
STEP: This new documentary follows the senior year of a girls’ high-school step dance team against the background of inner-city Baltimore. As each one tries to become the first in their families to attend college, the girls strive to make their dancing a success against the backdrop of social unrest in the troubled city. Going into the lives of these women and seeing their hurdles just to graduate high school to me is what stuck out the most in this movie? More importantly, how being a part of something is so instrumental in a young woman’s life to achieve success. The passion and love that the educators have for these women is inspiring. And of course, the dancing is amazing and speaks to me as someone who danced for 18 years.
BRAVO to my friends Alex and Amanda- you’re inspiring women every day and you should be very proud!
As always, we are here for you for anything you need. Whether it’s a custom piece of jewelry, a viewing appointment or even a question about any of my recommendations, please feel free to reach out.
X, Doryn
While the holidays can be fun for some, I find it a super stressful time of year. I had a great Thanksgiving with my family (and I hope you did too), and now it’s time to get into holiday party mode. In this month’s newsletter, I’ve included our newest pieces, a healthy little restaurant that caters parties, a day to night holiday party look as well as a new organization for new moms where you can give back if that’s one of your new goals. As always, I love to hear from you, so always feel free to send me an email!
ART DECO VINTAGE VANITY CASES
MONTHLY INSPIRATION
I believe I spotted my first Art Deco vanity/powder box in an antique store in Manhattan many years ago when I was an interior designer. The vintage powder box on the far left was the one that inspired me to design my signature locket. I loved the idea of a square shape with a gold and diamond overlay. A little different than the lockets you’re seeing right now. Square photos are also very modern and relevant to the rise of Instagram photos.
HONEY BRAINS
NYC EATS
I am always searching for the right catering for more intimate events both at home and at work. We invited magazine editors to our showroom a few weeks ago to preview our collection and ordered avocado toast from a healthy new spot called Honey Brains. I was hesitant as to how they would last, but they were delicious, perfectly seasoned and lasted most of the day. We also had some of their green juices on hand that the editors could take on the go – yum! It was a really great food choice for morning entertaining.
MOTHERHOOD CENTER
FAMILY
Anyone who tells that you that motherhood is easy is lying. I recently heard about The Motherhood Center in Manhattan and was blown away by what they’re doing for new moms. The Motherhood Center provides supportive services for new and expecting moms, including a range of treatment options for women suffering from perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. They have support groups for new mothers, individual therapy, or a day program for moderate to severe PMADs. The facilities are beautiful and more importantly, it is full of women who really and truly care about the mothers that step inside. I really could have used something like this when I had my daughter 10 years ago. So wonderful that it now exists for new moms.
I love all the sequins I’m seeing this Fall/Winter. Something about sparkle always makes me happy. I also love that I am now allowed to wear white in the winter. Love anything black and white. This is my favorite holiday look for all those upcoming holiday parties. Wear something different on top and then just layer over the dress with heels for evening and pair with some beautiful jewelry.
WHAT’S NEW AT DORYN WALLACH
My grandmother and great-grandmother died very young. My grandmother who I never knew, died at 58. The closer I get to that number, I realize just how young it was. Apparently, in many ways, I am a lot like her, but from the sounds of it she was a much bigger risk taker when it came to personal style. Many said she was a bit like Auntie Mame. She would pick my Mother up from school with a long cigarette holder and be blowing smoke in the teacher’s faces calling them “DAHLING”. Got to love it! She left a lot of her jewelry to my mother and over the years, my mother would redesign some of the pieces. Many she kept. She would teach me about redesigning jewelry and the 4 C’s, and she let me redesign my first piece when I was about 10 years old. My mother also worked at a friend’s jewelry store part-time, and I would sit on the floor while she worked and draw jewelry. Jewelry has always been in my life. Over the years, and with my background studying interiors and decorative arts, I began to collect and sometimes sell vintage jewelry. While I absolutely love creating new, modern jewelry, vintage jewelry is still a passion of mine, which is why I am excited to introduce to you, my collection of repurposed vintage brooches that I turned into pendants. Each one is unique and with its own personality. The Art Deco black onyx one was open, and I backed it in onyx and repeated the gallery on the back and added a bail for the chain. To view the collection in person, please make an appointment to come see them in our showroom.
The other exciting news is that at 40 years old, my mother finally allowed me to get a double pierce in my ear. Just kidding, I didn’t need her permission, but I was a little scared still to show her. After I got my piercings, I realized that my collection definitely needed some fun mini studs for second holes or just for the person that loves a small stud. I am SO excited to show you the first few designs for sale on our website soon (or email us for purchase information), and a few more designs coming right before the holidays (we will notify by newsletter). Enjoy!
As always, we are here for you for anything you need. Whether it’s a custom piece of jewelry, a viewing appointment or even a question about any of my recommendations, please feel free to reach out.
X, Doryn
As October comes to a close, I want to let you know what I’ve been up to in both my personal life and in my business; from what has been inspiring my jewelry designs to what I’ve been eating and where I’ve been traveling. As always, thank you for being a part of this journey with me!
1STDIBS ART DECO FIREPLACE
MONTHLY INSPIRATION
Years ago when I was decorating my own home, I came across this Art Deco fireplace screen on my favorite shopping site, 1st Dibs. I didn’t end up buying it at the time, but I printed it and stored it away because of the unique shape and fine ribbed details and that later became the inspiration behind the Collins Collection.
SUSHI AZABU
NYC EATS
I genuinely feel like I have ordered sushi from all the front line delivery services and hands down, my favorite right now is Sushi Azabu on Caviar. WOW! Incredibly fresh, not too big (hate HUGE sushi pieces), their tamago was “cloudlike” and their seasoning and roll selection is interesting and inventive. I have never been to the actual space, located under the Tribeca Grill, but have heard it’s a “hidden gem” among many excellent NYC sushi restaurants. Here’s a quick article about it. I will definitely check it out soon.
LONDON, ENGLAND
TRAVEL
I just returned from a week in London for a friends 40th birthday celebration. While I did live there over 10 years ago, it’s definitely changed in the food category and our hotel was not to be missed. We stayed at the stunning Rosewood London. From the flower arrangements in the lobby, the floor details, the exterior architecture, the rooms, concierge service and the fabulous outfits on the porters, I highly recommend staying there.
We were there at the same time with two of my style favorites, Olivia Palermo and Julia Hengel, so if they were there, you know it was stunning. Check out Le Petite Maison for lunch (truffles were unbelievable), Sketch for Tea, Chiltern Firehouse for dinner and if you’re visiting for a bit and have some time, The Covent Garden Academy of Flowers hosted us for an amazing private class in flower arranging (and their arrangements are amazing).
HARBES FARM
FAMILY
We spent an amazing day last weekend at Harbes Farm located on the North Fork of Long Island. I cannot get over how much there is to do for kids there: apple picking, pumpkins, live music, tractor riding, singing hayride, gem mining, face painting, mazes, oversized inflatable trampoline, sports toss, and barnyard animals. There is also wine from their vineyard to make the day a little bit easier for the parents (I believe there’s beer too). The food was delicious. Best grilled cheese I’ve had in ages and their soft serve ice cream is worth the line. My kids said it was the best they ever had, and I may have to agree. For those of you in the North East, if you’re unable to get out there this weekend, definitely put it on your to-do list for next Fall. Worth it!
I love fall and winter clothes! I put together this cozy outfit for Fall paired with some of my favorite simple pieces from my collection.
WHAT’S NEW AT DORYN WALLACH
We are thrilled to announce we have hired a new public relations consultant, Blair Brindley. She was like finding the missing piece to a puzzle. Her experience and vision are right on target with our brand, and we couldn’t be more excited to have her represent us. Blair brings more than 20 years of public relations experience to our team working in the past as the PR Director at Cartier and now focuses on fine jewelry brands through her own consulting business. Her mission will be to engage the media and other influencers with our brand and drive awareness through storytelling and other strategic programming.
Come meet me and see my newest collections on November 17th at Lux, Bond & Green in Westport, Connecticut for a Holiday Trunk Show. I’ll be there with my team from 11:00 am to 7:30 pm, with sushi and champagne from 5:30 – 7:30 pm. We look forward to seeing you and please feel free to invite friends that live in the surrounding area!
As always, we are here for you for anything you need. Whether it’s a custom piece of jewelry, a viewing appointment or even a question about any of my recommendations, please feel free to reach out.
X, Doryn
Welcome to my first newsletter! I love connecting with my clients and followers on Instagram, (now more than 11K and counting!), and now I’ll be bringing you my recommendations for design, travel, food, fashion and – of course, jewelry – on a monthly basis. (Bet you didn’t know I was a lifestyle blogger back in 2005 with a blog called Doryn’s Dish!) I’ll also be sharing my inspirations, newest pieces and the latest news from DWJ. Thank you all for being a part of this community. I feel incredibly lucky to be doing what I’m doing.
JUDITH LEIBER VINTAGE HANDBAGS
MONTHLY INSPIRATION
My mother loved Judith Leiber bags and as a child, I was fascinated by her collection. Some were encrusted with crystals, others were shaped like animals, and several were Art Deco inspired (no wonder where I get the Deco obsession!). These days I, too, collect vintage Judith Leiber minaudieres. I’ve seen amazing ones at NY Vintage. My favorite!
SANTINA
NYC EATS
I am by no means a food critic or chef but just like any New Yorker, I love to eat out. My go-to right now is a place not far from my apartment downtown called Santina. The food is an eclectic, modern take on Mediterranean cuisine that’s incredibly fresh and healthy. I’m always trying to reduce wheat and dairy and I can eat almost anything here. Also, the drinks are amazing! My favorite dishes are the cecina (chick pea pancakes—you can get them with a choice of five toppings, all delicious), the tricolore splendido tuna salad, the broccoli & pecorino rice, the whole lobster and the grilled branzino. The space itself is lively and bright, and it’s conveniently located right next to the Whitney Museum. Try it!
TITILAKA, PERU
@travel
I turned 40 this summer. Yup, there, I said it. 40! To celebrate, I was fortunate enough to travel around Peru with three of my best friends for 10 days — an absolutely amazing experience. It wasn’t just what we did and saw; it was the rare chance to temporarily step back from being a mother and wife and just be me. All you moms, I know you get this.
One of my absolute favorite hotels of the trip was Titilaka, on the edge of Lake Titilaka, a destination not to be missed. Everything at this boutique hotel, which has just 18 rooms, was extraordinary, from the views to the locally-sourced food to the service (they measured our oxygen levels right when we got off the plane and had oxygen tanks in the van if we needed them). I’ll have more recommendations from my trip to Peru in future newsletters. titilaka.pe
I love leather, I love leopard, I love black and white, I love a subtle feminine touch. But overall my style is really pretty simple — which is one of the reasons I’m drawn to jewelry. Adding a stack of bracelets or a cocktail ring is an easy way to express myself while keeping my outfit otherwise minimalist. Each month I’ll be putting together an outfit accessorized with some of our jewelry.
This outfit can go from the office right into the evening. I am loving this leather jacket by Viveta which strikes the right bit of femininity, but in sleek leather. This skirt by Isabel Marant is also super chic, especially paired with this simple bootie by Gianvito Rossi (LOVE their shoes, as they all fit my wide feet). I would style this look with our simple octagon diamond pavé bracelet, our agate statement ring (I wear it on my index finger), onyx and diamond studs (simple and elegant and don’t take away from the neckline of the jacket) and our black diamond Normandie pinky ring.
WHAT’S NEW AT DORYN WALLACH
We currently launched two new versions of our empire and baguette studs and necklaces — now with black diamonds. Adding the black diamond completely changes the look, added a little edge and modern touch. We have a few trunk shows coming up between now and the holidays, including one at Lux, Bond and Green in Westport, CT on November 17. Stay tuned for more info on our trunk shows. We are also going to be offering shopping dates in our showroom by appointment. So much more to come!
As always, we are here for you for anything you need. Whether it’s a custom piece of jewelry, a viewing appointment or even a question about any of my recommendations, please feel free to reach out.
X, Doryn