4 Questions for Melissa Joy Manning

After studying silversmithing and design in Mexico and Spain, Melissa Joy Manning launched her eponymous jewelry line in 1997. Simultaneously joyful, spiritual, unique, and empowering, Melissa Joy Manning is a must for every jewelry box. Here, we picked the designer’s creative brain.

What is the philosophy behind your line?
I design jewelry for an individualistic woman whose style is not dictated by trend. My work appreciates natural beauty. Heirloom quality, beautiful details, and extraordinary materials are cornerstones to our brand. I am intrigued by the history of objects and talismanic pieces – I strive to incorporate that level of spirituality in my work.

What inspires your designs?
I hope that I offer a unique perspective and sense of community in my work. The things that drive me as a designer – my spirituality, my respect for our shared histories, and my love of the innate power and beauty of nature – are present in every piece of jewelry I create. Whether it’s a hammered texture on a simple pair of hoops or the amazing hue of a unique stone, I think about how every piece of jewelry is a unique expression of my creative nature and how my expression will translate into the expression of the end buyer. It’s the idea that we are all connected and that every piece of jewelry will have its own unique history that drives me. I endeavor to make things that speak to me and, hopefully, to others.

What is your best accessorizing advice?
Find things that express yourself, not a trend.

Do you follow Coco Chanel’s rule: “take one piece off before you leave the house”?
Nope. I follow more of a matching mantra: don’t.

Rihanna, Where You At?

A select few celebrities can do no wrong style-wise for me, and Rihanna is right there at the top of that list. Doesn’t matter what it is, if she’s wearing it, I want it. The yellow dress she rocked at the BET Awards last night? Yes. Latex leggings? Love. Oversized hoops? Must. Have. Pleated, slouchy trousers with a white tank? Perfection. Of course, seeing as I work at an online retailer, tracking down Rihanna-like items on our site could be considered research. (Purchasing said items? Now that’s a bit harder to rationalize.) Got a girl-crush on Rihanna? These three pieces pay tribute to her inimitable style.
	Inspired by the beaut she wore to the BET Awards, but at a price that’s right for those of us without a recording contract. Alice + Olivia Double Strap Long Dress
	Latex. Leggings. Need I say more? Kova & T Latex Leggings
	Massive hoops up the style ante of any ensemble. These are delicate enough that they don’t weigh down my earlobes. Melissa Joy Manning Extra Large Hoops

New Jewelry Lines in the Accessories Spotlight

One is as environmentally and socially conscious as it is stylish, while another is earthbound with a nod to Cherokee heritage. Still another comes from a designer whose globetrotting life has taken her from Russia to Italy to Australia to Brooklyn. Then there's the one that melds the traditional with the modern, and the one that's inspired by a love of making something old new again. They're Alkemie, Cynthia Dugan, St. Kilda, Melissa Joy Manning, and tuleste market, the latest jewelry lines to hit shopbop, and they promise to change the way you think about baubles. Discover them today in the Accessories Spotlight.

First Fashion: Our Favorites from What's New

Countless examples of modern chic arrive at shopbop every day, and we’d be doing you a disservice if we didn’t tell you we find a few eye-catching standouts to covet each and every one of those days. That’s why we’re bringing you First Fashion, your morning look at our favorites in What’s New. Have some style with your coffee.

I love a good conversation piece. I also love talking about politics. The perfect combination? Karen Zambos’ Print Scarf. It’s covered in presidential signatures and I can’t wait for the inevitable handwriting-inspired “would you rather” game.

For me, summer Saturdays usually mean farmers’ markets in the morning, late lunches, reading on the porch, and some chill local music in the evenings. Most of the time, this entails at least one outfit change. Not so with the Dallin Chase Chico Dress. Jersey with silk trim and cute buttons at the bust, this dress is low-key enough to wear while shopping for locally-grown organic vegetables, and quirky-cool enough to stand out in the indie-music hipster crowd.

For the past few months, I’ve been craving the color yellow. It doesn’t matter what shade it is, I want it. So when I saw this cute little Melissa Joy Manning yellow sapphire ring, it was pretty much love at first sight. The yellow is subtle, and the hammered band adds a unique touch.