Tag Archives: one of a kind

Drop Dead Gorgeous Erica Courtney

Whether it’s Oscars, premieres or MTV Movie Awards, it seems like every season is award season in Hollywood. That’s perfect for Erica Courtney, who is the red carpet go-to jewelry designer for stars Julia Roberts, Madonna, and Kate Beckinsale, among many others. Her one of a kind, interchangeable designs are the reason why elite stars trust Erica Courtney on some of the world’s biggest stages. For example, her earrings can be custom enhanced, because built into Erica’s design, stylists can add another large, drop stone with a single click of the clip.

Erica Courtney is not afraid to use colorful gemstones and each one is hand picked by the designer herself. Not to be out done in the bling department, her designs are covered in pave diamonds that add sophisticated sparkle to every piece. For those who are walking another very important “carpet,” a la the aisle, Erica Courtney just launched the “Gorgeous and Engaged” collection that keeps the red carpet wow factor, but adds the beauty and purity of wedding jewelry.

The Nation’s One and Only Fabric Workshop and Museum

To say that The Fabric Workshop and Museum is one-of-a-kind is an understatement – there is no other museum in the nation of its kind! This is not a textile museum, it’s shocking and thought-provoking with pieces like “Entrails Carpet” and “Restless Nights/Atomic Shroud.” The FWM’s main goal is to show “design excellence in everyday objects,” and by transforming everyday textiles and objects, like carpets and beds, into channels for social commentary, it pushes contemporary art to another level.

The list of artists represented in the permanent gallery is lengthy, ensuring that you will see a variety of distinctive and creative pieces. Many of these artists also have items available exclusively in the Museum Shop, like canvas bags, scarves, napkins, ties, pillows, umbrellas, and t-shirts.

With an appointment, you can visit the construction and print studios, where you’ll see exhibitions of contemporary art, video programs, pieces from the FWM permanent collections and works in progress.

Piercing Fine Jewelry at Venus by Maria Tash

Ever wonder where the likes of Britney Spears, Jessica Alba, and Christina Aguilera get their, um, naval jewelry? Celebrities, including men (Mickey Rourke is a client), go to the custom, classy, one-of-a-kind designs for pierced body parts at Venus by Maria Tash.

Belly button rings, nose piercings, and even multiple earrings tend to look more trashy than classy, but not with Maria Tash’s designs. All her jewelry is made of the finest metals and stones like 18k white gold, diamonds, and even rare opals. Her famous “floating”naval piece highlights the top part of the piercing so your belly button is bare with a glimmering piece highlighting it on top. The jewelry also comes with some bells and whistles, like the internal threading that guarantees no tearing of the piercing, custom post lengths for different sized bodies, and custom designs that are interchangeable and can be updated at any time.

If you don’t have a piercing, that’s not a problem. Upstairs, Venus by Maria Tash offers a relaxing, clean, and very private piercing area that is more like a spa than a piercing parlor (Sex and the City’s Cynthia Nixon had all her daughters pierced here) as well as pierce-free jewelry like rings and necklaces.

Enjoy the Open Air Market of Atlantic Station

Live, Work, Play is the motto of Atlantic Station, midtown’s one stop shop for eating, shopping and entertainment. In lieu of making your usual trip to the department stores go to the one place where can you find a painting for the living room, shea butter lip balm and a one of kind necklace to top it off at the Open Air Market.

The Open Air Market features local vendors including artisans, independent artists and jewelry designers from the Atlanta area. The special holiday market features seasonal items such as outdoor gear, holidays specialties and gourmet candies. Not only does it have incredible and unique shopping finds, it also is convenient with its downtown location and plentiful Atlantic Station parking.

This is the perfect place to fine one of a kind pieces you can’t find at any chain store.

Love Yourself in Le Labo Perfume

If you have always wanted your signature scent and didn’t know where to turn, Le Labo Fragrances is an absolute must. The inside of the store looks more like a testing lab than a chic boutique, but the gentle details and eloquent touches give you a “Paris chic” vibe that the bustling streets of L.A. are missing.

One of the specialists in the store will walk you through your scent likes and dislikes, leaving you in charge to create your own signature scent. Though the bottles can get a bit pricey, they make great gifts that allow you to put your name and expiration date on the bottle.

If the idea of mixing lavender and vanilla all day long sounds unappealing, you can always opt for the other solution and purchase the perfumes on their website. Le Labo Fragrances on 3rd Street is one of those unforgettable places that makes you feel one of a kind, just like the perfume you bring home.

Patty Tobin Does Big Bling for Little

Jewelry Designer Patty Tobin’s self-named flagship store has garnered frequent visits from some of NYC’s most respected women: news anchors, magazine editors, and politicians’ wives just to name a few.

The reason they visit the unassuming Chelsea store is for the big, one-of-a-kind jewels at prices that don’t match the quality of the work. Prices are from $65 to $895 for everything from pearl drop earrings to chunky onyx necklaces with gold and Swarovski laden ombre clasps. It sounds luxurious, and it is, at prices that make one-of-a-kind attainable for all.

John Gidding Loves It To Pieces

When designer John Gidding from HGTV’s “Designed to Sell” recommends a furniture store, you know it’s something special. Pieces in Atlanta is a one-of-a-kind store that garners major attention from Atlanta-based, design television stars and national press alike.

Why does one shop receive so much praise? It’s because of owner and refurbishing queen Lee Kleinhelter.

Pieces is adorably designed where each room is a color-based vignette showing off Kleinhelter’s one-of-a-kind gems that are refurbished using her own hands. From pillows to wooden tables to antique chairs, Kleinhelter literally turns someone’s “trash” into absolute treasure.

While the antique and unique furniture tends to be pricey, you can get a completely unique accessory item for less than fifty bucks. The style is classic with a punch and the clean lines resonate well with buyers, landing Pieces in Lucky Magazine, Elle Décor, and even in the Best of Atlanta Magazine’s Hall of Fame.

When it comes to the home, John Gidding knows best with his amazing recommendation of Pieces.

**John Gidding is a host/designer on HGTV’s Atlanta-based “Designed to Sell” and founder of John Gidding Design. Gidding is also a Yale and Harvard graduate and former model. Visit piecesinc.com for more information.