Elegant & exotic
Keisha Noel’s lifelong love of jewelry and world travel is evident in her “Glam-Rock” designs.
The designer: A Chicago native, Noel started designing jewelry while playing in her mother's jewelry box. At 8, she turned an amethyst ring into a pendant. Largely self-taught, Noel apprenticed under two jewelry craftsmen in Atlanta and another who travels between India and Miami and New York. She was inspired to start her jewelry line after visiting a pearl market in China.
The company: KZ Noel started in Atlanta in 2011. Her jewelry line is described as glamorous with an edge, or glam-rock.
What's popular: Prayer panels from Thailand, which are meant to bring peace, love and good health to the wearer. Prayer panel necklaces range from $400 to $1,500.
Other favorites: Emerald and sterling silver collar ($3,500). Also pieces with agate and natural stones.
What's new: The "Rock Star" collection with angel wings and skulls.
Where to buy: kznoel.com
Beach or everyday
Inspired by a Pinterest post, Laura Carrozza sat down at her sewing machine and designed a practical yet stylish tote bag. It wasn’t long, thanks to feedback on social media and a few product tweaks, before she had a blooming bag business.
The company & goods: Jersey Peach Designs started in 2013 in Atlanta. The company's bag collection includes travel duffels and totes for the beach, lake and every day.
The designer: Carrozza grew up in Toms River, N.J., and learned how to sew from her grandmother. She graduated with a degree in fashion design from Lasell College (Massachusetts) and mentored with fashion designer Denise Hajjar in Boston. She also worked as an assistant designer in children's wear in New York before moving to Atlanta.
What's popular: The beach bag collection of nautical and chevron beach totes with cotton rope handles ($45 to $60). The roomy beach bags are popular gifts for bridesmaids, sororities and birthdays. Monogrammed bags are $60.
Other favorites: The Stella tote ($89) and Kennedy clutch ($55 to $59).
What's new: The Sandbag collection of burlap beach totes, featuring watercolor-inspired prints ($55).
What's new 2: Part of the creative team of Atlanta-based Craft Box Girls, which will release a children's DIY book in June.
Where to buy: www.jerseypeachdesigns.com. Also in Atlanta June 25-26 at Summer ICE (Indie Craft Experience) at the Georgia Freight Depot, 65 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SW. Check www.ice-atl.com)
Versatile & stylish
Constantly on the hunt for classic and comfortable clothing, Atlanta native Lee Read Pilgrim created a versatile, all-linen collection for women of all ages.
The company & goods: Ready Trading was founded in 2010 in Atlanta. The company's Ready to Wear clothing collection, made from prewashed, preshrunk, medium-weight linen, is locally designed and sewn.
The founder: Pilgrim grew up in Atlanta and graduated from the University of Georgia. After college, she sold antiques and later opened a clothing store in downtown Athens. In 1993, she sold the shop, taught school for a while and moved to New Mexico. After returning to Atlanta, she opened an antique booth that again evolved into a clothing boutique.
What's popular: The knee-length "Birkin" tunic ($120); the calf-length, silk-sari lined "Isadora Duster" ($185); the "Leggy Linen Pant" ($95); and "The Laurel Canyon" weekend dress ($125).
Fashion surprise: The "Birkin" was originally created as a tunic for mature women, but over time the company added smaller sizes for younger women, who wear it as a dress.
What's next: A website and online store (readytowearclothing.com).
Where to buy: Antiques & Beyond, 1853 Cheshire Bridge Road in Atlanta, and Kudzu Antiques, 2928 E. Ponce de Leon Ave. in Decatur. For information, visit Ready Trading (TAOS) on Facebook.
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