Dazzling, organic, and unusual aren’t the only wonderful words that spring to mind when you first glimpse one of the cutting edge Presh designs. Nicole Apostoli, the lead designer and founder of Presh, draws inspiration from organic shapes and vintage, antique and rare textiles from around the world. She is truly an innovative designer, taking inspiration from her surroundings and reinventing them with her own signature touch.

Nicole has known she’s wanted to pursue this dream all her life. As a child, she would look into her grandmother’s jewelry box and feel the sentimentality surrounding each treasured piece, knowing that her grandmother held on to a necklace or bracelet because it carried special meaning for her at one time or another. Nicole wanted to create that same sense of longing and sentimentality with her designs.

All throughout high school and college, Nicole continued making and designing jewelry, and she sold some of her one-of-a-kind designs during college to local jewelry stores. After graduating from the California College of Arts and Crafts with a BFA in Jewelry and Metal Arts in 2001, Nicole eagerly launched her first official collection, Presh, the following year.

It’s no coincidence that Presh rhymes with fresh, which is precisely what this brand embodies. The line quickly gained a following across the world, and the designs have been featured in movies and television shows like America’s Next Top Model, Raising Helen, The View, and more. Celebrity fans of the unique cutting edge collection include Joss Stone, Hayden Panettiere, and Tyra Banks. Read Nicole’s designer interview to see what she has to say about her inspirations, hopes, and dreams.

Max and Chloe Have you always wanted to design things?
Nicole Apostoli Yes, I have been designing since I was little girl.

M&C How did you decide to become a jewelry designer?
Nicole I can’t remember, it’s just something I’ve always done. I was always taking apart all of the costume jewelry in my grandmother’s jewelry box and putting it back together again in different forms. I have always been fascinated by jewelry.

M&C What is your favorite creation?
Nicole It’s always evolving, I get bored easily so I am always excited about anything new.

M&C Have you ever expressed yourself through another path apart from jewelry design?
Nicole Yes, I have done some writing, photography and some clothing design as well.

M&C Where did you grow up, and where did you study?
Nicole I grew up Marin County, California, and I went to CCAC in San Francisco to receive my BFA in Jewelry and Metal Arts.

M&C Can you describe your favorite piece of jewelry from your childhood?
Nicole It was a gold plated silhouette of a boy and girl holding hands. I alway thought it was made just for me and that it was of me and my brother….

M&C When did you realize that this dream was something you could pursue wholeheartedly?
Nicole I’ve always known this is what I wanted to do…

M&C How did you prepare yourself for the business and marketing aspect of your company?
Nicole I just jumped in; trial and error, I guess. I am not sure if I would recommend that to everyone!

M&C Where do you go when you travel?
Nicole Everywhere I can!

M&C What inspires you in everyday life?
Nicole People living their dreams.

M&C What is your favorite piece of jewelry?
Nicole There are so many to choose from….

M&C What is your favorite trend?
Nicole I think my favorite was the huge chandelier earrings that we saw a few years back. I just couldn’t get enough at the time.

M&C What do you hope to accomplish as a jewelry designer?
Nicole I wish I could say world peace, but I think that I will just have to settle for inner peace and serenity….a creative outlet that gets me away from the everyday realities of running your own business.

Tags: designer interview | Presh

“1, 2, 3, ACTION!” Ever admired the outfit an actress sported in a movie you were watching? You can borrow style ideas from the stars somewhere other than the candids of them shopping in Soho, on the red carpet, or at a fashion show.

Movies have become more sophisticated in recent years, and it’s understandable that how a character dresses for a scene has become just as revealing about who they are and what they’re likely to do as their lines. We’re seeing a burst of exciting jewelry trends and looks on young Hollywood on the sets of their hit shows and movies. Let’s take a look at what Hilary Duff, Alexis Bledel, and Blake Lively wore behind the scenes and see if the jewelry they’re wearing reflects the role they’re playing. We’ll leave which role you want to play up to you.

Hilary Duff was seen in a vibrant blue tiered cocktail dress and chunky black accessories on the set of Stay Cool, which is scheduled for release in 2009. She plays a high school senior, Shasta O’Neil, who has a crush on a fictional author who is town to deliver her class’ commencement address. Does Hilary look the part? She definitely does! The dress she’s wearing is flirty and youthful, and her trendy black jewelry hits the mark nicely. We love how her outfit reflects her self-confidence and the outgoing personality she has to portray while she’s in character as it does take guts to wear your heart on your sleeve.

Try the silver Blu Grecian Braided Cuff, the black Presh Silver Studded Leather Bracelets, and the Deborah Grivas Designs Black Oval Swarovski Crystal Loop Earrings. Hilary’s layered necklace takes this outfit from “Great” to “Wow!” Pile on the Arena CPH Leisa Ring Necklace, the black Ettika Peace Coin Silk Necklace, and the Blu Black Star Necklace for a look that’ll earn you an A. Add your Lorelei Black Patent Clutch to your look, and you’ll be as dressed to impress as Hilary.

Alexis Bledel was spotted last week on the set of The Good Guy, due out in 2009 as well, looking charming and youthful. She’s playing Beth who’s a shoe in for the girlfriend of good guy Tommy, played by Scott Porter, but a new coworker only complicates everything and turns this good guy’s world inside out. Alexis Bledel looks put together and classic in this flattering shift dress and her understated gold jewelry, proving that sometimes it’s all about finding the “perfect fit” to flatter you every moment of every day.

An 18″-22″ necklace looks great over a higher neckline like Alexis is wearing because of where it lies just below the collar. It’s a great trick to pull your friends’ eyes to your necklace and then back to your smile. Try the the 18″ Pade Vavra Shell With Pearls Necklace, 20″ Arena CPH Kamille Gold Flower Pendant Necklace, or the 22″ Jami Rodriguez Jaguar Crystal Necklace to top off a great day dress like this one. Type “18″ or “22″ in the search box in the top right corner of any page on the Max and Chloe site to see a variety of necklaces with these chain lengths.

Blake Lively was spotted in NYC looking stunning in her role as trendy knockout Serena on the CW’s Gossip Girl. While the show has gotten mixed remarks on the designer labels the elite private school cast wears without a second thought, don’t take notes from the show because of the labels; focus on the way you can mix highs and lows. If you like something that’s trendy or a little bit different, you should save where you can and splurge when you can.

Want a great example of mixing a high and a bunch of lows? Find a great big carryall handbag that you can rely on to hold your shopping purchases, your lip gloss, and your iPod (for when you’re in between stores). The Goldenbleu Black Patent Gemma Bag is a perfect example of a roomy bag that can hold everything you need. If you’ve just splurged on your handbag, wouldn’t you love to find a few jewelry “steals”? The Tracy Matthews Small Hammered Cuff has a great budget friendly price, and the cuff bracelet is one of the coolest jewelry trends of the season. The aqua Deborah Grivas Designs Swarovski Crystal Criss Cross Earrings would look gorgeous with the cuff bracelet and the handbag. If we had a chance to style Serena, we’d add one of Alex and Ani’s expandable wire bangle sets, the Kenneth Jay Lane Petite White Flower Ring and a cute short 16″ necklace like the Gorjana Silver Super Star Necklace.

So are you the beautiful, confident bombshell who always gets what she wants like Hilary? Then fill your jewelry box with chunky eye-catching earrings, necklaces and bracelets that look great on you. Are you the laidback, gorgeous girl next door like Alexis who pretty much has one guy wrapped around your finger? Find a signature piece and stick to a classic look to close the deal if you want to get your guy to focus on who you are. And if you’re as uptown trendy as Blake’s character Serena, mix highs and lows, and invest in gorgeous trendy jewelry for a great look. Take a cue from shots of your favorite stars filming their upcoming movies and TV episodes in People’s Star Style section to get yourself camera ready.

 So that’s a wrap!

Photos courtesy of People.

Tags: Alex and Ani | Alexis Bledel | Arena CPH | Blake Lively | Blu | celebrity | cuffs | Deborah Grivas | Ettika | Goldenbleu | Gorjana | handbags | Hilary Duff | Jami Rodriguez | Kenneth Jay Lane | Lorelei | Pade Vavra | Presh | Tracy Matthews

Play it up with fun and lively jewelry. The louder the piece, the more fun you will have with it. Looking for something fun and festive for a summer party? Try some funky and fresh jewelry.

Leila Ribbed Enamel Rings are the perfect hand accessory for a fun vibe. In a variety of vibrant colors, these rings will look great with any ensemble.

For those of you who loved elephants as a child, Presh has a few fun choices of elephant-inspired jewelry. Show off your hands in a big way with the Presh Gold Elephant Ring. You might just feel unstoppable! A bit more delicate, the Presh Gold Elephant Pendant and Charm is a cute addition to any outfit.

An innovative designer, Jami Rodriguez preserves our youthfulness with a hint of sophistication. Try Jami Rodriguez Jaguar Crystal Drop Earrings for a night on the town. These funky earrings are anything but boring! Looking for a stand-out bracelet? Put on the Jami Rodriguez Bee Citrine Bracelet. You’ll be sweeter than honey AND fabulously stylish.

Wanting a fun piece of jewelry without standing out too much? Well we’ve got your piece, Ms. Timid. Don the GK Designs Live Your Dreams Necklace. With five lively charms, you can have fun in moderation as well. Presh Gold Studded Leather Bracelets are also delicate with a touch of fun, and will complete any look.

Tags: GK Designs | Jami Rodriguez | Leila | Presh

Deciding which dress to slip into for a summer party shouldn’t be what’s first on your mind. The summer’s the best time to relax and go with the flow as much as possible. When it comes to accessorizing your outfit, you can take this advice to heart even more. The right jewelery should flatter your outfit and enhance your look. If you take a beautiful draped dress like this one from Alberta Ferretti’s Resort 2009 Collection and pair it with the perfect jewelry, you’ll feel as stunning as you’ll look.

Presh Gold Chain Citrine Hoop Earrings have a beautiful eye-catching design that will easily make you the center of attention. We love the chain embellishment on the interior of each hoop, and the beautiful citrine gemstone only sweetens the appeal of these hoop earrings. If you’d like to add a splash of color, try one of Presh’s other hoop earrings, the Presh Gold Chain Aquamarine Hoop Earrings.

Alex and Ani Gold Euphrates Beaded Expandable Wire Bangles are perfect if you’re feeling like being flirtatious because these are the type of fun bracelets that will strengthen your confidence. The Kenneth Jay Lane Gold Flower Ring has the undeniable allure that will make your friends lust over your ring and admirers to drift closer. There’s nothing a girl loves more than feeling beautiful and this gorgeous 18k yellow gold ring does just that so well.

The Rebecca Norman Disk Necklace is extremely stylish, and the necklace’s design also manages to be unusual, something we love about our jewelry. The textured surface of the gold vermeil nekclace infuses an outfit with a bit of intrigue, something that will do wonders for a dress like this one by Alberta Ferreti. There are so many ways that you can incorporate a piece of personalized jewelry into your outfit, and layering it with a similar necklace will create a cool effect. Pair the Rebecca Norman necklace with this personalized Emily & Ashley XS Monogram Necklace. The 14k yellow gold monogram pendant is so elegant and beautiful you’ll find yourself reluctant to take it off at the end of the night.

Photo courtesy of Style.com

Tags: Alex and Ani | earrings | Emily & Ashley | gold jewelry | Hoops | Kenneth Jay Lane | look of the day | monograms | Presh | Rebecca Norman | rings | Runway

Halle Berry stepped out in Los Angeles last month in a great white summer dress and a few well placed accessories. She kept things simple and balanced - her small gold bracelet looked great with the slim necklace she had around her neck, and her stacked black bracelets offered an interesting contrast with her crisp white dress and ivory and gold handbag.

Love Halle’s laidback chic look? Follow our 7 jewelry and handbags recommendations to rock Halle’s style:

Presh Leather Studded Bracelets (1) are great edgy bracelets that are perfect for spicing up your everyday look. Monogrammed and personalized necklaces can be your trademark. Have your initial, your child’s, pet’s or significant other’s intial engraved on a GK Designs Medium Sterling Silver Initial Charm (2). Try the Zoe Chicco Personalized Yellow Gold Script Initial Necklace (3) if you like scripted lettering or would like to soften your look. You can’t go wrong if you pair one of the Presh bracelets with the Goldenbleu Black Patent Gemma Bag (4), and with a bag as roomy and spacious as this one, it’s the ideal carryall.

We love Halle’s look so much because she’s mastered the art of balancing her outfits; if you have a stack of bracelets on one hand, keep your other hand light and free with just one bracelet. Try the beautiful slim Tracy Matthews Marquise Faceted Bracelet (5) on one wrist, and pile on the Alex and Ani Silver Tigris Beaded Expandable Wire Bangles (6) and the Ettika Phaistos Gold Coin Bracelet (7) with the Presh bracelet for a great layered bracelet look. Now you’re all set to look stunning when you step outside this summer!

Image courtesy of People Magazine.

Tags: Alex and Ani | celebrity | Ettika | GK Designs | Goldenbleu | Halle Berry | Presh | Tracy Matthews | Zoe Chicco