Interview: Ivanka Trump

I recently spoke to businesswoman/jewelry maven Ivanka Trump for a magazine article, and she had some interesting things to say about the category of contemporary jewelry and what women are looking for when they shop. If you didn't know that Ivanka had a jewelry line, check it out right here. It's definitely high-end (she partnered with a diamond company) and pricey, but it also manages to make a statement about fashion and style.

The newest pieces in the line focus on large pieces of rock crystal mixed with traditional diamonds. There's a sort of vintage/retro thing going on with the jewels, but the scale and simple silhouettes also feel very modern. If you want to try on the pieces in person, you can head to her Madison Avenue boutique. Here's just a bit of the interview that will run in TJF magazine next month:

Q: How has your career in real estate helped you with this jewelry line?
A: We're builders, so I'm used to wanting to achieve a certain look for the best price. Rock crystal doesn't pretend to be diamond, but it gives us a certain look. We never compromise on materials, but we can also spend a bit less to create a line that is all-encompassing.

Q: Why did you decide to use a mainly black and white palette for the line?
A: Black and white is chic, elegant and wearable. It can transcend the season and remain timeless.

Q: Why will women enjoy visiting your boutique?
A: We tried to create an environment that was really meant for the female buyer. It's a boudoir. People have responded very well to that--the time for stoic jewelry stores has passed. We serve chocolates and champagne and have fun.

Q: What style are women today particularly looking for?
A: Statement pieces that are timeless. Women want something very luxurious but be able to spend a bit less.


Rock Crystal Bib Necklace with diamonds


Rock Crystal Bracelet with diamond Pagoda clasp


Pave diamond and rock crystal door knock earrings

Rolex Sale--Right now!

If you haven't checked out our 4-hour Rolex sale, you're already an hour down! Head over to see a great selection of watches that are already marked down from retail, and then take an additional 15% off until 4pm.

You can score one of our coveted Submariners like the Oyster Perpetual Date Submariner timepiece, reference 16610, pictured above.

Click here to start shopping--use promo code RLX15 to purchase.

Rolex Sale. For Real.

You heard right--we're reducing our Rolex prices even further for four hours only. Shop tomorrow starting at noon and receive an additional 15% off of selected styles.

Stay tuned to this space tomorrow to receive the promo code that will score you the big savings.

Daylight SAVINGS

I'm a summer person, so I get very excited as Daylight Saving time approaches in the spring (It's this Saturday night at 2 am, FYI). More sunlight into the evening makes me very happy and gives me the feeling that warmth is finally approaching. Daylight SAVINGS at Portero means something entirely different--but almost just as good. We're highlighting timepieces that will make the seasonal transition a snap, and with prices that won't break the bank, you're getting a deal that will see you through until winter weather returns.

When you click onto our Best Values highlighted on the main page, you'll see that good prices span all styles and brands. Whether you're looking for a ladies' bracelet style for an evening event or a rugged men's watch that will take you from land to sea, we have you covered. Just heading to our first page of Best Values (which means the deepest discounts we offer) will turn up watches from brands like Rolex, Cartier, IWC and Bulgari. We're talking auction starting prices at up to 71% off suggested retail prices.

Another way to look at value is longevity. Purchasing a timepiece that has intrinsic value, continually sells well and retains its price at auction means that you're buying an heirloom, not just a watch. A brand like Jaeger-LeCoultre has all this and more. Portero is proud to carry a wide selection of gorgeous Jaegers in both men's and women's styles. These coveted Swiss-made timepieces have been around since 1833, and their classic profile, complicated movements and unmatched craftsmanship will make you, as an owner, one of the elite.

Scoring one of these values means acting fast. Click below to see our Daylight SAVINGS and start shopping:

Best Values watches
Jaeger-LeCoultre

Indian Experience

I just got back from an amazing trip to Goa, India to attend the second annual IIJS Signature show. Organized by the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), the show was created to build something of a "Brand India"--a destination for the best that Indian jewelry designers and manufacturers have to offer. Although it was a small show (just over 70 exhibitors), it was certainly not short on style.

A lot of what I saw was gorgeous, traditional Indian jewelry (like the set above). These pieces are laden with diamonds, emeralds and rubies, and are often made of high-karat yellow gold (which has a richer appearance and softer quality than lower-karat gold which is alloyed with other materials.) But, you'll also notice that a lot of celebrities are donning Indian-inspired jewels, like Kate Beckinsale's huge diamond earrings at the Vanity Fair post-Oscar party (below).


One of my favorites exhibitors was Balpalal Keshavlal, a Mumbai-based jeweler that has been around since 1939. Their stunning creations are fit for royalty, and it's always fun to see a set like the one below up close and personal.


I also fell for a collection of over-the-top bracelets by Seth Sunderdas & Sons (see below). These rainbow-colored bangles were made with stingray skin and then covered with pearls, diamonds and gemstones. Although the look is definitely "look at me", these bracelets could transform any plain outfit to wow in mere seconds. Kind of reminds me of the look Heidi Klum went for at the Oscars with her outrageous stack of Lorraine Schwartz (also below) baubles.




In case you are just as interested in the location as the jewelry, I'll post more pictures from gorgeous Goa later!

Welcome to the Party!

Great news for all you savvy social networkers: you can now follow Portero on both Twitter and Facebook! Although we already keep you up to date with our blog (which will still be up and running), you can also get insights to smarter shopping via two new outlets run by our staff.

If you're not already a member of Facebook, now may just be the time to sign up. Besides connecting with old friends and the community around you, you can also join the Portero page and be kept up to date on all of our new promotions, homepage themes and spectacular sales.

Twitter is a free social messaging utility for staying connected in real-time. Short thoughts and new information will be posted by our staff throughout the day, so it takes no time at all to stay informed. Also, Twitter is a great way to chat with us so we can stay connected to learn more about our customers. This isn't a one way channel--we want it to be engaging and interactive so we can hear your views on things, too. Want to see a specific brand that we aren't yet featuring? Want to say thanks for a great purchase? Shoot us a message and let us know!

Want to get started? Click below to follow us!

Facebook

Twitter

Find Your Inner Fashionista

It’s not possible to leave the house without fabulous handbag in tow. There is nothing like a burst of color, a structured classic, or a sexy-chic exotic skin to magnify your brilliance. The options are endless and accessibility of luxury bags has become a bit easier as of late. Today, we are taking a look at some of the most adored, high-fashion bag brands as well as some of the hottest tends spotted recently at New York Fall 2009 Fashion Week and Pre-Fall Collections. The overall tone of the season was futuristic femme. Sharp lines, oversized shoulders, and a variety of bubble and geometric shaped bags tore up the scene.

Balenciaga:
Most famous for it’s line of motorcycle-inspired handbags, Balenciaga has found itself at the top of almost every fashionista’s wish list. With “downtown glamour” & avant garde design, their fan-base is broad & passionate. Balenciaga’s 2009 Pre-Fall collection included big fur cuffs, high-waisted combat pants, and sheer French blouses. We will be seeing quite a few oversized bubble and quilted leather bags, minimalistic suede totes, buttery-leather ladylike top handle bags, and big flat round and squared clutches. Click here to view Balenciaga bags.

Chloe:
Chloe, the leader and first designer of luxury Prêt-à-Porter, can be recognized through a meticulous attention to detail seen in the masterful craftsmanship given to each design. Chloe’s Pre-Fall collection boasted high waisted carrot leg pants, sharp shoulders with jewels and grommets, bow detail (of course), and plaid lined blanket style capes. Bags in drag included the ever-loved oversized heavy-duty totes in patent & metallic leathers with big hardware, sleek leather doctor bags, and metal work adorned clutches. Click here to view Chloe bags.

Marc Jacobs:
Marc Jacobs has built a rep for creating cutting edge designs that transform into wearable works of art. On the runway in New York this past week, he flaunted a perfect combination of futuristic wear, 80’s lines, and itty-bitty flower patterns on silks. Bags were loud with heavy quilted satins, velvets, and patents rocking massive embellishments of jewels, beads, and stones. Clutches were big, and sharp and sleek A-frame bags slithered down the runway. Click here to view Marc Jacobs bags.

Bottega Veneta:
Bottega Veneta is the industry leader for timeless beautiful hand-woven leather goods - bags, belts, and shoes boasting clean lines, the softest Intreciatto woven leathers, and a classic palette. For their fabulous Pre-Fall 2009 collection, Bottega graced us with large 3-D looking structured bags (including the Tornabuoni bag), a few varieties of classic intrecciato totes, and accordion clutches in pale lavenders, grays, and wines. Click here to view Bottega Veneta bags.