Kate Spade

it's often said that we're a brand known for our baubles. we sat down with the girl behind the sparkle-charlotte, our jewelry designer-to talk about shopping, our holiday collection and the gem she uncovered in the vending machine.

q: how did you get into jewelry design?
a: it wasn't really planned. at parsons i studied apparel design, but i've always had an interest in accessories. after an internship at kate spade new york, the jewelry assistant designer spot opened and i thought, hey! this could be great. i was right.

q: what keeps you busy during the day?
a: day to day i do everything from sketching and brainstorming new concepts to vintage shopping (7), searching for inspiration, bead shopping, making jewelry, reviewing samples, correcting samples and going on multiple, multiple starbucks runs.

q: who inspires you?
a: my dad, david (6), who taught me from a young age the importance of doing something you love as a job.

q: what's your jewelry design claim to fame?
a: one of the first styles i worked on was the all wrapped up bow ring (4) with the grosgrain texture. we still use it in the jewelry line and it's also expanded to belts and a few home products.

q: tell us a little-known fact about our holiday collection.
a: i sent two pieces of actual popcorn from our fourth floor vending machine to the factory to get the most realistic shape possible for the popcorn garland necklace (2).

q: which have been your favorite pieces?
a: i love the date night ring. i had a lot of fun with this one-in true ksny fashion, it offers a quirky pop of color to any look.
the pearl street statement necklace-this piece was a work in progress to say the least. i combined necklace samples from several different collections and added other elements i found locally. it really came to life at my desk.
i can't wait for the double exposure collection (graphic day pieces in great colors!) to arrive in december.

q: pick three things at your desk and tell us about them.
a: my pliers (5) are essential. whether it's creating a new piece or fixing a sample, i could not do my job without these.
this millimeter gauge (1) is always nearby because i am constantly measuring.
my bulletin board (3) is where i stick anything and everything-from inspirational images and photos to random odds and ends that strike me.