This summer will be my third consecutive trip to Istanbul, now one of my favorite travel destinations (see my earlier review on the city). It was there I discovered the quality and design of everything from leather goods and towels to jewelry, fashion, and home goods with the added benefit of “affordable luxury”. Turkish designer and fashion stylist Ceyda Avunduk brings it all together in her wonderful Palm Beach boutique, J’Day off of Worth Avenue i. And one of the best features, her fashions and accessories go from day to night, so they’re ideal for travel.
Besides her own creations, find other leading Turkish designers. Fashions include resort wear that would do well from Mykonos and Bodrum to Ibiza, such as a linen line and slinky silk dresses .
Cotton day dresses in unusual, colorful prints (starting at under $200), and two tone belted one size fits all shirtwaists in five colors ($275) are perfect for city dressing.
Jackets are a highlight, high quality, supple leather and suede models in colors ranging from orange, teal blue and olive to gray and black. They’re made by the same manufacturer as a well known international luxury brand ($1500 – $3000). I also loved the belted linen jacket in silver blue Belgian linen with subtle detail of shoulder pleating ($625) that would be perfect in New York, Paris or Milan.
Earrings, rings and bracelets, 24 karat gold micron plated, with many designs inspired by nature are from her own atelier in Istanbul (between $200 and around $400). Though fashion (formerly called costume) jewelry, they look expensive (my favorite moniker) — oh so elegant, feminine and lovely. Believe me, yours truly had to control herself to not buy more than one pair (I had bought a dress).
And then there are the patterned platform sneakers that look hand painted, which my friend bought. One design was inspired by the pastel pink and green jungle wallpaper at the Colony Hotel.
They are dead ringers for Alexander McQueen models, a bargain at $150.
The top travel accessory in my book is the five in one leather hand bag in eight appealing colors. You can use it as a clutch, a cross body bag, shoulder bag, waist bag or wrist bag. Jazz it up with a scarf tied around the handle. Then there are stylish raffia bags ($185) and the flirty models with leather ruffles called Mythra, perfect for a ladies lunch or afternoon tea.
Ceyda will also do custom work, both jewelry and clothes which one seldom finds in Palm Beach boutiques let alone anywhere these days.
J’Da , (Via Bice) 313 1/2 Worth Avenue, A3, one of the top Palm Beach boutiques and certainly worth the trip in its own right.
While you’re in Palm Beach, looking for a top spot for lunch or dinner? Check out my list of the best restaurants in Palm Beach at different price points. Click here,
One Response
Great info PB never looked so chic
It is a place full of great shops but you had to show us how to do this Bravo
Thanks
Isidora