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Summer Essentials: What’s in Your Bag?

by on ‎06-17-2013 07:24 PM

How does the song go – “Hot time, Summer in the city…?”


Yes, it's that time again.  As all of you know, I am a New Yorker through and through and love living in the heart of the city.  But, like many New Yorkers, when the city gets hot (and, it does get hot), it’s time to get out your suitcase and pack up!  Whether it’s a quick weekend getaway or a long-planned vacation, there are certain essentials that I never leave home without.


So, can you guess what's at the top of my must-have list?  Yes, of course – jewelry!  Since there are no two days that I wear the same jewelry, for me, traveling means getting creative.  It is simply impossible to pack all the jewelry that I would usually wear in a given week.  Therefore, I have learned to pack key pieces which maximize versatility.  What I have also learned is that it's an art, not a science, so instead of worrying about what to bring, I try to have fun with it!  Over the years, I have gotten much better at it, and I now use my travel time as an opportunity to challenge myself to get creative.  Similar to when I told myself to “shop my closet” instead of buying something new, it's not always what you wear, rather how you wear it.


As Ron and I gear up for our big Summer trip, I will be put to the ultimate challenge:  packing for a 7-day trip to Russia to celebrate a dear friend’s 50th birthday with her.  I always limit how much 18K-gold jewelry I carry, especially when I go overseas, as I'm afraid of losing pieces or having them stolen, so I rely on my QVC jewelry!  However, because this trip is marked by such a milestone birthday, we will be traveling with a group of friends and celebrating with many formal events, including a themed costume night.  I am very excited that there are so many new 14K Clad pieces in my QVC collection now, because it will allow me to truly enjoy a Couture look while abroad.


With each empty piece of luggage I take out of the closet, Ron reminds me, “Judie, please pack light.  You always say you packed too much.”  I often think that Ron’s motivation in reminding me to pack light is less about me and more about him knowing he will end up carrying the bags!  He has already told me that his back hurts him just thinking and stressing about the lugging and the dragging.  Nonetheless, Ron, if you are reading this blog, (and I know you are), I have not only challenged myself to pack only 10 pieces of jewelry, but have also limited myself to 2 pieces of luggage!


Since I am planning on packing only 10 pieces, I am going to share my top 6 pieces, and then ask you to fill in the rest.  Please write in – I really do want to hear!  As I mentioned, I am always eager for new ideas of how to maximize my jewelry wardrobe while I am on the road.  Feel free to comment in the forum or post on my Facebook page.  My bags for Russia are not fully packed, and I am ready for your suggestions!


My top 6 Summer QVC travel essentials are:


1.  J282449 – Judith Ripka Sterling or 14K Clad Diamonique Truffle Bead Bracelet.  This bracelet is straight from the Las Vegas Couture show.  I launched the bracelet during my May 30th show, and it features stations of openwork sterling beads (it also comes in 14K clad beads) with accents of bezel-set round Diamonique stones throughout.  It also has the classic Ripka berge texture.




2.  J282622 – Judith Ripka Sterling or 14K Clad Diamonique Truffle Bead Charm Ring.  This ring goes back to the truffle bead bracelet and is available in sterling silver and 14K clad like the above.  What I love most about these rings is that they can be worn separately or stacked together for a different look, making them a great travel item for versatility.


3.  J283277 – Judith Ripka Sterling or 14K Clad Diamonique Truffle Bead Drop Earrings.  These earrings are sterling silver, with a choice of 14K clad as well.  They feature a dangling openwork bead with highly polished rope and textured design details with round Diamonique stones within the center of the beads in a bezel setting.



4.  J283821 – Judith Ripka Sterling or 14K Clad 36” Truffle Bead Station Necklace.  This is a great station necklace that is also available in sterling silver or 14K clad.  The silver version has been featured before, and I just added the yellow gold clad and rose gold clad choices to the assortment.  It features eight Diamonique openwork truffle beads that vary in size and are spaced out throughout the 36” chain.  This is a great necklace that works back to the other pieces that can be worn as one long chain or doubled up around the neck, giving you the option to change up your looks.



5.  J283825 – Judith Ripka Sterling or 14K Clad Diamonique Truffle Bead Necklace (18” or 20”).  This is another truffle bead necklace that matches back to the bracelet.  It is a continuous bead necklace as opposed to the 36” station necklace above.  I definitely want to pack both necklaces, because this piece is more of a statement necklace that can really dress up any outfit and I can layer both together to create a bling-ier look.


6.  J269776 – Judith Ripka Sterling Diamonique Initial Enhancer.  I always pack my charms wherever I go, because they remind me of my three sons and grandchildren.  As you can imagine, I have a charm with each of their initials.  I debuted the silver initial enhancer last year and am very pleased to bring it to you in yellow gold clad during this upcoming show.  And, a little birdie told me that the rose gold clad initial enhancers may be ready in time for my July shows as well!



Now, it’s your turn!  What’s in your travel bag?


And, not to worry, I would never fly all the way to Russia without saying goodbye.  I will have two more days of QVC shows before my trip!  Please tune in to see all of my top travel essentials plus so much more on Friday, June 21st from 9 - 11pm EST, and again on Sunday, June 23rd from 4 - 6pm EST and from 8 - 9pm EST.


See you soon, live from the Q, beginning on Friday!


Until then, much love,


Judith