amarilo — BLOG — CAITLIN MIYAKO TAYLOR

Gifting season has begun, and every year I try to find the perfect gift for everyone on my list. While you can find beautiful items at everyday stores, it's harder to find unique pieces that will be extra special for your friends and family. This year I've centered my gift guides around independent designers. These brands not only create stunning and one-of-a-kind pieces, but are also more environmentally conscious, and even do their part to give back. One of my favorite brands from this list is Kotn — they source their extraordinary textiles ethically in Egypt, and are partnered with an organization there to build schools. So while you're shopping this holiday season you can find gifts that not only bring happiness to their recipients, but also to those who make them.

1. Wet Eyewear - perfect for vacation
2. KowTow - collect your art, and wear it too
3. ISM - a smart backpack that's perfect for freelance creatives
4. Kotn - sustainable and beautiful basics
5. Common Projects - a classic shoe with a hint of silver
6. Amarilo - timeless jewelry perfect for any occasion
7. Which We Want - the slashed and asymmetrical sweater you didn't know you need
8. Anthropologie - when was the last time you found your keys easily in your bag?
9. Janessa Leone - keep your head warm, or just stylish
10. Mansur Gavriel - the perfect shade of red
11. Tamara Mellon - the perfect pair of luxe ankle boots
12. Cords & Co - the coolest trucker you'll ever own
13. Alumnae NYC - everyone needs a pair of metallic boots
14. Laer - the cooler moto

I think it's safe to say that I'm a little late to the choker trend, but better late than never. I'm pretty sure it's a bad sign that I use "better late than never" to justify my procrastination on a regular basis.

I wasn't even the one who got myself onto the choker bandwagon. I recently visited Joplin Creative's new showroom in Downtown LA and was thrilled when I heard these magic words: "choose four!"

That's right. The lovely people at Joplin gifted me with four pieces of my choice, two of which are featured in this post. You should definitely check out these jewelry brands, both of which produce their pieces right in Los Angeles! I love supporting local brands whenever I can.

The top two chokers are from Amarilo and Haati Chai. The bottom is from my grandmother. Though I don't typically wear necklaces, as they irritate my skin, this layered look is just too pretty to pass up! A few dainty gold chains instantly elevate even a simple look like this lounge shorts and denim top combo.

I also used to be a huge silver/white gold jewelry person, but over time I've fallen in love with yellow gold, which looks especially amazing on sun-tanned (or in my case, sunburned) skin.

Even after this choker trend dissipates, dainty gold necklaces will never go out of style. It's great to have a selection of around five simple pieces to mix and match, depending on the occasion. Looking to expand, or even start that collection? Make sure to check out Haati Chai or Amarilo to find the exact pieces featured here, or pieces similar to them.