Garmental

Kristen Amato

The popular Chicago jewelry designer chats about her motto "every girl should have one".

Kristen Amato, designer behind the hugely successful jewelry line K.Amato checks in with Garmental and gives us the summer skinny on her love affair with ruffles, her lakehouse and her big hit on ShopNBC!

Name: Kristen Amato
Occupation:  Jewelry Designer for K.Amato

What is your favorite thing about being a part of the fashion industry? 
I love that I get to be my own boss and I have met so many great boutique owners that I can now call my friends.

What is currently your favorite item in your closet?
A pair of navy and white striped wedges with a red bow that I just purchased in Brazil.

When all else fails, what item is your “go-to” item for a chic look? 
You really can’t go wrong with a cute dress and a short cut blazer over it with a pair of stilettos. This is always in style.

What is your favorite piece from your current collection?
I am in LOVE with the Belmont earrings right now. They are the perfect earring when you don’t want to wear any other accessories

The Belmont earrings

Why do you LOVE Chicago?
I love the people here and the overall feel of the city.  I can always get a vibe within an hour of being in it and nothing beats the Chicago vibe!

What do you think makes Chicago style different from any other city, or is it? 
I think Chicago on a whole is a bit more conservative than other cities, but there are your fashion forward people here. I think we have a great fashion mix here.

Where is your favorite place to eat/drink/play in Chicago?
Eat—this is a hard one but if I have to pick one, I love Prosecco on Wells…the food is amazing and the feel is very old world.  Drink—Since it is summer, I am going to go with the outdoor patio at Lux Bar.  Play—I love being on the water so summer is all about going up to my family’s lakehouse.

What essential piece do you think every Chicago gal should have in their closet?
That one perfect pair of jeans that always makes you feel good about yourself.

What is your current obsession?
I love being active and there is a new workout called Shred 415 that I am obsessed with right now.

The Ohio necklace

iPhone or Blackberry?
I am a Blackberry girl

iTunes or Pandora? What is playing on heavy rotation?
iTunes and Ray LaMontagne is up there on my rotation list right now.

What do you pack for a last minute trip?
I travel a lot and I always pack this black wrap with me in case I get cold on the plane or wherever I am going.

Worst fashion moment?
My kindergarten picture—I am wearing a navy blue velour shirt with rainbow beading that says “Disco Kid”……enough said. Hands down cannot be beat.

Favorite fashion moment? 
Recently I wore this cream ruffled dress I got at a boutique in Spain with a caramel colored thick belt and brown sky high strappy wood-heeled Michael Kors sandals paired with a small gold Gucci clutch. Ahhh, loved it...

Favorite career moment? 
I have a few, but most recently I launched a line for the ShopNBC channel. The show aired live and I had no idea how many people really shopped from home shopping channels. It was nerve-wracking and fun at the same time. I signed a contract with them and will be doing it a few more times this year.

Which fashion trend do you wish would go away forever or never come back? 
Harem pants. They are just not flattering on anyone.

Twitter Handle?  
@k_amato

Facebook Page? 
K.Amato

Is there anyone you love to follow on Social Media?
I follow the “little girl, big world” blog and 101thingsilove.blogspot.com blog