Style is in their DNA. JJ Harrington, Judy Wright and Kelly Harrington present their fashion and accessory sensibilities. Photos: Chris Emeott
Kelly Harrington offers ways to illustrate one’s fashion narrative.
“It’s a treasure hunt,” Kelly Harrington says. “My mom [Judy Wright] and I are particularly good at that part.” Being creatives with a vision is in their mother-daughter DNA. And following the scent of the hunt includes their trip this month to the sprawling expanse of treasured antiques and vintage loveliness that is the Paris flea market—Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen.
Wayzata’s Harrington has a to-find mission while in Paris, and that includes designer charms, chains and other elements that lend themselves to her jewelry-making pursuits. Chanel, Gucci and Louis Vuitton are the top targets. The deconstructed (and verified!) elements are brought back to accessory life when Harrington uses them to create belts, bracelets, broaches, earrings and necklaces—all for sale on her online shop, Love Kelly Harrington.
Designer elements are the backbone of Kelly Harrington’s timeless creations.
Like her jewelry pieces, Harrington has her own retail backstory. She was the former co-owner of Excelsior’s Clubhouse 366, owned Seraphina, a monogram shop at 50th & France in Edina, and sold jewelry at pop up shops. “At that point, I ordered a few Louis Vuitton lock necklaces at the Atlanta market,” she says. “Well, I ordered, reordered and reordered. It went crazy. I thought that if the locks sold that well, what else would sell? I started buying bag charms and making earrings then other necklaces. It just grew and grew.” And thus arrived her latest business.
Online shoppers will find Harrington’s Paris finds and other goodies culled from markets and vintage stores, transformed into one-of-a-kind pieces that allow for the marriage of individuality and elevated style. The creations range from $100–$1,500. Wright arrives to the site with her own line, featuring religious elements and medals for up to $200.
Layering jewelry pieces is another way to showcase one’s style story.
Harrington’s vibe isn’t quiet or subtle. Her jewelry makes a style proclamation with its unique, bolder story. They are definitely statement pieces, a style which seems to come in and out of vogue. It’s the push-pull between chunky vs. delicate and single strand vs. layered pieces. Where are we now on that journey? “People are doing what they want,” she says. “I see more and more people willing to take a risk.”
Shoppers can expect a growing number of Harrington originals. While she continues to search for baubles and bits, she has a healthy collection of elements that she collected over the intense months of COVID-19. She also has a deep well of creativity to draw from, and she credits Wright for fortifying this part of her life. “I grew up with this creative force,” she says—a force that carries mother and daughter along—even to Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine.
Kelly Harrington and her daughter, JJ, embody the joy of owning their unique styles.
It’s in the Details
Choosing the right accessories can be fun, but the process comes paired with questions.
- Should one edit down other accessories to allow for a single piece to stand alone? In instances, yes. For example, if wearing glasses or sunglass, avoid larger earrings, which can prove to be a distraction, Kelly Harrington says.
- Layering necklaces is a great look—until it isn’t. She recommends moving away from uniformity in chain style, length and metals. Equally distanced chains are too predictable. “It’s one of those things you have to play around with,” Harrington says.
- Buttons on jackets, shirts and sweaters can act as accessories if they are bright, large or unusual. Simple clothing can serve as an ideal canvas for intricate accessories. “It’s what makes an outfit interesting,” she says.
- Ultimately, remember that accessories can elevate a look and add a bit of playfulness at the same time.
Around Town
Visit a special holiday pop-up shop, featuring Kelly Harrington (Love Kelly Harrington) and Veronica Clark (formerly of the North Loop’s D.NOLO), launching at 11 a.m.–6 p.m. November 1 and running Thursdays-Sundays through the end of the month, 366 Water St., Excelsior. Coming this spring, look for the retail duo’s spring/summer location at the same address.
Love Kelly Harrington
612.850.5143
Instagram: @lovekellyharrington
