It so happens that almost everyone who owns a Chanel bag or Louboutin shoes claims to be an expert on luxury. Carol Brodie happens to be the real thing.
She was chief luxury officer–yes it’s a real position– for CurtCo Media, publisher of the Robb Report and Worth and global director of communications for Harry Winston. She is credited for rebranding the old-world company to appeal to a younger clientele. Carol indeed had something to do with bejeweling Oscar winners Halle and Gwyneth.
Carol is now combining her knowledge of luxury and jewelry in her own line for HSN called, Rarities: Fine Jewelry with Carol Brodie. Her new collection debuted last week and we especially love the sandblasted gold and black sapphire Sun Goddess Earring. ($599 or 4 easy payments of $150!)
So what does one buy once they have exhausted the employee discount at Harry Winston? See below to read Carol’s jewels of shopping wisdom.
What’s your most prized “deal?”
I have two most prized “deals.” One is my stunning cushion cut diamond engagement ring from Harry Winston. After years of working for the prestigious House of Harry Winston, my hard work paid off as I was able to purchase the ring of my dreams. But like everything else in my life, once I own it, I am on to the next best deal. For me, it was a pair of vintage, 18k gold link, signed bracelets from Tiffany & Co. I saw them at an estate sale and let’s just say, I got the deal of a lifetime.
It got better when I met the original owner of the bracelets at a party… When I told her the name of the dealer, she laughed and said, “Those were mine and they could not have gotten a better home.” I immediately loved her and I still love the bracelets, which are definitely part of my signature style. Big, bold, gold, precious and glamorous!
Biggest regret that you didn’t purchase?
I have no regrets!
This season you are looking for…
The biggest thing I wanted for Spring were the perfect pair of tribal inspired gold disc earrings with carved turquoise gems in the center of the disc. I am wearing them now and I am selling them in my February pre-spring collection.
What’s your number one shopping tip?
Buy only what you LOVE and do not buy anything just because it seems like a good “deal.” If something seems to good to be true, it usually is. I believe in the 24-hour rule: If you truly love something, put it on hold. If you still love it the next day, then buy it. If it gets sold, then consider that it was never meant to be yours anyway.
What’s your biggest weakness?
Impulse shopping!!!
Is there an item for which a shopper should never mind paying full price?
Absolutely. Anything one-of-a-kind or a rarity is worth paying full price. If you find the perfect jewel, dress, shoe or accessory and it is exactly what you have been looking for, buy it on the spot. It will be worth its weight in gold. (No pun intended!)