I’m not a jewelry-loving kind of girl, but even I can’t resist the gorgeous simplicity of alliway’s handmade accessories. Local girl Alli Kim-Czerniak launched alliway in 2000 after she grew tired of the lack of creativity afforded by her office job. Her sister, Felicia Jamin, joined the company in 2006 and represents the brand in her adopted hometown of San Francisco. Alli’s vibrant designs are inspired by Hawaii and her journeys to other exotic locales. Even though many of alliway’s pieces are colorful and combine many different elements (such as Swarovski crystals, semiprecious stones, and red coral), they’re still extremely wearable, easily transitioning from work to any after-hours functions you may attend, making them a worthy wardrobe investment. Alliway jewelry is available online and at over 150 locations around the US.

—, 11/22/06