Jewelry fans can still find originals here

Fans of Chris Simmonds' adamas boutique in Norfolk's Ghent are still reeling from its closure. The uber-hip fashion house took a bow in late January, and Simmonds forged on to pursue a nonfashion-related business interest.

Adamas and its spinoff, Haute inside Wall's Fine Art, were among my favorite spots to buy local or original jewelry at affordable prices. Haute is history, too.

But the shopping does not stop, especially when vintage and statement jewelry are hotter than ever.

Among my faves are Riverview Gallery in Portsmouth and eclectique Melange in Ghent. Not to be left out are Beverley Mason's Bold! Collection, which can be seen at Barrett Street Antique Center in Virginia Beach and at www.boldcollection.com, and Valerie Sanson's Painting With Stones pieces, which can be seen at Norfolk's Chrysler Museum of Art.

The stones that Sanson incorporates into her "jewelry wardrobing" concept are stunning and atypical. I love that her pieces can be worn in a variety of ways, which extends their value and practicality.

Sanson will have a trunk show at the museum from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 24.

Hunter House Victorian Museum in downtown Norfolk is riding the wave of renewed interest in charm bracelets, whether sentimental, commemorative or contemporary.

On April 10, the museum is hosting A Charming Little Tea at 2 p.m. Admission is $20. Each guest will receive a bracelet from Hampton Roads native Nancy Strachan, who now lives in Bedford.

Strachan owns Shiny Stuff, home of Tiny Teapot Jewelry, www.teapotjewelry.com. A sampling of beads will be on sale in the museum's gift shop, as well as a catalog with specially priced items, says Margaret Spencer, museum director. It's an opportunity to start, add to or even finish a bracelet, she says.

Just last month, my first-grade teacher sent me a silver bracelet from the contemporary Pandora brand with its Journey of Life charm.

It's a sentimental treasure that bespeaks Mrs. Sexton's enduring commitment and is a fashionable reminder that, no matter what other doors close, hers is always open.

Men love their shoes, too

I am a man who struggles (when I have money) to find stylish shoes. Your recent article on boots showed a BEAUTIFUL pair of Ecco boots. Do you know I have searched high and low for a nice pair of shoes! The department stores (and any store in this area that sells men's shoes) sell the same boring shoes. Can you offer some Web sites or local stores that may walk me in the right direction?

- Erick Cooper, Norfolk

I can guarantee you that Monticello Shoes in downtown Norfolk does not sell the same boring shoes. Their shoes are the vision of a team of local designers, and each pair is made only once in a size. The store is at 209 E. City Hall Ave.; the Web site is www.monticelloshoes1.com.

Take in the experience of Stark & Legum, also in downtown Norfolk. You'd be hard-pressed to find anything boring in that store, which is located at 739 Granby St.; the Web site is www.starkandlegum.net.

Are you familiar with Johnston & Murphy? There is a recently opened store at 192 Central Park Ave. in the Town Center area of Virginia Beach. And if the in-store selection does not strike your fancy, your bets are good on the expansive choices found at www.johnstonmurphy.com.

While you're surfing, check out the shoe megashop at www.zappos.com.

If you really like the Ecco boot you saw featured in my column, you should set aside some time to look at all of Ecco's offerings online at www.ecco.com.

Jamesetta M. Walker, (757) 446-2211, jamesetta.walker@pilotonline.com