Hermosa Designer Accessorizes for Holidays

Sure, everyone remembers the dreaded grade-school uniform worn day-in and day-out since kindergarten.

But Hermosa Beach resident and high-end accessories designer Christina Olson recalls using it as a palette for self-expression.

"The uniform is kind of like this thing you had to dress around," she said casually, while spending Saturday afternoon at .

The birth of Olson's interest in fashion began in her youth, as she paired Catholic School plaid with audacious jewelry.

"Probably from middle school, I would dub my style ‘casual elegance,’" she said. "Classic silhouettes with lots of texture, and some bold colors mixed in."

Olson’s personal style is written all over her handbag designs—a classic black bag is lined with bright blue, "to spice things up," she said, or accented with animal print (which she pointed out is a style trend for the holidays.)

Olson, a Marin native, attended Marymount College in Palos Verdes, where she met her husband, who grew up in Manhattan Beach. Eager to make a name for herself in the design industry, Olson completed design school at Cordwainers College in London.

She then worked in the design departments at Liz Claiborne and Burberry before making her way back to the South Bay, settling in Hermosa Beach, and launching her own handbag line: Christina Elaine.

"What makes Hermosa special is the small-town beach eclectic-ness," Olson said. "I think the whole Hermosa Beach lifestyle has kind of infused a more casual, and more free-thinking in me."

While Olson’s designs now are available only online, she said next year store distribution will be a priority as well as adding jewelry to her collection. Overall, Olson said her number-one goal has been to empower women through fashion.

"Enjoy your style and embrace it," she said. "I really want women to feel beautiful."

Following her mantra, Olson shared with Hermosa Beach Patch accessories she recommends will add some fun to the holidays—and they all are found on Pier Avenue:

Glitterize

Add some sparkle to the season with accessories, Olson said. Glimmering cuffs and gold clutches shine at . But Olson’s eyes lit up when she said nail color could also count as an accessory.

" has that really glitterized shellac nails," she said, adding, "I got it on my feet, it lasted a long time… I had a month of weddings this July and it lasted this September." The shellac service is on sale right now, Olson said.

Make a statement

Bold, statement cuff bracelets or a cuff necklace are naughty and nice for the holidays, as well as extravagant rings. "Those are pretty fun and they’re everywhere," Olson said.

She pointed to the jeweled, statement rings by New York designer Wendy Mink at for a pop of color. They range in price from about $80 to $200.

Wild child

A daring dash of animal print was Olson’s last recommendation for having fun with holiday style. Animal print bags are available at .