From Austin To the World: Ashley Hansen takes A. Renee Jewelry from “Drag” to Riches

Ashley Renee Hansen, designer and owner of A. Renee Jewelry, began featuring her first sets of earrings and necklaces on “The Drag,” in Austin, Texas. Now her dreams have taken her from the drag to designing custom-made lines for weddings and special occasions. “I have a client who wants pearls, pearls, pearls, for her October wedding,” Hansen explains, “Gray pearls, white pearls, pink pearls, pearls of all sizes! And she said to me, ‘we were so excited- we wanted to design the jewelry first, then design the girl and dresses based around the jewelry.’”



Hansen’s story is such an inspiration, not only because she went from The Drag to managing a jewelry line for a “custom-made” client base, but because believe it or not, she has a day job too. A Registered Client Associate at the brokerage firm, RiverStone Wealth Management, Hansen balances both passions. “I’m basically the client’s administrator; I assist the Financial Advisor’s with planning strategies and execute trades, but now with my promotion I’ll be doing more regulating. I’m hoping to lighten that position,” Hansen laughs. When asked how her jewelry comes to play in such a serious job she explains that her office is full of guys and those guys have wives, moms and daughters. “I try not to talk about it too much, but, you know, they celebrate Valentine’s Day, birthdays, Christmas and other special occasions.

However, Hansen’s style is perfect for both special occasions and every day events, because her jewelry is clean and classic, which she refers to as, “organic.” In addition, it’s light weight, earthy and calming. “It feels like you’re not wearing anything at all, and yet it’s so complimentary to the female body, and makes you feel very sexy and empowering,” Hansen declares. Depending on the piece, her jewelry may include gemstones, a bit of Swarovski, and are either gold-filled, gold-plated, or a unique copper. The splashes of colorful tones like blue, green, pink, as well as Native American Red and Indian Paint Brush, give off a very earthy vibe. Similarly, Hansen claims that many of the stones she works with have calming and healing agents that ward off negative energy like anxiety and depression, and instead encourage positive energy, like compassion and strength. “People have told me that they feel my energy when they wear the jewelry, which is funny because I get excited and pumped up when I’m making it,” Hansen explains, while adding, “My favorite gemstone is the Opal because it promotes feelings of love, passion and spontaneity. It’s also said to aid in visualization, imagination, and dreams- all of which have been huge components in getting me where I am today.”

Also previously featured on the famous site, “365 Things to Do in Austin,” A. Renee Jewelry hosts jewelry parties throughout the Austin area. Hansen’s upcoming events include a jewelry party at Simplicity Wine Bar and Bella on Sixth Street. She also hosts parties at clients’ houses and can host your party as well. If you’re in the Austin area, you can check out her jewelry display at James Allen: The Salon. The very affordable price point runs between $25- $75. You can also visit A. Renee Jewelry online and make a purchase through her website via the safe third-party partner, PayPal.

Fiesta in South Texas: Fashion Victims and Their Flair

Too much Fiesta flair can get one arrested, make others intoxicated, and get a certain Fashionation writer in trouble, as it invites too much inspiration for criticism. After attending a few Fiesta events this year, I’ve amended the slogan from, Viva Fiesta! to Muerte Fiesta!, as I wouldn’t want to be caught dead in some of the Fiesta outfits I saw, and hope that next year you aren’t either. In response to my new slogan, I’ve been asked the following question: “Just how much flair is too much flair?” A good rule of thumb: If ever in doubt, take something off.

For example, consider the culprit, pictured in her mug shot above. A committed Fiesta fanatic, she wore black and rainbow-colored cowboy boots to flatter a white, fiesta-embroidered house dress. Typically, a colorful flower—a-la-Carrie Bradshaw—adds a punch of flavor to any outfit, however this flowered creation ensures a swift punch in the face instead.

To compliment—or contrast—her off-the-shoulder flowers, the culprit accessorized with a little more Fiesta flair around the wrists. However, it is her hat that really ties the costume together and is worth mentioning as it is an example that more really is more. In my opinion, it even deserves an award—or perhaps a few more of those prestigious Fiesta medals. Tangled in cascarone eggs, confetti, streamers, and I think I saw a blinking night-light somewhere in there, stood a giant Toucan-Sam look-a-like. Whether or not the bird found the exit in time to make his grand escape is uncertain, however it is possible that he laid more eggs while up there. Where is PETA when you need them? Of course, such a costume would not be complete without a large, sky-blue sequin purse, possibly stolen from an 11-year-old daughter or Claire’s Boutique. Because if there is anything else this Fiesta fanatic still needs, it’s definitely reflective sparkly gear so similar comrades can find her.

If you have any other great pictures commemorating my new Fiesta Slogan, Muerte Fiesta! Please forward along to fashionation@sacurrent.com. I’m already looking forward to next year’s flair!