My Real Life Breakfast at Tiffany's

It’s been fifty-four years since Audrey Hepburn, outfitted in a chic black gown, opera gloves, and oversized sunglasses, stood in front of a Manhattan jewelry store’s window to enjoy her morning coffee and croissant.  Any woman alive could tell you that store was none other than Tiffany & Co.

Audrey has been one of my favorite actresses and personal style icons for as long as I can remember. 

My admiration runs so deep that I once cut “baby bangs” to authentically impersonate Holly Golightly for a seventh grade English class project. Who knew back then that I would eventually get to have a very real Breakfast at Tiffany’s moment of my own.

Probably best known for their iconic engagement rings in little blue boxes, Tiffany & Co. has been wowing women for nearly two centuries. (At fourteen, there was nothing I wanted more for my quinces than a Tiffany heart-tag bracelet or necklace.) In addition to awe-inspiring diamond rings and timeless sterling silver pieces, one of the most special offerings at Tiffany’s is the world-famous Blue Book Collection. First published in 1845, the catalogue features the world’s rarest gems and couture jewelry; Blue Book pieces are worn and collected by the world’s most fashionable and prestigious women, including first ladies like Jacqueline Kennedy.

Tiffany & Co. Blue Book Collection

Tiffany & Co. at Bal Harbour Shops recently hosted an exclusive Blue Book trunk show and invited me to experience it. I don’t use the word experience lightly, because there is really no other way to describe what it’s like to be dressed in millions of dollars of diamonds and exotic gems. This was also my first look at the store’s newly renovated interior, which I found to be perfectly posh and inviting for a morning of jewelry shopping.  

After greeting me with a warm smile, Store Director Deborah Koch ushered me into a private suite in an isolated corner of the store. The room was softly lit and furnished with an elegant Tiffany blue velvet sofa and love seats, and a Carrara marble top table. The minimalist Asian-influenced décor radiated tranquility and didn’t distract from the main focus of my visit – the jewelry.  

Beautifully redesigned private suite for personal shopping

As I was settling in, Deborah returned to the room wearing silk black gloves and clutching a leather box. Inside was the most stunning piece of jewelry I’ve ever laid my eyes on. As she reached for the brilliant Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger sea life necklace ($950,000) and placed it around my collarbone, for a second I thought of Holly and her morning ritual at the window – and then I realized – I made it to the other side.

Wearing: Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger sea life necklace of sapphires, emeralds & diamonds

The redesigned Bal Harbour store features sleek marble floors and velvet accents

Wearing: Assortment of Colored Diamond Rings, BCBGMaxAzria Dress

Wearing: Tiffany T Collection, Express Skirt

This conversation is sponsored by Tiffany & Co. Opinions are always my own.

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