Must-have jewelry for 2021 awaits at YLANG YLANG designer jewelry in Ladue -- especially one-of-a-kind pieces for all of life’s milestones.
“The joy we find in connecting customers’ stories to jewelry is incredible, because every jewelry piece tells a story and celebrates life’s most magical moments,” exclaims Julie Ettinger, second generation YLANG YLANG owner.
As the team approach the business’s 36th year, Julie says they stay on the forefront of curating the best, brightest, emerging and highly coveted jewelry designers.
Julie's parents, Ray and Lois Morganstern, started the jewelry store in 1985 with high-end fashionable jewelry at Plaza Frontenac. In 2014, Julie relocated and opened her new vision for YLANG YLANG in the heart of Ladue, moving into a beautifully decorated, free-standing store. She says she learned innumerable, valuable business lessons from her mother.
"The move felt like jumping off a cliff, but we’re so thankful for where we've come and where we're heading,” recalls Julie, who’d dreamt about a future store location and kept a notebook with drawings, cutout pictures and saved clippings.
The store's namesake is a tropical, flowering tree native to Asia that's pronounced "elong-elong." The tree's yellow flowers look like inverted crowns. Like that special tree, Julie says their boutique's designer jewelry spans unique and trendy necklaces, bracelets, earrings, charms and rings from 25-plus designers, found in St. Louis only at their boutique.
“Some of the hottest trends I predict for this year are twists on the past,” says Julie. “Such as the chunky signet pinky ring, vintage engagement rings, mantra jewelry, long layered necklaces, and 'more is more,' but with your most casual attire.”
“We say hallelujah to jeans, T-shirts and baseball hats. We've embraced this look for years. Everyone can rock it,” she adds.
The team indicates the intimate boutique feels like a home. Julie says her goal was to create a welcoming, creative space that keeps clients returning. “Our cozy space hugs you when you enter.”
One of her favorite features is the blue room separated by French doors. Guests appreciate its luxurious private experience, and often host surprise engagements or commemorate celebrations with champagne toasts there.
The store even includes a coffee bar with lattes and homemade chocolate chip cookies baked onsite by Stephanie Marchetto, the store’s manager.
For more than a decade, Stephanie and Julie have applied each of their strengths, visions and personalities to assist and guide their clientele within various budgets.
Ask Julie about her own line of treasures, Faith Jems. Each crystal is hand-selected from around the world for its own healing properties that carry positive energy.
Stephanie's newest creation, soon to be unveiled, is a charm bar. "I think charms are a perfect way to capture, celebrate, and express your story.’'
8845 Ladue Road
info@ylangylang.com
314.725.7464
YlangYlang.com