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"When I came across Winnie Gundeck&amp;#x27;s artsy-modern jewelry line, Winifred Grace at an editor appointment last week, I fell for it hard. Inside scoop on Winnie and her gorgeous baubles, after the jump. STF: What&amp;#x27;s your hometown? Winnie: I was born in Washington, DC. I&amp;#x27;ve lived in Miami and Atlanta. Currently, I live in Chicago with my husband Benjamin and our dog Guffman. STF: How did your line come about? Winnie: As a child, I made hair accessories of feathers, beads, paint and silk flowers that I sold to a local boutique. I was enchanted by the idea of designing and creating things. I spent years pursuing a different career, ended up in graphic design, and then channeled my inner child to start Winifred Grace. My dream came true! STF: What are the inspirations for your current collection? Winnie: When I first started, I made mostly one-of-a-kind pieces. My latest collection is going back to my roots&amp;amp;#8212;the raw brass and oxidized sterling silver have a vintage feel, each piece rich with history. Organic cuts of glistening Swarovski crystals create an unexpected contrast to muted metals, a modern twist on vintage. There&amp;#x27;s also an East Indian influence, creating a boho chic vibe. STF: If I weren&amp;#x27;t a jewelry designer, I&amp;#x27;d be __________ (fill in the blank). Winnie: An interior designer. It&amp;#x27;s an addiction. STF: What&amp;#x27;s your #1 tip for our readers on wearing jewelry? Winnie: Mix heirloom pieces with contemporary ones to add richness and depth to your style. STF: Do you collect anything? If so, what? Winnie: I&amp;#x27;ve been collecting fortunes from fortune cookies for over ten years! STF: What&amp;#x27;s your favorite vacation spot and why? Winnie: Naples, Florida. My parents have had a place right on the beach for 20 years. As soon as I get off the plane, I feel 10 pounds lighter and 10 years younger. No place relaxes me quite as much, and the lush vegetation and the rustling palm fronds serve as endless inspiration. STF: What&amp;#x27;s the one accessory you can&amp;#x27;t live without? Winnie: Flip-flops. STF: If I had to compete in Miss America, my talent would be ________ (fill in the blank). Winnie: Breakdancing. STF: I can&amp;#x27;t believe I ever wore _________ (fill in the blank). Winnie: My brother&amp;#x27;s best friend&amp;#x27;s old wrestling booties. I loved how they looked &amp;amp;#8212;very Lisa Bonet&amp;amp;#8212;but in hindsight it was a Don&amp;#x27;t. STF: What&amp;#x27;s the best recent movie you&amp;amp;#8217;re into? Winnie: My husband is a filmmaker, and I can honestly say his most recent creation is my current obsession. He just completed a four-year-long documentary project about Guinness World Record breakers. It&amp;#x27;s genius! Hopefully you will see it in theaters soon. STF: You prefer Pepsi or Coke? Winnie: Coke. I am an Atlanta girl after all. In fact, I mix Coke and Diet Coke to make a drink I like to call the Gary Busey! Thanks, Winnie! More Designer Diaries * The Colorful Life Of Trina Turk * The Jeans-Obsessed Ladies Of Current/Elliott * Fabiola Arias Takes Us Behind The Scenes At Japan Fashion Week More Ways to Get Glamour You could win $50,000 just for registering or logging in to Glamour.com! Sign up for Glamour.com&amp;#x27;s Style Tips of the Week and Beauty Tip of the Day newsletters! Add Glamour to your iGoogle homepage. Follow Glamour on Twitter. Photos: Courtesy of Winnie Gundeck"^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
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