I ran into Jess LC at the GenArt 'SHOP Chicago' event this weekend.  Set up at a small table among dozens of designers in the Great Hall of Union Station, the jewelry she presented was unbelievable. Delicate and feminine, many of her pieces manage to be modern and sharp yet . I love that each collection is named after a city street: Rush, State, Oak.

JessLC is 'It' - the jewelry is gorgeous, she was a doll and her pieces are timeless. Now is a time where the economy calls us to make good investments and wise choices with our discretionary budgets. Anyone with a jewelry purchase on the horizon - for yourself or another - should buy from a beautiful artist and keep their money in small business. This is a wise purchase, and not only because you'll look fabulous.

She also has an entire line of adorable charm necklaces from which proceeds go to select charities. This month's "Pink Lemonade" necklace is a simple chain with two small stones in red and pink - proceeds benefit an organization fighting Breast Cancer. Talk about a paying it forward!

I'm officially a fan of Jess LC. She had me at her silver Elm St. chain bracelet.