I’ve always like the little enclave of shops on Persa Street. Tucked away in plain sight, it’s as though I’ve stumbled across a secret garden of shopping opportunities.

The newest studio on the block is home to Pomp and Circumstance, a handmade jewelry and apparel boutique owned by Marie Duncan Earthman and it’s a perfect addition to the collection of cute shops and beauty stops.

Earthman has been on the jewelry-making track since 2007 and unlike those who throw some beads on a wire and call themselves jewelry designers, she’s actually sketching and in the studio making pieces. Earthman employs a staff to help make her jewelry, which she also sells on her website. After cultivating a healthy Pomp and Circumstance following online, Earthman took the plunge and opened her cozy, shabby chic store.

She’s keeping an eye on the economy of course, but Earthman is confident and besides, the newlywed has the total support of her husband, who encouraged her to open in the first place.

“I’ve wanted to do it for a long time and Richard (my husband) said to follow my passion, so I did,” Earthman says.

With the decision made, it took just six weeks and a lot of remodeling for Pomp and Circumstance to be ready for its late July opening. The space is bright, with lots of white furniture so the focus is on Earthman's colorful jewelry.

Earthman works with everything from gemstones and sterling silver to agate, quartz and her latest favorite, pyrite. Her signature teardrop shape is found throughout the pieces she designs and color is a must. Earthman likes jewelry that goes the distance, so the same earrings that were worn to the office, also work for after-hours cocktails.

The prices have stayed consistently affordable, so you can pop in for earrings and pick up a ring while you’re at it.

The super fun jewelry items at Pomp and Circumstance are the charm necklaces and earrings. Gold and silver chains of varying lengths range from $30-$45, hoops of all sizes are $35-$50 and shoppers can choose letters, pendants, gemstones and other charms, to add to the jewelry. But I must confess, the earrings were adorable and make great gifts.

Girls-on-the-go can also shop from Urban Expressions' line of vegan bags ($60-$80)) and lightweight tops in cream, gray and black that feature detailing and can be layered with other things. Earthman is pumping up her clothing selection with new items hitting the shop in September.

“I want women to be able to get the whole look, but I’m focusing on tops because people have jeans," Earthman says. "The tops are simple because I want to the jewelry to be the main focus."

In the coming months, parties will also be part of the store’s focus. Earthman will open the studio for private parties and charity events.

“I’m constantly designing in my head and new ideas are coming all the time,” she says.

It will be exciting to see what this entrepreneur comes up with next.

A Bientot Says Hello to New Space

Just a bit down Westheimer from Pomp and Circumstance is A Bientot’s new, much larger space. Open since mid-July, the accessory-laden boutique stayed in the same shopping center, but is now around the corner in a spacious two-story locale, making it even easier to shop for the high quality costume jewelry the River Oaks boutique is known for.

There are tables covered with clutches and necklaces, and other sparkly must-haves still sit atop tables in the middle of the store, but now the rolling racks flanking one side of the tables are easier to look through as are the handbags, glasses and scarves on the other side. The curving staircase leading upstairs reveals shoes, more clothes and the stationery. There are three dressing rooms and room to roam.

A Bientot has always been among one of my favorite places to shop, so my only disappointment the day I stopped by was the non-existent service from the staff. I’m chalking it up to an off day and at any rate, I’ll be back for another go.

A Bientot is simply too hard to resist.