Plus, she shares her favorite way to style her jewlery for the summer
After making beaded necklaces in her dorm room as a form of procrastination, Ashley Reid Martin went on to earn her master in fine arts in fashion at SCAD, where she took metalsmithing classes. But it wasn’t until she made her dream of owning a boutique on Sullivan’s Island come true in 2016 that she became a full-time jewelry designer. Over the years, Goldbug has expanded the shop’s inventory from her designs to add resort clothing and accessories, and she hints that a second location might be on the horizon. Here, Martin shares what’s in her beach bag
Q Tell us about your latest jewelry designs.
A My jewelry strikes a balance between modern, minimal, and understated, with some bolder statements thrown in for good measure. I’m interested in exploring primitive adornments (that’s the anthropology major in me) and am fascinated by the subtle imperfections of handmade things.
Q How do you style your jewelry during the summer?
A I’m a sucker for a gold necklace or two with a swimsuit from sustainable brand Dos Gardenias (above) on the beach. Simple gold jewelry with an easy breezy caftan from Joshi and a tan are it! And anything that looks like it might have been made at camp involving rope and shells.
Q What trends do you plan to add to your closet this season?
A Neon! I am obsessed with my new Anaak silk ”Airi” dress in ”Fleoro Yellow;” it’s like wearing a giant sun. I’m also into a bold, puffy statement slide like the ”Foldy” from ROAM (above).
Q What are your go-to sunglasses?
A Electric California makes the best shades—such a great blend of sport and style. Their brand new frame style—“The Noli”—comes out July 5, and I can’t wait!
Q What do you carry in your beach bag?
A Supergoop! sunscreen, a suspense novel that I will pack but not get to read with kids running around and sunscreen to apply and snacks to make, Seabird Society’s block-printed ”Sog-it-to-me” wet-dry bags, and Turkish towels from Home & Loft, especially the ”Tribeca” in ”Gypsy Pink” (above).
Q Tell us about your warm-weather skin-care routine?
A Minimal; summer is my favorite season because I spend so much time in and on the water. I always feel best with a little color on my skin—making me feel like I don’t need as much to look spruced up! Air-dried hair and a good face moisturizer. I love Laurel’s ”Night Balm” available at Wildcraft (above right). I also love Maya Chia’s ”The Optimist Hydrating Essence”—the perfect boost of moisture and glow to spritz on my face throughout the day (above left). Everyday Oil is my all-time favorite body oil. I use it everywhere, including my dry hair.