March 2010 Archives

New mom Padma Lakshmi (daughter Krishna Thea was born five weeks ago) is clearly focusing her efforts on things more personal and close to the heart. Witness the latest project to come from her eponymous fine jewelry line: a pair of special edition Jasmine Flower gold and garnet earrings whereby 20 percent of sales will benefit the Endometriosis Foundation of America, where she is a co-founder and board member of the foundation. "There is no cause closer to my heart," said Lakshmi. "After years of suffering from endometriosis, I teamed up with the surgeon who literally changed the quality of my life." The earrings complement nicely Lakshmi's nature-inspired collection of baubles and can easily be worn with the "Top Chef" host's other designs. I like these because they're subtle yet chic for day--say at a ladies lunch--but just as fitting when paired with a LBD and cute Lanvin flats. What's more, the earrings commemorate the organization's annual Blossom Ball, to be held May 20 at the New York Public Library.

$350, available in May at Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Mitchells of Westport and Richards of Greenwich in May 2010

Elizabeth and James is one of my favorite contemporary brands, even if it's way over-priced given that the quality of the clothes aren't that great (most of the fabrics are so flimsy and thin that it's not uncommon for their pieces to get small holes after a few wears...and this is not only from my experience...unfortunately). While the design of the label's fashions may over-ride any issues of quality I have, I can't muster up the same love for their jewelry. Snakes are soooo over-done and while the feather motif that pops up in a number of their pieces is fine, they end up looking like pretty cheap-o pieces from Express (and from seeing the pieces the quality seems to match that aesthetic).

What do you think about Elizabeth and James jewelry? Snob or Slob?

From left --

• Elizabeth and James Snake Hoops ($250)
• Elizabeth and James Small Snake Bracelet with Diamond ($125)
• Elizabeth and James Feather Ring ($95)

Simple and flattering ready to wear and big bold jewelry. Donna Karan has it right! She is so amazing, I love everything for Spring. This sabre tooth is a theme she has had for a while now, and is the exact thing I wear with her Infinity dress. The Lucite sabre embellishments are on the sides is not noticeable in the picture but they are super cool! The entire necklace just slips on with no clasps. At Net-aPorter for $1295.

A few days ago I was introduced to the work of Catherine M. Zadeh when the designer -- a friend of a friend of my mother's -- called me. Her work, which is sold online and at the likes of Bergdorf and Barneys, is wonderfully chic in a classic and under-stated way. I especially love the Buffalo horn pieces with diamonds (diamonds are so gorgeous against black...as I'm reminded every time I step into Cartier and try on the Double C Decor Ring...ahhh so gorgeous!). The designer has also designed a line of charitable bracelet, Live and Let Live, which has already generated over $60,000 to fight MS (one such piece is pictured below left). Check-out her full collection online (including a number of pieces for men, for those thinking ahead for Father's Day!). 

I've always found Eddie Borgo to be somewhat over-rated. His jewelry has a ridiculously prominent display at Bergdorf's and just last week it was announced that he is up against Dana Lorenz and Alexander Wang for the CFDA Swarovski Award for accessory design. Yes his pieces are fun and funky, but when you get down to it, they're really not all that original and certainly they don't seem priced appropriately (glass cuff for $625!? I'm sorry, but this cuff looks like it could have come from Girl Props). Plus the S/S 2010 collection is full of cone studs which Alexander Wang was doing over a year ago! Am I missing something? What do you think - Snob or Slob?

To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the passing of Keith Haring the fabulous Leeora Catalan of nOir teamed-up with the also fabulous Patricia Field for a collection called K.Haring by House of Field. Using the bright colors and characters found in Haring's work, the Catalan-designed pieces feature images of some of Haring' most iconic pieces and do an amazing job at paying homage to an artist that has inspired so many designers. Plus all the proceeds from the collaboration will be going to the Keith Haring Foundation to assist AIDS
related and Children's charities. Oddly enough, though I'm a big fan of bright colors, my fave piece is the cuff below:)

A mixed assortment is the trend but if you don't have the time to sort through everything and come up with your own combination, Marlaina Stone has this perfectly mixed necklace that is as full of personality as if you did it yourself. It is a potpourri of Snow quartz, Amethyst, Lepidolite, Herkimer Diamonds, Glass, Hand-made Satin Flower and Freshwater Pearls on a vintage chain and charming vintage watch face clasp. Wear this with florals and prints to create a bouquet look, or spice up your solids and LBD. At Charm and Chain for $1700.

Mary-Kate Olsen, Rihanna, and Angelia Jolie are among the many celebs that have been spotted in Made Her Think recently. The knuckle rings are totally up those stars alley, but I think the Made Her Think Talon Knuckle Buster Rings ($110) are a bit too intense for my taste. They look like a bird claw to me! Plus I've never seen a ring that covers multiple fingers that I've liked.

My vote is slob. What say you? Snob or Slob?

SeaWeb and Cheeky Monkey Jewelry have teamed up for a coral-inspired jewelry collection called the Lophelia Collection. The collection (somewhat KJL-esque, no?), includes a bracelet of laced coral that is created from recycled sterling silver, set with more than a carat of fair-trade sapphires, crowned with a recycled 10-carot gold starfish and set with a solitary diamond. Accompanying the bracelet are both gold and silver earrings and a matching necklace adorned with a mix of sapphires, all of which resemble laced coral. 10% of the sales of the Lophelia Collection will be donated to SeaWeb's Too Precious to Wear campaign (to support their effort to create demand for coral conservation), and retail between $150 and $1,200. There are a ton of other brands that have collaborated with the Too Precious To Wear campaign including Tiffany & Co., Lilly Pulitzer, Pottery Barn, Lela Rose, Vena Cava, and Chantecaille...noooot a bad roster!

What do you think of the results of this collaboration?

The entire Fall 2010 collection from ready to wear to accessories was inspired by the beetle. The colors, an opalescent green blue that degrades to a bright yet gentle yellow. The jewelry is elegant and refined, yet edgy and surprising. I did not know a beetle could be anything but icky, but after Tomas Maier tames them, they become a beautiful and interesting creature. The beetles are made of enamel. He also has a new technique that is used on gold. Just like the woven leather bags, here gold is woven and made into belted chokers. Super chic and decadent! And the craftsmanship is astounding! They are handmade in Germany. For fine jewelry, there are silver links with pave diamond for their loyal customers who will and always remain classic and timeless.

There's nothing quite like a Delfina Delettrez piece when it comes to giving me the creeps! Her line of jewelry is incredibly popular judging by how many high-end retailers carry her pieces (plus she's heir to the Fendi empire), but I just don't understand who is buying these looks!? I have great respect for the designer, because her nature and anatomy-inspired jewels are truly original in their design, but they're way too gothic for my taste. This particular bracelet costs nearly $30,000 and while it may be interesting to look at from an artistic perspective, it's disturbing and I not only wouldn't want to wear it, I think I would be troubled standing next to someone who was wearing it! 

What do you think about Delettrez's jewelry? Snob or Slob?

I'm totally gaga over Hayden-Harnett's newest cuffs. I first discovered the brand when I ran into a friend in Paris wearing one of Hayden-Harnett's signature Ramone Studded Slim Cuffs ($90, pictured on the left) and immediately looked-up the brand and feel in love with all of their jewelry, handbag, apparel, and shoe offerings. The Ramone is so easy-to-wear and versatile that it has become one of my staples and I wear it at some point almost every week. For Spring the Vesuvius Tie Cuff ($188) is an eye-catching, bold leather cuff which can double as an ankle accessory! It's got this great fashionable-rocker thing going on, while the Lava Wide Cuff ($98) shows off HH's custom hardware (there was actually a matching clutch to this cuff which I'm totally kicking myself for not snatching:-(. Love the contrasting red and black leather), in a more classic silhouette.  

What do you think about Hayden-Harnett's new cuffs?

Candace Ang is the young designer behind these bold statement necklaces. Ang's pieces are always fun and flirty and often have fringe details making them the perfect final touch to spice-up an LBD. Ang was designing bib necklaces way before they became the trend du jour and fittingly her Volume III Necklace ($610, pictured on the left), is one of the coolest ones I've seen. Like all of the designer's pieces, it's handmade in LA and is made from nude silk chiffon accented with silver lurex and then hand ruched and covered with rows of Swarovski crystals. Besides draped on top of an LBD, this necklace would look great over a white tee paired with skinny black pants. Ditto for the Revolution Collar in Toast ($245), pictured on the right and the Sargent Pepper Fringe Necklace ($345), pictured in the center.

In time Spring, De Beers is proud to add to their offering of exquisite jewelry with two special edition series featuring beautifully selected pink diamonds set within some of their most iconic designs.

Enchanted Lotus Pendant
De Beers pink and white diamonds set in rose and white gold. 0.39 total carat weight.
$3,200.00

Enchanted Lotus Ring
De Beers pink and white diamonds set in rose and white gold. 0.47 total carat weight.
*Only available in stores
$3,200.00

Enchanted Lotus Band Ring
De Beers pink and white diamonds set in rose and white gold. 1.14 total carat weight.
*Only available in stores
$10,000.00

March 5th, QVC will broadcast live from the Four Seasons in Los Angeles, hosting a VIP reception and live show surrounding the "Buzz on the Red Carpet" (in light of awards season...can't wait to see all the red carpet Oscar looks March 7!). A number of designers that work with Hollywood celebs also work with QVC and those will be the ones highlighted in their jewelry, fashion, accessories, and beauty-focused segments. Of course the only one I really care about is my man Kenneth Jay Lane! I can't wait to get my arm into one of the cuffs pictured above. Among the new items going up for sale are the KJL Caribbean Coral Cuff ($75) and the KJL Fashion Flair Domed Ring ($50) - both of which looks near-identical to pieces available in the designer's pricier couture line.