May 2010 Archives

Rebecca Minkoff's handbags always get most of the attention, but it's her apparel and jewelry that I actually like best - both are well-priced, easy-to-wear, and not overly trends. The Flowerstud Bracelets ($68 each), pictured above are made of leather and look fab stacked! I sometimes will wear two tan ones and one of the red ones stacked and people always ask me where I got the bracelets. They're not the best quality, but they're fun and are an easy way to dress up black pants and a simple top.

What do you think about Rebecca Minkoff's jewelry?

Seriously, how sick is this ring? I'm not a big jewelry guy, but I fell in love with this ring the moment I saw it at the McQueen showroom. Every now and then, an accessory comes along that is just too iconic and too must-have to resist! This particular bauble--if you can even refer to it as such--is called the "Hell's Knuckle" duster ring and is made of gold brass. Not only is it the ultimate statement maker--wear it with a tanktop and jeans or a fitted tuxedo--but it's also from the last McQueen collection designed prior to the designer's untimely death. In addition to McQueen's signature skull design, this piece of eye candy also features a trio of rings underneath the wing motif in which your fingers slide easily into. It's not terribly weighty, either, so aside from some minor inconvenience should you need to actually write with your fingers, this ring will be a fabulous addition to your jewelry box. Go bold! With this ring, you won't regret it!

$495, available at Saks.com

Simplicity with a twist: in a nutshell that best sums up Phillip Lim's Fall 2010 3.1 Phillip Lim collection. These necklaces, however, clearly befit that "twist" notion--part of Phillip's inspiration that included a step into the seventies/disco era and the vibe of Halston a la Studio 54. The jewelry was styled to minimal effect on Phillip's runway (just one look, in fact, featured a toned down version of the above necklaces paired with a sequin blouse). For the 3.1 Phillip Lim devotee seeking to maximize her disco fever, however, the options are endless--as a recent visit to the designer's studio revealed. I'm digging these three necklace options from Phillip that offer a lot of oomph for not an exorbitant amount of money (when you consider the work that went into them). From left to right: Baroque bits embroidered 20kt gold necklace plate ($375); embroidered rhinestone and blanketed bugle vanity necklace plate ($650) and Baroque bits embroidered vanity necklace plate ($695). Wear the simplest one with an oversized tanktop and a pair of Phillip's oversized trousers from seasons past--but wear the statement making ones with one of his dramatic asymmetrical fall gowns. Sometimes it's ok to throw Coco Chanel's adage out the window. More is more!

Available at 3.1 Phillip Lim New York (115 Mercer St., 212-334-1160) and West Hollywood (631 N. Robertson Blvd., 310-358-1988)

As a born and raised New Yorker I'm always into supporting local talent, so I was exciting when I found out about the line, Fancy Sexy Me, from a guest at an event recently. First off the name is genius! I would love for someone to ask me "where's your necklace from?" and for me to be able to answer "Fancy Sexy Me" - It's like an unintentional positive affirmation! The line is designed by Ronnie Aminov and Cynthia Catera and everything is hand-made in Williamsburg and in Manhattan. I'm particularly drawn to their gold pendant necklaces which range in price from about $40 to $70. 

Molly Sims proves with her Grayce by Molly Sims jewelry line that fabulous does not have to cost a fortune. In fact, you can be instantly chic for under $250. But don't let the lower price points deter you from purchasing if you are a jewel snob, the pieces are incredibly well made! I snatched up a dozen pieces at her trunk show last week and had so much fun mixing colors, shapes and metals-- what Molly is known for. Silver and gold liquid necklaces, bracelets, and eclectic gemstones cut in various facets and shapes are just a few highlights of this well edited collection inspired by vintage jewels Molly's mother has collected for a lifetime. Each piece feels utterly personal and it is clearly Molly's passion as she personally styled each of the 200+ guests that attended the show. I need to mention that Molly is one of the most warm and friendly celebs I have ever hosted an event for-- she is that gorgeous girl next door who everyone wants to be best friends with. Her genuine love for jewelry is also infectious and we wait with abated breath for her Fall trunk show! Check out the Grayce line here, I guarantee you will be tempted to pull out your credit cards the minute you see the pieces (so great for gifts!). See below for what I came home with.

Crystal Point Layered Necklace for $195- My absolute FAVORITE necklace of the colletion, Molly showed us how to wear it long or twist and double it as a short piece-- SO CHIC!
Braided Metal Bracelet for $145- A friend of mine actually sent me a blank check to purchase pieces for her when she saw this bracelet(let's not mention that to her hubby though!).  It has a magnetic closure (brilliant!) and is a great daily piece. 
Crystal Tassel Chain Earring for $115- Talk about a conversation piece, these earrings are disco worthy and perfect for a girls' night out!

Now, GO SHOP!

Cate Blanchett can do no wrong. The stunning Oscar-winning actress kicked off the Cannes Film Festival in grand style this week with a series of gorgeous ensembles--starting with an ice pink organza lamé cocktail dress by Giorgio Armani Privé that she complemented with a suite of jewels by Van Cleef & Arpels. For a press conference to promote her film, "Robin Hood," Blanchett wore an elegant pair of "Cordes" diamond earrings set in yellow gold, dating from 1953 and plucked from a private collection (she also wore a "Sabre Japonais" diamond bracelet set in yellow gold dating back to 1958). I love the braided effect of the rope detail on the earrings--down to their simple tassel effect. The gold contrasts beautifully with her sun-kissed hair and pale complexion; in short, it's true Hollywood elegance--minus any signs of conspicuous consumption. Blanchett has never been one to shy away from risk-taking, and these earrings, while not terribly outrageous, definitely do maintain a distinct aura to them.

Poor dads always get tossed aside when it comes to Father's Day.  But I guess that's what they want, to be ignored and left alone on the golf course :)  However, do not think they don't like gifts.  No matter how often they say "don't get me anything"-- they WILL sulk like 5 year olds if you actually do not.  This year you can plan ahead and buy dear pops/hubby/son a pair of John Hardy cufflinks for Father's Day.  The handcrafted sterling silver pieces are available in a wide variety of styles, featuring mixed materials from earthy natural wood to sleek black sapphires, with prices starting at $180.

Anyone who's ever been to Chicago's Millennium Park will undoubtedly recognize the prominent Cloud Gate sculpture designed by Anish Kapoor. I'm a huge fan of his work and now, thanks to Bulgari, the Indian sculptor's ethereal designs can be worn as art--and at an affordable price point.
Kapoor reinterpreted Bulgari's iconic B.zero1 ring--first created to celebrate the new millennium--to combine the Tubogas and the double Bulgari logo inspired by Roman epigraphy and designed with a modular "bounce" to it. Having tried one on, I can attest to its lightweight nature. The wide frame of the ring makes for a solid design with a statement making look characteristic of the B.zero1 collection.

To date, over 1.5 million pieces of B.zero1 have sold. Fun fact: it's the first time Bulgari has collaborated with an artist on a piece that was subsequently available for purchase. The pink gold and stainless steel ring launched last week at Bulgari stores worldwide and at www.bulgari.com and comes housed in a special Kapoor-designed translucent case with silicone rubber.

A special YouTube video showing the inspiration behind the ring may be viewed at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-92Duyj5s0

$890, available at Bulgari stores and www.bulgari.com

Fred Allard. Images from Felicia Sullivan  

The other week I went to the Palace Hotel to preview Nine West's New Fall Winter 2010 offerings. The set-up was to die for! I'm partial to the Palace Hotel, because it's where my brother had his Bar Mitzvah, so I have wonderful memories there, but even that withstanding the set-up was gorgeous. I haven't gotten anything from Nine West in years, but the latest Fred Allard-designed collection may have me turning to the brand once again come Fall. I was particularly impressed with the jewelry - Earrings: $25 range
Necklaces: $45 range
Rings: $30 range
Bracelets/Cuffs: $40-$55

I actually didn't even know the brand made jewerley up until the preview, but I'm liking a number of their current pieces as well. This taupe ruffle bracelet and wide cuff I found particularly eye-catching.  

Have you ever bought jewelry at Nine West?

The other day I headed over to the Bryant Park Hotel for an informal breakfast hosted by Molly Sims to celebrate the launch of the Grayce by Molly Sims website. The model's big, bold jewelry pieces were just what I needed to wake me up from my morning fog! Molly is super sweet and non-intimating despite her killer bod and looks (how is she in her mid-30s!? For sure thought she was in her late 20s). She was dressed in a floral DVF dress, Elizabeth and James black cardigan, flats, and layered in pieces from her Grayce line, which complemented her laid-back style very well. She said that she priced the line from $75-$250 to keep it accessible and when someone asked her what celeb she'd love to see one of her pieces on she said "I just want to see the line on everyone!" which I thought was great. Molly seemed truly passionate about her line and wanting women to feel good about themselves which was echoed in her honest answer about how she stays in shape. Unlike most models (ahem...Gisele), who say they eat whatever they want and barely exercise, Molly spoke candidly and said she works out a lot with Tracy Anderson and that it's hard and takes dedication. It was truly refreshing to hear her speak and to know that she has the same body issues as all of us do and you could tell she was passionate about the subject in particular when she spoke about the young models some of whom are just 70-something pounds - "I just wish they would eat something and then go work-out five days a week if they need to instead of just smoking 2 packs of cigarettes and drinking 10 cups of coffee." Kudos to the Vogue cover girl for speaking-up! More about her jewelry line after the jump!

Sure the snake motif isn't anything terribly original - everyone from Kenneth Jay Lane to the Olsen girls with their Elizabeth and James jewelry line have featured snakes prominently recently -- but I'm still loving this Chrissy Leighton Venom Cuff ($189). If I ever saw a real snake I'd be completely grossed out, but there's something sultry and powerful about the animal which comes through in this chic cuff. Plus the black and rhinestones clear color are easy to pair with just about anything.

What do you think about snake-inspired jewelry?

Maybe if it were worn next to a "Non" ring I would understand the appeal of the white gold Dior Oui Ring ($675), but as is I simply don't get it. The popular piece comes in a variety of iterations and is worn above by Emma Watson (it's hard to spot I know, but trust that it's there!). While I like the script-shape of the letters, I can't get over the stupidity of what it says! On a side note, does the diminutive ring strike anyone else as far more Moschino than Christian Dior?

One of America's foremost leaders in fine jewelry, David Yurman toasted three decades in business with the opening last week of a multimillion-dollar flagship in a converted townhouse adjacent to Graff on Madison Avenue at 63rd Street that represents the brand's biggest single retail investment.

The five-floor flagship, which Yurman calls the Townhouse, is the exclamation point on a global two-year expansion plan that saw the brand's recent entry into the European market with a 400-square-foot in-store boutique at Printemps in Paris, which launched in March, and another shop-in-shop at the Moscow luxury retailer Tsum.

     

I think the Juicy cuff on the left above looks great, but there are two reasons I would never wear it. One because it's a total knock off a Spring Summer 2009 Fallon Cuff (pictured above right), that I bought last summer at Barneys and two because Juicy is one of the few labels I simply refuse to wear in public anymore. Don't get me wrong, I still own over a dozen Juicy sweatpants that I often wear to sleep, but I would never wear them out on the street - even if Juicy has now enlisted Erin Fetherston to help revamp their brand (I'm actually not a Fetherston fan either...). Juicy is a fascinating brand and I hope Harvard's business school does a case study on them, because it would be incredibly interesting to learn about the inner workings of their marketing, but at this point I associate the brand too much with youth-obsessed housewives and tweens to wear anything (no matter how much I like it), from Juicy Couture.

What do you think about this cuff? Would you wear Juicy Couture jewelry?

This is a twist on the chain link trend, the loops are made with pieces of ostrich egg shells. How cool and interesting is that? And a great way to utilized the entire egg which makes this also eco-chic! It has a black leather ribbon tie for that effortless chic vibe as well as ease of getting it on when you don't have a helping hand. This look could not be more ideal for the summer with all your tunics and dresses. At Browns Fashion for $740.64. I know what you're thinking and I thought the same thing - ostrich egg shell should be pretty cheap but it is the handmade craftsmanship here that is responsible for the price.