June 2010 Archives

I've never bought anything from HSN, because for the most part the brands that sell their designs on the network don't offer their jewelry at all that much of discount compared to what you can buy in stores, but I'm very much drawn to the above cuff from Carlos Falchi. I can't get over the price though...$350...really!? Most of this line is "slob" - just take a look at this, or this, or this, but I like this cuff because it's clearly inspired by the exotics that Falchi typically works with without being literal and sticking an alligator on it (as he does with a number of other pieces in the collection). It also has a nice caviar texture, but for $350, I think I could find something better from Noir or KJL. Do you shop on HSN?

One of the highlights of Paris Men's Fashion Week these first few days was definitely the Hermès presentation for its upcoming new timepiece, the Carré H. What's most evident about it is its square shape: Hermès teamed up with designer Marc Berthier to launch the watch, whose surprisingly odd shape is considered a rarity in watch fields. Creative director Pierre-Alexis Dumas said the case, made from lightweight titanium, had been softened by way of its rounded angles, while the dial featured interlocking squares designed to draw the eye. "I know from experience, having worked for years on silk squares, that if you don't create a dynamic within a square, it becomes boring quite quickly," he explained. "These small nuances and details mean the object is not static." The Carré H will be available in a limited edition of 173, which is the number of years since Hermès was founded in 1837.

$14,860, available to pre-order at Hermès boutiques

There are countless amazing furniture stores in the NYC area, but my absolute favorite is The Future Perfect. The bi-level Williamsburg shop is stocked with some of the most innovative pieces from world-renowned as well as up-and-coming designers. If you like Moss you'll LOVE The Future Perfect! Near the register they have small tchotchkes including some jewelry. I spotted this Receipt Necklace ($250), which is a pretty amazing replica of an NYC taxi receipt. My initial reason is that it would make an awesome gift for countless of my friends who always complain about spending 80% of their life sitting in traffic in the backseat of a taxi cab, but why oh why did Kristin Victoria Barron, the designer, opt for a rubberized cord?? It completely cheapens the necklace!

What do you think about this receipt necklace? Snob or Slob?

Long multi-strand necklaces are incredibly versatile. For the summer, wear it with a maxi dress and for the fall, I love long necklaces over a fitted sweater. The movement of the chains will draw the eye to gorgeous citrine and green quarts. They are faceted to reflect light and draw even more attention. The mix of chain and gems is a polished look with a casual, easy feel. Don't think too much about it, this is a piece you can just throw on on your way out the door. At Net-a-Porter for $790.

The trend is giant pendants. Well, I'm calling it that way even though it is still all about the bib necklaces still. Just wait and see. If you trust me or just love this, get a jump start on this new direction with this amazingly awesome Lanvin Jayappa pendant necklace. I love the chunky chain and the heavy jewel pendant that looks like an ancient artifact. The chain allows you to adjust the length between 16" to 18" inches. This statement piece will get well deserved attention with each wear. At Bergdorf Goodman for $1090.

Last week I went to a Fall 2010 Timex preview and while I went mostly to scope out the brand's awesome colorful watches (love this dorky-chic one!), I found out at the event that Timex has designed some watches exclusively for J. Crew. One of the latest additions to the Timex for J.Crew collection is the 1600 ($195). Its a men's watch, but could easily be worn by a woman going for the boyfriend's watch look. It's a classic, polished watch, which is fitting given that it's inspired by past presidents (hence the "1600" name).You can shop the entire Timex for J. Crew collection here.

Camille Miceli, for her debut as Dior's costume jewelry designer, has got a hit on her hands. Miceli, a super talent in her own light--she was Marc Jacobs' right-hand and the designer behind many of Louis Vuitton's fine jewelry collections and collaborations--said she wanted to revert back to the Dior house codes, to utilize pearls for their timelessness but add a dose of modern appeal. She channeled the archival roots of the Dior DNA in designing this delicious collection of necklaces and bracelets called Diorose. My favorite piece, and perhaps the most statement making, is the "Diorose Large Necklace I." Fashioned from gilded metal, natural resin beads and pink enameled roses, it's fastened with an oval closure with a CD facet done in an Art Deco way that Bag Snob aficionados will recognize as the same clasp used on some of the Dior bag designs. I love the oversized, chunky aesthetic of this necklace; wear it with a simple tanktop or a show-stopping gown--either way, this piece will complement and compliment. The oversized baroque pearls are simply gorgeous, and combined with the metal roses, adds just the right touch of sparkly femininity.

$3,200, available at Dior boutiques

The Olsen twins are a big fans of this line (rings and cuff pictured above)

Hoorsenbuhs is responsible for some of the most beautiful rings and cuffs I've seen hit the red carpet in a long while. Individually the pieces are nice, but stacked and layered they're even better (sometimes more really is more!). While you can buy their signature Tri-Link rings, bracelets, and earrings at high-end retailers like Barneys New York, about half the business the line -- designed and owned by Robert Keith -- does is via their bespoke business. Male and female celebs like Rosario Dawson, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Rihanna, Dave Navarro, Snoop Dogg, and many others have worn Keith's designs. I'm completely lusting for the Phantom ring and cuff  (pictured above and below), covered in diamonds - total swoon!

Call 888.692.2997 or email kether@hoorsenbuhs.com if you're interested in a bespoke piece.

Tory Burch just gets better and better every season! For a long time I didn't pay much attention to the brand, thinking it was too WASPy-ish for my taste; in my head it was in the same category as Lily Pulitzer, but things have changed and the designer has a ton of great prints and edgy tops now. While I'm not so big on Tory Burch shoes or bags, her jewelry is AMAZING (she hired Subversive designer Justin Giunta a few months ago to join her team). The limited edition Tory Burch Foundation Leather World Charm Necklace ($350) is one of my fave pieces from her current collection. I love the controlled chaos of the leather cords and the variety of gold talismans. Plus 100% of the profits from the necklace are going to benefit the designer's foundation.

is the perfect chunky statement against a simple, white top. I love the gunmetal finish and the droopy chains on the left side to balance out the over-sized rosettes. The only drawback is that if you plan to wear a piece this big in the heat, it can get a little cumbersome, so don't forget to stay in close proximity to the AC!

Lady Gaga is so outlandish at all times that it's often difficult to pinpoint those moments when she actually makes a classy move. To wit, the singer recently showed up at her sister's high school graduation in a sheer lace getup topped with black veil-like hat that guests doing double-takes. But look closer: on her right hand middle finger she's sporting a gorgeous Cartier Panther Head ring. Betcha missed that one right? Specifically, Gaga's wearing the 18-Karat yellow gold and onyx version (love the tiger's peridot eyes). While on most people this ring would be the statement maker, on Gaga, it's clearly overshadowed. Nevertheless, it's nice to know Gaga, like the rest of us, has a penchant for shiny baubles!

$20,300, available at Cartier boutiques

Last week I was invited to the Chairman of Tiffany's office to get the lowdown on the iPhone application that the jeweler launched today. I have to admit I was way more excited to check-out the Chairman's swanky office than learn about the iPhone app (I'm a BlackBerry user), but I gotta say both the app and the office exceeded my expectations! The Tiffany Engagement Ring Finder is Tiffany's first iPhone application and its meant to help you find the perfect ring. The most useful feature is that its got an accurate Ring Sizer that lets users determine their size by placing an actual ring directly on the screen and aligning it with the correct circle in the guide.

You can also browse Tiffany's collection according to shape, setting, metal or design. All the rings are shown true-to-size and each style can be viewed with diamonds of six different carat sizes. Basically you can mix, match, swap, and compare (plus zoom in for detailed views), to see what looks best. The app also lets you save and share your faves via e-mail, text message, Facebook, and Twitter and it has pricing, so you know what you're in for when you head to your nearest Tiffany's to purchase your dream ring:-)

For more on the application check-out this video.

Moroccan is the theme for this seasons accessories, thanks to Carrie Bradshaw's visit to the middle east in SATC2. For seasonal favorites, I like to be Frugal Snob in order to justify one season's worth of wear. The Carlen Charm Bib Necklace in Blue Lace from Kendra Scott has the ethnic charm with enough sparkle and glitz to glam up a summer day dress or a hot LBD. You can extend the length with a 2" extender if you want to tease the boys by dangling this right at the decolletage. Great fun for the season for just $135.

Chopard may have been the most ubiquitous jeweler at this year's Cannes International Film Festival, but, as with most things in life, it's about quality--not quantity. To wit, of all the baubles to grace the red carpet at the seemingly endless premieres, yacht parties and club bashes, it was Giovanna Battaglia's de Grisogono necklace that, simply put, blew me away (naturally, it was a stylist's eye, and not that of a celebrity, that I was drawn to). Battaglia arrived on the arm of her beau, Vladimir Restoin Roitfeld (mother: Carine, sister: Julia), at the annual amfAR black-tie gala--but it was neither her beau nor her dress (Armani Privé) that caught my eye. THAT NECKLACE! I did a little research and called up the good folks at de Grisogono (owner and founder Fawaz Gruosi, in the times I've met him has always been quite the charmer) who told me that Giovanna's necklace is comprised of white diamonds with tsavorites (a gorgeous green garnet stone) punctuated with two gigantic cultured pearls, all set in pink gold. I love Giovanna layered it on top of a dress that a) didn't have an exposed neckline and b) one wouldn't think to wear a necklace with. It is just such a gorgeous statement piece! Not only do I love the soothing green hues, but it reminds me of a calm walk through the forest--or a deep sea dive into crystal clear waters. In short, it's such a breath of fresh air...and a exquisite alternative to the staple diamond necklace.

$276,000, available by special order at de Grisogono

You probably know Anna Sheffield from her limited edition Target collection, but her Bing Bang line has been a celeb favorite for awhile now. The New York-based designer hails from New Mexico and she draws much of her inspiration form her native homeland. Her pieces usually have a vintage, romantic feel and she works a lot with mixed colored metals. Now Sheffield has collaborated with McSweeney's Books, the publishing house behind the classic "whodunits" for an actual cross-country treasure hunt, which kicked-off last week in NYC! 

Anna Sheffield created twelve emerald-studded numbers, from the faceless clock, each handmade and one-of-a-kind, which have been placed in adorned boxes and buried in twelve spots across the United States. The secret to find these one-of-a-kind pieces, however, can only be solved by reading the Mac Barnett book which offers clues hidden in the storyline.

It's a cute, fun idea, especially if you have children who love the house-shaped book, but if you're like me and don't have the patience for this kind of a hunt, Anna will be creating a made-to-order 'Lucky Number 3 Necklace' and Numbers 1-11 for $85.

How refreshing did Jessica Biel look at the L.A. premiere for her new film, "A-Team?" Not only was she modern and understated in a white Emilio Pucci gown designed by my good friend Peter Dundas, but she had the foresight to pair her dress with not Fred Leighton, not Cartier, not Bulgari--but Vhernier jewels. I recently discovered this Italian jeweler's designs while interviewing the Mayor of Milan for a story and have become quite fond of the company and its focus on quality and heritage over in-your-face pretentiousness. For her big night, Jessica wore Vhernier's large Camuration ring in rose gold chalcedony turquoise) and Orecchini Vague earrings in rose gold kogolong. Bold and beautifully shaped yet subtly refined, the jewels don't cost the six-digit fortunes of many of the brand's jewelry counterparts, but the statement they make is equally long-lasting. I absolutely love how the white stone in Jessica's earrings match with her Pucci dress; the white-on-white is a stunning statement for a woman as beautiful as she is.

Ring ($8,800) and earrings ($7,400), available at Vhernier Beverly Hills Store (9546 Brighton Way Beverly Hills, CA, 310-273-2444)

Stacked rings are shaping-up to be one of the biggest trends of the Spring/Summer season. They're a playful alternative to a big cocktail ring and are an easy way to draw out colors in an outfit. The above option from Kevia is one of my fave! It's $125 and the six rings in the set - two pounded gold vermeil, two brushed sterling silver, and two brushed rose gold -- are all handcrafted, fair trade, and made in an eco-friendly environment. You can see the full Kevia collection by clicking here. The line is designed by Kevia Jeffrey-West who studied art in Zimbabwe before starting her own line. The Zimbabwe influence is clear in a number of her pieces and I love the rustic, hammered feel that the designer's influence gives to the piece above.

Have you been sporting stacked rings this season?

This is one that must be tried on to be properly appreciated. I love the giant costume look, like something you would wear if you were dressing up as a Queen (not the Queen, as this is much too fun for her). And to fully have fun with this, the price is pretty darn fun as well, it is only $295 for a beautiful Oscar de la Renta piece that will be worn for many years. I would not wear too much other jewelry with this as it will just start to look too garish. There is so much detail in the bezel with the pearls and filigree, I seriously couldn't believe the price! At Bergdorf Goodman.

The newest addition to arrive at Banana Republic's accessories-only concept shop in San Francisco is a 17-piece jewelry collection designed by Chan Luu, whose creations have been worn by Jennifer Aniston, Sandra Bullock, Christina Aguilera, Lady Gaga and Kate Hudson. The limited-edition bracelets Luu designed for Banana Republic launched last week at Edition by Banana Republic--marking the first time the Gap-owned brand has worked with a jewelry designer to create an special collection. The collection showcases Luu's signature wrap style, which brings together custom-dyed thread or leather with unique semi-precious stones, gold or sterling silver. The collection will be sold exclusively at Edition and will debut at an event honoring the store's one-year anniversary. It will then be rolled out to select stores in the U.S., Canada and Japan and online in the U.S. only beginning August 10.

$95 to $225, available at Banana Republic Accessories-Only Store in San Francisco (865 Market Street, 415-546-0340)

French brand Etername is launching in the US this fall! If you read foreign glossies, you've likely seen the brand in French Vogue, Elle, L'Officiel, Stiletto, and Le Figaro or oogled the pieces on the likes of Sharon Stone, Diane Kruger, Julie Gayet, and Natalia Vodianova. The line, designed by Sarah Besnaiou (a Dior alum) is simply stunning! The only other place I've seen so many pieces that I'm dying for is at Cartier! Check-out her website (note though that it's still all in French), and start making a mental list of what you'll want come fall:)

Molly Sims, Edie Falco, Rachel Ray, and Angie Stone are just a few of the celebrities that have been spotted in pieces from the Olia collection. I'm particularly drawn to the New York-based designer's necklaces and the one above is my favorite. Called the Salam Necklace it retails for $64 and it says 'Salam' on one side and 'Shalom' on the other. Many people may not know this, but in Hebrew and in Arabic when you greet someone with 'Shalom' and with 'Salam,' respectively, you are not only saying 'hello,' but you are saying 'peace.' I have a lot of family in Tel Aviv and my parents are currently there for a wedding, so this necklace is particularly meaningful to me. I can't believe we are still dealing with all the violence. This necklace is a reminder to continue the fight for peace and the end of violence.