August 2010 Archives

Venessa Arizaga's love for travel is evident in her tchotchke-esque collection. The designer, who has previously worked for Tuleh, Carolina Herrera, and Zac Posen, started her handcrafted jewelry line three years ago and all of her bracelets and necklaces feature a mix of charms and chains. I love the contrast of the mixed media (slim silk threads interwoven with chunky metal chains for example), that the designer uses and it'd be hard to ignore anyone wearing one of her charm necklaces! I'm particularly drawn to the Night Shift Necklace ($250) - somewhat of a Frugal Snob Rodarte!

This has the same effect and look of chandelier earrings with the current trend of shells and yellow gold. One layer has round diamonds for some added pop. Each shell is naturally curved making it interesting and original. If you're wondering why the price is such, these are good size earrings hanging at nearly 3.5 inches so be prepared for maximum impact and glitz. Exclusively at Brown's Fashion for $8414.

Can one ever have too many cuffs? I think not (at least not judging by my jewelry arsenal!). I love the power that a cuff has when it comes to livening up an outfit. I'm a big fan of LWDs and LBDs so I often rely on my jewelry for pops of color. The Rachel Leigh Pyramid Enamel Cuffs ($132) are a versatile, easy-to-wear option. They're also just the right size to be worn either on their own or you could opt for two of them stacked since they're made in complementary colors. I'm particularly fond of the Tobacco and Honey cuffs on the right, which, besides going great with black and white, match up near-exactly to some Ports 1961 jackets and dresses I recently bought at Super Saturday.

Just when I thought I was over the bib necklace trend! What do you think about this collection of necklaces?

To do a collaborative collection for collaboration's sake is just plain dumb. So you can imagine my fascination when H.Stern announced it had designed a collection of jewels inspired by and honoring architect Oscar Niemeyer. Now 102 years old, Niemeyer, a native of Brazil--which also happens to be where the H.Stern brand hails from is best known for his fascination with curves. What's even more special, the collection of jewelry is based on his own sketches. They include a jewel designed by Niemeyer in a silk-screen print from the 1980s, and various others inspired by the female form, which he recorded in different designs. When I first saw the collection, I fell in love with Niemeyer's ability to seemingly bend straight lines, "transforming curves into a natural solution for his creations." H.Stern has gone and done the same with gold and diamonds. Rings, bracelets and earrings, meanwhile, emphasize simple lines, interspersed by empty spaces.

The H.Stern Collection by Oscar Niemeyer includes jewelry in gold and diamonds, divided into eight different lines and baptized with the names of designs, works and some famous projects. The sub-collections, with names like "Favorite Woman," "Pampulha," "Brasilia" and "Curves," convey the simplicity of the outlines: loose, free and flowing.

Available at H.Stern boutiques nationwide, 1-800-7HSTERN, www.hstern.net

The design of this ring is pure genius. I, being Chinese, equate jade with old fashion old ladies. There is definitely nothing fresh or hip about jade. But this Mawi ring with traditional looking vines over a perfect and gorgeous green hue jade topped with a skull breaks every rule in the book but the most fun way imaginable. It's like a food fight at an uptight ladies' luncheon. LOVE IT!! But you wouldn't really do this to real jade because you would be breaking some sacred Chinese law (we are serious about jade and even more serious about death) so it's even better that it's just costume jewels here. I wonder what my mom would think if I took her jade jewelry and started adding skulls to them? Not sure I want to find out... =) MAWI Gold-Plated Jade and Skull Ring at Net-a-Porter for $340, available in 3 sizes.

For the Bag Snob, this lock would the ultimate accessory for your ultimate accessory. Don't be caught using the generic lock your precious bag comes with, you must adorn it with your own silver and 24K gold lock with green (.76 carats), brown (.15 carats) and white (.84 carats) diamonds. But get this for its versatility, put it on a long chain as a pendant which is this seasons big look (bold pendants). Alright fine, this is strictly a novelty piece but you have to admit it is pretty amazing! At Browns Fashion for $10,427.

I have the Kenneth Jay Lane Coral-Inspired Enamel Cuff pictured above in both white and black and I get so many complements when I wear either (or both!) of them out. I'm pretty psyched because I got mine months ago from QVC and I just recently saw them pop-up on Net-a-Porter. Now I have no clue how this is possible, but QVC is selling them for only $74.50, while NAP has them priced at $210. As far as I can tell they're the exact same cuff. Total steal!

I have a pretty small wrist and the cuff is a one-size-fits-all, but it stays put on my wrist so don't worry about it falling off if you're on the small size (and if you're on the bigger size, no worries either - lots of room). It's a gorgeous piece and if you're a huge KJL fan like myself, it serves as a good reminder to always check-out his pieces on QVC before buying them anywhere else for two, three, or even four times the price!

I discovered Dara Ettinger's gemstone jewelry when a friend from Los Angeles gifted me one of the designer's beautiful rings on one of his recent visits to NYC. There's a raw, bohemian quality to the LA-based designer's work that makes it impossible for you to wear anything from her collection without drawing attention (the good kind, of course!). 

Ettinger graduated from the Parsons School of Design and worked in apparel design at Polo Ralph Lauren, Cynthia Steffe, and Michael Kors before starting her jewelry line. She only works with natural, raw, semi-precious, and precious stones and luxurious metals and her materials come from all over the world.

Most of Ettinger's pieces retail for between $100 and $450. For more information call 310.474.3272 or email info@daraettinger.com.

Loren Ridinger, Creator of the uber-luxurious Loren Jewels, announced that she and close friend, Kim Kardashian, are partnering to design an exclusive line of earrings to be called the "Kim Kollection." This stunning 20-piece collection was inspired by Kim Kardashian's glamorous Hollywood lifestyle and will incorporate diamonds, emeralds, rubies and other precious gems and metals offering Hollywood glam exclusively through Lorenjewels.com.  I own a Loren Jewels pink pearl bracelet with diamonds and it is a show stopper!  Loren is one of the most inspiring women I know; as a mother, wife and wildly successful entrepreneur she is a shining example that a woman can have it ALL!  Check out Loren's latest endeavor, Loren's World here!

Loren Jewels, comprised of high-end earrings, necklaces, rings, and bracelets, is symbolic of a new tradition reflecting Ridinger's personal standard of style and elegance. Ridinger draws inspiration from the poise and allure of history's most celebrated fashion-forward eras, along with her own extensive world travels. 

I'm constantly surprised at how affordable the Halston Heritage collection is. They don't make a ton of jewelry, but there's a nice selection of pieces and most go very well with the brand's retro-chic clothing. This gold cuff is only $44 and would make for a beautiful complement to an all-black or all-white look - especially a draped, goddess-like dress. Sure it's not the most original piece, but it's easy and versatile. Plus the texture makes it eye-catching as those the curvature designed to hug the forearm.

Ladies, start saving your pennies now. A pair of Imperial topaz, ruby and diamond JAR ear pendants that once belonged to Ellen Barkin are on the block again as part of Christie's upcoming "Jewels: The New York Sale" on Oct. 20. (The earrings originally sold in its Ellen Barkin Collection sale four years ago as part of 17 JAR pieces that went on the block.) Gorgeous, right? The jewels were specially created for Barkin by the incomparable Joel Rosenthal of JAR and are comprised of an elongated oval-cut Imperial topaz stone surrounded by circular-cut diamonds and ruby clusters, with a diamond-set link. The pair has French assay and maker's marks and comes in a JAR pink leather fitted case. As for their lineage? Barkin wore them to a 2005 Vanity Fair Oscars party. FYI: at the original auction, these ear pendants sold for $710,400 (they were estimated to bring in $80,000); this time around they're estimated to go for $300,000 to $500,000. And that's being conservative.

Pearls were a big part of Vera Wang's fall runway collection, and statement making pearl necklaces--such as this gorgeous confection--were the centerpieces. Simply put: this necklace is going to look hot come fall. Don't you just adore the pearls fashioned into bundles of flowers--all attached on a metal mesh base that's both cool and lightweight? It's sure to be a conversation starter, be it paired with a floral Oscar de la Renta cocktail dress or slick Jil Sander pantsuit. Just remember: this necklace is more than enough jewelry for any neckline. Keep the earrings and bracelets at home!

$795, available at Neiman Marcus

Just when I thought Van Cleef & Arpels' Alhambra collection was getting majorly overexposed--counterfeit versions are a dime a dozen in Manhattan--Blake Lively goes and makes me change my mind. She was spotted on the set of "Gossip Girl" not too long ago wearing the jeweler's turquoise and white gold butterfly pendant as she shot scenes for the upcoming season. I love the light hue of the turquoise butterfly--the "Lucky Alhambra"--combined with the 18K white gold. The best part? This lovely necklace is part of Van Cleef's permanent collection. Timeless--just how I like my jewelry.

$2,500, available at Van Cleef & Arpels boutiques

I've been to countless events these past few years, but last night may have been the best one I've ever been to! Hosted by Fenton/Fallon designer Dana Lorenz, the event took place in the designer's NYC boutique and all of us bloggers were invited to make our own piece of jewelry (with Dana's help!), while indulging in popcorn, cookies, and U'Luvka Vodka cocktails. Above you can see the DIY tables that were set-up and below is a picture of my creation (love how it looks with my Ports 1961 jacket and Rebecca Minkoff top!). A few people told me it was their fave, which totally made my night. Absolutely love it and will certainly be wearing it out tomorrow night when I go to Fleur de Lys in San Fran (am leaving tonight for California - have been dying to go to the Hubert Keller restaurant ever since he appeared on Top Chef Masters!).

The event also marked my first time in the Fenton/Fallon store. I've bought a few of the brand's pieces at Barneys Co-op and actually had no idea they had a boutique until I was invited to this event. It's definitely worth a trip. Not only is there an awesome selection of jewelery, Dana has curated a stunning selection of vintage clothing and shoes (new), which she merchandises with her bold jewelery. I was on such a high after the event I went home and bought three bracelets all of which, lucky for me, are on sale:-)

Last week Casio hosted an event to celebrate their new G-Shock watches. Honestly I didn't even know these still existed! When I was younger, I was completely obsessed with Baby G watches and I still have all the ones that I got as rewards for good grades and such (gotta love parents and their bribery tactics!).

Not only do these watches still exist, there are a ton of different styles as I learned at the event! Below is a photo I snapped of the Hellz Bellz x Baby-G watches - the BG5600HZ-7 and the BG5600HZ-9 - each of which is an ode to 80s pop culture. The watches will retail for $89 when they hit stores in September.

Also worth singling out is the G-Shock GLS5600KL, pictured above. It comes in 3 colorways and will retail for $130 when it hits in September. I love the retro look of this style (kind of reminds me of Timex80), but it's also a very practical watch with shock resistance (naturally!), water resistance up to 200 meters, low temperature resistance to -4°F, auto backlight, world time, four multi-function alarms, dual 1/100th second stopwatches, countdown timer, mute function, and 12/24 hour formats.

Anna Kendrick recently walked the red carpet at the LA premiere of "Scott Pilgrim vs. The World" wearing Kwiat vintage collection rose cut diamond drop earrings ($7,300) and the matching ring ($6,200). Such gorgeous pieces! I actually predicted that they would be a lot pricier than they are given their delicate craftsmanship. I only wish that Anna had her hair pulled back a little bit more so she could show off the earrings better!

To inquire about either of these Kwiat pieces call (212) 725-7777.

This is a runway look that easily translates to everyday wear. The dramatic bunches of irregularly strand pearls puts a much needed twist on your grandmother's single strand necklace. No round neckline dress or twin set necessary with this, get funky or be ladylike, either way you have an updated look that is still classic and pretty. At
Bergdorf Goodman for $650.

Carolina Bucci's family has been in the jewelry business for over 125 years, so she literally has been immersed in the industry her whole life. In addition to a dozen different collections, the designer has a bespoke line. It's her Bambini line however that won me over!

No, I don't have kids to buy pieces from the Bambini line for, but is it wrong that I would wear the bracelet below and pin above myself!? I find them adorable! When I was growing-up my mother decked me out in layers and layers of jewelry (well, not sure how much of that was her doing and how much of that was mine...), needless to say I still have a done of children's baubles from my childhood, some of which I layer and wear out when I'm feeling in a cutesy mood. Not all kids' jewelery fits an adult unfortunately so who knows if I could even close the bracelet below around my wrist!

The collection is made from 18K gold and can be personalized via engraving.

I don't even remember how I came to discover Darcy Miro, but the New York-based artist is one of the most talented sculptors and jewelery designers I've seen in a long while. Seriously her pieces make you want to wear nothing else besides her jewelry! She makes everything from handcrafted mirrors and door knobs, to gorgeous cuffs and rings. Her one-of-a-kind pieces are inspired from such everyday things as leaves and side-walk cracks (she uses found objects to shape sheets of wax which are then cast into metal). Her line is crafted from oxidized copper, gold, and sterling silver.

There is a gritty-meets-earthy-ness to Miro's work (nothing is ever polished), which feels very authentically New York, but with a rustic twist. The designer has a number of collaborations in the works including ones with Yigal Azrouel and Brett Westfall of Unholy Matrimony. Check-out her website to see her work or if you're in the NYC-area stop by the artist's Fort Greene studio in Brooklyn. Call 212.366.9896.