October 2011 Archives

The next time I come up with a jewel idea, I'm going to act fast. Seems Finn beat me to a great, understated design: a shark tooth pendant necklace.

The inspiration stems from my annual trip to Ponte Vedra beach with my husband and son. We discovered this beach years ago, and it's become one of our favorite spots in Florida - and not for its white sands. It certainly isn't a "take a stroll" or "lie in the sun" type of beach. This is a fun, treasure-hunt beach. The entire craggy coastline is fraught with shells and shark teeth. We spend hours with our son looking for teeth amongst the innumerable shells and stones. When I do find one (usually oxidized and black), I shriek as if I've just snagged a Birkin on sale!

We now have an entire jar of shark teeth, and I've been thinking about drilling holes and making them into necklace charms on a piece of leather. Looks like Finn was on the same page. Their Medium Mako necklace is just that. Except they've taken it one brilliant step further by dipping the tooth in gold, and tying it a to a rugged woven cotton cord suites the earthy sensibility. If I had just gotten my drill out sooner. Now it will definitely be my DIY project over the weekend. Follow my beachcombing lead - or save yourself some work and indulge in this gold tooth nugget! At Barneys New York for $695.

Pair with: Bring your beach treasure into winter territory with Jeffrey Campbell's fur-lined Brit boots, a rough motorcycle style with gold hardware and wrap-around straps. On Ssense for $295.

Clearly, I am having a LuLu Frost moment! Even though there's a generous amount of visual action going on with Lulu Frost's dangling jewel, it ultimately amounts to one of the prettiest tassel necklaces I've ever seen. Perhaps because the design isn't relying on the tassel as the centerpiece - it actually serves as a sweet extra. Layered chains make for a multi-strand look that balances the heft of the pendant and flowing tassel - perfect. They complement and don't compete with the enticingly crafted pave-encrusted feather pendant, molded with a graceful curved lines that grant the necklace a dreamy Art Nouveau twist.

It all melds together in an intriguing way, evoking a vintage feel with a modern touch. This gold-plated necklace is lovely enough to be showcased against a simple silhouette, yet hip enough to pair with jeans and a white tee. A bold little treasure at a great price!
On Net-a-Porter for $355.

Pair with: Soften up strands of gold-plated metal with a light woven bracelet. Alyssa Norton brings a delicacy to braided silk, trimmed in an oxidized brass chain and white rhinestones. At Barneys New York for $110.

With my anniversary coming up soon (eight years!), I am in touch with my sentimental side. I would really love to have jewelry that reminds me of weddings and true love. Lucky for me, Cathy Waterman has some serious stunners to ogle over. She has a magic touch when it comes to precious jewels - each of her creations looks one-of-a-kind, as if it was discovered in a romantic forest.

How's the rose-cut diamond ring ($37,330) as a second engagement ring? (I'm talking to my husband. I hope he is reading this!). This delicate vintage style, a perfect 2.11-karat stone framed by nuanced platinum, symbolizes eternal love and timelessness. But that's not the only gem that has caught my eye. Cathy's pyramid ring ($6,120) makes a great wedding band, but it's so versatile it can also just be considered a classic ring, perfect for coordinating with other rings for that handful-of-multiple-rings look.

Or express yourself with the subtlest of lettering. Normally, anything that says "Love" is so obvious it just dilutes the dreamy fairy-tale concept with overt schmaltz. Not this ring (in 22-karat yellow gold ($4,290)) or pendant ($3,090). Here, the message is abstract and cheese-free; there is suddenly a mystique to the word.

Now you might think the fire opal ring ($11,510), made with 22-karat gold and surrounded by pave diamonds, is out of place in this pale collection, but think about it. The burning desire of love, the flames of passion that can't ever be extinguished...yes, I am basically a walking romance novel. I just need the jewels to prove it!

It's the sparkle that counts! Even a hardcore diamond addict like myself was (almost) fooled by these glistening discs. So it's no shock Lulu Frost is familiar with real and fake diamonds and everything in between. Designer Lisa Salzer, who founded the brand in New York City in 2004, has jewelry in her blood - her maternal family, which goes by the name Frost, has been in the estate jewelry business for decades. Now Lisa is all about blending modern, vintage, and antique elements for her own take on costume jewels.

And she knows her stuff. The rustic gold-plated bar makes for a flawless contrast to a silver-plated orb of clustered pave crystals. With a 2" drop, these are plentiful without being overbearing, so they leave room to layer on the other strands, beads, and baubles, whether you mix them up with top-of-the-line stones or jewels pulled from your own family's collection.

However you wear these earrings, the touch of bedazzlement is just what you need as you approach the holidays. On Net-a-Porter for $140.

Pair with: Highlight that sliver of golden metal with Gucci's Bette strappy, sling-back sandals. Shimmering bronze will make your feet radiate heat, and put some flash in your party-time step. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $725.

It's rare you see a monochrome-black, multi-material necklace. Leave it to Belgian designer Ann Demeulemeester to bring a dark edge to feathers and Swarovski stones - it's all thanks to her twisted, punky, and subtle sensibility.

For Fall 2011, she had her mind on mythological animals (inspired after casting her own silver jewels from the feet of birds she found in her backyard!), and birds entered the picture, via feather-explosive belts and wild, windblown hair. This big pendant necklace is a quiet way to channel the statement and inject some classic Demeulemeester edge into your daily wear.

A long cotton cord lightens up the weight of the sparkling stone, while brass screw-fasteners on the feather bring her signature industrial feel into the mix. Feathers will always add an unexpected touch to accessorizing; jet-black, this is an impossibly easy one to incorporate (and you won't risk the cheese factor of bright colors). Throw this one on last minute for a fast getaway that is sure to play up your confident style. At At Saks Fifth Avenue for $175. for $175.

Pair with: Enhance industrial-meets-romantic black with a heavy-metal belt. Etro's plaque- and ring-embellished cincher, complete with visible screws, will finalize your accoutrements. On Net-a-Porter for $630.

My friend Kelly Framel, aka The Glamourai, is offering her line of fabulous jewels up for sale! An Austin native, Kelly is a Texas girl at heart. While crafting her unique pieces in New York City, she stays true to her super-sized state roots and understands the impact of statement-making jewelry.

With lots of vintage inspiration, Kelly uses antique and recycled materials for sustainable pieces that transcend time. I love the Rosé chandelier earrings ($115.50 from $165), opulent clusters of Czech crystal glints and muted-pink rosette stones set in antique brass. On an attention-grabbing scale with just a hint of sparkle, these would look as good with a T-shirt and jeans as they would a fancy evening dress. Or really go for it with the Blush breastplate necklace ($220.50 from $315), an ethnic-exotic stunner that's not for the meek of fashion heart. Made from an antique Middle Eastern setting, this could easily be a discovered treasure off a street-side marketplace in Istanbul. Amber tassel charms and a woven cord modernize the mega-piece and make it an accessible update. Shop now at her online boutique, and receive a major 30% off!

Drop earrings: they frame the face, elevate it to another level of sensuality, and put emphasis on how alluring your neck and jawline looks. Kelly doesn't wear earrings (she has sensitive skin so earring irritate and bad things happen), but I love them for these reasons. Hey, they've been around since 2000 B.C. and during the Renaissance, women who adorned their ears were regarded as "improper." That has to be a good sign!

Most danglers glitter with clusters of gems, which is why I'm always on the hunt for something a bit more exotic. Tusks will certainly turn up the heat. Not only do Monique Péan's delicate yet dagger-like earrings frame the face, they are bound to make a statement even if you're wearing a T-shirt and jeans. I adore the look of elephant tusks -they speak of faraway lands and earthy romance - but they are not only un-PC, they are illegal (unless they're vintage or recycled, of course). Made of recycled gold with Mwanza warthog tusk (that's wild pig tusks!), they capture the same feral quality. Tiny champagne diamonds at the top ensure complete glamour. Wildly chic. And I do mean wild in the most literal sense of the word. At Barneys New York for $3,375.

Pair with: Earrings like these warrant a vivacious shoe that will bring out your savagely decadent side. These metallic T-strap sandals by Giuseppe Zanotti boast a curvy, heel-less shape that will have people looking twice. Giuseppe Zanotti Metallic Leather Curved-Wedge T-Strap Sandals, $895.

Less is more? I don't think so! With this maximal beaded necklace, Alexis Bittar proves more is not only more, it's better. The mixed media of these multi-shaped, oversized stones and crystals packs enough oomph for ten necklaces. It also carries the variety of ten different pieces. Smokey quartz, turquoise, chysoprase, dyed chalcedony, fluorite, and imitation pearls (good luck repeating all that when people ask you what your jewel is!) have all come together for a monumental medley that looks powerful enough to shatter the earth. Actually, these rocky beads look as though they were plucked right from it. Encrust some of them in pave Swarovski crystal detailing, with gold thicket separators, and more interest has been added to an already fascinating array of eye candy.

That's why I love Alexis Bittar - his use of color, texture, and shapes keeps him at the top of his game, and this chunky necklace is a prime example of his capabilities. The question is, are you capable of pulling it off? This is for a girl with bold confidence, and a strong collarbone to match. I say go for it. Rarely do quirky, ethnic, and elegant come together for the ultimate sense of chic. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $545.

Pair with: How to make exotic beads fall-appropriate? Wear this with a spectacularly simple dress. Joseph's gray merino wool sheath knows better than to even try to compete. At Barneys New York for $495.

While exploring the Alexander McQueen showroom in Paris (I was invited the day after the runway show, and yes, I was walking on air), it wasn't just the spectacular assortment of bags that captivated by wide eyes and palpitating heart. This metallic rose-gold harness nearly stole the show! Not only did it bring to mind the pieces I ogled over at McQueen's Savage Beauty exhibit at the Met this past summer, like his jewelry collaborations with Shaun Leane, it conjured up a whole slew of fabulous outfits this would inspire.

Racy, serpentine, and with a hint of bondage, a little bit dangerous: this harness is fraught with connotations. But the result is simply heaps of instant style. And that frequently unattainable combination is everything McQueen stands for - which is why I love him!

Add exoticism to a slender black dress (Antonio Berrardi- or Roland Mouret-level tailoring is key), a gauzy, empire-waisted gown in a pale color (it will make any oddly angelic dress even more ethereal), or even a plain white T-shirt (that's an instance when statement heels would be in order). Until I can get my hands on this harness, I'll just let my imagination run wild.

There is something about the natural modesty of wood, the inherent earthiness, that sets the ideal stage for showcasing the brilliance of bling. Opposites attract, and this sparkle wouldn't look quite so sparkly on a shiny metal. That could explain my recent obsession with wood jewelry! Objets d'Envy have taken dark wood and elevated it into the realm of glam with exaggerated faceted crystals for maximum contrast and powerful impact.

The wood they use is from the rapidly and sustainably growing Sono tree in Indonesia, and each ring is made by hand so these Frugal Snob-approved pieces feel truly special. No generic crystals either - take your pick of caramel, goldenrod, and frosty silver or in the case of the Treteaux, smoke. For color, the Solo packs a prismatic punch. I love the caramel and smoke best - caramel balances the tone of the wood, while smoke deviates nicely.

There's a lot going on here, which is why you should let each one stand alone! All three, from the edgy pyramid stud-inspired Treteaux to the round disco ball-esque Solo to the four-packed Tetra, is large and in charge, so you don't need wear much more than one statement ring. A simple wood bangle and you're pretty well set.

Treteaux Ring at Objets d'Envy for $59.

Solo Ring at Objets d'Envy for $56.

Tetra Ring at Objets d'Envy for $56.

Pair with: Or bring some metal into the mix with one simple, clean cuff. Kenneth Jay Lane's ultra-thick cuffs, in rhodium-plated silver or 22-karat gold-plated, are both brushed down to a semi-matte finish so they won't compete with your ring.

I love a good leather cuff. Givenchy's hardware-heavy interpretation gets my heart racing, and Hermès obviously holds the title as Queen of Cuff-dom, but I don't even want to tell you how much theirs runs (almost four figures!). Along comes Ann Mashburn's similar take on the strong leather cuff for a mere two-digits.
What's the allure? When you lead an active and busy lifestyle but won't resort to wearing sweats all day, it's as easy as one, two, three: jeans, T-shirt, and a leather cuff. It's the accessory that makes the uniform without taking you out of easy, daytime-casual territory. Chestnut leather is multi-seasonal, contrast stitching makes it look clean, and sleek push-stud closure suits the mood. Choose between 1" and 1.5" width (I'm partial to thicker bands when it comes to leather), and you have the perfect well-priced wrist topper. I will definitely be stuffing this in my friends' stockings come Christmas - Kelly will go nuts for it! At Ann Mashburn for $70.

Pair with: Ribbon-trimmed ballet flats bring a sense of girly chic to firm leather. Pretty Ballerinas have taken toe shoes (you even get to break them in yourself, as there's no designated right and left) and made them streetwise. Pretty Ballerinas Original 1918 Dance Shoes, $200.

Putting together the bits and pieces of a woman's life is no easy task. But 31 Bits plans to do just that, for a number of women. When Kallie Dovel traveled to Uganda in 2007, she was inspired by the women she met there. Making their own jewelry, they had skill and creativity but nowhere to apply it. Now Kallie and her team work with 115 women in Gulu, Uganda who create beautiful jewelry out of rolled, recycled paper. By purchasing jewelry on a monthly basis from each woman individually, 31 Bits provides her with an immediate and consistent income so she can support herself. This Orange County-based company also has a team that lives in Uganda as well.

See these beads? Believe it or not, each one is completely made of rolled recycled paper! That is just about the coolest thing I've seen in a long time! Earthy and eclectic, these layered necklaces and colorful bracelets are as affordable as they are inspiring (prices start at just $8). It's no surprise fashion-forward mom Jessica Alba has been spotted wearing their beads, and People Style Watch featured 31 Bits as their "Green Buy of the Month" this past August. Conscious, compassionate, and chic, who knew paper could hold this much power? Available at 31 Bits.

Who knew shackles could be so fashionable? And we're not talking about the S&M crowd. Then again, who knew Tiffany & Co. could be so unorthodox? Whether you think their relatively new Locks serious - heart-shaped keyhole pendants, solid-gold padlocks, and yes, a great array of bangles - is delightfully kinky or just plain cool, it's evident Tiffany has upped their game. After 2009's sweet and delicate Keys series, the tougher, hipper lock concept will change the jewel house's image for those who thought they were too "safe."

That's not to say these bangles don't have all the sweetness, delicacy, and, of course, quality we expect from the brand. The clean, smooth Locks Bangle ($750) has all the refinement of their simple sterling-silver pieces, just with the nuanced touch of a keyhole and two diamonds. Or get more playful with the theme. Sans logo, the Heart Lock hinged bangle ($650), has a charming hanging lock, so admirers can wonder if they hold the key to your heart. The big winner, though, is the biggest and chunkiest bangle. And the most seductive. With the heft of a cuff and an air of sexy confinement, the Vintage Lock bracelet ($1,850) makes a strong statement with its bold 18-karat gold lock. So which one of these holds the design to put your love on lockdown?

Known as a sacred animal in the East and regarded as a symbol of perseverance and wisdom, the elephant is a special animal. In the form of a gorgeous Ganesh charm (a Hindu deity famed for being a remover of obstacles), it's extra-special. Not only is Slane's little 18-karat pendant, adorned with diamond, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds so chic hanging from a simple natural leather cord with gold clasp, it lets you look pretty and give something back.

For every necklace bought, 15% of proceeds go to Bent on Learning, a organization offering New York City school kids, in grades K-12, yoga classes and meditation instructions to reduce stress, improve concentration, self-esteem and overall health. I know the idea of offering yoga and meditation to kindergarteners sounds kooky, but both really are excellent skills for improving concentration. Actually, they're not so different from naps or quiet time - they just take even more diligence and introspection. I taught my son at a very young age to sit quietly and close his eyes whenever he felt out of control or too hyper. In pre-K, his teachers told me when the rest of the class was climbing the walls, they'd find him under a table, sitting cross legged with his eyes closed. Sometimes the elephant in the room is a good thing! At Slane for $2,600 (currently for delivery in 4-6 weeks).

Pair with: Layer your cord with another positive message. Solange Azagury-Partridge's 18-karat gold chain is sweet and to the point. "Love" says it all. On Net-a-Porter for $2,800.

Refined and understated. Bold and high-impact. Glance over your jewel box and you'll see that most of your beads and baubles fall into one of those two categories, but I'm willing to bet, you won't find many that fit into both. That's what makes Marco Bicego's layered bracelet such an incredible piece.

Out of the exotic Africa collection, inspired by intense sub-Saharan wilderness, there's an ethnic influence to the shapes of the beads. Daring and irregular in form and size, Bicego revels in their imperfections, and so do I! These hefty 18-karat gold spheres are spaced out generously so each one can receive the attention it deserves. Classic and modern at once, three strands (fixed and closed with a bar clasp) really get the point across, whereas any less would fall short and any more would be pure excess. And what is the point? It's, of course, to marvel over this bracelet's earthy solid-gold beauty. Yes, solid-gold with a price to match - it's a bit of a hindrance, to say the least. I would be happy with a faux 18-karat version, as long as the hypnotizing shapes remained the same, but then again, there is nothing like genuine polished gold. At Saks Fifth Avenue for $9,580.

Pair with: Counter all that beaded volume with a minimal wedge. Bottega Veneta's python sandals have nothing more than a few straps to hold your foot in place, and a sense of exotic refinement to match your jewel. Bottega Veneta Python Wedge, $960.

While her spectacular Salvatore Ferragamo Ember clutch, chrome-tanned houndstooth snakeskin is fiercely eye-catching, it's the heavily and menacingly layered silver cuffs and bracelet that make this look. Captured by Phil Oh in the midst of Paris Fashion Week, this mysterious girl has the blending of tough and chic accessories down pat. Excess looks cool when it comes in the form of bullets, engraved antique-style gold, medical-ID spin-offs, and a cuff boasting a fox head surround by a cluster of rams. And a touch of Chanel never hurts! Alone, these bracelets would look random and lack purpose; together, especially with deep blue nail polish, they say, "I'm too cool to be trifled with."

Create this no-nonsense, mega-metal look on your own with this array of wrist ornaments:

Eddie Borgo Scorpion Silver-Plated Bracelet on Net-a-Porter for $565.

Pamela Love Talon Sterling Silver Cuff on Net-a-Porter for $1,150.

Marmen Limited Edition Trust Me Bracelet on Luisa Via Roma for $443.

Dannijo Harlow Silver-Plated Swarovski Crystal ID Bracelet on Net-a-Porter for $245.

Fenton Gold Antler Cuff at Barneys New York for $425.

Kenneth Jay Lane Polished Lobster Claw Bracelet on ShopBop for $110.

Mawi Gun Metal Bracelet on Luisa Via Roma for $735.

Alexis Bittar Large Otto Crumbled Bracelet at Bergdorf Goodman for $475.

Can't get enough woven goodness? Here's a ring for the Bottega Veneta obsessed (guilty!). Yes, my love for their iconic - and addictive - intrecciato weave spills over past bags into shoes, belts, and yes, jewels. Nobody ever said it had to come in the form of buttery leather. Somehow, it can be just as yummy in oxidized sterling silver. (Although it is hard to top their big, frayed hobos)

Now $450 for a silver ring might not initially sound like much of a bargain, but if you take Bottega's sky-high bag and shoe prices into consideration, this is something you can wear daily for way less (and you don't have to fret about wear and tear). Yes, my mind often plays these irrational tricks to justify purchases, but this is actually a good investment and it's been proven to be a timeless look. Bold cocktail rings are lots of fun but they are equally fleeting; this chunky yet sleek piece will endure. Let it stand alone for a classic look or mix it up with other rings - intrecciato weave makes a statement without shouting loudly, no matter what form it comes in. On Net-a-Porter for $450.

Pair with: Shake it up and go moderately eclectic with Iosselliani's three-in-one ring, a sterling silver and gold-plated layered look of crystals and a studded stone. At Barneys New York for $195.

Is it a headband or is it a necklace? It's whichever you want it to be! Excuse me, but with all the shows going on in Paris right now, I have all the whimsy of spring on the brain, so this off-kilter piece is kind of speaking to me at the moment. Isajon designer Ethy Lachkar bases each piece in her line on the concept of chains, pieced together link by link, melded into something else. Treating the tangled bits of metal like rope, Isajon works a glam-rock sensibility into feminine ethereality. Which is why this intriguing piece actually works with asymmetrical and off-kilter harmony. Draped strands tumbled into hard-edged flowers, with a fabric ribbon in the back. Around the neck, it's a major statement piece that would look best layered with a plethora of other draped necklaces; as a headband, you are suddenly channeling your inner medieval goddess, so wear it with something long, flowing, and minimal. Either way, put it on and carry it with dreamy confidence. On Luisa Via Roma for $204.

Pair with: Bring a shock of deep, bold color to your hand with Chan Luu's timeless blue agate cocktail ring. Brushed sterling silver makes for sculptural modernity, while the transfixing color of the stone brings to mind a more romantic era. On Net-a-Porter for $155.

Asymmetrical baubles, nooks, and crannies evoke something extraterrestrial! Inspired by a space-age discotheque, Marc by Marc Jacobs' Space Travel ring is a funky-meets-futuristic reminder that statement cocktail rings don't need to cost a fortune - its sometimes the quirky ones stand out the most. Unusual in both style and title, this glass-crystal and gunmetal-toned brass jewel has so much going on - multi-colored crystals are sparsely set to reveal lovely negative space (which then becomes the real focal point) and then that mysterious ribbon-esque figure across the top is totally amazing. Look closely and you'll realize it's not an untied bow, but an abstract rocket about to take off into the galaxy of the rest of your hand. The combination of a kooky space shuttle with rainbow sparkle and a glammed-out size makes for a ring that's pretty in its own way - which is always the best way. On Net-a-Porter for $100.

Pair with: Statement ring equals statement shoe. Nothing says "out of this world" like a sexy-tough McQueen creation. These massive stilettos have an easy-tread platform sole and captivating hardware to catapult your feet into the stratosphere of cool.
Alexander McQueen Runway Platform, call 212-872-8940 or e-mail Eddie Curtis at Bergdorf Goodman to order.

Always-eclectic Fenton jewelry is fantastical mix of chains, pearls, beads, rhinestones, and even sometimes fur and ribbon. Designer Dana Lorenz has a knack for bringing together dueling personalities, like the kooky and the classic, in an energetically excessive fashion. Now she has combined Shambhala-style beads, which everyone is crazy about at the moment, with her trademark tough girl-chic aesthetics.

These rather threatening cuffs are a dream for the girl who does Vinyasa and Ashtanga religiously, but despite her need for peace, loves her heavy metal. Human form gets rock 'n' roll edge on the silver cuff, but instead of infusing expected skulls, bones take on a graceful yet menacing feel. The onyx beads keep the bracelet grounded - and pretty - amidst all those spikes. For a softer, though equally bold look, Baroque-inspired details take over the primarily onyx cuff.

As much as I'm into the hard-soft aesthetic when it comes my jewels, I might have to leave these to the childless for now. I'm concerned cuz my six-year-old is often stabbed by studs on my belts and bracelets - those are usually harmless but razor-sharp spikes are another story!

Silver and Onyx Bone Cuff Bracelet at Barneys New York for $525.

Onyx and Silver Beaded Cuff Bracelet at Barneys New York for $600.

Pair with: Mix movable comfort and bad-girl bite with Rick Owens Lilies' jersey leggings. They're semi-sheer and totally relaxed, so you can do your Reverse Warrior, then hit the rock show. On Net-a-Porter for $415.

There are accessories and then they are ACCESSORIES. In case you happen to have an Amazonian perception of jewels, Adia Kibur's necklace falls into the latter category. Kibur says super-size it, and in this case, I say bring it on! This resin and metal mash-up gives common links a major twist, as chunky, oversized links lead to even larger ones, for a statement-maker of creamy resin at your chest. And just think how dainty your neck and collarbone area will look against this mega-piece!

For way trendy pieces like this (read: something of such novelty shouldn't be a lifetime investment), I like to keep the prices way low, too. Marbled resin makes this curb-chain piece look expensive and not plastic-y - which equals cheap-y. Nobody needs to know this is a Frugal Snob steal - they'll be too focused on your confidence anyway.

Got a chunky cable-knit sweater that makes all of your jewelry look dinky? Here is your answer. Just keep all other jewels as paired down as possible, and spring for a pumped-up platform shoe to balance you out. In the case of this necklace, more - and bigger - is definitely merrier. On ShopBop for $65.

Pair with: If you're not feeling the big heel, you can still harmonize with a lot of shoe. Chloé's rustic Tuscon boots in butter-camel leather are knee-high and have a silver-toned metal cuff for an element of surprise. On Net-a-Porter for $1,095.