Recently in Bangles Category

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.

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.

Rachel Leigh is best known for her bangles which you've likely seen everywhere from Bloomingdale's to Bergdorf, but the line has an endless array of bracelets, necklaces, earrings, rings, hair accessories, and more. While her skinny bangles are great, I prefer buying things that a bunch of my friends don't already have (it's seriously incredible how this line has grown in just a few years!), which is why I'm loving the two bracelets above. The one on the left is ocean-inspired ($168) and has this wonderful vintage feel to it. It would look great stacked with some more bracelets or could work as a stand-alone piece depending on the outfit/time of day it's worn. In contrast, I love the spunk of the chunky gold bracelet ($132) on the right. Bibb necklaces are starting to get way too over-played, so this is a nice alternative. 

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!

Add some unique dimension to your stacked bangles. These can be worn by itself or mixed with other bangles or bracelets to create a truly personalized look. I also love wearing one big bangle with some smaller bracelets. It gives you a look that is full of character and confidence. These Mark Davis bangles are spectacular with a vintage look that you know will be in your collection for years.

Dot Bangle in solid cream vintage bakelite set with yellow gold circle inlay, $5200.

Olga Bangle in deep red marbled vintage bakelite with semi-precious gemstones set into 18k yellow gold, $8900.

Eunice Bangle in solid blue vintage bakelite with amethyst and 18k yellow gold dot inlay, $4380.

Jane Bangle in solid grey vintage bakelite with 2.72ct rhodolite and .64ct blue topaz set into 18k white gold, $1230.

Citrine by Stones was started by a mother-daughter team and everything in the line is handcrafted at their studios in Miami and Peru (they also donate 10% of all profits from their website sales to Bridges Across Bordersa, a non-profit organization that focuses on clothing, feeding and providing shelter and education for Cambodian children). I love the Greek goddess feel of some of their 18K gold pieces. Particularly the three pictured above which are all versatile and easy to wear. I can totally picture these looking great with a flowing boho or draped dress! Most pieces in the line retail for under $250 which is great considering their 18K and handcrafted.

From left -

• Wire Cuff Simple, $188
  
• Chain Wire Ring Gold, $155
• Triple Bangle Gold, $217

It doesn't always take a 4 figure Chanel bag to make us happy (though it would be very nice!)-- a chic Chanel bangle or two or three will do the trick, too.  And of course the Kaiser knew that one bangle would not be enough for his Chanel girl-- and he put three chic bangles in one lovely package for $565!  That's thrice as nice when stacked together-- I'm a bangle girl and I love the sounds of bangles subtly clicking and clanging while I move around!  Nina Garcia told me once that bangles should be worn in odd numbers, I don't know if it's for good luck or for style's sake but I'm going to go with it.  If you're still looking to treat yourself or your Valentine-- grab a set of these lovely bangles asap!
At Chanel.com and Chanel boutiques worldwide.