Recently in Crystal Category

Yigal Azrouel was recently quoted as saying the following when discussing his incorporation of Swarovski crystals into his Fall 2010 collection -- "It was important for me to think about designing something totally different with Swarovski. The idea of applying a delicate and pristine Swarovski crystal to a rough, distressed leather jacket or a gauzy, draped t-shirt is counter-intuitive, and made the collaborative process that much more interesting."

A number of designers opted to incorporate crystals into their collection this season (Halston, Alexander Wang, Peter Som...), making the glitzy adornment one of the biggest F/W 2010 runway trends. Azrouel used them in the three key looks pictured above. First on an anthracite cracked suede jacket (worn over jet raw drape long sleeve tee and ink viscose silk pinstripe Toughened trouser), then on a Chestnut/Melange suede trim top (paired with anthracite cracked suede Toughened trouser), and lastly on an Ink quilt shoulder silk crepe dress). You can achieve a similar effect in a DIY fashion by heading to one of Swarovski's Crystallized Elements boutiques. They recently opened a fab one in Soho in NYC (if you go, you must schedule time to grab a bite/coffee in their cafe located in the back and lower level of the boutique. Not only is the food good, but how can you resist dining on a chair completely covered in crystals?!). The boutiques themselves sell an endless assortment of crystals which you can buy individually to customize anything you want -- perfect for a frugal take on the runway looks!

I think you know by now that I love big crazy cocktail rings; I pick them up everywhere from vintage boutiques, department stores and fine jewelers with prices ranging from $20 to very very expensive.  I do not bring my diamonds when I travel (they stay in a bank vault) and prefer fashion pieces like this ring from Cavalli.  For one thing I don't have to worry about losing it and for another, you do not want to mess with a girl who has this on her finger, she will CUT you!  This silver-tone brass ring with black Swarovski crystal embellishment is totally sick though it does eerily resemble a spider but don't think about that!  Just think about all the fun you'll have wearing it.  Roberto Cavalli Spider Swarovski Crystal Ring
$430.00

Amanda Rudey jewelry is seen coast to coast, from the streets of New York on Gossip Girls to the shores of California on 90210. And the best part, you can be a Frugal Snob AND still look like a shining star without compromising. This handmade North Star ring is only $130 and with code PEOPLEAR, you will recieve 20% off at AMANDA RUDEY, making is only $104!! Her collection ranges from $60-$345 - this code is good site wide until Feb. 12th. Let me know if you need me to send a hint to your significant other for the perfect Valentine's gift =) Code and info via People Style Watch.

Ranjana Khan has clearly become my favorite costume jewelry designer. You get drama, bling and feminine luxury. This new collection of pearls and crystals is a cascade of everything you love - frills and shiny things! The Chain Necklace has cultured pearls and faceted glass crystals with a silk rose making this a dream for the most girly of all girly girls. For $920, you are getting a romantic journey into a world of whim, fantasy and distinct sophistication. The Crystal and Flower Bracelet is a must with this piece, for $330. At Neiman Marcus.

Nothing like a little vintage flair to make sloppy tee shirt and jeans look like you mean it. It's the Kate Moss secret =) This Deco necklace is great for everything else as well, the big crystal pave ring hangs down right to your decolletage for added emphasis and the dangling ball at the end finishes it off with panache. The necklace itself are pink beads with a vintage closure. At My Theresa for $ 1078, which includes VAT but excludes shipping.

This Crystal Ball necklace by Janis Savitt is sparkly. I like sparkly. Sparkly, glittery things are soooooooo pretty. Clearly however, they turn me into a complete moron. I can't really wax poetic about this necklace because all I can come up with is that I like it 'cause it's covered in sparkly things. So there.

$375 at Neiman's.

This Vera Wang Crystal Rosette necklace for $850 is so damn pretty - and is a sign of things to come for fall. The modern bohemian look we've seen all summer will transform to a super-luxe, highly decorative and embellished Russian Folkloric style that will exude high-drama and sophistication.

Love, love, love. Now if only we could just breeze past the next 3 blisteringly hot months so I could wear this baby today...

*Sigh*

Henri Bendel Debutante Pearl Bracelet
More often than not, you will see me wearing a combination of two things - pave and pearls. While virtually everyone loves pave, I feel like pearls still get a bad rap. They're still perceived as prissy, stuffy and/or conservative, and evoke images of repressed '50s housewives holding apple pies with forced smiles.

Well, I think it's high-time we shatter that arcane image and embrace the pearl as a permanent fixture of our jewelry wardrobes, particularly when the pearls are decked out with dual-grosgrain striped ribbon, Swarovski crystals, and striped cubic zirconia beads. Too cute - and for $148, it's a steal.

Pearls are year-round, go with anything and brighten up any outfit. You can layer them with near-abandon, mix them with other jewels as well, and so long as you don't screw anything up balance-wise, combining them with chain link, leather, cameos, etc. is permitted!

Power to the pearls.

Erickson Beamon Turkish Delight Coin Necklace

There seems to be a running theme here lately with things I don't generally adore in their standard form, but when it comes to the jeweled version, I'm smitten.

Take for example, this Erickson Beamon Turkish Delight Coin Necklace. Turkish Delight, a strange gelatinous deliacy covered in confectioner's sugar doesn't do it for me. It's like a strange hybrid of jello, chewing gum and powdered donut. Gross. Not a fan. This necklace though is fantastic - and I don't have to eat it.

Decorated in Swarovski crystals and loaded with beautifully detailed medallions, this Turkish Delight is easily one I can sink my teeth into at $745.

Emilio Pucci Crystal Embellished Sunglasses

While the iconic Pucci print has never been my thing, these Pucci sunglasses which retail for $860 are another story. The shape is fantastic - and I am digging the 50s/60s-esque crystal detail - a little geometric without being overkill, unlike most of those rather loud and obnoxious patterns that continue to be coveted and copied to this day. Yes, I know, I know... Pucci is a fashion icon whose designs have been worn by countless celebrities and notables for decades and decades on end, but I'm entitled to my opinion, right? I've just never gotten it.

Either way, these here sunglasses absolutely meet my criteria for covetable.

Mona Assemi Chalcedony Necklace

Tassles are cool. Whether they're hanging from chandeliers, doorknobs, drawer pulls, or your own person, there's something about them that I love. Maybe it's the fluidity of their movement, or the delicate draping quality they have. In any case, this could very well be why I'm digging the Tassle Collection by designer Mona Assemi.

Mona Assemi Crystal Drop Earrings

Featuring 14k gold filled chains and tassles, the Chalcedony necklace retails for $200 and the Crystal Earrings retail for $80. Needless to say, this is another fantastic frugal find that would look perfect with virtually anything - even a bathing suit.