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.
Recently in Silver Category
My mother is one of those lucky women (or not depending on your perspective), who think she does not look good in jewelry. Personally I don't believe in such a thing, but every time she has a wedding anniversary, birthday or some other occasion I (usually at my father's request no less!), try to force some piece of jewelry on her. She is very slender and always feels that jewelry attracts unwanted attention to her thin wrists, bony fingers and neck (if only I had that problem!). On most days she sticks to nothing more than her wedding ring and Cartier watch (diamond-less Santos:-( ). While this would unfortunately not fit for my mother, if you have a mama that's more into jewelry, how cute are Marissa Alperin's sweet pea necklaces? With prices from $120 to $800 they fit a variety of budgets and you can pick the one that features her fave stone/birthstone...or go for my fave 18K white gold with diamonds:-)
Odds are you've never heard of Ben-Amun, but if you've ever flipped through Vogue, Elle, Bazaar, Marie Claire, or tuned your TV on to a red carpet, you've likely seen pieces from the collection. The brand has been in business for over 30 years and is designed by Isaac Manevitz who works extensively with lucite, pewter, glass, and crystal which help keep his pieces looking a lot pricier than they are (few pieces are over $400 and you can get many for as little as $60). Celebs love the line because they can wear pieces without having to worry about insurance, body guards etc. when they're doing casual on-air appearance. The line has also been used in Calvin Klein, Donna Karan, and Ralph Lauren shows.
A lot of the pieces aren't my style (a bit too boho), but click through the site and you'll find some wonderful costume pieces at prices that won't have you stressing!
Pictured above from left --
Expandable 14k Gold Plated and Jet Resin Bangle as featured in Vogue, $225
Crystal Bracelet as featured in Marie Claire, $270
There's nothing quite like a Delfina Delettrez piece when it comes to giving me the creeps! Her line of jewelry is incredibly popular judging by how many high-end retailers carry her pieces (plus she's heir to the Fendi empire), but I just don't understand who is buying these looks!? I have great respect for the designer, because her nature and anatomy-inspired jewels are truly original in their design, but they're way too gothic for my taste. This particular bracelet costs nearly $30,000 and while it may be interesting to look at from an artistic perspective, it's disturbing and I not only wouldn't want to wear it, I think I would be troubled standing next to someone who was wearing it!
What do you think about Delettrez's jewelry? Snob or Slob?
For a goes-with-everything, every day pair of earrings these Bottega Veneta Oxidized Silver Rosebud Earrings ($390) fit the bill to a T. Light-weight, under-stated, and not so expensive that you have to be overly fretful that you might loose one, the rosebud earrings have a fluid look to them (even though they're silver!), that is totally in line with the supple Bottega leather we all love. My brother saw me oogling them and just promised me them for my upcoming birthday:)
Heart on your sleeve is one thing; soul on your finger is quite another--and something I highly recommend if it's from Jil Sander. Just in time for Valentine's Day, the fashion house has debuted a new Soul collection of rings available only at the label's online boutique. Crafted in Italy, the finger candy boasts a chunky silver-and-enamel design that's a surefire standout for the minimalist house. It might not have quite the commanding presence of a Graff cocktail ring, but it's also one-tenth the price! Wear it to work with your suit and to cocktails with an LBD. A truly versatile ring, it whispers, doesn't shout, subtle style. The best part? I love that it's available in bright, perky colors like orange, blue, pink and yellow (not to mention black, which is an option for gents).
$540 available exclusively at www.jilsander.com
I saw these earrings at a Bottega trunk show in Beverly Hills a few months ago and ripped them right out of the display on to my own ears. I love chandelier earrings but it's difficult to carry off during the day, especially in diamonds! But this pair, the Diams in oxydized silver from Bottega Veneta brings just enough drama for day without feeling over done. The silver is handmade to emulate delicate Victorian lace-- which also makes them look like vintage pieces. For $460 it's an inexpensive way to add sparkle to your jewelry wardrobe! At Bottegaveneta.com
Post apocalyptic Mad Max looks are in! Instead of the Jetson's version of futuristic with clean lines and awesome robot maids, the current vision of the future is melting metal and leather and rags. Sounds depressing you say? It doens't have to be! Look at the Anndra Neen collection, the Island Coral Necklace, $745, with hammered copper, antique silver and gold mixed-media breastplate is definitely making the future look a bit brighter. And if that's not aggro enough for you, how about the Gladiator Cuff, $545, of hammered antique silver with spiked horns. Doubles as a weapon if the future is as dangerous as Hollywood is making it out to be.
When it comes of jewelry, it really is all in the details. These bangles look like any other until you realize that this is inlaid silver in oxidized metal. Designer Chhaya Kapadia drew inspiration from an ancient Indian art form of this painstaking process and the result is truly mind blowing. The craftsmanship required is so exact and detailed but when done right, like these are here, you get a little piece of treasure to cherish. The Flow Bangle ($750) with minimal in-laid silver is subtle and soothing. The Vine Bangle ($1750) is much more showy and impactful.
I love Kate Hudson's style, it is easy, chic and full of personality. To me jewelry is all about personal choices, whether it is sentimental or expressing your style. Brazilian jeweler Jack Vartanian has distinct pieces that really define personal style and Kate Hudson clearly agrees. She wore the gold cuff with black quartz during the day at a press conference at the Waldorf Astoria and showed up that night in the white gold fringe necklace and the aqua marine ring to the screening of "Nine" at Lincoln Square Center. The cuff, necklace and ring are all available at the Jack Vartanian boutique at 996 Madison Avenue, New York, NY.
Coco Chanel did not corner the market in costume jewelry, Miriam Haskell has been doing it since 1924 and has glittered Hollywood ever since. Malin Akerman wore the silver and pearl tassel necklace at the Chicago premiere of Couples Retreat. The details on this piece are stunning - a slinky 8" tassle, handwired European filigrees, and embellished clear crystal beads hang from silver plated snake chain necklace. Necklace is wrapped with lurex ribbon with the closure in front. Measures 26" from end to end. I love this most of all because it can go from red carpet to lunch with girlfriends, just a simple top and jeans. Trust me, this is all you need to make any outfit! Miriam Haskell Silver & Pearl Tassle Necklace for $960.
