Monday, April 30, 2012

Trend Spotting: Lucky Horseshoes

I've been loving on this lucky horseshoe shape for months. I've seen tons of these cute symbols online, but haven't had very much luck seeing horseshoe jewelry in store.  To remedy the lack of horseshoes in my jewelry collection, I made my own lucky charm out of sterling silver and put it on a necklace. (That's me in the first picture!) For those of you interested in getting your own good luck charm, and don't have the means to make one yourself, see below for a group of pretty options!
1) Horseshoe Disc Pendant Necklace
2) Ettika Horseshoe Necklace
3) Tiffany Horseshoe Pendant
4) LORD & TAYLOR White Gold Diamond Horseshoe Pendant
5) House of Harlow 1960 Gold-plated Horseshoe Bangle
6) Ettika Small Lucky Horseshoe Leather Bracelet
7) Elizabeth and James Horseshoes Stud Earrings
8) Alex Woo Little Luck Horseshoe Necklace

Friday, April 27, 2012

Green Machine

How pretty are theses green and turquoise bracelets from Purple Paparazzi? Turquoise jewelry is one of my all time favorites, and to me, it just screams summer. I love wearing turquoise jewelry with white sundresses or jeans and white tank. It's so simple and you can let the jewelry really have the spotlight.
That being said, I didn't follow this simple rule of dress today.  I am actually wearing a bright Spring dress from Zara. But it all still works together.  I call this type of dressing, "willing the weather to change." It's been dreadfully cool and rainy here for days.
Dress: Zara, Cardigan: The Bay, Green Bracelets: c/o Purple Paparazzi, Spike bracelet: Stella & Dot Renegade Cluster Necklace (worn as a bracelet), Purse: Marc by Marc Jacobs Petal to the Metal Flap Pouchette, Nails: Essie Mod Square & Sally Hansen Smooth and Perfect Air.

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Trend Spotting: Pastel Jewelry


There is no doubt in my mind that neon is the shade du jour. But I think that a close runner up this season would have to be pastel shades. Pastel nails, pastel colored jeans, and pretty pastel blazers are all finding a place in the chicest closets this season.  But perhaps most successfully, pastels are showing up in jewelry for Spring.

If you're looking to wear the pastel trend this spring and summer, take a look at this styling board for ideas.

First image c/o Atlantic-Pacific.

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Steal Her Look: Blake Lively

Yesterday's post was all about Blake Lively's killer jewelry style. But kind of left you hanging in the "how to" department. So today's post will show you how you can get her look!

Suggested Necklaces:
Serena Necklace, Gemma Redux, Scatter Necklace, Gemma Redux
Suggested Bracelets:
Love Me Knot Bangle Set, CC SKYE, Stripe crystal stretch bracelet, J.Crew, Classic pavé link bracelet, J.Crew
Suggested Earrings:
Flightless Bird, Purple Paparazzi, Satvi Earrings, DANNIJO 
Suggested Rings:
Organic Stacking Ring, Bauble Bar, Mermaid Cocktail, Bauble Bar, Narrow Gold Tiles Ring, Bauble Bar


Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Celebrity Jewelry Style: Blake Lively

Blake Lively has an enviable style. From her golden, bouncy hair down to her Louboutins, she's got it going on.  Lately I've been obsessing over street style images of Blake and set photos of Serena van der Woodsen. They really are the same person, aren't they? Blake is often quoted as saying that she and Serena have the same wardrobe and her style wouldn't be where it is today without Gossip Girl.

Both Blake and Serena (is this getting confusing?) are all about accessorizing. There is no denying that Blake's clothes are top of the line and ultra chic, but her accessories usually steal the spotlight.

Here are a few of my fave Blake Lively jewelry moments:


pc: stylebistro.com, beadingnecklace.com, rosearkrated.com, coolspotters.com, boticca.com

Based on these photos, Blake appears to favor jewelry designers Gemma Redux, Lorraine Schwartz, Chanel, and Carla Reiter.  Can't blame her! 
***Check back tomorrow to see how you can steal her look!***

Monday, April 23, 2012

This or That: Stacked Rings vs. Solo Ring

 PC: stacked: Atlantic-Pacific Solo: Brooklyn Blonde
Lately I've been loving stacking up my thinner rings, one atop of the other, on the same finger.  If one ring on a finger is good, than two (or three!) is better.  I've found that this works best with thin rings in the a similar metal or color.  So do tell, do you prefer stacked rings or one chunkier solo ring?

Friday, April 20, 2012

DIY Friday: Bead & Chain bracelet

It's been awhile since my last DIY Friday post. We're due! This time I took the DIY down to the wrist. I've seen so many pretty spring bracelets lately, that I was inspired to create my own.  So if you're feeling crafty, keep reading and try this easy-peasy DIY out for yourself!
Let me know if you simply like this DIY or if you're going to go all out and try it! I had no idea that my nail polish and beads were matching until I starting taking the photos. What a happy coincidence!

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Coachella [Jewelry] Style

It's a hipsters paradise and this year the Queens of Coachella had their hippy/I-just-don't-care, but still-spent-2 hours-getting-ready looks down to a tee.


While most sites are critiquing Coachella fashions, I am more interested in the jewelry, specifically.

Here are my jewelry rules for fitting into Coachella (or any music festival for that matter):

1) Layer. One simple necklace just wont do. Layer necklaces in differing lengths for a festival chic look.

2) Include Color. Add some interesting color to your arm party, your ears (a la Kate Bosworth) or neck, lest you get washed away in the crowd.

3) Be Sharp. Geometric shapes were big this year at Coachella.  Triangles especially seem to have taken the forefront with this hip crowd, but really, any interesting pendant or shape will do.

Hope this "Do" list helps you accessorize a little easier this festival season. Don't forget to top off your look with a floppy hat, shorts, low boots, and a cross-body bag.  You're all set!

photos: Harpers Bazaar and Vogue

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Budget Buys: Soft Bracelets

It seems like we're all on a budget these days. I am trying to make my coffee at home (instead of single-handedly keeping Starbucks in business), while some are getting crafty with DIY projects, and others will go so far as to eat chicken noodle soup for two straight weeks in order to buy a new spring dress.

If you're trying to save some money this Spring but still want to update your jewelry stash it is entirely possible. Here's a tip: look for jewelry that is made out of some time of fabric, ribbon, cloth, or rope. These materials are notoriously more affordable than metals and beads, which translates into a cheaper piece overall. 

Here are some great soft bracelets that are right on trend and right on budget.

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Cartier Crocodile Necklace


Cartier Crocodile Necklace, Paris, 1975. Wow.

These wearable creatures are made of gold, 1,023 brilliant-cut yellow diamonds, two navette-shaped emerald cabochons (eyes), 1,060 emeralds, and two ruby cabochons (eyes). Nuff said.

Monday, April 16, 2012

Trend Spotting: Put a Bow on It

There are few symbols more flirty and feminine than the bow.  Thanks in part to Gossip Girl, pretty and preppy bows have come back in a major way.  From dainty wisps of a tie to chunky and in your face, there are plenty of ways to rock a bow to fit your style.  Which one of the bows below is most "you"?

1. Tiffany Twist Bow Ring
2. BCBGENERATION LEATHER BOW BRACELET
3. Anthropology Gilded Needlepoint Necklace
4. VERAMEAT A RIBBON BOW
5. Juicy Couture Bow Stud Leather Bracelet
6. Dogeared Forget Me Knot Necklace
7. Kate Spade all wrapped up pavé stud earrings
8. Crislu Micro Pave Ribbons & Pearls Bow Earrings
9. LC Lauren Conrad Gold Tone Mesh Bow Ring
10. ASOS Bow Hoop Earrings
11. Mr. Kate Bow Crown Ring

I have #11 in white gold and LOVE it. It's very detailed and quite edgy for a bow. And I think I might have to pick up that BCBG leather wrap bracelet (#2) because it looks like the perfect mix of tough and girly. Always the best combo.

Friday, April 13, 2012

Do or Don't: Toe Rings


Before we get started I need to share how many hideous feet pictures I had to comb through for this post. If you're bored or want to feel better about your feet, google toe rings.

Toe rings can be sexy, fun, unexpected...or they can be creepy, always seemingly on the wrong feet, and out of date.  This one is truly a head scratcher...how come toe rings can sometimes look so cool and at other times be vomit inducing?

The good: Jennifer Anisont's faithful and tasteful toe ring.
The bad: icky toes, poor taste, and tatoos.
WARNING! Sensitive feet people, look away.
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Where do you stand? Toe rings. Do or don't?

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Eye Candy

Leandra Medine, better known as The Man Repeller, teamed up with the DANNIJO sisters to release MR DANNIJO volume II.

The line focuses on, as Leandra put it, "facial features above the fold."  What a clever idea! Eyes are everywhere these days. Take a look a this post if you're not convinced.

For the full collection, go here and for Leandra's hilarious article about the line and the DANNIJO sisters (she includes herself in this group) check out this post. You'll be glad you did!

Top of my wishlist? The Umbilical by MR DANNIJO

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

How to: Choose an Engagement Ring


Your engagement ring will likely be the most important piece of jewelry you'll receive in your entire life. This is serious stuff! You will wear this ring every day for the rest of your life (God willing!).  For this reason, you need your chosen ring to suit your style and personality.  For example, if you tend to dress casually on a day-to-day basis, you don't want an overly ornate ring.  If you're super modern and edgy, a classic ring may seem boring or dull to you.  And vice versa, if you have a classic style, stick with the classics! I can't stress enough that you want your ring to reflect your personality and style.

Classic:
If your celebrity icon is Audrey Hepburn, Gwyneth Paltrow, or Kate Middleton, than your style might be best described as "classic."  Preferring tailored looks and simple yet coiffed hair, your best bet is to go with a classic, timeless ring like the Tiffany Setting engagement ring.  This ring features a solitaire round cut diamond ring that stands the test of time. Since its creation over a century ago, the Tiffany Setting has been a favorite in the engagement ring world.

Romantic:
Do you prefer whimsical, light fabrics, blush tones, and loosely tousled hair?  If this sounds like you, you might be a romantic.  Look for a ring with a pretty setting, like Scarlett Johansson's stunner from Ryan Reynolds. Scarlett's ring featured an oval diamond set on an intertwined gold band.  Tacori has a similar twisted band version for you romantics!

Vintage:
Similar to Romantic engagement rings, yet more ornate, vintage rings are perfect for gals who wish they grew up in a different decade and have the style to prove it.  Vintage rings often include some etching in the metal of ring and have multiple diamonds. Either composed of cluster and swirls of smaller diamonds or having more than one feature diamond, these rings are as interesting to the eye as the stories behind them. 

Modern:
If you're a modern woman with the most current styles, think, Rachel Bilson, Jessica Alba, and Blake Lively, than a modern ring will suit your fresh style best. Modern rings feature clean lines, are usually solitaires, and tend to be square or rectangular. The emerald cut engagement ring would be perfect for your modern sense of style.

Casual:
Are you a Lululemon kind of lady? Do you consider wearing jeans dressing up? Then you my sporty friend, are a casual cat.  A big sparkly diamond may look out of of place with your hoodie and sneakers. Or it may not! If you're casual but still want a big glitzy rock, go for it! But I am guessing something a little more subdued will make you feel more comfortable and at ease.  There are lots of pretty bands out there today, like this one from Birks, that can double as engagement ring. Take a page from Jennifer Garner's book and rock a simple, yet breathtaking band as your daily ring.

Colorful:
If a regular diamond is too run of the mill for you, than you may take after Divas like Jennifer Lopez, Carrie Underwood, and Jessica Simpson.  Never one to blend into the crowd, your style is most likely colorful, unique, and never subtle. If this sounds like you, a colorful diamond might be the right choice for you. Jennifer Lopez went pink with Ben Affleck before trading it in for a blue diamond from Marc Anthony.  Carrie Underwood dons a yellow diamond from her hockey beau, and an engaged Jessica Simpson is rocking a bright red Neil Lane Ruby ring, flanked by two diamonds.
Tell me, what style do you relate to most? For the record, I think I am a mix between romantic and modern. 

Here I am nearly 5 years ago with my beauty of a ring that my husband picked out all on his own.  You can buy it here.
And since I was searching for ring photos, I threw together a few shots of the big day. Enjoy!

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Lately...

A few snaps of the jewelry I've been wearing lately.
Mr Kate, twig bracelet. Jolie Jouel, squiggle bracelet.  Lauren Elan, Lily bracelet. Rings, unknown. Necklace, unknown.
 Stella & Dot, Renegade necklace. Anthropologie, Green & White necklace.
 Rings, unknown. Lauren Elan, Misel bracelets.
 Jolie Jouel, Black Smile necklace. Jolie Jouel, Pounded Silver necklace. Jolie Jouel, Ring Bangle.

Monday, April 9, 2012

Line Lust: Lauren Elan Collections SS12

Lauren Elan launched her colorfully whimsical line last week.  She divided the new pieces into three categories: Brights, Softs, and Mixed Metals. And it's hard to choose a favorite! Her "Bright" pieces are what she's known for. Stacked neon bracelets and colorful necklaces are her M.O. The "Softs" are romantic takes on the classics: staked pearls and longer necklaces that are perfect for weddings.  And finally, the "Mixed Metals" bring a bit of edge to her feminine line with heavy chains and interesting links, while keeping the Lauren Elan aesthetic.
My favorites:
All photos from laurenelan.com. Head on over and let me know which one is your favorite!
 
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