"DIY Friday": My Little Eye

This is a slightly different take on DIY Friday as I don't have step by step instructions for you, dear reader. I definitely "did this myself" but I don't expect most people to have the tools and materials to make one themselves. I hope that you'll still enjoy seeing my DIY below!

As long-time readers know, I love evil eye jewelry. Not for any supersitious reasons, I just really love the way they look. So the only rational thing to do was to make my own eye shaped ring.  I scultpted it in wax and cast it in silver. The result is less than perfect, but it's all a learning experience. This ring is one of the more difficult pieces I've made and am already thinking of ways to perfect it next time.

Some other evil eye jewelry that I am loving lately.

1. Catbrid, Evil Eye ring
2. Catbird, Odette NY Ojos Cuff
3. Free People, Vanessa Mooney Evil Eye bracelet
4. Free People, Odette NY Ojos ring
5. Free People, Leather Beaded Eye bracelet

Line Lust: Odette NY

pc: Design Sponge
I've loved Odette NY for so long that I can't believe I haven't featured them in a Line Lust post yet! This is just crazy to me.  I first fell in love with the Odette NY Arrow Cuff Bracelet, which was the gateway to lusting after the Ojos cuff and ring. And finally, now I have my sights on the Klaia ring.

Jennifer Sarkilahti is the desginer behind Odette jewelry.  Each piece is designed and crafted by hand in her Brooklyn studio. With an emphasis on artistry and craft, each design begins from a pencil sketch that is carefully translated by hand into wax like a small scale sculpture before being cast into materials as varied as recycled sterling silver, brass, bronze, diamonds, and 14K gold.

More of my favorites immortalized below: 

pc: Odette NY

Obsessed

A collection of my favorite jewelry photos as of late. Follow me on Pinterest for more eye candy!

pc: statement necklace / jewelry storage / mixed metal + denim / pearl bracelet stack / triangle ring + others / the claw / black + silver / Fall layers / pretty points / macaroons / stacked arm party / thin rings / the prettiest statement ring / thick + thin / emerald earrings /

This or That: Toothy Rings

I recently saw the Verameat Vampire ring in store and was drawn to the dainty ring with a quirky twist. It got me thinking about other toothy options for fingers and I came across this more subtle, more human, Claire Kinder Studio Slim Toothed Band from Catbird. Which would you choose? Vampire teeth or a human set wrapped around your little finger?

Jewelry Round-Up: Best of the 2012 Emmys

Last night the Emmys were live and I was glued to my TV (with wine and Indian food) taking in all of the celebrity fashion and jewelry trends. There was a ton of color this year at the Emmys (think jewel tones like red, yellow, green and blue dresses) and the jewelry was equally dramatic.

The first and biggest trend of the night: statement earrings. The ladies rocked spectacular, bold, and glitzy earrings. Half of the lustworthy pairs were large studs reminiscent of the 80s (Sarah Hyland, Emily VanCamp, and Ginnifer Goodwin) and the other half were glamorous dangling earrings (Heidi Klum, Guiliana Rancic, and Juilianna Margulies).

The other Emmy jewelry trend on the red carpet was colorful, bold rings. I was so happy with all of the fun rings. We all know I love I good cocktail ring and last night had me swooning. And one of my favorite pieces of the night? Emily VanCamp's glitzy bow bracelet. Love. Noticeably absent? Necklaces.

 pc: popsugar.com
How fun would it be to get all glammed-up for night like the Emmys? What would you wear?

DIY Friday: Three Bead Wire Bracelet

This is a fun little DIY with very few steps. If you're in a hurry, or just have a short attention span, this DIY is for you. And 5 minutes later you'll have a pretty, dainty new bracelet for your arm party.

You will need:
- Thick silver wire
- 3 silver colored beads
- Snips
- Round nose pliers

Step 1: Measure out how much silver wire you'll need for your bracelet and cut. Remember to leave a little extra because the ends will be curled around.

 Step 2: Using the round nose pliers, curl one end of the wire around forming a closed loop.

Step 3: String 3 beads onto the uncurled end.

Step 4: Re-measure your bracelet and snip excess chain (if you have some. I did.)

Step 5: Curl the other end of the bracelet around the round nose pliers in the opposite direction of the first end. Don't curl completely, leave an opening as this will serve as your clasp. The open end will fit into the closed end easily.

The end result:

Will you be trying this DIY bracelet this weekend? If not, what plans do you have for the weekend? Have a great time!

Celebrity Jewelry Style: Jennifer Lopez

My friends know that I am a big Jennifer Lopez fan. There is just something inexplicable that I love about her. I could go on and on about her individual qualities (her voice, her nose, that glow, the hair...) but I'll spare you. Instead, let's talk about her style. One day she's a glamed-up diva, the next, Jenny-from-the-Block, and another day posh-office-chic.  She's a style chameleon. One thing that never changes? Her awesome accessories. Not matter what the style, she accessorizes like a pro adding just the right amount of sparkle.

all photos stylebistro.com

The girl loves her earrings! I am going to use this photo collage as inspiration to wear earrings more often. Tell me, do you like Jennifer Lopez's jewelry style?

Line Lust: Dori Csengeri

When I first saw Dori Csengeri's designs I had to stop and really look at her pieces. A quick glance does not do this jewelry justice. To put it simply, they are beautiful - but simple they are not. To be fully appreciated, you need to take the time to focus on all of the fine details in her work. They're really spectacular.

Dori Csengeri is a textile designer by training and this influence certainly shows in her jewelry.  All of her pieces are hand embroidered, giving them a distinct and unique look. And I am not the only one taking notice. Her designs are showcased worldwide in prestigious jewelry stores, museums, and galleries, and are regularly featured in leading fashion and lifestyle magazines.

Here are a few of her pieces that especially caught my eye. But this selection is just scratching the surface, more here. 

 

Collections featured above:

Granada, Desiree, Gaia, Sumatra, Ephrah, Midas, and Caesarea

While designing Csengeri says, “I visualize the woman who will wear my work. She has a defined taste and personality. I try to create for her something different, fresh and exciting, so she can play the game of fashion with me and participate in the creation of her own image.” Dori Csengeri has succeeded in creating unique and eye catching designs that will surely be the focal point of any woman's outfit who is lucky enough to wear her beautiful jewelry.

This or All-of-That: for $380

One of the age old question between girlfriends: Would you rather have one investment piece or lots of other less expensive pieces for the same price. Discuss.

My hypothetical "would you rather" below!

Giles and Brother Sorceress Collar $380

Vs.

Forever 21 Vibrant Braided Necklace $8.80

Lauren Elan Rhys bracelet $45

Monserat De Lucca Origami Necklace $62 

Odette New York Ojos Eye Cuff $164

Cheap Monday Elongate Ring $20

Club Monaco Harper Necklace $79.50

Do or Don't: Celebrity Jewelry Lines

Everything the Kardashians touch seems to turn to gold, and for Kim Kardashian’s jewelry line, Belle Noel, this is literally seems to be true. The jewelry line features modern and reasonably affordable statement necklaces, chunky bracelets, bold earrings, and cocktail rings. 

*All photos of Kim from shopthetrendboutique.com
But tell me, what do you think about celebrity fashion and jewelry lines? Does it make you want to wear an item more or less if it has a celebrity name attached to it? Would you wear Belle Noel?

In this instance, the celebrity name makes me want to wear it less. If I didn't know know Kim Kardashian was associated with Belle Noel, I'd be more likely to buy it. I am not sure why, seeing as I tune in weekly to Keeping Up With the Kardashians and seem to be quite entertained. I think she's hard working, pretty, and has good style. I also like the pieces. But a part of me would feel slightly embarrassed buying and wearing her jewelry. Can anyone relate?

Should I just get over it? If you think all things Kardashian are a 'Do' here are some great options from Shopbop:

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12

*All photos of Kim from shopthetrendboutique.com

Lately...

It's been awhile since I've showcased the jewelry I've been wearing lately. Here it is!

1. Robyn Rhodes Egypt necklace
2. DIY ombre bracelet with Lauren Elan Meghan bracelet
3. Sparkly Forever 21 necklace (similar here) with a bunny tee
4. Lauren Elan Meghan bracelet with DIY black beaded necklace
5. American Eagle Leather Bow bracelet
6. Stella and Dot Renegade Cluster necklace + Lauren Elan Jemma necklace
7. Forever 21 Flower bib (similar here)
8. Gemma Redux Braided necklace (sample sale!)
9. Gemma Redux Liz necklace

Trend Spotting: Ear Cuffs

photo credit
Last week Jason Wu had his models wearing18k gold ear cuffs, custom designed for his show at New York Fashion Week.  Could this be the start of something big? I've been starting to notice ear cuffs popping up on bloggers, models, and in magazines alike.

I say, if you like it, put a cuff on it.

1. Pack of 4 Mini Ear Cuffs, ASOS  
2. Maria Francesca Pepe Crystal Stud Ear Cuff, ASOS 
3. Multipack Of Fine Hoop Ear Cuffs, ASOS  
4. Feather Ear Cuff, Free People 
5. Bark ear cuff, Mr. Kate   
6. Ear cuff with Fringe, Free People

7. Pack of Two Lower Ear Cuff, ASOS

8. Just Acces Triple Ear Cuff Set, ASOS

9. ASOS Pack of Four Ear Cuffs, ASOS 

10. Mania Mania Telepathic Ear Cuff, Shopbop

11. Pack of Three Mismatch Ear Cuffs, ASOS

12. Maria Francesca Pepe Stud Ear Cuff, ASOS

Designer Spotlight: Gabriela Artigas

I first came across Gabriela Artigas on Sincerely Jules' blog and was instantly taken by the stunning designs and unique, edgy pieces. After a little investigating on my own, I found her website and the many other beautiful pieces of jewelry she has to offer. I needed to know more. I reached out to Gabriela and she and co-owner and Sales Director, Tere Artigas, graciously answered my questions. Here is an inside look into the Gabriela Artigas jewelry line.

Take us back to the start. How did you get into jewelry design and what is your training? 

T: Everything started very unplanned, Gabriela was 21 leaving in Mexico City when our mom needed a necklace for a wedding, she didn't wanted to wear her usual jewels because the city wasn't at it's safest. We bought some gems and Gabriela made her a coral and silver necklace. The two of them came to LA for a little holiday and a recognized buyer bought that same necklace for our mom's neck, then we knew something was about to start. 

 

G: Tere has always been a sales person, she would sell everything to her friends, even my clothing when I was away! She enjoys the experience and the thrill to sell, that's why we make a great team. Together, we started running the company in 2008.  Before that it was me with my brother and my mom. It's been a family business but now is just the two of us. 

 

Where do you draw your inspiration from?

 

G: Everywhere. It's more about the experience than the inspiration. We try to do as many trips as possible and we drive a lot, so its pretty much from there that I get inspiration, from the laughter in the car, from the driving stories, to the places we visit. We are always researching new ways to have fun with pieces.

Who would your dream client be? 

T: All of our clients are really nice. When you are dealing with someone who is appreciating what you do, that speaks for it self.  The people that we deal with are people who have a lot in common with us and our aesthetics. We are thankful for that.

 

Being a jewelry designer, what do you like best about your job? What are some of the most challenging parts of running your own business?
 

Running your own business it's always very hard, it takes a lot time, money and effort. Whenever you are about to start something, think it through and start it with ambition, but always be planned and thoughtful.

 

Always keep in mind that you are never at the top, even if things are going great for you, sit back, breath enjoy where you are and keep working hard.  Remind yourself that you are never at the top, you always have to fight to get a little closer to it, but you never reach it. 

 

Don't take things for granted, Be humble to learn from others and from yours mistakes. 

 

What is your typical day like?

 

G: Work, work and work.

 

T: We wake up early, try to workout every morning if we are not exhausted, have a freshly squeezed juice and start or day. Believe me is not always fun to run a business, but at the end of the day it totally worth it! 

 

If you could go back and give your 20 year old self some advice, what would it be?

 

Enjoy it! Your 20's go so fast!

Thanks Gabriela and Tere! Please enjoy some photos of their favorite blogger-muse with her Gabriela Artigas jewels. All images from Sincerely Jules.

How To: Lengthen a Necklace

I love my braided Gemma Redux necklace.  It goes with nearly everything I own and is the perfect mix of gunmetal and bright silver. The only thing I sometimes wish, depending on what I am wearing, is that the necklace was a little longer. There are times when a longer necklace just looks better. Longer necklaces are slimming, a little more laid back, and are an interesting switch up from the omnipresent shorter necklace.

Today is one of those days. I threw on a very fitted black tank, a boyfriend cardigan, and skinny jeans and wanted the help of a long necklace to keep drawing the eye down and keep my proportions in check.

In a matter of minutes I found a simple solution and wanted to share this helpful trick with you. I know I'll be doing this a number of my necklaces this season!

Step one:
Choose your a short to mid-length necklace.

Step 2:
Measure out a piece of matching chain to the desired length and fold chain in half.

Step 3:
Loop the chain through one end of the neckace.

Step 4:
Guide a jump ring through the open ends of your extension chain. Guide the same jump ring through the other, clasped end of your necklace.

Step 5:
Cloe the jump ring for a finished look.

Here you have your longer necklace in 5 simple steps!

 Can you see yourself trying this trick at home?

Line Lust: Biko FW2012

Biko's latest line, for Fall/Winter 2012 is whimsically named 'Lasso the Moon'. The line features lots of chainmaille, pyrite, and has a look that is decidedly "glam gladiator." 

If you're looking to toughen up for Fall and be the coolest girl at the party, look no further. Lasso the Moon will make even your most comfortable grandpa cardigan look edgy and cool.

My favorites below! More here.