Recently in Jewelry Category

Since so many of us are traveling now that it's finally summer, I thought I would highlight another popular European chain of boutiques. You wouldn't know it from the outside, but Uterque is owned by the same folks behind Zara. The boutiques have the same minimalist-sleek decor as Zara stores, but they're a lot darker, sexier, and have significantly less merchandise clutter. In fact they're so dark and minimalist, you might walk by one of the boutiques thinking it's closed! Prices are about double what you'd find at Zara and they have everything from ready-to-wear and handbags to shoes, jewelry, hats, and gloves. You'll find Uterque locations in Spain, Russia, Turkey, Greece, Belgium, among others (see their website for full list) and they're most definitely worth going out of your way to check-out. The quality-for-price is great and they always have a slew of everyday staples I want to wear straight-out-of-the store!

I can't remember the last time I was this bowled over by a resort collection. Gilles Mendel, the master creator of all things couture-like at J.Mendel, unveiled his Resort 2011 confections on not a blank-faced model or boring mannequin, but New York City Ballet dancers--for whom he has designed their costumes for the June 5 gala performance of "Call Me Ben." But while the ballet may tell the story of gangster Bugsy Malone, there's nothing Forties or notorious in sight. Instead, Mendel focused on the lightness and "ballet feeling" experience of the dancers, incorporating similar design principles. The results were taking J.Mendel's already-heavenly cocktail dresses and gowns--mostly cut from tulle, mousseline and organza--and kicking them up a notch or three. Think glam ballerina. And can we talk about the shoes? The Casadei for J.Mendel footwear collection--beribboned and encased in pleated silk mousseline--is, pun intended, tutu sweet!

For ONE day only, Alexandra Knight is offering her must have alligator cuffs at almost half off for $50!!! The quality of Alexandra Knight skins are top notch, I have several of her small items and everyone thinks I'm using Hermes when I pull them out :) This is definitely the bargain of the week, email Alexandra Knight or call 713-527-8848 to order.

Order fast because they will not last! I can't wait to get a juicy orange gator cuff for myself!

I'm kind of at a loss here. While I find these shoulder jewelry pieces interesting, I just don't see the point of having fringes and feathers at the shoulders.  Babette Epaulette is an accessories line worn on the rise of the shoulder and harnessed around the upper torso (Does that sound comfortable? I do not want to be harnessed!). Made with fringe, feather, leather, chain and spikes, the epaulettes can be worn over bare skin (OUCH!), jacket or cardigan.

The designer, Seville Michelle Anastos was inspired to create the concept while styling a well-known pop star.  I have no idea who the pop star is but I'm guessing it's the likes of Brittney.  I have to slob this trend and just hope it doesn't catch on, ever.

Two of my friends, Summer Rej and Jennifer Meyers, launched their on jewelry, glove, and hair accessories line recently and it has already been featured in the fashion bible, Vogue (well, online at least:-) ). It's called Three Blondes New York and it's currently available at Clyde's on Madison in NYC as well as online. The line is super-feminine with lots of pink, gold, and glitz (their launch party was an Alice and Wonderland themed tea party!), and the pieces have a distinctive old-world charm (think antique lace gloves). Summer and Jennifer have dabbled in fashion for years -- before going off to college they started a line of tees that featured sassy statement like, "I summer in the Hamptons," "Debutante Striptease," and "Ladies who Lunch," that became popular in young UES circles (on a side note when she was still in High School Summer came-up with a color for a Chanel polish, Tickled Pink, that was actually put into production!). The Three Blondes New York offerings are pretty wide and obviously I'm biased because I know the designers, but if you're looking for an under $100 gift for a girly-girl, I would recommend checking the pieces out!

Headband, glove

I have had a gray obsession for years. It's a softer alternative to black and is always so chic and pretty.  I especially love wearing tonal gray shades together; it gives your outfit depth and keeps it from looking blah or depressing cuz let's face it, gray is not the most cheerful of shades!  Gray is sophisticated with silver jewels but with gold it is stunning and unexpected.  To add a bit of gray to your wardrobe, I found a few of my favorite grays of the season.  Starting clockwise from the left:
Dacute Light shearling jacket $1295

Rebecca Taylor The Socialite satin dress $295

Preen Line Asymmetric cotton trench $690

Lee Angel Serena glass-pearl necklace $285

Pringle of Scotland Rabbit-trim cashmere scarf $1350

Adam Woven jersey sweater $275

7 for all mankind Roxanne corduroy skinny jeans $180

Milly Jersey long-sleeved dress $395

Brian Atwood New Davis suede boots $1475

3.1 Phillip Lim Silk eyelet-embellished dress $525

Juicy Couture Sequin-embellished sweater $200

My absolute favorite piece of jewelry is from my friend, internationally renowned Jewel Artist Cindy Chao.  I have never seen jewelry as uniquely ornate and stunning as hers.  When I was in Asia I was invited to her showroom and given the honor of viewing almost all of her pieces (she usually only allows each client to view 2-3 items that she thinks suits them.  I guess she thinks I am suitable for all of her fab jewels!).  I'm so proud to announce that she will be included in a prestige auction in New York next month.  Her pieces will be auctioned at the Phillips de Pury New York JEWELS sale on December 8th 2009.

This auction piece is a ring from the Four Seasons Collection - Autumn, the same collection as the ring Cindy custom designed for me.  Cindy attributes her sculptor artist father for inspiring her amazing jewels.  If you are looking for the ultimate Christmas gift for the snob in your life-- check out the Phillips de Pury auction here!

The only thing more important than having a fabulous, classic go-to bag -- in my opinion -- is a great watch. When I turned 18 my parents bought me a Cartier watch (which I've worn pretty much every day of my life since), and when I turned 21 I got a Patek Philippe one (gorgeous, but I rarely wear it...will, knock on wood, pass it on to my daughter one day!). The reason I've always thought watches to be so key to splurge on is because unlike with clothing (thank you Target designer collaborations!), it's hard to find a frugal watch that can come close to having the craftsmanship of a Cartier, Patek (they're handmade!), or a watch from a comparable brand. That said I'm not naive -- not everyone can afford a four or five figure watch -- and that's where Timex comes in. For as little as $30 you can pick-up a classic, chic watch and while it's extremely unlikely to last you a lifetime, Timex's frugal price points mean that you can buy a few watches to match different outfits/moods (a few models also have changeable color bands available for purchase). They've got an endless array of models  -- great for stocking stuffers! 

Have you splurged on a watch or do you go frugal with your watches?

Leeora Catalan in her office, standing in front of her inspiration board

nOir is one of my all-time fave brands. I love their boldly original rings and the jewelry line is carried everywhere from Bendel's in New York City to Flip in Munich. I didn't realize though until I went to their showroom a few weeks ago that nOir also makes a ton of necklaces, bracelets, and they even made a one-of-a-kind dress out of mesh, spikes, and beads that Rihanna is slated to wear soon! I got a tour of the showroom by the line's founder and designer, Leeora Catalan, who is one of the sweetest designer's I've ever met. She was wearing this great all-black outfit which was perfect for keeping the focus on all the hot baubles she was sporting (of particular note was her Brooklyn Bridge ring . It's a Cubic Zirconia encrusted ring with 22K gold plated brass -- so fierce!). I had so much fun in the showroom -- seriously I was like a kid in a candy store looking and trying on all the pieces that were displayed! More after the jump! 

Giles & Brother by Philip Crangi necklace and ring, and Philip Crangi for Vera Wang necklace

I don't think anything can ever top the pieces Philip Crangi did for Vera Wang (I'm still kicking myself in the butt for not investing in one of them -- they were SO gorgeous!). Thankfully the jewelry designer just opened his first boutique in the Meatpacking District here in NYC, so I can shop his pieces on a more regular basis (and cross my fingers that something as boldly magnificent as the Vera Wang pieces will pop-up again!).

Crangi is calling his store "The Crangi Family Project" (the designer's sister, Courtney Crangi, has been a long time partner and CEO in the company). The store carries a mix of Giles & Brother by Philip Crangi jewelry and a small collection of "unique objects of interest" (candle sticks, incense holders, bronze flowers, etc.), made exclusively for the shop by the designer. To round it all out, there's a tightly curated selection of new and rare books and a small cache of Philip Crangi fine jewelry. Check-out the new store at 9 Ninth Avenue or click here to shop the designer's latest pieces!