Category Archives: Jewelry

A LITTLE ADORNMENT…

Laid-back luxury is so much better than being primped to perfection. When your hair is less than perfect add a touch of adornment instead of taming every last strand.

Hair jewelry can help you embrace the frizz, the flat, the untamed and elevate it to something spectacular indeed. After all…perfection is overrated!

 

(featured image, jenniferbehr.com)

Switch Up Your Style with Hair Jewelry

The easiest way to get out of a hairstyle rut is with a great hair accessory, and the best way to wear it is a bit unconventional. I’m thinking decorative headbands, bobbies and even special necklaces pinned in place (see above) for a statement-making finishing touch.

3 ways accessorize your hair and do it right:

  1. Slip a headband into a loose style without pulling hair back.
  2. You don’t have to be invited to a British royal wedding to pull off this look but you do have to have loads of confidence. For when more is more!
  3. Pretty barrettes and bobbies dress up long and short hair alike. Hold back bangs, decorate a carefree twist or add some magic with three in a row to accompany a low side part.

(featured image courtesy of lefashionimageblogspot.com)

(gallery images (left to right), Athena Headband, $20 at urbanoutfitters.com, Katie Burley Millenery Midnight Flight Feather Headband, $200 at urbanoutfitters.com, Dipali Bobbies, $24 at anthropologie.com)

The Power of Red

Colors have different meanings in different cultures and they’re even known to change over time but right now in the U.S., researchers have found this to be true about RED:

  • Red is an intense, extreme color known to affect all who see it.
  • Men and women are seen as more attractive when wearing red.
  • Red is the color of confidence but too much can be interpreted as aggressive.
  • In clothing, decor, wildlife and more, red always gets attention.

The best way to reap the benefits of red without inviting negative reactions is to take your red in small doses. Just a hint will make you that much more appealing, add visual interest and jump-start any outfit. Check out these ruby red accent pieces:

Zoya Nail Polish in Tamsen, $9 at zoya.com. I love this for fingers and toes. Orange undertones make it a Spring/Summer staple.

Eugenia Kim Chiara Headband, $90 at shopbop.com. The ombre shading and center-knot take this to another level.

Gahara Links Transfixion Necklace, $58 at anthropologie.com. Go global with this Rwandan made, hand-beaded pendant necklace.

Super Ciccio Eyeglasses, $169 at madewell.com. Oversized, retro frames in a “notice-me” color.

Cole Haan Jen & Oil Mary Jane Suede Platform Sandal, $125 at lastcall.com. Because red, grown-up Mary Janes are hot!

These are a few of my favorite Things…

Are you a “wait-until-the-last-minute” kind of shopper? If so, you can still make someone very, very happy! Here’s what I’m hoping to unwrap:

Sweet Dreams One taste and you’ll be hooked for life! Nordstrom Makers Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramels, $20 at nordstrom.com

Rock On Diamonds, sapphires, chalcedony and white gold. Hey…a girl can dream. Nam Cho Blue Sapphire Armor Ring, $6,825 at fragments.com.

To a Tea When a good friend went to China she gifted me with the most delicious fruit and flowers tea. So delicious in fact that I wouldn’t share and was heartbroken when my stash was gone. It took me a while but I found tea just as wonderful. Washi Tin, $12.95, Rock Sugar $8.50 per 16 oz. and Opus Rouge Rooibos Tea, $7.98 per 2 oz. at teavana.com.

Face Time Ultra-plush, high-performance makeup brushes in a pretty silver box. It CosmeticsLimited Edition Luxe Blurring Micro-Airbrush Brush Collection with Stand, $59.50 at QVC.com.

Warm Up Because cashmere is always in style and vertical stripes never hurt anyone’s figure. Aqua Cashmere Sweater, $106.53 at bloomingdales.com

Twinkle Toes Gold silk velvet, leather and Swarovski crystals adorn these flats worthy enough for any royal. Emma Hope’s Regalia Ballerinas, $498 at anthropologie.com.

Let It Snow I’m coveting these snow globes because they work with any decor and they’re just as magical now as they were when I was a kid. Snow Globes, $13-$17 at www.westelm.com.

Play On For the child in all of us.  Striped Ukulele, $29.95 at paper-source.com.

Smooth Operator My husband would love this…there’s something very James Bond about a luxury shave set. Jack Black Luxury Shave Set, $200 at getjackblack.com and Nordstrom.

Details, Details…

When your outfit has interesting detail to spare (think studs, fringe or sequins), forego any extra adornment and keep your jewelry and any other embellishment clean and minimal to keep the look modern.

photography courtesy of dreamyourownlife.tumblr.com

 

Bling it On!

Bold patterns have their place in my closet but I prefer clean lines, minimal details and basics for the majority of my wardrobe while injecting personality with a “notice-me” shoe, bag or other statement piece.

Lately, it’s blingy, bold necklaces that have been taking me from boring to seriously cool. I pair them with jeans and tees, button-downs and even sweatshirts or simple sweaters and sheaths.

Trust me…they make the outfit! Here, my current favorites at every price point.

 

Happy Camper!

If you have a camper in your life, you know what an important role care packages play. But…what to send when sweet treats are no longer allowed. Besides including magazines, comics and a few beauty goodies I lucked out with these really cool Pony Bracelets that do double-duty as ponytail holders and bracelets.

Clearly, Emma loves her I Love Camp ones but keep in mind they also come in really cool patterns and other sayings (see my other favorites below), great for party favors, a “little something extra” with a birthday present or a “just because” gift. PonyBracelets, $4.99 for 4.

 

 

Get Stacked!

The trend of layering multiple bracelets isn’t going anywhere soon and the best part about it is you don’t have to start from scratch. Look through your jewelry box…chances are you’ve already got a lot to work with. Mix it up with different widths, textures, colors and styles.

  • Three to four pieces will give you the look, but feel free to add much, much more!
  • Add a bit of an edge with something spiky or leather.
  • Pile on those delicate, thin bracelets–they’re so much more interesting when they’re layered.
  • Try something sparkly to go the glam route.
  • For a polished look only combine one or two colors.
  • Got a watch? Add it into the mix.

 

Jewelry Obsession: Lulu Frost

Recently dining with a friend, I spotted a fabulous bangle on her wrist–it was Lulu Frost. As soon as I got home I checked out lulufrost.com and have been coveting her pieces ever since!

Designer Lisa Salzer blends antique, vintage and modern elements to craft timeless classics. Some of her jewelry might look familiar–she also designs for J.Crew–but it’s her one-of-a-kind, opulent creations that have me panting!

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Green Believer!

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St. Patty’s Day might have come and gone…but that doesn’t mean it’s the end of seeing lots and lots of green. Pantone’s Color of Year is EMERALD which means we will be seeing an abundance of it throughout the year. Look for it in makeup, fashion and home decor.

 

 

 

 

Here, a few reasons I love green!

1) It’s the color of veggies…and I do love my salads! My favorite salad recipe? Greens with Goat Cheese, Walnuts and Dried Cranberries.

2) I see the world through green eyes. They started out hazel…I swear I willed them to turn green! If your eyes are similar to mine (green or hazel) opt for eyeliners or shadows in shades of apricot or purple to make them pop. Metallic hues like gold, copper or bronze will also complement your eyes. To try: Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick in Violet Plum, $28 or Estee Lauder Pure Color EyeShadow in Sizzling Copper, $21.

3) This year, green is hot and the picks are plentiful! Check out Drop Necklace Set available on Etsy, only $12.40 and Diane von Furstenberg ‘Leanna’ Silk Shirtdress, $375.

4) Who couldn’t use more $green? To save, invest, donate or spend.

5) Living “green” doesn’t have to be all or nothing. The little things you do can add up to big changes for you and the environment. Here, 10 Tips for Living a Green Life.

photography courtesy of J.Crew