le bijoux box

Olivia Palermo's Jewelry Style

2010-03-30T21:42:00.010-04:00

I don't know much about Olivia Palermo's on-camera antics, but I do know the girl's got a great sense of style, especially when it comes to jewelry. The City star prefers jeweled bib necklaces and ornate costume pieces to complement her sophisticated ensembles. Olivia also recently launched a capsule jewelry collection for Roberta Freymann, which she's modeling in the first two images above. So take a cue from the socialite and inject a little glamour into your everyday life with some serious jewels.

Sugar and Spikes

2010-03-18T21:46:00.002-04:00

I'm a total girlie girl but for some reason, I'm drawn to edgy jewelry. Perhaps because it hints at exactly what I'm not but want to be - tough and badass. Lately, I've been crushing on spikes and daggers. I love that they can instantly toughen up gamine stripes or add some rock 'n roll cred to plain tees. To pull these pieces off successfully, I would stay away from all black (too goth) and use them to accent more femme looks. It it's still a bit too intense for your taste, soften them up by mixing in strands of vintage Czech crystals or demure pearls.

Blu Bijoux, $38 at Max & Chloe.
Cecilia de Bucourt, $150 at Shopbop.
Ben-Amun, $145 at Max & Chloe.
Assad Mounser, $495 at Otte.
nathan&moe, $98 at Shopbop.
Fallon, $220 at Barneys New York.

Mix It Up

2010-03-14T14:51:00.008-04:00

I just bought a super fun mixed media necklace from Fallon yesterday. Gunmetal chains, a strand of pink rhinestones and ribbon scraps are twisted and intertwined to create a look that is unmistakably the work of Dana Lorenz, the genius behind the Fenton/Fallon jewelry lines. I can't wait to wear mine over easy separates such as striped tees and rolled up cargos.

Smythson Jewelry Cases

2010-02-25T22:05:00.000-05:00

Gorgeous jewels deserve an equally gorgeous home. Enter Smythson with its exquisite jewelry cases and boxes. Elegant and timeless, they are quite possibly one of the chicest accessories a woman can own. The cases come with lift-out trays and some with removable boxes, perfect for the jetsetter. Hey, if I were diamond ring, I'd want to snuggle in rich, buttery suede too.

{Images from net-a-porter and Smythson}

{Extra, Extra!} Sculptural Jewelry

2010-02-22T21:58:00.007-05:00

Meet my latest obsession, the sculptural ribbon cuff from Alexis Bittar. Come spring I'm wearing one with the season's stand-out print dresses. Sculpted jewelry is extremely versatile and adds substance to anything that needs a little extra weight. Read more at Boy Collective and share your favorites!

{Image from Alexis Bittar}

Ooh La Lanvin!

2010-02-22T19:06:00.017-05:00

It's hard to find fault with anything that Alber Elbaz does. Season after season, he charms the hard-to-please fashion crowd. For resort, Lanvin teaches us a thing or two about a classy spring break...in Acapulco nonetheless. It's all about the juicy brights to get you into the vacay mood. Make like Alber's gals and layer playful pom pom necklaces and jeweled fruit charms over easygoing separates...or a class draped Lanvin frock.

{Images from style.com, kirna zabete and net-a-porter}

Wowie Mawi

2010-02-19T00:00:00.020-05:00

I have had my eye on Mawi jewelry for awhile now. The pieces of the London-based collection have a definite vintage feel but a contrasting, strong industrial vibe is also present. Check out the gorgeous necklaces that made a cameo on the fall 2010 runway at Vena Cava...instant chic-ifiers!

{Runway images from style.com}

For the Love of Chanel

2010-02-14T23:17:00.000-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

{Images from Chanel.com}

{Muse} January Jones

2010-02-06T22:25:00.001-05:00

Everyone's going mad for January Jones, who plays television's most complicated housewife.

January bears a strong likeness to Grace Kelly, whom she channels in these pretty shots...

...but she can also play up the vixen side in her.

{Images from Harper's Bazaar UK, O Magazine, Interview, Elle, New York Magazine, Vanity Fair}

{Muse} Marion Cotillard

2010-02-02T22:34:00.000-05:00

Marion Cotillard is French so it goes without saying that she's undeniably chic and has that je ne sais quoi that is unattainable for most. Sophistication is the name of her game. Whether she's donning old-school wayfarers for a photo shoot on the Cote D'Azur or her preferred Dior on the red carpet, Marion carries it all with poise and confidence.

{Images from L'Officiel, T Magazine, Vogue France, GQ, Vanity Fair, Elle France, Harper's Bazaar Japan, Madame Figaro}

{Spring Wish List} J. Crew

2010-01-28T19:10:00.015-05:00

I popped into J. Crew today and as per usual, saw about a hundred things I wanted. The collection gets better and better with each season. My go-to pattern is stripes and I can't wait to start pairing them with florals this spring. Everything is so romantic and feminine, reminds of Paris!

{Images from J. Crew}

{Extra, Extra!} Mixed Media Jewelry

2010-01-27T12:47:00.007-05:00

Check out this post on mixed media jewelry I did for a cool new blog I'm excited to be a part of. My picks for the best in show are Fallon, Dannijo and Assad Mounser (see ah-mazing necklace, above). Read more at Boy Collective!

{Image from Assad Mounser}

{Muse} Diane Kruger

2010-01-25T20:55:00.018-05:00

First, a confession: I have never seen any of Diane Kruger’s films (edit: I just rented Inglourious Basterds). But that doesn't keep me from being completely enraptured by her. The German ballerina-turned-model-turned actress is one of the few in Hollywood that can really pull off high fashion. On the red carpet, Diane possesses the glamour 1940s screen sirens were known for, but she also brings her own unique twist. After all, should we expect any less from the girl who played "the face that launched a thousand ships?"

{Images: 1-2. Elle France, 3- 4.Vogue France, 5-6. T Magazine, 7-9. Elle, 10-11. Vogue Italia}

{Muse} Penelope Cruz

2010-01-25T15:36:00.011-05:00

Penelope Cruz is one of those faces that will still be remembered in fifty years. She's absolutely stunning, has impeccable style and oh yes, let's not forget that Oscar. Vanity Fair captured these beautiful photos of Penelope throughout the past decade. Each shot exudes equal parts grace and sex appeal, which appears to be the Spanish beauty's trademark.

Stay tuned for more posts on the icons and muses that I am inspired by and admire...

{All images from vanityfair.com}

Dreaming of a Tropical Getaway...

2010-01-20T18:21:00.012-05:00

These sweet necklaces are the next best thing to palm trees and pina coladas.

Kara Ross, $325 at Kara Ross New York.
Lee Angel, $195 at Charm and Chain.
Candace Ang, $195 at Candace Ang.
Lanvin, $1, 200 at net-a-porter.
Lizzie Fortunato, $425 at Kirna Zabete.
Tory Burch, $295 at Tory Burch.

Alexis Bittar Helps Haiti

2010-01-18T22:20:00.010-05:00

As Haiti recovers from the aftermath of a devastating natural disaster, please help the country move forward. Aid in any way you can - donate to the Red Cross, send supplies or even go shopping. From Jan. 18 - 22, Alexis Bittar is very generously donating 100 percent of all website sales to the relief efforts. Do good and look good...do you need another reason?

Is It Spring Yet?

2010-01-08T00:06:00.009-05:00

We're barely a week into 2010 and I've already got spring on my mind. And how cannot I not? One look at this gorgeous spread in the new issue of W magazine and I'm swooning. Everything is in soft hues of nudes and blushes. It's all about embracing your sensual, feminine side. And the shoes - oh the shoes!

{All images from W magazine}

Inspiration: Grey Gardens

2010-01-06T20:33:00.020-05:00

I recently saw the remake of Grey Gardens (with Drew Barrymore and Jessica Lange) and fell in love with the retro glamour style that Little Edie Beale possessed in the 1930s and 40s. She was a debutante, model and socialite in her heyday, and although we know how this tale bizarrely ended, Edie still remains a style icon.

Grey Gardens Collections is an amazing online store that celebrates this style and offers vintage jewelry inspired by the Edies. And it comes from a good source. The site is founded by Eva Marie Beale, the wife of Little Edie's nephew. Take a browse through the selection. The in-house designed velvet cuffs and brooches are especially notable.

{Images from greygardenscollections.com}

Would you like a cocktail...ring?

2009-12-21T23:37:00.017-05:00

1. Roxanne Assoulin for Brian Reyes, $170.
2. Kara by Kara Ross, $185.
3. Dannijo, $170.
4. Yves Saint Laurent, $195.
5. Anton Heunis, $80.
6. Noir Jewelry, $175.

Currently Coveting: Stud Earrings

2009-09-28T15:06:00.016-04:00

1. Made Her Think, $45 each.
2. Janis by Janis Savitt, $90.
3. Bing Bang, $48.
4. Bing Bang, $95.
5. Bing Bang, $85.
6. Glam Noir, $30.
7. CCSkye, $150.

2009-09-24T10:05:00.009-04:00

When you have gorgeous jewelry, it's a shame to hide it. To add a little glitz to your home, use your jewels as decor. I drape pearls over my lampshade, keep earrings in little dishes and hang bracelets over a petite vintage mannequin. You can try just about anything - ashtrays, teacups, designer store boxes or even a beautiful cake stand.

So glamourous and Parisian boudoir, n'est-ce pas?

[Images from Atlanta Bartlett, Martha Stewart, Malinki and Pale & Interesting]

Pearls of Wisdom

2009-06-23T21:56:00.006-04:00

I am completely enamored with this gorgeous layered vintage necklace from AJ Vintage Jewelry. The pairing of pearls and baguette-shaped rhinestones is so elegant and timeless, equally chic with a simple shift dress or to dress up a worn-in tee. Passing this "dress up/dress down" test is a hallmark of great investment jewelry.

Be inspired; layer pearls and chains from your bijoux box. Play with styles, lengths and colors to find a winning combination all your own.

Garden Party

2009-04-23T17:49:00.036-04:00

They say April showers bring May flowers but I say why wait? Floral jewelry is already in full bloom and as promised, I have a fresh bundle of options - at all budgets - for you to feast on.

Anthropologie has a gorgeous selection of botanical baubles. I am coveting this soft chiffon petal necklace ($38) to complete my spring ensembles. The delicate earrings ($58) add a touch of romance, while the Marni-esque brooch ($28) is super versatile.

Kate Spade is coming up daisies with her enamel bib necklace ($325). The layered topper is sweet and oh-so-pretty for any occasion.

It's easy to make a statement with a bold bouquet ring. Juicy Couture stackables ($88); Kenneth Jay Lane ring ($98); Forever 21 ($5.80); Ariella adjustable gold-plated ring ($68).

Put the petal to the metal with this blossoming necklace from Blu Bijoux ($42).

Alexis Bittar pieces are a teensy bit pricey but totally worth it if only for the envious compliments you'll get. This hand-painted Lucite cuff ($325) is richly textured and decorative.

Nothing says springtime like flowers xo

Extra! Extra!

2009-03-31T19:11:00.006-04:00

Check out an article on statement necklaces I wrote for new fashion and lifestyle website anewmode.com. Enjoy!

Spring Fever!

2009-03-26T22:43:00.023-04:00

I'm crushing on...

Images courtesy of Style.com. Left to right: Gucci, Burberry Prorsum, Dries Van Noten, Vera Wang (2), Dries Van Noten, Chanel, Marni, Anna Sui, Louis Vuitton, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Valentino, Lanvin (2), Giambattista Valli, Oscar de la Renta, Emilio Pucci, Zac Posen.

This Old Thing?

2009-03-05T14:01:00.013-05:00

I recently had to research eco-friendly jewelry for work, and fully expected to be greeted with tacky, homemade jewelry made from recycled trash. Bottlecap necklaces? No, thank you.

It didn’t even occur to me that wearing vintage jewels was eco-conscious as well! To give it a fresh twist, creative designers deconstruct antique pieces to craft edgy, new collectibles that seamlessly blend into our modern-day wardrobes - and are often one of a kind. Here are some of those notable collections, all based in New York City.

One of my favorite necklaces in my bijoux box is by Dirty Librarian Chains, a line based on reworking chain necklaces in an almost haphazard way. Costume pearls, charms, and other trinkets are threaded into gold and silver chains for options that can be dressed up or down.

Erica Weiner blends vintage pieces she finds with natural materials to produce très cool accessories. I like this wood link necklace for its Marni-esque appeal. The medallions in the John and Jackie necklace were actually uncovered in Providence, R.I. – how charming! Best of all, the pieces range from about $30 to $100.

Marquis & Camus is one of the rare jewelry lines where I am absolutely coveting every single piece. I fell head over heels for their Victorian Romance collection, which marries vintage chains with silk flowers. The suspender necklace is sweetly boyish when worn with a tee and rolled up khakis or jeans. Doesn’t it remind you of a WWII uniform or something?

It’s easy to find “vintage-inspired” jewelry but a handmade item with authentic vintage touches holds a story. You can have the old and the new in a completely unique – and sustainable – way. Everyone will be asking “Where’d you get that?”

Hey, Stud

2009-02-06T14:09:00.028-05:00

I am crazy about the juxtaposition of feminine and edgy. I love how a hardcore accessory can toughen up an otherwise sweet look (or vice versa).

Studs, spikes, grommets, and chains lend an unexpected hint of rebellion when paired with ruffles, bows, and other girly accoutrements. The contrast is effortlessly cool.

Layer your own chains or cheat with these necklaces from DL by Dirty Librarian Chains ($38) and Burberry ($550).

Accent your ears with funky Landver hoops ($400) or leather Wendy Nichol studs ($77).

Throw on a cuff or two to give your outfit attitude… CC Skye Lucite bangles ($125 for a pair), Linea Pelle leather wrap bracelet ($55).

…or slip on a pyramid ring from Forever 21 ($3.80) or Juicy Couture ($88).

Add these pieces to your bad girl repertoire. The result: a darkly romantic and glamorous combination.

Images courtesy of the respective websites.

Lustworthy: House of Harlow 1960

2009-01-21T22:26:00.004-05:00

Celebrity designers are usually nothing to write home about, but I’m pretty taken with House of Harlow 1960, a jewelry line by Nicole Richie.

The socialite teamed up with Mouawad, a major fine jeweler, to produce this collection named after her 1-year-old daughter. Like its creator, the pieces are a bit mod, a little art deco, yet also hippie-ish at the same time (a combination I couldn't previously fathom).

“I’ve always felt that great accessories are essential in every complete outfit and I wanted to create a collection that was easy to mix and match; to either wear alone as an everyday piece, or stack on to make more of a statement,” Nicole said in a press release.

The collection is surprisingly quite affordable, with prices ranging from $12 to $125. The rings, bangles, and earrings are all gold-plated. A standout piece is the Resin Triangle Necklace, which makes a great statement while also being wearable. I can't wait to pair with my slouchy tanks.

Check out the collection at Kitson.

Flower Power

2009-01-11T01:10:00.027-05:00

Happy New Year, dear readers!

To me, the stretch between January and March is painstakingly long. The holiday season is over and the weather is brutal. The only thing that keeps me half awake is the anticipation of spring collections hitting the stores.

One of my favorite trends is floral embellishments and accents. Just like the fresh cuts, different ones evoke different personalities and messages. Candy-hued buds are sweet and romantic, while more abstract interpretations are edgy and modern. Take your pick and arrange wisely.

Chanel showed some beautiful bib necklaces, reminiscent of a dreamy Parisian jardin, atop delicate skirtsuits.

Flowers were also in full bloom at Valentino. An amazing gold petal choker complemented an elegant floor-length gown. This is a wonderful example of how to pull off – and show off – statement jewelry.

The garden motif continued at Burberry Prorsum in a collection entitled “Garden Girls.” Thin metal leaves were clustered together to make fun, long necklaces.

Finally, Marni used its signature touch to recreate resin blossoms. These will be great ornaments to a simple, casual outfit.

The forecast for spring? Sunny and optimistic. Stay tuned for budget-conscious options in upcoming weeks.

All images courtesy of Style.com

Fit for a Fête

2008-12-24T00:18:00.025-05:00

New Year’s Eve is next week and if you are hitting the party circuit, now is the time to break out the sparkly bijoux. Please proceed with caution though: major jewels require fuss-free ensembles.

A soirée is the perfect occasion to break out a “wow” statement necklace. Go for big colored stones to accent a simple dress or top. Lee Angel makes great options in all price ranges and this teardrop necklace ($98) is a smart pick.

A pair of long, dangly earrings is another great way to dress up your party frock. I also think it’s a very fresh approach since many women tend to levitate towards neckwear. Alexis Bittar, one of my favorite jewelry designers, works magic with his signature Lucite and creates these gorgeous "Channing" hoops ($170).

If you prefer to wear arm candy, this Juicy Couture diamanté cuff ($250) is glamorous and versatile. It is a stunner on its own so a pair of diamond studs is the only other accessory you need.
If your outfit is too busy for a necklace or earrings, a bold ring just may be the right complement. This Kenneth Jay Lane ring ($150) will easily match any look you have in mind.

Here’s to a bright 2009!

History Repeats Itself

2008-12-15T23:50:00.008-05:00

Costume jewelry originated during one of my favorite periods, the Art Deco movement of the 1920s. Flappers, prohibition, and jazz, oh my. Fake jewelry was produced to complete a specific outfit, or “costume.” Its sole purpose was to be fashionable and disposable, and was thus mass-produced.

The first couture designer to embrace costume jewelry was the great Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel who paired long strands of rhinestones and pearls with her little black dresses – a look still very much relevant today.

The Great Depression only furthered the popularity of imitation jewelry, which gave off an air of wealth and prosperity. In the years surrounding the World Wars, jewelry was produced with domestic supplies. Glass, plastic, and Lucite were common, and stones previously imported from Europe were no longer used.

The rise of the Hollywood screen siren in the '40s and '50s also created a demand for costume jewelry. Everything was colorful and exaggerated. The allure of glamour was irresistible.

So what is the takeaway lesson in this? Fashion and costume jewelry reflect the times. And if the current economic situation can be any indication, then costume jewelry is back in a big way.

Welcome to My Jewelry Box

2008-12-13T00:56:00.013-05:00

I have a confession. For months, I have been harvesting an obsession with statement jewelry. And not the kind that dazzles and drips in your décolletage and is measured by the 4 Cs (though I wouldn't mind some of that). I'm guilty of an infatuation with costume jewelry.

We have seen the rise and fall of the ubiquitous "it" bag, and now everyone is lusting after must-have architectural heels. When this phase is through – and it too shall pass – costume jewelry will enjoy glory that it hasn’t seen since its heyday in the postwar 1940s and 50s.

Eye-catching creations from the likes of Alber Elbaz for Lanvin, Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton, and Nicholas Ghesquière for Balenciaga stole the Fall 2008 runway shows. Some of my favorite pieces included heavy gold chains (Givenchy), ostentatious crystal and ribbon necklaces (Lanvin), and stained glass bib necklaces (Burberry). But that's really only the beginning.

Necks, arms, and ears will continue to be adorned for the upcoming Spring 2009 season as well. Never has it been a better time to use bold jewelry pieces to accessorize your existing wardrobe - or a new one, for that matter.

Welcome to my little bijoux box where I hope to share my passion for jewelry. Enjoy and please feel free to leave comments. In the words of Matthew McConaughey in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days…"frost yourself.”

Images courtesy of Style.com. Left to Right: Burberry Prorsum, Lanvin, Givenchy, Balenciaga.