Jewelry

Mar 05

Alice in Wonderland Accessories

Posted on: March 05, 2010 @ 9:00 am No Comments »

Okay so WHO is excited for Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland tonight!? I cannot freakin’ wait! If it’s as amazing as I’m sure it will be, it will quite possibly in my Top 10 events of 2010. If you’re not looking forward to it, don’t even tell me – I might have to fight you ; )

I’m almost equally thrilled about the wide arrange of Alice in Wonderland related accessories that are on the market. There are items for every budget and style – I’m hoping to pick up at least a few! To help you with your movie night style, I’ve gathered info about some of the greatest pieces (and my personal favorites) for you below.

Mad Hatter Ring ($16), Drink Me Necklace ($20)

Both of the pieces above are from Torrid. The site also offers several adorable Alice tees and a few more pieces of jewelry, but the above really stood out. The detail on both is fantastic and I’m totally coveting them for my Alice collection!

Charm Bracelet by Tom Binns ($124.95), Red Queen Necklace by Swarovski ($129.95)

I know, I know… The pieces above are a tad on the expensive side. That doesn’t quell my NEED for the bracelet. The detail is exquisite. And the necklace? It doesn’t scream “Wonderland” so it can easily be incorporated into an outfit for just about any occasion.

Kirks Folly “Go Ask Alice” Charm Bracelet ($70)

If you’re looking for a more affordable charm bracelet, check out this gorgeous piece from Kirks Folly. It’s available on QVC, which is a site I can’t seem to link from. Just search for it on their site and you’ll be able to find it in a snap.

Just in time, OPI has released an Alice in Wonderland collection that features four sparkling polishes. I’m particularly partial to the blue (Absolutely Alice) and multicolored (Mad As A Hatter) – the lighter red on the right (Off With Her Red!) actually doesn’t feature glitter, but the darker red on the left (Thanks So Muchness!) has a very soft sparkle.

You can pick up an OPI Alice in Wonderland Mini Nail Lacquer Set for $9.49, or get OPI Alice in Wonderland Collection Nail Polishes for $8.50/each.

Introducing SHARONDELIER: Repurposed Vintage Jewelry!

Posted on: March 02, 2010 @ 3:00 pm 12 Comments »

“Throughout the 80’s when her musician husband Neil Finn (Crowded House, Split Enz) was on world tours, New Zealander designer Sharon Finn spent her days raiding jewelry districts, antique store and markets, filling her suitcases with stunning jewels. She would scour and search through backstreets, collecting and saving unique, vintage pieces from around the globe. When asked to help design the set for one of her husband’s many tours, Sharon incorporated those jewels into elaborate chandeliers – and Sharondelier was born. Not long after, she was illuminating the runways at Auckland Fashion Week.

Presently, Sharon repurposes old jewelry, creating new, hand-made, one-of-a-kind pieces, retail priced from $125 – $450. Necklaces with plaited Swarovski strands of blue crystal drops; Vintage diamonte brooches with AB octagon Czech crystals and beads on brass chains; bracelets with glass flowers and pearls mixed with rubies or amethyst; Marquisite watches strung on necklaces amidst bows and onyx.

Under her Sharondelier brand, Sharon also designs exquisitely adorned mannequins, chandeliers and birdcages, many featured in New Zealand’s museums and galleries.”

Price aside, I’m dying for a piece of this jewelry. I’m obsessed with all things vintage, but a fair amount of the pieces I find have some sort of damage and need to be spruced up. Finn has taken pieces that were already beautiful and made them into something even more chic and stunning. It’s even more fun to wear something I know no one else has… Timeless, classic, and completely mine! That’s how I like my jewelry.

Gorjana Olympic Posedown Contest

Posted on: February 25, 2010 @ 3:00 pm No Comments »

Post your pics here.
Contest closes and winners will be announced via Facebook Friday, February 26th, 2010 at 3pm PST.

What a fun contest! The bracelets are beautiful, too – I know we’re supposed to be aiming for gold, but I’m actually a big fan of the bronze. The set would be so much fun to mix and match, pair with jeans or a tee, and glam up simple Spring dresses.

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Written by Laney
Filed Under Jewelry

The Andean Collection: Socially Conscious Fashion

Posted on: February 25, 2010 @ 9:00 am No Comments »

theAndeanProject from John Murillo on Vimeo.

“The idea behind our line is to bring you great fashion forward designs, while creating a greener planet, and providing a path out of poverty for artisans using fair trade principles. In addition to being paid fair wages, our artisans share in the profits of the company as partial owners of The Andean Collection.”

When I received an email about the Andean Collection, I was immediately enthralled by the beautiful colors and materials. I love the bold, offbeat style of collection, as well as the variety of styles. These are pieces you can easily mix and match to create a real statement – or wear alone for an equally bold look.

Normally, I don’t wear bracelets, but I’m really into the styles above. Mostly, I’m an earring gal – and look at these babies! The prices are great, too; nothing pictured is more than $24. Each style is also available in a wide range of colors, so you’re not limited to one shade the way you might be in a store (and even many online retailers). For example, the pair of earrings on the far right above are stocked in 11 shades – ELEVEN!

I’m not a huge necklace person, either, but I think that’s the department in which the Andean Collection really shines. Just look at the amazing creations above! They range from $34 to $78, which makes them much less expensive than the ones I’ve been seeing in the stores lately. Statement necklaces are all the range, and these make a statement of class, eco-consciousness and quality.

The people at the Andean Collection generously sent me a piece from the collection to check out. I received the fabulous Acai Rope Necklace, which retails for $39.

“Resembles a long strand of pearls in shape and size and is another of our extremely versatile items. The pictures below show the many different ways this necklace can be worn. For an dramatic look, wear 2 necklaces together, both double wrapped.”

It’s available in Natural, Tomato, Turquoise, Electric Purple, Titanium, Terra Green, and Wine. I think the one I received is Electric Purple, although mine’s not quite as bright as the one on the site.

The piece itself is really neat – it has a lot more personality than a necklace with regular beads that are completely uniform and perfect. The acai “beads” are different shapes and slightly different sizes, and their imperfections give the necklace a strong allure.

I’ve worn mine out several times and am starting to feel like I might be a “necklace person” after all! I wear it doubled for two chains, or tied in a knot. Both looks are very appealing and add to the variety of the necklace.

I highly recommend checking out the Andean Collection for yourself. If you’re not ready to buy (or don’t have the cash on hand yet!), there are several ways to “stay in touch.” You can check out their blog, fan them on Facebook, or follow them on Twitter. My recommendation is subscribing to their newsletter – do so by scrolling down under the photo on their homepage.

Emily Elizabeth: Blooming Beauty for Spring 2010

Posted on: February 24, 2010 @ 12:00 pm 1 Comment »

Emily Elizabeth Jewelry is thrilled to launch the Blooming Beauty collection for Spring 2010. For this collection, Emily’s inspiration was “blooming and rebirth, like what spring does to nature.” The pieces from this collection are meant to have a metamorphosis effect, allowing you transform “into a fresh new you.” Prices range from $30 – $150 for jewelry and $45 – $125 for hair accessories. The collection is now available online at Emily Elizabeth.

Pictured are several of my favorite pieces.

I’m not normally a fan of gold jewelry, but these two pieces are so cute I can’t resist. The necklaces above are the aptly named “Vacation Trio” and retail for $90 – or $110 if you prefer white gold. They’re perfect to pair with sweet Spring and Summer dresses or spice up your sweaters while you wait for warmer weather!

This ring is another standout for me. It’s the “Paradise Ring” and retails for $85, $95 for white gold. I’m get more and more into statement rings as they’re so easy to incorporate into an outfit. I’d love to pair this ring with a great manicure – a metallic gold polish, perhaps one with sparkles? Totally fabulous.

AutumnKind Handcrafted Jewelry Giveaway CLOSED

Posted on: February 15, 2010 @ 9:00 am 342 Comments »

“Melissa Wessely is Los Angeles based designer behind AutumnKind. What started out as a hobby making personalized pieces for friends has turned into a business. She uses natural elements and stones to create unique and earthy designs. The collection also features gorgeous gemstone colors, gold and silver metals, and leather. The jewelry is feminine & delicate along with being bohemian and hand-crafted.”

Didn’t get jewelry for Valentine’s Day? Don’t worry… Melissa and I are here to help. Forget your boyfriend’s crappy gift (or be happy with the great gift but keep reading), ignore the fact you’re single, or just rejoice – it’s time for another giveaway! Melissa’s jewelry is stunning, handcrafted, and reasonably priced – just what I look for when shopping for something shiny!

“Ruby gemstones wire wrapped in gold filled wire and crystal drop.”

These earrings are one of my favorite items in Melissa’s Etsy shop. There’s still snow on the ground, but they make me think of a warm summer night, a sweet little dress, and a fruity drink.

“Jasper stone pendant strung with brass beads on wax cord.”

This gorgeous necklace is another piece that immediately caught my attention. It’s so simple, yet so eye catching – which is just how I like my jewelry. Not too much bulk, but plenty of appeal. I like that each of the AutumnKind pieces makes me picture a very distinct outfit and scenario.

“Very unique leather rings wire wrapped with gold filled wire. Comes in a variety of colors: black, turquoise, yellow and brown.”

These unique, wire-wrapped rings are what Melissa originally emailed to show me. The leather & wire combination in pretty colors is a perfect combination of soft and hard. It’s like knee high boots and a baby doll dress… but much more subtle and easier to wear!

So now that I’ve got you drooling, and totally coveting all the pretty things from AutumnKind – here’s the fun part!

Contest Info:

TWO of you lucky ladies will win your choice of jewelry (valued at $50 or less) from AutumnKind. This contest will run until March 1st, 11:59 PM EST. You must complete the mandatory entry for your extra entries to be eligible; please leave a separate comment for each.

Mandatory Entry:

Visit AutumnKind and tell me which item you’d pick if you won!

Extra Entries:

Subscribe to the AutumnKind Mailing List – 1 Entry

Follow @AutumnKind on Twitter – 1 Entry

Fan Autumn Kind on Facebook – 1 Entry

Fan The Fashionable Gal on Facebook – 1 Entry

Follow The Fashionable Gal on Twitter – 1 Entry

Subscribe to The Fashionable Gal – 1 Entry

Blog about this giveaway & leave me a link – 3 Entries

Tweet this giveaway (you can use the following text) and leave me a direct link. Can be done daily for extra entries!

#Win beautiful, handcrafted jewelry of *your choice* from @AutumnKind & @fashionablegal http://tinyurl.com/yerbpqy *2 winners!*

Ice Uncovered: The How, What and Why of Dazzling Diamonds!

Posted on: February 13, 2010 @ 12:00 pm 1 Comment »

“Fashion can be exhausting. You get excited about the newest ‘it’ bag or shoe design and as soon as you make an investment, it’s already passé. While some trends are worth taking on, sometimes you just want a sure thing. Like, for instance, diamonds.

You probably already know the basics about diamonds: They’re sparkly, they’re expensive, they’re the rock of choice for engagement rings, and bottom line, they’re beautiful. But do you really know why diamonds carry a hefty price tag and why they have been beloved for generations? Let’s explore a little bit of the diamond’s back-story to truly understand its value.

First of all, we’ll start with a little bit of science class. The diamond you buy today was actually formed billions of years ago (yes, billions). Simple carbon – just like the graphite you find in a lead pencil – was transformed by the application of heat and pressure. Basically, the diamonds were created way underground in boiling hot magma, and when volcanic eruptions occur, diamonds from deep below the earth’s surface are thrust upwards. After cooling in Kimberlite pipes, diamonds are then found through various forms of mining. So it’s not so surprising that diamonds are expensive: They are insanely old as well as rare.

But there is a lot more to the story, whether or not you’re interested in geology. Diamonds have always been associated with some interesting myths and legends. The ancient Greeks thought a diamond’s sparkle came from falling stars whose splinters landed on Earth. Others noted their precious value by saying diamonds were the tears of the Gods. Even Cupid was said to have arrows tipped with diamonds – This was an early association formed between love and bling!

And are you wondering how these coveted stones made their way onto engagement rings? Up until the 15th Century, only kings and rulers were allowed to wear diamonds. But that all changed in 1477, when Archduke Maximilian of Austria presented Mary of Burgundy with a diamond engagement ring. (It wasn’t until much later – the 20th Century – that De Beers started advertising to the masses with the slogan “A Diamond is Forever.”)

Today, diamonds are still associated with special occasions. In Hollywood terms, that means events like the Oscars® or red carpet premieres. For the rest of us, they are perfect gifts for birthdays, holidays and best of all, engagement rings. Now that you know the inside story, let’s take a look at a few classic pieces that will work for your next special occasion:

Birthday: A pair of simple, sparkly drop earrings will flatter any woman. I love this Gaelle version in 18-karat white gold. Everybody looks good with a bit of shimmer around their face, so you can’t go wrong!

Valentine’s Day: If there was ever a time to go with a theme, this holiday is it. Try the ultra-sweet Twin Heart Bracelet to really win her over. The combination of white and yellow gold with twinkling pave diamonds means that it will match everything in her jewelry box.

Splurge for Me: This is the best kind of gift – the one to yourself. Whether you’re celebrating a promotion or are just in the mood for something beautiful, how about choosing a fun right-hand ring? This feminine Floral Band would be a perfectly unique pinky ring.

Shop all these styles and much more at Jewels Boutique.”

I did not write this article. It was sent to me by a representative of Jewels Boutique for posting.

Lady Gaga & Barbara Walters – Beautiful & Bold

Posted on: February 09, 2010 @ 9:00 am 1 Comment »

“Breaking news: Lady Gaga and Barbara Walters share a style secret!

Know what it is? One look at the accompanying picture will clue you in immediately: These two women share a real knack for bold accessories. This particular image is from the taping of Barbara Walters Presents: The 10 Most Fascinating People of 2009, and it shows the pop star and the reporter sporting larger-than-life bits and baubles. From Gaga’s huge brooch to Babs’ oversized necklace and belt, the look this season is definitely not demure.”

Now’s a great time to start looking for stylish pieces that make a big statement. Here are a few of my recommendations.

Jewelry

(L-R, Top – Bottom)

Whimsical Cascading Flower Bib Necklace Set $58.95

Quartz Bangle $1650.00

Filigree Tear Drop Earring $16.60

Sequin Hinged Enamel Bangle $28

Evangelina Necklace $51

Fossil Ring, Brown Ion Plated Mixed Metal Crystal Ball $40

Valentine’s Day Gift Guide: For Her

Posted on: February 08, 2010 @ 9:00 am 2 Comments »

Guerlain Engraved Rouge G de Guerlain Jewel Lipstick Compact Grenade 65 – “Kiss Me”

Demeter Fragrance Library Hershey’s Special Dark 1 oz Cologne Spray

NARS Temptation Gift Set

Hanky Panky Low Rise Signature Lace Thongs in a Heart Box

Jezebel Low Rise Thongs with Scented Satin Sachet

14k White Gold Earrings, Ruby (1-1/10 ct. t.w.) and Diamond Accent Heart – on sale for $699

14k White Gold Diamond Accent Flower Stud Earrings – on sale for $84.15

Grammy’s 2010: Get the Look for Less

Posted on: February 06, 2010 @ 9:00 am 4 Comments »

Mary J. Blige looked stunning at the 2010 Grammy Awards. I love the cut of her dress, and the color is super flattering. These earrings from Fantasy Jewelry Box are a great match to Blige’s, but for what’s surely a fraction of the cost!

I might not be a Miley Cyrus fan, but I can appreciate a great outfit – and jewelry – when I see it. This Turquoise & Pearl necklace and earring combo is evocative of the warm nights ahead… even if they are still a few months away!

Fierce as usual! Fergie looks like a Barbie, and I love the dress. The silver embellishment and strap is such a neat way to add a pop of color. This bracelet match can be worn for either glam night out, or just to spice up a tee and jeans in a hurry.

If I could look like any celebrity, there’s a good chance I’d pick Ms. Swift. She’s just stunning! I adore her dress, jewelry, hair, makeup… You name it, she nailed it. These earrings from Fantasy Jewelry Box will help you get a little closer to the Red Carpet without breaking the bank.