RED CARPET FAVORITES

It's no secret that the best of the best of bling comes out to shine during major red carpet evens.  So I thought I would show you my top 3 pieces of this past years award shows.

Honorable Mention

This stunner was worn by Christina Aguilera at the Golden Globes.  It's a Lorraine Schwartz ruby and diamond blackened platinum ring with bracelet attached.  To Die!!

In 3rd Place

We have Claire Danes  cuff by Fred Leighton worn at this years Golden Globes.  It's a good thing I wasn't there because there is a good chance I would have cut off her wrist to have this!

 

In 2nd Place

Also at the Golden Globes Julianne Moore wore Bulgari and she looked so hot. Her dress was controversial, but I thought the use of jewelry as part of the dress was amaze!

And in 1st Place

Nicole Kidmon worn the most stunningly simple necklace to this years Oscars.  This stunner is a Fred Leighton rare imported 19th century diamond riviere necklace, with approximately 150 carats of graduated old-mined diamonds.   

Check out the back of it.  JEEEZZZZZ-OOOHHHSSS!

 

SIZE MATTERS

HAPPY WEEKEND Y'ALL

JEWELRY MAKES EVERYTHING BETTER

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Jewelry takes people’s minds off your wrinkles.  ~Sonja Henie

BETTER THAN THE SUN

This rare and gorgeous 110 carat diamond is absolutely stunning!  I can get over it, I almost want to fly over to London just to see it.

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HOOO

WHAT A PIN HEAD

 

I love this idea of using vintage broaches as boutonnieres, and check out the ones in the bridesmaids hair.  Such a lovely touch.

 

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IDEAL WOMAN

I have recently partnered with Allie Pohl, creator of the Ideal Woman Necklace, and I'm so excited to be a part of not only the jewelry company but the movement.

"Ideal Woman: Necklace reflects Allie Pohl's
belief that society is obsessed with the image of “the perfect woman.” The necklace demonstrates our culture’s desire to emulate a look that seems naturally impossible to attain. Her artistic objective is to critique cultural trends that she finds impractical or destructive to the female form. Pohl strives to express the absurdities, conflicts and hypocrisies society presents about “ideal” women.

This iconic necklace is more than just a pendant; when worn it is a catalyst for instigating new ideas, conversation  and change. She has created a virtual space, idealwoman.wordpress.com, where you can share your comments or reactions that you have received while wearing this necklace. She hopes you enjoy wearing the Ideal Woman: Necklace!"

Above and below are two fabulous friends of mine sporting an Ideal Woman necklace.  Both have blogs of their own you should definitely check out.

Above: Katy Rockwell, Ragdollvintage.blogspot.com

Below: Robin Hug, Northofthegategirl.com

DIY DOILY LAMP...YES PLEASE

 

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Here's a weekend project that I'm loving.  I found it on The More Design Blog.  Check it out.

CASUAL ELEGANCE

 

I have always loved big costume jewelry with a casual outfit.  The look is so effortlessly perfect.

WHERE CHILDREN SLEEP

 

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Where Children Sleep: A Diverse World of Homes

"When photographer James Mollison was asked to do a project on children’s rights, he found himself thinking back to his childhood bedroom and the deep importance it played in his upbringing. Taking that idea with him around the world, he photographed a diverse cross section of children and the bedrooms they call home. His moving images remove the children from their home environment, showing them before a neutral background that mostly hides their economic status as if to say “kids are just kids.” Only when their bedroom is observed, however, does the full scope of their living situation become poiniently clear."

STACK 'EM UP

 

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JEWELRY IT GIRL: NORA KOGAN

I am of the philosophy that more is more when it comes to jewelry.  I believe that metal should be mixed and stones of every color and size can and should be piled on all together.  The difference between a dressed person and a someone with style is how they accessorize.  My former boss Nora Kogan, the designer behind St. Kilda Jewelry, is an expert at this more is more way of accessorizing.    I was luck enough to be around her on a daily basis and soak up the design inspiration she provided me.  Here are some of the combination she would wear on any particular day.  You can check out her jewels at Stkildajewelry.com and she also has a great blog at stkildajewelry.wordpress.com. 

 

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PICKING JEWELRY FOR AN INTERVIEW

Fashion is for everyone at all times including when you're interviewing.  How you present yourself can make or break your chances of getting a job.  I believe for an interview jewelry should be tasteful, understated, and appropriate for the attire.  One good tip to remember when deciding what to wear to an interview is that you want to emphasize your professionalism and not your fashion taste.

Jewelry worn to an interview should be neutral and not too revealing in tone.  Wearing something that is overly religious, pet, horoscope, or even hobby related can only hurt your chances at landing the job.  You want to make sure you keep the interviewer focused on your exceptional business skills and not the fact that you love cats.  The last thing you need is for them to draw on any stereotypes instead of the business at hand.

Also, a good tip to remember is that "after hour" jewelry can make you look unprofessional.  Big hoop earrings or over sized rings are better left for the weekends.  Bracelets can be very distracting as well as noisy, especially if you are a hand talker and best avoided.

A great way to keep attention towards your face is with a pair of stud earrings that have a bit of sparkle and/or a simple necklace that hits around your collar bone.  Now I am probably the biggest fan of the "more is more" philosophy when it comes to wearing jewelry, but even I know there is a time and place and when you are looking to land a corporate gig and the interview room is not it.  When in doubt go classic and small like the lovely ladies pictures below.

 

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PERMANENT JEWELRY

 

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I'm loving these creative tattoos.  What do you think, should I, should I???

HOW TO MIX METALS: BRACELET EDITION

I was told by more than one friend this past weekend that I am a hand talker, so wearing bracelets certainly does not go unnoticed on me.  Like rings I love to pile on bracelets.  Who are we kidding I love to pile on every kind of jewelry all at once, but if you are not a jewelry junky like myself but are looking to start to make a statement with some jewelry  I think bracelets is a good starting off point.  Bracelets aren't worn close to the face so to a jewelry novice they don't seem overwhelming.

 Mixing metals is easily done on your wrists.  Like I said with rings as soon as you put 3 or more bracelets together no matter what color metal they are, they instantly "go" together.  A really easy way to start to mix metals in a delicate way is to pair a simple small gold bracelet with a silver watch.  It's that simple!  Give it a try, and like I always say jewelry is suppose to be fun, so go play!