Oooh, I Gotta Get Me Some Bling

I know the sensible thing for me to do this payday is to cover my health insurance, rent, and pay a visit to the doctor...but those things aren't very sexy...and just look at these tantalizing blingy bits. I want them both. Now.

The Purple Waterfall hoops from Tina Tang is an incredibly chic way to try the fringe trend without a huge commitment. At $68 they're fairly priced but if you can make it to her New York store on November 3rd, she's offering 25% off to celebrate her birthday! Her shop is located at 49 Greenwich Avenue. I may see you there.

My next temptress du jour is the Magnolia Necklace by Jordann Jewelry. Buy it online at PalmBeachJem.com. Tell me this wouldn't be uber hot with a plunging v-neck halter top?

Ugh...why isn't my wallet as fat as my sense of style?!

Trends Report: Cameo Appearance

A quick scan of jewelry trends for Fall has us feeling like we’re peeking into Granny’s jewelry box – cameos are big news. The perfect complement to this season’s vintage- and Goth-inspired looks, they’re available in myriad forms so you’re sure to find one that tickles your fancy and reflects your personal style.

Cameos were first created in the early 1800s by artisans who carved figures in shell, agate, or onyx. Since no gemstones were used cameos were considered appropriate “day” jewelry and popular with stylish ladies of the time – Queen Victoria and Catherine the Great were among the many admirers and collectors. Interestingly, they came into popularity just as new archeological discoveries were being made in Italy and Egypt, so classical images from ancient times became all the rage.

Contemporary interpretations include cartoon figures and animals, and are fashioned in non-traditional colors like neon to really keep the look modern. If the idea feels a little antiquated to you but you like old classics, look for clothing and tote bags that feature the image with funky new twists.

Carved Bakelite Cameo Clamper Carole Tanenbaum Vintage Collection	Woman with Mirror Cameo Silver Pendant eBay	Neon Cameo Hoodie Delia’s
Loyal Army Punk Rock Cameos Tote Anonymous Venice	Cameo Locket Pendant Urban Outfitters	Cameo Shirt Etsy

I Want Candy!

I am going to have to thank my latest craving to our lovely reader Annie Spandex.


Annie scoped out these yummy finds on Etsy from a seller who goes by the name stoopidgerl I'm not sure if that's a reference to the totally awesome Pink! but I am loving everything this seller has to offer just the same.



These have my name written all over them:






Or, if you prefer your sweets straight up there's always:



Just looking down and seeing that sweet li'l ice cream sundae resting on my finger would make me smile...I can really see it coming in handy when I'm on line at the post office, in a crowded subway, or waiting for my husband to take out the trash.

Ah...serenity now...get yours here!

Trends Report: Family Jewels

One word can be used to describe this season’s jewelry trends: bold. Key items include multi-strand chains, over-sized cocktail rings, and eye-catching cuffs. While bling-bling may be horribly dated, this doesn’t mean your jewels should be blah. To keep your accessories wardrobe current, ditch the sparkle for color, unusual textures, geometric patterns, and distinctive finishing touches like fringe. We’ll be talking more about these trends as the season continues, so please stay tuned.

When it comes to choosing necklaces and earrings, let your face shape be your guide. If your face is Curved, opt for pieces with soft flowing lines like ovals, scrolls, and swirls that accent, not play against, your shape.

Are you more angular? Choose items with straighter lines to emphasize chiseled features but don’t echo your face shape completely. For example, if your face is a Triangle, avoid jewelry that points sharply downward so that the focus is on you, not your accessories. To find out more about your best silhouettes be sure to complete your Bodyline profile and see your recommended products.

In the interest of keeping this completely personal, we’ve taken the jewelry trend one step further –what’s more unique than YOU? We scoured the web for the cutest customized jewelry and here’s what we dug up. How about an initial pendant inspired by the one worn by Anne Boleyn – we’re pretty sure Henry VIII found it beguiling. Or what about your family crest emblazoned on a ring? Coat of Arms jewelry will be a big trend this season and this is a fun way to honor your heritage. Of course any item that contains the names of your loved ones is a special reminder that’s sure to give you a pick me up every time you wear it.

Boleyn Necklace Wendy Brandes	Coat of Arms Ring Coat of Arms Store	Couples Birthstone Bracelet Limoges Jewelry
My Family Necklace Etsy	18K Gold Overlay Bamboo Name Earrings Zales	Leather Personalized Bracelet Etsy

Delicate Pendants

I'm not sure if you've noticed, but I've been obsessed with jewelry lately. This morning, I'm really loving the look of layered strands of delicate pendants.

I found three that I really like on Pink Mascara. Best of all, 2 of the 3 that I've chosen are on sale so I suspect they'll end up in my shopping cart.

What do you think - should I go for it?



(L - R: Lena Wald, Dogeared)

Classic Catalogs From The Seventies & Beyond

When I was a young girl in the olden days of the 1970s I would love to thumb through my mother’s “high fashion” catalogs, which invariably meant Sears, J.C. Penney, and maybe, MAYBE Montgomery Ward. The Sears Catalog of course ruled; it was twice as thick as a phone book and chock fulls of Dorothy Hamill-coiffed cuties in shimmery fuchsia disco frocks and little girls much like me in pigtails and denim pantsuits. I was in love...until a somewhat swankier glossy arrived on our doorstep, namely the Ross Simons jewelry catalog.

My heart raced as I pored over its diamond-studded pages, each ring, bracelet, and necklace grander than the last. I’d mark it up with a wish list of goodies, including the engagement ring that I would undoubtedly receive once Jack Tripper met and fell in love with me. We’d of course wed on the beach in Santa Monica followed by a low-key, yet tasteful reception at the Regal Beagle and then live happily ever after.

But I digress.

Last night, among the usual pile of bills and trashy gossip rags, there it was – the latest Ross Simons catalog and like a shiny beacon to my past I couldn’t help but be drawn into its lustrous fold.

Imagine my surprise when I didn’t gag. Sure there’s still a fair share of craptastic fantastic goodies like this Chocolate Diamond Monkey Ring which will set you back $2500:

But nestled among the duds were li’l gems like this I-know-I-should-hate-this sterling cuff (which is far cuter in the catalog, btw):

What about these puffy silver Italian hoops which are so timeless and wearable:

Or consider these pave diamond drop earrings which adds subtle bling to any wedding day frock:

Celebrate the entire Ross Simons catalog here ladies…and have a wonderful weekend!

New York Street Beat: One Trend Two Ways

Style is not about blindly following trends, it’s about finding what works for you. We love the look of a chunky artisan necklace but admit it can be easily goofed if you’re not too careful. Fortunately, we found two prime examples of great personal style over trendy fashion.

We caught socialite designer Tory Burch (right) walking the red carpet in Midtown recently, and were struck by her bold enamel necklace and just-right Bergdorf Blonde highlights. Her eye-catching bauble played nicely off her classic LBD – pure Uptown elegance.

Somewhere below 14th Street, Kristen’s (Left) take on the trend mirrors her aesthetic perfectly. She describes her style as “often messy and undone,” and is inspired by European classics with a vintage twist. We love her feminine waves and soft, natural makeup (MAC). Her statement necklace lends an urban edge to an otherwise romantic look. The vibe is thoroughly fresh, modern, and Downtown.

Notice too that both women keep other details simple – natural makeup, a neutral color palette, and the lack of competing accessories keeps this look balanced.

Bubble Necklace J. Crew

Barton Bib Necklace Tory Burch

Nicole Miller Gold Bib Necklace Edressme.com

Supermarket Jewelry!

I LOVE this necklace. What better way to get ready for the new SATC movie? Trashy Deluxe has some other fun pieces but this is my favorite (the "expensive" necklace is a close second).

Supermarket is a great site, all the work comes directly from the designers, so check it out.
Supermarket