SICKA THAN AVERAGE

Linea Pelle Double Wrap Sliced Leather Bracelet -- As Seen In The Back-Up Plan!

 

 

 
If you saw Jennifer Lopez's new romantic comedy, The Back-up Plan, then you're probably eager to learn more about the head-turning outfits, not to mention foxy jewelry and shoes, featured therein. After all, Jennifer Lopez has yet to miss a style beat in any of her films — she even looked fly in the final scenes of Enough, while she give her abusive husband a lethal dose of Puerto Rican Judo (okay, it wasn't Judo nor did it have anything to do with being Puerto Rican, but you catch my drift). And of course, The Back-Up Plan is no exception, as Lopez models one cute ensemble after the other — even when her character's pregnant belly becomes absolutely rotund  (and, as most moms know, finding cute maternity clothes is a daunting feat). In terms of the accessories, one piece stands out, appearing in multiple scenes: this Linea Pelle Double Wrap Sliced Leather Bracelet.

This Italian leather bracelet features sliced strips that give the piece a laid-back, slightly Boho feel. They remind me of Slinky toys since the slices give the piece movement and malleability. Measuring two inches in width, these bracelets (available in dark chocolate, scotch, vintage gold, vintage silver, and black) are meant to be wrapped around the wrist twice and then closed with one of two brass snaps. 

In the film, Lopez pairs her bracelet with a Missoni-esque sweater bearing zig-zagging strips of color, worn above a tan tank dress and paired with a slim black belt and slouchy black suede boots. She also rocks it with an ensemble consisting of wide-leg navy trousers, a striped tank worn beneath a tailored white vest, and accessorized with a navy-and-white infinity scarf. And in yet another scene, the bracelet is worn with a loose-fitting, paisley print halter dress. So, as you can see, the bracelet is almost as notable a part of the movie as the fictional baby bump!

 Linea Pelle Double Wrap Sliced Leather Bracelet, $65. Available at LPcollection.com

Kimberly McDonald Bracelet Seen On Sarah Jessica Parker At SATC 2 After-Party

  

 

Warner Bros. isn't the only company celebrating a great coup with the opening of Sex and the City 2 this week. Not only did Sarah Jessica Parker wear four different pieces by jewelry designer Kimberly McDonald in the film (some of which we showcased here), but she showed off the lovely bracelet pictured above at the after-party for the Sex and the City 2 premiere in NYC on May 24th. 

For the occasion, Parker wore a sheer Elie Saab dress with a sheer lace bodice, long lace sleeves, retro shoulder accents, and a full, flirty skirt lined with tulle. She paired the dress with vibrant sky blue and black Nicholas Kirkwood heels and infused some Hollywood glamour by rocking two of the above-pictured Kimberly McDonald cuffs (one on each wrist). The sleek black resin bracelets feature geode stones surrounded by tiny diamonds along their centers. The simple yet luxurious design speaks to McDonald's aesthetic, which is often centered on the beauty of precious stones in their raw, natural state.

For more info on Kimberly McDonald's work, visit KimberlyMcDonald.com

Prismera Design Goes High-End With PD Couture

 

 

 

When I first covered Prismera Jewelry, I remarked on how designer Laura Su's dainty, carefully cut, botanical-themed pieces conjured up images of playful wood nymphs and fairies frolicking in a magical forest expanse. Now, with the launch of PD Couture, a line of one-of-a-kind couture necklaces, Su has continued to embrace the lush floral imagery that has informed her previous work but has pumped up the volume with statement-making silhouettes, garden-worthy colors, and dramatic textural effects. 

These handcrafted pieces are made using strips of chiffon, velvet, cotton and satin fabric, sewn together to create sculptural pleats, undulating ruffles, or soft rosette shapes, and adorned with beads, sequins, and thin metal chains. Pictured above are three of my favorite necklaces in the debut collection. At top, you'll find the "Jenesis" necklace, which features an explosion of ruffled green chiffon that creates a lush, grass-like backdrop for rosebud-shaped grooves of mustard yellow and magenta chiffon. To give the necklace a youthful touch, Su incorporated shimmering, navy blue, sequined appliqués shaped like whimsical daisies, and crafted a Boho-flavored necklace strand with three strips of clear beads along one side and, along the other, sliced wooden beads that trickle down the side of the neck like tree stumps in a forest. Another beauty is the "Stella" necklace (pictured second from top), a bib necklace of white chiffon curved in meringue-like shapes, with cylindrical, silver-toned beads sewn along the center of each shape to resemble flowers' pistils.

The most breathtaking piece in the collection is probably the "Aubrey" necklace (pictured third from top), which features strips of chiffon in a range of elegant gray hues, twisted and molded to create a lei-like silhouette, topped off with thin silver-toned chains and feather accents. But the true flash of genius here is, of course, the focal detailing which consists of an arched strip of pleated velvet shaped to resemble a raised collar, and a supple peony-like shape made with layered chiffon and finished with a delicate sequined appliqué with a leafy motif. It's the kind of necklace that would make you feel like Anne Boleyn during her reign (prior to the whole head-chopping incident, that is). Okay, clearly I've been watching too many re-runs of The Tudors, but you catch my drift!

PD Couture "Jenesis" necklace, $230; PD Couture "Stella" necklace, $150; PD Couture "Aubrey" necklace, $230. Available at PrismeraDesign.com

HSN's Summer Capsule Collection Presented By Lucky Magazine

 

 

  

  

I'll admit that, until recently, I've been the first one to associate home shopping networks with frumpy old women wearing chunky sweaters with reindeer designs (like the one Bridget Jones' mother forced her to wear to the dreaded Turkey Curry Buffet). But clearly, these networks have given a long, hard look at their images and made strides to modernize (and, more importantly, rejuvenate) their images. For HSN, it's meant inviting established jewelry and handbag designers, as well as celebrity stylists and models, to create affordable collections exclusive to their network — enter American Glamour by Badgley Mischka, Chi by Falchi, Curations with Stefani Greenfield, and Grayce by Molly Sims, among others. But of course, the HSN gurus know that appealing to a broader audience (i.e. one that incorporates a healthy slice of the 18 to 34-year-old demo) is only partly about inventory -- they key to appealing this evasive, fickle group of consumers is image, it's about how a brand is perceived. So to reposition itself as a cool, hip, current brand, HSN teamed up with Lucky magazine, the popular shopaholic magazine.

Together, Lucky and HSN enlisted a handful of style tastemakers who, in turn, launched limited edition collections for HSN shoppers: Anna Corinna (of Foley + Corinna fame) introduced her F+C by Anna Corinna line of affordable handbags; Thread Social debuted Thread by Thread Social, which offers flirty and versatile basics like simple ruffled dresses; and Pour La Victoire designer David Giordino introduced La Victoire, which features edgy, daring shoes with a bold, urban edge. Jewelry designers Gerard Yosca and Pade Vavre also offered some exclusive pieces to complete the shopping experience.  HSN and Lucky magazine's Summer Capsule Collection debuted on Wednesday, May 19th, and the pieces are now available at HSN.com.

As far as the apparel, I can't say anything looked particularly fab (most seemed to fall just one notch above that dumpy, denim-pants-with-an-elastic-waistband sense of style I so dread), but there are some choice finds in terms of the jewelry and footwear offerings (many of which are pictiured here).

My favorite pieces by a landslide are the La Victoire shoes, since they capture the essence of the PLV brand but are a bit more affordable. The Adina Leather Gladiators (pictured at top) feature chic, urban-flavored straps with chic studs and perforations but boast a beach-ready vibe thanks to the rope-covered wedge heel. I also adore the La Victoire Diana Beaded Sandals (pictured third from top), which have a gypsy-meets-Hamptons vibe thanks to the eggshell-colored plastic beads and dark wooden beads. 

Also pictured here are some great pieces from Gerard Yosca, such as the multi-stone, four-row necklace (pictured second from top), a statement-making piece featuring thick golden chains, simulated pearls, faceted briolettes, and clear teardrop-shaped stones, and a particularly funky fuchsia F+C handbag (pictured below) featuring a black patent leather trim and a drawstring closure.

Pictured above: La Victoire Adina Leather Gladiator With Rope Wedge, $119; Gerard Yosca Multistone 4-Row Necklace with Crystal Accents, $119.90; La Victoire Diana Beaded Suede Wedge, $159; and Pade Vavra Freeform Simulated Gemstone Necklace, $249. All available at HSN.com

Pictured below: Gerard Yosca 2-Row Stone Necklace, $119; and F + C by Anna Corinna Denver Leather and Patent Demi Bag, $150. All available at HSN.com

  

   

  

Fashion and Jewelry Straight From The "Sex and The City 2" Movie

 

 

  

Are you counting down the days 'til you can see Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte cavorting through the Abu Dhabi desert? Well, here's a sneak peak at some of the fashions you'll see in the much-anticipated Sex and the City 2 movie. Sure, you've seen the white Halston Heritage cocktail dress Carrie wears on the movie poster, but aren't you itching to see more? Well, here are a few gems for you!

Pictured above are two of the Kimberly McDonald earrings you'll see Carrie wear in the flick. Pictured at top is a pair of drop earrings featuring four asymmetrical geode stones (if you're wondering, these are volcanic rock cavities which often contain crystal formations, chalcedony deposits or concentric banding along their interior). The geode stones in these earrings are then set in 18k white gold and adorned with small diamonds along each stone's perimeter. Dynamite, right?

And, since Carrie Bradshaw loves hoop earrings, we knew she'd dazzle us with her latest pair — and she didn't disappoint. Dressing up the hoop silhouette, Carrie wears a glamorous pair of Kimberly McDonald "Pathway" rose-cut diamond and platinum hoop earrings (pictured third from top). Each diamond is like a tiny oasis, quenching our thirst for "hello, lover"-worthy style.

But what about the rest of the SATC ladies? Well, here's a tidbit for all you Charlotte lovers: in one scene of the movie, the ever-prim Upper East Sider will be carrying a roomy Nancy Gonzalez crocodile tote (pictured second from top) in a lovely seafoam green color with two leaf-like details dangling from the front.

Don't these make you even more excited to watch the film?

Kimberly McDonald 4 Drop Petite Geode & Diamond Earrings in 18k white gold, $27,150; Nancy Gonzalez Crocodile East West Tote in Green, $3380; and Kimberly McDonald Signature “Pathway” rose cut diamond and platinum hoop earrings, $46,400. All available at Bergdorf Goodman.

Launching Tomorrow -- H&M Fashion Against AIDS Collection

 

 

 

  

   

Starting tomorrow, May 20th, H&M stores nationwide will be carrying the new Fashion Against AIDS collection, an assortment of apparel, shoes, accessories, jewelry and knickknacks (including portable tents, lawn/beach chairs and colorful headphones) for men and women. A quarter of the proceeds from the sale of these items will benefit youth HIV/AIDS awareness programs like: Designers Against AIDS, the organization that first brought the Fashion Against AIDS concept to H&M brass; YouthAids which provides HIV/AIDS education and awareness to 600 million young people in over 60 countries through the use of pop culture means; the MTV Staying Alive Foundation, which educates our youth about safe sex practices, as well as HIV testing and prevention; and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), an international agency that promotes reproductive health and seeks to democratize access to health supplies and proper treatment.

Sure, the collection's mission is noble and praiseworthy, but how does it stand up against prior FAA lines or, even, against H&M's seasonal offerings? Well, while some of the apparel pieces are festive and playful, the Fashion Against AIDS collection won't whet the appetites of those looking for innovation in the style arena. In other words, what you'll find is your run-of-the-mill, contemporary H&M fashion offerings: '80s-flavored, animal print dresses in punchy neon hues (like the one pictured at top);  gold sequined jackets (such as the one pictured last, below); embroidered denim dresses in distressed washes; biker-inspired jackets with zippers galore; and sleeveless tops with fringe details and epaulette-like details. Some pieces — like the fluorescent, coral hued, flutter-sleeve dress with the leopard print — may add a punch of vibrant color to your wardrobe, but they're not exactly timeless nor do they reinvent the wheel from a design stance. 

My favorite pieces are actually the tribal-flavored accessories: a black-and-white necklace with a braided rope strand and an asymmetrical, armor-like plate featuring three mosaic-like, jagged snippets of zebra print with a camel-colored trim; coquettish red, black and white bangles with zig-zagging patterns; and a statement-making necklace with electric blue beaded strands and two curved, wooden plates featuring designs made with what appears to be black marker.

Check out some of the collection's offerings here!

Pictured above: H&M Fashion Against AIDS animal print flutter-sleeve dress, $24.95; H&M Fashion Against AIDS rope necklace with zebra print plate, $17.95; H&M Fashion Against AIDS distressed black leather biker jacket, $69.95; and H&M Fashion Against AIDS black-and-white zig zag print sandals, $24.95.

Pictured below: H&M Fashion Against AIDS bangles, $14.95; H&M Fashion Against AIDS long-sleeved, cinch waist dress, $24.95; H&M Fashion Against AIDS stretch belt with embroidery, $17.95; H&M Fashion Against AIDS sleeveless black blouse with fringe detai, $29.95l; and H&M Fashion Against AIDS beaded blue necklace with wood details, $17.95; and H&M Fashion Against AIDS gold sequin blazer, $49.95.

 

   

 

   

 

 

New Scosha Bracelet Line To Hit Ralph Lauren Stores in NYC

 

             

This June, cult favorite jewelry brand Scosha will release a new line of bracelets that will be distributed at Ralph Lauren stores throughout NYC and the Hamptons. Pictured above are some of the handcrafted bracelets in the collection, which feature braided antique linen, twisted silk and braided linen fly line, and more, decorated with oxidized metal and leather strips or vintage beads and one-of-a-kind stones.

I love the rugby-meets-nautical vibe of the thicker woven bracelets pictured above. I'm particularly smitten with the piece featuring a chestnut leather belt buckle closure — the pattern created by the woven strands reminds me of the friendship bracelets of my childhood, while the buckle strap adds a jaunty, preppy feel and an all-American vibe to the design.  I also appreciate the summery take on Scosha's popular ID bracelet — while the current version features woven deer skin leather and a clean sterling silver ID bar, these feature woven fabric and antique-looking, slightly burnished silver bars.

The more free-spirited, beach-loving Bohemian option, meanwhile, check out the thin braided bracelets pictured second from top, which feature whimsical charms and embellishments such as hollow, plastic hair beads; hollow metal rings; ladybug-flavored glass beads; flattened, turquoise-colored tags, and fish hook closures.

Make sure to visit ScoshaNYC.com for more details and pop into Ralph Lauren stores (including RRL, Polo Ralph Lauren, Rugby and Ralph Lauren stores) throughout the New York City area come June!

More "Gossip Girl" Jewelry -- Check Out The Bounkit And Ippolita Pieces Featured In Monday's Episode

    

 

Even die-hard Gossip Girl  fans have to acknowledge that Season 3 got off to a bumpy start as the writers struggled to transition Serena, Blair, and company from the steps of the MET museum to their respective new colleges or post-Constance endeavors (for example, Serena's ill-fated PR internship and Chuck's new CEO endeavors). It took writers almost half the season to finally create a successful dramatic plotline, but hey, we viewers love a good comeback! Similarly, the show's wardrobe team fumbled a bit as they worked to polish each character's new, more adult look. Sure, Blair's headbands were tossed, Chuck hung up his plaid pants, and Vanessa let go of the H&M gear in favor of more artsy, Boho chic pieces, but for a few episodes, there weren't enough statement pieces to keep us talking. And then, just when we started doubting their genius, the GG fashion gurus got their groove back. Not only have the past few episodes of Gossip Girl provided us with a plethora of memorable style moments, but each ensemble was accessorized with an equally noteworthy piece of jewelry (or two or three).

On Monday's "Ex-Husbands and Wives" episode, several baubles left me breathless. One of my absolute favorites: the Bounkit necklace worn Holland Kemble (played  by Sherri Saum), the triflin' woman who lives downstairs from Lily and Rufus and who claimed to have slept with Rufus during Lily's absence. Holland Kemble wore the faceted smoky topaz and green agate necklace (pictured at top) to the Library Auction Gala, where Chuck and Blair pulled off one of their customary schemes in order to confront her about writing a bogus prescription for Lily. As wildly entertaining as Chuck and Blair's banter was, I was barely paying attention to it because I was so distracted by the gorgeous necklace draped around Kemble's neck.

Another fantastic piece in the episode: the Ippolita Rock Candy Large Teardrop Pendant in Brazilian Amethyst  (pictured second from top) that Blair wore during her first date with the rugby player, moments before Nate, Jenny, Chuck, and Dan hijacked her date and recruited her to mastermind their latest scheme. The Ippolita necklace features a faceted, teardrop-shaped amethyst stone measuring approximately 25mm by 20mm and featuring an 18k gold setting and chain. The necklace fell gracefully past Blair's décolletage, adding a princess-y vibe to her ensemble.

Now that Gossip Girl seems to have overcome its slump period, let's hope the fantastic jewels keep on coming!

Bounkit Faceted Smoky Topaz and Green Agate Necklace, $1310, at Bounkit.com; and Ippolita Rock Candy Large Teardrop Pendant in Amethyst, $1195, at Ippolita.com

Laruicci Necklace Seen in Beyonce's "Why Don't You Love Me?" Video

 

Have you watched Beyoncé's Why Don't You Love Me?" video? Remember that scene where she's talking on the phone, oversize rings on all of her fingers, her mascara running down her cheeks? Well, the gorgeous four-strand metal-and-glass necklace was a Laruicci by Lauren Ruicci piece (which has been aptly dubbed the "Love Me Necklace").

The necklace's vintage feel is perfect for the video's Vargas Girls-esque, 1940s or 1950s pin-up girl motif. Each strand features spherical black glass beads, as well as some slightly flatter beads with a strip of gold-toned metal running along the middle of each bead like one of Saturn's rings. The beads are then linked together by gold-tone cylinder accents. In addition to this basic arrangement, the four-strand necklace features two statement beads: one a medallion-sized, black glass bead with a carefully faceted surface; and the other, a smoky, quartz-like stone.

Trust: there will be no smudged or running mascara when you wear this beauty!

Laruicci "Love Me" Necklace, $285. Available at Laruicci.com

Katrina Kelly Jewelry's Layered Approach To Love

 

 

 

Fine jewelry designer Katrina Kelly has clearly been pondering the profundity of infatuation and the necessary elements for long-lasting love. Forget there being seven deadly sins —if we look at enough religious, mythical and mystical texts, we'll find attributes like wisdom, mental acuity, luck, artistry, and intuition associated with this digit. In fact, many ancient civilizations have interpreted the number as sacred or magical. It follows, then, that someone would use the number seven to examine a subject as complex and truly divine as love.

Katrina Kelly's new "7 Layers of Love" rings consists of a septet of jeweled bands that can be worn individually or stacked atop one another, with each piece symbolizing a different aspect of this romantic sentiment: Luck (since chance often plays a role in finding that special someone), Light (since love can make you feel enlightened and joyous), Laughter (what relationship can survive without some humor?), Lover (passion informs romantic love, after all), Loyalty (trust cannot exist without it), Love (an emotion that can't be scientifically explained), and Life (since true love lasts a lifetime).

So how is each of these abstracts interpreted into jewelry? Well, let's travel through all through layers. First, there's "Luck," an 18k gold band measuring 2mm in width and featuring fine, bead-like granulations (it's the ring at the bottom of the stack in the photo of the yellow gold set). Next, there's the "Light" layer, which features a subtle wave-like shape and beaded details (it's pictured second from bottom in the stack of white gold rings above). Third, we have the "Laughter" ring, which features a dainty band much like the "Luck" one, except that this one features .09ctw in diamonds, placed throughout the ring's circumference (it's the band propped against the stack of yellow gold rings in the third photo above). The fourth layer is the "Lover" ring, which has an undulating shape like that of the "Light" style, except that this style features .14ctw in diamonds (it's pictured third from bottom in the stack of white gold rings shown above). The fifth layer is the "Loyalty" ring (pictured third from bottom in the stack of yellow gold rings shown above) — the most petite band in the bunch, measuring 1.4mm in width, this ring features larger bead shapes throughout and 3 diamonds (measuring 21k in total wight) scattered throughout the band. Next, there's the "Love" ring, which features an undulating wave shape adorned with a row of diamonds and 6 larger diamonds scattered evenly throughout the surface area of the ring (all adding up to a total weight of 0.21 carats). And lastly, there's the "Life" ring, which measures 3.5 mm in width and features whimsical, paisley-like swirls with 0.25 ctw in diamonds sprinkled throughout the ring.

In addition to this stunning collection of rings, a perfect gift for your sweetheart, Katrina Kelly Jewelry just unveiled even more finger candy: the Glimmer Vault Rings (pictured at top), available with or without diamond details and featuring tiny beaded details along the upper and lower edges of each thick band.

I'll say "hello, lover" to these rings any day!

Katrina Glimmer Vault Bands, $2,600 w/o diamonds, and $4,200 with diamonds.Visit KatrinaKellyJewelry.com for more information and retailer locations.

Katrina Kelly "Seven Layers of Love" Rings: "LUCK "18k gold beaded band, $660; "LIGHT" 18k gold beaded band with wave shape, $660; "LAUGHTER"18k gold band with .09tcw in diamonds, $980; "LOVER" 18k gold ring with undulating wave shape and .14tcw in diamonds, $1,100; "LOYALTY" 18k gold band with 21tcw in diamonds, $1,480; "LOVE" 18k gold band with undulating wave shape, 6 larger diamonds and a continuous row of diamonds, $1,540;  and "LIFE" 18k gold ring with undulating, paisley-like shape and .25tcw in diamonds, $1,700. Visit KatrinaKellyJewelry.com for more information and retailer locations.