Tory Burch for Fitbit Flex

How many of you have avoided getting one of those step/calorie/basically “your whole life’s data is gathered right here” gadgets because it doesn’t blend well with your jewelry and outfit? I know that I certainly fall into that camp! Tory Burch has come up with a fashionable solution for those looking to wear a Fitbit Flex in a more covert way. She has developed a necklace and two different bracelet styles in which you can insert the device, yet it’s totally camouflaged.

tory burch fitbit flex
This solid brass hinged bracelet has Tory’s signature graphic design. ($195)

tory burch fitbit brass bracelet

She also has two silicone bracelets (in fuchsia and navy) with a subtle print. ($38)

tory burch silicone fitbit bracelet
Finally, there’s a brass pendant necklace with the same fretwork. ($175)

tory burch fitbit pendant necklace
These items are available for pre-order on her site, with an expected ship date of October 30th. Note that these pieces do not come with the Fitbit Flex device itself. That needs to be purchased separately for $99.95.

fitbit flex
Now…if someone would just come up with something like this with diamonds… 😉

Spring Trend: Bright Colors!

In the morning you’ll usually find me munching on an Golden Delicious apple and working on the computer with “Live with Kelly” on in the background. (I still miss Regis, though.) I love to see what Kelly Ripa strolls out on stage with each morning. Back in January, she started wearing a brightly colored necklace, really almost day-glow, each and every day. Well her stylist was right on trend with that choice! (Side note: I love that she feels comfortable re-wearing items, instead of having to don an entirely new look each day. How real and refreshing, especially for a TV personality!)

Now that I’m once again hitting the stores daily with clients shopping for their spring wardrobes, I am running into bright bursts of color everywhere! For those of us who don’t want to wear head-to-toe brights, as shown in the magazines, adding a carefully selected bit of colorful jewelry can make your outfit very fashion forward. Here are a few of my favorite finds.

This necklace by Tom Binns is a major investment, but wow!

tom binns necklace
Tom Binns Handpainted Crystal Massai Necklac

Dannijo creates a multitude of looks in her line, and this pair of earrings is quite smashing.

Dannijo earrings
Dannijo Valerija earrings

I think these woven bracelets created by Dezso by Sara Beltran would make a fabulous addition to my hiking jewelry collection!

Dezso jewelry by Sara Beltran
Just the right touch of boho color!

Cocktail rings might be relatively small, but they can pack a colorful punch! Gotta love this coral creation by Kenneth Jay Lane!

kenneth jay lane rings
Kenneth Jay Lane Coral Ring

If the tidal wave of color overwhelms you the next time you walk into a store, don’t fret. Remember that you can take it down a notch yet still be stylin’ with your brilliant baubles!

How to build a watch wardrobe

I don’t know what it is with the men in my life, but both my boyfriend and my brother don’t wear a watch. What’s up with that? Not only is a watch useful, but it’s a major fashion accessory in the jewelry world. I mean really…who would turn down a chance to bling it up a bit more?!

So the first watch every girl needs is an everyday watch. This is a timepiece in a medium scale, preferably with a metal band. If you’re wondering what metal is best, remember that cool skin tones look best in silver tones and warm with yellow gold. If you’re a combination, like I am, then a mixed metal watch might just be the ticket. And don’t be scared of having diamonds on your daily watch–diamonds are never wrong.

Two-tone metal watch

Now let’s say you have to go to a cocktail party, and you actually want to know what time the main course will be served without pulling out your iphone. Well for that you will most definitely need a dress watch. What distinguishes a dress watch from it’s everyday counterpart is basically the scale. Dress watches are much more petite, and in my (dream) world are encrusted with diamonds. Bedat & Co. makes some great evening watches with interchangeable bands. You can opt for the black satin band one night, and the silver the next.

Bedat & Co. dress watches

So what’s this about interchangeable bands? Well let me tell you, they are tres chic. The first one I discovered was quite a few years ago in Nordstrom. My mom and I were shopping and I fell in love with this Michelle “Deco” watch with a camel faux-alligator strap. Knowing this wouldn’t coordinate with my entire wardrobe, I was thrilled to find out that it could be easily switched out with a stainless band. So if you can find an “everyday” watch with an interchangeable band, you’ve just really enhanced the breadth of your watch wardrobe. Personally, I’m just dying for a stingray (otherwise known as shagreen) band. Not only is this one of the most durable materials around, but they are just GORgeous!

Michelle "Deco" watch with silver stainless band

The other watch that I cannot BELIEVE that I’m recommending is a sport watch. You may have read about this in my post about hiking jewelry. The Baby G has become my friend…not just when hiking, but also when doing anything where my regular watch might get damaged, like babysitting, lounging by the pool, or hunting for beach glass in Fort Bragg. Now if only I could find one with diamonds, I’d be set….

Hiking Jewelry

No…I’m not kidding. Hiking jewelry has actually become a priority in my life. (Who would have ever thought it?!) I guess that’s what happens when you’re dating a very outdoorsy guy and you suddenly find yourself exploring caves and falling in rivers. I can’t be doing these activities wearing my typical earrings (too big), bracelets (might break), watch (doesn’t mix with water) or necklaces (just plain inappropriate with hiking gear). So, it’s back to the jewelry drawing board for me.

The first thing was to find a watch that wasn’t completely ugly and could take some rough and tumble action. I found the perfect line with Baby G watches. They are very reasonably priced, good in water up to 200 meters, and shock resistant. I found a fairly large selection at my local Bloomingdale’s. Of course I feel under-accessorized without a bracelet, so I complemented the watch with a leather and woven silver bracelet I had purchased in Sweden. The clasp is extremely secure, so I don’t have to worry about it falling off next time I find myself submerged…

hiking watch & bracelet
My Baby G-shock hiking watch

I think the key factors in selecting hiking bracelets (beyond the fact that they can’t look too blingy…they’ve got to have a more natural feel) are having a secure closure and being able to withstand the elements. This rules out any sort of bracelet on a string or elastic, as they can easily break. Also, toggle closures are a no-no. One idea I like is the woven leather or cord bracelets that are self-tightening. You can find them at all price points. Tai is one brand I have road-tested and they’re readily available in many stores and online. Wrap braclets with a hearty button closure are another great option, and Chan Luu is a wonderful designer of wraps. (A friend of mine has had one of these on for years, scuba-diving and all, and it still looks great.) You can find different takes on these two themes everywhere.

Now what about the perfect hiking necklace? Well, I certainly don’t recommend wearing anything too precious and it, too, must be pretty hearty. I was at Margaret O’Leary on Fillmore street in San Francisco and came across a fabulous solution! Margaret Solow makes petite pendants of semi-precious stones on a polyester/nylon cord that’s pretty much unbreakable. Sign me up!

margaret solow necklaces
Perfect hiking necklaces by Margaret Solow

Finally, the earrings. I think you’ve got to keep it pretty darn simple here, with either studs or very small hoops. Otherwise, you may find yourself with only one earring at the end of your adventure. Happy hiking! 🙂