Jewelry Judge – Page 5 – Jewelry Fashion Tips

What’s Your Opinion???: Jewelry Judge

Ok…so I was meeting a friend for lunch downtown the other day. While waiting for her, I spied this gal pushing her baby carriage toward the door. Granted, I give her two big thumbs up for being “dressed up” with an infant — a feat to be applauded! So her jewelry struck me, and I was honestly not the big fan. I thought the cheap-looking bejeweled neon necklace really competed with the gold monogram necklace. In combination with the striped tee and the ruffled military jacket, I just thought it was a bit…uh…trying too hard. I think it would have been perfect minus the orange necklace.

SO interesting, though, that when my friend arrived (mid-photo shoot), she was completely in love with the look. So what’s your take? Thumbs up or down?

50 Shades of Grey: Jewelry Judge

OK…perhaps not 50, but certainly a lovely spectrum of the color! I spotted this gal in my own ‘hood of Burlingame while she was buying some shoes for her daughter. (Lucky girl — they were cute booties!) I love how she combined the various shades with layered necklaces. The longer one is by Chan Luu and the others are some pearls she purchased while vacationing in San Diego. I love the combination, and how they were highlighted by the simple white top and coordinating cardigan. Snap!

Layered necklaces — Perfect ensemble for this transitional time of year!

4 year-old with flair!: Jewelry Judge

As I was wheeling my cart towards the check-out area in Target this week, I could hear the loud cries of a little girl. She was apparently NOT getting her way with all the candy enticingly displayed by the register. I decided to pull in line behind them for some reason…and as I did, I noticed the darling bracelets she was wearing. As soon as I asked her about them, the crying stopped. Yes, I do believe we have a young jewelry-a-holic on our hands!

At only 4 years of age, she was rocking the layered bracelet trend. Not only was it age-appropriate, but she clearly has an eye for color, with her pink bangle perfectly complementing her beaded charm bracelet. Her mother was quite delighted, and said she picks out her own outfits and accessories every day. I wonder how big her jewelry box is?!

Pop of Color: Jewelry Judge

As is typical here in San Francisco during summer…we get foggy, gloomy mornings. On a good day, it’ll clear by lunch, but many times we’re immersed in grey for the whole day. Trying to “look” like summer (while staying warm) when the high is going to be 64 degrees can be a challenge, to put it mildly!

Yesterday I was heading out of Neiman’s, when I accosted this darling girl who was lunching with a friend. Not only is she right on trend with her bold, colorful necklace, but I love how she paired it with the black and white check shirt. Inspired! And I like how she kept the rest of the accessories clean with her watch and simple, yet elegant ring.

She said the necklace was from J. Crew a few seasons ago. (Does this make it vintage?!) Just goes to show that you don’t need to break the bank to make a killer statement with your jewelry!

J. crew necklace — This pop of color really works!

Statement Necklace: Jewelry Judge

I was out one Saturday morning in Palo Alto, and this gal’s necklace stopped me in my tracks. She had a few inches on me, which is saying something, and she walked with presence! Her simple black outfit was styled perfectly with this statement necklace. She said she picked it up at Buffalo Exchange. Not only is she stylish, but she’s eco-friendly with the recycled piece. Lovin’ it!

buffalo exchange necklace — Every aspect is in scale!

buffalo exchange jewelry — Close up of the necklace

Joss Stone: Jewelry Judge

I’ve already admitted to you that Live with Kelly is one of my guilty pleasures on a leisurely morning. Well this week she had Joss Stone on as a musical guest, who was there promoting her new album. (Many of my Facebook fans are raving about it…I’ll have to check it out.) Well anyway, my attention during her performance was not on the song, but rather the spectacular necklace she was wearing. (I’m sure you’re not surprised to hear this!) It was reminiscent of a royal Egyptian collar, yet in sparkling silver, and it looked just amaze-balls with her black strapless top. Wow! Now, I’ll just have to track down who designed this stunning piece….

joss stone Live with KElly — Rockin’ an amazing necklace!

Here’s a view with just her…

joss stone necklace — Where can I find this??

Key Necklace: Jewelry Judge

I love nostalgia and items from the past. I have the grocery ledger belonging to my Swedish great-grandmother, I treasure the engagement necklace that belonged to my Italian grandmother, and the photo of my Italian grandfather on the boat coming into the harbor in NYC is priceless.

When my latest “victim” appeared at a local park, it was her necklace that caught my eye. In chatting with her, I discovered that she found these two keys amidst her grandparent’s possessions. No idea what they’re for. No idea where they came from. But paired together on the silver ball chain, the result is fab. It’s definitely a bit edgy, especially combined with the pink streak in her hair and the silver studded Hello Kitty t-shirt. I love it. And I have no doubt that this gal was sporting the now-popular “key trend” long before Tiffany & Co. ever thought of it.

key necklace — Subtle and edgy all at the same time!

Repurposing a Brooch: Jewelry Judge

While browsing the boutiques in Carmel one recent sunny afternoon, I spent more time chatting to a gal in the shop about her eye-catching necklace than I did trying on the merchandise! Turns out that her necklace is made from a vintage diamond and emerald brooch. (Way to work the Art Deco trend!) Her now-husband bought it for her as a wedding gift, and she wore it in her hair for the ceremony. Now, it happily resides around her neck, really showcasing her personal style and adding some bling to any outfit she decides to wear. Love it!

vintage broach — A necklace with a romantic story

Artistic Necklace: Jewelry Judge

So I was out and about in Palo Alto today, and spied this glorious necklace. Granted, I am currently having a little “neon” moment, so her scarf was what initially caught my eye. (Yes, I have done the neon thing in high school in the 80’s…but I’m still drawn…)

At any rate, I think this woman nailed the neon trend in combination with a neutral (black) and a killer necklace. In talking with her (Irene), I learned that she found this treasure in her native locale, Vancouver, Canada. The signature on the back said “Tania Gleave,” but I couldn’t find a website for her.

The carved wood emblem with the dangling citron stone paired perfectly with the lime scarf, and were center stage on the black outfit. Kudos for a killer pairing!

tania gleave jewelry — I think this combination is lovely!

Layered History: Jewelry Judge

I stopped in my tracks when I spied this woman in downtown San Francisco. Attired in a simple, yet chic black dress and neutral layer (which you always need in the city!), this outfit just came to life with the jewelry!! The longest necklace is an acrylic pendant. The buddah, which you know I’m obsessed with, actually had some sanskrit on the backside. The bezel-set coin was an 1888 US silver dollar, from the year her grandmother was born. Combined with the double-wraped chunky silver chain, it was an unexpected, yet cool combination. It sort of had a bit of a zen meets rock-n-roll vibe. Kudos from the jewelry judge!