Miriam Haskell: Jewelry Judge

Shopping amidst a major downpour isn’t my favorite way to shop, but when I spotted this fabulous necklace it brightened the Seattle Day! Very happy with her smashing Miriam Haskell necklace, this gal just had it going on. Despite her petite stature, her presence definitely carried the scale of this necklace. I also like how her crocheted sweater vest compliments the design of the necklace. Two thumbs up!

Miriam Haskell necklace
Rockin' the statement necklace!

Spectacular Layers: Jewelry Judge

I had the time to pop into Angela’s in Menlo Park recently — a well-loved boutique. I almost ran right into a customer, as her amazing array of necklaces just had me mesmerized!

layered necklaces
Neutrals and diamonds done right!

As I turned around, I literally started seeing double, as there was her twin sister adorned in another fascinating combination!

layered necklaces
Love the pop of color with the white dress!

Come to find out that she’s the jewelry designer of all these lovely creations! I can’t wait to check out her line in person. And don’t worry…I’ll be sure to let you know all about it! 😉

The Bachelorette, Emily Maynard

Ok…guess it’s time to let the cat out of the bag. I watch some pretty trashy TV. But really, it’s sort of like a train wreck where you can’t look away — really! So, here I am watching the umpteenth season of The Bachelorette. While I think Emily has appeared quite, uh, quite milk-toast these first two episodes (though it looks like she sparks up in future installments), I must applaud her on her earring choice in Monday night’s rose ceremony. I just adored the vibrant green earrings paired with the purple gown. Many would have played it safe with a shade of purple or a metallic, but not Emily. Perhaps this is her letting her “true colors” show.

Emily Maynard jewelry
Unexpected, yet lovely, ensemble

This bold combination was reminiscent of Cameron Diaz’ red carpet look from a few years ago.

cameron diaz jewelry
Rockin' contrasting hues

So next time you’re sitting in front of your jewelry box trying to choose the perfect accessory for your outfit, consider coloring outside the lines. Sometimes a unique color combination is just what the doctor ordered!

Too Many Layers: Jewelry Judge

So you know that I’m all about layering necklaces and stacking bracelets. But when you decide to wear all your gold at once, you resemble an extra from “Pirates of the Caribbean” more than a chic woman about town. Case in point with this gal. While I really loved her diamond encrusted sea star pendant, it was completely overwhelmed by the heavy chain/gold coin and the thick omega with diamond enhancer. And let’s not even mention the seahorse pin with the heavily patterned vest. I think this is the perfect opportunity to edit, edit, edit….

too many necklaces
Three times is not a charm....

Country Overboard!: Jewelry Judge

This is another pic I snapped at the Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas. Granted, the whole Vegas thing elicits a particular dress code, but I think this gal took it a bit too far. Love the Erin Featherstone black beaded mini-dress she’s wearing, but I do think she went a big overboard on the jewelry. Did she really need those oversized, bohemian earrings? (which might be perfect with a bikini on St. Tropez) AND the big bangles? AND the layered necklaces? And the photo doesn’t even show the huge cocktail ring she was wearing on her right hand. Darling…scale it back a bit and you’ll be stunning!

too much jewelry
Beautiful woman, yet over-accessorized

Rings Gone Wrong…

I, probably more than most, can certainly appreciate the sentimentality of jewelry. I’ve got my Italian grandmother’s engagement ring, which features blue glass that has been weathered by work in harsh chemicals. I’ve still got a lovely black safety pin embellished with beads from a German pen-pal from when I was nine. Oh, and of course some of my Swedish grandmother’s “cruise” jewelry. (translation: pink rhinestones)

But when you wear all your mementos on your fingers all at once (along with a dated manicure) it’s just not right. Though I loved hearing the story of each and every one of the rings this sweet woman wears daily, I really think she should selectively wear her rings and not over-accessorize. (Curious side bar: why has she ignored her pinky fingers when she is clearly into abundance?!?)

too many rings
Edit, edit, edit....and get a current manicure!

Man About Town: Jewelry Judge

While I do typically focus on women in my Jewelry Judge series, I must say that a very tall drink of water stopped me in my tracks today. All decked out in a black suit, polka dot shirt and bow tie, his personality definitely came through (in a tasteful way) with his choice of brightly colored beaded bracelets. While not always a fan of “man jewelry,” this one definitely worked for me! His collection included pieces from Chinatown in SF, Hawaii, and a multi-bead combination made by a friend. In my book, he’s got it goin’ on!

kenny dodson
Showing his personality with accessories!

Just ALL wrong!: Jewelry Judge

I first have to apologize for the quality of this photo…it was taken in a dark place during a concert. Even though the show on stage was quite tremendous, the hand of the gal next to me just stole the show. It’s one thing to rock the huge, embellished cross ring. I can get into that if it jives with the outfit. But combined with one of the most frightening manicures I’ve ever laid eyes on, I just was flabbergasted. What was she thinking?!? (And really, those nails must be a safety hazard!)

cross ring
I am almost beyond comment....

Adley Stump of “The Voice”

I had the amazing opportunity to attend the Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas this past Sunday. Now I know the style-du-jour in Vegas is typically something resembling Malibu Barbie in platform heels. But trust me, throw in the country awards show and it was simply mind-boggling!

Just a couple seats away from me was Adley Stump, a contestant from the wildly popular singing show “The Voice.” She had the most bubbly personality and was more than happy to chat with everyone, sign autographs, and be in photos with fans…a genuine sweetheart!

Now I know that her headbands are part of her signature style. But what do you think about all the gold jewelry in combination with the sparkly shirt? Is it just right for the venue and event? Or is it going to far? For this one, I’m curious what YOU think! I look forward to your comments.

adley stump academy of country music awards
Adley and Amy at the ACM's

Geometric Design: Jewelry Judge

Art deco is a huge trend this spring, but it can be interpreted in a very Halloween costume-y way. This gal, whom I spied south of Market in SF last week was spot-on with her choice. Not only is the necklace a cool combination of tribal meets art deco, but it’s set off perfectly by the subtle geometric pattern in the blouse she’s wearing. She gets a jewelry gold star in my book!

art deco necklace
A harmonious combination!