Black and White: Spring 2013 Jewelry Trend

Black and white outfits were ALL over the runway this spring, and it’s no surprise that it’s translated into jewelry as well. The point was driven home when I saw this amazing cuff by Robert Procup — the diamonds, the stingray, heck, I’m hooked!

Black & White Glam!!
Black & White Glam!!

For a more bohemian vibe on the trend, check out this cuff by Kevia.

Available at Calypso
Available at Calypso

Chan Luu, the goddess of wrap bracelets, also has her interpretation in black and white agate.

Wrap away!
Wrap away!

Nan Fusco has come up with a very versatile black and white combo with this piece. It can be worn as a necklace or a wrap bracelet. Now that’s some good cost-per-wear.

I love the chain detail
I love the chain detail

If the vintage look is more your style, then you’re bound to be in love with this necklace by Susana Speidel.

Just as chic as it was in the 1950's
Just as chic as it was in the 1950’s

And for a more modern look, these hoops from Ippolita’s Rock Candy Collection are definitely a new classic!

SO versatile!
SO versatile!

And let’s not neglect our fabulous fingers! If a more substantial, statement ring is up your alley, then you’ll covet this evil eye design by Miriam Salat.

Superb
Superb

Then again, you may be more apt to wear a delicate ring. In this case, I’m loving this ring by Nolan.

Delicate & on-trend
Delicate & on-trend

I think that exploring the black and white trend is so much more user-friendly in jewelry, as opposed to in your outfit. Let me explain…if you have high-contrast personal coloring (like Cher — dark hair and pale skin), then repeating this high-contrast level in your clothing is a very inherent look and is fabulous. On the other hand, if you are more low-contrast (think Gwyneth Paltrow — pale hair, skin and eyes), then wearing black and white for your outfit is a bit overwhelming. People will notice your outfit before they notice you. SO, interpreting the trend in jewelry and accessories is the perfect solution.

I’d love to hear how you’re wearing (or not) the black and white trend this spring. Send me photos!!

Ear Cuffs: Growing Jewelry Trend!

I first started seeing ear cuffs on the runway, from Dries Van Noten to Katie Gallagher.

Bedazzled Ear at Dries
Bedazzled Ear at Dries

Nimue Ear Cuff
Nimue Ear Cuff

And then I started seeing celebrities, such as Alicia Keys wearing them as well! I believe that Alicia is wearing a diamond embellished one by Repossi.

Alicia Keys looking glamorous
Alicia Keys looking glamorous

Upon further research, I’ve learned that there are ear cuffs and ear wraps, and many use the terms interchangeably. Some don’t require you to have any piercings at all, such as this one by Pamela Love. (In this photo the ear cuff is worn in combination with a stud earring.)

Maia Vine Ear Cuff
Maia Vine Ear Cuff

D’Alatrou makes a variety of ear cuffs and wraps. This one is quite lovely, and again, it doesn’t require any piercings.

Creative, for sure!
Creative, for sure!

Ryan Storer has a very embellished version — check it out!

Edgy!
Edgy!

Other varieties of ear cuffs do require that you have some piercings. For example, this Hello Kitty piece has a chain that connects your basic ear piercing to a cartilage piercing further up your ear. Not quite my cup of tea, but I know there are zillions of Hello Kitty lovers out there!

This one requires two piercings
This one requires two piercings

While I’m not sold on this whole trend, I can certainly appreciate the creativity of others. And if I were to try it out, I’d probably go for something uber-simple, like this woman did.

Minimalist version
Minimalist version

So what about you? Is this a jewelry trend that you’re going to embrace? I’d love to hear your opinions!

Calypso St. Barth @ Marin Country Mart

One part of my job I just love is exploring new shopping areas, especially when I can do it with my dear friend and colleague, Jen. Tuesday was one of those days, so we headed north over the Golden Gate Bridge to the Marin Country Mart. While I was expecting the hustle and bustle of the Brentwood Country Mart in southern California, which is stocked with fab stores and eateries, Marin was very quiet and there were many open shop fronts available. But I do think there’s a lot of potential there. It’s lovely, has a nice layout, and it has a truly prime location right near the Larkspur ferry. The BIG draw for me was Calypso St. Barth, one of my fave resort-inspired shops, including some drool-worthy jewelry.

Walking into the inviting store, I loved how everything is laid out by color, including the jewelry. The first tray that caught my eye was this grouping in emerald, teal and lime green.

The color is HOT for spring!
The color is HOT for spring!

The cut crystal pieces by DanniJo are a little bit vintage, yet a little bit rockin’. I also loved the delicate beaded quality of these earrings by another designer. Here’s a close-up of the earrings.

The teal transcends seasons -- great all year long.
The teal transcends seasons — great all year long.

I next headed to an area where neutrals were the story — cream, tan, beige, and white. This selection of baubles would be very versatile!

What diversity!
What diversity!

My favorite is the collar on the bottom left. It’s by London designer Fiona Paxton. I think it would dress up a basic, solid-colored sweater or tee, or enhance a cocktail dress!

This tray of boho-inspired necklaces drew my eye (I know you’re not surprised!), and I was a bit envious that Jen went home with the camel necklace with the leather tassel by Hipchik Couture. I wonder if she’d let me borrow it….

Yum!
Yum!

The visual delight continued as you went to the cash desk. There, you were greeted with a plethora of colorful bracelets, from designers ranging from Chan Luu to Julie Rofman.

Arm candy!!
Arm candy!!

After all the shopping, of course we had to eat lunch. We dined at the Rustic Bakery, and we were not disappointed. Though I think on our next visit, we should each get our own (giant) chocolate chip cookie, instead of splitting. šŸ˜‰

Trend: Jeweled Collars

NYC is always ahead of us Californians fashion-wise, and Europe before them. (I think perhaps fashion travels east to west…just a personal theory of mine). While cruising around SoHo in NYC, I saw quite a few stylish 20-somethings sporting the jeweled collar trend.

jeweled collar
Interesting take on a necklace

But I know this trend is going big-time when I saw this display at the Stanford Nordstrom last week.

jeweled collars
There are many choices available!

I was strolling through the boutiques on Fillmore Street, and I came across this creative interpretation at Lilith. It has beads sewn right on to an actual collar, that can be used in a variety of ways. Clever!

lilith collar
There are so many variations on this trend!

I spotted this sweater by Milly that has it’s own detachable jeweled collar. I’m telling you, it’s everywhere!

milly jeweled collar sweater
This a bit reminiscent of the late 50’s, don’t you think?

While I don’t think this trend fits into my own personal style, I can certainly appreciate it, and I know that many of my readers will embrace it with gusto! If you’re among that group, then rock it in style!

jeweled collar
Subdued, yet on-trend

Stacking Braceletsā€¦Hot Trend!

A few weeks ago I wrote a post about layering necklaces, and now I’d like to take it one step further by talking about stacking bracelets. It’s all the rage, and I bet you have just what you need right in your very own jewelry box to try this trend out. I’m sure you may be sick of hearing me say this by now, but if this trend meshes with your own personal style, then have fun with it. If it doesn’t, stay true to who you are!

There’s no need to be afraid when attempting a new bracelet configuration. You don’t need to stick with one color metal, and they don’t need to be all bangles, all chains, etc. Create interest with a mixture of textures and metals.

stacking bracelets 1
Mixed metals and textures in stacking bracelets

Here’s another example of an unexpected mix I spotted on a friend of mine. She said she had gone into her jewelry box and pulled out a couple bracelets from years gone by and paired them with a recent purchase. Combined with her two-tone watch, I think it’s a fun combination.

stacking bracelets 2
Mixing vintage and modern bracelets

You know what a bling girl I am, so this final example really sings to my soul. You can never have enough diamonds! And I love how she threw in the solid silver bangle for a truly chic look.

stacking bracelets 3
Diamonds galore in this stack!

I hope this inspires you to try out some new stacks of your own…your wrists are waiting!