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!

Spring 2013 Trend: Snakes

Perhaps it’s because I live in San Francisco, which hosts one of the biggest Chinese New Year’s parades outside of China (no joke!), but the Year of the Snake (according to the lunar astrological calendar) is getting lots of press! This is translating right down to a resurgence of snake jewelry. Now this is certainly not a new theme. Everyone from Cleopatra in ancient Egypt to women of the Victorian era have donned this slithery creature in many forms. Purported to have powers of healing and protection, I’ve seen snake jewelry everywhere from the red carpet to the wrist of a teenage girl in my building.

Here’s Lorraine Schwartz’s fine adaptation as seen on Kim Kardashian.

Kim rockin' the snake!
Kim rockin’ the snake!

And the Philipp Plein runway wouldn’t have been complete without these snake cuffs.

These are pretty chic!
These are pretty chic!

Here are a few more user-friendly options. The first is a stretch bracelet by Cara, that would be a great spring addition to your bracelet stack.

Nice pop of color
Nice pop of color

If you’d rather go for a neutral metal, then you might like this brass cuff by Jennifer Fisher.

Low-key snake
Low-key snake

Here’s a nice combination of gold and emerald (one of the hot colors of the season) by Isharya.

Two trends in one!
Two trends in one!

Keeping with the green theme, these drop earrings by Sara Weinstock are pretty amazing!

Stunning snakes!
Stunning snakes!

You can also take a more minimal stand with these studs by Elizabeth and James.

Love their eyes...
Love their eyes…

There are also many incredible snake rings. Some of the designs are so creative, that you have to really look at them to tell what you’re looking at. Take this two-fingered ring by Ileana Makri.

Very sleek and modern
Very sleek and modern

Finally, for a more cost-effective way to wear the trend, this ring by Julie Vos will do the trick.

Lovely design
Lovely design

While I’m not sure that I will be adding any snake jewelry to my collection (truth be told, I still think snakes are a bit creepy), I am very impressed with all the beautiful and creative pieces out there. If snakes are your thing, then enjoy all the possibilities!

Spring 2013 Trend: Floral Motifs

I know that when you see images from a runway show or a photo shoot in the latest issue of Vogue, you may say to yourself, “Who would ever wear that in real life? I know I certainly wouldn’t!” Well that’s true. These looks are not meant for the average person to walk down Main Street in. The way these images are very useful, though, is to extrapolate what trends and themes will actually appear in your local stores.

Take for instance, this over-the-top floral necklace that was seen on the runway at the Giambattista Valli show.

Gorgeous, but not practical, right?
Gorgeous, but not practical, right?

Well he wasn’t the only designer showing floral jewelry, so I am not surprised that we’re starting to see it coming up roses everywhere from Bergdorf Goodman to Kohl’s.

Here’s a more toned down version by Martine Ali that has a similar effect, yet is more user friendly.

Rose Neck Collar
Rose Neck Collar

And here’s J.Crew’s take on the floral trend. I think J. Crew really does a great job at offering beautiful jewelry at a more accessible price point.

J.Crew Flower Lattice Necklace
J.Crew Flower Lattice Necklace

Alexis Bittar expertly combines color with this floral brooch. This pansy comes in three colors, too!

Ophelia Pansy pin
Ophelia Pansy pin

Forever 21 is always on-trend, and their jewelry is extremely affordable. Here’s a cool filagree bracelet that looks much more expensive than it is.

Delicate, yet bold at the same time
Delicate, yet bold at the same time

This Kevia ring (sold at Fragments in NYC) has a little bit of rocker edge to it, don’t you think? The smoky quartz and cubic zirconia create an edgy flower.

Unique take on wisteria
Unique take on wisteria

Here are a pair of clean, modern floral dangling earrings designed by Patrick Irla. I think these would look great as an everyday look or for a special evening out on the town.

Hydrangea earrings
Hydrangea earrings

If flowers are your thing, you can see that there’s a veritable bouquet just waiting for you out there in the stores. Happy shopping!