Fashionably Friday: Sex and the City

The highly anticipated Sex and the City 2 comes out next week. Though I am not necessarily a huge fan of the show (explaining why would require a whole blog in and of itself), I am going to see the movie on opening night with my gal pals from when I worked at Warner Brothers. I helped work on the music for the movie and will give you a bit of a teaser: a Hollywood legendary singer/actress makes a guest appearance at a wedding in the movie (though I am not telling you whose wedding - but there will be a wedding or two)! 


Surely you haven't watched an episode of the show without thinking, "What the crap are they wearing?" Or, "Woah, where did they get that?" Though the clothing usually invokes such remarks, the jewelry always does it for me. Here are a few examples: 

(Images are from the super cool website, emitations!)

Carrie is known for her over-the-top fashion statements. To me, it's usually hit-or-miss. Though I love the bracelet at bottom - how on earth would you type/write/do anything with your arm with that thing on? :)

Samantha loves to flaunt her, well... goods. Her jewelry is often exotic, like the above earrings, or very large, like her infamous flower ring. 

Miranda is a little more modest when it comes to the extremist fashion of her gal pals, though I think the earring at bottom look a bit painful! Love both of the pieces at top, though!

Charlotte is my kind of girl when it comes to both wardrobe and jewelry. Look at Bead Up's similarities:

Pearl Balls, like the earrings at top. 

Dainty necklaces, like the gold heart example.

Cluster bracelets, like my own wedding bracelet!

So, which Sex and the City character's jewelry speaks most to you?

Fashionably Friday: Jewelry Holders

Awhile back I asked readers to submit pictures or descriptions of how they store their jewelry (I mean, who can forget this amazing Barbie example?). The most basic answer, I found, was that some of you just kind of "throw" some of your jewelry in boxes or bowls. And while jewelry boxes are common, looks like they are more of a wish-list item than a reality, which has left some of your necklaces in a tangle :) Here is what you all had to say: 


Linny said: "I keep my jewelry in a plain jane jewlery box. The hubs has been wanting to buy me one of those cool little double door closet like long jewerly boxes but I dont even think I have enough to put in there. Not gonna lie, I have been known to have to untangle a neclace or two for about an hour." 


While Nilsa said: "Someday I'll be all grown up and get a real jewelry box. For now, I hang my necklaces on the back "bar" of a low bookshelf, throw earrings in a fancy bowl and throw my wedding rings in a different bowl (they get my very own version of special treatment)."


Karen admitted: "Well, my jewelry organization and storage would bore you to tears.....its all in little boxes, in a drawer. I haven't been wearing a ton of jewelry since having kidlets, but with my daughter big enough to not accidentally rip a piece off of me, I should start digging through there again!"


As a jewelry designer, Jewel Divas goes to great lengths to keep her collection neat and organized: "Currently I have each set in ziplock bags all lined up in two draws of my tallboy. It keeps them away from hairspray etc and stops them discolouring faster than they need to. I also have them colour coded and single bits like all spare bracelets in a bag, or earrings or necklaces." 


My sorority sister Lindsay recently blogged about how her jewelry drawer had turned into a bit of a war zone. Here is the before:

And after utilizing ice cube trays (brilliant!), here is the after!

Though Linsday confesses she is OCD when it comes to her jewelry collection and drawer, I would like to introduce you to her contender: Rachel Zoe. InStyle magazine recently did a magazine feature on the Bravo star and how she organizes her own jewelry creations (which she features on QVC). In one word: excessive. At least she admits to being loud in her style: "I'm definitely not a minimalist and definitely over-the-top. In my mind, being overdressed is not a bad thing at all. What's the worst case scenario? That you are the best-dressed person in the room? Who cares!" Um, sure, if that's what you want to call it! Here are a few pictures:

Ok, so I think it's darling that you use vintage LV suitcases and a part of your closet to store your jewels. But really? Why do you have enough necklaces, bracelets, and earrings to take up that much space? She reports that she wears "probably - at least - 12 pieces" of jewelry per day. Man, at that rate, Bead Up would be rollin' in the dough if everyone lived like that!

Looks like her collection, and sketching, take over her living room table. I can relate! Zoe says she has been collection jewelry since she was 11. Haven't we all? ;)

Quote: "You know that rule, 'When in doubt, take something off'? For me, I just put on more!"

::smacks hand in forehead::

Moving back to reality... As for me, I am partially embarrassed by my means of storing my jewelry. Don't get me wrong, when it comes to my Etsy inventory, I carefully put each item in a small plastic bag and organize them by genre. But when it comes to how I store my own jewelry, well, sometimes it's hit or miss:

Ok, this example is not that bad. I bought this cool wire bodice thing from Ross before my first jewelry show and have been putting it to good use :) I hang my dainty necklaces and dangly earrings from here, though they end up on the dresser or in a dish more often than not ;) 

For example: 

Other earrings (and dust) ends up here, along with lose hair ties and random bracelets. Or they end up here:

along with bobby pins and stray buttons!

But my chunky necklaces end up here:

(all but three of those are Bead Up made). 

And though I know technically you shouldn't hang things made from thin wire or string, I figure I use them all often enough to justify displaying them on the tree (except my pearls - I do lay those down flat, though unprotected, on the dresser itself). 

So there you have it! Thanks to everyone who participated! Those of you whose answers and pictures I featured (except you, Rachel Zoe) get FREE shipping from Bead Up's Etsy site, in addition to a free gift with any purchase made between now and May 1st! Thanks for your contributions!

Fashionably Friday: The Academy Awards

Not that I have been counting down for the past few months for Hollywood's biggest night. No, not me. Nor did I watch the show nearly two times AND watch all the pre and post-shows in order to get a full dosage. Why would I ever do such a thing? On with the awards! (all images from Project Rungay) THE GOOD:

This was the winning look of the night, in my opinion. That dress is like a walking Monet. Discussion has been made about the earrings possibly being a little too-much, though I think they work since they are not competing with any other jewelry or embellishments on the garment (and her hair and makeup are in full sync). You win, Ms. McAdams.

Penelope Cruz always bring a little bit of Spanish flair to the red carpet. This outfit is of course no exception. Since the garment is simple in terms of color and texture, most people would think it could use balance with over-the-top jewelry. Thankfully our Spanish princess knows better. The understated diamond bracelets, big-ole' ring, and nicely sized earrings are like a petite four. Love it.

Kate Winslet always looks good. Not just good, but great. She's inspiring because she's totally glamorous in an understated way and is NOT a size 2. Though I am not a fan of metallic fabric, I think she not only wears it well, but she also really rocked yellow-colored diamond earrings and coordinating silver necklace. The bracelet and purse somehow aren't overkill, either. Her hair color helps bring it all together, too.

I go back and forth on this outfit. The dress' print is more like a swimsuit wrap you wear at Sandals. The granny-looking bracelet is SO not my style. The rings seems boring. However, for whatever reason, I think it works for Ms. Maggie. I like how the bracelet matches her wedding and engagement rings. It works with the dress. Heck, it even matches Mr. Oscar in the background!

Helen Mirren, I bow down to you! This woman (or at least her stylist) KNOWS how to dress her. The diamond necklace and earrings work well with the crystal embellishments on the dress and arm things (heck, even her hair is coordinated)! And do you see that spider tattoo on her hand? Bad-ass, grandma! The purse, however, is EXACTLY like the purse I used to play with as a kid when I dressed up in my grandma's old clothes. Even then I knew it was a bit too busy for my taste! Not sure what that means to see it on the red carpet...!

Christyn's reaction when she saw this on the stage at the Oscars: "Gasp! That's amazing!" 90's movie star Molly Ringwald rocked a brass-looking broach/belt with an arm bracelet by the late American artist Alexander Calder (1898-1976). This is the kind of thing you see at the MOMA, people. And she's wearing it to the Oscars -- take that Gucci presumption! According to this site, "Every one of these pieces started out as a piece of wire and Calder hammered them into shapes. There is no mass production, no multiples." LOVE. IT.

THE BAD:

Dear Miley: if I can afford to visit a chiropractor, so can you. Please stand up straight. Also, it seems that your dress is starting to eat your wrist.

Oh, Mariah. Even when you try to go classy you end up, well, looking like yourself. As Coco Chanel put it: “Take one thing off before you leave the house.” Repeat that to your self 3-4 times and I then we can talk. But don't take off your dress. That's not what a meant.

AND THE UGLY:

Excuse me, Carey? Hugh Hefner's landlord called. The would like their curtain tassles back.

Both Sarah Jessica Parker and Carrie Bradshaw are known for their daring fashion attempts. Some people turn them into law, others, like myself, laugh and thank the Lord I have better taste. This outfit - and jewelry - are no exception. Though attempt well-noted.

Red Carpet Jewelry Awards!

Tis the season -- for Award ceremonies, that is! Which means only one thing:

JEWELRY TO CRITIQUE!! (click on each image for it's source)

The Golden Goddess Award: Julie Roberts at the Golden Globes I have said it before and I will say it again: I love when jewelry is incorporated into dresses themselves. This is a perfect example. By itself the dress would be totally boring, but add that beautiful necklace and POW! According to InStyle.com, "The necklace's exquisite pendant boasted 29 citrines and diamonds set in 18-carat yellow gold." Holy mother.

The Midnight Award: Courtney Cox at the Golden Globes Paired with her night black hair and perfect makeup, these blackened gold and black sapphire earrings from Ofira Schwartz are stunning. Reminds me of stars in a midnight sky. Not that often earrings make ya' go poetic! The Long & Luscious Award: Christina Applegate, 2009 SAG Awards I love how the necklace seems to pay homage to flapper dress jewelry, and how those earrings hang on her so well and really spice up the very simply and beautiful emerald dress. Imagine how horrible they would have looked with a dress of a print -- well done, Xtina!

The Sweet and Simply Coordinated Award: Toni Collette at the 2010 SAG Awards. I ADORE how she (or her stylist, whatever) used the simplicity of the turquoise accents to enhance the empire waste lining. Gah-jas.

The "Wow, I can't believe you pulled that off" Award: Heidi Klum at the Grammy's Love the ring (A 70 carat diamond butterfly ring from Lorraine Schwartz). Though, since I am of the less is more camp, the combination of the print and flash of the ring and with the sequin drag-queen-ish print of her dress (especially since it goes all the way to her hand) makes me a bit nervous, Heidi pulls it off. Probably, if for no other reason, because she's Heidi (though I do think the color tones of the ring match her hair pallet beautifully!).

Ya know how some talent get nominated two times in one award show? Like Meryl Streep this year for Doubt and Julie and Julia? Well, we got one of these here, too. Meet: Beyonce, who wore plenty to talk about at this year's Grammy's....

The "Cleopatra will stab you with her dagger earrings" Award And what's up with the silly string in her hair?

The "No worries, I brought enough bling to make up for possibly not getting a bling-y award" Award

Rumor has it that those are my beloved Swarovski crystals on her ears and dress. Looks more like a plastic vacuum liner and a hot mess of silver and gold shreddings gone wrong.

There you have it, lovies! With the Oscars soon approaching, you can bet there will be a Part Deux to these Red Carpet Jewelry Awards! Happy Weekend!

Fashionably Friday: The Country Music Awards

Let me begin with a HUGE disclaimer. I am not a die hard country music fan. Though I grew up in Ohio and went to college in Kentucky, I went out of my way to avoid it because people thought it would be fun to shove it down the throats of the innocent pop-lovin' public. Ironically, I only recently started listening to country music - it draws me back to feeling normal when finding myself surrounded by all the weird that is in Los Angeles. That said, I only know the basics about country music and fashion and DO NOT claim to be any kind of expert. In fact, I would like to claim that the following post is nothing more than the observances of a Los Angeles girl watching the Country Music Awards from her home in Hollywood. I don't mean to insult anyone with my comments, I am just calling it as I see it. Don't hate, and I won't either (well, at least I will try...)! Now that we have gotten that out of our system we can move on! On Wednesday night I found myself pleasantly surprised that I had not only made time to watch the CMA's, but that I really enjoyed it. Let's face it, most... no... all other music awards shows are nothing but trash and lame attempts at cheap publicity. The CMA's, on the other hand, are like the Oscars of Music award shows. I didn't feel violated or morally/visually insulted after having watched it!

What I did find challenging was understanding some of the performer's jewelry choices, while others' choices made me yell "You got it!" to the TV screen. Here are a few pictures I conjured up (all pictures from CMT.com unless otherwise noted):

Best Ensemble of the Night: Miss Taylor Swift. Not only are her earrings and bracelet perfectly matched to the colors and embellishments of the outfit, but she took the less-is-more route and let the many sequins on the dress be the main attraction. Congrats on all your awards, cute-as-a-button tall twig! I just hope she doesn't take the Britney Spears route hereafter :(

The More is More Award: Faith Hill. Since her dress (which has a jeweled halter strap in the front), hair, and makeup are beautifully simple, layering SIMPLE and thin necklaces made for a great choice. Add those to (what I am sure are) massively expensive earrings and you have yourself a winner (which begs the question, if you are looking that smokin' AND standing next to Tim McGraw, why aren't you smiling?) (pictures from MTV.com and Red Carpet Fashion Awards) The More is NOT More Award: Martina McBride. I love the dress. I think it looks great with her complexion and her hair. But as I was watching, all I could think was "Take a tip from Faith, sister!" Though these pictures hardly do it justice, she had on at least 5 necklaces of different lengths AND an jeweled embellishment on her waist. Add those with what looked like an assortment of cheap looking bangles trailing up her arm and you have yourself a misstep. (The picture on the left looks JUST like what my wrists looked like after a week at summer camp! Anyone else been there?). (picture on right from gactv.com) Best Use of Embellishments Award: Michelle Branch. Though I didn't know she was into the country music scene, I also didn't recognize her when she was in my office a few weeks ago. I do recognize the bad-assery that is this outfit - between the great use of a big ole' jeweled necklace ON TOP OF a dress with embellishments at the waist and shoulders (done much better than Ms. McBride, sorry!), and that rock 'n roll spiky purse, I'd say we have a Rock Princess on our hands! The dress, by the way, is only listed at $2247 here. (picture from Red Carpet Fashion Awards). Way to Match Your Sash Award: Can You Duet Season 2 winner Meghan Linsey of Steel Magnolias not only wore FABULOUS and simple black earrings to match her dress, she also managed to match her cream colored hair to her platinum hair color! That's a skill, girl! Mother-of-the-Bride-in-the-Making Award: Lady Antebellum's Hillary Scott. I actually love this ensemble. I love the use of those jewels on her shoulders (I think it's clear at this point that I love jewelry within clothes!). I love those big funky bridal-esk earrings. I even like her messy hair. What I don't like, though, is that this outfit, ESPECIALLY the color, makes this 23-year-old look like she graduated the same year as Heather Locklear. You are 23 and hot, girl, work it! The Matchy-Matchy Award: Kellie Pickler. There is definitely a difference between coordinating and matching, the later being a fashion/design no-no. While the critics have been all over this poor gal for her new hair color and wearing what looked like plastic wrap meshed with aluminum foil, I can't help but think she bought this as a set from a macrame dealer. And finally, the coveted WTF Award: this dude from Love and Theft. Less is more, bro. And I am pretty sure eye brow rings like that have been OUT since before you were born. Yaoza.

Well, that about concludes my first CMA Jewelry Award Ceremony ;) Hope I wasn't too harsh ;)

Fashionably Friday: Dancing with the Stars' Samantha Harris

With it's largest cast yet (and it's largest Macy's Stars of Dance, largest dance-offs, blah blah blah, seems like they are always trying to up their own previous seasons to keep people like me and you watching), Dancing With the Stars is back this fall and just as enduring as ever. Not only do I just love dancing competitions, but holy cow the outfits, behind the dance floor drama, and live songs are such eye and ear candy (and don't even feel like a guilty pleasure - such class!). And guess who has tickets to this Monday's filming of the show? THIS GIRL! (I see a future blog post regarding the necklace I need to make for the event to go with a FAB black cocktail dress I have! Who is excited?!) I could easily do a million Fashionably Friday posts on the great (and not so great) costumes and coordinating jewelry, and especially how they are all dance resistant! But one of the most amazingly dressed women on the show isn't even a dancer, but the head co-host, Samantha Harris. Known for her E! Daily correspondence, Fit editorials and workout DVD's, Samantha Harris is the well-spoken and perfectly timed backstage host that always has encouraging things to say to jittery dancers before and after their performances. She also knows how to keep on pace and work with a 10-second time frame for each interview - quite a skill considering the circumstances! They also dress her in a ROCKIN' wardrobe, with beautiful ballgowns that weekly outdo each other. And with that, of course, comes some beautiful jewelery! Let's have a look! (Sorry about the low resolution of some of these pictures, I had to watch and caputre the images of many of the tapings to get a shot! Click on any of the images for it's source).

This is my most favorite of all the pictures I could get my hands on. Not only is the necklace AMAZING, but worn with a GORGEOUS dress - wowza!!

Usually I am of the Less is More camp, but if you are Samantha Harris, chances are you make it look good simply by default.

Samantha wore this during the show's 3-day premiere last week. I am pretty sure the "necklace" is part of the dress - count me in.

Here we are getting in touch with our gothic/80's permed look *duh?* - don't really care for the hair - but the ornate necklace (or maybe it's just an applique?) paired with the stunningly simple black dress is a winner in my book.

She also rocks some GREAT jewelry off the set, too. Here are some great examples:

Of course her face is worth looking at, too, but look also at this GREAT jewelry combination! Wish I could take credit for that one! (Samantha at the 2009 Oscars)

Samantha at the 69th Emmy's last month. This necklace reminds me of the ensemble she is wearing in the first picture of this post. LOVE IT.

I am digging the combination of a briolette dangle necklace with a loop-y beaded necklace. Hmmm, might be on my to-make list ;)

Simple, understated, and perfectly coordinated.

Though I of course couldn't get away with the neck of the dress, the dainty fuchsia necklace is a perfect match (I have a very similar necklace and earring set on my Etsy site).

What do you think? Whose jewelry inspires you lately?

Have a dance-worthy weekend, y'all!