Fashionably Friday: Oscar de la Renta

So I am not going to claim I know much about "High End Fashion." My knowledge is limited to Project Runway, the magazines at my hair dresser's, and America's Next Top Model (the later being especially laughable!). Living in LA doesn't necessarily give me an edge either unless I succumb to watching runway footage on TV or reading blogs like everyone else in the country. That said, I only know designers such as Oscar de la Renta by name, not by look nor from personal experience. In fact, if you showed me something from his line and something from, oh, let's say, Bloomingdale's, I might not even be able to tell the difference at first, if at all! Seeing how this could be a dilema, I decided to take a look at the designer's website this week to see what sets him apart from other's, especially in terms of jewelry design. I am actually plesantly surprised by what his line offers, though found that his designs look differently on the models than they do in their standard product shots. Take a look. Example #1: Tulle Ribbon Choker, $450When I first saw the image on the left, I though "Ugh." It looks like an industrial cloudy day. But when I click on the alternative view (the product shot), my grey heart softed up to it! Especially considering the cute ribbon cord and the possibilities of wearing it with a simple black or pink dress! Come to think of it, I have some grey oval beads JUST like those (though I am sure my plastic version doesn't hold a candle to the glass, resin, and metal of this necklace - or COULD it?!). Example #2: Bugle Beaded Necklace, $590 Much like #1; love the ribbon of the product shot and could totally see this at a Christmas party with a little red dress, though it looks like a mirror poo-ed all over the remainds of a USB drive on the model (and what's with her Bride of Frankenstien hair?) Example #3: Silk Corded Necklace, $850 It looks like a hot mess on the model. Maybe it's one of those necklaces that shift from either side of your chest thanks to, ya know, girl parts that can seperate long necklaces. According to the product picture, the clasp is in the center, suggesting to me that it's supposed to be worn semestrically. I could also do without the hair-looking braided cord, but other than that I dig it. There were a few others that didn't even offer a product photo, and I think I can see why:

Gold Loop Earrings, $290 These SERIOUSLY look like something my mom would make out of random pods lying around the back yard and spayed with gold. Don't forget to add Mom's leftover curtains for the finishing touch! Oh, on second thought, it could also be that guy from India's really long, Guiness Book of World Records golden fingernails! Vomit.

Feather and Gem necklace, $750 Mardi Gras doesn't have to end with this celebratory outfit.

Resen and Lucite Chain Necklace, $390 The Bride of Frankenstein showing off the latest torture device.

And can I also say that, for the record, these prices are RIDICULOUS? No 14K gold, diamonds, or pearls for the price? They seriously use the same material I use in my $35 necklaces!

Speaking of which, look what Mr. Oscar also carries:

Citrine and Lemon Quartz Necklace, $12,600

Bear any resemblance to the Green With Envy Cluster Bracelet I came out with a few months ago? You be the judge. Lesson of the day? If you are on a budget like the rest of the world, stear clear of this supposed "High Fashion" and stick with Etsy homemade! ;)

Happy weekend :) (note: I DO have CONFIRMED tickets to this Monday's taping of Dancing With the Stars. I will totally let you know how it goes THIS time around!)

Fashionably Friday: Statement Necklaces Gone Wrong

I think I got in over my head when I started investigating designer statement necklaces gone bad for today's Fashionably Friday post. I originally intended to just post some pictures I found of fugly statement necklaces from Project Rungay's blog (I know I have told you before how much I just adore this blog, right?). Then I thought I would look up the designers listed to see if the items they feature on the runway translate to the items they offer on their websites. Yes, and um, yes. I found more outta control statement necklaces that I could handle, resulting in lots of images on my computer and not enough time or space in just one blog post to handle them. So be prepared for similar posts in the future (I envision reviewing individual designers one at a time)... but for now, I'll stick to just these few. Tom and Lorenzo (from Project Rungay, seriously, check the site out) posted last spring that statement necklaces are in and looking good. Except for these - the fellas really, really didn't care for these. Take a look for yourself and comment on which you do and don't dig. I of course will be doing the same (really? Christyn sharing her opinion? NO!!)... All images can be found here.

It's supposed to be a fashion NECKLACE, not a fashion COMPOST HEAP. Marni

Anyone else getting vibes from Sigourney Weaver in Ghostbusters in this one? Viktor & Rolf

Oh whew! THAT's where my grandma's soap dish went! Stella McCartney

The 80's called. They want their shredded t-shirt back. Marc by Marc Jacobs

A perfect solution for mothers with children who keep losing their art supplies... Louis Vuitton

So glad that all those doilies Grandma taught me how to knit finally paid off! Lanvin

Just in case you forgot your knob for the power switch down at the plant, I brought a backup. Emilio Pucci

I don't know what's worse - the necklace, the awful collar on the shirt that's under the necklace, of those Swedish shepherdess curls this chick has going on! Bottega Veneta

Hey guys! I just got back from the natural rock and gemstone show and bought this in the sale section! Chanel

Thankfully I had extra tile samples left over from when we remodeled our kitchen... Burberry Prorsum

So my daughter took this bead weaving class at JoAnn fabrics last week and made me this! Anna Sui

The aliens have landed. Christian Dior

What's even more horrifying is that from this list of "horrifying" necklaces, I foud myself liking many of them and couldn't bring myself to including them on my "wtf" list! I copied them to include in the post and, after a few double takes, couldn't bear to rip them apart! We'll get to that next time! In the meantime, get the angst from your week out and comment on these doozies! And have a happy weekend, y'all!