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: Man Jewelry

So most times I think of "Man Jewelry" I think of really crap-tastic piercings or over-sized tacky gold watches. Or ugly leader-corded pendants and silver rings. ::shiver:: Runways don't usually help the cause. Often accessories take place of clothing all together. Men walk around wearing next to nothing yet carrying around over-sized man-bags. Or wearing heels and a scarf. Only wearing heels and a scarf. I can't imagine it adds to the concept of masculinity. (see image on right for reference). The guys over a ProjectRungay come from a very specific viewpoint and I usually agree with their judgments of said runway trends (which usually end in "E-Gad!"). They recently featured an editorial from Vogue Hommes Japan that not only featured some interesting looking men, but some RAD jewelry. I LOVE the jewelry featured in this spread. And, though I am not usually prone to men in skin-tight beach outfit concoctions, somehow the jewelry takes all else away and all I can focus on is the use of beads and colors! So, if the fact that it's "Man Jewelry" bothers you, take T&L's advice: "Darlings, it's fashion, color and genetically gifted men. What could we possibly add to that? If a picture's worth a thousand words, this should keep you busy for a while." In other words, focus on the jewelry, and, well, ya know. The models ;) But especially the jewelry - LOVE IT! (all images from Project Rungay). My take? I could of course do without the bindi-jewel things on their foreheads. I could do without the stupidly colored hair (though I do enjoy the color composition of all the shots - very spring!). And, since of course most men wouldn't really wear jewelry with a wet suit or a see-through sweater thing (or whatever these "outfits" are), I could do without the weird clothing (though that's what makes it "high fashion," no?). I love the texture contrasts and the vibrant colors. And the beads are GORG. E. OUS. I tired to find the jewelry's source (Rungay only attributes the jewelry to "Passage to India," which of course lead to a thousand unrelated travel sites and what not) and wish I could figure out the story behind the collection. Though I usually find myself in the Less-Is-More camp, I love the layering and stacking of these pieces. If you look closely, several pieces are combined and added with other shots, showing the versatility of the collection (of course any collection that consists of over a few dozen pieces can lead to many options of use!). In other words, I wish that I could not only own these pieces, but that I could make them. Well, I am sure I could if I wanted to invest several thousand dollars in genuine gemstones and hours hunched over my crafty card table. Any takers? Now it's your turn! Time to duke it out! Spill your thoughts (and have a joyous weekend)!

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: Style Lab

Part of the joy of making jewelry, or even buying jewelry, is getting your hands on it. I have had so many customers ask to first "see" some of my pieces before they decide to buy because they "want to touch it." Though I have done my fair share of buying supplies online, there is something to be said for finding an awesome piece in a store, putting your hands on it, examining it in person with your eyes, holding it up to your ears or neck or next to other supplies, and deciding that you can't leave without it! That said, I was a little concerned when I first heard of "Style Lab." Don't know what it is, either? In short, it's a game for the hand-held Nintendo DS that has teamed up with my favorite online jewelry supply distributor, ArtBeads, which gives you the "chance" to "design" your own jewelry with ArtBeads supplies. Real ArtBeads supplies that are photographed, and, in the words of the game's description, "manipulated," can be put together on the screen and made into designs of the player's choosing. Additionally, "The game features a retail-based storyline in which players take on the challenges of running their own jewelry boutique. As they complete designs for their clientele, the boutiques will blossom and more customers will come to commission new work." Take a look:

As if that's not, ummm, interesting enough, girls can then upload their pictures and place their designs on their own faces and necks. If she (or he, no need to hate!) likes it, they can then send money to ArtBeads, where their staff will then create the piece based on the animated design and send it to the gal. I don't mean to be a hater. I think it's great to get girls - and boys! - in the mindset where creativity is nurtured and explored. But is this really the best way to go? How many more computer screens will replace hands-on creativity? Why place another barrier between you and raw creation? Furthermore, the players only "design" their jewelry, they don't even get the satisfaction of actually making it with their own hands! And speaking from experience, though I LOVE ArtBeads, their supplies can add up quickly. Financially, I mean. If Little Miss Molly makes an exclusively Swarovski Crystal necklace for herself, and then has to pay for the staff at ArtBeads to construct it and ship it, you are looking at a (minimum) $75 piece of jewelry! And for what - so you can say that Molly "created" it? Stepping down off my soap-box now. Actually, no, I still have more thoughts! On the plus side, this game might be a great TOOL for envisioning jewelry when you don't have all the pieces in front of you. I have personally copied and pasted some bead product photos and photo-shopped them next to each other to "see" what they would look like as a finished piece. But if ArtBeads were really thinking about integrating technology to their full advantage, they would offer this component to anyone as a way of increasing their site traffic and eventual sales (at least I think it would be a smart move). Charging Molly $30 for the game, plus the $130+ it cost for the gaming system in the first place, plus the fee to have the staff assemble your piece, the supplies, and the shipping, you could just as well buy all the supplies you wanted and play with the components in person! Is this game thus enabling Molly's creativity or inhibiting it? Ok, now it's your turn on the soap-box, lovies. I want to hear what you think - the good, the bad, and the ugly. And don't worry, you won't hurt my feelings. I would have made a horrible reporter anyway - my opinion prevents any chance at objectivity!

Fashionably Friday: Tiffany's for the Holidays

It's that time of year where countless commercials do their darnedest to convince you that your life wasn't complete until you had (fill in the blank with meaningless item here), or that your stocking isn't stuffed without (fill here again), or that your man doesn't love you unless he has a mint-colored box in his hand. That's right, you read me correctly - it's that time of the year where Tiffany's commercials of women in 30's vintage dresses playing their piano in slow motion remind all of us that we aren't really loved until we have a Calvin Klein model slowly and ever-so-softly handing us a Tiffany's box of jewelry. See what I am talking about: 'Cause we have all had that happen to us, right? Yeah, me neither. In fact, these commercials make me a little sick. No offense to anyone who has ever be given a Tiffany's piece of jewelry (I myself have several faux Tiffany's necklaces from China, what?), but doesn't it seem odd that the company really does have some woman believing that the true mark of a man's love is that little blue box in his hand? Because I thought the true mark of my man's love is when he holds my hair back when I am hanging out in the bathroom with the flu. Or when he changes a tire in the rain and lets me sit inside the car chatting with my friend on the phone.

Ok, stepping off my soap box...! That said, Tiffany's is one of the new main-line luxury jewelry companies that I found to carry LOTS of holiday items. I really wish I could buy some of these charms at Michael's so I could make them myself and give them to myself in a little LIME GREEN box (yeah Bead Up!). I love me some value, but of course Tiffany's falls under the category of high-class that they can price their items astronomically high and people still buy it. Sigh... Here's a small selection of the many items on Tiffanys.com:

$135 ... for just the charm!

Candy cane in traditional red or Tiffany blue - so cute. Well, except for the $115 price tag!

I am pretty sure that Tiffany's has the monopoly on snowflake-shaped diamond jewelry pieces. Here they've incorporated it to their traditional link-chain bracelet... for only $500 ;)

And if you can't get enough diamonds... ($2,350 for this subtle thing...)

Why not wear a broach-sized snowflake diamond mess - for only 25 THOUSAND dollars!

And it only gets uglier and pricier, my friend. Take this gold semi-tree of a charm, yours for only $1,625!

Or this ... thing... for only $2050! That's more than my rent!

And if a Tiffany blue $150 ice-skating charm doesn't wet your whistle...

Surely a $2250 diamond and emerald plated ice-skating charm will make your life complete, no?

Yeah, me neither.