Susan Says: Narciso Rodriguez for Kohl's

 

Katie Holmes in a Narciso Rodriguez for Kohl's Dress ($70)

 

On November 7th Kohl's DesigNation will launch a line by Cuban-American designer Narciso Rodriguez. This limited-time collection will be available exclusively online at Kohls.com and in Kohl's stores.

 

In 1996, Rodriguez garnered international fame when he designed Carolyn Bessette's wedding dress for her wedding to John Kennedy, Jr. On November 4, 2008, Michelle Obama chose to wear a dress from the designer’s Spring 2009 Collection to celebrate her husband's election. For the Kohl's line, Rodriguez was inspired by his love of Istanbul. Pattern interplay and minimalist design make the line irresistible and the pieces are crafted to fit flawlessly and gracefully. 

 

 

 

 

 

Stars such as Katie Holmes, Emma Roberts and Julianna Margulies stepped out in New York City in gorgeous dresses from the new line to celebrate the imminent launch.  Margulies, who wore a two-tone dress (retails at $64), is such a huge fan of the designer that he even created her wedding gown. Margulies told InStyle, "(Rodriguez)... cuts dresses to look best on a woman's body.  He loves a curve. And this dress?  It's just not going to go out of style." 

Juliana Margulies in Narciso Rodriguez for Kohl's /Jemal Countess/Getty Images North America

 

There are lots of great, wearable styles in the Kohl's collection.  A black peplum top is  on my immediate wish list.

Star Struck

Giant Dwarf Starlette Sparkler $18

We were star struck when we spotted these star sparklers. These accessories are beautiful for side swept bangs or as a crown of stars for evening glam.  Bobby pins will never be the same!

 Lucky Magazine's November 2012 issue featured these Giant Dwarf Starlette Sparklers in silver or gold ($18 for one large star or for two smaller stars; $48 or $78 for an entire crown of stars). The felt stars are spangled with actual shards of glass and sterling silver.

The Giant Dwarf designs are inspired by early 20th century hair adornments and each piece is hand-crafted using fine materials  like German glass glitter, reclaimed wool from sweaters & their own line of wool blend felt.  Their web site says the designs are "guaranteed to make any woman feel glamorous whenever worn." To see the complete selection visit Giant Dwarf's web site. 

Jewelery That Rocks

Electric Picks "Centerfold" Bracelet

At a recent event in New York City I was introduced to MJ Barton and was immediately enamored with her armful of amazing bracelets, which, as the designer behind the brand Electric Picks, were all of her own fabulous design.

MJ Barton

I chatted with MJ about her background and Electric Picks, her line of rock-and-roll-inspired jewelry. (Of course, I also had to invest in a couple of bracelets myself, too!)

"I've always made jewelry, ever since I was really young," MJ explained. Besides making jewelry, MJ also loved music, playing piano and guitar for years.

Prior to launching her line, MJ worked as a nonprofit events planner in Miami, but in April 2011, MJ says she had a dream about putting a guitar pick into a bracelet. "I couldn't go back to sleep," she says. "I knew I had to do this!"

When MJ moved to New York, she got to work and launched Electric Picks one year ago this month. Her company quickly took off and continues to grow at an amazing pace. 

Each bracelet is intricately crafted and one of a kind and the guitar picks are all either custom or vintage.  The bracelets have names which are in keeping with their rock-and-roll inspiration, such as this bracelet named for the Guns N' Roses song:

Electric Picks "Every Rose" Bracelet

I also was intrigued with all the spikes and studs that MJ is featuring in her jewelry, which have such a dangerous, edgy look yet are still fun and feminine.

Electric Picks "Tommy Guns"

Electric Picks "Idol"

Check out the entire line at ElectricPicks.com.