Covetable Mother-Daughter Jewelry Designs -- Perfect for Mother's Day!

Sea Elise Locals Only @ $275

Since Mother's Day is almost here and summer is upon us, we were inspired to share this jewelry company we discovered which is helmed by a mother-daughter duo. Sea Elise offers unique necklaces, bracelets and earrings which are inspired by the designers' mutual love of the ocean and travel, including having worked in Africa, backpacking in Indonesia and visits to Mexico, Australia and Central America.

We think it's great that the designs are created by a mother-daughter team and are handmade in the USA incorporating natural elements such as wood, bone and geodes mixed with neon pops of color and statement charms.

Atop and below are a few designs we're currently coveting:

Cabo - Wood (from $27.50)

Eleanor $145

SJP's New Collection a Fashion "Shoe-In"

"People should dress the way they want. Any rules for age or shape are silly.  If you walk out the door feeling good about yourself, that's what counts."

So stated Sarah Jessica Parker - aka SJP - during a recent interview featured in InStyle Magazine.  

Parker is, of course, famous for the stunning clothing and shoes during her years as the star of Sex and the City, as well as her highly coveted "real-life" style.  She's famous for donning ultra-high-end labels like Manolo Blahnik and Jimmy Choo, and now SJP is bringing that high-style to the mass market through a partnership with George Malkemus, CEO of Manolo Blahnik, to create a more affordable line of shoes and handbags.

Vogue UK describes the SJP collection as "pared-back, simple and elegant" with pumps and flats priced between $200 and $300 and bags for around $700 and reports that the SJP collection will be produced entirely in Europe and New York City, and will be sold exclusively at Nordstrom.

The shoes debut on February 28 at selected Nordstrom stores and at Nordstrom.com.  Meanwhile, here's a first look at  a pump from the collection, the "Diana", which was featured in Lucky magazine and will retail for $365.

Ralph Lauren's Puppy Love

Ralph Lauren's "The Dog Walk" / Harper's Bazaar

Since 1982, when a stray dog wandered into Ralph Lauren's ranch in Telluride, Colorado, canine causes have been close to Lauren's heart. On October 15th, the designer will launch a video dubbed "The Dog Walk," on Ralphlauren.com. The video will highlight the brand's accessories -- including shoes, handbags, dog carriers and leather leashes -- from a "dog's-eye view," according to Harper's Bazaar. Ten percent of sales from some featured accessories will be donated to the ASPCA in celebration of the organization's Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog Month.

The best part is that the dogs featured in the video were all rescued, ASPCA pups -- and all of them have been adopted since the video shoot.

"We would do anything to save a dog," Lauren to Harper's Bazaar.

Sneaky!

Inspiration from Pinterest

One of our cardinal rules has always been to keep all gym clothing -- including sneakers -- exclusively at the gym and to lose the sweats and sneakers once your workout is done. All rules, however, are made to be broken, especially when it comes to fashion, and recently we've been noticing some very stylish sneaker ensembles. For inspiration, look no further than the photo above from Pinterest. (For more non-sneaker-related style inspiration, check out our Pinterest page.)

Nike Air Max in Mercury Grey & Flash Lime @ $90

The Nike Air Max, in a variety of palettes, warrants a re-examination of the no-sneakers-outside-the-gym rule, and would look chic if worn with cropped pants and a tailored top, like the J.Crew model below.

J. Crew model rocks sneakers with her stylish ensemble

Wear These Shoes, Get Compliments

Prabal Gurung for Target $29.99

 
It's been a while since we've been able to blog but we had to take time today to tell you about these shoes. As you know, we are fans of the Target designer collaborations, and this week the retailer debuted the new Prabal Gurung for Target collection and the footwear is fabulous!

The red wedge sandals above look amazing on and literally caused a random fellow patron at my local Starbucks to yell out, "Great shoes!" And that was just the beginning of the compliments that ensued throughout the day.

These multicolor heels below also make an amazing statement. There are lots of other fabulous footwear fashions; check out your local Target store or Target.com!

Prabal Gurung for Target $39.99

Be Seen in Green

From "A Year in the Emerald City," WSJ

 

According to an article by Christina Binkley in today's Wall Street Journal, the color green will be the color pick of the year for 2013 --- a retro throwback to the 1980's in fashion, jewelry, housewares, furniture and even cars!  

 

Green was designated the "it" color by Pantone, a company who sells codes that manufacturers use to replicate colors that will determine the "it" color each year based on surveys, sales of color swatches and the opinions of the general public.

Deep greens were seen on fashion runways of the spring 2013 collections of labels such as Valentino, D&G, Marni and Roland Mouret.  

 

Akris Spring 2013 Runway / WSJ / Getty

 

Accessories such as sunglasses by Oliver Peoples will also be making you green with envy this spring:

 

Oliver Peoples / WSJ

 

For some emerald inspiration, check out Jennifer Connelly (below) and other celebrities in green in this Marie Claire gallery.

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.

Cool Weather, Hot Launches

The brand-new Fall fashion issue of InStyle Magazine is jam-packed with no less than 652 pages of fabulous fashion, accessories, beauty, celebrity fashion favorites and "Launches You'll Love," which will be available in stores in September. 

If you haven't already gotten your September issue, grab it at a newsstand soon. Meanwhile, here are some of the hot new launches which were touted in InStyle and about which we are very excited: 

Kirna Zabete at Target:  We have blogged about one of the previous "The Shops at Target" which features exclusive-for-Target merchandise curated from specialty stores across the country. This fall, a very popular boutique in New York City, Kirna Zabete, is creating a line for Target. The collection includes dresses, printed skirts, faux leather leggings, a faux leather skirt, a (genuine!) leather moto jackets and handbags and jewelry galore with prices ranging from $9.99-$199.99 (for the aforementioned leather jacket), so mark your calendars for the sale dates: September 9th to October 20th.  Susan is already "eyeballing" a tweed dress, which can also be worn as a "jumper" with a blouse underneath, which will retail at $45, while Dana is coveting the sealed-with-a-kiss envelope clutches, pictured below, which evokes fall's Surrealist trend. Check out the entire look book here.

Kirna Zabete for Target Envelope Clutch  $29.99

BCBG Generation:  BCBG's first full denim line includes two-tone denim,  faux leather detailing and muted hues on jeans which will retail at $98. Great denim at a great price! 

BCBG Generation Jasper Skinny Denim/Faux-Leather Pants $98

Jennifer Hudson for QVC:  Academy-award and Golden Globe-winning actress, Grammy-winning singer, American Idol finalist, Weight Watchers spokeswoman and all-around fashionista, Ms. Hudson's new clothing line, launching September 10, will flatter women of all sizes and includes fall coats, dresses and maxi-skirts with sheer overlays, all with prices not exceeding $170. Essence magazine has a sneak peek here.

Jennifer Hudson Collection for QVC

Nicole Richie for Macy's Impulse:  The House of Harlow 1960 designer will showcase tops, fitted blazers and maxidresses in her collection for Macy's launching Sept. 12.  The line generally reflects her edgy style. You can check out the styles here.

Nicole Richie for Macy's Impulse

 

Stubbs & Wootton for J. Crew:  Stubbs & Wootton's iconic smoking slipper is interpreted in a velvet flat emblazoned with interesting crests for J. Crew,  and is priced at $400.

Stubbs & Wootton for J. Crew Classic Velvet Slippers $400

Coach:  The Legacy Collection:  This Fall, Coach is building on its heritage with the Legacy Collection, including handbags, pumps, boots, jewelry, tech cases and sunglasses, all priced from $50 to $500.  According to Reed Krakoff, Coach President, as told to InStyle Magazine, "We haven't just re-introduced the styles... We've interpreted them for today, with bold color and better functionality for all the things women now carry, like phones and iPads."  Coach has sixteen handbag silhouettes - nine are twists on existing styles seven are brand new, with several new colors joining the classics. Among our favorite styles is the Tanner Tote in yellow.  Reed Krakoff told InStyle Magazine:  "Color is the new neutral.. Everyone's craving it these days. We thought, Why not do these iconic styles in an unexpected way?"  We agree! Read the story about Coach's history and the Legacy Collection here, and start shopping here.

Coach Legacy Collection Tanner Tote in Yellow $498

New Louis Vuitton Ads: Gold Medal Inspirations

Michael Phelps & Larisa Latynina of Russia, 77, in new LV ads, as seen in Hello! Magazine

The new stars of a Louis Vuitton ad are US Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps, who recently broke the record for winning the most all-time medals, and  Larisa Latynina, 77, the Soviet gymnast who previously held that record.

According to the New York Times, "For nearly half a century, no one approached the number of Olympic medals that Latynina won from 1956 to 1964. She was the first superstar in gymnastics..."

The Times explains that Latynina was such a determined athlete that she even competed in the 1958 world championships while four months pregnant with her daughter, Tatyana. Latynina says that she kept her pregnancy secret, telling only her doctor, so that no one would stop her from competing. 
She won five gold medals that year, of which Tatyana told the Times,  “I consider them mine. We won them together.”

Latynina is such an inspiration- right down to the fact that, the Times reports, while she was in the stands watching Phelps break her long-held record, "when the moment came, she knew exactly what a great champion should do. She put on her lipstick."

Chain Gang

Pomellato 67 Silver Pendant $395

Retro chain jewelry is making a big fashion comeback this Fall to complement retro style prints by such designers as Miu Miu and Balenciaga. Hefty, bold, interlocking chain necklaces and bracelets, which can be worn on both wrists, project stand-out style.

Pomellato Silver Bracelet $1,670

Vogue Magazine reports in the August issue that Italian fine jewelry house Pomellato is re-issuing a series of iconic pieces from its 45-year-old archive. All of the pieces are hand made in Milan of "industrial-feel silver," which is reminiscent of the look of the 1970's.

Pomellato Creative Director of Sergio Silvestris told Vogue, "Those years (the 70's) were about freedom of expression and the fall of taboos." He adds, "We decided to make the pieces chunkier for a more modern vibe."

The pieces are an investment, but so gorgeous and fashionable, and have already been proven to stand the test of time! 

Surreal Style

Dali Ruby Lips $130 @ The Dali Museum

Salvador Dali was part of a revolutionary group of artists and, of all the Surrealist painters, he was the most highly controversial.  Through paintings, sculpture, furniture and jewelry, Dali's extreme and utterly other-worldly dreamlike eccentricity led to his collaborations with such fashion icons as Coco Chanel and Elsa Schiaparelli. 

If you are ever in the Tampa Bay Area, take the short drive over to beautiful St. Petersburg, where you will find incredible beaches, great dining and a world-class museum, The Dali Museum, which is the next-best thing to going to Spain, the home of the world's only other Dali museum in the artist's home town, Figueres.

The Dali Museum has an amazing collection of the artist's work enclosed in an architecturally unique building, and the cafe offers some authentic, delicious Spanish cuisine.

The Dali Museum in St. Petersburg FL at night

And the extensive gift shop features some beautiful jewelry inspired by Dali's own designs, which, in case you can't make it to St. Pete, is also available online here.          

For some other surrealist shopping suggestions, check out the new issue of Lucky Magazine, which featured some Dali-inspired selections:

Surrealist Fashions Featured in Lucky Magazine

Susan Says: Rubberized Fashion Accessories

Stretch your fashion horizon with fun summer fashion accessories! Here are some picks spotted in OK! Magazine, as well as some other intriguing items we found online:

DuePunti Silicon Diamond Rings @ $98 each

DuePunti Silicone Diamond Rings: Milan-based DuePunti offers stackable, stretchy, colorful silicon rings, each with a .02 carat diamond mounted on silver and embedded inside, making diamond rings accessibly priced and fun.  

Jack Rogers Bahamas Navajo Jelly Thong Sandal $68 @ endless.com

Jack Rogers Bahamas Navajo Jelly Thong Sandal: Get the ever-popular Jack Rogers look in a plastic, waterproof version with these fabulous jelly sandals. And check out the gorgeous Raspberry/Citron color combo, on sale at Endless.com for $32.97.

Vivienne Westwood by Melissa Dragon LadyVII Slingback Sandal $152 @ Endless

Vivienne Westwood for Melissa: The iconic British designer has a footwear line in partnership with Melissa, the fashionable footwear company known for their plastic designs. Check out the styles with wings (above) and hearts at Endless, ranging from $152-$190.

... and on a footnote, how fun are these Wonder Woman flats above, also from Melissa?

MICHAEL Michael Kors Frosted Jelly Jet Set North/South Tote in Neon Green $168 @ Zappos

Michael Kors Jelly Tote: You can't go wrong with a jelly tote for summer, and we are loving this version from MICHAEL Michael Kors, available in bright bold colors- the tangerine color is on sale at Zappos. 

Swatch Watch in Pink $120 @ Swatch.com

Swatch Watch: And of course there's always the classic Swatch watch! Loving this bright pink version. 

Fabulous Fall Accessories - for a Cause

Photo: DKNY/Elle

DKNY, a brand long known for its philanthropic endeavors, has partnered with FEED in creating three must-have accessories for fall, with all profits going toward the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP).

Founded by Lauren Bush Lauren in 2005, FEED creates and sells apparel and accessories and donates a large portion of its profits in the form of food and aid to women and children worldwide.

FEED collaborates with high-end brands to create items you will be proud to take about town. FEED's recent collaborations have been with Clarins skincare and Godiva. 

The new DKNY collection has been dubbed "The Survival Collection." Among the stand-out accessories are some fabulous packable wellies priced at $115; a diaper bag is priced at $220 and an umbrella with tote is priced at $220.  Purchases will provide emergency food and vitamins to women and children worldwide.

Elle magazine reported that FEED co-founder Lauren Bush Lauren stated in a press release: "FEED is thrilled to partner with DKNY on these fashionable and functional carryalls for urban mothers on the go." She added, "The Diaper and City survival bags are sure to please FEED's biggest supporters: stylish mommies and style-conscious shoppers who have embraced the idea of compassionate consumerism and the importance of ending world hunger."

The styles are presently available at Bloomingdales.com, Net-A-Porter.com, feedprojects.com, selecte DKNY shops and DKNY.com.

Susan Says: Pack & Go

Kimora Lee Simmons is not traveling light in this photo from louisvuittonhandbag.org, but here's how you can...

One thing that I really hate is packing for a two or three day trip which involves "carry-on" luggage.  After I have loaded the usual "surprises" for my grandchildren, available space in my carry-on is pretty slim.

So here's a list of my own tips for summer get-aways sans check-in luggage as well as some suggestions gleaned from the pages of InStyle Magazine:

Keep your palette simple:  Pick one or two hues for your neutral garments and add accessories for accent.

White jeans:  Wear with summer jewelry and strappy wedges for evening or sandals by day.

Shoes:  Limit yourself to two pairs:  A neutral wedge will work from day to evening and I insist on wearing a closed-toe espadrille for going through airport security. It's pretty awful to have to walk barefoot through the security gates, so whatever shoe you chose, be sure it is a closed shoe with which you can wear a sock or Ped. (Sneakers may make three pairs to pack if you plan on exercising while away.)

Accessories:  Since jewelry takes up the least space, make it work for you.  A clutch (I am most fond of the ones that also have have an optional strap) and a scarf that can double as a wrap if the airplane is chilly or as a beach sarong (or a head wrap) are a travel MUST! Pack a diversity of necklaces and bracelets so you can style your basics in different ways.

A dress:  "Pick one with a print.  It projects polish." That is the advice told to InStyle Magazine by Pavia Rosati, founder of a travel site Fathomaway.com (the website features write ups on trendy travel destination).

Camp shirt:  A button-up shirt packs a wallop: Wear over a swimsuit, with a pair of shorts or with jeans in the evening.

And last but not least, choose makeup that does double duty.  Benefit "Sun Beam" Luminescent  Complexion Enhancer is a liquid highlighter that can be used on eyes and lips or lips and cheeks so that the overall effect isn't matchy-matchy, makeup artist Toray Surrat told InStyle Magazine. 

Happy Travels!!

Mom-Inspired Celebrity Launches

This week two stars announced new product launches- inspired by their mothers!

Nicole Richie and her eponymous perfume, as featured in InStyle

Nicole Richie is a reality star, author, mother to Harlow and Sparrow, and the designer behind House of Harlow 1960 and Winter Kate. She is now a fragrance creator, too. Richie told Women's Wear Daily that the scent was inspired by the layered scents her mother wore when Nicole was a child. “I have a very traditional Southern mom — you never left the house without lotion,” said Richie during a phone interview with WWD.   The fragrance, which is named Nicole, is a blend of blackberry, orange, and amber, with undertones of cashmere and vanilla, InStyle reported. Look for ads for the new fragrance to appear in the September issues of fashion, beauty and lifestyle magazines, with the product hitting 2,000 department and specialty stores that month.

Photo of Nikki Reed from report in InStyle

InStyle Magazine reported yesterday that Twillight actress, writer and newlywed Nikki Reed has partnered with Pascal Mouawad’s Glamhouse to launch her first jewelry collection which will be called Mattlin Era and will be available this fall.  She too was inspired by her mother, saying in a press statement, "Some of my earliest memories are of my mother sitting behind her sewing machine making clothes for my brother and I when we couldn't afford to buy the cool stuff that was sold in stores." She adds, "When I was old enough to help, we would go and buy fun colored beads to string on elastic and- voila!- I had my first 'jewelry line.'"

Shady Ladies

Louis Vuitton Spring 2012 Runway

Tracy Reese Spring 2012 Runway

Could an accessory of old be making a comeback?  In recent years parasols have been spotted on the runways from designers such as Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton, Tracy Reese, Anna Sui and Temperley London.

The parasol is said to have been first used by Egyptian queens to ward off the desert sun and for sun protection for the flawless skin of  Japanese geishas in the 18th century.  Jeni Elizabeth, a fashion style, told First for Women, "Today women love them because they're fun yet functional."  She adds, "Unlike slathering on sunscreen, carrying a parasol looks lovely as it protects-  it's chic sunblock." 

You can find an inexpensive parasol online; go to LunaBazaar.com  and check out the "Tulips and Hummingbirds" 33" parasol which is only $11.95:

Luna Bazaar Tulips & Hummingbirds Parasol $11.95

Another option is Pamela Parasols; they have a cherry blossom parasol in red which retails for $12.95.

Whether or not you are up for trying out a parasol, certainly no summer wardrobe is complete without a hat, an essential must-have for sun protection.

There are styles to flatter every face:

Heart-shaped Faces:  Pick a bell shape.  The long sloping brim mirrors the shape of a heart face "only inverted," forming a diamond shaped effect to call attention to the cheekbones and deflecting from a broad forehead or a pointed chin.

Juicy Couture Colorblock Cloche $58 @ Nordstrom

Round Faces:  Pick a panama hat. The tall crown and band around the hat draw attention upwards so the face appears longer.  

J. Crew Panama Hat $58

Long Faces:  Chose a wide brim because it draws the eye from side to side which makes the cheekbones look wider and pulling the brim down also detracts from a high forehead.

Eric Javits Swinger Rafia Wide Brim Hat $262.50 @ Bloomingdale's

Square Faces:  Fedoras:  A hat with a height, softens the angles of a square jaw.  Additionally, the short brim which stands up takes the eye vertically so you appear to have an elongated face.

Michael Stars Garden Stripe Fedora $42 @ Neiman Marcus

If you've left your hat at home and find yourself in the summer sun, here is a great tip: Run a stick of lip balms with SPF along your part and hairline.  You will get protection for your head and hair and no hat head (as in squashed hairdo)!