All About The Necklace

Because I tend to wear very neutral and earthy-toned colors, it’s an absolute dream come true when I find a piece of jewelry (especially a necklace) in a bold bright color.

This necklace from meet mark is the ultimate spring/summer accessory; It’s an easy way to add a punch of color and has an elegant pearl necklace vibe (only edgier) making it perfect for outfits like an LBD or even a suit!  Check it out below!

Decked Out Necklace – $28

necklace c/o meetmark.com

Beautiful Handmade Jewelry at Boticca.com

Looking for some super-chic unique Jewelry by an independent designer? Look no further than Boticca.com – check out what’s new from my personal fave India-based designer, Eina Aluwalia.

If you haven’t been there already, you NEED to go and check out the beautiful handmade jewelry on Boticca.com. It’s all from amazing independent designers, each of them with their own profiles and collections on the site. In a sea of ‘handmade’ Boticca.com is a cut above the rest because it’s curated, which means a team of expert fashionistas get to decide what goes on the site based on quality, style, and the reputation of the designer themselves. Eina Ahluwalia is hailed as India’s first conceptual jewelry artist. Firmly believing in the importance of making a concerted move away from factory-designed products to those made by real artisans with real passions and stories, Eina now sells her collections through Boticca:

“The creative process begins with a lot of coffee and angst. I have to reach within myself and sift through a lot of thoughts and ideas to find the one strong story that needs to be shared.” - Eina Ahluwalia

Eina is one of more than 250 designers from 40+ countries all over the world now selling her pieces through Boticca, which is actually the only place on the net that you can feel that amazing sense of discovery you get when you find a rare, one-off trinket on your travels. Check out my favorite piece below!

Traditionally, a Kirpan is a small symbolic sword worn on the body by Sikhs – a warrior race that acted to protect oppressed communities from Mughal rule in India. Amazingly, this piece, which can be worn at several different lengths, is 100% handcrafted, featuring intricate fretwork on brass with 22-karat gold plating.

There are so many beautiful and very different pieces on the site, too. More than 6,000 items, in fact! Feast your peepers on these stunners, for example:

 

 

1. Malaga necklace – Jolita Jewellery
2. Clemence woven necklace in pink/orange – Jennifer Loiselle
3. In a Sentimental Mood Necklace – Maria Zureta

Visit Boticca’s homepage and be sure to browse the site properly –the blog, style ideas and designer stories are a good read, too!

Must Have Monday: Nila Anthony’s Envelope Clutch

This edgy, classic, colorblocked clutch will perfectly complement just about any spring/summer outfit.  And at only $65… it’s a must have!!!

Nila Anthony’s Envelope Clutch – $65 at Nilaanthony.com

The Perfect Animal Print Scarf

I’m always on the lookout for lightweight scarfs to wear year round, but finding one with that perfect amount of “bulk” has been a never ending task…until now!  Recently I was sent a fraas scarf that not only wraps to the ideal size and weight, but it comes in a contemporary animal print, done in pinks and browns–part of their Powder Box theme that are perfect to pair with your favorite basics.

And as far as Mother’s Day gifts, it’s perfect for only $40! You can find the Fraas brand in better specialty boutiques or order directly by calling 212-575-0191.  Select styles are also available on the Fraas website.  Check it out below!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Disclosure: I received the scarf to review.  All opinions are my own.

How Many Handbags Do We Really Need?

Whilst many handbags are fabulous enough to multitask, there is no doubt, and therefore no argument, that a woman needs many different bags for the many different faucets of her life. By our reckoning, the average lady needs several different types of handbags in her wardrobe, all of which serve fully functioning purposes.

The shoulder bag is an everyday essential for every woman. From small or medium, through to the oversized, the shoulder bag will hold a woman’s whole life inside it. From shoes, books, purse, make up, hairbrush, mobile phone, keys – the shoulder bag is the holding area for every product that a lady uses throughout her average day. The best shoulder bags to look out for are ones with plenty of internal and / or external pockets and pouches, as how many times have you tried to get to a ringing mobile phone at the bottom of a shoulder bag?!

Not too dissimilar in functionality to the shoulder bag, a crossover or satchel is a slightly more casual and sporty alternative. The across the body strap makes it easier to carry, and somewhat safer if you are moving around a big city or constantly on the go. Again, crossovers come in many different sizes, to extra small right through to specialist laptop carriers.

The clutch is a smaller equivalent of a shoulder bag, only it simply contains everything that you need on an evening out. Due to the reduction in size, a clutch must hold only the essentials such as mobile phone, lipstick and money. A clutch doesn’t have to be tiny, eighties large envelope style clutch’s’ are making a comeback and these can hold an impressive amount of products.

The Hobo bag is slouchy when set down, typically is of a crescent shape with a single strap. Worn on the shoulder but normally smaller than a shoulder bag, the hobo is ideal for women who don’t carry their homes in their bags and only need a few items with them during the day.

At one time not too long ago, the tote shopper was reserved only for use by the elderly. Luckily, the event of supermarkets reining in the use of their plastic bags meant that we shoppers had to start using environmentally friendly shopping bags and a new era of the tote was born.
Not technically a handbag, but just as useful, the weekender is a must have item for all. It is larger than a shoulder bag, with the practicalities of a suitcase but all the style of a great bag. It is one of the most sought after bags in fashion, sometimes bearing a waiting list of up to six years! Many different versions are available and it has just as much room as carry on suitcases and excludes far more style.

All three versions above are definitely invaluable additions to every woman’s wardrobe.

 

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Must-have Spring Accessory: The Belt

Updating your spring and summer wardrobe is a cinch this year. All it takes are a few well-chosen belts. If the statement necklace was last year’s must-have fashion accessory, the bold belt is 2012’s style essential. From skinny, neon waist-nippers to embellished corset-like hip-huggers, the belt was everywhere on the spring runways.

Embracing the belt can add shape and chic to the most humdrum outfit, says Phoenix stylist Fawn Cheng. “You can refresh a tired dress or an oversized top by cinching it with a brightly colored belt,” she says. The smocked tee that feels about as sexy as a tablecloth? The boho peasant blouse you wore to death last summer and now seems as fresh as expired milk? “They’re both scorning to be tuned into new silhouettes with an eye-catching belt,” says Cheng.

Belts are also crafty accessories when it comes to flattering your figure. If you’re short-waisted, sporting a low-slung belt will create the illusion of an elongated torso. Try a chain-link version for a modern look. Long-waisted? Balance out your proportions with a wide belt worn at your waist.

Here are four belts you’ll want to add to your warm-weather wardrobe:

1. Glitzy. Skinny or wide, elasticized or leather, the statement belt of the season features a bold medallion buckle in plated or hammered gold, silver or brass. Cheng likes to see the wide version worn high on the waist — right under the rib cage — to add edgy glamour to a body-conscious dress. Or put a slimmer medallion belt through the loops of your flared jeans or trousers for understated elegance. The Italian designer Balmain offers a half dozen takes on this signature piece, ranging from $800 to more than $3,000. You can find stylish alternatives at stores like Urban Outfitters and Zara for a tiny fraction of that price.

2. Colorful. “Shocking sorbet” is what Cheng has dubbed this season’s collection of belts in vivid hues — fuchsia, tangerine, baby blue, coral and chartreuse. They’re the perfect way to introduce color into a neutral or all-white outfit. Or, to update a preppy look, consider a neo-neon combination like a carnation pink cardigan punctuated with a lime green patent-leather belt.

3. Safari-inspired. For spring, Michael Kors showed his version of what a chic woman might wear while enjoying cocktails at a luxe gaming lodge. Models strutted down the runway in animal and camouflage prints — and utilitarian colors like khaki, olive and brown — all in supple fabrics. The standout accessory was his fashion-forward interpretation of the frumpy fanny pack: a gorgeous burnished leather strap slung twice around the waist — once through the belt loops and then just below — tied on one end and with a small leather purse on the other. The purse-belt is perfect for hands-free toting of your essentials. Ralph Lauren, Diane von Furstenberg, Fendi, Hermes and Yves Saint Laurent are all offering their luxe take on the belt bag. You can also find affordable versions from LeSportsac and, of course, Michael Kors.

4. Corset. Thick, waist-cinching belts show off a woman’s ladylike curves. They’re an edgy match — especially in metallic — for the peplum skirt you’ll be wearing this spring and summer. You’ll also find casually playful versions in more forgiving woven leather. These look smashing with a traditional trench, a structured jacket, or high-waisted trousers and a white shirt. Corset belts might be a fleeting trend, so you probably don’t want to make this an investment piece. Instead, have a fling with an inexpensive option from a store like Forever 21 or Anthropologie.

Photo: Getty Images

By Shelley Levitt for The Style Glossy

Shelley Levitt, managing editor
of The Style Glossy, is a former West Coast editor
of Self and senior writer at
People.

Celeb Style: Mad Men’s Christina Hendrick’s Bag for Less!

Love how Mad Men’s Christina Hendrick’s paired a classic trench with Coach’s 70′s style “The Stewardess Bag” ($358 for the Coach bag).  Get the same classic look and rock it for seasons to come with meet mark’s Taupe and Glory bag.

 

Taupe and Glory Bag – $37 at meetmark.com

All About The Shoes

Like a lot of people, there are days when being a mom and having a full time job collide in the worst possible way.  I can’t tell you how many times I’ve thrown style out the window in the interest of comfort, simplicity and sanity.  Which is why I loved these wedges from Shoe Privee.

No matter kind of day you’re having or what outfit you’re wearing, these shoes will definitely kick it up a notch!

 

I paired my platform wedges c/o Shoe Privee with black cargo skinny jeans from Forever21 (no longer available), a tank from American Eagle (no longer available), a jacket from Kohl’s Apt. 9 line, Balenciaga inspired bag from Belloiris, sunglasses from Ross, and ring from Twisted Silver (one of my favorites).

 

 

Alex Woo’s New Pendants Inspired By Disneynature’s Film “Chimpanzee”

New York City-based jewelry designer Alex Woo explores the rainforest with her latest nod to Disneynature. In honor of Disneynature’s newest True Life Adventure “Chimpanzee,” Woo designed two exclusive pendants featuring an image inspired by Oscar, the young chimpanzee destined to steal the hearts of moviegoers nationwide when the film swings into theaters April 20, 2012.

Featured alongside the young chimpanzee in Woo’s designs are three vines that were inspired by the Jane Goodall Institute’s mission to protect people, animals and the environment. Twenty percent of proceeds from sales of the pendants will benefit JGI’s conservation efforts to protect chimpanzees today and tomorrow.

Available in eco-friendly recycled sterling silver and 14K gold, the one-inch, open cut-out pendant (starting at $218) and 4/5-inch solid disc pendant (starting at $158) both hang from 18-inch chains. For availability and more information, check out alexwoo.com.

Celeb Style: Boyfriend Watch for Less!

 

Whenever I’m in the mood to give my outfit or accessories a classic yet masculine feel, I always throw on the boyfriend watch (it really goes with ANYTHING!).

Sure, the stars can afford to splurge on Michael Kors and Rolex, but you can sport the chic look with Mark’s Borrowed from the Boys Watch for only $40!

 

Borrowed From The Boys Watch – $40 at Meetmark.com

 

 

watch c/o meetmark.com

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