Taking fashion cues from history

With her photographer's eye for detail, Brie is always scoping out jewelry, handbags and shoes that perfectly complete an ensemble.

Have you ever walked through a museum and seen a piece of ancient jewelry among the Roman or tribal artifacts that you badly wish you could wear?

This seems to be a regular occurrence for me. There are just so many stunning pieces of jewelry that have survived the ages and would be very wearable even today.

Some pieces that give a nod to ancient times that I have found in my recent wanders of the Internet:

Above: Gwendolen Brass Necklace at Lulus.com

Above: Connect The Dots Cuff at Lulus.com

Above: Argonauts Ring at Lulus.com

Above: Huntress Necklace at Lulus.com

Above: Lelania Daisy Bone Earrings at Lulus.com

Above: Queen Isis Necklace by Lulus.com

Above: Renaissance Ring in Silver or Gold at Lulus.com

I found all the above at Lulus.com which means you won’t have to spend a lot of money to add a bit of history to your jewelry box, though you can find many expensive pieces on various sites and in stores. I always go for affordable offerings when trying out a style in case it is not to my liking. Lulus.com and Forever 21 are great stores to purchase affordable accessories to try a trend or start your own.

So, the next time you wander a museum or see a piece of jewelry in a history book that you would love to wear, search the Internet or wander the stores. You may see something that reminds you of the piece!

Wear a little bit of history.

Posted October 27, 2009 in News

Just a little bit wild…

With her photographer's eye for detail, Brie is always scoping out jewelry, handbags and shoes that perfectly complete an ensemble.

There comes a time in a woman’s life when she gets a bit bored with the norm when it comes to fashion. She longs to be a bit daring and wear something that really stands out in a crowd. It can be a bit intimidating to take a risk and wear something that sets you out from everyone else; will you be laughed at or considered strange just for wearing an item of clothing or accessory that no one else is?

I am one of those fashion-loving women who adores taking risks and wearing things that others don’t dare to wear. I have learned that while wearing a strange bracelet or pair of shoes may draw comments like ‘That is SO weird”, I may start a fashion trend in my local area. You have to be a bit daring from time to time or else life is boring. At least I think so.

You don’t have to go overboard and dress like a runway model but you can take one item of clothing or accessory and make it a stand-out in your outfit. Be daring but not reach the “scary zone” of dressing different head to toe.

You can wear a funky necklace when wearing a very simple outfit:

Above: Knick Knacks Necklace at Francescas Collections

Or you can wear a really bold ring:

Above:Dannijo Andi Ring at shopbop.com

Wear a pair of eye-catching shoes:

Above: “Marina” black embossed leather wedges by Rock & Republic at Bluefly.com

Or wear a interesting blouse:

Above: “Jonas” cut-out shoulder tie blouse by Mike & Chris at Bluefly.com

You don’t have to go to overboard, just take a little bit of a chance. Sure, some people will call what you are wearing “weird” but, you may be the woman who starts a new trend. Don’t let the worry of negative comments by others stop you from having fun with fashion.

Posted September 29, 2009 in News

Fall 2009 Jewelry Trend #1: Classic Colors

Cate Cadbury lives and breathes jewelry at ice.com and is eager to share the latest gotta-have bling at prices you can afford.

Light up your new fall look with jewelry the color of a classic autumn landscape. From bright orange sapphires to chocolaty smokey quartz, to vibrant peridot gems, you can drape yourself in the same fiery shades that ignite millions of leaves every fall. Pretty hot and tempting, I’d say.

At the warmer end of the spectrum, you’ll find citrines, orange garnets (also known as spessartites) and gorgeous orange sapphires. Fulfill your heart’s desire with a sun-kissed orange sapphire heart pendant that is as affordable as it is stunning.

Orange Sapphire Sterling Silver Heart Pendant

Should you want to highlight the earthier shades of the palette, look for smokey quartz, tiger’s eye or mocha-colored diamonds. My suggestion: a fabulously regal smokey quartz, citrine and diamond cocktail ring that is sure to showcase your flair for high fashion.

Smokey Quartz Citrine Diamond Ring

Get the whole scoop »

Posted September 1, 2009 in News

Summer Jewelry Trend: Fiery Flair

Cate Cadbury lives and breathes jewelry at ice.com and is eager to share the latest gotta-have bling at prices you can afford.

Is this summer’s gloomy weather getting you down? Do not fret, dear fashionistas. Although the sun has failed to show its pretty face in the last few weeks, you can find comfort in colorful and sparkling jewelry that will surely add some brilliance to your rainy days.

Summer fashions are seeing flamboyant shades of orange, peach, coral, red and pink. So set your flashy wardrobe ablaze with bright gemstones that complement the palette. Light up your next night out with an orange sapphire, rhodolite and diamond ring:

And a pair of orange garnet and diamond earrings:

Or if you want to infuse your summer style with a bohemian appeal, wrap your wrist in a trendy red coral bangle bracelet by jewelry designer Andrea Barna:

Make a bold fashion statement with vibrant jewelry designs, all the while capturing the essence of what summertime should really be like: sun-kissed and sensational!

Posted July 28, 2009 in Fashion, News

Jewelry To Welcome Warmer Days

With her photographer's eye for detail, Brie is always scoping out jewelry, handbags and shoes that perfectly complete an ensemble.

Now that the winter days are numbered, bare skin starts to peep out of clothing be it an hand, arm, neck, or ear. Bare skin begs to have something pretty adorn it and who are we to deny it.

Pretty jewelry is a girl’s best friend and just waiting for you to discover it.

Be it for the neck:

Above: Three Stone Necklace by Kenneth Jay Lane

Above: Dipped Agate Necklace at Lulus.com

Above: Daisy Sprig Necklace at Lulus.com

Or on the wrist:

Above: Lady Luck Charm Bracelet at Lulus.com

Above: Black Stone Bracelet by Kenneth Jay Lane

Shining on your fingers:

Above: Blushing Orchid Ring at Tradewinds Imports

Above: Mexico Sterling Turquoise Stone Ring at Carole Tanenbaum Vintage Collection

Or dangling from your ears:

Above: Gypsy Sun Earrings by Erickson Beamon

Above: Florida Keys Earrings at Francesca’s Collections

It’s time to put away those gloves, stash those scarves, and hang up those woolie hats. Time to put on something pretty and embrace spring.

Posted April 21, 2009 in News

The Rings Have it!

With her photographer's eye for detail, Brie is always scoping out jewelry, handbags and shoes that perfectly complete an ensemble.

I am excited that this season is carrying over the huge/large ring designs!

I am a lover of huge rings with very noticeable design. It thrills the accessory lover in me and makes me break out those rings that have been hanging out in my jewelry box waiting to see the light of day.

It ’s easy way to make a statement with a large ring without layering on tons of jewelry and also there are so many different styles to choose from. I am in ring heaven!

Some recent finds of mine:

Above: A ring I had to order because it looked very similar to rings I had seen while in NYC that were a lot more expensive. It is my birthday soon and I wanted to treat myself. Since the ring is only $18.00 at Francesca’s Collections, it would not be too expensive for me to add to my jewelry box.

Above: Another ring at Francesca’s Collections that is $18.00 and it is similar to the huge, floral, rings that I have been seeing everywhere in stores.

Above: This ring is only $24.00 at Francesca’s Collections and it simple yet stands out. It would look great on the hand while not being too funky in style.

Get the whole scoop »

Posted January 26, 2009 in News

The one piece that stands alone…

If you're going to splurge on a couture investment piece, take your cue from Lisa, fashion columnist and the founder of Boldfacers, a site following Boston's tastemakers.

Start saving up your paycheck for these three stand-alone pieces. Different styles and designers for sure, but who wants to be predictable? Here are two rings and a sweater to match your mood. Keep ‘em on their toes, girlfriend.

A cozy, slouchy fancy designer maxi-cardigan is an indulgence for sure, but this Stella McCartney stone-colored sweater made of heavy cotton mixes nautical with High Street. The white twill tape forms a cool hipster crucifix in the back, while the toggle-type closures look slick open or loose. Throw it on over cargo pants for a mad dash through the airport, or toss on over your fanciest black trousers. Either way, the $1345 knit is a knockout.

Jill Platner is a surfer, sculptor and one of the hottest jewelry designers around these day. Lenny Kravitz proudly loops one of her black corded chokers around his neck, and Mandy Moore stacks rows of the organic bracelets up and down her arm — each one a sculptural masterpiece. Jill’s pieces are not cheap — this dazzling “Sprout” bracelet runs $815, but the cord is made of gortex and the silver is all but bullet-proof. Wear it while you swim, sleep shower and sprint — just as Jill would herself.

Get the whole scoop »

Posted April 23, 2008 in News

Roses are Red, Robin’s Eggs are Blue

Lori’s got her hands full launching a new handbag line, but she still has time to scout the latest in independent design for awesome accessories.

What’s your favorite first sign of SPRING? Mine is waking to the sweet sound of chirping birds outside our window, even though it is only FIVE-in-the-morning!! I also think one of nature’s most perfect compositions is that of speckled robin’s eggs ‘blue’ against a nest in shades of brown. It isn’t just the color brown that Robin’s Egg Blue looks great against, though. This cheery, happy color is a great compliment to just about every color in the rainbow. So, in honor of those chirping little birdies let’s take a look at some vintage inspired accessories in Robin’s Egg Blue to get us in the mood for a crisp spring day!

This Rusty Blue Necklace by MARIE FLY FLY is a great example of vintage meets modern. The speckled Czech glass beads combined with the industrial look of the hammered copper hoop and chain really pop…and at just $34, they’re a steal!

Isn’t this clutch sweet?! This is by MOSEY who’s tag line is: “Recycled, Reconstructed, Re-loved,” so you can’t beat that. This Araucana Pocket Clutch is made of soft, felted, boiled wool with a vintage button. Check out the sweet surprise on the back: egg shaped cotton appliqués in a vintage calico print….too cute. This piece measures 6” x 5” and is a mere $22!

Get the whole scoop »

Posted April 1, 2008 in Fashion

Hey, guys: Let’s accessorize!

Lori’s got her hands full launching a new handbag line, but she still has time to scout the latest in independent design for awesome accessories.

It’s great being an indie girl, who of course wears indie jewelry, because there’s such an abundance of it. Just go to a site like Etsy and you will find hundreds of jewelry designs that are unique, hand-crafted pieces that you won’t find in the big department store chains. Unfortunately, there are far fewer options for the guys out there, so I did some hunting and here are a few of my favorite finds for the hipster/modern man, (or the guy that is striving to be one):


This stunning wooden briefcase is designed by Japanese designer Takumi Shimamura. I love wood-accented accessories, but I have NEVER seen a briefcase made out of wood, let alone so sleek, modern and one-of-a-kind! This talented industrial designer used an ecological, thinned Japanese cedar with a water- repellant finish. It’s large and wide enough to accommodate most laptops, has sturdy canvas edges, double zippers, and inner pockets. These are hand crafted in Japan and each one is as unique as is the cedar tree it came from, and for $299.99, it stacks up nicely with more traditional versions.

The next company I want to introduce you to is as clever as their slogan: Craft meets Technology. Dbclay is a company from Portland, Oregon that creates unique wallets called pocket art. They are true innovators in the design world. Db developed a custom textile and a proprietary printing technique that takes conceptual art and photographs and transfers it onto their eco-friendly Tope fabric. Tope is strong, durable and water resistant ,and is the only product of its kind on the entire planet! How many companies large or small can say that? Cool and eco-friendly, now that’s a combo I can live with!

This ode to the 70’s design is actually a copy of an old wooden box transferred onto their Tope fabric.

Get the whole scoop »

Posted February 7, 2008 in News