Creating a Capsule Jewelry Wardrobe: Hippie Silver

Jewelry is a grand love of mine (perhaps the longest lasting love of my life, in fact) but at today's NXNE brunch, I learned that not all of my friends can relate - and one in particular asked for some guidance on how to best create a capsule wardrobe of "essentials". Now the tricky thing about jewelry and the idea of essentials is that, essentially, there's no such thing. I mean, I can sing the praises of classics like a monogram pendant, hoop earrings, diamond studs or a tank watch - but the reality is that those items, classic as they may be, really don't speak to every woman's style - in fact, I only own two of the four and wear those rarely.  

A hippie at heart, my friend Lisa needs jewelry that she can wear both for to work and to play - and silver is her preferred metal.  Above, my picks for a capsule wardrobe of jewelry to get her started (top left, clockwise):

• BaubleBar sets a new gold standard for affordable jewelry and with their mix of designers and styles, anyone is sure to find a cart full of baubles to love. For Lisa, I liked the Silver Fringe Bib Necklace ($32) - it's simple enough to not overwhelm her small frame, but also bold enough to make a statement.
• It's entirely possible that I'm projecting here (I loooove an evil eye!), but I also think that the Voodoo Hindsight Duo ($26) could be perfect for Lisa's mildly Stevie Nicks meets Janis Joplin vibe. These beaded bracelets are inexpensive, and can be worn solo or layered with a stack of contrasting bangles.
• As the child of Lenny Kravitz and Lisa Bonet, Zoe Kravitz is rock royalty - and though she's young, we could all learn a little something from her effortlessly bohemian vibe (seriously, I was wowed by her inherent chicness when we met years ago). This Spring, she's collaborated with Swarovski Crystallized on a capsule collection of jewelry. It's all Native American-inspired - think silver and turquoise (of course) - and thereby perfect for the free spirit. There's a lot to love here, but the Sierra Light Necklace ($116) is seasonless and will work easily as well layered or solo.
• While I love delicate jewelry, I do think it's important to make a statement at times. The Ainsley Bracelet from Stella & Dot is perf for such occasions - this wide, glittering bracelet (it stretches to fit anyone) boasts 500 crystals. For $98, it's a steal. 
• It's hard to identify just one style of earring that every woman MUST own. In my book, quirky studs are a go-to daily, though I'd CERTAINLY never want to live without a sleek hoop or a glittering chandelier. The Cosima Earrings from Lia Sophia are a nice compromise - they're exotic-looking (you could tell people that you picked them up in Bali without a doubt) and cut from a chic, antique-finish silver.

Really Important Breaking News for Your Wallet: Lulu Guinness Lip Clutches Are Up to 50% Off

There are a few iconic items that I forever have on my fashion bucket list - you know the type. Perennial styles in a collection that rarely to never go on sale. Say, for example, the fun lip clutches in Lulu Guinness' quirky accessories collection.

Now, never say 'never' is a lesson I've learned before and again, and sure enough, select styles of the Lip Clutch are included in the designer's sale at up to 50% off, through the end of January, for the FIRST TIME EVER.

My personal fave is the Red and Black Snakeskin version seen above, now just £206.50 or around $331.  But, if you're more inclined to, say, Swarovski crystal or studs (YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE/YOU'RE PROBABLY ME), those are in the mix too. It may not be "practical" - in what world COULD a lips-shaped clutch be practical, I'd ask? - but regardless, it's important to your closet that you shop the selection at LuluGuinness.com or at the Lulu Guinness Store at 394 Bleecker Street (212.367.2120)

OOTD: Feeling Kick-y

This morning, I woke up determined to show my legs to the world (I've got them. Really. I swear. I just wear pants everyday like a man.). On went a lovely navy Rachel Pally dress, and a sky high wedge (but of course) but when I stepped outside, I felt compelled to turn right back around and put on something that felt a little less committal for a Friday (and a dreary, rainy Friday at that). Off went the Rachel Pally (it was abandoned like a jersey carcass on my bedroom floor, if we're being honest), and on went my go-to during Spring/Summer months, the classic white jean.

I also reached into the depths of my closet and pulled out the lovely Alexander Wang Rocco bag, which I haven't worn in about a year. While it's a bit of a bear to carry (handheld or crook of elbow only, and quite heavy), it's a lovely light-medium gray and the perfect neutral to tone down a bright top like the silk chiffon Tibi tunic seen above.

Head to toe, here's what I've got on:

• Ray-Ban Wayfarers
• Tibi Embellished Tunic via Beacon's Closet
• Yummie Tummie Strappy Tank
• Seven for All Mankind Second Skin Legging Jean in Clean White
• Aldo for Julian Louie Sobeslava Wedge
• Lia Sophia Cuff & Swarovski Intervale Jet Bangle
• Alexander Wang Rocco Mini Duffle Bag (Black available here)

The Fashion Bucket List: Alexander McQueen Disco Skull Clutch

While I rarely carry a clutch (I prefer to be prepared for any and all occasions, and that requires a wide variety of items, on my person, at all times), I'm actually a collector. I have between 20-30 (vintage and contemporary), including several from one of my fave clutch purveyors, metal mesh experts Whiting & Davis.

But the mack daddy of all clutches is, without a doubt, this staggeringly gorgeous Disco Skull Clutch from Alexander McQueen.  Adorned with two of my favorite things - multi-color crystal Swarovski studs and a skull clasp, THIS is the clutch that will stop traffic and incite an epidemic of envy in any stylish room.

Best of all, McQueen's box clutches are deceptively roomy; they can easily hold all of the essentials for a great night out - iPhone, lipstick, compact, Blister Block, money clip, and more.

The Disco Skull Clutch is a mere (yes, I use the word ironically) $2,215, so I'm currently evaluating my closets, cupboards and cats to see what I can sell on eBay to raise the funds. If you, on the other hand, have a wealth of disposable income, you can snag your own at www.alexandermcqueen.com.

The Day I Became a Cliché: Miu Miu's Glitter Oxfords

It's hard to recall the exact moment that I became a walking cliché, though I'm pretty sure it was some time ago (and not actually TODAY, though the title of this post says otherwise.) You see, when I love something - a color, a silhouette, a detail -  I really LOVE IT and as such, I tend to buy in multiples.

One of the least practical examples of this obsessive behavior is my unwavering, longstanding love of glittery, sparkling shoes.  From French Sole and J.Crew to Miu Miu and even Swarovski-adorned Havaianas, my closet is FULL of shoes that would do Dorothy justice.

I wasn't planning on caving on glitter again (at least not anytime soon), until I spotted Whitney Port wearing Miu Miu's spectacular Glitter Oxfords. Humiliating, I know. But they were so chic and seemingly effortless, I had to snag a pair of my own for fall.

While I plan to explore some styling options, I immediately envisioned these babies with a distressed boyfriend jean or a dark denim skinny jean with a sharp blazer.

Miu Miu's Glitter Oxfords retail for $570 and are available at Miu Miu stores, though not online. Find a store locator here.

For the Twitter Obsessed: TwittaBling Nameplate Necklace

If there are two things I love in the world, they're TWITTER and JEWELRY. So, marry the two, a la TwittaBling, and you're sure to have a hit on your hands (at least in my little corner of things.)

These adorbs, personalized pieces (available as necklaces, bracelets, rings or earrings) share your Twitter pride with the world, and serve as a handy little conversation piece too!

Choose from your choice of font (@eye4style, shown above, is in Gothic), chain length, as well as silver, white or yellow gold and if you love a little sparkle (who doesn't, I'm tempted to ask?), you can even add Swarovski crystals or diamonds to your Twittabling - love that!

Shop TwittaBling online - custom necklaces start at just $49.95 - OR if you're feeling lucky, enter to win a custom TwittaBling necklace of your very own (I'm giving one away to a lucky eye4style reader!)

To enter to win, simply follow TwittaBling and eye4style on Twitter and tweet the following:

Hey @eye4style & @TwittaBling! I want a custom Twitter necklace of my very own! #contest #giveaway

One winner will be chosen at random on Friday at Noon EST.

Good luck!

Perseverance Pays Off: Swarovski's Nirvana Ring

First things first, I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas (or a wonderful Friday, for those of you who don't celebrate!)  Since it's the season for giving, I gifted myself with one of my longtime fashion wishes this week, the Swarovski Nirvana Ring.

While I had been tempted to pay full price ($260) for this baby for months, I just couldn't let myself pull the trigger after seeing it on Gilt months ago for just $95. But at the Swarovski outlet at Woodbury Commons, I found it for a happy medium - $118.

As you can see below, I snagged the clear Swarovski crystal version, set in sterling silver. This ring is bold and so, so glittery in the light. It's perfect for making a statement regardless of what you pair it with (seen here with Rescue Beauty Lounge Drifter.) It's available in an assortment of colors, including Black Diamond, which is just stunning, and a bold new Emerald.

Shop Swarovski jewelry at www.swarovski.com.

Trend Alert: Black Diamonds

Trend Alert: Disney Goes Grown-Up

Celebrating the Season with Swarovski

Swarovski has teamed up with Fergie to celebrate the 2008 holiday season in style.

The festivities started last month when Fergie unveiled the 550 pound, 9.5 foot Swarovski Star (it's adorned with over 25,000 Swarovski crystals to boot!) that sits atop the famed Rockefeller Center Holiday tree that was lit last night in NYC.

Fergie also unveiled several celebrity-designed miniature stars created by her and other famous faces including Jennifer Garner, Ellen DeGeneres, Teri Hatcher, Dita Von Teese and many others.

The celebrity stars are currently being auctioned off at www.clothesoffourback.org with all of the proceeds going to the Clothes Off Our Back Foundation. The auction ends on December 10, so be sure to bid soon for a memorable little piece of Christmas!

Swarovski has also pledged to donate $250,000 from sales of its 2008 Annual Edition holiday ornament that are sold nationwide to Clothes Off Our Back, which really goes above and beyond.

So, this season - celebrate in style and give a little back!

Swarovski's Angel Ornament, Annual Edition 2008

Swarovski's 2008 Annual Edition holiday ornament

Fergie & Swarovski

Holiday 2008 - Bond No. 9

Never understated, niche perfumer Bond No.9's holiday bottles are real stunners this year.  Take a peek and if you've got a favorite Bond scent, leave a comment and share!

The choice this holiday for Bond's annual “Swarovski treatment” is Bleecker Street (a gourmand oriental mingling of patchouli, c
The choice this holiday for Bond's annual “Swarovski treatment” is Bleecker Street (a gourmand oriental mingling of patchouli, cassis, caramel, woods, and musk). The limited-edition 100ml lime green-chartreuse-amethyst-gold starburst watercolor flacon is studded, back and front, with a checkerboard pattern of matching crystals—and for good measure, an extra-large crystal front and center. ($395)

But why stop at one new Swarovski-enhanced flacon? Bond's gone overboard and embellished three more of our their most coveted s
But why stop at one new Swarovski-enhanced flacon? Bond's gone overboard and embellished three more of our their most coveted scents with the tiniest and most reflective of all the Swarovski stones—five thousand of them per 50ml bottle. The pearlized milk glass Eau de New York bottle (citruses-cyclamen-jasmine-vetiver) is studded with diamond-colored aurora borealis stones. Chelsea Flowers (peonies-magnolia-rose) is decked with emerald-colored stones. Chinatown (peach-gardenia-tuberose-sandalwood) features ruby-colored stones. ($650)

Last, never least: A 42 oz amphora vitrine, breathtakingly covered with 16,500 hand-applied platinum Swarovski stones. Not to f
Last, never least: A 42 oz amphora vitrine, breathtakingly covered with 16,500 hand-applied platinum Swarovski stones. Not to forget the bottle top—an elliptical mirror with honeycomb base. Bond No. 9 signature and a handy golden spigot. Contents? Your choice among the 32 scents. This bedazzlement comes in a white patent leather gift case, also adorned with crystals. ($3,500)