Christmas present to myself

Dear Lisa, you've been such a good girl this year I thought you deserved to be spoilt. Hope you love the Mimco Turquoise Bib as much as I do. Love from Lisa.

Vera Wang - I love you

I'd love to be one of those people who doesn't worry about how much weight they are gaining throughout pregnancy. I wish I could take the 10kg so far calmly in my stride. I actually find it bizarrely annoying when people look at me reproachfully and say "You ARE pregnant you know". I want to say "REALLY!?!?! Because I thought I was just eating a whole pizza at 3pm for fun?"

Anyway, crazy-pregnant-lady rambling aside, I have been into buying jewellery that draws attention away from my ever-expanding body and this Vera Wang necklace fits the bill nicely. What do you think? Is there a new niche market here in accessories that take the focus off a bit of holiday-kilos?

Buy from Neiman Marcus for US $650.

'Tis the Season!

How awesome is this "Bourgeois Bow" ring by Kate Spade? It's exactly like the pre-fabricated ribbons that you stick on the top of gift boxes, making it the perfect present for yourself. I love the gold, but I'm thinking I need to have the pink version. This week!

Buy from Kate Spade for US $65.

A little Bittar Sparkle

Despite it being Spring in Australia, I'm loving this gorgeous bauble by Alexis Bittar. A combination of Swarovski crystal and freshwater pearls makes this ring the perfect pick for finger bling.

Buy exclusively through Saks for US $295.

Nam Cho Ruby Flower Necklace

I'm not normally one for floral, excessively girly things such as a flower pendant, but ME LIKEE this necklace!! It's delicate without being sissy and beautiful without being revoltingly girlish. Plus, the design, with its rubies and pink sapphires is timelessly chic.

Buy from Neiman Marcus for USD $1890.

Thomas Sabo - Join the Club

I'm doing another posting for my friend Emma. Sometimes I see jewellery that's so cute and hip, but just not me. Usually, this means that it is very Emma. That's exactly what I thought when I saw these Thomas Sabo charms (and watches too, mind).

This particular bunch (what is the collective noun for charms?) of charms is actually quite 80's, but you can mix and match to make a fabulous combo.

Catherine from work is wearing such a cool rock and roll combo of a sparkly guitar, an apple and an Asian dragon. It's like... *having epiphany*... a tattoo in a necklace. You can't buy these online in Oz yet, but a concept store has just opened up on George St, Sydney.

My Shiny Pretty Thing

Sorry - not the best photo unfortunately. I meant to post this months ago, but here we are.

MJ trying to be all Tom Binns

Marc Jacobs has missed the mark (sorry) yet again with his jewellery line. For someone who is so amazing with clothes - I don't understand what is going on with the jewellery line.

Take these earrings for example. If he had brought these out a year or 2 ago, no problem. But they are so similar to the quirky Tom Binns aesthetic that it borders on sad.

Anyway, if you still like them you can buy from Net-a-Porter for US $39.13.

For the foodie

Apologies that it has taken me so long to post! I have been flat out planning the wedding, preparing for bub and trying to do some work in the middle of everything!

The good thing is, my wallet has had a bit of a break from my frantic online shopping. The bad news is, that break is about to end.

As a ferociously hungry pregnant woman - I started drooling over this cute pendant from Lucy Folk. What do you guys think? Good enough to eat with some salsa? Buy through Assin in Sydney or online.

For the World Traveller

Can you think of a better gift to give to the avid traveller?

This necklace by Alviero Martini features the "Geo" material (which is basically a gorgeous antique looking map of the world) framed in gold tone and dotted with some Swarovski crystals for good measure.

I wonder if you could even personalise it by ordering a version that showed the countries you had just been to....?

Buy from Forzieri for USD$185.

Word silver plated coin necklace by Tom Binns

How cute is this tongue-in-cheek take on the statement necklace by Tom Binns?

Adorned with "big diamonds" "pearls" and "sapphires", this necklace is attitude in a jar.

Buy from Net-a-Porter for US$1,125.

Jardin Gold Leaf Tiger Ring

I'm really only into animal prints when they are used very sparingly to spice up an otherwise plain outfit - for example, my hot patent leopard pumps.

Which is why I like this Jardin ring so much.  It gives you a little bit of 'animal' without making you look like an extra from The Flintstones.

Another plus?  It's on sale now at Bluefly for US$63.  

Oscar de la Renta Multi Stone Necklace

Apologies for being a bit slack with my posts of late, I've been freakishly busy. The one upside is that when I trawl my usual sites for new sparklies, there's a whole load of goodies to choose from.

Fall in the States is in full swing, with most designers having already unveiled their fall collections.  This stunning piece from Oscar de la Renta is the archetypal necklace for fall - big, bold and beautiful warm tones.

Pre order from Neiman Marcus for $790.

Liquorice All-sorts Anyone?

Anyone who reads this blog regularly knows that I am a big fan of any jewellery that looks like candy - so this Kate Spade 'Color Cafe' ring really ticks all my boxes.

These bright stripes are perfect for summer and adding a punch of colour to an otherwise casual outfit.

Buy from Nordstrom for US$45.

Louis Mariette Pearl Embellished Headband

I wouldn't be surprised if we start seeing Blair in GG Season 3 wearing some of Louis Mariette's creations. They are simply gorgeous - and would give some more variety to her headband wardrobe.

Today they are my pick for Net-a-Porter Thursday!

Buy from Net-a-Porter for £265.22.

Tom Binns - Chain of Events

I am in lust of this Tom Binns "Chain of Events" bracelet in 18K gold hearts. It's a beautiful twist on a traditional charm bracelet.

The problem is, this bracelet is going to set off its own chain of events. Millions of girls will see this bracelet, can't afford it - but buy it anyway, go into debt, the economy falters and before you know it, Tom Binns has single-handedly caused the GFC! lol.

Visit the website here.

Growing Jewellery - Hafsteinn Juliusson

"Now I've seen everything!"

"Really.  Have you seen a man eat his own head?"

"Er, no."

"Then you haven't seen everything, have you?"

I can't remember what line that movie is from, but it cracks me up every time.

Seriously though, is this where modern jewellery is going? If so, it's all a bit like hard work for me. Granted, this is a very striking and unique look, but what about people like me who can't even keep cacti alive?!

Fun for 8-12 months. Buy from Hafsteinn Juliusson for 150€.

A Beautiful, Non-Traditional Wedding Band

If I was the sort of woman who dreamed of getting married in Byron Bay, then this would be the perfect ring for my husband.

Made of titanium and inlaid with ancient Kauri wood (certified 30,000 to 50,000 years old), this ring is a gorgeous symbol of longevity.

Buy from Robandlean for US $160.

Eka Poetry Pendant

When I first saw this pendant I was looking at it on the mobile so I thought, "how gorgeous, it's like a thumbprint!"

It's only just now, that I've looked at it on my desktop that I've seen that the engraving is actually a beautiful love poem inscribed across the surface of this pink gold pendant.

I think this would be such a romantic gift, especially if each poem is original. Buy from LUISAVIAROMA for AUD $7333 (approx).

More Details on Gemma Redux Fall 09 Line

Some more details on the Gemma Redux Fall 09 Line for y'all from GR:

"This collection is truly a celebration of the elements from which it is made -- including huge pyrite (Fools' Gold!) nuggets, rough petrified wood slabs and icy chunks of hemimorphite, all mixed together with some warm, industrial metals such as raw brass, copper and raw steel.  There are also some great pops of color in bright cobalt blue and rich emerald green to take us in to Holiday (full Holiday collection coming later)."

Hey Mama!

I have always thought that new mums deserve a friggin' medal for going through childbirth, but this sweet pendant by Tali Gillette would do nicely! (Gwyneth and Naomi Watts apparently both have one)

The pendant consists of .65 of a carat of pave diamonds in 18k white gold. It's very delicate at 1" in diameter.  On sale now for $1,950 USD at Giving Tree.

The Crown Jewels

Pequitobun is such a fantastic proposition that you wish you thought of it yourself.  Take gorgeous, painstakingly selected vintage pieces and combine them into one-of-a-kind necklaces and earrings. 

Designer Sherry started the label (named after her pet rabbit) at college and began by selling the pieces to friends and colleagues.  Now her pieces are in huge demand, especially after Jenny from Gossip Girl wore this necklace in the "The Goodbye" episode.

With a gorgeous vintage brooch as the centrepiece and a stunning little green cubic zirconia falling to one side, this piece will make an amazing statement.

Buy through Pequitobun for $585

Gemma Redux New Fall 09 Preview!!

I've been itching to do a post on Gemma Redux, one of my fave jewellery designers and artists - but I wanted to wait until her Fall 09 collection was out.  Well the wait is over!  She has just posted preview images to Facebook.  

The collection appears to stay true to her design aesthetic, while updating shapes and colours consistent with Fall.  Gorgeous nuggety bronzes, golds, antique silver chains as well as some new spherical and leafy shapes which I just adore.

I've fallen pretty hard for this bracelet.  I'll get in touch with the designer and try to find out some more details for you all on the exact gems used and when this range will be available.  Visit the website here.  I can't wait to see the full collection!

This ring seriously packs a punch!!

Well, it's Thursday and we all know what that means...a whole load of new Shiny, Pretty Things on the Net-a-Porter website!

From this weeks additions I've selected the striking Marni "Bone" ring.

It seems it's not just statement necklaces that are hot right now, the trend extends to rings and earrings! 

From the size of it, this ring is also intended to double as a knuckle duster (I hear that's how it got its name) so you can feel extra confident walking along dark alleys - lol.

Buy from Net-a-Porter for £152.17

Barbara Rabito 'Juliana' Necklace from Becker Minty

Necklaces like this are the very reason I have been avoiding setting foot into Becker Minty, Potts Point.  Not because I don't like it, but because I would need to re-mortgage the apartment to finance the purchase of all the exquisite jewellery in there.

This Juliana necklace is made from a collection of vintage materials including a watch, a hair clip and a small portrait.  

Wear it with a delicate fabric blouse, like a dusk pink or pearl silk and hair in a simple chignon.  Divine. Buy from Becker Minty for AUD $565.

**TWITTERIFIC TUESDAY** LA Native - Flying Earth Earrings

Okay, so every Tuesday I am going to bring you jewellery from someone I find through Twitter.  Today it is a gorgeous pair of earrings from the fabulous duo at LA Native.  Their designs really capture the essence of LA, with a hippie/American Indian vibe.

I love these earrings, perfect for cruising around this summer in denim shorts, a white singlet and a cute headscarf (Nicole Richie style).

Buy from their Etsy store for US$58.

Give me Givenchy!

I was watching the Tudors the other day when I saw one of the male characters wearing a 'necklace' very similar to this.  How weird to think of men wearing this today!?

I absolutely adore the over-the-topness of this Givenchy necklace.  It screams luxury at you (as opposed to whispering it quietly in your ear).

Cheekily wear this pool side with a fabulous bikini, heels and a cocktail - NOT strolling around in a 15th Century English market place.

Buy from Barneys for US $1925.

Living La Dolce Vita

There's only one app I've found that is more dangerous than the Net-a-Porter app and the eBay app - and that is the ShopStyle app.  

Yesterday while the b/f was watching football or cartoons I started thumbing through the thousands of jewellery listings and found this little beauty - the VITA Combina Triple Wrap Bracelet in Orange. 

The shade of orange reminds me of the Hermes orange - which is just timelessly fashionable.  

I'd pair this with my little white Little Joe by Gail Elliot dress and gladiator flats and I'm ready to go.  Now all I need is summer!

Buy from chickdowntown for US$88.

New Pieces from House of Harlow 1960

BlueBee has just uploaded two pieces from Nicole Richie's NEW House of Harlow collection to their website.

One of the pieces is this great gold-plated Sunburst cuff adorned with Swarovski crystals. 

Nicole's line is very niche, but her pieces definitely hold their own in the fashion world and are pretty accessibly priced, don't you think?

Buy from BlueBee for US$110.

What's that Meira?

What's that Meira? You've made a fabulous sapphire and diamond 'Target' necklace? 

All Little Britain jokes aside, this necklace is divine.  There's something enchanting about the combination of sapphire and diamond with gold. It seems very Mediterranean somehow?

The pendant itself only measures 3/8 of an inch (a little less than half) so it's teeny tiny and can be worn layered up with some other chains.

I actually want this pretty bad, now that I think about it.  Buy from Max & Chloe for US$563

The Label That Can Do No Wrong!

As Carrie Bradshaw would say, "Hello Lover!"

I feel like squirrelling this necklace away to my lair and stroking it in manner of Gollum, while looking warily around for people who might be trying to steal it. 

Lately, Lanvin have been completely on form.  From gorgeous draping in their dresses to stunning statements in their accessories, this label can do no wrong.

This necklace is no exception.  It's bling-y enough to make a massive statement, but the colour and design won't drown an outfit.  The colours will complement a variety of outfits AND complexions. 

I'm mentally picturing it with one of Victoria Beckham's new dresses in charcoal, or this Thakoon dress in such a beautiful blue (without the tights). But, as with most things I write about, it would look equally as hot with a chunky grey knit or a pretty blouse and some cuffed jeans (so hot right now). 

Buy from Barneys for US$2,070.

That's Some Good Voodoo, Meghan!

I discovered Meghan T the other day on Twitter (a veritable treasure trove of talent).  I was pleasantly surprised to find some very colourful and unique creations (inspired by the Caribbean) in her Etsy store.  

Perhaps it's my fascination with the Caribbean, but I absolutely love these little 'witch doctor' earrings.  Plus, they're limited edition so chances are, you're the only one you know with these babies.

Buy through Etsy for a steal at US$39.

An Explosive Ring from Swarovski

In this day and age, it's hard to find a time when the world is peaceful enough to post about a ring known as the "Grenade Ring" and not have it be wildly inappropriate.

Putting all that aside, this ring is gorgeous.  To me it's not so much grenade as it is a geode, it looks like someone has just cracked open a boulder and found this lil beauty inside.

Available at selected Swarovski boutiques for US$2,600.

Steal Blair's Style - Tiffany Key Collection

Spotted: Leighton Meester rocking a serious bit of Tiffany's bling on the set of Gossip Girl Season 3.  

Personally, I think Blair's style is a bit uptight, but I adore this Tiffany & Co Fleur De Lis key.  I think it would look better paired with another, shorter necklace or against a more boho outfit.  The diamonds and the Diane Von Furstenberg top is all a bit (as they say) "matchy-matchy" for my liking.

Buy from Tiffany & Co for US$2,500. (Chain sold separately)

A Most Interesting New Talent

Boy do I love finding new talent.  Even though this is a relatively new blog, you do tend to see the same names come up quite often.  Which is why when I find something new and amazing, I can't wait to post on it.

Gregory Lynn (Rocky) Hard (yes, I see it too), has had a most interesting life - from riding across Afghanistan aged 18 to making a film with Jean Lac Godard and studying metallurgy with North American Indians.  

This "Burning Water - Metamorphosis" pendant is more like a piece of art than jewellery. If you look closely at the citrine stone, you can see a face of a man and woman carved in cameo.  The fluid metal design is composed of 18K white, yellow and green (?!?) gold.  

It's a one of a kind piece and a beautiful manifestation of Rocky's vision.  Buy from Etsy for US$8,660.

Get Me a Bib, You Big Baby!

Trend alert:  It's not enough to have a big necklace, it also has to be a bib necklace. As in, we're all giant babies with really expensive bibs around our necks. 

Look, it's not as weird as it sounds. I've found a pretty gorgeous one from Turkish designer Gurhan Orhan, who, as funny as this may sound when you read the price tag, creates his designs for "the everyday woman". Hmmm

Still, a spectacular piece of jewellery (or a very expensive way to keep your collar clean) at Bergdorf Goodman for US$4,600.

Co-sign Chanel? You Betcha!

I've always been aware that my friends see me as the ultimate co-signatuary for any expensive (but necessary) items. Seriously, if you need someone to tell you to buy those Chloe over-the-knee boots even though you just lost your job (AND make it sound like a sensible idea) then I'm your woman.

However, I found out today that my friends are also beginning to use me as a "Shopping Benchmark". For example, my friend Lynette said she had fallen in love with a Chanel ring. Unsure of whether $6,000 was too much in the middle of a global economic crisis, she said to herself "Well, if Lisa can justify the Roberto Cavalli jacket, then this is fine."

In my book, if it's Chanel, then don't even ASK.  As I continue to reinforce with the b/f, Chanel is an "appreciating asset".  (It's my asset and I appreciate it).

Piratey-Goodness

It's not like we've never seen a diamante skull and cross bones before, so what makes these earrings from Vivienne Westwood so appealing?  The answer is, I don't know - they just ARE.

Perhaps it's because they're so tiny?  And a cool rock alternative to the traditional diamond stud.

For me, fashion is all about juxtaposition, so I think these would look absolutely adorable as a twist to a fairly preppy-pretty outfit, or to glam up a t-shirt and jeans.  

Buy from Net-a-Porter for £47.83.

For Lovers of Fashion, Sartorially Speaking...

Many of you may be avid readers of The Satorialist - in which case you will know that he (Scott Schuman) has just released a book capturing some of the best fashion from around the globe.

Not only do his photographs showcase the best in street fashion from the capitals around the world, but they are also fantastic and emotive portraits of people. When I look at the photos I am instantly transported to Rome, Milan, Paris... sigh.

This book is going to be on my coffee table as soon as it hits the shelves. Find out how to pre-order here.

Perfect Summer Style On SALE!

One of the best (and worst) things about living in Australia is that summer fashion is a season behind the Northern Hemisphere.  The great thing about this is that we get everything on sale.  Like this incredible Marni petal necklace, reduced from £269.57 to  £188.70 at Net-a-Porter.  That's around A$389.24.

This would look equally amazing with a simple, summer maxi dress, or casual with denim cut-offs, havianas and a white t-shirt.  

Hopefully there's more than one because I've almost talked myself into buying it!

Introducing.... The 'Scarflet'

Jami Rodriguez's 'Peach Paris Charmed Silk Wrap' has to be one of the prettiest and most original designs I have seen in a long time.  

A 24k gold dipped Eiffel Tower charm dangles from a matching bubble pendant which is suspended by a 30 inch peach silk ribbon that can be worn around your neck as either a long or short style necklace, or it can be wrapped around your wrist as a bracelet. 

Buy from Max and Chloe for US$88. 

Lucifer Vir Honestus - 18K Rose Gold Millefedi Ring

I think I am in love.  Weirdly, I've never been one for rose gold before, but Lucifer Vir Honestus has changed my mind with this absolutely outstanding piece.

Personally, I love the slightly chaotic and casual appearance of what, in reality, is a damn fine bit of bling.  It's like saying, 'Yeah, I'm wearing thousands of dollars worth of diamonds, so?'.

Buy from Barneys New York.

Rosa Maria Jewellery - Handmade in Beirut

It's amazing how you can go your whole life without knowing about something (in this instance the combination of oxidised silver and rubies) and then be unable to get it out of your head once you have seen it.

I want this ring big time.  It's the perfect combination of tough and pretty.  It's the ring equivalent to wearing a black biker boots with a cute little vintage white dress.

Buy it through Joan Shepp for US$624.

Shop Luxe Anywhere, Anytime... Dangerous Much?

Danger, Danger Will Robinson.  Net-a-Porter have just developed an application to enable shopping from your iPhone (as if the eBay App wasn't bad enough!!) 

Is anyone else seriously worried about the impact this could have? I'm visualising sitting in a boring meeting and giving myself a little rush by purchasing a Paul & Joe dress... FROM MY PHONE.  Yikes.  

Download it now from the iPhone App Store.