Friday, July 31, 2009

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.

Thursday, July 30, 2009

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

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

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.

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

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.



Monday, July 27, 2009

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)

Saturday, July 25, 2009

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.

Friday, July 24, 2009

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.

Thursday, July 23, 2009

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).


Wednesday, July 22, 2009

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.


Tuesday, July 21, 2009

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.

Monday, July 20, 2009

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!

Friday, July 17, 2009

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.

Thursday, July 16, 2009

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.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

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.  

Fendi Cuff

Last year around this time I was lying on a beach in Santorini.  It was the most amazing holiday and my b/f and I spent a lot of early evenings walking through Fira looking at all the little boutiques and admiring the jewellery.

There's a design in Greece that you see on a lot of rings and whenever I see it, I'm transported back to that amazing holiday.  The Fendi logo is very similar to this design, so when I saw this cuff, I immediately got all dreamy-eyed. 

Not only that, but how amazing would this cuff look with a simple white dress, sandals, a kick-ass tan and hair that's still a little bit wet from the beach and scraped into a messy bun.  

Sigh.

Double sigh.

Buy from Net-a-Porter.  

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Candy Cuteness

So, a lot of the time I'm on the fence about Marc Jacobs.  He'll do something I really love like glossy patent navy loafers or that cute Wild Cherry dress from a couple of seasons back, then he'll do something that I want to scream at and throw off my balcony, like those omnipresent mouse flats.

But this?  This I LOVE.  It's like a grown up version of something that you would get out of a gumball machine in one of those oversized plastic eggs while you wait for your mum to finish her shopping at Jewel supermarket in Lindfield. 

I think this is a great ring for day and will be perfect for summer.  Buy from Shopbop for US$58.

Monday, July 13, 2009

Loving the Dirty Librarians

Since discovering the brand Dirty Librarians Chains I have fallen in love with their slightly off-beat creations, such as these 14K gold plated vintage banana earrings.  

Everything is handmade in Brooklyn, NY and completely unique.  Not what you would expect from such reasonable prices.

No wonder Susan Domelsmith's creations are being spotted on everyone from Kate Hudson to Debby Harry.

Buy these through Shopbop for US$74. Awesome.



Sunday, July 12, 2009

Stunning Filigree Bib

Isn't this stunning? I'm picturing it with a simple white summer dress and some little flats, enjoying a caprioska as the sun goes down.

Just to scare the heck out of you, I'm not going to tell you where it is from or how much it costs.  If you can bear it, click here!

For the Go-Getter, Not the Gold Digger

I love a bit of jewellery with meaning and I haven't seen anything as cute as this for a while.  Miami based jeweller Au79 produces a range of gold jewellery and whose signature is the gold shovel.

This represents "empowerment and strength" and it is a symbol for "women who aren't afraid to get their hands dirty to dig up what they want".

LC of Hills fame has recently been photographed wearing their "logo" necklace.

Find a stockist near you at Au79

Friday, July 10, 2009

Oscar the Great

I need this necklace like I need water.  

If I don't have it, I may die.

That is all.


Price?  Don't ask. 

Drooool - Trifari Vintage '50s Ring

Is it me, or is this ring one of the most spectacular vintage rings you have ever seen (and there aren't even any diamonds)?

Trifari who is famous for these almost gummy candy shapes is one of my favourite designers from this time.

His pieces are extremely collectible and hold their value really well. That's if you still need any more convincing.  For me, it had me at 'hello'.

Buy from House of Lavande for US$650


Thursday, July 9, 2009

The Battle of the Cuffs


Someone needs to explain to me how Heidi strolls around in Hermes cuffs while Audrina can only afford CC Skye.

What exactly does Spencer do, anyway? From watching The Hills, it seems he just lolls on the couch and swipes aimlessly at his iPhone. 

Can anyone shed any light on this? Anyone?  Anyone? Bueller? Bueller?

Forget-Me-Knot Ring

I can forgive anything of this ring.  Even the slightly annoying pun in the name, because it's Just. So. Sweet. 

As it happens, the mold for this ring was actually made from a little piece of string, which is what gives it such an authenticity.

The ring is available in gold, brass and silver but frankly, when platinum is available, why debate? Buy through Areaware for US$720.

Alexis Bittar Waterfall Earring

I understand completely how these earrings got their name.  As soon as I saw them, I was overcome by a desperate urge to throw myself off a waterfall if I could not have them.  And I don't even wear earrings.

The way I see it, US$295 is pretty reasonable if it means I'm not going to launch myself off a waterfall.

I have three words left to say.  Add. To. Bag.

The Anti Engagement Ring

So last night my bestie and I were talking about all our friends who are getting engaged at the moment and Face-bragging like there's no tomorrow.  

In the middle of this discussion, Emma folds her arms and declares suddenly, "I'll get married, but I'm not having a ring or anything."

For me, a ring is one of the oldest symbols of love we have.  But I understand why Em doesn't want one, she's always done things just a bit differently than anyone else I know. So when I saw this ring, I immediately thought of her. It's like the anti engagement ring.  

Firstly, the diamonds are black.  Which is a little bit rock and roll, like Em.  Secondly, if you look closely, the diamonds are actually inverted, with the pointy side sticking out.  Which makes it a little bit tough, also like Em.

So well done to Alex & Chloe for creating a ring that kind of sticks its middle finger up at other rings.  Buy through Alex & Chloe for US$680.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

The Master of Headbands

I love Jennifer Behr's head pieces, but she really does need to use a model whose neck is able to support their own head.

The head piece itself is from her Spring 2009 range and uses vintage black plastic stones in multifaceted shapes.  

For someone like myself, who doesn't wear a lot of jewellery all at once, this would be the perfect piece to finish off an all black night time outfit, to give it that extra pop. Buy for US$220 from Jennifer Behr.


Sunday, July 5, 2009

Jan-Tastic

Has anyone seen the movie Magnolia? The one where Tom Cruise plays the fantastically arrogant and completely misogynistic self-help guru? One of my favourite ever movie lines comes from Magnolia.  You know where the journalist says "What are you doing?" to him and he says "I'm quietly judging you."

Well, I'm sure Jan Logan wasn't thinking of that when she made this pendant.  In fact, I'm pretty sure she was thinking of a gorgeous Magnolia flower.   

I love this piece from her 2009 collection just as much as I love the movie. It's simply stunning and made of 9ct gold. Buy it here for $850.

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Tibetan Vow of the Four Immeasurables

Something I've become really interested in now that I'm not working (other than blogging obsessively about Shiny Pretty Things), is how I can help others. I've finally decided where I want to volunteer and I'm looking forward to starting there in the next month.

Which is why, when I saw this pendant, I forgot my limited income and nearly succumbed to the dangerous TIP (Total Impulse Purchase) even though once a old Chinese numerologist told me if I wore gold bad things would happen. My thoughts are, bad things might happen if I don't get this necklace.

The symbol is The Tibetan vow of the ‘Four Immeasurables’ encourages us to focus our attention on helping others. The vow is engraved in Tibetan on this 10k gold disc which is set with single diamond in the center. 

Unfortunately the price is incredibly measurable at US$700 from Me & Ro.  Still want it though.

MIMCO - Pearl Explosion

It has to be said, I love pearls.  Not only do they have a warm, soft look about them, they add instant elegance and go with just about any colour (seriously, try to think of a colour that would look bad with pearls).

So when I saw this bracelet from MIMCO, I was in love.  The best thing about this bracelet is the fact that the pearls move and shake with you (insert obvious joke here). If you're lusting after this like I am, buy from MIMCO for $199.