Jennifer Meyer XO Jessica Alba design for RED

 

jennifer meyer & jessical alba

 

Jennifer Meyer teamed up with fellow RED ambassador Jessica Alba and on february 3rd launched a jewelry collection. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the Jennifer Meyer XO Jessica Alba collection will be sold exclusively at GILT.com/RED in support of the RED foundation against AIDS.

According to RED “every day over 650 babies are born with HIV. Yet with access to antiretroviral treatment, we can prevent the transmission of the virus from moms to babies. Without it, 50% of babies will die before their second birthday”. How’s that for a sad statistic? This medication will not only help prevent transmitting the virus to an unborn baby, it will also keep the mother alive and as healthy as possible. RED’s mission is to help deliver the first Aids free generation in over 30 years.

The collection features two delicate heart pendant necklaces. An 18 kt yellow gold heart necklace set with (total carat weight) 0,12 carat ruby pave. This one retails for a $980. Plus a simpler version, an 18 kt yellow gold heart pendant necklace, retails for $280. Net proceeds from each purchase shall be no less than approximately 40%-50% of the purchase price, and will go to the Global Fund in support of (RED). The ruby one will provide 27 months of medication, the simpler version 9 months.

P.S.: RED is founded by Bono and Bobby Shriver. So let me shoot straight from the hip: I think Bono is a self important muppet with a messiah complex. I love U2’s music, but its front singer… nope, not a fan. However, this is a good initiative! In the end, that’s all that matters, is it not? So this deserves your attention and support. What comes from the heart, goes to the heart.

GILT.COM JENNIFER MEYER XO JESSICA ALBA JEWELRY

Available at GILT.com/RED.

By |January 31st, 2015|Jewellery News|Comments Off on Jennifer Meyer XO Jessica Alba design for RED
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Curated – I LUV AJ Earrings

 

LUV AJ JEWELRY

If you hadn’t already noticed the past two seasons, there’s an interesting mix of retro inspirations flooding the runway. For Spring 2015 particularly, designers are drawing inspirations from all corners of the decades, ranging from the fifties to the nineties. On the one hand there are strong nineties influences with masculine, oversized, minimalist silhouettes. At the other end of the spectrum are ultra feminine fifties-inspired ensembles with nipped-in waists, pencil and voluminous skirts. Most of them executed in pretty pastels. Then add some sixties mod-style in the mix with graphic prints, gingham fabrics, capes and leather. And last but not least, throw in a pinch of seventies boho chic-spice and it’s enough to make a head spinning concoction of fashion-influences!

LUV AJ JEWELRY SUMMER 2015

It isn’t really a big surprise, but fashion and interior design trends are always influencing eachother. The last few years, the fifties trend has also been a big hit in interior design. Pastels, grays, copper, marble and retro-inspired designs are booming. All infused with that typically Scandinavian inspired minimalism. A big trend in both worlds is marble. Usually when it comes to fashion and interior design trends, it’s a bit of the chicken or the egg-dilemma, but the marble trend actually appeared first at Jill Sander’s A/W 2008 menswear collection. Soon other labels such as Balenciaga, Kenzo and Philip Lim followed suit. But marble really had its big breakthrough in fashion when it also became the next big thing in interior design early 2013. Danish brands like Bloomingville and Ferm Living took the lead and added some chic marble elements to their collections. So with the marble trend inspiring the fashion and interior design world, I hoped to see marble already making its way into jewelry territory. But alas, my expectation was met with deafening silence. Yeah sure, a few bits and pieces, but nothing earth-shattering to really get exited about. Enter LUV AJ!

LUV AJ JEWELRY

 

Okay, okay, these LUV AJ earrings are not exactly marble earrings, but they’re marbleish! They’re made from sterling silver and howlite, a borate mineral with, in this case, a marble look. I couldn’t really decide which one to pick, so I narrowed it down to two and eventually picked both. Besides, I’ve got a promise to fulfill, remember? Underpromise and overdeliver, that’s my motto! LUV AJ has been a favorite designer of mine for quite some time now. For years to be exact. Her new Lovestoned S/S 2015 collection is the perfect excuse (like I need one ;-) ) to feature her jewelry. The lookbook is equally gorgeous.

As fashion and interior design continue to influence eachother, I hope not ALL interior designs make a comeback though. I love the nineties, but I’m not sure if I’m ready for nineties-inspired inflatable furniture. Ugh! ;-)

LUV AJ EARRINGS, LUV AJ JEWELRY

MARBLE WING EARRINGS & MARBLE FLARE EARRINGS / EAR JACKETS

 Credit all images: LUV AJ. Earrings available at LUV AJ.

By |January 29th, 2015|Curated|Comments Off on Curated – I LUV AJ Earrings
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Gold Philosophy’s Bold Gold

 

Gold Philosophy Jewelry

Gold Philopsophy has been taking the fashion blogging community by storm and it’s not hard to see why. One of the biggest jewelry trends at the moment is pearl jewelry with a new, modern twist. With so many  jewelry designers at the moment re-imagining the usually classic pearl jewelry, it’s hard to stand out. But they’re more than succeeding! Their take on pearl jewelry is not only original, it’s also affordable. Plus, they make fashion jewelry really look like chic, quality jewelry which is actually harder than it looks. With these strengths combined, their jewelry label makes a perfect candidate to be worn by fashion bloggers who are always on the lookout for original, affordable and chic pieces. Combine the publicity of fashion blogs with a good use of social media and it’s not exactly rocket science why Gold Philosophy’s jewelry has been popping up everywhere!

gold philosophy jewelry

gold philosophy jewelry

Launched in May 2012 by sisters Ting and Katy Lee, Gold Philosophy operated as a jewelry retailer at first. Only offering only jewelry from other designers. In 2014, they decided to take the plunge and debuted their first jewelry collection. The spring 2014 “Myth” Collection laid the groundwork for their signature aesthetics, but things really took off with their second “DiMare” collection. Their new Spring/Summer 2015 collection (as of yet untitled) is a return to more subtle and delicate pieces compared to their previous bolder collection. In 2012 Katy Lee, while talking about their first initiative, told MOWA that their aesthetics could not be more different: “I love bold, eccentric costume jewelry while my sister leans more towards delicate pieces”. So it seems Ting “won” the latest design-round ;-) . I’m already looking forward to their next collection ^^.

The designers use 18K (yellow, rose or white) gold plated sterling silver for their designs. Set with freshwater cultured pearls and cz diamonds. All three collections are sold online at Gold Philosophy and select retailers.

Rings clockwise: The Tiara Pearl Ring, The Treble Ring, The Twins Pearls Open Ring and the very popular Open Bar Diamond Pearl Ring. Credit all images: Gold Philosophy.

gold philosophy jewelry - collage by viapoetica.com

By |January 27th, 2015|Jewelry Label|Comments Off on Gold Philosophy’s Bold Gold
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Curated – Monique Péan earrings

Monique Péan earrings

I remember when I first started this series, that I also wanted to focus on affordable jewelry. Somehow, that resolution got lost along the way.  The more jewelry I saw, the more infatuated I got. I went from “Yay I can do this!” to “uh-oh” along the way, and ended up with “affordable, schmordable, who cares?” “So, does this change the jewelry you pick?” you might ask. *Pretending politely to think this over*. Mmm, nope! Well, not entirely. I still going to pick the jewelry I love. How could I not? I’m not a snob, really I’m not! It’s just that, when picking jewelry for the Curated series, affordability isn’t exactly at the top of the list… It has to be gorgeous first and if it happens to be affordable, that’s a plus! But I already chose a more affordable piece for the next Curated installment. See, I’m meeting you halfway aren’t I? Cut my jewelry-obessed heart some slack! ;-)

For this edition of Curated, I’ve chose these beautiful Monique Péan earrings. These white diamond baguette earrings are from her ATELIER collection. Set with white diamond pavé, 18 carat recycled rose gold, 0.75 total (TCW) total carat weight. Available at Monique Péan & Marissa Collections.

Monique Péan donates a portion of her company’s proceeds to charity:water.

By |January 25th, 2015|Curated|Comments Off on Curated – Monique Péan earrings
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Paula Mendoza Jewelry

 

Paula Mendoza Jewelry

 

Ten years ago, the Colombian journalist turned jewelry designer first started making jewelry purely as a hobby. She figured it would make some nice pocket money while studying journalism. Nothing more, nothing less. It wasn’t until a gallery in Boston actually picked up her jewelry pieces that a light bulb went off. “Hey I can actually make money with this!”. She quit journalism and fully submerged herself in the world of jewelry designing. She studied gemology and jewelry techniques in Brazil and Peru. And returned to her native Bogotá to study jewelry making. She moved to Washington and took a course called “Jewelry as Sculpture” at the Corocan Institute. It forced her to look at her jewelry designing in a new way. Jewelry not as simply jewelry, but also as small sculptures. It is this concept that took her jewelry the next level.

Her philosophy of seeing jewelry as sculptures is really evident in her jewelry. Bold, serpentine bracelets swirl around the arms. Armorlike necklaces are architectural, fierce and sexy. Sculptural and geometric jewelry is really nothing new. Geometric jewelry is a big trend at the moment, and sculptural jewelry has been designed (by architects mostly) for ages. This is the most original take on both trends that I’ve seen however. Her style is instantly recognizable, because there is simply no other jewelry like it!

Even though she moved to NY in 2012, her jewelry remains deeply rooted in her native Colombia. First, Paula designs and makes the prototypes herself. Then every piece is handcrafted in her family-run workshop in Bogotá by a group of local artisans. People she has worked with for ten years. She favors working with brass because it allows her to translate jewelry trends in a chic way, while still remaining affordable. As a finishing touch, every piece is gold-plated with 24 kt gold.

Ever since I saw her jewelry in 2013 for the first time, I’ve been hooked. And fortunately, I’m not the only one taking notice! Throughout her career, there have been some pivotal moments. To begin with, her statement jewelry lends itself perfectly for fashion editorials and videos. Combined with some seriously intense networking skills (almost stalking buyers ;-) ) and smart use of social media, stylists and buyers started paying attention. What really took her brand to the next level was being featured in Beyoncé’s “XO” video. Beyoncé’s stylist first noticed her jewelry via Mendoza’s instagram account. It was on this same instagram account that retailer Net-a-Porter first spotted her jewelry. They went on to buy the A/W 2014 ORO collection. Moda Operandi soon followed suit. The last battleground to conquer was the Red Carpet. Dakota Fanning obliged, but it was Kate Beckinsale’s look with a Zimmermann dress and Mendoza choker that really turned heads.

The new S/S 2015 collection, Aranjuez, is nothing short of stunning. Inspired by the Royal Palace of Aranjuez, this collection has a regal quality. The collection contains her signature snake coil jewelry, but also new pieces adorned with rich colored stones. The campaign photos look like oil paintings that could adorn the palace walls of this 16th century palace.

Mendoza said that her instagram-followers react the strongest to pictures of her wearing her own jewelry. And with all that eye candy at her disposal it’s not exactly hard to see why. So instead of choosing mostly lookbook photos to showcase her beautiful jewelry, I’m letting her gorgeous instagram photos do all the talking.

By |January 23rd, 2015|Jewelry Label|Comments Off on Paula Mendoza Jewelry
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Curated – Sidney Garber bracelets

So I hope the people at Sidney Garber will forgive me for this irreverent remark, but the first time I laid my eyes on Sidney Garber’s bracelets, they reminded me of sleeve garters. It brought back memories of me playing as a child with my mom’s big, geometric clip on earrings and my dad’s tie clips. Yes, it was the eighties, if you hadn’t guessed ;-) . I also played with their sleeve garters, which inevitably always ended up with the hairs on my arm getting caught. Well, I’m not exactly sure if these gorgeous bracelets work with the same mechanism as the sleeve garters. I would have to study them up-close just to be sure. Purely for educational purposes of course ;-) . But even if they do, I’m more than willing to lose a few hairs in order to wear these stunning bracelets. Heck, I’m willing to go bald for all I care, if I could just wear these bracelets. They are that stunning!

Sidney Garber Iconic Rolling Bracelets are:

  • available in 18 kt yellow, white and rose gold
  • set consists of three, intertwined omega chain bracelets
  • bracelets come in 7, 9 or 12 mm strand sizes
  • available at Barneys &  Just on eye
  • Also check out their instagram account. Not only for the Sidney Garber bracelets, but also their other droolworthy jewelry!
By |January 21st, 2015|Curated|Comments Off on Curated – Sidney Garber bracelets
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The Look – Parisian Style – Second in a series of two

 

 

Parisian style chic - a fashion set by ViaPoetica.com

Jewelry from top to bottom:

I think it goes without saying that this is too much jewelry for one look, let alone the Parisian understated look. Unless, you of course have an affinity for wearing two watches at the same time ;-) . But hey, it’s a collage for a jewelry blog so sue me! ^^

  • Michael Kors – Padlock charm bracelet in rose gold-tone – Available at Michael Kors.
  • Vita Fede – Titan Stone bracelet,  rose gold-plated with rose quartz – Available at VitaFede.com
  • Vita Fede – Titan caged pearl bracelet, rose gold-plated with cultured Akoya pearls – Available at VitaFede.com
  • Vita Fede – Double Cubo earrings, rose gold-plated with Swarovski crystals – Available at VitaFede.com
  • Bering – Ceramic watch in stainless steel, 11435-754. I love this collection of watches; they are so minimalist and chic without being boring. – Available at Watchshop.com

The outfit + other accessories:

And the home-accessories are just visual fillers in this case, but if you want to buy them, knock yourself out ;-) .

 

As promised, this is the second installment in these style series. Today’s inspiration is The City of Style, Paris!

Imagine visiting the most stylish part of New York or LA, seeing a lot of well dressed women pass you by and therefore conclude that every American woman simply must dress equally as stylish. Sounds a bit ridiculous does it not? It just doesn’t work that way (nor does it have to for that matter) and isn’t very realistic. Yet, there is still an overromanticized old world view of supposedly True French Style.The notion that all French women dress well or are somehow less prone to making poor fashion choices, is still a very persistant misconception. If you’re still skeptical, do a google search on “French Style” and be amazed by the amount of hits ;-) .

So without succumbing to preconceived notions, I must admit, that a lot of well dressed Parisian women specifically do have some common style characteristics. Again, certainly not all Parisian women, but there are a few common traits amongst les Parisiennes. So what is the essence of Parisian chic?

Va-va-voom Lingerie

Great lingerie isn’t only about releasing your inner Bardot-esque Goddess, it’s also about giving yourself that extra inch of confidence and celebrating your womanhood. More importanly, it’s about wearing lingerie that performs like your secret bodyshaping armour. To quote the great Christian Dior: “Without proper foundation there can be no fashion”. Parisiennes recognize this fact and know that some good shapewear can truly make or break an outfit. The French are the biggest spenders in Europe per capita in terms of lingerie spending. On average in a year €99.4. And the Parisians specifically account for 20% (!) of national lingerie spending.

In 2006 Roland Mouret designed the ultimate IT dress; the now iconic Galaxy dress. Not only was it his big breakthrough, created huge waiting lists and inspired many knock offs, it also looked sensational on women with totally different body shapes. The secret to its success is actually based on a familiar lingerie technique. The Galaxy has an internal supportive corset-like structure, made of boning combined with an elastic fabric called Powerflex. Even though it’s a dress and not lingerie, this dress and its figure-controlling structure acknowledges the essence of what great lingerie is about: to create the universally appealing and ultra-feminine hour glass figure. Well if the everlasting success of the Galaxy dress is not a testament to the power of great lingerie then I don’t know what is!

Signature style: Classic meets quirky

Parisans stick to a capsule wardrobe of a few staple pieces in classic silhouettes, neutral colors, quality fabrics and an impeccable cut.  Sure, they will add trendy pieces, but without being a slave to trends. Trendy or not, if it doesn’t flatter them or compliment their signature style it’s au revoir trend! Key pieces are the familiar trench coat, the little black dress and a well tailored blazer. All in timeless neutral colors, to allow optimal mix and matching. In a signature classic meets quirky style, they will add a few statement accessories, unexptected textures or juxtapose feminine with masculine pieces to elevate it from ordinary to extraordinary. Furthermore, Parisians obsess over fabric and the perfect cut. Almost every Parisian boutique has a tailor and Parisians are almost willing to sell their newborn in order to obtain the address of a great seamstress.

Effortlessness

If there is one art form that the Parisians have elevated to another level, besides making exceptional croissants of course ;-) , then it’s looking purposefully unpolished. It doesn’t matter that they probably spent an hour (or two…) in front of the mirror. The key is to make it look effortless, never over the top and slightly undone. This concept also translates to their beauty routine. A good way to achieve this look is to get a perfect blowout, perfect makeup and perfect nails and then have a round (or two…) of awesome sex. All while listening to  “Je t’aime… mon non plus” of course (duh)! After dressing yourself, walk out the door without giving the mirror another glance. Sounds very practical, non? ^^ If you do not happen to have a hot bedpartner lying around on standby (tsss ;-)), simply give your hair a sexy bed hair toussle. To sum it up; too much frosting makes a cake gross and the Parisians know this. The Parisiennes prefer an understated, natural and nonchalant style over absolute perfectionism.

A multitude of attitudes

The key to Parisian style is confidence. Call it that certain “je ne sais quoi” or knowing what works for you; the Parisians have it in spades. Being prepared to take some risks in the fashion department despite what anyone think definitely helps. I’m not a Parisian, but this is one style element I do possess. I own a pair of neon heeled sandals from ZARA. Some people love them, some people absolutely hate them, but I’m not asking for opinions. I really couldn’t care less about what anyone thinks of my neon killer heels. I dress for myself; not for my man (sorry babe ;-)) , not for my friends or family. And that is what confident dressing is all about; wearing what makes you happy!

 

*1: Source: http://www.lingerie-swimwear-paris.com

By |January 19th, 2015|The Look|Comments Off on The Look – Parisian Style – Second in a series of two
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The Look – London Calling – First of two

London calling fashion set -PV

Today I was inspired by one of my favorite cities: London! Quirky, punk and men’s fashion are the first words to pop up in my head when I think of London. I also think of the fantastic culture in general, great food (Ottolenghi yum) and of course British Humour! I mean, what’s not to love? I still have fond memories of a birthday trip I undertook with my parents, but I still haven’t seen London during Christmas time. That’s still on my wishlist. So are the crown jewels that I saw at the Tower of London, but that somehow seems less attainable. Bugger! So I have to “settle” for these crown jewels; befit for a London Punk Princess ;-) .

It’s also the first of a series of two looks with a sleeveless jacket. I purposely chose three sleeveless jackets in a row because I want to show the difference accessories and jewelry specifically can make on a look. Two looks, but in terms of style, they’re all different!

By |January 17th, 2015|The Look|1 Comment
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Curated – Stella & Dot Geometric Jewelry

 

Stella & Dot Geometric Pavé Necklace

 

After the last couple of Curated posts I craved for some sweet and delicate jewelry. Not to mention affordable! ;-) This piece of jewelry ticks a lot of jewelry trend boxes. It’s delicate but not boring, check, geometric jewelry, check, layering jewelry, check. I posted the silver version, but it’s also available in a gold look, so that’s another jewelry trend box checked!

The three strands can be worn together as one necklace, or unclasped and worn as separate pieces. Available in gold and silver in micro-pavé.

All that for a really affordable price at Stella & Dot. While I’m at it, I also like this one.

 

By |January 15th, 2015|Curated|Comments Off on Curated – Stella & Dot Geometric Jewelry
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Instagram = Instaglam – Edition II

 

collage 2 - kopie

 

Choosing which jewelry is going to make the Instagram cut, always hurts a little bit. It’s always a case of kill your darlings. I guess I’ll have to make another one. Bummer ;-) .

 

  1. Jacquie Aiche jewelry on Jacquie Aiche Instagram.
  2. Just a pretty image on the Instagram of jewelry designer Anna Sheffield.
  3. I never get tired of Jacquie Aiche’s unique brand of sensual, bohemian jewelry. Jacquie Aiche jewelry on Jacquie Aiche Instagram.
  4. Andrea Fohrman’s jewelry on the Ylang23 Instagram account. A very pretty malachite and diamond necklace and one of Fohrman’s signature rainbow necklaces.
  5. You may know Nak Armstrong from the former CFDA award winning design duo Athony Nak, but in 2010 they went their separate ways and Nak Amstrong started his own jewelry label. Well if he continues to design this kind of jewelry I’m certainly not complaining! It’s bold and unique. Nak Armstrong on Nak Armstrong Instagram. Via Ylang23.
  6. Another pretty image, this time by jewelry designer Shawn Ames on her instagram account. Let’s be honest here, I used this image to give the collage a bit of visual oomph, but that’s no reason to not check out her jewelry ;-) . It’s gorgeous!
  7. Again, Andrea Fohrman’s jewelry. Three rings in kyanite, chrysocolla and black and white diamonds.
  8. A regram on Samantha Wills‘ instagram account of her stunning Out of the Dark Collar necklace and the Bohemian Bardot ring. Via Samantha Wills & Zambezee boutiques.
  9. Suzanne Kalan designs stunning jewelry, but my absolute favorite collection has to be the Vitrine collection, showcased by the two bottom rings. The Vitrine collection put her name on the map and to this day, it’s still one of her best selling collections. Check out her instagram.
  10. A pretty close-up of the mineral dioptase. Via fiveofhearts_rockhound.
  11. A sweet image of the instagram account of jewelry boutique Broken English Jewelry.
  12. Gold rings from the LUV AJ X Jewel Mint collection. Via LUV AJ’s instagram.
By |January 13th, 2015|Inspiration|1 Comment
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