Graphic Black and White Jewelry

There's nothing wishy-washy about black and white jewelry. It's bold, it's striking and it's a great way to create drama if you're not into color. You can easily incorporate black and white enamel jewelry into your look this spring with these easy to follow tips:

1) Add Just a Touch – A little black and white jewelry goes a long way. Black and white jewelry is like a bull's eye, with strong graphics and an air of elegance. Choose one signature piece like a bold necklace or bracelet.

2) Make it Effortless –Don't think about it too much. Just wear pieces in which you are comfortable. If modern resin or plastic jewelry doesn't excite you, consider Onyx.

3) Start with a Solid Foundation – If you're in all-white or neutral attire, add a black beaded necklace to instantly dress up your look. Consider gumball size beads or carved rosette beads for something a little different. If you are wearing a jewel-toned monochrome look from head to toe, then a simple black and white enamel bangle will grab attention, but not overwhelm.

4) Play dress up – Try black and white jewelry with many outfits in your closet. You might be surprised how versatile it is and how many combinations you can make. A few pieces can help to re-invent old favorites.

5) Punch it up with Patterns – For Spring, look for fun floral prints like black and white bangles. Or, for added edge, try geometric designs for nights out with the girls.

6) Play up Your Assets – Black and white jewelry does a great job at drawing the eye in to certain areas of the body. Choose areas that you'd like to highlight, such as a great collarbone, where you can sport an oversize pendant necklace. To compliment an up-do, add black stoned drop earrings for drama and glamour.

Necklaces | Earrings | Bracelets | Sterling Silver Jewelry | Jewelry Sets

Week Two: The Foundation

UPDATE:

My mom drove by the new house today and it looks like framing is well underway. It's completely astounding how much visual progress can get made in just a few days, particularly in the early stages of construction. Can't wait to see it myself on Saturday!

_____________________________

On Sunday Dave and I drove out to the 'burbs to take a peak at the process on the new house. Despite the heavy rains we had earlier in the week, they managed to complete the underground plumbing and pour the foundation. I know this must be some sort of optical illusion, but the footprint of the house feels so tiny (in stark contrast to the immense driveway). I've been in a completed house with a nearly identical floor plan so I know that the house is, in fact, far from tiny. I'm excited to swing by this weekend (which will mark the end of week two of construction) to see if they've managed to frame the house. It'll be so much easier for me to visualize our new home once it has a third dimension.

I was pleasantly surprised to see though that the area leftover for what will become our backyard [read the red dirt above] is actually quite spacious. A good thing since it was a priority for Dave to have more yard this time around. In fact, compared to the tiny urban garden we have now, it's positively huge. Olivia and Clio won't know what to do with all the space. I also like that our backyard fence is a 7-foot high brick fence (which we get because the house abuts a street rather than another lot). It'll be so much more private (and much sturdier) than the standard-issue 6' foot fence.

Pulse Check on Jewelry Fashion Trends

Cursing around the Net you can find almost any fashion site that offers their take on the latest pulse check for jewelry trends this season. It seems that big, bold geometric shapes with exotic and ethnic inspiration, rich colors using unusual prominent gemstones such as pendants or multi strand necklaces giving a layering effect are still hot and rising to the top of the list for the ‘hot jewelry fashion trend’ this season.

One significant different that I see is more use of metals such as Copper, Brass, and Antique Gold; in place of the staple Sterling Silver or Gold. With the price of both these metals, it is not hard to understand why so many are changing for one metal to another. I also have seen more designs in multi-strands of mixed stones and metal beads; attaching by using either beading thread colored to match the stones or beading wire. This gives the effect to the wearer of multi layering. Pendants are also in big, especially when matched with multi strands or large dangle/chandelier earrings.

Bracelets, bangles and cuffs are sill big too and the bigger the better. From simple chains to chunky bangles or arm cuffs in copper or brass with large center gemstones or free form inlayed exotic stones; the more unique the more in demand the piece.

Whatever your style from little black dress to the casual jeans and a t-shirt; the bottom line is that bigger, more exotic and unusual is the “Hot In” statement for jewelry fashions this season.


Exotic, Big, Bold and Unique, visit Timeless Designs for these gemstone jewelry fashions.

Black & White Kitchen

I'm not one normally to obsess over hardware, but ever since I saw the Simplice Faucet in Matte Black ($389) from Kohler in last month's Metropolitan Home, I can't get it out of my head. You know that silly Kohler commercial where the rich couple demands that the high-end architecture firm design an entire house around a faucet? Well, I wouldn't consider it ridiculous to design an entire kitchen around this.

To keep the focus on the amazing faucet, I'd keep the countertops a cool white (like Silestone's White Zeus). For maximum sleekness, I'd go with an integrated sink to create a seamless transition. For backsplash, I'd go with simple glazed white subway tiles. Cabinetry would be white beadboard, with a combination of glass-fronted and solid door upper cabinets. Inside the glass-doored cabinets, I'd keep all my colorful dishes or glassware for an interchangeable pop of color. Walls not tiled or covered by cabinetry would be painted a soft gray, like Sherwin-Williams' Aloof Gray (pictured above).

To coordinate with the faucet, I'd go with a similar matte black finish on the hardware. Lowes' has some great options to choose from, but I'm partial to the Gatehouse black egg knob ($2.57) for the upper cabinets and the Gatehouse black cup pull ($3.36) for the lower cabinets. On white beadboard cabinets, these knobs and pulls would really pop, and together would give the kitchen a modern cottage look.

For the floors, I'd go for something a bit more retro to play off the very modern counters and play up the timeless cabinetry. Michael S. Smith mosaic tile from Ann Sacks has a lovely basketweave motif and the black and white floors would help ground all the white counters and cabinetry without making the kitchen feel bottom-heavy. For lighting, I'd go with Mod white pendant lighting from Jonathan Adler to play up the modern aspects of this kitchen.

With the basics in place, I'd bring in colorful accessories to add warmth and some fun to the kitchen. Colorful glassware like these new Pop Glasses ($18-$22) from Jonathan Adler would be a great anecdote to all the black and white. Colorful kitchen utensils and dishtowels would complete the look.

American Idol Jewelry Style

One of the top shows on TV continues to be the addictive reality of American Idol. Each week millions tune in to hear the top contestants belt out their song choices and work the stage as a performer. Part of that marketability that the judges are seeking has to do with the unique style of each of the singers, from their clothing choices to their accessories and jewelry. Here, we take a look at some of this seasons style-setters and their signature jewelry looks:

Adam Lambert – His vocals may have great range, but this rocker's style is consistently edgy, alluring and intriguing. With his monochrome ensembles, Adam prefers heavy accessories like piles of chain link necklaces, studded leather bracelets and Onyx and sterling silver rings and earrings. His look is always pulled together with true rock-star jewelry.

Allison Iraheta – The youngest contestant on the show, Allison's style is fun, youthful and a little punk rock. She wears statement pieces and colorful jewelry that compliment her vibrant personality. This season, she's played with the oversize chokers with charms, gigantic beaded necklaces and layers. She never looks overdone and her jewelry style is hard to miss.

Lil Rounds – This crooner opts for brightly colored ensembles that look great on her. She usually pairs them with jewelry sets or similarly styled drop earrings and necklaces. Large earrings compliment her short fun hair cut and draw attention to her fantastic smile.

Danny Gokey – His talented vocals always strike a chord, and his good guy style is easily wearable, but all his own. Danny prefers a few pieces, including a leather watch and a few pendant necklaces. He usually wears a cross pendant on a leather cord and a disc shaped charm on another chain.

Kris Allen – With all American good looks, Kris keeps the focus on his powerful skills and prefers simple jewelry such as the beaded bracelet he rocks both on and off stage.

Related articles:
The Hills Girls' Jewelry Style
Four Jewelry Style Ideas On Mother's Day
Copy the Jewelry Style of your Favorite Twilight Character
Jen's Jewels: A look at Jennifer Aniston's Signature Style

Bridesmaid Jewelry that Dazzles

Bridesmaid Jewelry that Dazzles - The bridal party is an important part to any wedding. Whether you just have a maid of honor, or an entire entourage of your closet family and friends, you'll surely want them to look their best.

By the time you pick out the bridal party jewelry as a finishing touch, you'll probably already have the dresses and shoes in tow. You'll want to make sure that the accessories coordinate and compliment the overall look.

First, you should decide how the hair will be styled. If it's in an up-do, then earrings are a must. Studs are a safe choice, but make sure that the stones are large enough to be noticed. You and your bridal party will be photographed many times throughout the day, so exaggerated make-up and jewelry is acceptable. Drop earrings are a beautiful way to make a statement. Choose rhinestones that are in the same color family as the dresses being worn. For an inexpensive and stylish look, consider Swarovski crystal dangle earrings. They pick up every color of the rainbow and their versatility means they can easily be worn again, long after the big day.

Many bridesmaid dresses are strapless or have thin spaghetti straps. This look almost always calls for a great sparkly necklace. Single stone pendant are a safe choice, but why not try something more modern and give your girls CZs by the yard. These necklaces can be wrapped multiple times to create several layers of jewels. If you're going to have your bridesmaids don pearls, then consider multi-pearl strands accented by a beautiful rhinestone flower. This contemporary take on a wedding favorite is sure to garner the attention and approval of audiences both young and old.

If you're looking for a great gift for your bridesmaids, then consider bridal jewelry gift sets, which are a great value. And don't forget your sweet flower girl – she needs jewelry too.

Related articles:
The Origin of Wedding Rings
Wedding Jewelry Trends: Summer 2009
Jewelry for Your Wedding: Bridal Jewelry

Gifts that scream "Oooh la la!"

If you're looking for a last minute Mother's Day gift, check out Oooh la la Cadeau, an online gift store specializing in lovely gift boxes for women with a decidedly French twist. The gift boxes come stocked with anything from stationery and journals, candles and bath goodies, to gourmet candies and tea. Even better, right now you can get free shipping on all orders to the US or Canada. I found Sande Chase's store via the lovely blog Annechovie (which somehow, months after starting to read design blogs, I only just now found today).

The Natural Wonder ($75.68) gift set shown above is very on trend with its coral theme. The set includes a journal, paperweight (made from a perserved dandelion of all things!), and some decorative labels. Here are a few more of my favorites:

Tres Chic ($24.66): I just love the graphic black and white striped wrapping paper paired with the pink bow -- tres chic, indeed! I could see giving this boxed set of scented sachets as a "thank you" gift to bridesmaids or shower hostesses. There are a number of other great smaller gifts priced under $50 HERE that would also work as thank you or hostess gifts.

Limone ($109.69): This gift (perfect for a chef or as a housewarming gift) is probably my favorite. Everything comes packaged in a beautiful (and reuseable) orange lacquered box (very Hermes) and includes my favorite liquid soap by Savon de Marseilles. Yes, this gift is a bit on the pricey side, but for a close girlfriend, mother or sister who loves to be in the kitchen, I think it's worth it.

Earth Friendly ($84.18): This set is my favorite of several bath & body themed gift sets, both because I love the packaging and because I think Fig is such a great (and underused) scent. It's very subtle and fresh. The set also includes a set of matching notecards. I think this kind of gift would be great for a new mom or anyone else who deserves some pampering (and who may be writing a lot of thank you notes herself). If you're looking for more baby-centric gifts suitable for a baby shower, they have a nice selection -- I particularly love the gift for the Grandma-to-be!

Bluebird ($84.18): This boxed set has just about everything: decorative file folders, coordinating notebook, cookies, bath pouch, silk sachet, earl gray tea and a storage box to put everything in. The print on the notebook and file folders reminds me a lot of John Derian's decoupaged plates and trays and would be a really thoughtful gift for anyone who enjoys his eclectic/vintage aesthetic.