How to Wear Jewelry from Office to Party

With the holiday season in full effect, there’s a whirlwind of events to attend. From after-work cocktail parties to family functions to friendly get-togethers, there seems to be something to do every weekend in December, and during the weeknights too. If you’ve got a packed schedule, here are some tips for getting ready on the go and taking your look from 9 to 5 to late night.

Add a touch of pizzazz – Jewelry is a great way to change up your look in a jiffy. You can always sport fun Cubic Zirconia rings to work, then add a sparkly clutch and a great pair of heels for after hours. Cubic Zirconia rings are great versatile pieces that can easily be stashed in your purse for a quick change up. CZ rings are fun to wear and don’t cost a lot to own.

Pump up the color – Royal hues and bright spots of colors are great for taking a neutral or monotone outfit up a notch. Small pieces of sparkly jewelry in the form of CZ rings, earrings or broaches are great for the office and can easily transition to after work cocktails or a dinner party.

Go for metallics – Whether it’s hammered bronze, yellow gold or oxidized silver, precious gem and CZ jewelry can help you shine. Metallics are great for the office, can be worn with many pieces in your closet and will be around for many seasons to come.

Sparkly jewelry like Cubic Zirconia rings, necklaces and bracelets not only can transform your look, but they also make great gifts for friends, loved ones and colleagues. As fashion continues to push the boundaries, it’s more acceptable than ever to wear sparkly jewelry during the day, as well as at night. So don’t feel guilty about making a purchase that will have you looking absolutely fabulous this season!

Get the CZ Vintage Jewelry Look for Less

Vintage and bohemian inspired accessories are back in a big way, with laid back appeal and a certain sense of luxe. The great thing is if you don’t already own authentic vintage pieces, you can easily scoop them up this season. CZ jewelry is a great affordable alternative, and with so many new styles and settings to choose from, you might just get addicted.
CZ jewelry can bring a vintage vibe to casual clothes and help to liven up neutrals. Look for pieces that will compliment interesting patterns, paisley fabrics and artistic accessories. Cubic Zirconia in rich hues like ruby red, deep purple and burnt orange works well with other earth tones. There’s really no wrong way to way this style of Cubic Zirconia jewelry. After all, your overall look should be thrown together, effortless.

Bohemian Cubic Zirconia jewelry is often made from dark metal and contains intricate shapes. Dangly earrings, long pendant necklaces and piles of gold bangle bracelets are all typical of this style. For this season, try a great pair of Cubic Zirconia earrings with a flowing blouse and fur vest. Pair with snuggly boots and a great hobo bag and you’ve got yourself a look that is not only cold weather friendly, but also fashion forward too. Boho Cubic Zirconia jewelry works well for any season and also makes a great gift. After all, the wearer or the recipient can easily make the style their own.

We’ve seen a lot mixing and matching of jewelry in 2009 and boho Cubic Zirconia plays well with that mantra. Add it to pieces from your current jewelry stash, and combine with different textures, lengths and color to create a truly unique look. For example, try polished pieces with fabric jewelry and mix hammered metal with more feminine touches. Nothing is off limits.

Dear Santa...A Gift Guide for Me!

Matha Stewart Living

I toyed with the idea of compiling a gift guide or two for the holidays this year, but ultimately ditched the idea because (a) I'm fairly certain the blogosphere has maxed out on gift guides this year and (b) gifting is and ought to be personal -- you know your family and friends far, far better than I do and any suggestions I have would be far inferior to whatever you can come up with.

And so, I've decided instead to compile a gift guide for me -- and if you find something you like for yourself or a loved one, then I'm flattered. Certainly, some of these items are a bit out of budget for most (if not all) of my family members and friends, so consider this a list addressed to Santa. {Oh and while you're at it Santa, can you snag me a gorgeous Chinoiserie tree, too?}

Kate Spade Genny (Eggplant) (Zappos; $263). Be still my beating heart. I loved these when I saw them in red and black, but I'm positively salivating over Kate's eggplant version.

Peacock Snow Globe (West Elm; $29). I'm not generally a fan of snow globes, but West Elm's latest series is really quite chic. And of course my favorite is the stunning white peacock. I'd leave her out on my desk all year round.

Quatrefoil Key Pendant (Tiffany's; $1000). I'm actually not a huge jewelry girl -- I tend to wear the same few pieces on a regular basis and often forget to wear any altogether. That said though, even I get a little bit weak in the knees when I see a Tiffany's box underneath the tree. And if it had this key inside it...well, I'd promise to be a very good girl this coming year.

Dove Ornament (Jonathan Adler; $24). I'm always happy to receive a gorgeous ornament or two and Jonathan Adler's newest offerings are almost too lovely to put away when the season ends.

Pavilion Lacquered Box (Thomas Paul; $36). There are innumerable uses for small, pretty lacquered boxes and I suspect you can never have too many of them laying around. I'd put this one by my bed to corral jewelry, coins and all the little things that seem to collect on nightstands.

Sake Experience Gift Set (Fresh; $95). Fresh's Sake Bath is honestly the best bath soak a girl could ask for. The smell is divine and the stuff really has a way of seeping into your bones, relaxing all the stress away. A corresponding lotion and candle would just be icing on the cake.

Hampstead Mirror (Williams-Sonoma Home; $595). This is for my powder room, where I'm dying to replace my builder basic frameless mirror with something that has a bit more pizazz.

Black & Gray Zebra print ballerinas (Pretty Ballerinas; €179). A girl can never have too many cute flats, and while just about any pair of Pretty Ballerinas would fit the bill, I can't get over the fun black, white and gray print + cute pom-poms on these.

Monogrammed Desk Pad (Dabney Lee; $65). Personalized stationery is always welcome, especially when it comes in bold prints like zig zags, greek key and quatrefoil.

Hector Throw (Missoni Home; $275). A soft cozy throw is a great wintry gift and you can never go wrong with a subtle tone-on-tone zig zag. This one has been on my wish list for several years now.

Asymmetrical Bow Pullover in Sweet Papaya (J.Crew; $78). This sweater is perfect for the office or weekend and I love the bright, fruity color. I'm also a sucker for any top that has a pretty tie around the neck.

JPK Pleated Satchel (Nordstrom; $198). Nylon is a great alternative to leather if you're looking to lighten your load (after all, have you ever noticed how heavy some leather purses can be?). I love the raisin color coupled with the gold hardware. Ample pockets and a fun lining ensure that the inside is as functional and pretty as the outside.

Vera Wang "Lisa" jeweled ballerina flat (Nordstrom; $295). I know, I know, this is the third pair of shoes to appear in this post, but I want (nay, need) these shoes specifically for my sister's wedding. I plan on wearing flats both to be more comfortable and to avoid being over a foot taller than the other bridesmaid (the groom's sister). Of course, I'm sure I could find plenty of other occasions to wear these pretties....

Now what about you? What do you want for Christmas?

More Fall/Winter Fashions

grey again! by Ella Lola featuring Brian Atwood shoes

Morocco by Mishou featuring Diesel jeans

Going to Class by Mishou featuring Miss Selfridge

Items in this set:
FANG Pleat Front Womens Tunic, $18
Black long sleeve crew top, 7 GBP
Dark Denim Wide Leg Jean, 7 GBP
dELiAs > Converse Ox > shoes > view all shoes, $39
Harry Potter Hogwarts Sun And Moon Tote Bag, $20

Weekend Getaways 11 by shoptillyadrop_ featuring Helmut Lang

Celebrity Street style :Sienna Miller by Fashionmint(Catching up & Busy) featuring Matthew Williamson shoes

Fall Look with eBags by clara_bow80 featuring BKE

Items in this set:
BKE Sweater, $19
Audrey Plaid Toggle, $50
Amazon.com: CORDUROY PLEATED MINI SKIRT: Apparel
2 Buckle Round Toe Boot - Teen Clothing by Wet Seal
Summer and Smoke Large Teardrop Earrings, $24

Corduroy & Plaid by clara_bow80 featuring J Crew

Items in this set:
Lime satin frill front shirt - Formal - Shirts & blouses - Tops -...
Womens Miso Double Button Checked Jacket, 60 GBP
petite stretch vintage cord skirt - chocolate, $40
Stella McCartney Corduroy velvet boots, $430
Brown Corduroy Equestrian Style Handbag - Vintage clothing from Rokit...

14/100 Cable-Knit Sweater by Musadinessuno_join Xmas group! featuring Old Navy

50/100 L.L. Bean Tote by Musadinessuno_join Xmas group! featuring Marc by Marc Jacobs dresses

72/100 Red Lipstick by Musadinessuno_join Xmas group! featuring Valentino shoes

Untitled by Beckles featuring Pedro Garcia shoes

2/5O♥ by ℓeonie❄ featuring UGG Australia boots

Items in this set:
River Jetties, $50
Salt Creek, $16
Dana Strands, $50
Fiona Boyfriend Crop, $80
UGG BAILEY BUTTON METALLIC LOGO, 213 GBP

1O/5O♥ by ℓeonie❄ featuring UGG Australia boots

Items in this set:
Salt Creek, $16
AE-Scoop Cardigan (oatmeal heather), $18
Abercrombie & Fitch > Women > Sweaters
Venice Boot Stretch, $40
UGG Classic Short Womens Boots, $140

Let me know how you like the outfit combinations!!!

Hot Holiday Jewelry Trends

Wondering what jewelry will help you look your best this season while still keeping your piggybank full? This year, it’s all about fun, fashionable and affordable jewelry that doesn’t take itself too seriously. A departure from the simple classic pieces we saw last year, 2009 is all about the sparkle and shine.

Oversize pieces – Whether it’s a statement necklace, a bold bracelet or a fierce pair of earrings, the trend is leaning towards large and in charge pieces. If you want to try this style, opt for CZ jewelry that is costume-y.

Color – The holidays are all about putting on the glitz and colored Cubic Zirconia is a great way to do this. By adding bright jewelry to classic turtlenecks, sweaters and dresses, you will create a focal point for your outfit. But this isn’t just limited to classic red and green. Try unexpected colors like midnight blue, royal purple or magenta for added interest.

Metallics – Yellow gold and silver tone not only look great with Cubic Zirconia, but they can also be worn on their own. These pieces are great for the holidays but work well for any season. It’s because of this, you can feel a little less guilty on splurging on a little something nice for yourself this year.

Unexpected jewelry – This year, it’s more about taking a fashion risk than ever before. Whether it’s layering pearl bracelets with Cubic Zirconia rhinestones or mixing and matching casual with dressy jewelry, nothing is off limits. This makes it easier to create a unique and personalized look. Start by taking an inventory of what’s in your jewelry box. Lay out the pieces that you already own and then incorporate new finds one at a time.

Whether you’re buying guilt free Cubic Zirconia for yourself, or a lavish present for a friend or loved one, have fun with your jewelry choices this year and ring in the holidays in style.

Article source: Fashion jewelry blog

My Husband Loves Kelly Wearstler...

And no, not just because she's cute. He loves her (get this) style. Perhaps this isn't headline-worthy news for the rest of the world, but at the Conn residence it's practically earth-shattering. I've spent the past three years trying to get Dave to elaborate on his decorating tastes with little more success than oblique responses like "I know it when I see it" (thank you, Justice Stewart) and "more ornate than yours" (what does that even mean?!). So imagine my surprise when I found him casually flipping through Ms. Wearstler's newest book Hue -- and I was left positively stupefied when he said "I actually like this!".

Perhaps the real irony here is that I really don't. While I'm a fan of Kelly's earlier work, her new '70s and '80s-inspired direction has left me at something of a loss. And a recent post (and the accompanying comments) over at My Little Happy Place suggest I'm not alone in this.

Like many of you who cohabitate with your spouse, partner, boyfriend (whatever), I've tried to involve Dave in many of the decorating decisions both in our new home and in our old townhouse. And, like many of you, I didn't get particularly far. Sure, Dave had veto power, but he exercised it more out of frugality than to advance his own design vision. Despite this, I have been able to glean some of Dave's decor preferences along the way that, in retrospect, synch up rather closely with Wearstler's latest twist on her ever-evolving style.

For example, Kelly's bathrooms (all covered from floor to ceiling with incredible and unique stone) scored the biggest with Dave. And this doesn't particularly surprise me as Dave has also loved polished marble, geodes and other natural stones -- the larger and bolder the pattern, the better. Indeed, he was sorely disappointed when I vetoed a polished green marble surround on the new fireplace.

Dave also has a proclivity for what I term "Florida colors". Think aqua, turquoise, purples, and even hot pink. This is, after all, a man who insisted that his "man cave" be painted teal. Malachite, amethyst, agate: these are three of Dave's favorite things. And obviously Kelly's, too, if this room is any indication. Where she's not actually working with these materials, she's mimicking the look in the floor-to-ceiling draperies.

This particular room strikes me as a bit (dare I say?) tacky. Little Black Sambos aside, it's all just a bit much for me. In fact, about the only elements of this room that I like are Wearstler's Birkin bag and fabulous pumps. Dave's response?: "Fun!"

Dave also prefers a more cluttered style than I do. As an avowed type-A, I tend to display only a few tchotchkes and mementos on any surface. Clutter is the gateway to messy in my book. Left to his own devices, Dave would keep out all of his many, many collections (coins, stamps, rocks, you name it, he's collected it). Kelly's latest "tablescapes" seem to be in keeping with Dave's philosophy as many photos in her new book showcase tables completely packed with curiosities and precious objects. As an amateur Classicist (a few years ago Dave tore through all of Plutarch's Lives), Dave also appreciates Wearstler's new found obsession with oversized Greco-Roman busts.

What's interesting is that all of this is very "of the moment" -- the next big thing in design (thanks in no small part to Kelly, I'm sure). In fact, I'd peg this renewed fondness for '70s and '80s glam as one of the major trends to watch for in 2010 (Belgian style being another). So what's a girl to do? Dave certainly has a right to dictate how our house is decorated -- after all, he lives there, too. And certainly one of the trade offs with sharing your space with another person (or persons) is that, inevitably, you have to compromise some and make your home reflective of everyone who lives there. So how do I incorporate Dave into my decor? Admittedly, I've not been particularly good about running every purchase by Dave and I've certainly ignored him on a few occasions and gone with my gut instinct (typically with good results). In the past I've justified this on the grounds that Dave doesn't really care about interior design and that he's always been pleased with what I've done in the past...now though, I'm starting to think that I need to rethink both of those assumptions.

And so, my solution is to work in Dave (aka "Mr. Wearstler") through the accessories. Bring in more naturally glamorous elements-- and definitely more rocks. Antiques. Gilt. Bold jewel tones. Not only will this inevitably make Dave happier, but it will force me to push the boundaries of my own "style" in a new and interesting direction.

Source list (clockwise, from top left): 1. Faux malachite boxes from High Fashion Home ($200-260). 2. Petrified wood trays from Jayson Home & Garden ($65-$148). 3. Tiny bugs from Mothology ($10 each). 4. Cameron table lamp from Circa Lighting ($3,150). 5. Eglomise coffee table from Beeline Home ($2250). 6. Amethyst napkin rings from Nate Berkus for HSN ($59.95 for a set of 4). 7. Gold leaf urchin bowl with silver spoon from Inglenook Decor ($26). 8. Gilded knot mirror from Horchow ($419.90).

So what about you? Does your S/O have a distinct design style? If so, how do you take it into consideration when you decorate?

Bronzite Argonite Ocos

A mix of nature’s pretties in this design; custom handcrafted using all natural stones in Bronzite coins, deep forest green Argonite that are accented with silver non-tarnish wire; sandy opal Jasper and hints of Swarvoski Fire crystals; the focal is a stunning Brazilian Ocos Agate that has been handcrafted in two-tone non-tarnish wires brass and silver.

Agates: Balancing physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual energies; perceptiveness, strength, inspiration, awakening talents.
Jaspers: Protection, nurturing, joy, awareness; balancing of physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual energies.
The energy of bronzite promotes certainty and control, encourages us to take control over our own actions and enables us to be sure about what it is that we want in our lives.

Available for purchase along with many other uniquely custom crafted jewelry designs.