sail away

There is something magical about the beginning of summer. Summer means fun. Summer means blue sky, sunshine, beach, and the ocean. And, of course, nautical fashion embodies all the sentiments of summer: effortless, fun, and very colorful.

Nautical-inspired jewelry can be either super-sophisticated (think the Hamptons) or care-free and playful (think SoCal.)  I have selected a few pieces (below) that will be your besties this summer.

via von mauer

I love all the color and sparkle of these fun Betsey Johnson Yacht Club Sailboat and Anchor Linear earrings (above.) It's also refreshing to see blue/yellow replacing the more traditional blue/red color combination.

via J. Crew

This classic J. Crew Anchor Bead Pendant necklace (above) is perfect for any occasion, from business meetings and happy hours to pool-side parties and weekend strolls.

via Max & Chloe

The Ben Amun Blue Cord Gold Plated Bangle by Max & Chloe (above) is gorgeous solo or as part of your stacked bracelet ensemble.

via Kate Spade

And last but not least, this sweet and simple Sailor's Knot Ring by Kate Spade (above), which is a really great everyday piece to wear.

I have given you the "tools", now go "build it", make a splash, and remember to have fun!

neon

Neon is cool again - I think we all know that by now! From runways to streets, we are literally blinded by the bright neon fashion. And again, being a jewelry fanatic, I prefer to go neon with accessories rather than clothing.

So, as you can see, I have a gradual plan here for "neon beginners" all the way to "neon experts", and it goes like this: 

1: "neon beginner"

via etsy

Girly, artsy, and minimal, this cute necklace is made of brass and hand-painted with hot pink acrylic. It's a great day-time piece to wear to express your inner "art student." 

2: "neon intermediate" 

via net-a-porter

You can never go wrong with a Marc Jacobs and that is indeed the case here. This adorable acetate neon star pendant is on a double-chain brass and neon set. It's cool, funky and very much reminiscent of the 80s playful neon craze. 

3: "neon advance"

via revolve clothing

This CC Skye Neon Multi-Chain Necklace is glam-rock through and through. Keep the backdrop simple; a plain black tee or a strapless would do the trick.

4: "neon expert"

via Juicy Couture

I love this neon bib necklace by Juicy Couture mostly for its versatility. You can spin it anyway you want: casual, sophisticated, or dressy. Wear it alone or layer with other silver-tone chains. 

Just remember, neon is synonymous with fun... so whichever you decide to go with, just have fun with it! 

classic

Every once in a while my eyes catch a truly classic piece of jewelry that is a wardrobe staple - something unique yet simple and practical.

The reversible gold-plated brass oval ring by Maison Martin Margiela (below) deserves the equivalent of an Oscar for "Best Picture." The meticulous design, the flawless details, the finish, and the creativity all around, makes this ring a must-have.

via net-a-porter

I love the subtle masculine undertones in its shape and design. It's simple and timeless, which is pretty much the secret recipe for a classic piece of jewelry.

Simplicity always wins.

odette

via Odette New York

Odette New York (by Jennifer Sarkilahti) is one of my favorite jewelry designers. She has a large following among the celebs and I was lucky enough to score a few of her pieces in the last couple of years. Today, I am wearing my "Petal" earrings in gold (below). They are made of gold vermeil and I love the depth and the texture; it's like wearing the actual flower petals. 

rockandchain.blogspot.com

Her jewelry is inspired by "organic and industrial shapes, natural specimens, uncommon artifacts, and primitive forms." Everything is handmade through the process of wax carving and metal casting - the reason why her jewelry looks so alive!  

You can check out her current earrings collection here:

via Odette New York

So, take this as an intro to Odette New York because there will be many posts in the coming months to feature her beautiful artwork, which happens to be "wearable."

smj

Now that I am a mom, I do have a soft spot for monogram jewelry because I can wear my kids' initials, and that makes me happy.

Moon and Lola has a few monogram necklaces that are definitely on top of my list. They are very unique and I especially like that they have stepped beyond the typical gold or silver options.

via moonandlola.com

You have a wide variety of colors (23 to be exact!) to choose from, including my favorite, tortoise.

via moonandlola.com

"SMJ" is what I would get. It includes all the initials in my family and I would happily wear the adorable tortoise in cursive script.

tears (of joy)

Chandelier earrings are either really ugly or really pretty. The ugly ones tend to be an overload of beads, crystals, metals, etc... and the pretty ones are the ones that manage to contain the madness of the "chandelier."

I have always liked tear-shaped jewels. They are vintage-y and feminine, and I guess I immediately associate them with real emotions. So, I was quite excited to see so many designers doing their "pop-of-color thing" this season using tear-shaped jewels.

I have chosen my top three tear-shaped chandelier earrings below. What I love about these earrings is the use of glass vs. crystal. I just love the depth and intensity of these bold colors.

Kendra Scott "Laine" Long drop earrings (in yellow onyx) are, by far, my favorite. The color, the shape, the length... it's perfection all around.

Kendra Scott vis Nordstrom

The runner up is Kate Spade New York chandelier earrings (in hot pink.) I like that they are smaller and that the shape starts to form from the very top. It's like half stud, half chandelier earrings.

Kate Spade via Bloomingdales

And, the third favorite is Banana Republic's Island chandelier earrings. They are more traditional in shape, but I love the color combo and the tiny sparkle for the stud.

via Banana Republic

Tear-shaped jewelry has never been this fun, fresh and joyful!

lotus

via rockandchain.blogspot.com

Today, I am wearing my silver lotus flower earrings (above.) They are made of oxidized silver, kind of 3-D in shape, and have three tiny crystals in the middle. They are cool and usually a conversation piece when I wear them.

I also really like these lotus earrings from an Etsy artist. The matte gold finish does the trick here.

via Etsy

And then, there is this fabulous vintage Trifari Lotus necklace that is definitely a one-of-a-kind piece. I can see myself wearing it with jeans and a white tee or do something more fun with a mini dress and wedges... (the possibilities with a statement necklace like this are endless!)

via RubyLane

Apparently, the lotus symbolizes many things in Asian cultures, but as far as I am concerned, it's a mysterious looking flower with an interesting name that can immediately make things (cars, songs, jewelry, etc.) look and sound cooler.

oh so bright

It's the season of colors. Lots of colors!

I have always been somewhat 'safe' in my wardrobe choices and instead turned to accessories, especially jewelry, to mix things up a little bit.

Not too long ago I came across this uber-talented architect-turned-jewelry designer who is the creative force behind Stubborn. Her vision is truly unique and I love her choices of color, material and shape. Below are a few favorites and you can see more here:

via stubbornworks.com

I have been having a lot of fun looking through her collection -- like a kid in the candy store, and in fact, her jewelry does have "kiddy" elements: simple, playful, abstract, and very colorful... oh, and of course, stubborn!

Happy coloring.

haute annoyance

Met Gala 2012 via Vogue.com

Last night was the Met Gala 2012 - fashion's biggest night of the year. This year's theme was "Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations."

Some looked absolutely ridiculous (I'll let you decide who) and some hit the note perfectly.

Jessica Stam at the red carpetMet Gala 2012 via the ComplexMedia

My personal favorite of the night was Jessica Stam for a few reasons: first, she nailed the theme, wearing a John Galliano for Christian Dior Haute Couture dress with an unbelievable cut, second, she looked absolutely radiant (unlike many who either looked orange or white as a ghost), and third, she went all out with those gorgeous Lorraine Schwartz jewelry to remind us of why fashion is art and how you can be over-the-top without looking ridiculous!

There were loads of colors, jewels, and feathers on the red carpet at the Met Gala 2012, but very few got it right (in my humble opinion.) Yes, it's haute fashion. Yes, it's meant to be extraordinary and unique but come on, people... it never works when you try TOO hard! 

A said by one of the inspirations of the night "Women dress alike all over the world: they dress to be annoying to other women." - Elsa Schiaparelli. 

bug me

Premium Bug Necklace via ASOS

Bugs scare me... they really do! So, I don't think I can bring myself to wear anything that would even remotely resemble a bug, but bug-inspired jewelry seems to be a hot trend.

I do really love the design and the bulky chain of the ASOS Premium Bug necklace (above). I feel like it's something a superhero would wear.

Alexis Bittar O'Keefe Embellished Scarab Bracelet
via rockandchain.blogspot.com

I also got to try on the "O'Keeffe" Embellished Scarab bracelet by Alexis Bittar (above); it's big, loud and very colorful. In fact, it's so unique that it adds a whole new dimension to your outfit.

I guess some bugs could be pretty especially when made of crystals, jewels and gold, so go for it... be a superhero for the day!

more is more

Arm Candy via Refinery29

Stacked bracelets and bangles were all the hype when I was a teenager. I remember my left arm carrying a pretty significant weight of faux Fendi and YSL bracelets mixed with whatever else that I could get my hands on. Well, the trend has finally made its full circle and is here again to put some weight back on my arms.

J. Crew Cabochon Bracelet via rockandchain.blogspot.com

The complication above is all J. CREW -- I just mixed and matched a bunch of their bangles, keeping the "Cabochon and Crystal" stretch bracelet (in pink grapefruit) as the focal point and the base for the color palette.

Below, you'll also see two different styles of stacked bracelets/bangles that I put together using a variety of current and vintage pieces. I like big watches and tend to use them as the anchor piece when stacking bangles.

The silver watch is paired with a vintage 40s rhinestones bracelet, a black pyramid bangle and a handmade mother-of-pearl silver bangle with a deep blue backdrop.

Stacked Bracelets and Bangles via rockandchain.blogspot.com

The gold batch is comprised of all contemporary pieces, which exude a softer, more feminine look.

Stacked Bracelets and Bangles via rockandchain.blogspot.com

Stacking jewelry is an art that anyone can master. It's so over the top that nothing is ever "too much", so have fun with it... be bold... be creative... and experiment, experiment, experiment.

forbidden fruit

Avenue32: Lunar Eclipse Necklace, Lara Bohinc

Braided chain is badass, yet Lara Bohinc has managed to create an elegant collection of braided snake chain. The "Lunar Eclipse" necklace (above) is one of my favorites of hers. She has rolled up the '70s, the '80s, and the '00s into one very memorable piece, which also comes in both yellow and black gold.

Not into the curvy look of the braided snake chain above? Worry no more because I've got you covered. I did say that braided chain is badass... especially when done by Citrine by the Stones -- one of my favorite lines, and the definition of "badass/chic" jewelry.

Citrine by the Stones: Braided Chain Bib Necklace

Sadly, neither one can be mine any time soon but that's what dreams are for, and who said you can't dream about a necklace...or two?!

sharp edge

Net-a-Porter Assad Mansour, Lady Jane Gold-plated Spiked Bracelet

I have been spotting a lot of spikey jewelry this spring. I must say that I have had a love-hate relationship with "rough" jewelry (like goth or military-inspired pieces) -- I can appreciate it but not wear it. So, this was the case until I laid eyes on these seriously awesome earrings by BIKO.

BIKO

I am convinced that these were made by a glam soldier fighting the battle of highbrow vs. lowbrow fashion. The more I stare at them, the more I want them.

And for those of us looking for something even edgier, these handmade earrings are the way to go.

Etsy: prairieoats, Brass Chain and Spikes

As said once by Kurt Vonnegut "I want to stand as close to the edge as I can without going over. Out on the edge you see all the kinds of things you can't see from the center."

pendelum swing

This is a handmade piece of art -- hammered gold-plated hollow balls on a simple chain. It's pretty much my go-to necklace when I can't decide on what to put on and it always works.

Hammered jewelry is cool because it's usually handmade (unless it's a mass-produced brand), which means no two pieaces are identical.

Check out Polyvore for a gorgeous selection of hammered jewelry. Drool...

Polyvore Hammered Jewelry

It is the exact opposite of pefectly polished jewelry. And imperfection is always enticing. 

hard candy

Cocktail rings are glamourous and can instantly dress up your look. This is yet another vintage piece that I adore. It's dreamy, sparkly, and very unique in both color palette and design.

Very rarely do I find modern cocktail rings as striking and special as the vintage ones but the "Dark Gardens" Rosy ring by Alexis Bittar and the "Sorbet" Round ring by Judith Jack come pretty close.

"Dark Gardens" Rosy by Alexis Bittar

"Sorbet" Round by Judith Jack

Ultimately, what makes a cocktail ring special is that perfect balance of meticulous design and unexpected choices  - much like life itself.