the style observer is about putting it all together

observations on jewelry

boho jewels

July 17th, 2008 · posted by Madeline Rhodes in $ $$ bohemian bracelets charms jewelry looks necklaces rings

Adorn yourself in a daring combination of jewelry - raw stones, intricate bead work, feathers, crystals and leather. These are pieces that connect you to the powerful Boho movement as well as our beloved earth. These downright earthy and decadently glamorous pieces are available on many well-visited websites as well as tons of indie boutiques online! Lovemadds, Free People, and Made with Love in Brazil are great resources for these pieces if you really want to tap into the natural aspect of this trend, while sites like Pretty Black and Erica Weiner offer a different Bohemian approach incorporating rhinestones, faux tiger teeth and other wildly interesting imagery. If you think you already own some pieces that fall into this category, then go get them! Combine looks reminiscent of Sienna Miller and the Olsen twins - looks that emanate wild freedom, yet have been beautifully put together. Other style icons who are glammed out boho style and may offer some inspiration are Rachel Zoe, Nicole Richie, Maggie Gylenhall, Carrie Bradshaw and Kate Moss. The Boho style, full force, may not be for everyone, but you can certainly find your niche with the wide varieties it has to offer. Things to look for when picking out Boho jewelry are the use of lavish icons and imagery, bold stones, flowing pieces like fringe and strands of leather or fabric, lots of layering and grouping, wild use of color, and an over all look of achieving a perfected look through minimal effort. We Boho chic queens like to give off the idea that we just threw on whatever was on top and came out looking marvelously planned out.

Boho pieces in this observation (clockwise):

  • Devendra necklace @ Erica Weiner
  • Crystal Tourism necklace @ Erica Weiner
  • Sword & Stone necklace @ Erica Weiner
  • charm 40 @ Pretty Black
  • charm 28 @ Pretty Black
  • crossed-stich cuff @ Free People
  • Kingston bangle @ Free People
  • Shoreline ring @ Free People
  • Imenja necklace @ Made with Love in Brazil
  • citta bracelet @ Lovemadds
  • love to go around charms @ Lovemadds

  • how to dress your black dress for summer

    July 14th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $$$ $$$$ ALexander McQueen Anya Hindmarch Atelier Marisa Catherine Malandrino Cathy Waterman Christian Louboutin L.A.M.B. Marco Bicego accessories bracelets clothing dresses earrings glamorous handbags jewelry looks shoes

    You’ve got another party to go to, and you’ve run out of Summer ideas. Don’t be afraid to pull out your favorite black dress. The way to work a black dress into Summer style is with accessories. Go for a Grecian sun-kissed look. Black will simply glow with brushed gold accents. Pull your hair up with modern edge, and now this dress works from the suburbs to the city. Another way to dress your black dress for Summer is to kick it up with some color. Bring the color of the sea to the dress by popping on some refined turquoise earrings. Mix pieces of white and gold in for a polished look. A creamy white clutch will give it an elegant summer edge. Pull your curled hair back loosely so the pieces fall gracefully from your face. You’ll be relaxed and refined, and people will naturally be drawn to you. It’s not always about buying something new to wear. Sometimes it’s about redefining what you already have.

    2 examples in this observation:

    Left:

  • Cathy Waterman green tourmaline leaf earrings @ Ylang|23
  • Catherine Malandrino Spaghetti strap dress @ Net-a-Porter
  • Marco Bicego confetti bracelet 5-strand graduated with lemon citrine and peridot @ JR Dunn
  • Christian Louboutin Frescobaldi sandals @ Net-a-Porter
  • Anya Hindmarch ‘Libertines’ woven leather clutch


  • Right:

  • Atelier Marisa turquoise orbit earrings with diamonds @ Ylang|23
  • Alexander McQueen Balconette fitted dress @ Net-a-Porter
  • L.A.M.B. stitched pumps @ Asos
  • Anya Hindmarch ‘Madia’ cream leather clutch

  • indulge… and love yourself

    June 25th, 2008 · posted by Madeline Rhodes in $ $$ $$$ Fendi Leaves of Grass MAXSTUDIO Marcia Moran accessories bohemian clothing designers earrings handbags jewelry rings shoes tops

    Bring out your inner Summer goddess! Transform yourself into a mesmerizing mermaid, a freely flowing, sexy and powerful woman! With pride, stroll down the sandy beaches or down your local village streets, dine with style in that favorite restaurant of yours. It’s that outfit that is so perfect because it can take you anywhere - even from a sandy beach into the night. This look is inspiring, fresh, romantic, and makes a powerful statement with its golden embellishments and accessories. It’s decedent in that it stands for wearing all of your special pieces at once. It’s romantic in that it its visual details create a story line representative of love and lust. So ladies, love yourself in a look that is easier to wear than you think.

    mesmerizing items in this observation:

  • leaves of grass amoreuse chiffon top @ Net-a-Porter
  • ethnic tassle disc earrings @ Topshop
  • MAXSTUDIO ‘Xaria’ leather sandal @ Nordstrom
  • Marcia Moran rings @ Wink
  • Fendi forever clutch @ eLuxury

  • beneath bohemian style

    June 24th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ $$ $$$ Christian Louboutin Vivienne Westwood accessories bohemian bracelets dresses earrings handbags hats jewelry necklaces scarves shoes sunglasses

    Have you met her? The girl who has the entire room watching her as she walks past. The one who has the power to stop you dead in your tracks. She has a confidence that makes others uneasy at first, but also an illuminating warmth that holds you close. She explores and appreciates all forms of art. She embraces individuality, and finds joy in expressing creativity. This freedom of expression comes across in they way she presents herself to the world, it comes across in her style choices. Bohemian style is no longer about peasant skirts, Birkenstocks, and unshaved armpits. It’s about mixing it up, and making fashion your own. It’s not predictable, and the fact that it doesn’t work makes it even more fantastic. It’s an intriguing style, that draws us in. She’s different, she feels the freedom to take risks in fashion, and own it. That… is what fashion icons are made of.

    bohemian expressions in this observation:

  • black dangles with rough cut diamond @ shop twigs
  • Dita Voluez Vous sunglasses @ Shop Intuition
  • Vivienne Westwood Anglomania New Drape striped dress @ Net-a-Porter
  • Adventurine Maltese Cross @ Kara Ross
  • Muxo Totisse cross body bag @ Shopbop
  • NAIK FuR spiral crochet cloche @ Smashing Darling
  • Christian Louboutin Trottinette ankle boots @ Net-a-Porter
  • Tolani Honeycomb scarf @ Shop Intuition
  • wooden hinge bangle @ Asos

  • dress up your jeans

    June 20th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ $$ $$$ $$$$ Brian Atwood Chanel Gap Julie Haus Alice accessories clothing earrings handbags jewelry necklaces pants shoes tops

    Jeans are considered one of the most versatile pieces of clothing in your wardrobe. They go with everything and go everywhere. In Manhattan, it’s practically a uniform to wear jeans dressed up to dinner. There are a few things to keep in mind to pull off this look. First of all, jeans are dressier looking in dark denim. Dark denim is much more forgiving, you can get away with ultra skinnies as easily as boot cut. To get a cool dressed up look, the key is to accent with dressy accessories. Wear jewels that you might wear to cocktail party. Pair it with a silk blouson top, and a fitted jacket for a finished look. The shoes and bag should stand out. We like the shine added by a patent pair of high heels and clutch. It’s a style that looks great in black and white, or with bold color popped in. Have fun with it!

    Thanks to Trenny Lynn, one of our fav Twitter fashion friends for this great post idea. She’s at the DMA Showroom in New York. Find her online here

    items in this observation:

  • Julie Haus Alice everyday top @ basic boutique
  • Chanel Signature earrings @ bagborroworsteal
  • Chanel Long Glass pearls @ bagborroworsteal
  • Brian Atwood patent platform sandals @ Saks
  • Hollywood Hills ‘Midnight Shadow’ jeans @ Paige Premium Denim
  • Tube patent clutch @ Jimmy Choo
  • quilted cropped blazer @ The Gap

  • how to work summer pieces into fall

    June 19th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ $$ Beirn Loeffler Randall Monica Vinader T-Bags accessories belts bracelets clothing coats dresses earrings handbags jewelry shoes

    It’s simply not realistic for all of us to have four seasons of clothing. So, we’re going to show you how to make a piece multi-seasonal. We all have our favorite “go-to” jersey dress for Summer. It feels light and airy on a hot humid day. In the summer you’re wearing it with bamboo bracelets, gladiator sandals, and a shot of turquoise in a Beirn bag. To make that dress work into the fall, put it with leggings or skinny jeans and a pair of tall boots. On cooler days, pop on a leather bomber jacket. Make a Fall statement by keeping the details in darker colors like an aubergine belt and handbag. Voila! You’ll get another couple of months out of one dress.

    items in this observation:

    Summer:

  • Beirn turquoise “Jenna” bag @ shop clothesline
  • T-Bags V-neck jersey dress @ Net-a-Porter
  • wood and shell bangles @ Topshop
  • FARO flat hoop sandal @ Topshop


  • Fall:

  • Monica Vinader Circle hammer earrings
  • Be & D Garbo mini shoulder bag
  • Nikki Jaggs Marie tie belt in aubergine @ revolve clothing
  • pocket hooded jacket ! Topshop
  • Loeffler Randall Carine suede boot @ Singer 22

  • sale items that translate beautifully into fall

    June 17th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ $$ $$$ Diane Von Furstenberg Fendi Kenneth Jay Lane MARC by Marc Jacobs Madison Marcus Monica Vinader Patricia Underwood accessories bracelets clothing dresses earrings handbags hats shoes

    If you have it in you to brave the stores at sale time, there can be some great finds. However, you’re best bet for finding pieces that work right through Fall is on the web. You can easily pull together a look with designer pieces that will not break the bank. The key is to look for more classic pieces (not boring pieces), not ones that scream last year’s trend. The idea is to keep the dress simple yet sophisticated. The boots should be classy with modern detail. The bag should work with it all and accessories are the place to have fun. Go for it with a leather jacket in a color like red or tan. Pop on some bangles, earrings, and a playful hat. The look is sleek, with a vintage feel, sexy, with classic grounded pieces. The best part about it all, is that you’re left with articles of clothing that you can work into your wardrobe without hesitation. Happy hunting ladies!

    sale items in this observation:

  • Patricia Underwood ribbon crochet beret @ Intermix
  • Monica Vinader Circle hammer earrings @ Net-a-Porter
  • MARC by Marc Jacobs JJ leather bowling bag @ Net-a-Porter
  • Diane von Furstenberg Baker jersey dress @ Net-a-Porter
  • Fendi patent leather boots @ eLuxury
  • Kenneth Jay Lane Leopard print bracelet @ Saks
  • Madison Marcus putty leather jacket @ Singer 22

  • the cold shoulder is back in style

    June 9th, 2008 · posted by Madeline Rhodes in $ $$ $$$ Ava Rose C.C. Skye Casta??er Dika Jimmy Choo Loeffler Randall Necessary Objects R & Y Augousti accessories clothing dresses earrings handbags jewelry rings shoes

    I’m sure none of us expected this blast from the past to return, but these asymmetrical pieces with goddess appeal are bombarding the style scene this summer!

    Busy neckwear is a no-no with these cutting edge necklines, however, a pair of large statement earrings, an eye-catching ring and a dramatic clutch are a definite yes. For an evening event, tap into a darker, more glamorous look with a playful hint of metallics. And if you’re thinking about flaunting a one shoulder dress during a summer’s day, choose a lighter and brighter look, topping it off with some neutral espadrilles and a wicker clutch.

    These single-strapped dresses are elegant, sexy, and versatile!

    items in this observation:

    top look:

  • enamel and pearl earrings @ Topshop
  • enamel deco ring @ CC Skye
  • Necessary Objects one shoulder dress @ Nordstrom
  • R & Y Augousti Park clutch @ Barneys
  • Jimmy Choo Aby snakeskin sandals @ Net-a-Porter


  • bottom look:

  • casablanca chandelier earrings @ fredflare
  • Ava Rose “Ew Clutch” @ plaza too
  • Loeffler Randall one shoulder dress @ Neiman Marcus
  • Castaner Dika espadrille wedges @ Net-a-Porter

  • rebirth in butterfly style

    June 5th, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ $$ $$$ Betsey Johnson Kenneth Jay Lane Tory Burch bracelets charms clothing dresses earrings jewelry necklaces tops trends

    It’s no secret the symbolism that accompanies the image of the beautiful butterfly. I can’t help but stare in amazement as this stunning creature flitters past. It’s not just their fairy-tale like beauty that strikes me, it’s the the journey the butterfly has taken to emerge so glorious. It’s the hope we all have for ourselves, that when it’s all said and done we debut as a superb being. The butterfly signifies change, rebirth, growth, and grace. Designers have officially been pulled by the power of the butterfly. They are everywhere from hair pieces to jewelry, t-shirts to lavish dresses. This summer is the perfect time to grab onto the magic of the angelic butterfly. If you have an appreciation, then it will be a timeless piece that will never go out of style. Butterflies are always welcome in the fashion world.

    butterflies in this observation:

  • leather butterfly hairstick @ Urban Outfitters
  • ‘Butterflies are Free’ necklace @ Urban Outfitters
  • Mikey large butterfly pendant @ Asos
  • Burnout butterfly top @ Topshop
  • Antica Veneziana butterfly pendant @ Forzieri
  • butterfly tube dress @ Guess
  • Tory Burch Bailey butterfly top
  • Kenneth Jay Lane butterfly necklace @ Shopbop
  • Mary L Couture Butterfly Charmeuse halter dress @ Nordstrom
  • Jessica Kagan Cushman butterfly big cuff
  • Filigree butterfly drop earrings @ Asos
  • lace butterfly twist top @ Topshop
  • Betsey Johnson ‘Sweetie Pie’ long strand necklace @ Nordstrom

  • candy-shop colored watches

    June 3rd, 2008 · posted by Jean Vouté Pratt in $ $$ $$$ $$$$ Gino Franco Gucci Nike Technomarine jewelry trends watches

    Let’s play a little bit with color this summer. Bold colors have been everywhere all spring long, it’s no surprise it’s a trend that translates right into summer. A watch is great place to show some color and you don’t have to spend a lot of money either. Tons of companies have a bold colored watch in their collections. You can go ultra-feminine with a more delicate watch, or a sport watch in a big bold beautiful color. We love to see a brightly colored sports watch, because it’s a masculine watch in a feminine color. It becomes a more unexpected and intriguing piece. Grab a blue watch that’s the color of the summer sky. Or a yellow one that is as brilliant as the sun. There’s even candy colored pink, and tangerine orange. The colors are refreshing and completely cool for the summer. I’m considering the Gino Franco with the yellow band and the pink face. It’s like a combination of lemonade and pink grapefruit juice - love it!

    watches in this observation:
    1st Row:

  • Ike Gommato Collection watch @ Nordstrom
  • Nike women’s Imara run multi-function
  • Officina Del Tempo women’s Agadir Turqouise Stingray @ World of Watches
  • Gucci Unisex 101 @ World of Watches
  • 2nd Row:

  • Glam Rock ‘Cruise Line’ embossed silicone strap @ Nordstrom
  • Invicta men’s Quinotaur Russian Diver watch @ Overstock
  • Technomarine women’s diamond chronograph @ World of Watches
  • Zodiac round face rubber band watch @ Nordstrom
  • 3rd Row:

  • Gino Franco pink & yellow men’s sport @ Amazon
  • Gino Franco blue men’s sport @ Amazon
  • Gino Franco red men’s sport @ Amazon