Wouldn’t it be loverly . . .
. . . to find the jewels of your dreams? Come to our Valentine Studio Show today and tomorrow!
Posted: February 1st, 2012 under Uncategorized - No Comments.
Best in dress–for your Jewels–and you–
I’ve had a number of conversations with clients, friends (who are also clients) and even strangers (met at the grocery, Peets, etc.) on what the best clothes are to wear with your jewelry. The most fascinating thing about this is, in my humble opinion, that the “fashion look” that best shows off your jewelry is also the one that best shows off you. With considerations aside over skirt lengths, silhouettes, and general style choices, there are many things you can do to optimize the look of your jewels and create the best effect for a more distinctive you:
1. Don’t wear busy prints such as florals, geometrics (never good for anyone–who wants to look like a walking abstract painting?)–especially above the waist. Steer clear of neon brights — they wash out the complexion and overwhelm one’s appearance altogether. These things detract from a lovely piece of jewelry, not to mention from a lovely you.
3. Do go for solid color–especially neutrals. Creams, navy, brown, the many shades of grey, even black. If you do go for more colorful options, make sure they are the right ones for your particular hair and skin color. Solid colors are like a flattering canvas on which to present the fabulous you and your fabulous jewels.
3. Do wear crew necks. They are back again–Anna Wintour would say they never went away. Crew necks, especially in solid colors, provide a marvelous background for jewels of all lengths.
4. Do be careful of your décolletage. You don’t want your necklace to disappear into the valley of a plunging neckline. Or then again, depending on where you are (Rome, the French Riviera), perhaps you might . . .
5. Go for — as the French call it — “le grande classique.” Wear simple classic styles that allow the creative, whimsical, poetic, sensual you to flower with your lovely, beguiling, and one of a kind jewels!
As an afterthought, I have a client who has come up with a perfect solution. She plans her daily wardrobe choice around the Dominion of Light Jewels piece in her own personal collection she has chosen for the day. Thereby insuring both she and her jewels are shown off the max!
Some examples of real life ladies in DOLJewels from our archives:
Posted: January 31st, 2012 under Uncategorized - No Comments.
New Jewels in Time for Valentine’s Day!
I’m posting new jewels inspired by love, (although one could say that all my jewels are inspired by love) in every collection. Inspired by love though they are, they are not, for the most part the usual Valentine fare. There are two new necklaces with hearts–how could I resist–both created from vintage findings, both timeless and classic. Amongst the other jewels, I must say there is much in shades of greens and blues–green chalcedony and fluorite, softly green pearls, French blue pearls, lapis, and turquoise. There is also a marvelous necklace with faceted pyrite, onyx, moonstone and garnet drops–a powerhouse of powerful stones. The bronzes are gold washed; the evocations are of long ago eras–Medieval, ancient Greek, the Directoire period in Paris–and more modern times with references to the Roaring Twenties, and the Boho fifties! So, kick off your shoes, have a glass of wine and enjoy browsing.
Just a note, check in frequently, it will take a few more days for all of them to appear online . . .
Posted: January 27th, 2012 under Uncategorized - No Comments.
The Height of Opulence
If you have not yet seen Maharaja: The Splendor of India’s Royal Courts at the Asian Arts Museum in San Francisco you are missing a breathtaking experience into a fascinating world where mind-blowing opulence was an everyday occurrence. There is an abundance of stunning things–from furniture, clothing (gowns for men, saris for women), artworks and ritual objects–an embroidered velvet throne canopy, and a silver coach so ornate as to defy imagination, jewelry of exquisite workmanship in enamel, pearls, rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and huge diamonds. A feast for the senses–
Hint — the first Sunday of every month is free and admission to the Maharaja exhibit a mere $5 . . .
Posted: January 20th, 2012 under Uncategorized - No Comments.
Downton Abbey! Fashion and fiction . . .
More on Downton Abbey–
I suspect that most readers of this blog, as I am, are Downton Abbey fans. For who could not love this brilliant series by the BBC? One Golden Globe win was not enough in my humble opinion! I was captured from Season 1, Episode 1 and am just as mad for it with the beginning of Season 2–
There is much to delve into for those fascinated by all things Downton Abbey. For fashion, I found a fascinating Slide Show at the Washington Post on the fashions of the times and those of today inspired by them –
For fiction–I also have a suspicion that many Downton Abbey fans are readers (am I correct in this assumption?)–interesting reading inspired by Downton may await you with this Reading List at the New York Times–
Posted: January 17th, 2012 under Uncategorized - No Comments.
J’admire: Iris Apfel
After somewhat of a respite from this blog, I am back. The holidays were jam packed and family issues needed attention. Although other exciting projects are calling, I can once again, at least for now, think about fashion, jewels and women to admire!
And so voila–Iris Apfel! A fabulous lady, who at the age of 88 is daring, bold and unabashedly herself in regards to fashion and joie de vivre. And did I mention, she’s not even a smidgen afraid of breaking the rules–
Go to this link at the marvelous Guardian UK to discover more . . .
Posted: January 12th, 2012 under Uncategorized - No Comments.
How to dress like a flapper for New Years . . .
More on the 1920′s inspired fashion (much anticipated by Yours Truly) that’s “trending” now and into the Spring — click this fashion video at the Guardian UK to find out how to dress like a flapper for New Years! The only thing missing is the jewels — sparkly dazzling things, and/or Sautoirs to complete the effect!
Posted: December 30th, 2011 under Uncategorized - No Comments.
Lift your mood with Sparkle!
New Years Eve is almost here — do you have some sparkle to light it up?
See our Stardust Memories collection for sparkling, dazzling jewels for New Year’s Eve and to keep your mood shining bright for all the New Year! And there are many more sparkling jewels to see in the collections at the loft . . .
Posted: December 27th, 2011 under Uncategorized - No Comments.
May your holidays be marvelous, merry, blessed and bright!
Princess Anya from the Legende Collection, The Circling Charm from Femme Boheme and The Seeds of Love from Cabinet of Mysteries. Handmade card by Laura Jackson
Posted: December 22nd, 2011 under Uncategorized - No Comments.
Is there a “holiday” jewel?
Someone once asked me if I thought there were particular kinds of jewelry not to wear during the winter holiday seasons. How could that be, one might ask, in these days where people blaze their own style paths and trends come and go, sometimes faster than the speed of light?
And so, although my answer to the question would be no — I do not think that there is any particular kind of jewelry not to wear during the holidays (barring things one should never wear, but that is another subject entirely) — I do think that there are things best worn during the holidays:
Obviously, anything that glitters is fabulous for the holidays –rhinestones and paste in diamond hues and brilliant gem-like colors. Anything opulent and slightly over the top is divine with the wools, velvets and faux furs of winter. Sautoirs are marvelous for holiday outfits, especially with the long tunics, tights and high boots that everyone wears for the winter months. I think too, that opulence and statement pieces (as long as they don’t overwhelm) are stunning for the holidays–especially for that evening at the ballet or opera. Actually, all of these jewels are perfect for the holidays (and beyond as far as I’m concerned), not only for parties, dinners, and other holiday pastimes; they are perfect also for that intimate holiday dinner with the one you love . . .
Glorious Glittering — GARBO
The Sublime Sautoir — DANSE SAUVAGE
Opulence — GRAND AMOUR
Stunning Statement — LES TROIS ETOILES
Posted: December 20th, 2011 under Uncategorized - No Comments.