The trend I am not feeling: Bib Neclaces

This bib necklace thing has gone too far. I'm sorry, but these necklaces look like something was thrown up on these poor girls' shirts. The trend will go away and one day you will look at your closet and ask, "what was I thinking?" Even the models are thinking, "Dude, really?! Am I really modeling this right now?"

If you MUST buy a "bib" necklace...consider these tips before you purchase something you will regret in less than half a season.

• Stay away from a netting or fabric base. See pictures 2 and 4 above. These really look like baby bibs. I don't care how cool the stones or flowers on the netting are, please don't buy it. Just Say No!!!
• Look for a necklace with structure. Basically the antithesis of picture 1. If it looks like someone yacked on your shirt, or a 3 year old made it in arts class, it's probably a bad move. Here is a picture (on the right) of a bib necklace with structure. It would be fun in a bright orange...looks a little more like necklace and a little less like yack.
  
• Opt for stones and metal over fabric or chains. Again, see above pictures or the picture on the left. Clarification: stones on top of fabric are still not OK.
• Avoid necklaces that descend like upside down triangles. See pictures 3 and 4. It's hard for me to articulate why this looks odd. Just trust me on this one. Opt for something that has a more rounded, curved bottom. Of course the necklace will descend or narrow, just as long as it doesn't point down like an arrow you should be alright.

SMH, end of my rant.

Online Steals and Deals

Here are some of my favorite sites for finding great jewelry!
My absolute favorite: Gilt. Not a member? Go ahead and click on the link! The discounts on really quality discounts are unbelievably, too good to be true deep, making the most trendy designers accessible to the everyday person.

Rookie of the Year: eight1six. This site was started by two soon to be HBS alums (so you know it's legit), and I can't wait until it launches (sometime in April or May)! These ladies bring you designer jewelry before it hits high end department stores and specialty retailers without the retail markup (see necklace to the left). I think it will be a big hit. Sign up now and be one of the first to be "in on the secret!"

The Jury's Still Out: Rue la la. I'm pseudo impressed...the selection hasn't blown me out of the water yet but these $99 shoes are pretty sweet for a night out. Can't hurt to join right?

The thinking woman's e-commerce: oohilove. Think Sotheby's meets Ebay. This is an auction house recently launched by some Stanford grads, and the amount of over-thinking that went into this site is apparent. Warning: It's complicated. You buy bid packs, you pay money to bid but you might not win, but maybe you can redeem the bids somehow, and if you can't bid you can hire a bid assistant...huh?? I've taken 2 HBS courses on negotiations and I'm still confused...so many moving parts. But if you can figure it out, you might get some $250 Chanel earrings for $0.50 or a Louis Vuitton $447 wallet for $11.10. Understanding the system might be my summer project.

Mother's day finds: My friend Venus shot this over to me (check out her blog too!). If you're interested in jewelry for your mother's day gift, check out viv & ingrid. Enter promo code vimom25 for a 25% off discount through May 10!

Designer Spotlight: nOir Jewelry

Let your inner rock star out!! nOir jewelry is worn by such mega stars as Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Beyonce, SJP, Katy Perry, Gwen Stefani and more. Here's why I love it:

1) It's full of contradiction!: It's spikey, yet subtle, glam with edge, scary and sweet, all at the same time. You can't be easily compartmentalized and neither can your jewelry. I love a little uneasy contradiction, and this is it.

2) It doesn't look desperate. This jewelry will definitely attract attention, however you won't look like you're trying too hard to be cool and hip.
3) It's reasonably priced! Some pieces can cost $400+, but you could score a necklace or a pair of earrings for a decent price (nothing on this page costs more than $100). Also, nOir is often featured on Gilt, if you're looking for a deeper discount.

Keep your eye out for nOir!! OK, back to my paper:)

A Closet Must-Have: Wire Embellishment

Taking a quick break from paper writing and American Idol watching (goodbye Andrew and Katie) to write about one of my favorite "trends," jewelry embellished with wire. I can hardly call it a trend because I've been in love with it for about 4 years now. I was first introduced to the style when a couple of my friends took me to see "the earring lady" on W. Broadway in Soho and now I'm hooked. Here's why its so cool:
1) It's unique. Wire jewelry is often handmade, so really no two pieces look alike. I haven't seen this style produced en masse, so you probably won't see your jewelry on someone else.
2) It can be cheap. Any up-and-coming jeweler on the streets of NYC can throw together a beautiful piece of artwork made with wire, and they often do!
3) It's versatile! You can wear these pieces to work, to the club, or on a sunny day on the weekend.

They're super appropriate for the spring and summer so get your pair and start rocking them today! Now...back to my paper:)

1, 2, 3, 4....I Declare Designer Sunglass War

The sun is starting to come out on a consistent basis, and I'm excited to blog about summer accessories! Today, I launch an epic battle against designer sunglasses. I am hard pressed to find a pair that are truly splurge-worthy. DON'T DO IT.

A) I always lose or break my sunglasses. The more expensive they are the more I break them.
B) Some days I want to be a rockstar, sometimes I feel like a socialite, sometimes I feel like pilot, sometimes I want to re-live the 50's--and gosh darnet I should have a pair of sunglasses for all of those moods.
C) Outrageous sunglasses are fun! And for every pair of designer glasses out there, I can find one I like more for less. Some of the best pairs of aviator glasses reside in your local gas station. When I buy expensive sunglasses, I end up buying pretty basic ones, because I feel like I have to wear them every day to justify how much I'm spending, but then I'm bored with myself and my accessories. Everyone loses.

I remember in 2005, I bought my first legit pair of Paul Smith superstar glasses, and I was crushed when they broke for no good reason. Then I got some Chanel aviators...the lens fell out:(

I got these from Urban Outfitters. I'm often asked, "Who's sunglasses are those?!?!" Well Ms. Inquisitive Stranger, they're from the random designer of no one in particular. And yes, they do look pretty legit. I lost them in Thailand and I was pretty bummed...so when I got back to the States I went right back to the store and bought another pair (because they were only $10!!). I also suggest Filene's Basement or Marshall's for some great sunglass finds as well.

If I had to splurge on one designer, maybe it would be Ray-Bans. But if I do I promise to get fun ones, like these!!!

There are an array of very fun colors and styles and they retail at ~$135 so you can experiment without feeling too bad about it.
So join with me in ditching the designer duds this summer!

Summertime Trend: White Bling!

What is a must have for the summertime? A white dress coupled with some bedazzled white jewelry! That invitation to Diddy's Hampton White Party is probably in the mail as we speak and you need to be prepared.

Here are some ideas: A White Bedazzled bracelet or ring would be tons of fun for a party or a day on the town. Check this "Dazzle Cuff" out from Gilt's Miriam Salat Jewelry Sale. A little pricey for me (even after the 60%+ discount) but I'm sure you'll be able to find a pretty sweet knock off at Claire's or Aldo in about 5 weeks. Speaking of awesome, cheap finds, check out this "pave" ring from forever 21. $5.80. That's what I'm talking about. If this thing doesn't catch your eye from across the room, I don't know what will.




Another summer must have: A JEWELED WHITE WATCH. Make it happen. Below is an example of my idea of an ideal white summer watch . BUT if you're on a budget, try this one from Arden B. for $29, or head to Aldo Shoes and snab this $35 flexi watch. 5x the flexibility and 1/9th of the price:)

Home Accessories Anyone?

In my opinion, there are very few shopping trips that are more entertaining than searching for home decor. You can save on the basics, and use one little accent pillow to take a room from a B to an A- in a heartbeat. My favorite finds are vases, pillows, and mirrors. I'm moving to Chicago this summer and cannot wait to redecorate!

I would be remiss if I did not highlight my absolute favorite home decor store: Z Gallerie. Why do I love Z Gallerie? Only because my favorite pillows live there! ALL OF MY BEDS have featured an accent pillow from Z. Their home decor is simultaneously subtle, sparkly, classy, unique, and fun! Their website does not do the store justice, but check it out to get a taste and see if there's one near you! I never leave empty handed.