Fashion Trends

Spring has sprung. Flowers are flowering and birds are…birding. Let’s celebrate!

Here’s a quick peak at some simply “must haves” for this season of bloom and brightness from the lovely ladies at Refinery 29:

Above, from left:

Stella McCartney Floral Dress, $4,095, available at Net-a-Porter, image via Style.com. “I always gravitate to this type of flowing floral dress…but this one’s the pinnacle.”

Petite Bateau Bralette, $35, available at Petit Bateau; Petit Bateau Boy Shorts, $28, available at Petit Bateau. “Every spring I like to ditch all of last season’s unmentionables and start fresh. And this sweet little top and bottom is precisely the reason why.”

Nars Lipstick in Funny Face, $24, available at Sephora. “Come spring, I love switching my red lip in for the most intense shade of hot pink (it always reminds me of big beautiful camelia flowers!). Julie Hewett makes a great one called Scarlett, and Nars’ shade of Funny Face is equally divine.”

Above, from left:

Rachel Comey Bobcat Top, $255, available at Bird; Rachel Comey Shore Pants, $345, available at P.45. This silhouette pairing is kind of my uniform all year round, but it seems particularly perfect now in Rachel’s signature offbeat color combo.

Kenzo Metallic Jacket, image via Style.com. “Being from Long Island, I will always have a weakness for some flash, and this gorgeous metallic blazer could easily become my summertime staple.”

Acqua Di Parma Colonia, $98, available at Neiman Marcus. “This classic citrusy scent just smells like spring and summer. Plus the splash bottle really lets me overdo it, which I am sadly known for.”

Cartier Entrelaces Ring in Yellow Gold, $850, by Cartier. “Absolutely perfect in every way…a great piece on its own or layered with some of my other crazy rings.”

Keds Champion white canvas sneaker, $35, available at Keds. “These are probably the only kind of shoes both my mom and I swear by. The classic plimsole kick only gets chicer with age.”

Platinum is one of the three precious metals, the strongest, and has the longest shelf-life. The world’s supply of platinum is very limited, making it the most expensive metals. It’s also seeing a substantial resurgence in the jewelry world. According to National Jeweler:

1. Classic Bridal à la Mad Men: Inspired by TV phenomenon Mad Men, classic dressing and classic engagement ring styles from bygone eras, including the 1960s, are back. Who encapsulates the look? Think timeless celebrities such as Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly, or their modern equivalents such as Beyoncé or Natalie Portman.

In terms of engagement rings, classic options range from a simple polished platinum setting with a solitaire diamond, or a vintage-inspired style with filigree.

“But classic doesn’t have to mean simple,” says Heather Zachary Rogoff, manager of public relations for Platinum Guild International USA in New York. “The recent engagements of Reese Witherspoon and Natalie Portman, both of whom received platinum rings, is a perfect example of two classic women who chose very different, but classic engagement ring styles.”

Portman’s ring exemplifies the popular “halo look,” with a round solitaire surrounded by a double halo of diamonds, while Witherspoon’s classic platinum ring is an Ashoka diamond set in a platinum and diamond band.

“These looks will undoubtedly set a trend for engagement ring styles in 2011,” predicts Zachary Rogoff.

2: Colored Stone Brides: The runways are filled with colorful fabrics featuring exaggerated movement, volume and ruffled detailing, and the fanciful hues in apparel appear poised to captivate the bridal jewelry market. Brides-to-be are seizing the trend with engagement rings set with colored stones such as sapphire, ruby and citrine—and the natural white hue of platinum helps these true jewel tones pop.

3. Full-bloom Engagement Rings: In 2011, expect to see engagement rings with a variety of floral motifs inspired by the 1970s. Whether the design consists of “petals” surrounding the center diamond, or the floral motif is part of the band, much of this intricate detailing can only be accomplished in platinum. This style is ideal for brides-to-be who prefer romantic looks.

Above: Floral-inspired engagement rings, like this one by Mark Schneider, set in platinum, are a budding trend; suggested retail price is $4,200 for the semimount.

4. Tennis bracelet Redux: Popular since the 1980s, “tennis bracelets” set in platinum are hot again among Hollywood’s most fashionable crowd, with actresses Rachel McAdams, Amy Adams, Claire Danes, and Penelope Cruz among those hitting the “courts,” with these classic pieces, which are so easy to dress up or down. Platinum is a choice setting for tennis braclets, because of its durability, its ability to hold gems more securely and its white color, which looks just right with diamonds. Let’s not forget the slimming effect of wearing a symmetrical pattern of diamonds on your wrist. The latest twist: For extra glamour, stars are piling on multiple tennis bracelets with different diamond cuts.

5. Clustered Up: Instead of same-old, same-old diamond studs, one of the latest looks in earrings is diamond clusters, a look favored by A-listers including Demi Moore, Anna Kendrick and Jennifer Garner. The clusters sit right on the ear and feature two or three diamonds: punchier and more elegant than just one.

Tom Cruise proposed to Katie Holmes atop the Eiffel Tower with this five-carat Edwardian style oval cut solitaire diamond ring with pave detail. The ring is set in platinum and rose gold and is estimated to have cost $250,000.

Kate Winslet sparkled in a Tiffany & Co platinum and yellow diamond pendant (19 carats total), platinum and yellow diamond drop earrings (ten carats) and three platinum and yellow diamond bracelets.

Kathy Bates is wearing a platinum and rough diamond necklace (61.48 carats total), platinum and rough diamond earrings (56.59 carats total), and three stacked platinum and rough diamond bangles (54 carats total)

Above: Floral-inspired engagement rings, like this one by Mark Schneider, set in platinum, are a budding trend; suggested retail price is $4,200 for the semimount.

The new generation of diamond tennis bracelets includes this one by Steven Kretchmer, set in platinum, which retails for $30,200.

This is one of the prettiest tanzanites we’ve seen in a long time!

We started with our style 10208 and tried a couple of different shank styles (see the Photoshoped images above) before ending with what you see in the finished piece.

The inspiration

Did you ever make a fashion resolution for the New Year? It’s more fun than dieting or being kinder to your neighbors!

Here’s a quick look at some of the trends for the upcoming year thanks to FashionStyleMe, to give you some ideas:

To ensure that your look does not get stereotyped, it is important that you diversify your jewelry collection and include some in vogue pieces that can be paired with various outfits and worn on various occasions. If you like experimenting with different jewelry pieces, you will have great fun mixing and matching the jewelry trends for Fall/Winter 2011. Some of these are listed below:

Go bold with statement jewelry that is available in bright colors and comprises mostly of chunky pieces. The keyword while choosing these pieces is that they should stand out rather than blend with the outfit. Go for extra-large bracelets, shiny danglers for ears, flashy necklaces.

Metal jewelry has also made a splashy return on the fashion runways this winter. However, do not confuse this with classical pieces made of gold or silver. Instead go for jewelry pieces made of lightweight metals that are available in shiny white and yellowish hues. The structured pieces are a major hit as they look quite beautiful composition wise. However, you can also go for oversized metal jewelry available in angular and asymmetrical shapes.

If you are a fan of motifs in jewelry, now is your time to show them off as strong motifs are being used by jewelry designers across the world. Do not hesitate to mix and match various elements such as animal motifs, floral motifs and religious motifs. Simply combine these pieces in such a way that they create a unique look to complement your ensemble.

The fringe is back in fashion this winter season and it is no longer restricted to adorning outfits, handbags and shoes. This style can be seen in jewelry pieces as well that are quite a craze this season, thanks to similar pieces being worn by celebrities on the red carpet. Another hot jewelry trend this season is the layered necklaces. To carry off this look you need to exercise greater caution in the selection of your outfit rather than the jewelry.

Do not forget to invest in a few square bangles this season. These are a must have for every fashionista. Those who are in love with chunky rings can flaunt huge Retro inspired rings that not only look great but are easy on the pocket as well.

It’s been a trying time economically but we’re starting to see a glimmer of light at the end of a long tunnel. Fashion, as usual, displays hints and themes that are relevent to our current state of affairs. Hence why the winter jewelry trends of 2010 – 2011 show a return to the basics, with a few over-the-top pieces showcasing an emerging sense of hope and celebration.

Take pearls for instance. Pearls are seeing a definite resurgence and for good reason – they imply a sense of purity and hope. They represent simple beauty and remind us of jewelry “way back when.” This gives us a connectivity to our past that’s needed when times are tough.

In addition, eco-friendly jewelry has never been…friendlier! People are becoming increasingly aware of the global implications of their fashion choices.

Here are some other pieces to include in your collection:

• Antique, Vintage, Retro & New Combinations
  Dramatic, unique, unusual necklaces (simple… yet exotic)
  Ornamented Bracelets
  Eclectic Natural Look
  Crystal, Rhinestone & Venetian Art Glass
  Black, Grey and Neutrals
  2011 Color Predictions
  Faux & Real Pearls
  Over-The-Top Rings (not gaudy, but daring)
  Enormous Hoops and Chandelier Earrings
  Green Eco Aware Movement

Source: Squidoo.com

Fresh water pearls - a Constant Classic - click on image for more info

Platinum is hot…but was it ever not? Known for its rarity, purity and durability, platinum is the perfect choice to represent ever-lasting love. Here are some recent bridal ring trends that use this classic metal:

Color
From ever-popular sapphire to trendy “champagne” and “cognac” hues and rare pinks and yellows, colored diamonds and precious gemstones continue to be bridal favorites among ladies seeking a little something different.

Above: Fusaro engraved wedding band in platinum with diamonds and sapphires; suggested retail price is $4,600. (800) 258-0385 or FusaroJewelry.com

Above: Yves Frey oval-shaped yellow diamond ring with two kite-shaped side stone diamonds flanked by small brilliant-cut diamonds and six small yellow diamonds.

Vintage-style
Brides continue to show a penchant for new rings that don’t look quite so new. To help them tap into the vintage-style bridal trend, point out platinum designs with milgrain detail, engraving and halo settings.

Above Left: Beaudry “Boutique Colisee” semi-mount ring in platinum for 0.90-carat round brilliant center stone.

Above Right: Kirk Kara platinum and diamond wedding band for her from the “Charlotte Collection” and platinum satin-finish wedding band for him from the “Artin Collection;” suggested retail prices are $4,160 and $5,220, respectively.

Entry-level
Platinum bridal designs at entry levels have been making further entree into the market as designers continue to cater to cost-conscious yet value-seeking consumers via platinum pieces with lighter diamond weights and less metal.

Above Left: True Knots 6-millimeter brushed-finish wedding band for him and 5-millimeter brushed-finish wedding band for her; suggested retail price is $1,500 for the men’s ring and $1,000 for the ladies ring.

Above Right: Ostbye ladies engagement ring in platinum; suggested retail price for semi-mount is $2,186.

Floral
Floral motifs have been blooming in bridal designs, with jewelry artisans finding newfound inspiration in the beauty of nature. Ever romantic and supremely feminine, intricately detailed floral designs fit right in with the trend for antique-style jewelry.

Above Left: Saturn Jewels platinum semi-mount engagement ring with 0.50 carats of diamonds and wedding band with 0.52 carats of diamonds.

Above Right: Ritani floral design engagement ring in platinum with round center stone supported above micropave diamond-encrusted petals and micropave diamonds on the mounting. The ring features a graduated diamond shank with two rows of micropave diamonds.

Source: NationalJewelry.com

And remember, we specialize in designing rings just like ones above for a fraction of the price (but the quality and craftsmanship remain firmly in place!)

Right now, our Design it Yourself contest is officially ON – you tell us about the piece of jewelry you’ve dreamed of and we create it, with your budget in mind. If your piece is chosen by our online audience, you save even bigger!

We just finished this yummy ring for a local client of ours. It’s new to the line, exclusive to us, and not on the site yet. If anyone wants to ooohhh and ahhhhh over it, give us a call and we’ll ooohhhh and ahhhhh with you!

We’ve shown it with a couple of matching wedding bands. Seems that having multiple wedding bands is all the rage right now. Also, multiple wedding bands make great anniversary and occasion presents!

As usual, you can have this ring made with any stone, metal and combination you prefer! Better photos forthcoming.

The Client’s Letter:

Hi Beth and Joe

I took Friday off work to go to Cologne to pick my ring up from my aunt, and just wanted to let you know, that I have become an absolute magpie!!!

I love my ring, love the look, the feel, the stone everything. And the size is perfect!!

Thank you so much for working with me on this. I have already started telling friends and family about Schubach jewelers.

Thanks also to the goldsmith who did the craft work, and added their touch!

I have had a very good experience working with you, and wouldn’t hesitate to do so again if I had another “project”.

Best regards,
Nicolette

Camel.

No. Not this one:

This one:

According to The Los Angeles Time fashion section:

COLOR ME CAMEL‬‪

If there was any doubt that camel is the color of the fall season, it was cleared up by designer Hannah MacGibbon. Her Chloe collection was a study in the classic hue and every other shade of beige, from caramel to bark to bisque.

Camel is a fresh alternative to black, reflecting fashion’s renewed interest in classic American-style sportswear, a trend that we saw on the runways in New York at Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs and Derek Lam, and in Milan at Gucci and Max Mara.

In Paris, nearly every designer had a camel coat on the runway. Chloe’s MacGibbon showed sturdy man-tailored camel’s hair coats alongside sleek high-waist trousers, dotted bow-front blouses or chambray shirts, and cowboy boots.

At Stella McCartney, the camel coat was sportier, more akin to an anorak. At Hermes, it was cut close to the body with a smart black leather collar. Lanvin’s camel coat had sculpted power shoulders.

Hussein Chalayan showed a camel’s hair poncho. And at Martin Margiela, camel came in the form of a classic turtleneck sweater, paired with a crimson red coat — a color combination that’s definitely worth trying on at home.

As for the perfect jewelry acompaniment, we think Gemesis is a real standout and a natural pairing against the rich, lush texture and color of camel.

Here’s a perfect suggestion:

Style 9026GM

Filigree Diamond Pendant

Hand engraved pendant with hand applied scrolls and a 3/4ct Gemesis cultured diamond with fancy yellow or orange color on an 18″ wheat chain. Pendant measures approx. 8mm in diameter.

Available Metal: 18kt White Gold and Platinum

Joe

Just wanted to let you know that as I am typing this I am wearing the ring of my dreams. It came in today and all the girls at work oooed and ahhhed over it. It is amazing. One of a kind and absolutely gorgeous. Thank you so much for being so professional, knowledgeable and courteous. I will definitely be in contact with you soon to get Ryan’s wedding band.

Thanks again you and your company are an absolute pleasure!

Dagni