Roberto Cavalli for H&M

High street-designer mania is not settling by any stretch of imagination; while the Josh Goot hysteria at Target yesterday was mildly busy, Swedish chain store H&M today declares the rumours of an H&M cooperation with Roberto Cavalli.

“Fancy yourself as a Cavalli babe next winter – for next to nothing? The Italian designer most famous for dressing Gwyneth, Madonna, Beyoncé and Jennifer Lopez is next up to design a one-off collection for H&M – following sell-out-in-seconds collections from Karl Lagerfeld, Stella McCartney and Viktor & Rolf. "Roberto Cavalli has created a world of his own, iconic and full of fantasy, when it comes to colours, prints, and style," says H&M creative director, Margareta van der Bosch. "There is no place for shyness and no possibility of ending up with a mainstream wardrobe of everyday basics. The Roberto Cavalli collections represent an exuberant, successful lifestyle."

the structure of spring

La Garçonne (likely the first place I would go shopping upon winning the lottery) posted a short film today entitled Slate, which showcases the architectural features of dresses by H Chalayan, Heimstone and Vena Cava.

LIB reported last month that Heimstone's robe smoking was a disappointment, but I am experiencing extreme lust for Vena Cava's Ezra dress, which appears halfway through the film. Rough-edged layers just might be my theme of the year.

Manolo’s Tuesday Miscellany

Manolo says, here are the few links which may perhaps amuse...

Tell me this wouldn’t be the perfect footwear for a really well-styled lady superhero.

In his book, Tonello, 49, an Osterville native, reveals how he cracked the code for jumping the waiting list to purchase Birkins whenever he pleased. Naturally, this code has something to do with large amounts of cash.

Lately Mr. Henry has been thinking a lot about dirt.

Asch Grossbardt Jewelry

Fine Gold Inlay Jewelry

For over two centuries, the Asch and Grossbardt families have been a meaningful presence in the fine jewelry industry. Today, the Asch Grossbardt company is world renowned as the premier manufacturer of fine gold inlay jewelry. Based on the ancient jewelry-making tradition of mosaics, which was developed and perfected by Florentine craftsmen during the Renaissance, this exquisitely-executed jewelry resembles the stained glass windows of a glorious European cathedral.





Yellow Gold and Sterling Silver Inlay Bracelet

18k Yellow gold and sterling silver rubber cord bracelet with mixed mother of pearl inlay.



Examining the creations of Asch Grossbardt is very much like admiring a celebrated private art collection. Each piece is a remarkably precise execution of an artistic vision. Tiny pieces of spectacular gemstones - Mother-of-Pearl, Black Onyx, Lapis, Sugilite, Coral, Turquoise, Malachite, and Australian Opal - are transformed into seamless, beautiful patterns, in the nearly forgotten art of inlay.



Unlike enamel, which is applied on top of the metal, inlay jewelry involves hand-cutting and hand-setting small pieces of semi-precious stones to create an intricate, predetermined mosaic pattern. Highly skilled artisans follow the designer's illustrations with painstaking precision. Each piece of Asch Grossbardt inlay jewelry is a study in superb craftsmanship.





Inlay Necklace and Earrings



Once every stone is set, the piece is lapped on a wheel until it is so smooth that if you close your eyes and run your finger over the surface, it is impossible to tell where one stone ends and another begins. Although they are works of art, these pieces are also extremely durable and are guaranteed to withstand ordinary everyday wear.



Striking color combinations are a signature design element of the collection. These unique combinations include the sophistication of jet black Onyx paired with white Mother-of-Pearl, the majestic look of marine blue Lapis side-by-side with purple Sugilite, and the bright exotic hues of Coral, Turquoise, Malachite, and Australian Opal.





Mother of Pearl Inlay Ring

Sterling Silver and 18k Gold



Often referred to as collectors' jewelry, each Asch Grossbardt piece is not only a distinctive adornment, but also a wonderful representation of a lost art, featuring breath-taking color and meticulous craftsmanship. These unique qualities have placed Asch Grossbardt on the short list of the most-coveted collections by true connoisseurs of fine jewelry. Like any other art form, the fine inlay jewelry created by Asch Grossbardt has meaning far beyond its intrinsic value.

See full article.





Related Entries:

Jewelry Career Resources - 08 August 2006

Dawn Vertrees Jewelry Designer - 14 March 2008

Alexis Bittar Jewelry Designer - 14 April 2008

Lori Bonn Jewelry Designer - 17 April 2008

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A blog about blogs - plus size blogs, that is

One thing I like about being part of the plus community is reading what other people have to say on issues related to size, and particular, to fashion. So I want to link you to some of my favorite plus size places to visit on the web:

Too Fat For Fashion - This blog is the most high style of any of the plus size fashion blogs I've ever read. They cover all the Elana Miro runway shoes, write smart articles on the state of fashion, and they really know how to co-opt straight size trends for our size. A must read.

Pretty Pear - A mix of scoop on sales and fashion advice. Has lots of good links too.

Big Fat Deal - Interesting, funny and thought provoking. Only occasionally about fashion, but the blogs are always about something interesting.

Big Fat Blog - This site gets a little too fat activist-ish for me sometimes, but it covers a lot of interesting news articles related to obesity and how plus size people are portrayed in the media. I may not always agree but I am always intrigued.

Oh, and my fave blog ever, although not remotely related to size or fashion really, is:

Dooce - You have to read the background on this site to really get a feel for it. The writer Heather started blogging about her job as a hobby, then got fired for writing about her job on her blog, then eventually came to write such a popular blog that her blog is now her full time job. She writes about being a former mormon, raising a beautiful but challenging little girl, being married and other funny stuff like bodily functions. The blog is so popular that her dog now has its own calendar. Nuff said.

Colorful Freshwater Pearls

Multicolor pearls are one of the hottest trends this year. Freshwater pearls come in various pastel shades of white, pink, peach, lavender, plum, purple, and tangerine, depending on the type of mussel. Freshwater pearls come from freshwater mussels. Nothing is more natural than a pearl. Unlike gemstones, that are cut and polished to unleash their beauty, pearls emerge from the creature that conceived them.





Fiona Lavender Freshwater Pearl Ring

Genuine 9 to 10mm lavender freshwater button pearl.

Sterling silver and white gold plate.



Formation

Natural Freshwater pearls are formed within a mussel. These mussels open their shells slightly and allow water to flow in, so that they can take nutrients from the microscopic particles and organisms in the water. Small irritants such as small animals can also float in. Parasites can drill right through the mussel's hard shell. To protect itself, the mussel encloses the irritant in a sac and then secretes layer upon layer of nacre around the irritant, that in time produces a lustrous pearl.





Freshwater Pearl Multicolor Drop Style Necklace

Natural multicolor pearls: white, pink, and lavender.

8mm pearls suspended from a 16" chain.

Sterling silver chain and setting.



Pearl Color

Freshwater pearl color is determined by the mussel itself and environmental factors that affect the nacre as it is layered. The most prevalent natural colors are whites, as well as pastel colors in both pinks and lavenders. White pearls are still by far the most popular, but pastels in pinks and lavenders have slowly edged their way into the fine jewelry marketplace. The two colors are very popular for second strands, mixed-color strands or when a less traditional look is desired. Light pink and lavender are naturally occurring colors in freshwater pearls, but their colors can be enhanced after processing.





Golden and Dark Chocolate Freshwater Pearl Necklace

These 8-8.5mm, AA+ quality pearls have a great luster and inner shine. The necklace is 18" long and is strung on double silk thread, knotted between each pearl. The clasp is solid 14k gold.



Pearl Value

The value of Freshwater pearls can vary based on specific factors such as roundness, luster, size, surface quality, and color. As the pearls are nucleated with only tissue, they are 100% nacre. Pearl matching for finished jewelry pieces is also very important.



Shape

As cultured freshwater pearls are tissue nucleated only about two percent of any given harvest is round. As a result, roundness is one of the most important factors in the evaluation of freshwater pearls.



Luster

Pearls produce an intense, deep shine called luster. This effect is created when light reflects off the many layers of tiny calcium carbonate crystals that compose the pearl. This substance is called nacre. The more light reflected and the clearer the image, the better the pearl's luster. The luster of Freshwater pearls may be different than those of saltwater. Freshwater pearls tend to have a satin finish.



Size

Pearls can range in size from 1mm seed pearls to huge 20mm South Sea pearls. Cultured pearls of 6 - 7.5mm are the most common, above this size the price jumps upward rapidly with each half-millimeter from 7.5mm up. To date the largest pearl recorded is a 26.95mm baroque south sea pearl.



Surface Markings

As a mollusk creates a pearl, the layers of nacre do not always adhere smoothly. Sometimes spots and bubbles can appear in the layering process. Pearls with the smoothest surfaces are the highest-quality, most sought-after pearls.

See full article.





Related Entries:

Pearl Addiction - 15 July 2006

Rock Your Body with Jewelry - 26 July 2006

Fair Trade Bridal Jewelry - 02 August 2006

Robin Steele Jewelry - 26 August 2006

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sprite on rundle street

Stepped into the market in Adelaide, South Australia today to stock up on fruit and chocolate and wound up meeting Trude. (Norwegian, of course. I think I have inbuilt Scandi-radar). Most girls here are wearing shorts and tees through the drought season, but Trude opted for something more along the lines of Edwardian- bohemian. I particularly liked her coiffure and jewelled headband.

Argento Vivo Jewelry

Argento Vivo Signature Collection

The Argento Vivo Signature collection is inspired by the high-fashion, exotic locations, classic architecture, and the ageless craftsmanship of artisans. Each Argento Vivo Signature piece is hand-cast and hand-polished to ensure the integrity and quality of the collection. To enhance the natural beauty of the silver, each piece is also coated with a high-tech anti-tarnish process to maintain a lustrous shine.





Onyx Disc Pendant Triple Chain Necklace

Clean lines and minimalist design give Argento Vivo's jewelry an undeniable, timeless appeal.

• Onyx / Sterling Silver.

• Delicate triple chain link.

• Smooth onyx disc pendant.

• Lobster clasp closure.

• 31?'' long chain.



Necklaces range from links made of flowing forms and geometric shapes to chains and sophisticated leather cords hung with sculptural pendants. Most pieces feature Argento Vivo Signature's clasp, artistically created to incorporate into every piece as part of the design.





Satin Heart Charm Necklace

• .925 Sterling Silver, 18k Gold Vermeil.

• Chain: 16" Off Center Circle Links.

• Dimensions: 7/8" x 15/16" Pendant.

• Closure: Toggle.



Sterling Silver, with its seductively smooth texture, glossy sheen and fluid lines, is considered sexy and stylish by women of all ages. Argento Vivo Signature, the collection of high-polished silver has re-defined the art, passion, and fashion of silver jewelry.





Double Ornate Venetian Pendant

The ornate Venetian motif is accented with a hand-hammered gold drop, hanging free from the pendant.

• .925 Sterling Silver, 18k Vermeil.

• 32" Medium Bling Chain.

• Hand Hammered & Assembled.



The collection includes bangles and rings which range from sleekly defined to bold and chunky, and can be worn alone or layered with other Argento Vivo Signature pieces. Earrings and hoops feature linear chains hung with smooth silver nuggets, stiletto pendants in various widths and lengths, and tear-drop-shaped designs.





Filigree Fall Leaf Earrings

• .925 Sterling Silver.

• Lever Back.

• Oxidized.

See full article.





Related Entries:

Jewelry Career Resources - 08 August 2006

Couture Jewelry Awards - 04 March 2007

Jewelry Designer for Princesses - 08 March 2007

Argento Vivo Silver Jewelry - 22 March 2007

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"Subturban" Chic

After seeing a turban featured in the spring ads for Kohl's Simply Vera line, I decided I must have one. Never mind that I bought one almost a year ago when I was at H&M in London, when the trend was at its peak. We're a little behind on the trend curve here in the U.S., and I still haven't seen anyone (except myself) rockin' the trend here in my area of southern California. Turbans are a great alternative to the berets made so popular by celebs, emo girls, and just about every other girl on the street these days. I don't have anything against berets, but for some reason, when a trend such as this becomes ubiquitous, it loses its appeal to me. While I follow trends all the time, sometimes I just don't want to look like a carbon copy of any old girl you could find walking down the street. For now, I'll stash away the 4 berets I bought last season until the next windy/rainy/bad hair day. In an effort to revive Prada's spring '07 turbans, I'm going to seek out Vera Wang's $21 version at a local Kohl's store and wear it with pride...even if it's a little late.

Leave your comments, what do you think of turbans vs. berets?

Photo credit: kohls.com

It's Raining, It's Pouring...

...and the DCGF is snoring. Well, not really. Not yet anyway. But here in D.C. we've had nothing but rain for several days, now, and it's enough to induce a nap at almost any moment.

You see, I was supposed to be blogging to you live from the DC Green Day on Freedom Plaza in downtown D.C. But due to this inclement weather, I'm taking the day off. It's kinda like being a construction worker, only my boots don't have steel toes.

Anyway, they've reschedule the festivities for Wednesday, so if you're in the city between 10am and 2pm, stop by and see me at booth #4 for a chance to win a Goodwill of Greater Washington mug (see ya, paper coffee cups), reusable tote bag (sayonara plastic shopping sacks), or pen (everybody needs a pen, right?). And if you're lucky, the DCGF might even interview for some live-blogging! Show up wearing your best Goodwill outfit; I'll be taking pics for the blog and talking eco and recycled fashion with anybody that stops by the booth.

In the meantime, check out the New York Times Sunday Magazine edition to learn how a broad spectrum of retailers are going green, and how you can get involved. If you want to consume responsibly, check out the clearance section online of Kaight NYC, an eco boutique. You'll still pay more than "regular" retail, but with items like the cinch-waist dress from Burning Torch, at left, in modal, you can feel better about doing so.

And finally, if you're in the D.C. area, today's the day that Wild Women Wear Red shutters its doors. Stop by for amazing deals on fabulous shoes, bags, shirts, and accessories. I'll be there scooping up the 42s!

Goodwill’s fashion blog provides detailed knowledge and insight on vintage and contemporary clothing and accessories that are valuable to fashion shoppers. The facts and opinions shared present readers with entertaining, exciting and value based information on vintage and contemporary fashion and shopping trends.

On My Way...To B.A.

It's almost time for me to depart for my trip to Buenos Aires. I'm very excited since I've been looking forward to this trip for several weeks. Based on all of the reading, internet research, and street style blogs that I've seen, I think that Buenos Aires will be an amazing and stylish city. It certainly doesn't hurt that the exchange rate favors the U.S. dollar (to the tune of about 3.16 Argentine pesos to the dollar). As I do my last-minute preparations before leaving, I'm daydreaming about eating savory asado or empanadas in a parrilla, drinking ice cold mojitos, watching tango dancers, and buying locally made crafts. Expect to see plenty of photos and shopping reviews when I return, as I intend to do some good shopping!

eVintage Blog Tag - Maxed Out!

This week's eVintage Blog Tag theme is the Maxi Dress - 'We’ve been hearing it nearly every Spring the last few years . . . the maxi dress is back! Vintage sellers rush to their stashes of full length 70s dresses ready to supply the fashion forward with the real deal. A newer spin by the industry touts the maxi length as a “patio dress”

MAXI OR PATIO DRESS, AND WHY?
I like the sound of Patio Dress, it makes the maxi seem like a more casual kind of dress, for everyday wear.

FAVORITE MAXI DRESS IN YOUR INVENTORY?
Here's a rainbow of Maxi Dress styles - a great Mexican Wedding dress - perfect for casual Summer wear, a Tropical-Hawaiian type maxi in super lightweight fabric, Black Cotton velvet maxi for the Goth Gals and a strappy Maxi-Cocktail for an evening out on the town.




AS A TREND, WILL IT BE A HIT OR A MISS?
I think a Maxi or two could easily work their way into your wardrobe. I'm not a big follower of what celebrities wear, but I have to admit that Gwen Stefani makes a Maxi look very good - for a casual day at the beach or out at a special event.




DO YOU WEAR MAXI DRESSES OR SKIRTS?
I'm short, so it's a hard look for me to pull off.

PROS AND CONS?
A Maxi dress seems like an easy outfit to put together with just a few accessories. Cons would be finding the right print and style for your height and shape.

I was tagged by Vintage Joy and now I'm tagging Diary of a Mad Vintage Addict

Sorry, wrong number

It feels like just yesterday that I mentioned a novelty bag and noted that they often work best once they are vintage...well, it was actually 1 week ago to be exact.
And, while I admire designers who can mine the depths of handbag history, and create something new from the old, some styles were just meant to stay put in the archives.

The Betseyville by Betsey Johnson Call Me Betsey Satchel looks remarkably like the easy to find vintage Telephone Bag I wrote about back in April 2006. This redux version looks like a child's toy, maybe a Barbie Doll case (it even comes in Barbie ready shades of pink, lavender or teal). It doesn't help that the dial is just an applique, and the bag is small, about the size of an older telephone. Part of what made the original so darling was that it actually worked...in the days before cell phones, carrying your phone had some surprise value.
I do think that it could make a cute gift for a younger girl, which is who the Betseyville line is, I believe, ultimately intended for. At $65, it's also reasonably priced for that market.

Now, suppose you do have a thing for the telephone inspired, but don't want to be that obvious...

While I have no way of knowing what the actual inspiration behind it was, it seemed kind of a funny coincidence that this Betsey Johnson bag, the Golden Goddess Shoulder Tote immediately brought to mind that 1970's icon of wired communication, the Sculptura Donut Phone (the rotary version).

The Goddess Tote is also priced a bit more for the adult wallet, at $395. Maybe go for a mother/daughter telephone look and get one of each. Both the Betseyville Call Me Betsey Satchel and the Golden Goddess Shoulder Tote are available from Nordstrom.

The Sculptura phone, in the push button style can be had for $60-$80 from vintage purveyor Do Wah Diddy. (you can also try your luck on eBay, but they seemed more expensive).

Prehnite: Misty and Romantic

Prehnite is one of those gemstones that no one has ever heard of until suddenly you start seeing it everywhere. Discovered in the 18th century in South Africa by a Colonel von Prehn, prehnite is usually a light green colour - a distinctive green not quite like any other although I have seen people confuse it with green tourmalinated quartz. It is also found in Namibia, Germany, Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, India, Austria, and Canada as well as Scotland, Australia and France.
I like prehnite for its "misty" quality of green; some would say almost a milky quality although I disagree with that term. It does have black inclusions occasionally, but often these inclusions simply add to its beauty since the contrast with the pale green is quite beautiful. The prehnite bracelet above can be found on our Unique Gemstone Jewelry page, and the one below on the Unique Handmade Bracelets page. The prehnite bracelet above is simply two strands of prehnite blessed only with sterling silver for an accent, while the bracelet below also has the lovely lampwork beads of Suzette Celestin of Gaslite Lampwork. For those of you interested in the metaphysical aspects of gemstones, prehnite is best known for promoting lucid dreaming and is known as a protective gemstone with regenerative properties. It is also said to encourage energy flow through the body.
And here, because graduation is coming up, I've included a prayer box necklace with a difference: lampwork beads and genuine natural aquamarines. It's also loaded with sterling silver and would make a great graduation gift for a young girl who's special to you. Of course, the greatest part of the gift would probably be the prayer that you could write on a tiny piece of paper and put inside the prayer box so that it could accompany her on her journeys after graduation.

jewellery accessories jewelry fashion shopping braceletsbeads handmade beaded jewelry beading helmi gioielli smykker tak? juvelen lampwork beads The Jewelry Blog jewelry trends accessories jewelry prehnite unique bracelet handmade bracelet prayer box necklace