Tribal Necklaces

Remember that we previously discussed adding a statement necklace to your wardrobe? One of the ones we discussed is now on sale at Banana Republic. The Heritage Labyrinth, which once sold for $125.00, is now $49.95.  Tribal necklaces are hot for this upcoming Spring. If you want to go all over the top, Banana has also added a new necklace, priced at $225.00. The Tribal Chainsis a collared necklace which would probably look best with a round-neck or a deep cut cowl-neck that will not detract from the shape of the necklace.

Until tomorrow,


Chamele

Awesome Valentine's Day Gifts from: Bespoke Bijoux at Max & Chloe

Valentines Day is just around the corner. Hubby and I do not exchange large gifts. He is in that school of men that find Valentine's Day to be a "commercial" holiday created by merchants in order to get people to spend. If you know me, no one has to create a holiday in order to entice me to spend. I do agree with Hubby's assertion that we should celebrate Love everyday and not just February 14th. He will do candy, flowers and the dinner thing, but I have to say, "I would not mind something in a little box every once and full moon," (notice I didn't say blue moon, full moons come more frequently.) If he were wanting to surprise me he could choose any of the following, and if he were not around, I would certainly be loving myself with one of the nice picks below. Note: please DO NOT  wait on someone else to love you, love yourself; and here's a couple of ways how to do just that:

 

The Avanessi Love Necklace. The word "love" hangs lengthwise from the chain in a simple lowercase script. The chain is 16 inches long with a a 1.25 inch pendant.  The necklace comes in yellow, white and rose gold. I like The Avanessi Love Necklace best because it has some bling, but it is still simple.  It is modern and sleek. The Avanessi Love Necklace  sells for $200.00 atMax and Chloe.

 

I also like the Avanessi Love Ring. I would probably get the rose gold. I have been wanting rose gold lately. I have been on this pink kick for the past four or five years ( I guess I didn't get it in when I was young).  So anything pink, including jewelry catches my eye.  The Love ring is 14 karat rose gold with a diamond accent. You can find it at Max and Chloe for $298.00.

 

I know this sounds cheesy, but the Love at First Sight cuff is sooooo romantic. The 14 karat gold plate cuff has the words "love at first sight" written in braille. Get it? It is as though you are seeing with your heart. Awwww!!!!  You know you like it. The gold plate cuff is 1/4 inch wide, 2 inches in height and 2 1/2 inches in length. It fits "most" wrists. The Erica Anenberg Braille Love at First Sight Cuff at Max and Chloe for  $180.00.

 

This is the ultimate in cheese.  The West Avenue Jewelry Heart   initial heart necklace has two letters  sandwiched between a heart. Cheesy, but cute! It is the ultimate 80's. I can imagine someone in stonewashed jeans and a sweater vest with collared shirt and white Reeboks putting the necklace on then sticking her hand in her boyfriend's back pocket. The pendant is 3/4 inch high and 1 inch long and hangs on a 16 inch chain. It comes in sterling silver, gold-fill or solid 14 karat gold.

 

The Je T'aime Twosome Ring is another pretty cool and funky way to say, "I love you." I absolutely love the French language. I studied it for six years because it was so beautiful. Saying, "I love you," in French, in 14 karat gold plate, across two knuckles is worth 10 dozen roses. The Erica Anenberg Je T’aime Twosome Ring  is available at Max and Chloe for $80.00.

 

Another funky piece that caught my attention is the Cynthia H Let Love Rule Cuff.  The bracelet is a metal alloy plate with the words  “Let love rule.” The plate is connected to blush colored leather bands anchored by shiny metal links.  If you do not like any of the other cheesy pieces, this  piece has the least cheese yet still conveys the same message. The Let Love Rule Cuff is $50.00 at Max & Chloe.  

 

Beyonce said it best, "If you liked It then you shoulda put a ring on it," or a necklace, or a bracelet.. .

 

Until tomorrow,

 

Chamele

Day 1: Aurelie Bidermann Jewelry

Hello Divas!

 

Well we are wrapping up our 30 days of Luxetips!  It has been a blast!  Chamele is awesome and we hope to see her return very soon.  Next up, is Luxetips' "Best of 2010" beauty and fashion products.  Yes these are great items I loved and wore out this year. And guess what?  You will get an opportunity to win some of the items from my "Best of 2010" List!  Woot!  So check back in tomorrow to win big! 

 

Cuff 'em Dano!

I saw an awesome gilded gold lace cuff in a fashion magazine recently. It is the kind of piece that screams Grecian Goddess. I already know which pieces I would wear it with- a one-shoulder turquoise jersey dress or a sleeveless black silk jumper. You get the picture.  In my mind, I already own the cuff.  On my hunt for a cheaper version, I ran across what else but a more expensive version.  However, the price was not that off-putting because the Aurelie Bidermann cuffs are such exquisite works of art made from real lace.  One dipped in 18 karat gold and the other dipped in blackened silver.  

 

The 18-karat gold cuff makes you think your face would launch a thousand ships, while the Blackened Silver Cuff is equal parts glam and edgy.  

 

I could see Heidi Klum and Marilyn Manson in it alike.  Aurelie Bidermann's lace cuffs are priced at $1890.00 on Net-a-porter and are in such high demand, they are currently unavailable. However, rings from the same line of dipped cotton lace are available for $460.00. If ever you wanted to be cuffed... .

 

Until tomorrow,

 

Chamele

American Eagle Rhinestone and Chain Bracelet

while browsing for holiday gifts, i discovered this Rhinestone and Chain bracelet from American Eagle Outfitters. i'm hoping this will be liked (and worn) by my hardest-to-buy-for-because-she-is-the-complete-opposite-of-me friend. this little cutie has a row of clear rhinestones, a row of dark rhinestones and a bronze chain link-- it's sparkly (love!), but still casual enough to be worn with jeans (her basic unform). :)

visit ae.com for more info.

xo

Day 12: The Statement Cocktail Ring

Hello Divas!

Yesterday, I asked what were you thankful for?  Well let me tell you a few things I am thankful for: a nice home for shelter, transportation, food, clothing and shoes for myself and my kids, good health and more importantly Life.  We take this things for granted, but in other parts of the world, people do not have the basics. The basics.  So we need to be so grateful and thankful to have the basics.

Chamele, thinks we all should have that one statement cocktail ring and I agree. Enjoy!

While flipping through one of my favorite fashion magazines, I ran across the website Made Her Think, an online jewelry site with some edgy flavor. For the last year, the designers have had me thinking about two rings in particular. Only one is shown below but both are very similar. Constructed from brass and glass beads, the Siren Knuckle Buster  extends a half length of a finger or about 5 cm. The other knuckle buster is the same brass and glass bead construction but instead of extending vertically, that one extends horizontally across two fingers.

I rarely purchase jewelry, but these statement pieces would give edge to my somewhat romantic preppy style.  As a stylist, I find the best way to personalize your style is to add a touch of another style. For example, if you usually wear a classic preppy attire, add a little edge with some funky suede booties, and replace the regular laces with a fun grosgrain ribbon.   You break up the feeling of being too matchy-matchy or too costumey, you stretch your style, and you may even put some extra pep in your step.

Although the Made Her Think store is currently under reconstruction, you can find the Sire Knuckle Buster at Max and Chloe for $88.00!

.

 Until tomorrow,

Chamele

South Moon Under: Monogram is back!

Hello Divas!

Don't waste time worrying about life.  Remain faithful and everything always works out!

Chamele loves monograms.  I have not been a fan myself, but these are Classic. How do you feel about monograms?

Day 21

I love monograms! My mother always made me feel as though my name was special. She would have oxford shirts monogrammed at the local JCPenney for my sister and I to wear to school. Even now, my sheets, towels and throw pillows are monogrammed.  However, I never had the pleasure of owning any monogrammed jewelry. Not even in the Eighties when a trip to local flea market could result in a gaudy gold-plated necklace.

Sex and the City’s character Carrie made the Eighties trend ever more popular, and the show’s sixth season saw Carrie searching for her necklace and herself. In a sense the necklace was a reminder to Carrie to stay true to herself. You may not need to wear your name on your chest to remind you of who you are, but monograms are simply fun to wear. 

South Moon Under, a favorite online spot, offers a great range of  monogrammed jewelry by Jennifer Zeuner.  Some of her notable pieces include:  a gold plated bangle for $75.00, a cursive Carrie-esque gold vermeil necklace for $143.00,  and a swirly initial necklace $176.00. My only complaint is that it takes four to six weeks for processing. (Sad face) Nevertheless, just in time for Christmas.

Until Tomorrow,

Chamele

Mixed Media and Mixed Metal Jewelry: FIERCE!

Hello Divas!

I hope your Tuesday is simply superb!  I am enjoying God's blessing and loving life!

It is Day 25 and Chamele discusses the new "it" accessories, mixed media jewelry.  Love, love, love.  Do you have a mixed media statement piece? 

Day 25

Mixed media jewelry and mixed metals are all the rage right now. I am fond of mixed metal necklaces and rings in particular because when I have one on mixed metal piece I do not feel weird wearing  silver earrings and a gold ring or vice versa. A mixed metal necklace ties it all together.   My favorite mixed metal necklace is  no longer being carried at Banana Republic, I wear it with everything, whether I dress up or down. Here are a few similar necklaces currently sold at BR  that appear to be equally satisfying:

The Heritage Labyrinth Necklace may look a bit over whelming;  but truly, if you wear it, you will not need much other adornment. It makes a  bold statement. I love how the 10k gold plate and silver are interwoven. The necklace defies convention, appearing to be seemingly otherworldly.  I could picture this sort of statement necklace peaking from underneath  an ordinary collared shirt. It sales at Banana Republic for $ 125.00

I am absolutely in love with the High Tea Knot.  Not much of a pearl girl,  myself, this is the perfect twist to a look that may otherwise dates its wearer.  The High Tea  Knot is delicate without being overly demure. The interplay of metal and pearls in the knot is both unique and classy and flattering wearers of all  ages. The necklace is funky without  giving the look that you are trying to hard.  It sales at Banana Republic (BR) for  $59.50. I can hear it softly whispering my name.

The Heritage Tangle Treasure Necklace, like the Heritage Labyrinth Necklace is a good number for work. It has a new-age professional edge. Gold and silver links are twisted with rope, glass beads, and a herringbone flex chain. The huge lobster claw closure makes ensures an easy grasp. It sales for $ 98.00 and is also found at BR.

 

Until tomorrow,

Chamele

Kim Kardashian Wears Born Famous Couture "Dagger" Necklace

Kim Kardashian was spotted around los angeles a little over a week ago wearing a fabulous statement necklace (if you must know, her errands included lunch at Divine Pasta, a visit to Shades hair salon and then a meet-up with her mom at Giorgio Baldi in santa monica). the Born Famous Couture "Dagger" Necklace gave her neutral, body-conscious dress the perfect bit of edge without being over the top.

like what you see? it's currently available at the Diane Merrick boutique in los angeles.

xo
image of Kim Kardashian from x17online.com; image of necklace courtesy of Born Famous Couture

NYC Shecky's Girls Night Out Recap -Spring 2010

I was invited to attend the NYC Shecky's Girls Night Out event at 82 Mercer last week. I have been a regular at their events for the past 2 years (attended their Fall Girls Night Out and Holiday Night Out just 7 months ago), so I was excited to go again this Spring! This was a new venue for me in Soho and it was fantastic! There were 3 large rooms with so many great jewelry & fashion vendors. Luckily I got there by 5:30pm right before a huge line started to form around 6pm. It was packed already inside so I'm not surprised they had to control the crowd. Check out some of the bling-bling that I saw!



Of course, while shopping or browsing these great vendors, everyone was enjoying drinks at the bars from the main sponsors:

In addition to the regular Beer Tasting event, they had something new from Lean Cuisine. We got the chance to sample their Garlic Chicken in their refridgerator/frozen section. So yummy! They set up this photo opp with the Lean Cuisine right before entering to get your sample and dine in their mini cafeteria.



While enjoying my snack, I got to sit and really look at my over-stuffed Goodie Bag. LOOK AT ALL THIS! This time is by far one of the best bags I have gotten at Shecky's!

Some of the brands that you probably recognize are: Colgate, Rembrandt, Febreeze Home Collection, Band-Aid, Goody, Venus shaver, Suave Naturals, Jergens, Body Shop, Lisa Gardner book, Aveeno, Softlips, Lady Speed Stick, Dr. Scholls and more!

I'm excited to try a lot of the new products, especially the Febreeze Home Collection Diffuser and Scented Lamp! I don't normally use these at home, but I'm looking forward to trying the diffuser for my bathroom and the lamp for my living room. I also liked there were a few products that will great for travel- shaver, lotion, shampoo/conditioner from Aveeno!

Don't miss the Shecky's Girls Night Out at a city near you. If it's NYC, you'll have to wait until the Fall.. just a few months away!

Which products caught your eye? ;)

A special thank you to Karen from Shecky's for inviting me to the event! :)


Check out more blogs @ TotalBeauty.com

Forever 21 & Alice in Wonderland Arm Bangle

Now that you have your OPI nails and Urban Decay eyes decked out with Alice in Wonderland, wear some jewelry too! Forever21 is carrying this beautiful bangle with etchings of your favorite Alice in Wonderland characters and tea parties scenery. ($6.80 US) Size: 1.2" wide, 2.5" diameter Can you spot the Cheshire Cat ? :)

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Shecky's Girls Night Out Recap 1

I had the pleasure of attending New York City's Shecky's Girls Night Out last Friday evening. The full week long event in NYC took place the Puck Building in Soho and what a gorgeous historic building it is! After a quick 15 minute wait in line, I picked up my wristband and Goody Bag ticket (later to be redeemed on the 7th floor) and was amazed (!!!) at the how many vendors there were!! They were selling their hand-made jewelry, bags/clutches, clothing.. This was heaven! There were 3 large rooms on the first floor and one larger area on the 7th floor. If there were any more rooms, I would have been 1) broke and 2) sad that I didn't see it.

There was a goody bag filled with wonderful products from their sponsors.. pictures to be posted soon!

Highlights from the evening:
1) Chatted with one of the reps from Nintendo DS (they gave out a cute cotton tote bag) and he told me about his job(s). He's an actor and is an extra for Lipstick Jungle. They're filming Monday (Oct 20) in Union Square's farmers market, probably early morning if you're interested.

2) Got my nails done, courtesy of Chambord (yummy drinks), ugly nails =( but I got a free nail polish called J'adore Chambord.

3) Beer and food tasting! Tried 4 different kinds of beers, each paired with Bree cheese, canteloupe, raspberry cheese, and dark chocolate. Pics to be posted soon!

4) Goody bag!!! Filled with generous sized samples, including Borba water, toothpaste, chocolate, Aquafresh whitening, Dove energizing lotion/deodorant, and sooo much more! It came in a cute reusable tote bag too.

=)




And here is the rest of it.