Luxe Living

Glitzy costume gems can never replace the real thing, but by taking inspiration from vintage trinkets some designers are getting pretty close. So whether you love artsy deco pieces, lots of sparkle or hand-me-down lockets and charms, these pieces look way more luxe than they cost....

Small pendant necklaces are a great way to showcase your jewelry collection without screaming for attention. Try this Iosselliani Sterling & Crystal Floral Pendant Necklace. It's vintage chain and unusual setting will look sublimely elegant against your décolletage.


For an Art Deco showstopper, try on this stunning Diamond Crystal Ring by Lee Angel. Measuring a substantial 2" long, this ring is sure to be a conversation starter.











Truly classic heirloom jewelry is hard to come by. But over at Juicy Couture, you can get the look without rummaging through estate sales or raiding your grandma's jewelry box. I like this Gold Padlock and Key Necklace. The logo is less overt than the classic Juicy stuff, and it comes in a charm bracelet as well...

For more of my favorite things, see below...

Watch it

As you all know, I make no effort to hide my love for all things Marc Jacobs. Okay, okay, there are exceptions (Mary Janes with faux suede socks already attached?? No thanks.) But these watches aren't an aberration. So check out these classy wristwatches, quirky pendant necklaces, even keychains, all with that fun-loving Marc Jacobs stamp and all under $225.

The traditional watch face gets a twist in this Marc by Marc Jacobs Gold Case Watch. So wear your watch backwards to check out the time, or flip it around for a leather cuff.





This Stainless Steel Link Bracelet watch is reminiscent of those vintage ID bracelets that I have been scouring the thrift stores for lately. Maybe I should just buy this one instead?









Also on the retro bandwagon... This Marc by Marc Jacobs Pocket Watch Pendant.










Looking for something with a little more flair? Marc has cornered the market on pendant necklaces... Guitars, stars, dice, lockets, and hearts are just some of the fun offbeat charms he wants to hang around your neck.

Quirky Finds: The Owl Necklace

Who knows how or where these adorably off-beat trends begin, but once they hit the streets, it's hard not to take notice. Luckily this charming new look hasn't been appropriated en masse yet. So until they start selling these unusual finds for $11.99 at Urban Outfitters, take pleasure in being ahead of the pack and find them on eBay or at smaller online boutiques...

Do You Like Your Fashion Funny?

Humor is a really hard thing to pull off in fashion... What is funny to you, may not be funny to others... I thought the whole skull trend was hilarious and ironic and I loved it... Went out and bought myself a cashmere sweater with a giant skull on the front. My boyfriend thought I was crazy... asked me if I was depressed. But in the end, does it matter if other people get it, as long as you think its funny? Sometimes yes, sometimes no.

These bangles by Jessica Kushman get their message across, and yeah, some of them are quite funny... But do you wear your funny on your sleeve?

'Does This Bracelet Make Me Look Fat?' Bangle











I like this 'Oh, What a World! What a World!' Bangle because it is more whimsical than sassy. Think of it as an existential accessory.

Frugal Finds: Jewelry

Not everyone can afford to spend loads of cash on fun casual jewelry. A lot of the time, it doesn't even make sense. Most of this stuff will last one season before you get bored. So in honor of the rampant consumerism that forces you to salivate over new trends every season, here are is some fun gold (probably plated, but who cares) jewelry... All under $100.


This fab Wide Link Bracelet reminds me of a flashy gold wristwatch from the 80's. And since I can't afford to get a gold band on my own fancy watch, this one will suffice. $39







These delicate Navette Shaped Earrings have real diamonds. Now, for only 68$, thats quite a bargain.









I love the organic, worn feel of this Lucky Charms Necklace. But it's more of a summery peice, so get it now, and wear it with some hammered gold bracelets.







Looking for something that you can wear with fall's more sophisticated color palette? Try this vintage-y Ring Charm Necklace. Wearing rings on chains is always a fun quirky change of pace and this one features a semiprecious faceted onyx stone. $45




Wear it with this Scrolled-link Bracelet. The antiqued finish matches the vintage feel of the necklace. $68

Anatomy of a Stud

Even though I never shopped at Hot Topic as a teen, I have a serious fetish for all things with studs. Not S&M spikes, but the classy pyramid shaped studs in gold and silver that have adorned accessories for the last couple of seasons. (I used to have the most adorable pair of Marc by Marc Jacobs shoes.... covered in studs... wore them into the ground :( tear... ) Some may tell you this trend is over... but I disagree. I love it more than ever. But for this season's take on the trend, steer clear of buying studded handbags... Stick with inspired jewelry and shoes.
Elle's take on the edgy trend on their August issue






I love this gleaming 24k gold plated Wendy Nichol Large Stud Cuff bracelet. Wear it with a simple, but feminine black sheath dress to downplay its edginess.






This over-sized Stud Ring by Fallon Jewelry is an awesome statement piece. Just PLEASE don't wear it with the matching cuff...













This Spike Ring by Lena Wald is more boldly geometric than trendy. And, I am loving silver again after almost two years of wearing nothing but gold.













These dominatrix-inspired Burberry Studded Platform Sandals aren't for everyone, but they sure are stunning.

Oh, and don't forget my favorite earrings by Bing Bang... (they are the last ones in the post)

For more Fall Trends, click here...

Bring on the Bling

Big rings are big for fall. And these cocktail-size stunners don't need to break the bank (although, I must admit, some do.)

This Smoky Topaz Ring by Stephen Dweck is b-e-a-utiful. I love the sturdy silver prongs and the deep gray-brown color.










This funky Jet Stone Ring by Dominique Denaive has an unusual gold band that mimics the shape of the natural stone centerpiece.










This giant 1" rock is sure to garner some attention. Lee Angel's Large Squared Stone Ring has a silver setting with an interesting open side silhouette, and it's only $53.













This Gold Swirl Ring by Kenneth Jay Lane has a modern organic feel for only $75.














Looking for something thats a little less glam and a little more fun?? This Crystal Ring comes in tons of different colors, from this deep red to a more sophisticated transparent silver or a amber-like cat-eye color.

For more Fall Trends, click here...

Not Your Average Stud...

Hoops, drops, and chandeliers can be a little much on some outfits... When you want to keep things simple without leaving your ears bare, studs are a great option. Every fashionista needs a good pair of pearl and diamond studs in their arsenal. But when you want to branch out, look no further.

These Giles & Brother Safety Pin Studs are a modern twist on the punk classic.
















These breath-taking Jane A. Gordon Fireworks Earrings are on the pricey side, but well worth the splurge. Instead of spending the cash on some standard diamond studs, try these beauties...





These classy Bing Bang Small Pyramid Earrings can go from punky to sophisticated depending on the outfit and are a great simple alternative for everyday wear.