Archive for February, 2009

Natalie Portman at the 2009 Oscars

Remember the big question–subtle outfits and jewelry because of the economy, or not? Well, glamour has it, folks. Hopefully that is a precursor of good things to come for the country.

I tuned in just as Natalie Portman was shown on the Red Carpet, in Passionate Collector pinky lavender–how cool is that! Just stunning in a magnificent color and very comfortable with what she was wearing.

Amy Adams’ necklace–wow! Penelope’s cocktail ring!

Diamond studs, long dangling earrings and art deco-inspired ones; lots of bracelets. Lot of diamonds.

Vintage dresses! Classic looks. Notice the stunning clutches that everyone is carrying–a must have!

If we think back to an earlier post about Michelle Obama in all her fierceness and how she’s bringing sexy back [by way of oversized pearls], we will see a big trend on the rise. Literally. Not only are classic pearls being shown in outrageous proportions, we’re seeing blown-up trends of other classics [beads, balls, bows and more]! Apparently our little Obama-nista is really onto something here.

Gold 5-Ball Necklace

We are starting to see neckwear wrapped in gumballs of gold [much like miniature versions of the ones you hang on your xmas tree], a trend which can be done in mild to brave interpretations. In the clipping from Harper’s Bazaar, the model is airing on the brave side with a very ornate and artistic “piece” [I say piece because that's exactly what it is] that incorporates balls of all sizes. For the milder at heart, try an interpretation that is symmetrical and resembles that string of bubblegum pearl – this way you can still wear it with most outfits you’d be inclined to wear that strand of pearls with, too. And good news, girlies – gold is going to pair beautifully with those shades of grey and neutrals we discussed earlier for a day-to-day look, and really make eyes pop when you pair it with an LBD or some of those brighter hues for nighttime. So tomorrow, when you go to reach for the “classic” string of pearls you usually wear, reach just a little further to the golder, more gumbally version instead. Consider yourself a “new classic” kinda gal…

This does seem to be the eternal question, no? And things have gotten even more complicated, what with reusable tote bags and all. But give thanks, my loves! There is one way you can say “yes” to plastic without having to feel like you are single-handedly contributing to that gaping hole in the ozone layer – RESIN.

Blue Resin Bangle

Get ready, plastic is about to be your new best friend. Coming in all shapes and sizes, and colors, [remember that lucite trend of last year?], plastic accessories are all the rage this season and [gasp!] are at recessionista-friendly prices too! Personally, I like my resin in bangle form. A good bangle can complete any outfit and is a brilliant travel accessory as well. Resin in particular is very durable – which makes it the jet-setting recessionista’s long-time companion. A solid, bright colored bangle [shown above] is good for a casual outfit, or perfect to pair with your favorite itsy-bitsy bikini whilst consuming umbrella drinks poolside [virgin, of course! these are hard times...]. Plastic can go couture too – a resin bangle with gold leaf is a great way to dress up an outfit at a low cost.

Gold Leaf Tortoise Bangle, Gold & Black Striped Bangle

[Note: a white resin with gold leaf bangle [shown above] is good for a more subtle, yet glamorous sentiment, while a black resin with gold leaf [also shown above] one is good for a more eye-catching look]. Another way to add pizzaz to your plastic is by adding a little sparkle [the Swarovski kind of course!], which is perfect for a LBD kind of evening. And the best part? Plastic has a way of always coming back into style [resin jewelry has been a hipper than hip trend many times over for decades], and you can count on it being “in” for quite some time this go round [thanks, economy!]. So now the answer to that age old question, [however you decide to work it] should definitely be “Plastic!”

Black & Clear Swarovski Bangle

Alright, I’m just going to publicly come out and say it. I love Michelle Obama. Michelle is to politics what Jennifer Hudson is to pop stars [you readers will quickly learn just how much I love Jennifer Hudson]. She is newer to the game than many, but she is respectable, remarkably intelligent, strikingly confident, and a fierce little fashionista as well.

White South Sea Pearl Necklace

Michelle is a much needed breath of fresh air in the White House, using vivacious colors that pop [think: bright purples, oranges, and greens] for classic silhouettes that echo the sheaths made famous by Jackie Kennedy and Barbara Bush. And like Barbara Bush, a regular go-to in Michelle’s jewelry box is her strand of gumball-sized pearls. Jumbo pearls are not what your grandmother [or many other first ladies] used to wear, they are a statement-making accessory for the confident, professional woman. Wear them with a traditional LBD [little black dress] or take a cue from Michelle and go brighter and bolder with your colors. Either way, channel your inner uber-confident powerful woman and try oversized pearls on for size. Sometimes bigger really is better…

Good news ladies! The evening bag just got a whole lot more chic. Instead of having to carry a bag that looks like it had a terrible run-in with a beadazzler, or the polar opposite – something very plain and simple – now you can have the best of both worlds. This spring, clutches are walking the line between over-the-top and overly simple, by adding a bit of beadazzled flair and incorporating semi-precious stones to an otherwise simply structured bag.

"The Myra"

Not only do clutches like these take a cue from nature by glittering with real stones, but they are also very versatile. You can bring a gem-encrusted clutch to your next cocktail party or use it to funk up an otherwise casual outfit for an afternoon movie date. Check out styles in leather for a bolder, funkier look, or a silk version for the more classic girl. Now evening bags don’t have to be just for evenings anymore. Maybe they should try calling them Morning-Noon-and Night bags instead?