August 8, 2010

Damen + Division Jewelry

I discovered Damen + Division jewelry on a recent trip to Sofia Vintage. I saw this bracelet [see below] and I was immediately hooked. I obviously bought the bracelet…and I wear it almost everyday!

I knew I had to know more about this new brand, so I decided to check out the website. Here’s how the jewelry collection is described:

Damen + Division jewelry was born in the colorful, glamorous 70’s and 80’s. Rock n’ Roll and Disco culture inspired jewelry companies to create big, bold costume pieces. These statement pieces were the most desirable- the more oversized, the more overstated, the better.

This sounds like the definition of everything I could ever ask for in a piece of jewelry. So, because I am absolutely in love with this jewelry line, I knew I had to interview the woman behind D+D. Meet Chicago-based jewelry designer, Sonia Barrett…

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1. When did you start designing jewelry?

I made my first ring when I was a Sophomore in high school. It was the height of the grunge era, and I took an old ring I got from a thrift shop, chipped out the stone, and replaced it with a cardboard cut out of a sea monkey. I think I sealed it in with clear nail polish.

2. And when did Damen + Division emerge as a brand?

D+D was born in November of 2008.

3. Where do you draw inspiration from when designing your jewelry?

Mainly from the vintage materials I use. Whatever comes in really has a voice, and we try to listen to that. We listen to a lot of 70’s rock in the studio.

4. Are there fashion designers or other jewelry designers you draw inspiration from? If so, who?

I have a huge Kenny Lane collection- his good stuff, and also the schlock he sells to Avon, QVC… I like some of Bittar’s earlier work too. I have an amazing Bittar vermeil ring with a black skull on it I wear at least once a week since I bought it 7 years ago.

5. Why did you choose Chicago to “set up shop”?

No question. Chicago is my home. As a business owner my business should be where I am, not vice versa.

6. Where can Damen + Division be purchased?

Sarca; 710 N. Wabash and Sophia Vintage; 72 E. Oak St. in Chicago

7. What’s next for you and Damen + Division?

I want to do more cufflinks for men- and use butterfly wings!

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So basically, I am obsessed with Damen + Division jewelry. I am not exaggerating when I say I would like to own every piece. If you take a peak into my jewelry collection, it’s very colorful, bold, vintage/vintage-inspired (specifically from the ’70s)…almost all costume jewelry. This is exactly what D+D is all about. Each piece is unique in its own way which is why this collection is so amazing.

For more about Damen + Division, check out www.damen-division.com

July 12, 2010

Currently Obsessing Over: Philippe Audibert Glove

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This isn’t just any glove…it’s the Philippe Audibert Mitaine Swarovski crystal silver glove. I don’t think an accessory could get anymore amazing than this. Philippe Audibert is known for creating jewelry with twisted metals and Swarovski crystals. I discovered Philippe Audibert jewelry when shopping at Scoop NYC when I was in Vegas this past December. It was love at first sight when I saw this silver and turquoise masterpiece so I knew right away…it must be a part of my jewelry collection. After browsing “what’s new” on Net-a-Porter (as I do just about everyday) I came across the Philippe Audibert Mitaine Swarovski crystal silver glove and I knew I had to share this current obsession.

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April 20, 2010

Make a Statement…With Your Feet

THE STATEMENT SHOE

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I absolutely love to make a fashion statement. Whether it’s a vibrant dress or a chunky vintage necklace, I try to incorporate at least one statement piece in every outfit I wear. What makes the ultimate statement you may ask? A killer pair of shoes of course. Shoes have always been an obsession of mine (beginning with my 2-year career at a shoe boutique in high school) and I want to share my favorite statement shoes with you. AND I found amazing shoes for any budget. Whether you’re willing to splurge on a $1,500 pair of Choos or you’re looking for a great pair under $200…I got you covered!

Statement Shoes (Luxe):

 

Top Row (left to right): Jimmy Choo Zappa Suede Sandals ($2,495 at net-a-porter.com), Proenza Schouler Runway Sandals ($1,645 at colette.fr), Proenza Schouler Stitched Leather Sandals ($805 at net-a-porter.com)

**Note: The Jimmy Choos LIGHT UP. Rad. I know.

Bottom Row (left to right): Alexander Wang Frejal Double-Layer Boots ($675 at net-a-porter.com), Valentino Floral Organza Sandals ($1,250 at net-a-porter.com), Givenchy Ruched Leather Wedge Sandals ($1,300 at net-a-porter.com)

Statement Shoes (Less):

Top Row (left to right): Ash Fame Leather Open Toe Booties ($245 at intermixonline.com), Boutique 9 Val ($199 at ninewest.com), Betsey Johnson Lavant Sandal ($190 at heels.com)

Bottom Row (left to right): Sam Edelman Katrice Sandals ($140 at lorisshoes.com), Dolce Vita Lana ($290 at zappos.com), Sam Edelman Kinley Wedge Sandal ($170 at nordstrom.com)

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Are you a fan of statement shoes? Did you like my picks? If so, which are your favorites? Do you have a favorite statement shoe? Please share if you do. Always love to hear from you!

March 19, 2010

Kassiebelle Designs

Looking for beautiful one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces without the one-of-a-kind price? Look no further because I have the answer! Kassiebelle jewelry is made by one of the most fabulous people I know in Chicago, Gerri Cicchinelli. She really has an eye for jewelry and I’m not exaggerating when I say I’ve never seen a piece of hers I did not like.

Some of the stones used in these amazing pieces of jewelry include: amethyst, jade, aquamarine, turquoise, coral, crystal quartz, pearls, onyx, etc. The best part is, you can get anything custom made! If there’s a specific stone you love, it can be worked into a gorgeous statement necklace or bracelet. If there’s a piece of jewelry you see that isn’t exactly what you’re looking for, it can be reworked into whatever you’d like!

 Here is a little taste of some great pieces from Kassiebelle, which includes a variety of pieces to satisfy jewelry-lovers of all ages:

 

 

 

 

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Here’s one of the newest designs by Kassiebelle–the wrap bracelet! I especially love this one because…it was custom made for me 🙂

How gorgeous are they? I’ve seen pieces at Barneys using the same stones that start at $1,000 (and can get even more pricey). Kassiebelle designs are very reasonably priced, without compromising quality and style. The prices vary based on the stone and the style of the piece. Here’s a general price range for the jewelry:

Bracelets: $25-$100

necklaces: $50 and up

earrings: $25-$100

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For all order inquiries, please contact Gerri Cicchinelli at kassiebelle1@gmail.com

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IMPORTANT NEWS: Once I reach 1,000 followers on Twitter, Gerri from Kassiebelle designs has kindly donated a wrap bracelet to be given away to one lucky follower of mine chosen at random. Follow me on Twitter!

January 9, 2010

So Many Boots, So Little Time

It’s winter, what else would we wear? It’s the best way to stay warm and look fabulous. The difficult part of boots is that there are so many different types! Which should we choose? No wonder guys say we have too many shoes. We need to have at least one of each type, right?

There are ankle booties (a newer, trendier craze), flat boots and heeled boots. Then there are mid-calf, knee-high and over-the-knee. Top it off with an array of fabrics (mostly suede or leather) and you got yourself a perfect accessory…the boot.

I’m a fan of all sorts of boots. I love love love ankle boots! You can do so much with them and there are so many different styles and colors! There are even different heights to these as well. You’ve got your Christian Louboutins (see picture below) that hit right at the ankle, then you’ve got others that go 2-3 inches higher up the ankle, like the Dolce Vitas (see picture below).

Besides ankle boots, I am a also fan of flat and heeled boots, but I believe the most flattering kind does not depend on the heel but where it hits on the leg. Knee-highs, flat or heeled, are my favorite. If the boot hits anywhere below (like a mid-calf), the boot might look a little tighter on the leg and depending on the shape/size of your legs, that may not be the most flattering. I like my boots to have a little room at the top, not only to tuck jeans in but to give the illusion of a smaller leg. Who wouldn’t want that, right?

Here are some of my favorite boots from this season:

Top Row, Ankle Boots (left to right): Dolce Vita Flash Bootie ($190 heels.com), Urban Studded Bootie ($27 forever21.com), Brian Atwood Mini Leather Ankle boots ($785 net-a-porter.com), Christian Louboutin Miss 120 Platform Ankle Boots ($1,075 net-a-porter.com)

Middle Row, Heeled Boots (left to right): MICHAEL Michael Kors Kincade Slouch Boot ($198 zappos.com), Britany2 Over Knee Boot ($210 topshop.com), Giuseppe Zanotti Suede Platform Boots ($1,225 at net-a-porter.com), Slouchy Faux Suede Boot ($78 ardenb.com)

Bottom Row, Flat Boots (left to right): Loeffler Randall Matilde Leather Knee High Boots ($695 net-a-porter.com), Burberry Leather Knee High Boots ($895 net-a-porter.com), Chloe flat Knee High Boots ($895 net-a-porter.com), Alexandra Neel Twinset Suede Over the Knee Boots ($732 shopbop.com)

My favorite of all these? The MICHAEL Michael Kors Kincade boots. Why? Because I have them…also because they’re a great color (they go with everything), they’re really comfortable, they’ll never go out of style, and I believe slouch boots to be super flattering. What’s not to love?

Now you see what I mean by “So Many Boots, So Little Time.” What are your favorite kind of boots? Do you prefer ankle, mid-calf, knee-high, or over-the-knee? Do you prefer a color or a neutral? Suede or leather? Flat or heel? I want to hear from you! Let me know what you think.