Chan Luu Jewelry July 22nd, 2010 By

Originally from Vietnam, Chan Luu began designing her own accessories in 1996.  Behind each Chan Luu jewelry design is a story inspired by nature, world cultures and the purity of her design aesthetic.  She uses high-quality materials such as sterling silver, gold vermeil, leather, pearls and semi-precious stones to create innovative pieces that have gained a loyal celebrity following, and featured in many fashion magazines.  Check out some of my favorite Chan Luu accessories:

Chan Luu Silver Hammered Ring, $109.00$77.00 (29% off) at Zappos

Chan Luu Silver Hammered Ring

Chan Luu Graduated Mixed Wrap Bracelet, $295 at Chan Luu

Chan Luu Graduated Mixed Wrap Bracelet

Chan Luu Gold Vermeil Leather Wrap Bracelet, $190 at Ron Herman

Chan Luu Gold Vermeil Leather Wrap Bracelet

Chan Luu Turquoise Cube Necklace, $268 at Nordstrom

Chan Luu Turquoise Cube Necklace

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3 Ways to Pull a Simple Black Dress Together December 18th, 2009 By

Chan Luu Gold Leaf Earrings

Chan Luu Gold Leaf Earrings

How do you make a simple black dress look fresh and on trend?  It’s all about the accessories.  A plain black dress is a blank canvas that you can accessorize to fit any trend.  There is a reason that the little black dress is an essential.  It’s timeless.

How should you accessorize right now?

Here are 3 ways:

Balmain Red Buckle Boots

Balmain Red Buckle Boots

An amazing pair of shoes.  Very bright, embellished shoes need to be paired with something simple and dark-colored that won’t compete with them.  An LBD is the perfect companion for a pair of purple or red boots and black tights.  These Balmain boots are the perfect example.  With shoes this hot, you can get away with a simpler dress.

MICHAEL Michael Kors Studded Belt

MICHAEL Michael Kors Studded Belt

A fabulous belt.  There are so many different kinds of belts available, and each can give your dress a very different look. Go with a skinny belt for a romantic, understated look.  Try a bright color or animal print for a little more impact.  To really emphasize your waist, wear a wide belt, like this studded belt from Michael Kors.

Kenneth Jay Lane Necklace

Kenneth Jay Lane Necklace

Jewelry.  A statement necklace and/or bracelets will work better with a simple dress than something that is over-embellished.  A necklace like this Kenneth Jay Lane one can be paired with some plain silver bangles. A bib necklace like this one from The Limited should be worn without other jewelry.  You can also choose to pair some long earrings with bracelets.  We like the gold leaf earrings, above, from Chan Luu.  They’d be the perfect boho-chic companion to a skinny gold belt.

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It’s A Wrap by CHAN LUU? September 9th, 2009 By

Chan Luu Wrap Bracelet
Chan Luu Wrap Bracelet

I purchased my very first Chan Luu 5 wrap bracelet not too long ago after spotting my best pal wearing one.  I took one look, and just had to have it.  It is part rocker, part glam, and a must-have in my jewelry box.  Too bad the monogrammed Pottery Barn Jewelry Box in question was stolen right out of my apartment, but that’s another story.  The good news is that I was wearing it that dreadful day I discovered what was to be take-two of my jewelry collection – It’s no wonder I cherish the eye catching sparkler.
Getting back to Mrs. Luu.  I’ve just discovered that the beaded nugget Chan Luu wrapped bracelet has evolved to include small skulls scattered between the gold or silver vermeil beads.  If that isn’t enough, she just came out with a 10 wrap!  However, the absolute best part are the newest yummy candy colors – I recommend picking one up in pink, amethyst, or turq leather.

Now I’m sure you’re saying to yourself, Self, can I really throw down $125 – $445 for a bracelet? I’ll let you decide, but I will let you in on a little secret, I’ve spotted knockoffs at the Club Monaco brick and mortar store for $25, and a designer named L. Stone Designs makes a similar version for $75 on Etsy.

Does anyone else share my 5 wrap obsession?

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