So Pretty:
Lace-Impressed Rings
November 15th, 2011 By

Last year, while meandering around Etsy, fate led me to this ring by Margaux Kent of Black Spot Books, which she made from impressing a scrap of Victorian lace into bronze. I’m such a sucker for romantic beginnings: I was intrigued by the humble metal, and the fact that it looks a little tattered, and worn-in, and sweetly Goth. I fell in love with it, so I bought it. I swear I get more compliments when I wear it than just about any other piece of jeweIry I own. Maybe I was on to something. I recently went back to look for other lacey pieces and found even more sentimental rings (and necklaces and earrings!) to covet. And I can’t get over the reasonable prices (although if you desire an upgrade, most can be custom ordered in finer metals).

clockwise, l-r: BLACK SPOT BOOKS VICTORIAN LACE BRONZE RING, $55.00, Etsy; GEMAGENTA LINGERIE RING, $58.00, Etsy; ARDENT1 FERN LACE RING, $90.00, Etsy; SHEENAJEWELLRY ADJUSTABLE LACE RING, $90.00, Etsy; ARDENT1 GOTHIC LACE RING, $90.00, Etsy; EVERYBEARJEWEL SILVER LACE RING, $88.00 CAD, Etsy.

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My Gradation Moment October 9th, 2011 By

I’ve always been pretty fixated on paint chips (you’ll find one in almost any book I’m reading), which is why I went to Home Depot last weekend to get gray stair paint for our new apartment and emerged with a formidable stack of color cards instead. While sitting on our dining room floor, with the myriad options fanned out around me (currently, our only piece of furniture is a 24-pack of paper towels), it occurred to me that in lieu of gray, I could gradate the stairs. Somehow, Rob agreed. 23 Behr samples ($3.94 each), one tub of sealer, and a handful of hours later, and I made the following happen:

I know I should sit back and let the stairs be the major gradated color story in our apartment, but now I want this handmade “paint chip” quilt, and this ombre rug, too.

clockwise, l-r: BEHR PAINT IN COOL MELON, YOUTHFUL CORAL, LIPSTICK, RED TOMATO, LICORICE STICK, GRENADINE, $3.94 each, Home Depot;BEHR PAINT IN ICE FLOWER, NEVADA SKY, WATER FLOW, LIQUID BLUE, BRILLIANT SEA, HAVASU, BLUE LUXURY, $3.94 each, Home Depot; OMBRE AREA RUG, $125.00, Rugs USA; PAINT CHIP QUILT IN ORANGE NO. 2, $400.00, Etsy.

 

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The Jewel Box: New Neons March 3rd, 2010 By

neon bangle bracelets jewelry

The New Neons

Have you had a chance to explore the new neons?

newport news linked watches

Newport News Linked Watches, $39

These may look like the neons of yore – happy reminders from the 80s, when life was more simple and infused with totally cool Brit-Pop.

jules smith wrapped up jellies

Jules Smith Wrapped Up Jellies, $50

But no! These neons so nuevo!

juicy couture neon necklace

Juicy Couture Neon Necklace, $58

These neons are modern upgrades. Better, hauter, hipper and even more fun.

CC SKYE Neon Screw Bracelet

CC SKYE Neon Screw Bracelet, $79

Grab yourself a better bit of the old.

tarina tarantino tokyo hardcore buddha necklace

Tarina Tarantino Tokyo Hardcore Buddha Necklace, $112.70

Disney Couture Bambi Hoop Earrings

Disney Couture Bambi Hoop Earrings, $56

beso modern, beso glam, beso neon this spring!

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Get This Look: Carrey Mulligan February 2nd, 2010 By

carrie_SAG

Credit: Steve Granitz/WireImage Published: Saturday Jan 23, 2010 11:00 PM EST By: Melissa Liebling-Goldberg

Carrey Mulligan gave everyone An Education at the 2010 SAG Awards, in how to dress. Stunning in her scarlet Lanvin gown and Fred Leighton jewels, we instantly fell in love with this look, and are bringing you the CliffsNotes version on how to put together a similar style.

This lovely red strapless formal gown by Alyce Designs is very similar.  As is this red silk Georgette dress, by Nicole Miller.  I’m also really digging this handmade dress from Etsy, which – while different – leaves a similar, but less formal (more fun) impression.

To replicate Carrey’s lovely Lanvin brooch, we recommend this piece by Daisy Days.  And these awesome snake earrings, from Lauren by Ralph Lauren.  To finish this smart ensemble, we chose this blush clutch from J. Furmani.

strapless red dress by alyce designs

Similar style at a fraction of the price

etsy red dress

Fun, flirty and fab, from Etsy

daisy days rhinestrone brooch

This little bow's cheap!

Lauren by Ralph Lauren Snake earrings

Sssssnazzy!

J Furmani champagne clutch

Champagne clutches and cavier dreams

Remember, if you need anymore information on how to get star style, you can always look to beso.

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Must-Have Men’s Accessories for the New Year January 4th, 2010 By

The holidays came and went, and all you got was a damn Snuggie. Time to take care of yourself now, Mister. Here are some essentials to kick off the New Year right:

Diesel “On the Road… Again” Laptop Bag: You need something to carry around your new HP 2140 Mini-Note Notebook, and this sophisticated yet laid back look is perfect for the train, plane or sipping your Joe at Starbucks. And though a retail price of $170 isn’t anything to sneeze at, I love the 30% off deal at Zappos.

Jack Georges laptop bag

Jack Georges laptop bag

If you’re looking for something a little more upscale, drop your computer into this sexy, supple Jack Georges laptop bag. The Generations Lite model, this is one that’ll certainly get second glances on your commute.

One of our favorite stores is Etsy, and you have to give them credit: they seem to know what you need, even if you don’t know it yet. The fates say that you’re soon going to be invited to Victorian costume party, but since it’s a little icy out there in January, this custom-made wool cape and cloak is a perfect merger of form and function. People will comment upon your arrival, and potentially your departure. It will also be custom cut for your height, all for $199.

wool hat

Norko Fur and Wool Hat

The news has been aflurry with news reports of winter storms battering the east and midwest. If you live in one of those areas, then you definitely need a WWII bomber-style wool hat made with rabbit-fur trim of as you trudge your way to the car, to the office, and home during January. Fur Hat World is selling this comfy lined piece for less than $40.

Let’s say you’re not living in the frozen tundra of ice and snow, however. You’re going to want to check out the collection of men’s fedoras at Hats in the Belfry. Now’s your chance to get a little Sinatra going on in your life. Personally, I love the leather lambskin fedora for $98, but I don’t quite have the cachet to pull it off. If you do, let me know how it works out…

Lastly, as you head out into the cold January night, you can’t be without your scarf (or so mom says). We have opined here in the past about the importance of scarves and its impact on dating, but I’ve fallen in love with Ben Sherman style, and this Ben Sherman scarf in a woven plaid is absolutely the perfect complement to any evening outfit, and it’s a steal at $19.98.

Of course, if none of these accessories are quite your style this year, you can always fall back on your Christmas Snuggie present. After all, it seems to have worked for this guy:

HootersSnuggie003

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Shop under $25: Cocktail Rings November 10th, 2009 By

Goldtone Honeycomb Olive CZ Cocktail Ring $24.99

Honeycomb Olive Cocktail Ring from Overstock.com, $24.99

Nothing says “party” like a cocktail.  We aren’t talking about the alcoholic kind!  A cocktail ring is a bold accessory that gives your look some serious flair.  Big stones and fancy designs are eye-catching and fun.

Along with a plethora of handmade and vintage options on Etsy, New York & Company and Overstock.com also offer some beautiful options, all under $25.

New York & Company's Cocktail Rings

New York & Company's Cocktail Rings

We love these rings from New York & Company.  You can often find a coupon code to save even more.  Right now, enter 4130 to save 30% on an order of $75 or more and 3089 for free shipping on more than $75.

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