Get Your Accessories in the Pocket

This Maine-based jewelry designer literally has balls to put out this line of baubles. Well, at least balls were the unusual medium for a line of accessories by plastic-works wonder woman Eleanor Salazar. While her inspiration is obvious in her round billiard-ball rings, she cleverly disguises this dive-bar staple in her multi-colored hoop earrings, and one of our personal favorites, the Wide Orange Peel ring, which is a chunky, textured bit of bling hand carved from a used pool ball. (Yes, it comes in both stripes and solids.)

Hardly a hustler, Salazar started using pool balls when she was searching for recycled materials to use in lieu of constantly casting new plastic. Since all of her jewelry had a previous life on the felt, the designer prefers to leave the marks from where the balls have been hit by each other in her finished pieces, for a little dash of personality. Can't wait to get your hands on these? Snag them here.

Text Kara Solarz
Image Supermarket

Alex & Chloe Rock Forever 21

Lady Gaga isn’t the only one reviving old-school Madonna lately. New York–based design team Alex & Chloe have collaborated with trendy clothing retailer Forever 21 for a jewelry line, and the result looks like something straight out of the “Like a Prayer” video. From a geometrically spiked necklace and cuff to rhinestone-covered cross earrings, these dramatic pieces are perfect for any chic punk rocker (just add Doc Martens) or for adding an extra edge to a flirty dress.

And while Alex & Chloe’s impressive clientele, such as Kate Moss, don’t mind shelling out up to $2,500 for their goth-punk accessories, all nineteen items in Forever 21 stores can be snagged for less than $16. Granted stocking up on an armful of studded, hexagonal bangles and bracelets could cost you a pretty penny, but late eighties Madge would definitely approve.

Not sold yet? Before you head to Forever 21, sneak a peek at Alex & Chloe’s glam video look book.

Text Kara Solarz
Image MTV

Abstract & Symbolic Jewelry for Spring

Symbolism at its finest — mixed with magic and a twist of mystery — constitutes the spring 2012 collection of Eddie Borgo. Shades of white, black, lavender, and cream can be expected of his signature bracelets and tassel earrings. The collection includes new artistic additions of fractured hearts and pentagram stars, making a unique and inimitable medley.

"I'm always looking at the dichotomy between light and dark, hard and soft, aggressive and feminine," Borgo said. "The challenge is to do that with new techniques while always keeping a rock 'n' roll sensibility."

While some of Borgo's spring 2012 styles are simple, others seem intricate. Nevertheless, elegance is a continual facet among the 31 pieces, which can all be viewed here. Can you see yourself wearing this new line of jewelry?

Text Brittney Schering
Image and Source Fashionologie

Fove Redefines Value

Unlike clothing, jewelry is something that can often become all the more precious — once it's driven off the proverbial lot. The sentiments and connection that are forged through wear only serve to increase the value of a much-loved item, allowing it to take on an extension of your own personality and experiences. It is this aspect of worth that German jewelry designer Frederica achieves with her line, Fove.

Not just a manifestation of its Urban Dictionary definition, each Fove piece is intentionally made from non-precious materials, like aluminum, steel, brass, and copper. Like a true artist, Frederica finds inspiration in places that others often overlook, and she crafts her works with artisan talent and an elegant yet forward sensibility. Her look is a mix of bold simplicity and subtle complexity, which results in statement pieces that seem organic, despite their modern appeal.

Each piece reflects a thoughtfulness that harmonizes the materials with the final designs — a shining example that true worth lies not in what is told to you, but what you know to be true.

Text Tienlyn Jacobson 
Source Fove

'Tis the Season For Statement Jewelry

With Halloween behind us, it's time to look ahead to the holiday season by shifting our focus from costume parties to cocktail parties. It's now the time of year when social gatherings are at their peak, and you may be tempted to purchase a new selection of party dresses. In lieu of a shopping spree, dig out your little black dress and compliment it with statement jewelry.

Originating from sunny Florida, Danielle and Jodie Snyder have produced bold jewelry since 2008 with the launch of their label, Dannijo. Now residing in New York, the pair continues to work collaboratively at expanding their jewelry collections with eclectic yet elegant pieces. Always creative and rarely boring, Dannijo designs are chic concoctions of jewels and hardware. By softening rough elements with feminine touches, their line caters to both rock chicks and girly girls alike. With their Holiday Collection, the Snyder sisters offer an arrangement of quintessential Dannijo pieces that capture the spirit of the season. From sparkling Swarovski crystals to charming embellishments, each piece provides the right measure of festiveness. 

Investing in statement jewelry and alternating pieces with your LBD is an effortless way to prepare for your hectic holiday schedule — not to mention it's appropriate to wear year-round. So, as you work your way from party to party, be sure to sprinkle yourself with a dash of Dannijo before stepping out the door!

Text Jennifer Bernard

Image and Source Dannijo

From Rooms to the Runway

American interior designer Kelly Wearstler wowed the world of luxury living with her unique aesthetic taste. Having a passion for art and design, it was only a matter of time before she segued into the world of fashion. However, this designer is no stranger to the industry — she was named one of Vogue’s Best Dressed back in 2007. Now, four years later, she translates her talent from rooms to the runway. Kelly has made her debut as a fashion designer with her fall 2011 ready-to-wear and accessories collections.

She often explains in her blog that her inspiration for design stems from the materials she works with, which is especially visible in her jewelry collection. Whether she uses brass, pyrite, lapis, or quartz, she maintains a clear grasp of the elements. Her finished products are a result of playful yet thoughtful experimentation. She's a master at constructing organic pieces that are unexpectedly glamorous — they're wearable equivalents of sculptures you'd find in a gallery.

One of Kelly's most admirable traits as a designer is the relationship that she has with her work. Her passion shines in every piece she creates. By way of design, she encourages us to seek out inspiration and find beauty in raw materials, and she reminds us that jewelry is, in fact, art.

The Kelly Wearstler flagship boutique opens in L.A. this fall. But, for all of you East Coasters, her collections are always available at the official Kelly Wearstler site, or just visit Bergdorf Goodman or Neiman Marcus.


Text Jennifer Bernard
Image and Source Kelly Wearstler

New Jewelry Collection from L.A.M.B. and nOir

It seems like every day there's a new collaboration between mass production brands and celebrities or designers being announced . Some are easy enough to get behind, but others...not so much. This insinuation makes it hard to be truly taken by any collection, but the newest from nOir jewelry and L.A.M.B. definitely has what it takes.

The collection recently debuted alongside Gwen Stefani's regular spring 2012 collection, and it features Native American and geometric-inspired pieces. The line definitely brings a more defined edge to the singer's colorful and playful clothing.

Will you be picking up this collaboration?

Text Corinna Fabre

Source L.A.M.B.

Pinball is Dior's New Black

Our industry is nothing but opulent. As a leader of the most extravagant, Dior has brought a new way of incorporating a little bit of fashion into our lives — with a pinball machine that plays with pearls. 

According to Dior, the game is supposed to "show, in a light and fun way, the richness and savoir faire of Dior." Mind you, the game is virtual, but the 3-D video alone creates a different take on the traditional Mise en Dior necklace, in a very glitzy and techy way. 

Until this dream becomes a reality, Dior has found a clever way to reinvent their typical advertisement.

Text Corinna Fabre
Source Dior

Pamela Love: A Light Touch To Resort Debut

Have you ever had a favorite pair of shoes or piece of jewelry you loved so much that you wished you had a second pair for when your loving started to show on said item? It only makes sense that you should want more of that which you love – one in every variation, color and material. This seems to be what was going through Pamela Love’s mind when creating her debut Resort collection, available this October.

The collection features variations on the aesthetic of many of her original designs from Classic and Spring 2011 collections but incorporates new textures as well as weight. Replacing many of her crystal and metal accents with a lightweight resin, the collection itself has a lighter, more playful feel. However, the pieces never stray far from the unique aesthetic that has made Pamela Love so highly revered. Crosses, skulls and crystal shapes still dominate the collection, bringing the same sense of mysticism to each treasured piece. The best part? Love’s debut Resort collection is not only lighter in weight and tone but in price as well. So if you really love these pieces as much as we do, this October is your chance to buy two of each.

Text Tienlyn Jacobson
Source: Pamela Love

Ippolita: A Different Style

Jewelry has always held a special place in my heart. Typically when I enter an antique store or shop full of many things, jewelry is the first section of the store I look at. When I look at any woman I do not know, I immediately look at her ring finger to see if she has a wedding ring. I try to catch a glimpse of her ring to try to make out the uniqueness. In terms of wedding rings, does a woman generally want a ring that any other woman could have? Or does she desire a ring unique to only her? I believe many woman prefer to have the most popular ring of the moment. However, I, personally, believe a ring should be absolutely unique. No other woman should have the same ring. At least, no other woman she knows.

Ippolita can Provide that. Ippolita has created styles no other designer has. She has a line titled "Rock Candy" made from rock crystal. She designed a silver ring she named "Lollipop", and also recently introduced her funky line, Wicked, made with black silver alloy. However, the line is not yet featured on her website for purchase or display. She has recently been known for her bangles, which you might know due to the fact her ad for her bangle line is in almost every magazine. What a bold move it was to feature only a close up shot of a stack of bangles, with no people or words.

Ippolita, which many may assume is an Indian designer, is actually an Italian designer who grew up in Florence, Italy. Her father was a fashion show curator, and she realized at a young age she desired for art to be her way of life. Therefore, she combined fashion with art, moved to New York City and decided to start her own jewelry line, starting with gold. She now has thirteen collections.

If you visit her site: www.ippolita.com you can learn more about the designer and find inspiration on how you can make your own dreams come true!

Text Alexandra Faye

Source(s): ippolita

Tiny Little Chairs

When it comes to clean cut jewelry Bruxe is a Montreal based company fixed to deliver premium craftsmanship. With a mix of street wear, skate culture and contemporary design, Bruxe has teamed up with Uranium to collaborate on collective pendants which celebrate mid-century design.

Bruxe Oli Van Roost says, “The project was launched so that people could express their love for mid century design and specifically the chairs that came out of that era. Chairs which 50 years later continue to be produced, and are the benchmark for a well-designed interior.”

The chair pendants are to commemorate mid 20th century design from roughly 1933-1965. Each vintage chair pendent is to commemorate the revolution of furniture and design production. The collection, Tiny Little Chairs come in gold, silver and bronze chain necklaces that have been launched since January 2010.

You never think something as simple as a chair can revolutionize design. The scoop chair pendant, for example, was a chair that revolutionized furniture design with its inexpensive material and easy mass production for hospitals schools and government buildings. The handmade pendant can come in a 10K gold pendant, priced around $700, $230 silver and $180 for bronze. Constantly overlooked, these vintage chairs shaped not only today’s furniture but the revolution of how design came to develop over the years. Bruxe and his team help us remember the importance of revolution and the secret to fashion - you can take one chair and make it look and feel different, but through its core, it all stays the same.

Text Jessica Moy

Avatar Inspired Jewelry

With a record breaking $2.24 billion in worldwide sales, it's no wonder Avatar has inspired today’s trend for jewelry designers. The films bold aesthetics and unforgettable characters have dramatically influenced the trend of tribal jewelry seen on todays runways and magazines. Etsy artisan Serena’s Gifts, have created a necklace inspired by the tribal style and the movies vivid colors.

This tree necklace was taken from the character Mo'at the Shaman (Neytiri’s mother). "The necklace in the movie isn't real" Serena describes, "it is all done with computers, so I had to come up with a new way to make a necklace." With its cascading roots and bold structure, this wonderful piece will look great against any solid black or white colored clothing. This signature look is one of a kind that will, like the movie, have people staring.


By: Jessica Moy