November 16, 2009
I’m pretty excited to see this amazing Roger Vivier Geometric Shoulder bag just listed–it was released earlier this year and became an instant favorite with the fashion crowd. There’s something so chic and so simple about the shape; it looks a little ’70s vintage but also has a bit of a futuristic vibe. Bag Snob gave it a rave when it was launched in stores.
I’ve noticed a lot of geometric motifs in the news recently. How about Beyoncé’s Atelier Versace dress at the MTV Europe VMAs last month? That’s another winner in my book–I really liked the silver details on the mermaid dress, it took a girly gown and made it fierce.
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Tags: Bag Snob, Bags, Beyonce, geometric, Roger Vivier
November 12, 2009
If you haven’t had a chance to scroll through Candy Pratts Price’s Spring Trends slideshow on Style.com yet, definitely give yourself a few minutes to check out some must-have items for 2010. I, personally, am a shoe person, and sometimes I think those little accessories can tell you a lot of what you need to know about trends as a whole.
Take, for example, the brand new bold leather shoes by Jimmy Choo, Balenciaga and Nicholas Kirkwood (above, left-right). Just a little punch of neon definitely goes a long way — imagine any of these peep-toes paired with basic black, and guess which will stand out more. This really continues to make the case for neon accents for spring, so make sure to include a pop of ultra-bright color in your upcoming buys!
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Tags: Candy Pratts Price, neon, shoes, style.com
November 10, 2009
Posted in Celebrity Style | Comments Off
Tags: Biker Chic, Christina Aguilera
November 9, 2009
Posted in Handbags, Jewelry | Comments Off
Tags: Emily Blunt, Get the Look
November 6, 2009
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Tags: color, Handbags, jewel tones, NYmag
November 4, 2009
We were lucky enough to put together a fantastic collection of antique poker/casino chip jewelry, and I thought you might want the inside scoop on the pieces. Here’s the background information, straight from designer Rachelle Epstein:
The mother-of-pearl chips are casino chips used around 1900 (before plastics) in European and South American Casinos. Some are from Vichy, France or from a casino/spa in Belgium that supposedly F. Scott Fitzgerald went to called L’ Etrangier (the Foreigner). All are extremely rare.
The others are American poker chips and are a clay composite also from the 1900’s from different (illegal & legal) clubs used for different versions of poker games. After plastics were invented, these went by the by, and many are very rare like the cupid on a bike or the “kissing” owls. They are not fragile but should not be washed with soap and water.
Hopefully we piqued your curiosity! Check out our fantastic collection of these casino chip pieces right here.
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Tags: casino chips, Jewelry, poker, Rachelle Epstein
October 30, 2009
Earlier this week I had a coveted invite to view all of the entries for the AGTA Spectrum Awards, and believe me, I wouldn’t have missed it. This design competition is for the best in colored gemstones, and there were some real stunners that made me remember just how much I love gems.
One of my favorites was the intense ring above by designer Paul Kleka. Made from 18K green gold and featuring eighteen radiant-cut Zultanites (91.85 ctw.), the three-finger ring may have been dangerous, but I loved the matte finish on the gold and the repeating pattern.
Another favorite is Victor Velyan’s 24K yellow gold and silver cuff featuring a 20.54 ct oval star Ruby cabochon and natural colored diamonds. These two pieces just go to show you that colored gems don’t necessarily need to be all about the sparkle factor–pattern and texture are also key in finding a good piece of jewelry.
Did you know you can shop by gemstone on Portero.com? Check out our selection of gorgeous colored stone jewelry now!
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Tags: AGTA, Gemstones, Spectrum Awards
October 28, 2009
Everyone’s purse strings are a little bit tighter these days, but it doesn’t mean that buying replica designer luxury goods is the smartest choice. Here’s Portero.com’s top three reasons to buy authentic every time:
–Investments will last. Purchasing a replica handbag or watch may seem like an economical way to be fashionable, but your savings may be short-lived. The inexpensive materials and construction of many of these pieces means that they will not stand the test of time. Instead, invest in the real deal and you’ll have a little bit of luxury that will last.
–Higher price means higher quality. It’s the little details that make authentic designer handbags and watches so coveted: Supple leather, sturdy hardware, Swiss movements and expert stitching among them. You just can’t replicate the craftsmanship of authentic goods, and replicas usually don’t make the grade. Want one telltale sign of a fake designer handbag? The piping and stitching on real bags is flawless–it’s usually messy and imprecise on replicas.
–The ethical question. While buying a replica designer handbag isn’t a crime, selling them is. The first Global Congress on Combating Counterfeiting took place in 2004, and since then, the group has found that trade in fake goods supports sweatshops, child labor, terrorism and organized crime.
Posted in Handbags, Watches | Comments Off
Tags: Authentic, Handbags, Hermes, Watches
October 23, 2009
Good news on the auction front: several major jewels recently sold at prices far above their estimates. This is exciting on a couple of levels: First, it means the economy is starting to recover, which is a good thing for everyone. Second, it just shows you that certain brands and classic style never really lose its value.
Point in case: The Annenberg diamond (above), a 32.01-carat D-flawless stone mounted in a ring by Manhattan jeweler David Webb, sold for $7.7 million at Christie’s, much higher than the $3 million to $5 million pre-sale estimate.
Another high point was a diamond and rock crystal bow brooch by Cartier estimated at $200,000 – $300,000 that sold for $1.1 million. These buyers obviously know that if you invest in time-honored brands and spectacular gemstones, there’s an inherent value that will never go away.
If you’re looking for pieces that will last a lifetime, definitely check out our SOLID GOLD curated selection of bags, watches, jewelry and accessories.
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Tags: Annenberg diamond, auction, Cartier, Christie's
October 22, 2009
Hopefully you’ve checked out the sale preview on Facebook because our first Now or Never watch sale is about to begin! Use promo code NNRC at checkout and you’ll get an extra 20% off already reduced Cartier & Rolex watch prices.
Don’t forget: The first shopper to checkout gets the watch, so don’t waste time if you see something you love. Click here to start browsing, but don’t forget, the promo code won’t be active until noon so you’ll need to wait until then to get the extra discount!
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Tags: Cartier, Now or Never, Rolex, sale, Watches
