It's Chanel Time!

To paraphrase Rachel Zoe, "I die".

For those brides who have loads and loads of dollars to spend on themselves I have a suggestion.  One of my TO DIE FOR items is the Chanel J12 GMT White Ceramic Unisex Watch H0967.  It is a 38mm automatic watch, white high-tech ceramic, bezel set with diamonds. It's kinda pricey at about $10,000 but it is an investment don’t you know. It will get you to the church on time!

Peacock in Plume

I love a splash of color in a wedding. So when I came across Emici Bridal I was giddy with delight. I can think of no better way to brighten up the traditional wedding dress than with this fantastic floral brooch. It could be attached to a sash, applied directly onto your dress or worn in your hair. 

Marie, the designer behind Emici Bridal, created this gem from peacock feathers, Swarovski crystals, freshwater pearls and rhinestones. These beauties are perched on a bed of teal silk dupioni flower petals.

Visit Emici Bridal on Etsy to peruse all their floral beauties. You won't be dissapointed!

Hair Do's by Boston Magazine

I came across this article by Brittany Jasnoff  in Boston Magazine Spring/Summer 2010 edition and I thought it would be very helpful for those brides still thinking of what to do with their hair. Simple helpful coiffure hints to flatter all shapes and sizes. Check out BM on stands now.

"An Education" in simple and chic by Carey Mulligan

I have to say I'm loving Carey Mulligan. She looked beautiful at the 2010 Golden Globes where she chose to wear her gems in her hair. Her pixie haircut was adorned with a sparkly band. Simple and chic.

This style would be perfect for brides with shorter hairstyles or for those ladies who might be looking for something less traditional than a tiara and veil. A perfect example is our Olivia Headband below which is versatile enough to be worn on its own or with a veil.

Source: http://justjared.buzznet.com/photo-gallery/2409088/carey-mulligan-2010-golden-globes-red-carpet-01/

Vivid Pink Diamond crushes it!

I'm not a huge fan of colored diamonds. Especially pink ones....they make me think of J. Lo/Ben Affleck and Mariah Carrey/Nick Cannon and as much as I love celebs and a little cappuccino gossip I will pass on the pink diamond.

Wait up - Hold the press - News just in - December 2, 2009. 

According to Christie's Hong Kong office The Vivid Pink a five-carat potentially flawless pink diamond has just sold at auction for $2.1M a carat - that is a whopping $10.8M for one diamond! They say this is by far the highest price per carat achieved for any diamond worldwide and is the most expensive jewel sold at auction in 2009.

On second thoughts, I think I could take a cue from Jenny from the Block. 

What do you think about colored diamonds?

Source: http://www.artinfo.com/news/story/33356/vivid-pink-diamond-shatters-auction-record/

Snow you didn't!

Picture this. It's December 19th 2009 and it's your wedding day. You leap out of bed to start primping only to be faced with one of the largest snowstorms in Philadelphia's history, 23 inches.

So long outdoor wedding! Well not according to groom Matt Cardinal. He rallied his lovely bride, Blair Kahora, and her gal pals. On went the Uggs boots and Pashmina's while the Groomsmen shoveled and cleared the way. Of the

160 invited guests 110 made the day. 

Now that is a commitment of love by friends and family!

When Blaire and Matt were planning I'm pretty sure she didn't think snow was going to be a feature accessory. Thankfully white goes with pretty much everything.

Congratulations Matt and Blaire.

Source: http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/weird/It-Was-a-Beautiful-Day-for-a-White-Wedding-80032822.html?yhp=1

'Man-gagement' anyone?

"If you like it then you shoulda put a ring on it" takes on new meaning. According to a recent poll on Brides.com 45% of women are open to purchasing their finance a "man-gagement ring" to claim their future hubbies. Not sure how I feel about this. 

 

On the one hand, yes we fought for equality but, on the other hand I feel like we might be loosing some of the tradition and romance of becoming engaged.

I wonder who is more inclined to want this trend to last, the fiance who will wear the 'man-gagement' ring or Jewelers who are touting this as the next best thing? Like Scott Kay Bridal Jewelry, they have a selection for any forward thinking fiance who wants to symbolize the commitment before the big day. 

Just because Jennifer Hudson bought her man a $15,000 engagement ring does that mean the rest of us should? Thoughts?

Image: Scott Kay Bridal Jewelry

Now that's a way to celebrate

I am going to take my ques from philanthropist billionaire Leonore Annenberg who purchased this phenomenal diamond to celebrate her 90th birthday a few years back. That is my kind of lady! I might have to make do with CZ's but still, it is nice to treat yourself. This ring just sold at auction for $7.7m.The center stone is a flawless, colorless 32.01 carats and is flanked by pear shaped diamonds of 1.5 and 1.6 carats a piece.

I love a square emerald cut. It is modern with a vintage vibe to it. Out of this world but a girl can dream can't she.

Source: abcnews.go.com

Terrific Tiara

Seriously, consider the workmanship since this is circa 1882. Talk about master jewelers! So pretty.

Count Scheel-Plessen's Diamond-Encrusted Tiara

This tiara, decorated with diamonds and dating from circa 1900, sold for 94,600 Swiss francs ($90,127). The central diamond rivière is believed to have been commissioned by Carl, Count Scheel-Plessen, either circa 1882 (for the occasion of his marriage to his wife, Louise) or in 1896, when his Danish title of greve (count) was recognized by Prussia.

Source: Royal Jewels - Forbes.com

Chopard and Lorraine Schwartz inspiration

Chopard - Emerald Ring - $2.14 million

Luxury watch and jewelry manufacturer Chopard's collection includes many high-priced pieces. But this bold cocktail ring--with half-moon diamond shoulders holding up a 33.02-carat solitaire emerald on a pave-set diamond and platinum band--outshines its rivals.

Oh what a beauty! Consider stepping outside the box of traditional engagement rings and go for precious stones for that something extra.

Angelina Jolie showcased stunning emeralds by Lorraine Schwartz at the 2009 Oscars which could provide some inspiration for your bridesmaid accessories. A 65 carat cocktail ring and 115-carat emerald drop earrings.

 

Have a focal point of one spectacular piece to adorn your ladies - stunning earrings, a cuff bracelet, or some serious drop earrings in vibrant color. This way you could keep dresses simple and cost effective but still achieve serious pizazz!

u-handbags for the handy at heart

I just love u-handbag.com where you can create your own fabbo clutch, wristlet, chain bag, totes and the list goes on. They "stock everything from yummy bag handles to purse frames and hard-to-find metal bits". You can fashion a retro style clutch or a modern weekender travel bag. My three favs are the Baguette Clutch, Eyeglass Case Wristlet and the Sophia Carry-all.

This could be a great bridesmaid "session” for those who fancy themselves as handy or for the bride who might like to gift their bridesmaid with a custom made clutch which will work long after the wedding day is over.

Lisa from u-handbags has a great blog with loads of bag making ideas at http://u-handbag.typepad.com/uhandblog/2006/12/purse_frames_de.html

Gems throughout the ages

This is probably as close to the real thing that I am ever going to get!



Dream Jewelry