Celebrity Style: Jennifer Lopez at the World Music Awards

 Jennifer Lopez wore Roberto Cavalli and carried a Swarovski vintage Gilda clutch to the World Music Awards in Monte Carlo on May 18th. Now was was Jenny at the World Music Awards? LOL...The jury is still out on that. Yes, I'm being facetious. Jennifer, we love you but stick to what you know best, dressing like a diva.

Style Tips: A is for Accessories

Can't Live Without Them

 No fashionistas wardrobe is complete without accessories. Accessories are like the icing on a cake; you have to have them to make and outfit complete!

How do you choose accessories? Go for what you know and love. Buying what works for you is the key to successful accessorizing. Just because someone else is doing it doesn't mean that you should do it too. You have to consider your individual style and personality to pull off an accessory appropriately.

For example, a classicist wouldn't be caught dead in a pair of feather earrings a la bohemian style. She's likely to stick to he classic pearls, diamond studs, or simple gold jewelry. What do you need in your accessory wardrobe? Here's our list:

1. Shoes. From pumps to boots to flats to sandals. not wardrobe is complete without a nice assortment of footwear. For work and evening, make sure you have plenty of pumps. Peep-toe, square toe, round, and pointy. Pumps can make any outfit complete and they're versatile. You can wear them with pants or dresses. 

2. Jewelry. First off, diamond studs. No fashionista goes without them. They're perfect for formal events or casual affairs. And of course if you can't get the real thing, an acceptable faux pair is just as chic. No one is really going to know the difference. Second, the statement necklace. Why? Because it's a conversation piece and perfect when you don't feel like making a lot of fuss over your accessories. the statement necklace will suffice.  Next there's the cocktail ring. No longer just for cocktail hour, the cocktail ring is the accessory. Wear one and you'll subject yourself to accessory envy. The bigger the better, with huge stones, bling, or intricate design, cocktail rings definitely make a statement.  For those lady like occasions, a strand of pearls says a lot without saying too much. Pearl necklaces are always elegant and give you a refined look. Very Diahann Carroll circa 1960s.  Lastly, no fuss cuffs. Slip them on your arm and you're out the door. And you don't even need help.
Brands we like: Amrita Singh, Tiffany & Co., Avelle @ Nordstrom, Aldo Accessories,

3. Belts. Our friends, the waist thinner and curve accentuates, belts can make ordinary extraordinary. Belts are great accents for those days when you want to go from frumpy to fabulous. I own animal print belts, sash's, belts with hardware and bling. If your outfit is simple, a belt can give it can alter the look for the better. Invest in a thin, medium, and wide belt.
Brands we like: Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Michael Kors, Fossil, and Calvin Klein.

4. Handbags. The must-have accessory for every woman. Handbags are the topping on a perfect outfit. Two great bags to have? A structured bag, not to big not too small, but one that can carry you from work and on to a flight for a quick getaway.  I love Francesco Biasia bags, they come in a ton of styles and colors. The clutch is is the sassy sister of the structured bag. She comes out to play women less is definitely more. Right now I'm loving those Tory Burch clutches. Clutches are very chic and you can find them in almost every color.
Other brands we like: Hype, Louis Vuitton, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Kooba, Burberry, and Aldo.

5. A timeless watch. Go for a high-quality classic metal in gold or stainless steel.
Brands we like: Anne Klein, Guess, Michael Kors, Rolex, Locman, and Seiko.

Just as fashion changes, your accessories should change as well. Trends are fine but avoid falling into the trend trap. Select accessories that will last for more than a season. Invest in quality pieces that can take your wardrobe to the next level. Don't be afraid to splurge on quality or spend a couple of dollars on some fun pieces. Variety is the key to great accessories!

Accessories: The New It Bag by Rodo

Celebrities are dying to get their hands on these glamorous bags. These blinged out  Rodo evening clutches aren't an accessory, they're an event. Accented with sparking Swarovski crystals, the bags garner so much attention, they may need their own red carpet to walk down. These special bags are made in Italy and come complete with their own little dust bag. The $1,912.00 price tag isn't for the meek either, but hey, you only live once.  Check out Forzieri.com to view more of the collection.

Accessories: Gucci's Heritage Tour for the New Pelham Collection

 Gucci wants to give its customer's a lesson in history. Well, almost. The brand is hosting a tour series across the U.S. for the launch of their New Pelham Collection.

The Artisan Corner program will feature some of the country's most skilled Italian leather craftsman to created customized bags for Gucci customers. The workshops will hit Gucci boutiques in San Francisco, Beverly Hills, Chicago and New York,  ending on April 29th.

The Artisan Corner previously hosted events in Tokyo, Osaka, Rome and Paris last month. Stateside, San Francisco will be the first stop. Gucci VIP customers have been invited to participate and have the option of purchasing the customized bags complete with their embossed initials. Bags purchased at the events will have an embossed plaque on the bag's interior with the location and date of the event. Bags prices range from $465 to $18,000, for an exotic skins.

Fall Trends: Hand in Glove

 Leather and ladylike gloves at Louis Vuitton.

Gloves make an exceptional comeback for fall 2010. Fashion week saw gloves in the shows of some of the hottest designers including Yves Saint Laurent, Derek Lam, Carolina Herrera, Donna Karan and Prada. Rich leathers, cozy knits and jeweled gloves should make for a warm and chic seasonal accessory.

Carolina Herrera

Vera Wang

Hermes

 Donna Karan

Max Mara

Photos courtesy of WWD.com.

Trends: Heavy Metal

Balenciaga

 

David Yurman

 

Guess

 John Galliano

 

Emilio Pucci

Metal sunglasses take center stage and get kicked up a few notches for spring.

Accessories: Banged Up

Kelly Rowland

When it comes to jewelry, bangles make statements.Bold gold is in like a sin for spring. Big bangles with bold designs are hot, and the bigger they are the better! They're a must for the arm of every Chocolate Fashionista.

(Click photo for item details.)

Accessories: Charles Albert Jewelry

By far Charles Albert Jewelry is one of the most unique collections I have seen in a long time. Each handcrafted piece is made with unique stones like citrine, amethyst, quartz, and crystal. The necklaces and pendants command attention, so shy women steer clear. These jewels are definitely conversation pieces.

 

 

 

 

Visit Charles Albert online or become a Fan on Facebook.

Fashion & Style News: Mob Mania for Choos at H&M

H&M Paris

In Milan, Italy more than a thousand people stood in line (enduring the rain) at H&M to get their hands on the new Jimmy Choo for H&M collection. In Tokyo, more than 800 people stood outside a H&M store for 24-hours, and about 500 people lined up in New York on West 51st Street as early as 8PM on Friday to get their pick of the litter.

Inside the Paris store.

While I am a self-professed shop-a-holic, I have yet to stand in line to grab a garment or accessory. I trekked through the Beverly Center in Los Angeles yesterday and visited H&M,to find a peaceful setting, shoppers going about their daily business and a few Choos still on the shelves.

Apparently the Los Angeles fashionistas hit the Beverly Center store while I was cruising through my other favorite store (Loehmann's) this past weekend. More than 600 people stood in line to get a hold of the shoes in those bright blue Jimmy Choo boxes that were piled neatly on shelves. Few were left after the massive crowds hit and other area stores experienced the same thing.

A wristband for access.

In Manhattan, five stores carried the Jimmy Choo collection. The expensive items were the first to go, including the above-the-knee leather boots that retail $299 and a leather and a suede one-shoulder dress that sells for $249, which has been deemed company-wide as a best-seller. I'm sure the ad campaign contributed to that. I have yet to get my first pair of Choos, but as always, I'll keep you posted.

Accessory News: Brangelina Designs Jewels for Asprey

 Diamond and black diamond pavé rings.

A-Listers Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have taken to the design arena in the form of lush jewels for Asprey. The high-end jewelry collection which features gold jewelry and silver accessories is called The Protector inspired by the snake.

Pendant collection.

Prices for the collection begin at $525 for the silver baby spoon and proceeds will benefit the Education Partnership for Children of Conflict, a charity Jolie co-founded in 2006. The charity benefits children who are victims of war, natural disasters and conflict.

Dress studs and a bangle from The Protector collection.

The serpent presence in the jewelry comes from a gift Jolie was given while she was pregnant with daughter Shiloh. She says it serves as a protector of her family. The collection features gold pendants and rings with micro pavé diamonds; cufflinks for men, bracelets, earrings, and dress studs, some brilliantly marked with diamonds, black diamonds and emeralds; baby gifts including the silver spoon, an egg cup, and a picture frame.

A tooth-box and the silver spoon ($525).  

Prices for the complete collection have not been released. For more information visit Asprey.com.

Fashion & Style News: Freida Pinto & Halle Berry don Asprey Jewels

Halle Berry wears the Asprey Rose pendant. 

Hollywood loves bling and Asprey jewels are no exception. Oscar-award winning actress Halle Berry donned an Asprey Rose pendant at the Celebration of Babies this past Saturday in Beverly Hills at the Four Seasons Hotel (see CFB Photos post). The Rose pendant features brilliant diamonds, pink sapphires and pink opal.

Freida Pinto in the Daisy diamond collection.

Freida Pinto, not to be outdone wore the  Asprey Daisy Diamond collection featuring a pair of classic daisy drop earrings and the daisy bracelet at the Britannia Awards/BAFTA L.A. last week in Los Angeles. Berry's jewels were not only worn for a good look but for a good cause. The pendant Rose pendant was later raffled off to raise money in support of the March of Dimes.

Asprey was founded in 1781 in South London. Visit Asprey.com to view the lastest collections or find a store near you.

Asprey Beverly Hills is located at The Beverly Hills Hotel, 9641 Sunset Boulevard, Beverly Hills, California.
For an appointment call (310) 550-0520.

Fashion & Style News: Alicia Keys to Debut Jewelry Collection

Alicia Keys is joining the ranks celebs-turned designers with the creation of a new jewelry line. Keys partnered with Gisèle Theriault to launch The Barber's Daughters jewelry.

The silver jewelry collection will feature pieces inscribed with poetry and prayers from the writings of Dr. Masaru Emoto, author of Hidden Messages in Water. Keys is a huge fan of the author's work.

The collection will launch November 23 and 24th at a pop-up store at 26 Clinton Street in Manhattan. Keys will make an in-store appearance on November 24th.