accessories Archives - Page 5 of 7

New Year’s Eve Fashion

Whether your New Year’s Eve plans include a romantic night in or an exciting night out, it’s a great excuse to wear something special.

Whether your New Year’s Eve plans include a romantic night in or an exciting night out, it’s a great excuse to wear something special. New Year’s Eve is about looking ahead, celebrating the future, and enjoying a good party. This is one night of the year when extra sparkle is always a good idea! Consider a daring pop of color, accessories that take your dress to another level, or materials you don’t include in your everyday wardrobe.

You can never go wrong with the classic little black dress, while a statement piece of jewelry will make the look extra special for New Year’s Eve. A killer pair of shoes will have the same effect. Or, stand out from the crowd by wearing a pretty pastel shade. A New Year’s Eve party is the perfect time to take a risk and step out of your comfort zone.

Here are some of my favorite fashion ideas for New Year’s Eve. What will you be wearing?

Herve Leger — Hervé Léger: Daga sequined bandage dress

Rafe: Maryanne Faceted Shell Minaudiere, Ivory Multi

Herve Leger 2 — Hervé Léger: Ari metallic bandage mini dress

Christian Louboutin: Debout Glitter & PVC Red Sole Pump, Gold

Alexander McQueen clutch — Alexander McQueen: Python Hexagon Frame Clutch Bag

Alice Olivia — Alice + Olivia: Princess layered tulle mini dress

Jimmy Choo 2 — Jimmy Choo: Legia elaphe and metallic leather sandals

Alexander McQueen clutch 2 — Alexander McQueen: Snakeskin Oval Knuckle Clutch Bag

Drapery Hardware

Drapery hardware is a finishing touch on a space that has a lot of potential to add interest to window treatments.

One of my favorite parts of the design process is getting to the stage where I choose final details for a room. Drapery hardware is a finishing touch on a space that has a lot of potential to add interest to window treatments. The hardware is like jewelry for the window, complementing the room or adding ornamentation.

I love to use this pole along with a dark tarnish finish and sometimes a contrast ring.

The lucite poles from Houles are just so cool.

There are so many styles of rods and rings available, from contemporary elements to more traditional styles and everything in between. You can really customize the look of drapery hardware by thoughtful choice of materials, finishes, and accessories. The hardware can be sleek and minimal or make a bigger visual impact. Using contrasting rings with a bar is one way to achieve a memorable look. You can also mix darks and lights or use varying materials for an unexpected twist on drapery hardware.

Great scale and tone. The finial is very simple.

Lucite with metal rings from Gretchen Everett Hardware.

In some cases, having simple hardware that is recessed allows the window treatments to be the focus. Hardware that doesn’t dominate the look of the windows is sometimes a better choice for a room.

For a contemporary look – the pole from the Mina collection in brushed nickel is pretty sleek.

Which look do you prefer?

Design Dose

Beautiful lighting is jewelry for a room.

Design Dose

Jonathon Adler pottery — express yourself!

Zoe Bios Creative

Zoe Bios works with dozens of artists worldwide, overlaying their prints with elements such as aging, gesso, leafing, and India ink to develop high quality pieces.

Zoe Bios Creative is a California firm I learned about at the NY NOW show. They produce art in house, creating repeatable originals in editions of 100. Zoe Bios works with dozens of artists worldwide, overlaying their prints with elements such as aging, gesso, leafing, and India ink to develop high quality pieces.

What I find wonderful about the Zoe Bios pieces is the mix of materials, like the oil paint with metallics. I love abstract art; it’s very contemporary. The various sizes available from this line allow you to play with different spaces, making a bold statement with a larger piece or using a smaller scale to suit a specific area. Their photography pieces offset the abstract collection with additional options.

Many of these prints are beautifully saturated with color. I get tired of seeing the same prints or accessories used over and over again in design magazines, so having such an appealing range of unique choices is refreshing.

To see more of the artwork offered by Zoe Bios Creative, visit their website. You can also find them on Facebook.

Design Dose

Sitting pretty!

Design Dose

Simple styling.

Design Dose

Life is a bowl of oranges!

Spring Scarves

I am a sucker for scarves.

I am a sucker for scarves. They’re a great accessory, adding texture, feeling, and warmth to any look. Scarves aren’t just for chilly days but can be worn any season of the year.

Bindya -- Absolutely one of the softest scarves I own. — Bindya — Absolutely one of the softest scarves I own.

Alexander McQueen Scarf — Alexander McQueen Feather Print Scarf

A beautiful scarf can add a splash of color or be more subdued. This spring, I have been leaning toward a zest of colors. There are tons of choices that can change the look of one outfit or dress up something more casual. I love wrapping a scarf around myself and never leave the house without one.

How do you like to wear spring scarves?

MeiraT Designs

I first stumbled across jewelry by MeiraT Designs when looking for a Christmas gift for my mom.

I first stumbled across jewelry by MeiraT Designs when looking for a Christmas gift for my mom. I wanted something a bit unusual, which is exactly what I found. When I later visited the MeiraT website, her philosophy of “designed for a woman, by a woman” really resonated with me. These pieces are meant to be wearable day and night, beautiful and noticeable.

MeiraT has had a lifelong interest in jewelry design, drawing inspiration from her European and Middle Eastern background. What I love about MeiraT Jewelry is the asymmetry of many of the pieces. Some elements of her designs have a rawness to them, as if the stones are are just dug out of the ground and left unpolished. At the same time, they are delicate.

There’s a consistent rhythm to the jewelry across the brand. The pieces are organic, dainty and pretty. There really is something for everyone with MeiraT Designs, whether you prefer diamonds and gold or a more earthy tone.

You can see more jewelry by MeiraT Designs on her website. She is also on Facebook and Twitter.