JEWELRY

Right now there are lots of big, new sunglasses where the sides are especially visually appealing. I’ve selected some of my favorites. I’m listening to some Blondie while I write this, which always puts me in a good mood. So, put on some of your favorite music and get ready to shop for sunglasses. You don’t want to be the only gal who has to shade her eyes with a hand. Right now sunglasses are more than just a helpful tool, they are practically a necessary accessory for summer. And size does matter here – the bigger the better.

Want white shades? They’re fresh and funky, I don’t blame you. I like the Marc By Marc Jacobs White Link Sunglasses from bloomingdale’s ($115.00). The shades are tinted brown to match the gold accents. Wear these with a white one-piece retro swimsuit and channel the infamous Marilyn Monroe. And red lips – I’d do that, too.

Maybe you want the option of the standard black sunglasses, with a twist. Well, far be it from me to tell you what you have to do. So, I’ll just point out the Dior Oversized Shield Sunglasses from Saks Fifth Avenue ($290.00) and stand back while you look at them in awe.

Okay, I lied. I have to tell you why I like these. Some women like to sport brand names, and that’s why these are perfect – they proclaim DIOR for the world to see. And there’s absolutely nothing wrong with Dior. In fact, I’m very fond of the Dior Quadrille Shield Sunglasses, as well. They’re from Saks ($350.00). They remind me a bit of the woven totes I was writing about earlier. Although, I wouldn’t wear these with a woven tote – it’s just a tad bit too matchy and you want to look casually glam, not meticulously-planned-glam.

I’ve never been a fan of dragons, they’re not cute – but they’re fierce and so are the Ed Hardy ‘Crystal Dragon’ Oversized Sunglasses from Nordstrom ($250.00). I’m not the kind of girl who ever wants to get a tattoo (please – I can’t decide on one pair of shoes to wear for an entire day, and you want me to decide on one tattoo to sport for the rest of my life?) but I can commit to these tattoo-inspired frames. And the fact that they have swarovski crystals is an added bonus, since well – I like to catch the light.

Stay tuned because I plan to talk more about sunglasses, especially the bright color trend.

Now those are New York Bargains,

Jessica Rae

When summer finally arrives and you find yourself baring your arms in sleeveless halter tops and tanks it’s the perfect time for bracelets. Specifically: cuff bracelets. They make an impact and they add polish to whatever look it is you’re sporting at the time (unless you’re in pajamas – then I can’t help you).

To ease you into the concept, first let’s discuss the Rebecca Norman Circle Cuff from bloomingdale’s ($240.00). It’s a great cuff that gives you lots of cut-out space so your wrist won’t feel claustrophobic if you aren’t used to wearing these types of bracelets. (I feel like people always make fun of other people who have claustrophobia, but from the few times I’ve felt mild sensations of it I must tell you that there’s nothing to laugh about!)

The gold Fendi Cuff bracelet from Neiman Marcus ($250.00) was made in Italy, which might be the next best thing to having a hot Italian lover. It gleams with the sophistication I tell myself I have, even when I’m eating a hummus pita and spill some on my shirt. (Which happened to Phoebe on an episode of NBC’s Friends, so I’m in good company at least. But for the record, I’m a Monica/Rachel hybrid.)

Juicy Couture has Leather Cuff Bracelets with heart padlocks which are available from Neiman Marcus ($68.00). You can pick between a bronze cuff with silver or a black cuff with gold or platinum. You’ll be constantly reminded of whomever you may have given your heart to and how precious it is when you wear this. If someone takes a hold of the heart padlock and says “I’ve got the key to this heart,” that’s way too cheesy of a line and you have my full permission and encouragement to use your other hand to slap them! (Just not super hard, kay?)

When you’re ready for the major leagues, you’ve got to check out the John Hardy Silver Dot Contour Cuff from Saks Fifth Avenue ($1,495.00). It reminds me of something that Cleopatra would wear. And who doesn’t want to be as fabulous as her?

Right now is a good time to show a little bone. And no, I am emphatically not implying that you go the super skinny route so that your pelvic bones pop out as you walk – that’s too thin, and it’s unattractive. I’m talking about bone jewelry. Whether you wear it alone or as a combination of something, it’s a fun element. You don’t have to wear actual bones, there is faux-bone jewelry which looks almost the same, and without a bit of the ‘ew’ factor.

The MICHAEL Michael Kors Resin Link Watch from bloomingdale’s is offered in in faux tortoise or bone ($120.00). I think the white bone watch would look good on a tan wrist in the summer. My sister is an art student at Cornell
University who needs to wear a watch as she wanders the campus, but she doesn’t want to wear a basic silver piece. This is the perfect alternative. Because there is a silver accent, you can wear a small silver necklace with this.

This Bone, Howlite & Fluorite Necklace necklace is by designer Stephen Dweck. It can be found at Neiman Marcus ($2,345.00). The combination of the elements within the necklace make it a bold, visual statement. Wear this with a solid color, not a print that will compete. You don’t want to be the woman who can’t say ‘no’ to ‘too much’ – not when it comes to jewelry, prints, or too much spiked punch at an office party.
Chunky bone jewelry should be worn on taller women as it will cut you off at the neck. But otherwise, any height can pull off this look.

If you want to go even more natural, try the Miriam Haskell Floral Beaded Necklace from Nordstrom (Price unlisted right now). I would wear this with softer fabrics and colors. Wearing a sparkly pink halter dress with this would be a no-no. Chanel your image of Kate Hudson and wear something boho chic.
Neiman Marcus also has the Bone & Carved Ebony Necklace by Stephen Dweck ($1,655.00). It has bone beads, which is a pretty cool concept, as long as no one tells me how they make the beads. Some things I just don’t need to know.
When going ‘bone’ – don’t wear a lot of other jewelry. It makes a statement on its own. What’s great is that a lot of bone jewelry is offered in bold choices, which is good for fashionable women over 40.

When I want to pull my hair up, sometimes what I want in an earring is something romantic that will catch the light. This look is more Natalie Portman than Gwen Stefani – though I love them both. I can picture Natalie wearing these In the Stardust Drops from Anthropologie (SALE – $79.95). We may not have a red carpet to waltz down, but they’ll still look all kinds of gorgeous on you.

If you were a princess who lived in a castle of glittery ice (which would be freezing cold – so you wouldn’t, but play along) you would wear these 14k White Gold Aquamarine (9/10 ct. t.w.) & Diamond Accent Earrings from Macy’s (SALE – $299.00). Now, how do we build a castle out of ice? Sand is much easier to work with, don’t you think?

Now, I know you’re not lazy – but sometimes you just want a pair of earrings that you know you can wear with any outfit, and you’ll look polished and good. I understand this. Something simple, like silver studs or hoops work to an extent. But what about a signature pair of simple earrings? Something you can wear, fabulously, with your favorite worn-out jeans, or a silk dress? Well, that’s why these Juicy Couture Bow & Arrow Earrings from Nordstrom are so great ($88.00). Wear them to the grocery store, wear them to the biggest party of the year. Even if you drink a wee bit too much, you’ll know one thing you won’t need to be embarrassed about the next morning is the jewelry you wore. Worry less, smile more. And take a chance on that cute guy in your office. You might be the next Jim/Pam (from The Office).