JEWELRY

As I lurked through stores the other day (in sensible shoes, go me!), I kept seeing jewelry that had a braid element to it. Putting a braid in your hair always seems like an interesting way to spice up an otherwise ‘boring’ hair day. So why not use the same concept for our jewelry?

I know that I, personally, am fascinated with braiding. Many young girls, once they master the art of the braid are so excited with this talent that they practice it on anyone willing, including their dog or dad. Sometimes when I wanted to get to sleep as a child I would pull some of my hair up (it was always long) and braid it. The repetitive motion would lull me to sleep.

One braid I could never perfect was the French Braid. Purse Buzz has a great video showing how the French Braid is done. Wearing a braid in your hair, and mimicking the braid concept through your jewelry will be a subtle way to make your outfit cohesive. Now, doesn’t that sound fancy and well-planned? Try it next week.
There may be some deeper reason for why we like the idea of braids, perhaps the idea of unity, or interwoven puzzles — but all I’m going to say is that they sure are pretty.

1. Black or Turquoise Enamel Ring from Banana Republic ($34.00).

2. Juicy Couture Wide Braid Chain Bracelet at Nordstrom ($128.00).

3. CC Sky Wide Braid Bracelet from bloomingdale’s ($160.00).

4. Braided Gold Cocktail Ring from J-Crew ($55.00).

Stylishly yours,

Jessica Rae

Fact: Flowers are always in vogue.
Myth: You can get away with cheapo imitation flower accessories and they’ll last and look as good.
Sorry gals, but a Weitzman by any other name is a knock-off. Prada is not Prado! Invest in good floral accessories as staples for any wardrobe occasion. You can rock a tiny pair of floral earrings to a book club meeting just as easily as you can wear a pair of sandals with silk flowers to a wedding. They can get you anywhere. Maybe even past the velvet ropes.

No doubt you’ve seen the picture of Carrie Bradshaw (SJP) wearing a white dress with a giant white flower blooming on her shoulder. We love Carrie, we love Sarah Jessica Parker, but we don’t love something perched on our shoulder that is bigger than our face. (Unless you’re trying to distract people from your face because you’ve had a bad chemical peel or something.) So, with flowers in mind, I went on search of accessories that would leave the right impression.

1. New! Betsey Johnson Women’s Pink Resin-Flower Bracelet Watch at Macy’s
($150.00). Fun and fantastic. Just the right pop of color for any weekend outfit.

2. Sterling Silver Diamond Flower Drop Earrings at Macy’s ($450.00). Oh, la la. Time to sweep your hair into a stunning updo.
3. Stuart Weitzman Dalia Flower Hobo at bloomingdale’s ($578.00). Oh, such prettiness.
4. French Sole Serenity Flower Sandal at bloomingdale’s ($198.00). Hint: This is what women over 40 want, it’s elegant and sexy at the same time, no heel required!

5. Juicy Couture Viola Flower Stud Earrings at Neiman Marcus ($48.00). I want these in both colors. Am I selfish? Tell me I’m not! Don’t punish good taste.
Stylishly yours,

Jessica Rae

When I was in high school it was practical and necessary to have a watch (cell phones were just becoming popular, and they were banned) and since I was a very practical-minded girl, I got a very basic and rather plain watch that was silver with a black face. I wore only silver jewelry at the time, so it was guaranteed to match everything. But you know what? It was BORING.

Now I fancy these:

1. Gucci Twirl Collection Watch at Nordstrom ($1,995.00).

2. AK Anne Klein Quilted Bracelet Watch at Bloomingdale’s (SALE $50.99).

3. Burberry Check Pattern Leather Band Watch at Nordstrom ($395.00).

4. Juicy Couture Timepieces Emma Bangle Watch at Bloomingdale’s ($295.00).

Here’s to living in sublime style,

Jessica Rae