Beauty Buzz

Valentine's Day Confab: Catherine Rigod Chats with Stevie About Valentines's Day, Gifts and What to do! Fashiontribes.com Beauty Buzz Blog and Podcast

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Here it is almost the end of January and now we need to start thinking about Valentine's Day. How did a simple thing like Valentine's Day-- the one we remembered from elementary school where you bought or made valentines for everyone in  your class and ate the sickeningly sweet and sticky candy hearts-- ever become so blown up as  what some call a "faux holiday".

Interesting huh.. I don't remember Valentine's being more than that until I started dating. All I ever really wanted was a card and a date with a great guy; then it was dinner, a card and a great guy; then it morphed to dinner, a gift, flowers and a great guy. Once you get married, it's all over-- because you do expect "something" from the guy--though he might or might not from you.  Personally I would love to see it tweaked to give each other fun little toys and gifts-- meaningless, fun items that are fun--sort of like Halloween but in reverse.

Candy while typically associated with the holiday is NOT what the holiday is all about-- though I love Sees, Godiva, and those niche chocolates (heard about Bodega? YUM!! fabuloso), I don't need the calories and I don't need it "calling" to me either.

Flowers while lovely are ridiculously expensive and I would rather have a great arranagement a couple weeks before or after just to save the cost-- and make it Calyx and Corolla thanks so much while you are at it. (like that's ever going to happen)

As Catherine Rigod and I talked about, this is a much harder holiday than it looks because you want it to be a gift that shows affection but not in an "over-kill" sort of way-- unless you are of the relationship level where you give him intimate apparel for you to wear (the La Perla or Natori or Bare Necessities type of sort of stuff)  just so that he has the pleasure of seeing it on you -- and peeling it off. (personally I always loved doing something like that since it's a win win situation)

Take a listen to the discussion about what to give, what to get, how this darn holiday got started and how to figure out great gifts.. from pennies to multiple 0's...

more in a bit

Stevie

MyLittlePretty.com + H2o Spa Work Together on Spa Boutique for a CURE Fashiontribes Beauty Buzz Blog + Podcast!

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Hey ! Happy Monday!

Stevie from fashiontribes.com here to share with you about this cool event coming up THIS Sat 1/28/06  from 3 - 7 PM in Hollywood at the dripping with celeb cache Spider Club  (Hollywood & Vine)
for an event to support both Breast Cancer and Ovarian Cancer research.  Sponsored by  My Little Pretty Jewelry  and  H20 Spa , the event will feature fun, pampering, shopping and much more.

Tickets are sold   in advance at myllittlepretty.com/events for $10 and at the door for $15!
. While indulging themselves to the finest spa treatments at the exclusive, star-studded Spider Club, guests can purchase clothing and accessories from some of LA´s hottest designers, including My Little Pretty jewelry. A portion of sales will benefit breast & ovarian cancer research, early detection, awareness and wellness programs.

Stylist to the stars and top model Lesa Amoore and actress Jaqueline Fleming will co-host the event, with actor Carlos Ramirez playing dj. Special musical guests, including Nadine Zahr and Adrianne, will perform throughout the event. Actor Melvin Jackson Jr. from "Everybody Hates Chris" is scheduled to make an appearance.

Live and silent auctions will be  available for your participation for great  beauty and fashion  treats with the proceeds going to a great cause. A luxurious gift basket from Jaqua will be auctioned off for charity. Dubonnet will be providing complimentary cosmopolitans. H.E.R. energy drinks will provide guests with a quenching mid-afternoon boost.

Pampering products from Raw Beauty will be in the gift bags, along with other sweet surprises. Adore Shop magazine, Southern California´s only glossy magazine devoted to shopping, will be on hand to cover this afternoon of relaxation, shopping, and giving back.

EM & Co boutique, San Damian jewelry, C. French Designs, and many other local LA designers will provide guests with a fabulous shopping experience.

What's not to love about this event? It's got all the right names; the right location, great treats for body and soul and the opportunity for you to make a difference!

Kristy Nuttall from My Little Pretty Jewelry was on the podcast and she talked about her reasons for being involved in this event.  Her line is one of the hot tickets here in LA and you need to see these cool designs.

My Little Pretty is an earthy, fun jewelry collection that combines stones and sparkling gems in  unique presentations. Kristy has created a special bracelet for Breast Cancer with 20% of he price going to charity.

It's done with Swarovski crystals,silver fittings,  the Breast Cancer Ribbon and a HOPE charm.

Ovarian Cancer is represented with this gorgeous bracelet done in aqua Swarovski crystals, silver fittings and the same HOPE charm.

  Her designs, ranging from silver lariats to earthy stone necklaces, have been worn by celebrities including Sharon Stone, Gwen Stefani, Sharon Osbourne, Natasha Henstridge, Tamera Braun and Alicia Keyes.  For more information on My Little Pretty--or to purchase these  bracelets -- visit  www.mylittlepretty.com.

H2O Skin Spa specializes in creating an on-location private spa and full scale, tailor made fantasies based on the specific needs of the client.  With the ability to accommodate up to 1000+ guests, to include options from 2 to 10 customized spa treatments. Massages will be offered at the event for one dollar per minute, proceeds benefiting charity. Please visit http://www.h2oskinspa.com to learn more.

To purchase tickets online, please visit http://www.mylittlepretty.com/events.html. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door.

What: Spa Boutique For A Cure event
Who: My Little Pretty jewelry & H20 Skin Spa
Where: Spider Club in Hollywood ( Hollywood and Vine)
Date: Saturday, January 28, 2006, 3 to 7 p.m.

see you at the Spa Boutique for a Cure

Stevie

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Via Spiga Does a "Soft Shoe" at Silver Spoon Golden Globes Beauty Buffet--Fashiontribes Beauty Buzz Podcast!

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hey! I haven't forgotten you my peeps! I have been working my keyboard so hard that the letters are wearing off! I have been on the phone scrounging up images on the events from the Golden Globes! So bear with me while I get things together. Being gone from the office for 2 days meant coming back and being  B U R I E D in emails and phone calls-- so I have been digging my way to the top!

Silver Spoon Beauty Buffets are fun events: lots of different companies, cool lines, great food and drinks all in a super-secret- "don't get to know the location til the day before "  sort of place. It's fun because you never quite know where you are going to be and part of the fun is wondering if you will be in the same place again. This time was different from the Emmy suites but in the same general area-- the super chi-chi "high rent" district of Beverly Hills, above Sunset, in Benedict Canyon! WOW.. great great GREAT area and this manse was humongous.. (hmm I have enough furniture and the right decor to live at this particular house!)

Accompanied by my friend Tricia, we drove around trying to find the place and had to do a few U-turns because we got lost but no biggie. Once we drove by the house with the valet service, I knew that was the "spot"!

After checking in and getting our wrist bands,  we wandered off and saw some interesting things.. but when we turned around, what we saw nearly took our breath away--SHOES!!!  Not just any shoes,   but  Via Spiga shoes!!  We moved quickly-- didn't want to run and be seen as being to eager!

While Tricia and I were perusing the handbags, belts, coats and SPRING sandals being shown, I had a chance to chat with Maggie Laver, the Director of Public Relations for Via Spiga and numerous other shoe brands from the parent corp, Brown Shoe.  That's what the podcast is all about!!  So you better listen!!!

Here's the cool stuff we saw.

An adorable leopard print jacket -- down jacket no less ( a bit warm in the afternoon but oh so cozy later that night!) with  removable raccoon fur trim along with zipper cuffs and pillow collar.  It fits really well and isn't too bulky; the tailoring is definitely there.  Here it is shown on a model from Bloomingdales:

The handbags were enough to make a person swoon!

They were featured in deep chocolate brown, caramel and also this deep khaki green. I was salivating over this bag!! It's on the largeish side of things and that clip comes undone and the flap stays down even if not clipped. Two pockets on the interior and lots  of space inside for all the essentials and extras that a girl could want. The lace-up detailing and distinctive brass hardware makes this a bag that  creates its own style while picking up key themes for 2006. The leather is glove-soft.. as you would expect from Via Spiga.. Yummy! I got the deep almost grey green color. Tricia got the caramel one. I am surprised at how easy and lightweight this is to carry.

Along with the handbags and jacket,  Via Spiga  featured Spring 2006 belts and sandals. Unfortunately, I don't have those images yet. I can give you a brief run-down:

a pair of clog-type  heel-strap sandals;

**no image yet but soon!!

a more stiletto type very strappy sandal with lots of thing straps across the vamp;

A more chunky sandal with a wrap strap around the ankle with a chunky platform and a great stacked heel. I tried these on and they were surprisingly comfortable considering the heel height.

I promise-- no, I SWEAR, I will post images as soon as I get them. I am  a patient person when it comes to getting images. So it's worth the wait.  I will make sure you hear and see all about the shoes!!!

See you at the next booth at the Silver Spoon Golden Globes Beauty Buffet!

Stevie--your LA expert!!

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DIC Entertainment TROLLS Make a HIT at the Silver Spoon Golden Globes: Fashiontribes Beauty Buzz Blog & Podcast

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Hey PEEPS!! Sorry it's been so long to get to this but life has been insane! Last week was the Grammys smack in the middle of NYFW Fall 2006 and whodathunk that I forgot one of the best parts of the Silver Spoon Hollywood Buffet for the Golden Globes!! One of the cutest little things from the Silver Spoon  was the TROLLS.

These classic Trolls, --the perfect 80's icons of good luck, are back !!  Featuring a history as wild and colorful as their crazy hair ( from their unassuming beginnings in Scandinavian folklore to their celebrity-like status in the 1960's to their successful resurgence in the 1990's) are back on the scene again and going to take over! So WATCH OUT!

These adorable creatures have been resurrected and brought back in new presentations and configurations including new clothes, uses and attitude!! The newest Trolls are true to the original : with the same hairstyle and  selection of facial expressions. Available in a rainbow of colors and sizes, there's a Troll to fit everyone's personality or mood--and make a great gift for anyone-- regardless of age, size or gender!

Retail outlets carrying Trolls include Tower Records, Hot Topics, and Claire's Boutiques!

See you at the Silver Spoon!!

Stevie, your Fashiontribes.com LA Expert!

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Penny Preville Jewelry Sparkles At InStyle Suite at the Four Seasons: Fashiontribes Beauty Buzz Blog & Podcast

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Penny Preville has one of the hottest lines in jewelry --not just in LA but all over the US. Known for her detailed, delicate designs, her jewelry is a hot commodity for stars who want to wear something gorge with those glam dresses for  Golden Globes, Grammys, Emmys and also the Academy Awards!

Her collections are varied and provide a unique perspective  on current trends that is truly "Penny Preville" .

Andrea Bowen wearing Penny Preville jewelry-- bangles and earrings for the Golden Globes!

Classic Collection diamond bangle bracelet

From the  Deco Collection, these are phenomenal diamond drop earrings!

Red Carpet is what these fab chandelier earrings are all about-- and they are from the  Red Carpet  Collection.

The romance of spring is definitely appearing in the  Romeo and Juliet  Collection. It's a beautifully done group that has that vintage  vibe without being over the top.

These amazing rings speak Hollywood glamour in volumes and the stones are so beautiful in person. Penny Preville rings twinkle  and sparkle in the spotlight! These rings are from the  Indochine  Collection.

Penny Preville’s designs are available at select Neiman Marcus, Geary’s and fine retail stores throughout the country.  For more information visit http://www.pennypreville.com

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Lucky Chick Gets LUCKY at the Golden Globes Silver Spoon : Fashiontribes Beauty Buzz PODCAST!

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The  Silver Spoon  event for the Golden Globes was a blast! My friend 'Tricia and I had a great time--there was lots of people and products to see; lots of great things to eat and drink (skip dinner!! It was all about having fun!) . We walked by celebs like  Adrian Brody, Paris Hilton, Kevin Sorbo (Hercules, Andromeda), Neil Patrick Harris, Q’Orianka Kilcher ( New World),Eva LaRue Callahan (CSI Miami), Anthony Kiedis,  and a slew of names that you would recognize. It was truly interesting because some people you wouldn't recognize right off the bat and others you do (how can you miss Brody and Sorbo? These guys are TALL!)   It was fun to people-watch and to talk to the different vendors who were talking about their lines--some brand new; some new to the US and some established lines.

One line that I knew-- but was glad to see was  Lucky Chick! Having worked with this line a couple of years ago featuring both a profile of creator, Stephanie Sakoff,   and coverage of her bath and body products, I was really glad to be able to catch up with this "Lucky Chick" and hear what was new with her line. Check out the podcast on the latest  products from Lucky Chick Stephanie Sakoff and what was hot with the celebs at Silver Spoon!

Lucky Chick is a  great line for shower, bath and personal grooming--and makes awesome gifts for Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, bridal showers and birthdays. It's an "anytime" gift that makes sense--because she will use and because you get very effective products. Price points range from $10 -$36 for a variety of products! Featuring two new scents : Mimosa, Jasmine & Violet  ( a lovely floral with a hint of orange flower) and the Mandarin-White Orchid   (a low-key floral that's got the right tang)   there are products now in  3 scents (original Lavendar)  and lots of choices to keep you sleek and sexy from head to toe!

The Mandarin White Orchid Hydrating  Set includes Moisturizing Body Wash,  exfoliating Scrubby Gloves,  and scented  Body Cream to keep skin smooth and supple with Honey & Vitamin E packed in a reusable case.  ($29.50)

The  Mimosa, Jasmine, Violet Travel set  includes a fragrant  Sugar Scrub and Scrubby Gloves to exfoliate   and Body Butter to intensely hydrate and soften skin. ($20). Makes the perfect  travel  kit.

The  Mandarin White Orchid Hand and Body Shimmer set  is a favorite since the rich Shea Hand Cream has a soothing feel and scent  and when paired with the  Reflexology Massage Gloves  makes hands feel like "buttah". The luxurious Shea Body Cream offers  skin to a little glimmer as you moisturize. The kit comes in a reusable carry case too making it an ideal gift for oneself or someone special. ($28)

The  Spearmint and Peppemint Foot Kit   makes a great stay at home treatement set. Sugar Foot Scrub  exfoliates and massages soles and heels with a minty freshness while the Shea Foot And Leg Cream is keeps feet soft with  Shea & Avocado Oil. Slip  on the soothing Reflexology Booties  for overnight  treatment and in the morning, feet will feel fabulous. ($36)

Take the best of the foot kit the road with the Mini Travel Foot Kit. Exfoliate feet with the minty Foot Scrub and Pumice Stone. Rinse and apply the  revitalizing Foot Cream to soften skin and finish the treatment with the Toenail file included in the kit. ($20)

These are just a few of the many kits and products that  Lucky Chick has to offer. Lucky Chick  has everything you need for that spa experience at home-- where it's much more convenient and you don't even need to leave a tip--unless it's to phone your BFF to share the news about  Lucky Chick!

Stevie--your LA expert!!

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Inkslingers Denim and EuropeModa.com Hits the Golden Globes Silver Spoon event Fashiontribes.com Blog and Podcast!

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Recently I was able to attend that Silver Spoon Beauty Buffet for the Golden Globes-- fun events where vendors come to display products a la a bazaar type atmosphere and celebrities  come and check out the products and get to take home samples to try.  It was a BLAST!! My friend Tricia and I had a great time and if you read/listened to the other posts and podcasts, you will hear the noise and know that it was like a huge rocking party --which it is-- and that there is so much to see. We walked out with so many bags full of goodies  from this hot event at this very cool mansion in Benedict Canyon in Beverly Hills!

 

Inkslingers is a new brand of denim with lots of attitude that flew out the  eModa booth. This way cool booth was  six deep in celebs who were eyeing the gorge handpainted leather jackets

Appealing to the James Dean Rebel Without a Cause in all of us, these leather jackets were so luscious! This particular jacket is part of the original collection and features a studded butterfly detail and a cropped body conscious fit. Sounds yummy to me! (sorry! leather junkie here!)

This is a detail of the OTHER leather jacket on display and it was super hot with hand-painted detailing on this super soft (almost could sleep in it)  leather. Smokin' Hot!!

Love the look of tattoo sleeves but don't want to commit to that look for the long term? Think of this layered  tee. The sleeves are fairly sheer and give you that feel of "almost real" tattoos!

This is one of the goody bag items that InkSlingers/EuropeModa was handing out.  Not for the shy or timid, this is a cool bit of sass! The second image shows you the back and the first is a fusion of color and images and would be "oh so perfectly" Rock Punk Tribe!

One of the best things about Inkslingers is the fabulous denims they have. OMG.. I think I have died and gone to denim heaven when I saw the array of  sexy, hot, yummy designs (there is a reason I did the denim story doll! It's one of my fave things to wear.) See that cool studded detailing on the back yoke? It's gorge.

Here's the full length back view of the jeans. These low slung, slim fit (and I am serious about that ladies) with lots of distressing and some twisted seams make for a long legged look. Be careful of  stepping into the jeans because you might stick your foot right through the holes!  It's a curvy view of the rear with a low rise front and a contoured back. I don't even have to take these babies in--just up -- and that's a novelty in my world. SEXY!!! 

The staff at Emoda is very helpful, very friendly. They were terrific at explaining the fit of another brand I have been coveting (Taverniti) which I hadn't found till recently though I interviewed the design team. I wanted to know how they were to be fitted (more denim articles!) and one of the EModa staff was so very very helpful on telling me how they fit.  (and they carry Taverniti So as wel. Again.. slim, slim hipped fit.
Check them out --they have brick and mortar stores for men and women in Philly! Don't hesitate to tell them you heard about it here on Fashiontribes.com Beauty Buzz blog!!

Europe Moda LLC
www.EuropeModa.com
524 South Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147

See you at the next event!

Stevie, Fashiontribes.com

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Damiani Jewelry Stars at the Four Seaons/InStyle Suite for the Golden Globes ; Fashiontribes blog and podcast

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This is a fun hot  line that was first popularized by Brad Pitt who almost induced coma in Japan when appearing at a press junket for Damiani. Now Gwyneth Paltrow is also wearing the jewelry in print and in red carpet appearances.

This is a stunning jewelry line that's totally amazing and so gorgeous. Typically featuring white diamonds, for Golden Globes they were showing off colored gems in an array of colors that would make anyone swoon (and start making a wish list too)

GORGE pieces.. in vintage style, very modern pieces and lots to see

Here's just a sampling of images while I get the specific photos we talked about during Golden Globes!

 

Mesh bracelet of yellow gold done with a diamond buckle

Ruby and white diamond huggy type earrings

White and chocolate diamond ring. (YUMMY!)

White gold, white diamond and leather cuff--truly a Golden Globe worthy piece

Now this is just a few pieces from Damiani. I will have more photos soon. There were many other brands there but this was an amazing suite of about 15 jewelry lines and it was so much bling in one room that one didn't need a flash for photography because of all the reflected light!

Stevie from Fashiontribes.com

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CeaSwim Makes WAVES at Silver Spoon Golden Globes Event! Fashiontribes Beauty Blog and Podcast

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One of the best  things about covering the various events around LA is more than just seeing the celebrities (though that can be pretty cool when you walk by some jaw-dropping " did you see who that was" people!). It's about the  great products that are on display at these events like the  Silver Spoon Hollywood Buffet!

Celebs mingle with  the companies that are featuring product companies who want celebrities to know/use/have their products.  It's more like Christmas and fun time since there's always great food and beverages at the Silver Spoon Events . When I attend these events, it's  to find out what's  new with established companies and scope out new companies who use this  opportune media coverage to launch new lines and/or products.

Starlet Swimsuit (green-- are you with envy? You should be!)

One of the most popular booths was the  CEASwim Celebs like Paris Hilton, mom Kathy HIlton, Tori Spelling, Eva La Rue (CSI Miami!!), Haylie Duff, Joanna Krupa, Carrie Ann Inaba (Judge on "Dancing With the Stars"), Deidre Hall, Nicole Eggert, Michelle Deighton  (America’s Next Top Model) and a slew of other celebs got mutliple suits.. Melissa Rivers is a huge fan with the entire collection and talked about it for the cameras.

Baby Luxe Swimsuit

Even the GUYS got in on the action:Adrian Brody, Kevin Sorbo, Victor Webster, Neal Patrick Harris, Anthony Kiedis, Mario Van Peebles, Tyler Hilton all picked one up for their significant others.

Celebrity Swimsuit (perfectly named and absolutely one of the  fastest to go into a goody bag!)

So what's so hot to make all these people (plus stylists for Lindsay Lohan and Nicolette Sheridan) pick up swimwear?  Plenty!  These are suits have what Cea calls the "FIVE F's" : fit, function, feminine styling, fashion and fun.

Tank Swimsuit (for those who need a touch more coverage!!)

Thanks to co-owner Jannette who has 20 years experience in pattern-making intimate apparel,  it's all about producing the smoothest most flattering fit for the rear view (can we say BUTT???). The bottom has better coverage yet provides a sexy look while being extremely comfortable to wear for a myriad of body types.
Sold as separates (KEY !!), the individual pieces make it easy to fit virtually every body type--just like bras and bikinis!

Island Girl Swimsuit (Hot HOT HOT!!!)

How the swimsuit wears is important and Cea and Jannette included cool stuff like double-lining on white suits (thank you!); elastic filled spaghetti straps (bye bye bra strap marks!) and subtle yet effective padding to give you the "oomph" where you need it.

Jade Princess Swimsuit ( it speaks for itself!)

CeaSwim makes it easy for women from 18-50+ to wear swimwear and feel great about their bodies and how they look. Thanks to cool fabrics and great styling details, they are very fashionable (and trust me I had a hard time picking out just one suit! So many adorable styles and patterns)

Starlet Swimsuit

Where to find such great swimwear? Don't go to Beverly Hills, Honey, it's not there yet (SOON!) . Check out CeaSwim.com  or Ravinstyle.com or should you be Maui-bound, go to the Hyatt Regency and check out Maui Luxe store for a selection.

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What Bling Will the Stars Be Sporting at the Golden Globe Awards? It All Starts at the GG "Suites" Like the One Hosted by the Platinum Guild International. Jewelry Expert Michael O'Connor Dishes on the Trends. FASHIONTRIBES FASHION JEWELRY BLOG & PODCAST

PODCAST: What Bling Will the Stars Be Sporting at the Golden Globe Awards? It All Starts at the GG "Suites" Like the One Hosted by the Platinum Guild International. Jewelry Expert Michael O'Connor Dishes on the Trends. FASHIONTRIBES FASHION JEWELRY BLOG & PODCAST - MP3 File

When award season descends upon LA, it's like Hollywood suddenly becomes LA-LA Land and the town sizzles with the electricity and excitment that comes with the influx of celebrities and media along with the dazzling array of products and more specifically jewelry that is suddenly taken out of the vaults and brought out for the celeb and stylist perusal.

The Golden Globe "suites" are magical places where you get to "shop" to your heart's content, no credit card required....actually, they are where the stars ( should they appear) &  (typically) their stylists/posse/handlers congregate before major award shows to pick out what the celebs will be wearing on the big night.

As Fashiontribes' intrepid  West Coast Blogger, me --lil Stevie Wilson, got the lowdown - on what's hot  in this exclusive podcast interview with Michael O'Connor -- jewelry and style expert  ( Today Show; QVC!!!) at the Platinum Guild International Suite (where over 40 influential jewelers show their wares) - on the red carpet jewelry trends for this year's Golden Globes:

• LAYERS Neil Lane showed a gorge platinum/diamond chain combo that can be double, triple & even quadruple-looped around the neck

This stunning piece from  Neil Lane   is one of the most versatile pieces since it can be worn long as a rope or looped twice, three or even four times for the most unusual effect.  It rocks and gets you a lot of bang for your platinum buck.

• HAIR CLIPS Especially the sort that J.Lo sported at her wedding

Shown below are the  exact same  Neil Lane clips that JLo wore at her wedding. If it's good enough for the queen of bling, it's good enough for us!!  It features a new way to bringing a bit of Hollywood dazzle when your gown might not be right for a dazzler necklace. Hair clips get you coming and going without having to worry about dropping them.

• CUFFLINKS Celebs like Ryan Seacrest will be sporting platinum & diamond versions

Men's jewelry is back in a big way baybee.. It's great, gorgeous and stunning.-- and guys are finally turning to elegant jewelry that shows sophistication yet fun too.

• ROMANTIC Look out for romantic jewelry featuring pale blue moonstones, & set off with other gemstones such as rubies, diamonds & of course, platinum

The blue moonstones are these exquisite pale blue stones and set in this platinum necklace gives off an almost 'other-worldly' feel to this gorgeous piece.

• ROMANTIC GOTHIC Again, that layered look, but with colored stones such as golden-hued emeralds

Erica Courtney  is known in LA for her edgy designs amongst some very contemporary pieces that she does as well. This  ring bridges the gap between gothic influences and romantic design with a ring that embraces the yellow beryl stone much like a lover would. The photo shown here is not the same ring but gives you an idea of the feel and spark.

• EXOTIC One popular piece was a platinum & pave diamond ring for the middle finger, which attaches to a "spiderweb" on the back of the hand and connects to a bracelet

Rock & Roll meets Moroccan influences in this "slave bracelet" by Erica Courtney the platinum threads are so delicate; the diamonds tiny dots of sparkling light and the web and ring make the bracelet sizzle.  The image of this is amazing!

• OLD HOLLYWOOD Such as diamond/sapphire combinations (very Art Deco)

The is a new version of Old Hollywood  jewelry. This diamond centerpiece blows you away with the "wow" factor of carats and sparkle while the graduated beads of sapphire (strung much like graduated pearls) show deep blue against the skin and highlight the flash and vibrant light of the diamonds.

• PINS Bow pins featuring baguette diamonds were big this year...according to O'Connor, a baguette cut is the one to wear on the red carpet to get maximum blinding flash'age

Huge bow pins done in a more retro style to be worn on dresses, in hair or on handbags to create a more fun element and still show that Hollywood glamour hasn't vanished! Other more modern styles were also popular with stylists who wanted a sleek effect with these pins by Etienne Perret

• DRAPED NECK-PIECES unusual materials such as carved jade pieces strung together with platinum threads

 

Ricardo Basta is known for his unusual presentation in jewelry. His attention to detail captures hearts (and credit cards) all the time! His believes that the front and back should have a beautiful finish and thus the back of this stunning assymetrical multiple section necklace is done in mesh platinum threads as well as  leaves and more. The photos tell the entire story. This is a stunning piece that lays on the collarbone and will be sparkling with diamonds and radiating the peaceful jade vibe.

• LONG EARRINGS Need we say more?

These phenomenal earrings are indicative of the type of long dangling earrings that are stunning and move as you move. The diamonds sparkle and catch the light and no better way to make yourself the center of attention! These are the "kites" that Michael O' Connor has spoken about in the podcast.

• PLATINUM & RUBBER CORD A striking silver & black look which, along with onyx & platinum, O'Connor expects to be quite popular

This is men's jewelry at it's most fashion forward and unique. The platinum dogtags are terrific and different and worn either on a chain or a rubber cord. The embellished cufflinks were stunning and one pair of smoky quartz was drilled and had diamonds set into the quartz! How's that for the ultimate in luxe!

• RETRO from Victorian to Art Deco, the past is hot

Sheila Goldfinger has put together the most amazing collection of vintage jewelry and vintage inspired pieces. The diamonds and platinum are set off by onyx and it's a look that is so reminscent of Hollywood GLAMOUR that you wish you could  go play dress-up!

• GI-NORMOUS COCKTAIL RINGS such as those that dominated the J.Lo Louis Vuitton ads & seen on Sarah Jessica Parker

These huge gum-ball sized diamond and platnim pieces are definitely not for the timid --or those of weak wrists!

My thanks to Michael O'Connor for his expertise and  my appreciation for his patience and help with this podcast! You Rock!

Stevie Wilson

Fashiontribes Fashiontribes Files Golden Globe Awards Platinum Guild International Suite Jewelry & Accessories Los Angeles Red Carpet Fashion Michael O'Connor Fashion Expert