New York Fashion Week: Erickson Beamon at Milk Studios

How gorgeous was the makeup at Erickson Beamon earlier this week? Designers Karen Erickson and Vicki Beamon transformed Milk Studios into a garden of earthly delights. With Eve's return to Eden as inspiration for their Spring 2012 collection, Erickson Beamon displayed jewelry alongside models-turned-fairies, dancers, a cellist, an opera singer, and a whimsical landscape of flora, fauna, and jewels. Their current line is available in select boutiques and on Net-a-Porter.com.

 

 A gorgeous necklace from the S/S line

 Dancers waiting in the wings.

 

Click below for more photos!

Obsession of the Moment: Angus Dei Design

Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of meeting Danjebis Rodrigues of Agnus Dei Designs on the corner of 23rd and Madison. He was in need of directions, and somehow pegged me for a local. I'm still not sure if I pointed him toward his destination, but a quick conversation and his black-on-black business card steered me toward his jewelry company's website.

Rodrigues' designs are the perfect edge to roughen up my classic style. I love his cuffs, especially the Doors of Perception wrap bracelets and the simple Signature Evolution Cuff. And his unique rings would be the perfect contrast to a polished party frock.

I definitely recommend checking out his collection. It's a bit pricey, but his looks are so unique and made of high-quality metals. They're totally worth it.

Readers what's your latest accessory obsession?

Review: Caylpso St. Barth for Target

Yesterday I took a much-needed study break to check out Target's latest designer collaboration with Calypso St. Barth. I was pleasantly surprised-- the quality of this line seemed better than other recent Target/designer collaborations (cough go-international dress re-release), but I couldn't bring myself to purchase anything and ultimately walked away empty-handed.

I liked the styles of several dresses, but unfortunately the color palate of this line just wasn't flattering on my fair skin tone. Also, while I will admit that the quality of these pieces is decent (the dresses have linings, and there are intricate details and embroidery on most blouses and swimsuits), the price-point is a bit high. If I'm going to spend $40 on a dress from Target, I have to love it, and nothing in the limited selection of pieces from this clothing line at my local store fit that criteria.

 

The jewelry and home lines on the other hand, are different stories entirely. I loved the designs for home. The sea glass-inspired tumblers, metallic votive holders and ceramic elephant teapots were all gorgeous, but I  wouldn't have a place to put them, so I had to pass. I hope I don't kick myself later!

My choice to leave behind the jewelry designs is a similar story. I thought the gypsy-inspired bangles were fun and the playful mix of leather and metallics was endearing, but in the end, nothing sealed the deal. There's a chance I'll go back for one of these wrap bracelets.  They caught my attention and $20 seems like a decent price.

Overall, I thought the collection had some real potential, but nothing worked for me. Readers--have you seen the line? What do you think?

Obsession of the Moment: Janna Conner Bracelets

I am loving these cuffs by Janna Conner. They'd make such a statement paired with a simple t-shirt and jeans.

Readers--what's your obsession of the moment?

Made in the USA: Calleen Cordero Accessories

 With made-in-the-USA products and a commitment to artisan-quality footwear, handbags and jewelry, Calleen Cordero's designs are both stunning and sustainable. Most pieces cost upwards of $100, so Cordero's line is expensive, but these edgy accessories are well-worth their high-end price tags. 

 

(Top: Farrah 3/4 belt $199, Middle L to R: Tania Cuff in Black $139,  Envie Clutch in Black Borello $369, Snake Cuff in Metallic Geyser $99, Bottom L to R: Pancho Weave Sandal $369, Arte Heel in T-Morro Varu $569)

Spotlight on Bhati Beads: Made in the USA

 (Photo Credit: J.Crew)

While perusing the jewelry section of JCrew.com, I stumbled upon these adorable bracelets by Bhati Beads. These stylish, hand-dyed silk bracelets with brass beads are made right here in the USA. They're effortlessly boho chic, and at an affordable $36 with free shipping, college fashionistas can layer them to their hearts' content. I'd pair the vibrant pink one with a simple black v-neck and jean shorts for a casual summer look!

What color bracelet would you pick?

All You Need is Love: Countdown to Valentine's

1.) Heart Headband (ban.do ($35)
2.) Arrogant Cat Heart Back Sequin Dress (Asos $114)
3.) Pink First Base Murfee Scarf (Lilly Pulitzer $118) 
4.) Gumdrop Stud Earrings (Kate Spade $38)
5.) Olive Heart Pillow (Etsy $26) 
6.) Old River Road Valentine's Day Copper Cookie Cutters (Amazon $12)
7. )The Sonnet's and a Lover's Complaint (Amazon $13.60) 

Can you believe it's already the fourth of February? With only 10 days to go, the countdown to Valentine's has officially begun. If you're feeling prematurely lovey dovey, check out these fun Valentine's-inspired goodies. I especially love the heart-shaped cut out on this dress.

Maybe I'll have to try out my DIY skills and transform a t-shirt a la A Pair and a Spare.

Readers--do y'all already have Valentine's plans?

A Minor Obsession: Matchbook Magazine

As I was flipping (scrolling?) through the pages of Matchbook, newly released online magazine, one advertisement caught my eye. I'm typically more of a bangle girl, but these charmed friendship bracelets from minor obsessions by FINN seem so effortlessly cool. I especially love these two paired together.

Readers--if you  haven't clicked over to Matchbook yet, I highly recommend it--especially the 50 Classics Spread!

An Alternative to the Monogram?

I grew up in a culture of labels. No, not stereotypical teenage name calling, my upbringing was filled with monograms. The southern all-girls school I attended was dotted with students who loved initial-smothered picture frames, backpacks, tote bags, jewelry, pillows and towels. If you could embroider or engrave it, someone found a way to slap her monogram on it.

Don't get me wrong, I like monogramming as much as the next preppy southerner, but in excess, it can seem a bit pretentious. That's why I'm loving these initial rings from Etsy--they're edgier, more unique versions of the traditional signet ring. Not to mention they're much more affordable!

Readers what do you think of monogramming? Are you a die-hard fan? Or do you prefer something off the beaten path?

1.) Pebble Initial Ring $24
2.) Antique Typewriter Key Ring, $40
3.) Square Block Ring, $24 
4.) Rustic Tab Ring, $36 
5.) Just an Initial Ring, $15 
6.) Custom Initial Ring, $26

The blog world is abuzz with discussion of Kate Spade's newest book, a collection of "inspirations, intriguing bits, and other curiosities" inspired by the much-loved section of the brand's retail website, "The Things We Love". While The Things We Love is not yet available for sale to the public, I decided to create my own edition, The Things I Love, for today's post. Enjoy!

Here's a consolidated list with links:
1.) Ballet Slippers
2.) Keith Haring
3.) Capri Blue Candles
4.) Hidden Messages
5.) Bows
6.) Aphrodite's Pink Nightie Nail Polish
7.) S'mores
8.) Starbucks Holiday Drinks
9.) Fifi Lapin

PS Click here to watch a special on Kate's house on Plum TV!

Kate Spade Fever

Last week I was so excited when my friend Emily sent me this link announcing that Kate Spade, the New York designer best known for her colorful accessories, printed stationary and feminine silhouettes, is launching a new bed and bath collection this spring! The line will include the bold prints and bright colors consumers have come to expect from Kate Spade. Not sure if I'll be able to afford it, but I can't wait to see the complete line!

My Kate Spade frenzy continued when I saw that the brand uploaded images from their Spring 2011 collection onto their look book website. I love the Iris top ($245), Hand in Hand bangles ($48 each) and the Samantha bag ($575)

Readers, what do you think of Kate Spade's spring ventures? What other designers' collections are you looking forward to this spring?

Congratulations to...

Pamela of Ginger Girl! I want to say a big thanks to everyone who entered the Anna Dillard Designs Give Away--I'll be hosting more contests soon so keep check back for your chance to win!

Pamela--check your email later today. I'll be contacting you with more information!

Give Away Reminder: Anna Dillard Designs

Remember--you have until tomorrow at midnight (EST) to enter the Anna Dillard Designs Give Away! Click here to leave a comment for your chance to win!

Obsession of the Moment: House of Harlow 1960

Earlier this week, Shopbop.com debuted House of Harlow 1960's Fall 2010 collection. Filled with statement pieces, the triangle-inspired line ranges in price from $57 for a set of turquoise leather and gold earrings to $220 for a tribal cuff. While slightly extravagant for everyday, pieces from Nicole Richie's fall collection would add the perfect boho-chic touch to an outfit for evening. My obsession of the moment: the enameled tribal wrap ring ($65). It adds an instant "cool" factor to any look.

Readers, will you be shopping House of Harlow's Fall line? What are your favorite jewelry pieces this season?

(Image Credits: Shopbop)

100th Post Give Away: Jewelry by Anna Dillard

In honor of style of a 20 something's 100th post (!!), our sponsor Anna Dillard Designs is giving away one of her beautiful wire rings. This particular ring is made from a large glass pearl bead and 14k gold-filled wire--I have one of her designs myself and wear it constantly. It's so chic-it goes with everything.

Here's how to enter to win:

-You must be a follower of style of a 20-something to enter
-Leave a comment on this post with your name and email address so I can contact you if you win!
-One extra entry if you blog about my contest (please leave link in an additional comment)
-One extra entry if you tweet about my contest (please leave link in an additional comment)
-This contest will end Monday September 27, 2010 at 11:59 p.m. EST

Good luck readers! 

PS There's still time to enter last week's give away-Click here for the Rothco Messenger Bag contest! 

Style of a 20 Something's Newest Sponsor!

Readers, I'm so excited to announce our newest sponsor- jewelry designer Anna Dillard! Anna is a Wake Forest student who started her own jewelry business last year. She creates beautiful (and inexpensive!) rings that add a touch of glam to any outfit. Please check out her Etsy site here and stay tuned to style of a 20-something for a contest featuring one of Anna's designs later this month!

Back to School Dream Shopping

If budgetary concerns weren't an issue, back-to-school shopping would be a dream come true. Unfortunately, I live in the real world where my wardrobe is more Target than Tibi.  Here's what I'd buy if I had a Bill Gates'-sized bank account:

1. Marc by Marc Jacobs Crossbody Bag ($228)
2. Anthropologie Fleur De Lys Dinner Plate ($16)
3. Tory Burch Leather Elle Boot ($495)
4. Kate Spade Bow Ring ($75)
5. Susana Monaco Billow Sleeve Dress ($172)

Readers, what big ticket items are on your wish list for fall? 

Inspired by: Eat, Pray, Love

This past weekend, jewelry was one of the only things that wasn't considered tax free. Naturally, I gravitated toward bling every time I stepped foot in a store. It quickly became necessary to satisfy my jewelry craving before I blew my entire back-to-school budget on bangles from Kate Spade, so I popped into 10,000 Villages.

With over 70 retail locations across the US, 10,000 Villages strives to provide fair income to Third World artisans by marketing their products to shoppers in the US and Canada. It's always my go-to store for affordable, eye-catching jewelry. This trip I came home with two unique bracelets.

Both bangles were made in India and have a very Eat, Pray, Love feel to them. One is beautifully hand painted with an intricate design, and the other, a simple pewter bolt.  At $10 each, I challenge you to find a better deal. To shop online or find a store near you, click here to visit the company's website.

Just Tryin' to Keep Cool

With thermometers inching dangerously close to 100 degrees on a regular basis, I'm doing all I can to keep from melting. Even if you're suffering from heat stroke, these snow ball necklaces will give you the appearance of looking cool. These colored Swarovski crystals perched atop metallic cones are the product of Mignon Faget, a jewelry designer inspired by all things New Orleans. The pendants are available in sterling silver and 14K gold and cost $68 and $490 respectively.

If snow cones aren't your thing, the brand has a large selection of jewelry benefiting the gulf coast clean up effort. Check it out here.

Tory Burch Collaborates with Kara Ross

In this economy, everyone needs a little protection from evil spirits. That's why I'm loving Kara Ross's latest collaboration with Tory Burch. The New York-based jewelry designer created a line with her lifelong friend featuring the traditional evil eye motif. If you're not superstitious, no worries, this cuff is fashionable enough for even the most stubborn non-believer. Me, I'll toss salt over my shoulder until the day I die, so I'm a huge fan. The line includes rings, necklaces and cuff bracelets like the one feature above. Prices range from $195-$695, and all pieces are available on both designers' websites.