Grown-up friendship bracelets inspired by a 'Semi-Charmed Life'

Writer Nora Zelevanksy, whose work sometimes appears in the Los Angeles Times, has just published a novel: "Semi-Charmed Life," the comedic coming-of-age story of a young woman who ends up as the ghost blogger for a famous socialite in Manhattan.

Just out in July, the book has already spawned a collection of friendship bracelets made of semiprecious stones (get it?) such as smokey quartz, Peruvian opal and citrine dangling from a 14-karat gold chain. There are three versions -- the one shown here is called Night. And the bracelets have already caught the attention of fashion industry bible Women's Wear Daily.

It's easy to understand the connection of semiprecious stone charms to a book with the word "Semi-Charmed" in the title. But where does the friendship come in?

The bracelets were designed by Cayli Cavaco Reck, founder of the Style Sovereign blog and a lifelong friend of the author's, along with another mutual friend, Jeet Sohal, founder of the Bare Collection of jewelry and handbags. On her blog, Reck says, "The trinity of bracelets, this was not an accident, represent the many facets of friendship."

They are for sale on the Bare Collection website for $150 each. A portion of the proceeds is to go to Friends In Deed, an organization that offers support to people with life-threatening illnesses and their caregivers.

ALSO:

Beads come of age

Cleobella, handbag maker to the stars, opens shop

Juicy Couture founders return with a new line, a new look

-- Susan Denley

Photo courtesy of the Bare Collection

 

Mena Suvari, Katie Cassidy celebrate Roman Luxe jewelry launch

The penthouse at the Chateau Marmont was overflowing with stylish starlets Wednesday night as actresses Mena Suvari, Katie Cassidy, Monet Mazur and a slew of other celebs celebrated the launch of the new Roman Luxe jewelry collection. The event, which featured floral displays adorned with Roman Luxe rings, necklaces and bracelets, was co-hosted by RevolveClothing.com and blogger Karla Deras of Karla's Closet.

The new line, which features some pieces designed by Deras, is the debut jewelry collection from Roman & Sunstone, a fine jewelry, sterling silver and fashion distributor. Deras is slated to design a 12-piece capsule collection each season to complement Roman Luxe's main pieces. So far, she's done a collection for fall  2012 called "Power to the Python" and one for the holiday season named  "Lapis of Luxury."

"Power to the Python" includes gold-bordered faux python fabric triangles in the form of bracelet charms, rings and necklace pendants ($44 to $110). Each piece brings to mind an ancient Roman goddess and makes a statement with oversized, chunky triangles. Suvari walked the party in a pair of hoop earrings with triangle drop ($44), while Mazur accessorized her svelte, all-black outfit with the python cuff bracelet ($77), shown right.

Collar necklaces, fluted dome rings and clip earrings adorned with blue crystal stones make up the "Lapis of Luxury" holiday line, not yet available for sale. Cassidy accessorized her look with the Lapis duo ring with crystal stones, while actress Jamie Chung wore the collar necklace with crystal stones, both from “Lapis of Luxury.”

The full "Power to the Python" Roman Luxe collection, which launched this month, is now available at Revolveclothing.com. Select pieces are also available at Roman & Sunstone.com.

ALSO:

Photos: Father's Day gift guide

Shopping L.A.: Amber Sakai has sample sale. Ruti opens and more.

Frugal Fashion: Recreate model Alek Wek's Veuve Clicquot sundress look

-- Jenn Harris

twitter.com/jenn_harris

Top photos: Mena Suvari shops the beauty bar at the Revolveclothing.com Roman Luxe launch. Credit: Chris Weeks / WireImage

Middle photo: The Karla Deras for Roman Luxe python cuff bracelet ($77). Credit: Chris Weeks / WireImage

Bottom photo: Katie Cassidy, left, and Jamie Chung wearing pieces from the Lapis of Luxury collection. Credit: Chris Weeks / WireImage

Fashion news: Britney Spears, Elsa Peretti and Louis Vuitton

Britney Spears showed up in Austin, Texas, this week for "The X Factor" auditions. Her dress was notable... and was noted..... by, well, many.

The Elsa Peretti heart necklace for Tiffany & Co. is a classic symbol of a relationship that started in 1974. But the designer is rumored to be retiring.  [WWD, subscription required]

Some folks have all the fun. Earlier this week, shoppers helped raise $200,000 for P.S. Arts, an organization that brings arts education to under-served public schools. What kind of merchandise was sold? More than 200 designer handbags. And the setting wasn't bad either--the Beverly Hills home of Shanna and Jon Brooks, which was once owned (and redesigned) by Brad Pitt and Jennifer Anniston. [Society News LA]

Think tiaras are the stuff of a little girl's childhood? Think again. When the Duchess of Cambridge married her prince last year, she wore one--and her choice inspired replicas. Her grandmother-in-law, the Queen of England, marks her diamond jubilee this year, and diamonds are about to be on display again. And that's not all. Some of the richest of the rich are ordering "bespoke" tiaras. [WSJ]

And, finally, Louis Vuitton has been named the world's most valuable luxury brand. [Vogue UK]

--Alice Short

RELATED

Fashion news: Pippa Middleton borrows from Kate's fashion playbook

Jewelers seek out red carpet exposure

Photo of Britney Spears: Rick Kern/Getty Images

 

 

Annie Costello Brown and Desiree Kohan launch Deer jewelry line [Updated]

"She's boutique and I'm art studio." That's how L.A.-based jewelry designer Annie Costello Brown, above right, comes down on her personal style vs. that of her friend Desiree Kohan, above left, owner of the Des Kohan boutique.

The two L.A. tastemakers (Brown is wearing a vintage table cloth skirt and a Guatemalan blouse from the thrift store, and Des Kohan is in lacy shorts by Damir Doma, a designer line carried in her store) have joined forces to create a new 20-piece collection of jewelry named Deer.

"It's a mixture of what we like," explains Brown, who has her own namesake jewelry collection, as well as having guest-designed for the likes of Yves Saint Laurent and Creatures of the Wind.

Deer is interesting in that it incorporates industrial-looking materials -- leather, brass tubes, mixed chains and washers -- but in a decidedly dainty way. 

Kohan, who was a trend forecaster for brands such as Prada and Gucci before opening her boutique in 2005, has built her business on her ability to teach clients how to wear clothing by avant garde local and European designers such as Juan Carlos Obando, Preen, Hussein Chalayan and Sharon Wauchob* in their everyday lives. That thoughtful approach to building a wardrobe factored into the design of Deer. "The pieces are very much inspired by styling, because they are designed to be worn and used in multiple ways," she says. [*Updated at 5:38 p.m. June 1 to correct spelling of Wauchob.]

The "cobra" necklace ($298), for example, consists of a snakeskin tube and a chain full of coins that can be pulled apart and worn as a choker and bracelet. A draped chain necklace ($358) is shown with a mixed metal, brass tube choker ($186) that's sold separately. There are also bracelets ($128) with subtle vintage brass bullet-shaped beads that can be worn in multiples.

But the most stunning piece may be the mixed shells and stone necklace ($568), with brass drops, malachite, turquoise, lapis and coral details. The three strands can be worn separately or together.

"I think people are going toward more delicate, special pieces," Kohan says, running her fingers over one of the coin bracelets. An idea is sparked. "Oh my god, we should do anklets!" she says to Brown, who is in agreement. "High five on that!"

Deer, $135 to $795, is available on Des Kohan, 671 Cloverdale Ave. in Los Angeles, and at www.deskohan.com.

--Booth Moore

RELATED:

Jewelry designer Alexis Bittar in expansion mode

L.A.'s hot up-and-coming designers

Top boutiques in Los Angeles and beyond

Photos, from top: Boutique owner Desiree Kohan, left, and jewelry designer Annie Costello Brown; the Deer display at the Des Kohan boutique; pieces from the Deer collection. Credits: Courtesy of Des Kohan

 

Alexis Bittar, fashion jewelry's renaissance man, set for expansion

 

I can think of no better time than Mother's Day weekend to discuss jewelry. Fashion jewelry design is in the midst of a renaissance the likes of which we haven't seen since the 1980s. And Alexis Bittar blazed the trail.

In the past two decades, the New York-based jewelry designer has gone from selling his signature colorful, hand-carved Lucite pieces on the streets of SoHo to bejeweling leading ladies in Hollywood and beyond, including First Lady Michelle Obama (pictured below wearing one of his pins to the State of the Union address in January), Lady Gaga, Madonna, Cameron Diaz, Meryl Streep and Rihanna. At the same time, he's managed to keep the core of his collection in an accessible $225 to $645 price range.

Bittar has also challenged the definition of fashion muse by eschewing prepubescent models in his ad campaigns in favor of real women, such as eccentric octogenarian Iris Apfel, "Dynasty" diva Joan Collins and, most recently, "Ab Fab" couple Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley.

In a story for Sunday's Image section, I caught up with Bittar to talk about how the jewelry business has changed over the years and what he's planning for his own brand, now that he has a new business partner in private equity firm TSG Consumer Partners.

-- Booth Moore

RELATED:

Vidal Sassoon: Remembering an L.A. style icon

Christian Louboutin to launch beauty line in 2013 

Tom Hanks' lapel pin explained: Hollywood unveils 'Got Your Six' campaign

Photos, from top: Alexis Bittar and pieces from his spring 2012 collection from the designer.

First Lady Michelle Obama at the State of the Union address on Jan. 24. Credit:  Mark Wilson/Getty Images.

Tiffany & Co. launches a new rose-colored metal collection

Does a rose by any other name really smell just as sweet? Judging by Tiffany & Co.’s new rose tinged metal collection, Rubedo, it seems so.

Rubedo, which is made from a mix of metals with copper being the predominant alloy, has a look similar to rose gold, but is lighter in weight as well as on the wallet. The collection debuts in March to mark the jewelry company’s 175 anniversary and is priced from $200 to $8,000 and is part of the brand’s Tiffany 1837 collection, meaning signature styles such as the interlocking circles pendant and wide statement cuff are done in the Rubedo material. A limited number of Rubedo pieces will be inscribed with company founder Charles Lewis Tiffany’s signature and available only during 2012.

According to the company, the wearability of the metal is similar to sterling silver in strength, but there’s no mistaking the warm color, which is similar to rose gold -- a popular trend in fashion and jewelry, yet astronomically priced (currently around $1,700 an ounce) high even for avid gold consumers.

There are around 20 styles to choose from in the Rubedo collection and the blush tone and sleek design make the pieces easy to layer and pair with gold or silver. While Tiffany & Co. insists the metal is not a substitute for rose gold, the color, look and well, price makes us feel like Rubedo rather than rose gold isn’t such a bad thing.

Tiffany & Co. Rubedo Collection is in Tiffany & Co. stores and online at Tiffany.com now.

RELATED:

Your Stylist: The best in brass jewelry

Jeweler Frey Wille hits Rodeo this Friday

Men's Accessories: Fancy a beard hat for that buttonhole?

-- Melissa Magsaysay

Photos: Pieces from the Tiffany & Co. Rubedo collection. Credit: Tiffany & Co.

Jeweler Frey Wille hits Rodeo Drive on Friday

 

Austrian jewelry brand Frey Wille (pronounced fry-ville) is opening a boutique on Rodeo Drive on Friday, adding another location forits 87 stores worldwide. The 1,000-square-foot store will showcase the company’s art-based accessories like jewelry, pens, belts and bags all with a colorful, enamel inlaid design that has come to be the Frey Wille signature.

The Rodeo Drive location (Frey Wille also has a store in Santa Monica, its first in the U.S., which opened in 2005 but has since become too small to house the growing collection) will stock the full product line including jewelry, watches, accessories, a men’s collection and scarves all with the decorative art mosaics inspired by painters like Claude Monet and Gustav Klimt.

Though the Frey Wille merchandise is known for containing a kaleidoscope of colors, patterns and shapes, the boutique's décor is decidedly more subdued. The space, designed by architect Miyako Tsutsui and Simone Grünberger-Wille, Frey Wille chief designer and wife of chief executive Friedrich Wille, is clean, natural and modern, furnished with pieces shipped from Vienna. Architectural details that echo the well-known brand’s “winged Sphinx” logo are built in throughout the store.

 --Melissa Magsaysay

 

Related:

Elyse Walker debuts shopping site

Allure and beautybar.com launch Sample Society

Kristen Bell, Rashida Jones among starts at Rebecca Taylor boutique

 Photo: A Frey Wille bracelet with the company's signature colored patterns. Credit: Frey Wille

 

Golden Globes: Watch for the jewelry on the red carpet

If all goes as it usually does, a bevy of actresses will begin stepping down the red carpet at the Golden Globe Awards around 3 p.m. Sunday, preparing to attend the most significant awards show of the season so far. But for many it certainly won't be the year's first saunter past the photographers and camera operators. In the last week alone, we've had Wednesday's People's Choice, Thursday's Critics' Choice and Friday's Los Angeles Film Critics awards.

And the season will just keep on rolling through the end of February and the Oscars.

If you're watching on TV or on a webcast -- or following the coverage at Latimes.com -- pay special attention to the jewels the ladies wear. Often what you see on the awards show runways in January and February sparks the trends you'll be wearing later on.

As Times Fashion Critic Booth Moore explains in a story this weekend, jewelers from all over the world compete to have their wares on display, sometimes lending stars the bling, sometimes paying them to wear it. Among the high-profile brands we're likely to see represented are Harry Winston, Neil Lane, Chopard, Pomellato, Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Bulgari and Tiffany & Co.

Nowadays even the men on the runway are likely to wear a borrowed pair of cufflinks or watch. Vram Minassian, co-owner of of the Gray Gallery in West Hollywood, told our Adam Tschorn that 40% of its "loaner" jewel business come from male stars, including Robert Pattinson, Johnny Depp and Ryan Gosling.

And I'm wondering if there's room for an upstart like fashion stylist and designer Michael Schmidt, who recently launched a new line of jewelry. Schmidt is known for his edgy rock 'n' roll stylings -- he designed the glass bubble suit Lady Gaga wore on a cover of Rolling Stone in 2009 and is a go-to for Rihanna, Cher and Madonna. Booth Moore took a look at the collection recently and says it would help any woman explore her inner rock goddess. And with the Grammys coming up Feb. 12, who wouldn't want that?

RELATED:

The big business of Hollywood red carpet bling

Fashion: Critics' Choice Awards 2012 have some style 'Help'

Critics' Choice Awards: Best and worst dressed

-- Susan Denley

Photo: Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams attend the 2011 Critics' Choice Movie Awards. Gosling accessorized with a vintage watch, the Heuer triple calendar chronograph from Gray Gallery. Credit: Kevin Mazur / WireImage

Holiday Shopping: Stud earrings, small but chic

If you’re looking for a last-minute gift for your sister or best friend, think about small stud earrings. They make an elegant and practical stocking stuffer and can be found at various price points, for those on a budget to those with no limits.

Here are a few favorites that can still be bought in time for the holiday or saved to give as a Valentine’s Day gift.

Bing Bang jewelry designer Anna Sheffield has created a Mini collection of cute and tiny baubles. Her stud earrings come as whimsical pairs like a diamond for one ear, a dollar sign for the other. This Royal Duet features a Cardinal cross and a crown, perfect for the princess in your life. $38 at www.bingbangnyc.com

These Belle Noel star stud earrings are small but pack a lot of punch done in this festive star burst design. $30 at www.shopbop.com



For the person who likes something more dainty and conservative, but certainly casual enough to wear every day, these dotted gold circle “Crème Brulee” studs from Anthropologie are pretty sweet. $28 at Anthropologie stores and www.anthropologie.com

If budget is no factor, then give her the moon. These diamond pave moon studs from FINN Jewelry are truly out of this world. $1,995 at www.finnjewelry.com

--Melissa Magsaysay

RELATED

Holiday Shopping: Take note of stylish stationery

Holiday Shopping: Cosmetics filled ornaments for the beauty lover on your list

Holiday Shopping: The Mulberry Travel tote

Photos: from top: Bing Bang Royal Duet earrings. Credit: Bing Bang. Belle Noel Starburst earrings. Credit: Shopbop.com. Anthropologie Creme Brulee earrings. Credit: Anthropologie, FINN Jewelry diamond pave moon earrings. Credit: FINN Jewelry

Your Stylist: Best in brass jewelry

With the price of gold hovering at $1,700 an ounce, it’s no wonder there’s been a surge in brass accessories. Kelly Wearstler’s new West Hollywood store has a particularly large amount of brass. The interior designer with a fashion label has done the store’s awnings, objects, accessories and even a back scratcher in the material, saying that she loves working with the metal for its aged-looking patina and warm tone.

“Brass is a good, inexpensive alternative to gold,” says gemologist Larry Platt, co-owner of Platt Jewelry Boutique in West Hollywood. “People would typically use sterling silver if they’re trying to cut costs, but everyone has been so into the look of yellow gold lately, and brass has a warm, gold tone to it.” He adds that for the first time in many years, the price of yellow gold has surpassed even the price of platinum, which is about $1,500 an ounce. “People are much shyer about buying gold right now. Even those who can afford it are hesitant because prices are double what they were three years ago.”   

Brass works for strong statement pieces like chunky cuffs and thick hoop earrings. Wearstler has an array of brass pieces, some with a perforated circle motif and cuffs topped with natural agate stones set with thick prongs ($445 at www.kellywearstler.com). The combination of stone and brass in the bracelet feels earthy, not precious, and the bracelet is as easy to wear with a casual button-down shirt and jeans as it is with a dress and heels.

Also making a statement are the croc cast cuffs of reclaimed brass from Raven Kauffman ($195 at www.ravenkauffman.com). They’ve got tons of texture and you can see all the detail and deep crevices because of the tone the brass takes on. I love wearing one of these on each wrist. Since they’re not shiny, the look is much more chic than superhero.

On the lighter side are the brass pieces by A.L.C. The screw top tennis bracelet ($395 at www.barneys.com) has a dainty feel even though it’s done in a tough metal. It can be worn alone or would look great with silver and gold bangles. And the brass handcuff huggie earrings ($275 at www.barneys.com) are a good size to wear everyday and bring a nice pop of gold color to an outfit.

Kora jewelry has this gorgeous brass necklace ($245 at www.koradesigns.com) with horseshoe-like shapes hanging on a long chain. Even though it’s fairly simple, the shapes are bold enough to make this a cool stand-alone piece.

And for those who want to wear their brass in a more unexpected way, Monika Chiang is doing these sleek wedge sandals ($545 at www.monikachiang.com) and a flat version ($395 at www.monikachiang.com), with a brass ankle cuff. The ring of brass is like built-in jewelry.

RELATED:

Your Stylist: Tips for having a super chic pregnancy

Your Stylist: Expert advice for soothing dry winter hands, nails

Your Stylist: Bringing your eyebrows back with a little brow rehab

-- Melissa Magsaysay

Photos: Top left: Kelly Wearstler brass and agate cuff; credit: Kelly Wearstler. Top right: Raven Kauffman reclaimed brass cast croc cuff; credit: Raven Kauffman. Center left: A.L.C screw top tennis bracelet; credit: A.L.C. Center right: A.L.C handcuff huggie earrings; credit: A.L.C. Bottom right: Kora necklace; credit: Kora. Bottom left: Monika Chiang Athena platform sandal; credit: Monika Chiang