Monday, November 30, 2009

BADMINTON BAUBLE?

I've been wanting to talk about Mirit Weinstock since I first set eyes on one of her necklaces. I was so taken aback by its beauty, intricacy and uniqueness that I needed to know more. My search hasn't been easy, but worth it!

Here's what I learned:
The Tel Aviv-based designer inventively combines art with fashion in not only her accessory line but in ready-to-wear collections and wedding dresses.

Photobucket 
Perhaps she picked up her creative approach and willingness to experiment from her internships at Alexander McQueen and Lanvin. I'm sure it didn't hurt!

Photobucket

Not your average statement piece, these necklaces are made of shuttlecocks (that's right, badminton birdies). Who knew they could look this good?

Photobucket

Photobucket

I haven't found many retailers that sell the line, but a few styles are available on PixieMarket.com, and I was told that Henri Bendel may soon be carrying them.

Bonus: Self portraits of fans from around the world are featured on Weinstock's site wearing her offerings. Not only is it worth checking out for the aesthetics, but by taking part, you can get a discount on the designer's goods. Pretty much a win win.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

A FEW REFLECTIONS

Self portraits.

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket
top-Silence + Noise, blazer-Cynthia Steffe, necklace-Deluxe, ring-Lia Sophia, skirt-Kimchi Blue

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

DWECK FOR LESS

What would the retail industry be without top designers creating affordable lines? Anna Sui did Target, Jimmy Choo and H&M... 
I'm happy to say that Stephen Dweck has joined these ranks, creating the Dweck Diamonds collection for QVC. He unveiled his first collection late last month and will showcase the next installment Dec. 8 at 6 p.m.  (I've heard it's worth tuning in.)

Dweck along with Anthony Nak, Tacori, Michael Dawkins and others will be part of a designer jewelry event presenting their latest masterpieces for the shopping channel. (Pretty awesome!)

Photobucket

This woodsy Dweck Diamonds sterling ring with gold and diamond accents retails for approximately $100 on QVC. Nice. 

I got an insider tip that Dweck will be featuring other nature-inspired items coordinating with his debut collection (shown above). 
As one who seeks out unusual designs and a good price, I suspect this show will hold my channel surfing at bay!

Monday, November 23, 2009

FASHIONABLE FREEBIES!

It gives me great pleasure to introduce the newest addition to Accessory Source --   a monthly Win It feature! Hooray!!
For my first giveaway, three lucky readers will win one of these pieces from Lia Sophia's latest collection, Midnight II. 

Photobucket
Graphic earrings with black diamond crystals in matte black and matte gold. Retail price $175 each.

Photobucket
Cosmic ring with black diamond crystals in matte black. Size 7. Retail price $175. 

To enter for the giveaway:
1) Become a follower of Accessory Source through bloglovin (button in the upper right of this page), or blogspot for you fellow bloggers. It takes 2 seconds.
2) Shoot me an e-mail at theaccessorysource@gmail.com, with "win it" in the subject box. Feel free to specify which piece you fancy most!

A winner will be selected on December 24th. Tell your friends and good luck!

Friday, November 20, 2009

HOT SPOTS

My favorite leopard coat came out of hibernation today. Since it makes everything look better, I tend not to focus on what to wear underneath but to pile on the accessories.

Photobucket
coat-vintage, jeans-Silence + Noise, shoes-vintage

Photobucket
bag-Rebecca Minkoff, blue ring-nOir

Photobucket
earrings-Sweet Romance, black ring-Sorrelli, pearl ring-vintage

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

BEHIND THE SCENES: LIA SOPHIA

Last night I attended the Lia Sophia soiree on the rooftop of Gramercy Park Hotel. Swanky! The perfect locale for the unveiling of their latest collection, Midnight II. I had the chance to interview designer Dani Stahl and get some great bauble wearing tips from her. But first take a gander at the line: 

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

I really like the predominantly black pieces, with their pops of color and bling. They're a bold change from traditional gold or silver.

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Can the girl take a picture or what? Lia Sophia designer Dani (below) has captured the attention of the fashion savvy with her stylish twists on trends.

Photobucket

And I had the pleasure to interview her.

Accessory Source: Did you ever expect to have such a big celerity following?
Dani Stahl: I design the Red Carpet collection for Lia Sophia, so having celebrities don the jewelry was the goal and purpose. But of course there was the possibility that no one would want to wear it, so, yes, it's exciting to see!

AS: What are your inspirations for the line?
DS: My mom.

AS: Why your mom?
DS: She has the most excellent taste in jewelry. Growing up I watched how she wore it and put it all together. Now I have access to her ginormous collection.

AS: How do you feel about matching jewelry sets?
DS: All in how you wear it. Generally, I don't like anything that matches -- for me, it's all about mix 'n' matching.

AS: How about mixing metals?
DS: Obsessed!

AS: What can you tell me about proportions. Like if you wear big earrings, can you wear a big necklace?
DS: I have a point system. You can't wear too many points. So, for example, if I wear a ton of bracelets, I can't wear huge earrings, or if I wear a bunch of big rings, I won't wear an oversize necklace. My only exception is hoops and long necklaces.

Great advice, don't ya think? Thanks, Dani! 

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

I HEART ALEXIS BITTAR

I think words for today's post would only distract. Enjoy the beauty, intricacy and craftsmanship of my favorites from Alexis Bittar spring.

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Breathtaking, right?

Monday, November 16, 2009

FASHION FIND

I think you will be surprised to learn who designed today's spring/summer sneak peek. Just try to guess who is responsible for the following fly accessories. 

Suede buckets
Photobucket

Photobucket

Gigantic straw beach totes (not to mention the cute suit)
Photobucket

Reversable cotton carry-alls
Photobucket

Photobucket

Canvas tote with waterproof bottom for those too-close-to-the-water moments.
Photobucket

Rustic belts
Photobucket

Lightweight scarves
Photobucket

Thongs in every color of the rainbow
Photobucket

Chic slides
Photobucket

No, it's not J.Crew, nor L.L. Bean. Nope, not Gap. It's Landsend. 
Yes, Lands' End
Not solely your mama's retailer anymore!


Friday, November 13, 2009

DIYF: BUTTONED BANGLES

It's DIYF! (Do-It-Yourself Friday!)
NYC is wet and windy today, and according to the forecast, more nasty weather is expected for tomorrow. A perfect reason to stay in and get crafty with some jewelry. I recently made these bangles for a friend, and she loved them. I had so much fun doing it I wanted to share the idea.

I started by purchasing bangles with a crochet overlay. Any fabric exterior would work, as long as the bangles are wide enough -- flimsy ones won't be able to handle the weight of the buttons.

Photobucket


I then purchased matching thread and various buttons in colors I thought my friend would fancy (muted metals and blues). Thread in the same color of the bangle is important so the stiching doesn't show, and it won't look as obvious if your sewing skills are a little messy.


Photobucket


My last step was stitching each button securely on the top half of the bangles.
Several hours later, I was done. Simple as that!

Tip: To cut down on your crafting time, don't stitch each button separately. With one long thread you can attach several buttons. (I figured this out a little late!). The only downside to this shortcut is you can't go back and snip off just one button if you don't like its placement. However, it is a huge time-saver.

Photobucket


Voila! A handmade bangle brigade!

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

A FEW WORDS ON CALVIN

The accessories at the Calvin Klein spring 2010 preview were few and far between.

But here ya go:

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Photobucket

Nudity, beautiful people and acid wash... Oh my!

Photobucket

Photobucket

But seriously, of the accessories I did see, they were clean and supple in warm neutral colors that are wearable and classic. True Calvin.