Thursday, February 25, 2010

MASH: A SECOND SKIN

My goal for summer? To look good in a pair of these liquid leggings by maSh.

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Seriously, we're talking hard time on the treadmill! But it could be worth it. I think they'd make me feel like a rock star!

Designer Kelsey Witte credits salsa clubs, cigarettes and parades (among other things), as inspirations. maSh consists of 5 styles, with each look being daring but wearable. 

I'm off to the gym!

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

BEHIND THE SCENES: GRAYCE by MOLLY SIMS

My first interaction with model/actress/designer Molly Sims was a brief conversation at Cosmopolitan Magazine. I was a fashion assistant, and Molly was modeling. I told her that I was traveling to California but wasn't really familiar with LA. Without hesitation she gave me her phone number, told me to call her and that she would have suggestions ready for me. I was moved by her kindness and I've been a fan of hers ever since. 

Now, 12 years later she's done something even dearer to my heart... she designed a jewelry line for HSN!

Here are a few gems I'm crazy for:
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I had the pleasure of catching up with her last week, and she told me about the line, all her hard work and the happiness it's brought. 

Accessory Source: What made you want to start a line?
Molly Sims: My mom has been collecting jewelry for over 30 years -- her passion became my passion. When I first starting acting, I had a hard time getting people to lend me clothes for red carpets and events. My mom would give me her jewelry to wear. She's been a big part Grayce, and she calls me everyday with ideas.

AS:Why the name Grayce?
MS: My mom always use to say to me, "No matter how old you are, it doesn't matter if you're 60, 5 or 20, you should always be graceful and grateful." I've been hearing that for over 30 years.

AS: Are you involved in every detail?
MS: Every detail!! I'm doing it all, booking hair and makeup, photographers -- you name it!

AS: It's so annoying to me when celebs just slap their names on a line without working on it. What are your thoughts on that?
MS: That was one of my biggest worries. My parents were honest and hard working people. I learned from them, and I'm not just going to put my name on anything. The best thing is that I've used my modeling, acting, travel, eclecticism and southern roots in the line. It's everything I am. And it's great to see something through from beginning, middle and end. I've never been a part of the whole process before.
It takes a lot of work to get quality and a really good price.

AS: What's your favorite trend right now?
MS: Mixed metals. I love wearing hematite with gold and silver.
AS: I'm obsessed with that too.

AS: Do all your friends want a piece from the line?
MS: Are you kidding? The personal orders are stacking up!

AS: Do you have any advice on how people should wear their jewelry? 
MS: Have a friend tell you when something is too much. If you're going to wear a lot of bracelets, it looks more chic and modern to stack them on one arm, and don't wear them higher than the length of your hand. Mix the sizes -- wear a small one, then big, then small. It's a good way to mix high- and low-end. I mix everything!

AS: Are you always wearing the line?
MS: I wear something everyday, but I mix it up. Jewelry is my accessory. Don't get me wrong -- I love shoes, but jewelry is my thing.

AS: What do you see going forward?
MS: I got a deal to do a high-end line for Bendels, but everything will be under $250. 

AS: Did you ever think during your J.Crew modeling days that this is what you would be doing?
MS: Never! I took a picture of the window at Henri Bendel recently because I was so excited.
AS: Were your pieces in it?
MS: No! I was just so excited that I was going to be and it made my mother proud. It's nice to be excited and passionate about something. I've been wearing so many hats with the line, but it's different when you're doing it for yourself -- you want to do it right. I'm enjoying where I am right now, and I get to use what I've learned about entertainment, photography and fashion in this. It's amazing to think about where I started. I like being a good role model and sharing this with my mom. It's been a bonding experience.

Now I think you can see why I've always been a fan. She's a down-to-earth southern belle with charm and yes.... grace.

Molly and her beautiful baubles will be on HSN tomorrow, February 25th from 12pm-2pm and 9pm-11pm.  It's a must see!

Monday, February 22, 2010

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

RECYCLABLE SHOES

A few years ago, it was love at first sight for me and Melissa Plastic Dreams. The idea of having stylish shoes that can be worn in the rain really appealed to me. Fast forward to present day and I just happen to live around the corner from a boutique that carries the largest selection! Coincidence? I think not!

Epaulet on Smith Street in Brooklyn stocks their shelves with Melissa exclusives! Yes, exclusives! Take a look at some of my favorites:

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The wings are detachable.

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I ♥ Vivienne Westwood's designs for the brand, like the pair below.

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These bronze bombers are spray painted like the body of a car. Reminds me of nail polish because the color changes at different angles.

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Cutest rain boot ever!

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Adorable.

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My only complaint? They aren't made in half sizes. So if you're a true half size like me, not every style fits. It's a heart breaker.

Jean Paul Gaultier is the latest designer to announce a partnership with Melissa. Aaaamazing! I can't wait to see what other fashion icons will contribute to the eco brand.

You can check out the whole collection at Epaulet.com, or if you're in Brooklyn, I recommend stopping in to meet the stores proprietors Mike and Adele. It's worth the trip.


Tuesday, February 16, 2010

FAB FREEBIE!

I previewed Lia Sophia's Lanaya collection today, and liked what I saw. Designer Dani Stahl incorporated many of my favorite elements from last season's Midnight II line into Lanaya: matte gold, black, gunmetal, and smoky stones. Honestly, I can't get enough of the black!

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Chain fringe is a new and exciting element for the line. Me likey. 

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Ignore the photo clip in the pic.

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Drum roll please....

Due to the success of my last Lia Sophia giveaway, I would like to present my next "Win It" item, the 16" Zipper Necklace with black diamond crystals in matte gold. Yes, this stunner (retailing for $700) could be yours! 

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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. 

A winner will be selected on March 31st. Best of luck!

Monday, February 15, 2010

HOLIDAY

My family vacay was full of unexpectedness.

1) It was freezing.
2) I had to wear the only pair of jeans and navy blazer I brought, over and over. 
3) My return flight was cancelled due to inclement weather and I was stuck there for 4 more days.
4) As a result of the above, my looks were nautical everyday. 

With that said, here are some pics for your enjoyment.

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Oh yeah, my mom was my photographer and she has the tendency to chop off heads.

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In Cozumel:

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Beautiful floral tree.

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Pinatas dancing in the sky.

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Sombrero collage.

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Chica.

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I had a fun time, but it's good to be back in NYC! 


Tuesday, February 2, 2010

BON VOYAGE

Today I'm leaving on a cruise to Cozumel with my family. I'm not sure if I'll be able to post on the boat, but I will try. My wardrobe and accessory inspiration for the trip? Jackie O 1960, of course!

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Photo by Mark Shaw

I'm off! See you in 10 days!

Monday, February 1, 2010

BEHIND THE SCENES: KENNETH JAY LANE

I've always been a fan of Kenneth Jay Lane jewelry. I mean, really, how could any self-proclaimed accessory junkie not be in love with this line?

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After sitting down with Mr. Lane, I'm now a fan of the man behind the empire, too.

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I thought my interview may have started off on the wrong foot when his answer to my first question was, "Haven't you read my book?" To which, I rather sheepishly responded, "Ummm, no..." Thankfully, he wasn't offended. 

He actually asked his public relations manager to bring me a copy. And the next thing I knew -- he was signing it. A true gentleman!

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Accessory Source: How many years have you been in business?
Kenneth Jay Lane: Close to 50.

AS: What made you want to design women's jewelry?
KJL: I had to do something. I designed jeweled shoes for Arnold Scaasi. I made jeweled buttons, earrings and bracelets to match the shoes, and that's how it all started.

AS: How many of the same trends in the company's 50 years have you seen repeat?
KJL: We have pieces that we've sold for 40 years. Some we've revived or invented different closures for. (both below)

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AS: Do you refer back to old pieces? Do you have a library?
KJL: We keep almost everything, everything is numbered. I take a little of one thing and add it to something else. I design very well with a copy machine, scissors, Wite-Out and tape.

AS: Are you ever excited when a celebrity is wearing one of your pieces?
KJL: In retrospect, Jackie Kennedy. She would wear a pair of earrings that she got from me when she was still in the White House. But I get most excited when I see a woman on the street that I don't know wearing it.

AS: Do you have any advice for women on how they should wear their jewelry?
KJL: Don't be afraid of costume. Six strands of real pearls is showing off, but simulated jewelry -- it's fashion.

AS: Is there such a thing as too much?
KJL: Think of it as if it were diamonds. Would it be too much? No.

AS: Do your female loves ones have large jewelry boxes filled with Kenneth Jay Lane?
KJL: Some have closets full.

As we walked around the showroom, we came to a drawer that was full of broaches, Mr. Lane uttered my favorite quote of the day. Perhaps my favorite quote about fashion.
KJL: Women don't wear broaches anymore -- ladies do.

He continued to say, "Stores don't by them as much, but they are the perfect gift because they fit everyone and you don't need to know their size."

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KJL: This octopus I designed purely for my own amusement, and it's sold very well.

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KJL: I love snakes.

I do too -- in jewelry design -- and this necklace is sinful!

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KJL: The crystal elements that are not Swarovski are specially made in Germany. (below)

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Before I walked away from Mr. Lane and ventured on to the rest of the showroom, he said to me, "The most important thing, is that I still love what I do."

Must be the secret to his success!

This is the warehouse, where all the magic happens.

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A jeweler glues stones onto a bracelet. Her tool of choice? A toothpick, for precision.

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Beads being strung on thread.

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Chain being measured and cut.

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This room is a library of jewels where editors go to select pieces and where orders are filled. I wish this was my personal jewelry closet.

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There are hundreds of numbered drawers filled with baubles.

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Of course, I had to try some stuff on!

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While many retailers carry Kenneth Jay Lane, there is only one flagship store located in The Plaza Hotel. I highly recommend a visit. Trust me, it's a jewelry paradise.

When I got home I read Mr. Lane's inscription:
For Pandora,
Be careful and don't open the box.
Kenneth Jay Lane

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Ha! I laughed out loud. The perfect end to a day.