Can a piece of coral...

...really inspire a whole outfit?

In this case, the answer is overwhelmingly, YES.

Ever since I got this remade vintage coral ring from my momma, I can't stop crushing on all things coral. The ring is even extra special because the coral was originally one half of an earring mom wore on her wedding day. My sister-in-law has the other half, made into an identical ring surrounded by white and yellow tiny diamonds.

I wore this same dress earlier in the week to JK Model's Anniversary Party held at the upscale LEONE boutique. It was a fun night hanging out with some local bloggers, including Kelsey of The Anthology, Nicole of Le Mode Du Jour, Aces, Nikki of A Haute Mess, Olivia of Stylestruck, Lisa of Solo Lisa, Raul of Hummingbird604, and Erin of Haus of Hybrid.

Wearing:
Strapless dress with diamond back cut-out, by Elizabeth and James
Brown leather jacket, by Blues Heroes
Gypsy macrame thong sandals, by Elizabeth and James (available at ShopBop.com)
Remade vintage coral ring, gift from mom
Silver seahorse pendent, custom
White bone carved flower pendant, Simply Sublime
Mother of pearl cuff bracelet, from Knysna, South Africa
Bronze cuff, from Morocco
Floppy hat, American Apparel

Heart Shaped Box

Spring's romantic movement in ruffles, lace, and frills has me on the lookout for antique-y, super detailed jewelry. Anything that looks victorian, with motifs such as crosses, fleur de lis, hearts, and animals, or anything my grandma or pa might have worn, is catching my eye right now.

Like the pieces created by Vancouver's own Pyrrha. The rings, necklaces, and bracelets have an aged look which are cast using from 19th century wax seals. Each piece has a meaning behind it: the above Lion and Stag ring has a crest which reads "Neither be fearful nor wanting". The Horse Cameo below signifies courage, intelligence and grace.

I spotted this cute dove in a cage piece on Mod Cloth. I would get rid of the pink bow but other than that, it's a lovely accessory at about $20.


Something else to keep my eyes out for is a vintage locket. I love the idea of a romantic story behind an old one - perhaps it was a gift from a first love. LOL, how very Edward/Bella-esque of me.

Below: Square locket and Cross locket from Heart Smith


This cute red heart locket isn't vintage, but another great find from Mod Cloth.

When I was ten, I had this silver ladybug watch necklace. It was in the shape of a ladybug and you flipped the wings open to reveal the watch. I really regret letting that one go into the bin.

Luckily, watch necklaces are cropping up everywhere, I'm guessing due to the Alice in Wonderland influence. Quirky yet practical, a watch necklace would look great with a tank or a rufflely blouse.

Below: Watch necklace from Mod Cloth.


Hope you all have a great week! I'm looking forward to meeting some of you at JK Model's anniversary party at Leone's this week. Please drop by and say hi if you see me!

The Eyes of the Tiger

Thank goodness my online shopping is limited to smaller ticket items, because if I could, I would be biding on some of these intricate pieces from the Dupuis Fine Jewelery Auction. Imagine the rush of winning one of these treasures, and the look of surprise I might find on my hubby's face!

Before I go and swoon all over these, I want to give a shout-out to my friend Deanne over at Dream Sequins. She invited me, along with her many stylish blogger friends, to be a guest of her tea party. See what I wore and what others have to say in her post here.

Now on with the swooning: I nearly gasped when I saw this on the cover of the auction book. What's not to love about an 18K golden tiger bangle with emerald eyes? Yellow diamonds and black onyx completed his coat. Very fierce and sold for a some chump change, $160K worth of change.


Above: Coloured Diamond and Onyx Bangle Bracelet by Cartier.

If I could have bidded, it would have been this archaeological revival necklace of gold and lapis lazuli. It's dated circa 1880. Sold for $4000.

I don't have my ears pierced (I can't) but the below pair of coral and diamond earrings would be my choice if I did. Since you can't (and shouldn't) buy coral for obvious reasons, it makes the vintage pair below quite a find.


I have a soft spot for emeralds being Taurus and all (my birthstone), and this late 19th century Belle Époque brooch would satisfy any girl's emerald fix. That gem is over FIVE carats, mounted in platinum and 18K gold. A diamond floral design surrounds this green gem, and the pin sold for a cool 65K.

My last pick is not only beautiful but functional. A very practical art deco emerald and diamond wristwatch, circa 1920. Sale price not listed.

What are your favourite gemstones and jewelry pieces? If you could, what kind of pieces would you buy or bid on?

All Stacked Up

My wedding bands was originally made as a stacked set of four: two rings etched in yellow gold and two softly hammered in white gold. We only could afford two at the time, plus four seemed excessive so we only got two (1 etched, 1 hammered). I really love my bands, and I continue to lust after stacked sets of softly hammered gold rings.

Like the above (left) set of seven by Gorjana. I just love the rose coloured gold - so girly! I really, really want this set. Badly.

I've also discovered beautiful, organic looking jewelry by Jacquie Aiche, via Shopbop. I had a really tacky looking snake ring when I was in Grade 7, and it seems snakes are making a strong comeback with designers like Elizabeth and James incorporating the serpent in their jewelry. I love Jacquie Aiche's dainty and feminine interpretation. Aiche's Waif Small Bezel ring, also shown below, would look great stacked or on its own.


Below: Jacquie Aiche's Beaded Waif Ring (left) and Moonstone Candy Ring (right)

If I'm feeling a bit less girly, I might pick up the below two.
Below: Jacquie Aiche's Geode Ring (left); Made Her Think Birds of a Feather Ring (right)

Simply Sublime of a Gem a Winner at the Oscars

My cousin Tracy took me this absolute gem of a boutique last week - Simply Sublime.  Located at Oak and between West 22nd and 23rd in an old-school, low-rise apartment, where the building facade hangs the store's "golden crown" sign, one really has to look carefully to realize what a fine find this is.  Once inside, I felt like I was entering the lofty apartment of a very hip, very girly, girlfriend, filled with art, silver mirrors, and curvy antique white chairs.  I was then privy to rifle through her closet to try on the most stylish things and jewelry.  Oh, and did I mention Selena, the lovely manager at Simply Sublime, offered me bubbly?  I was in shopping heaven.  

Constantina James is the owner of Simply Sublime and also the designer of the beautiful jewelry on display.  Her work ranges from 14 carat delicate gold chains to sterling silver, and many pieces are hand hammered for Constantina's trademark feminine, organic look (think wilting gold leaves and feathers). The pieces incorporate semi-precious gems like Citrine, Blue Topaz, Pearls, Peridot and Swarovksi crystals.  Celebrities have taken note of because everyone from Anne Heche to Britney Spears have been photographed wearing her necklaces and earrings, and Simply Sublime is even providing a set of necklace, earrings and bracelet in this year's 2009 Oscars gift bag.  See the below photo for what the celebs are going to get!

below: Claire Newell Necklace (centre), matching double-hooped earrings and custom bracelet (not shown) in the Oscars goodie bag.

The Simply Sublime Atelier carries a wonderful selection of brands such as Habitual, Ella Moss, James Perse, Kensi and Velvet.  Everything from daily work wear, skinny jeans, embroidered beaded tanks and frilly tops can be found - day to night wear. 

For Spring and Summer, Selena says watch for bright colours (think sunshine yellow, tangerine, and mint green) in both the clothing and jewelry line from Simply Sublime.   I couldn't decide on which necklace I liked on my trip there but I'll be checking in soon for new stuff.

below: entrance reception 

Simply Sublime is located at 150-3737 Oak Street in Vancouver.

Taisa Anderson Designs - Local Handcrafted Jewelry

A friend from work, Taisa, is a very talented jewelry designer. She runs Taisa Anderson Designs, and prior to the holidays she brought in her latest wares which make perfect gifts for girlfriends. There's something very earthy and organic about her designs, and I love the global ethnic influences. I bought a few things from Taisa as gifts, and I was very tempted by the beautiful cloth bead necklaces. I liked it so much that I asked her to make me a custom one that fit more like a choker, and in the brown and white fabric as you see below. I picked it up last week and I've been wearing it nonstop - it's the kind of piece that really pops.

Taisa scoured the markets in Uganda and Burundi and brought back some brightly coloured fabric (think lime green, mandarin orange, sunny yellow paired with neutrals like cream and brown) to create necklaces and earrings. Not only is her jewelry handcrafted, but much of it also benefits the Bavubuka Foundation, a charity project that she has been quite involved in over the past year. Taisa spent several months in Africa in 2008 and she visited villagers, teaching young women beadwork and jewelry making so they can earn a living. She also spent time amongst inner city youth teaching boys how to hand spin beads and create beautiful, long necklaces (also available for sale). 80% of the proceeds go back to support this youth group.

As a fellow traveler who has fallen in love with Africa (and been there twice), I really admire Taisa's efforts. It is very inspiring to see how one person can make a difference. Her work is gorgeous, unique, and created with care, and to top it off, supports some great causes.