Posts Tagged ‘Accessories’

Spring Debate: Scarf versus Necklace

March 9th, 2010

What’s your spring accessory of choice? In the spring, you have to choose between a fantastic necklace and a bold scarf. Wearing both can make you look like you threw on everything you own before leaving the house.

Scarf v. Necklace Orange & Gray Tones

Scarf v. Necklace Orange & Gray Tones

First let’s agree that when it comes to this season’s jewelry, it needs to be bold. Save the dainty stuff for formal outings, big is in.
And then for scarves, the spring choices should be lightweight materials, soft and comfortable, in fashion colors and/or great prints.

But beyond those few guidelines of the current season, the rest is up to personal taste and lifestyle.

So what’s right for you? What does it say about you?

Can you never decide? Go with the scarf, you can take it off easily and then put it right back on – without a mirror. Messing around with a necklace in public just gets you stared at. No one notices the girl that quickly whips off the scarf.

Green and Pink Scarf v. Necklace

Green and Pink: Scarf v. Necklace

Do you love the layered look? You are definitely a scarf gal, it allows you to do layers even in warmer weather.

Are you a minimalist, a jeans and tee kind of girl? Necklace would probably suit you better because they are usually more simple.

Do you love lots of prints and patterns? Scarf, its the easiest way to wear all the prints you love without looking overdone.

Do you want to blend in more?
Necklace, since there is less bulk it won’t draw attention to you in a crowd.

Are your eyes your best feature? Necklace, it will draw the attention to your face instead of your outfit.

Do you have long hair that you like to wear down? Necklace, it’s difficult for long hair to lay properly over scarves.

Do you have fun spiky hair or wear your hair up? Scarf, opposite of above.

Blue Scarf v Necklace

Blue Hues: Scarf v Necklace


What you choose on a given day will of course depend on your mood, your hair-day, what you are wearing, etc. The most important thing is don’t get in a rut. You have options, mix it up.


And don’t avoid the scarf
(even though you love them) because you are nervous about tying them correctly. Google “how to tie scarves” images and you will come up with lots of options.

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Heading into Spring

March 2nd, 2010

Lauren Nicole Accents Headband with Spring's best Colors

Lauren Nicole Accents Headband with Spring's best Colors

An outfit without accessories is boring – just an opinion.

My go-to for cold weather accessorizing has been fun tights. But when the weather gets warmer, I have to start thinking of another option.
And for this spring, I’m thinking vintage-inspired headbands, ala Lauren Nicole Accents.

Chicago native Lauren Kessler launched the Lauren Nicole Accents line to combine her love of vintage and couture. A fashion over-achiever, she’s currently attending Syracuse University and has already interned at Vera Wang and Oscar de la Renta.

Feminine Colors w/ Jewels

Feminine Colors w/ Jewels

What makes Lauren Nicole Accents headbands special? First, they are handmade. And Lauren creates looks to match what she sees coming up for the season. Check this spring’s jewel-encrusted headbands. Lauren also made sure to incorporate all the best colors of the season. When you have a fashion-insider like Lauren concentrating on one accessory, you can’t help but get great results.


The freedom to pair them with patterns
is one of the things I personally love about headbands. Wear them with florals, tribal prints, graphic patterns, whatever. A lot of times with jewelry, it can be difficult to pair great pieces with bold patterns without clashing. Since headbands aren’t right up against the patterns, you have more leeway – and so can have more fun.

But probably the best part is that headbands are an inexpensive way to add your accents. They can change the look with one piece – economically. So you are free to grab a few to go with lots of fun summer looks.
DSCN02662 Looks for Spring

Accessories separate the styled
from the dressed. A well-accessorized inexpensive outfit looks better than expensive clothes worn without accents, any day.
You can find all the headbands and more at www.lnaccents.com
By the way, I’m putting down Lauren Kessler as a name to watch for in the fashion world. She’ll be seen next on WGN April 2nd discussing what’s new for spring.

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Celebrities Discover one of my Favorites

January 14th, 2010

I’m always excited when one of our Chicago designers gets national (or international) recognition. It’s especially exciting when its one of my favorites.

Rachel Ray wearing TZEN Silver and Black Sapphire set - available soon

Rachel Ray wearing TZEN Silver & Black Sapphire set - available soon

Local Couture Jewelry designer, Julie Liu of Mia Pezzi and TZEN, has been attracting a lot of celebrity attention lately.

For a show taped to air next week, Rachel Ray is wearing a TZEN silver and black sapphire set that will be available on TZEN website soon.

In addition to the lovely Ray, a list of other celebrities that have recently gotten a Julie Liu creation includes:
Katie Holmes and Suri Cruise (3 sets)
Natalie Portman
Gossip Girls (and trendsetters) Blake Lively and
Kelly Rutherford
Shea Vaughn (mother of Vince)
And of course, Oprah!

Julie’s inspiration began with Mia Pezzi, designing one-of-a-kind pieces with rare gemstones and precious metals. The gemstones that Julie chooses are custom cut to the specific design of the individual piece. She doesn’t mass order the gems and then create the looks, she works from the other direction. The result is that Julie’s jewelry are works of art and the Mia Pezzi collection remains one of a kind.

Mia Pezzi Necklace - Blue Topaz, Diamonds, and Prehnite

Mia Pezzi -Blue Topaz, Diamonds, and Prehnite

Mia Pezzi Flower Ring with Diamonds

Mia Pezzi Flower Ring with Diamonds


As Mia Pezzi’s popularity soared
, Julie decided to that every woman should feel special and launched her next line – TZEN. This is Julie’s everyday wearable and accessible to all collection – with silver and semi-precious gems – but still limited quantity. With TZEN Julie has fun and creates whimsical, playful jewelry that remains the highest quality and is not massed-produced. I like to think of TZEN as “accessible couture.”

TZEN Sapphire and Topaz Set

TZEN Sapphire and Topaz Set

TZEN Orange Topaz with Brazilian Green Gold

TZEN Orange Topaz with Brazilian Green Gold


With all the buzz building,
I can’t wait to see who turns up in Julie’s designs next.
Pretty amazing for someone that opened her first store less than a year ago, but then Julie Liu is a pretty amazing gal.

You can find Julie Liu’s designs online or at these stores:

TZEN
2126 Northbrook Court
Northbrook, IL 60062
(312) 788-8346

Eclectica
1006 West Armitage St
Chicago, IL 60614
773.697.9929

Elements Chicago
741 Wells St
Chicago, IL 60611
312.642.6574

Dimitras Bridal
1011 Rush Street
Chicago, IL 60611
312.787.0920

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