It's the Summer of the Side Braid


Summer is finally, most definitely here and I have noticed that the side braid has emerged as the go to coif for the ladies in their twenties and early thirties. Not positive where this trend started, some attribute it to the Hills, Lauren Conrad. But it has has to be acknowledged that Jessica Simpson has been a fan of this look for quite some time.

I like it. It is casual unfussy and very feminine. Perfect for a cubs game which the blonde below is rockin'....

and also a street fest

Though really this one isn’t so much a side braid as an all around the head braid. Either way it’s fun!

Feathery Fun

If you are looking to add a bit of panache to your wardrobe, try plumage. The idea of feathery accessories started really gaining traction last year. I first noticed the trend last winter while visiting Akira, a Chicago Boutique staple who offered fantastical feathered head bands. And now this season it has become a full on fashion trend. With many offerings from the outrageous to the demure. So now for the Fabulous, The Frugal, and The Fun.

The Fabulous

Born and raised in Chicago's Hyde Park neighborhood designer, Aya- Nikole Cook on on a whim created a pair of pheasant feathered earrings to wear out for a night on the town. While dancing the night away she was repeatedly asked where she found them. After divulging that she was the creator she received several orders and a business was born which she named HAJI Couture. Her feathery jewelry is now available in Chicago at: The Museum of Contemporary Art, and The Silver Room, and in New York at Henri Bendel. The Feathered earrings in the picture are $188.00

The Frugal

Leave it to Urban Outfitters to be on trend and within budget. This feathery headband retails for $25.00. Making it a practical buy if you aren't sure if you will still be into feathers by the time next season rolls around.

The Fun

If you would like a feather in your cap try this hat by Anna Sui. What whimsy fun you will feel while parading around in this cap, plus if you are feeling more plain than peacocky (yes I made that word up) simply take the feather brooch off. It is detachable so have fun attaching it to a coat, a tank top or anything else that you can think of that would benefit from a feather infusion. Buy it at Shopbop.com for $81.00.

The Most Famous Statement Necklaces.

So my previous post started me thinking about the most famous statement necklaces of all time. So here is my list of some of the most infamous and memorable.

1. The Hope Diamond.

I will start with the Hope Diamond which many believe is cursed, especially since the the most famous wearer of this necklace Marie Antoinette literally lost her head. The Hope Diamond started out as an 112 carat brilliantly blue diamond that many believe came from an Indian mine. It was sold to King Louis XIV of France in 1668, was re-cut which resulted in it losing almost half its carats. The now 67 carat diamond was named "Blue Diamond of the Crown" and was often referred to as "French Blue". It was set in gold affixed to a ribbon and often worn by the King during ceremonial events. It was subsequently passed down to King Louis XV and his wife, Marie Antoinette, and was recovered when they were caught trying to flee the country and the guillotine during the French Revolution. But now all can visit this famous necklace as it is safely ensconced in the Smithsonian.

2. Anne Boleyn's "B" Necklace.

King Henry the VIII's wife Anne Boleyn was known to often wear her "B" necklace. Apparently initial jewelry was quite popular during this time period. Historians say that she also had a necklace that had both her initials of "AB" . Here is a portrait of her wearing the necklace. And also a picture of a modern incarnation that is worn by both Natalie Portman in the movie The Other Boleyn Girl and Ugly Betty.

I will be the first to admit that I am not a fan of this necklace. Not only did its famous wearer perish at the gallows ( maybe it is not so good to own a statement necklace) but it is kind of tacky. But the beautiful necklace below by, Wendy Brandes is dainty and gorgeous and I would happily wear it.

3. The Taylor-Burton Diamond

The Taylor-Burton Diamond a 69 carat pear shaped diamond was purchased by Richard Burton for then wife Elizabeth Taylor. It was later affixed to a Cartier necklace and worn for the first time in public by Elizabeth Taylor when she attended Grace Kelly's 40th birthday party in Monaco.

4. Holly Golightly Necklace.

I don't know who made it or whether it was real or faux but the 3 strand pearl necklace with a sparkly diamond brooch worn by Audrey Hepburn in the 1961 film Breakfast at Tiffany's as character Holly Golightly is a classic statement necklace. The statement being, "I am well taken care of". Marvel at its sparkling splendor below.

Statement Necklaces, Ooh La La!

If you only buy one major accessory for fall and winter, make it a statement necklace. The wonderful thing about this piece is that you can wear it with a cocktail dress or jeans and a tee. Which of course is the very definition of an accessory that can take you anywhere. Also unlike the bags and shoes of the season you can purchase a looker for less than $300. Above is my favorite. It is from Nordstroms in house line, "Sequin" and is described as Multi-strand Vintage. It's all yours for $250. Tell me readers what do you think is it worth it?

The necklace below is from Betsey Johnson's collection and is called "Girlie Charm" It also can be found at Nordstroms and is priced at $125.

Below is Juicy Couture's version of a statement necklace it retails for $58.00 at Neiman Marcus.

If you are looking for a necklace that is on trend as far as being large and showstopping but you are not keen on the layered very feminine versions, try the gold plated woven necklace from Nordstroms retailing for $228. It is one of my favorites. Even though it is large it does not seem gaudy and will not be dated as quickly as the other necklaces. It seems very Ralph Lauren in that classic All-American way. If I had my choice I would pick this one, oh and the one at the very beginning at the post. Who said we could only have one. That's no fun.