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Sky and Livi clients can select the color, shape, and size of their personal diamond and an 18k gold pendant style. (You also have the option of just ordering the diamond without the pendant.) And, yes, a Sky and Livi personal lab-grown diamond is a certified REAL diamond - it uses the unique carbon signature from hair to create a diamond that is optically, chemically and physically identical to a mined diamond. Sky and Livi can even combine multiple hair samples to create a diamond that is a blend of friends and loved ones. Like all diamonds, the price of your stone is determined by cut, color and carat weight. It takes about 90-110 days for the diamond to grow.
Anjanette Dienne Sinesio, Founder & CEO of Sky and Livi. The company is named after her nieces Skyler and Olivia.
$100 from every Sky and Livi diamond is donated to the cancer charity Look Good Feel Better - an organization dedicated to improving the self-esteem
and quality of life of people undergoing treatment for cancer. The charity will also receive $10 from the sale of Sky and Livi Cancer Awareness Bracelets featuring the Sky and Livi logo signature on a solid
silver round disc accented with a micro diamond and hand woven
lavender macramé bracelet. The modified "V" logo shows the
transformation that takes place from hair to diamond. The bracelets are $150 and can be worn to show your support for a loved one with cancer.
To learn more, visit the Sky and Livi website.
P.S. Within a few minutes of posting this article, I received a message asking me if Sky and Livi would create a diamond from the hair of a loved one who has passed away from cancer. The company founder said yes and the FAQ section of their website will be updated soon with more details on that topic.
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Ooh, I just heard that one of my favorite dress designers, the incomparable Diane von Furstenberg, has just launched a new fragrance: Sunny DIANE. Just in time for summer, Sunny DIANE, is described as a crisp, sparkling, and playful combination of mandarin, frangipani, and driftwood. Spritz yourself in a light veil of Sunny DIANE, wrap yourself in a DVF dress, and work it! This fragrance sounds like it will put you in a vacation state of mind wherever you are! Sunny Diane Eau de Toilette is available now at Sephora and at Bloomingdale's starting August 1 - $55.
Sunny DIANE would pair beautifully with the DVF Julieta Dress ($385).
Keep track of the time at home and your vacation destination with this chic Philip Stein Ceramic White Timepiece that boasts a dual time zone feature. Not only will the crisp all-white design match every summer ensemble, the ceramic case and strap will feel light and cool on hot summer days. Stars like Oprah Winfrey and Madonna have been spotted wearing Philip Stein watches. And, I was lucky enough to wear one a few years ago when a jeweler friend loaned me a Philip Stein timepiece for several months - parting with that watch was heartbreaking! Not just pretty, Philip Stein watches also feature Natural Frequency Technology that mimic natural frequencies in the body and many wearers have reported a feeling of increased relaxation and overall improved well-being. Suggested retail price $1595.
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Fashion 101 - a bold piece of jewelry is the quickest way to accessorize a little black dress or any simple garment. Who can argue with that sartorial wisdom? Below are a few statement pieces from around the globe that will take an outfit from blah to ooh la la in an instant. And, since dreaming is free, I included some incredibly expensive pieces. Even if you don't plan on buying a piece of jewelry that costs as much as a car, it doesn't cost a dime to appreciate and be inspired by the finer things! Enjoy the eye candy below.
Shanghai Pendant in Yellow & White Gold Encrusted with Diamonds
by Carrera y Carrera
$9350
Ok, at almost $10k this pendant is definitely a wish-list item but I am crazy about this stunning piece by Spanish jewelry design house Carrera y Carrera. This intricately designed diamond encrusted fire dragon is a timeless accessory that is especially au courant - 2012 is the Year of the Dragon on the Chinese zodiac calendar - an especially auspicious year as dragons represent power, strength, and good luck.
Sunflower Carved Citrine Wing
by Sevan Bicakci
$54,745
Since money is no object in my jewelry fantasy land, why not add this dramatic Sevan Bicakci ring to my list? I was lucky enough to wear a Sevan ring for a photo shoot and my finger has missed it every since. Sevan's pieces are all one-of-a-kind creations and this ring is 24k yellow gold and sterling silver surrounded by brown, yellow and white diamonds and tourmalines. Carved inside the citrine is a very detailed bee on a sunflower. Sevan's fans include designer Tory Burch and actress Halle Berry.
Citrine Bouquet Earrings
by Mary Esses
$1760
Brazilian jewelry designer Mary Esses has created a bouquet that will never wilt. Vibrant citrine stones have been arranged into a lovely flower bouquet shape. Set in 18k gold, each knot is handmade and the flower is topped with a dainty diamond. Mary Esses has some high profile fans - first lady Michelle Obama has been spotted in her earrings!
Same Sky Prosperity Bracelet (set of 3)
Exclusive design by Mary Fisher
$225
For a statement bracelet that won't break the bank and does good in the world, look no further than Same Sky. Available for a limited time, the Prosperity Set was designed by Mary Fisher - an artist, activist, speaker and author who travels the world advocating for those who share her HIV-positive status. Same Sky has many beautiful bracelets and necklaces made by HIV-positive women in Rwanda struggling to lift themselves out of poverty. Their mission is to use jewelry to effect global change—one woman at a time.
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Sadly, it has become a cliche but it WOULD be great if we could all just get along. Conflicts at home and abroad can make it easy to feel fatalistic about the fate of the world. I often avoid watching the news just before bedtime because their macabre menu featuring the violence du jour often leads to a restless slumber.
This is why I get so excited when I hear about people and companies that are doing their part to bring some peace into the world. These affordable goodies from Peace Cord and Kiss My Face make it easy to do a little something to make the world a better place.
Peace Cord Bracelets
$10-$15
Wear your heart on your wrist with a Peace Cord Bracelet. Woven by Afghan women from parachute cord and military uniform buttons, 100% of the proceeds support grassroots programs in rural Afghanistan. Peace Cord™ creates artisan jobs for hundreds of Afghan women and helps U.S. troops deliver grassroots humanitarian assistance.
Kiss My Face Travel Size Peace Soap
$2.99
Ahh, wash away your troubles and help make the world a better place with Kiss My Face's fragrant and 100% all natural peace soap. 10% of the proceeds from this product benefit Seeds of Peace - an organization that helps young people from regions of conflict develop the leadership skills necessary to advance reconciliation and co-existence. Seeds of Peace currently has 4,300 young people making a positive difference in the Middle East, South Asia, Cyprus, the Balkans, and the United States.
Available in four scents, including Lavender Mandarin and Pomegranate Acai, Kiss My Face Peace Soap is a travel-friendly product that can be used from head to toe and also to hand wash your clothes. The packaging is even educational - it features the word peace in many different languages.
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"One of the sayings in our country is Ubuntu - the essence of being human. Ubuntu speaks particularly about the fact that you can't exist as a human being in isolation. It speaks about our interconnectedness. You can't be human all by yourself, and when you have this quality - Ubuntu - you are known for your generosity."
Archbishop Desmond Tutu
Looking for an accessory with heart to wear with your little black dress? These sleek bracelets aren't just stylish but make it easy to add more UBUNTU to your life. Priced at a very affordable $15, 90% of the proceeds from these bracelets support the efforts of the Orphan Bracelet Campaign to assist mother and children in South Africa whose lives have been impacted by HIV/AIDS. The bracelets are crafted by women in the Eastern Cape of South Africa using (lead free) copper, brass and aluminum wire.These travel friendly bracelets will not set off airport security alarms. Go ahead and practice stylish acts of kindness!
PS. Since I am going to buy one of these bracelets for myself, I would like to gift one also. Leave a comment below by Friday, February 4th (noon EST) and I will randomly pick one lucky reader to receive a Do Ubuntu Orphan bracelet.
Prize can only be shipped to an address in the United States.
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In a world obsessed with Kardashians and Hiltons, a girl could be fooled into thinking that bad behaviour is the only way to get noticed. Am I the only one who reminisces for the days of old Hollywood where celebrities had real talent and weren't just savvy self-promoters? Dorothy Dandridge, Ava Gardner, Bette Davis - those ladies had style, grace and class.
Maybe a trip to La La Land isn't on your agenda, but designer Michael Kors makes it easy to add a dash of Hollywood glamour to your everyday life. The reigning king of classic American style (and the most lovable of the Project Runway judges), Kors specializes in easy sophistication. Here are six fabulous finds from Michael Kors that will make you feel like a star of the silver screen no matter where you are!
Michael Kors Very Hollywood Eau de Parfum ($45-$85) - This sultry scent is a classy composition of iced bergamot, mandarin and gardenia. My beau could care less about what is in the perfume but he did say that Very Hollywood was very seductive. I call that a five star review!
MICHAEL by Michael Kors Studded Yoke Dress ($120-$130) - The gunmetal studded yoke at the neckline gives this little black dress a modern edge on a classic silhouette.
Michael Kors Tortoise Double Wrap Watch ($180) - Don't keep your fans waiting! It's easy to be fashionably on time for your next appointment or flight with this timepiece surrounded by golden metal and a tortoise double wrap chain. A very elegant bracelet & watch all-in one!
Michael Kors Rehearsal Sunglasses ($350) - Oversized sunglasses are a Hollywood must and the perfect solution for jet lagged eyes.
MICHAEL by Michael Kors Heidi Clutch, Dark Sand Python ($198) - This python print clutch is timeless and perfect for an evening out. I often use a clutch when I'm traveling to stylishly carry my passport and other travel documents - just insert the clutch inside your larger purse or tote.
Limited Edition Hollywood Signature Pen ($25) - Even in a high tech world, an old-fashioned pen is a must - you can't sign an autograph with a Blackberry! Write with this pen and your postcard from Hollywood will make them swoon - the ink is scented with the Very Hollywood Michael Kors fragrance.
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Pretty baubles are a dime a dozen but Same Sky bracelets have the power to change lives. A fair-trade organization that employs HIV+ women in Rwanda that survived the 1994 genocide, Same Sky's mission is to lift women out of poverty by providing them with the tools to become entrepreneurs. In fact, Same Sky artisans earn a wage that is 10 times the average of other women in Sub-Saharan Africa. Pretty powerful.
Made of handblown glass beads and crocheted by women artisans, each Same Sky bracelet carries the signature of the woman who made it. Celebs like Halle Berry, Meryl Streep, Donna Karan and Queen Latifah all wear their Same Sky bracelets with pride.
To buy your own beautiful Same Sky
bracelet and to "become a part of the movement empowering women everywhere under the Same Sky," visit www.samesky.com.
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This dreary day in New York City gave me the perfect excuse to spend a little time indoors watching that hilarious haute mess of a talk show known as The Wendy Williams Show.
Wendy's guest today was the gorgeous supermodel and mogul Iman. This ageless diva was promoting her Global Chic line of clothing, shoes, handbags, and accessories that are sold exclusively on HSN. I'm pretty familiar with Iman's cosmetics line but really did not know much about her other products.
Well, I have to say that several of the Global Chic items caught my eye. Best of all, nothing is over $100 and several items have very low clearance prices. HSN also has flexible pricing and many of the goodies can be divided into 2 or 3 payments. These price points make it even easier to follow Iman's advice to "think globally, live fashionably". Here are a few pieces that really stood out for me.
Handbeaded Parisian Clutch ($69.95) - Love the bold colors. This would be great for an evening out and adding some wow to a little black dress or even blue jeans.
Parisian Style Open & Airy Braided Cuff (59.95) - Simply elegant!
Venetian Style Multi-Faceted Stretch Bracelet ($54.95) - Playful and flirty.
Pave Wrapped Stone Necklace ($64.95) - Looks very expensive but only you will know!
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Just because you are going on vacation, doesn’t mean that you have to leave your fine jewelry locked in a safe at home and jet-set with fakes.
Anjanette Clisura, President and Co-Creative Director of Diamond in the Rough says, “Jewelry is given to be worn. I’ve heard so many women say they travel with “fakes” – why? If you’re careful and traveling somewhere safe bring some of your beautiful baubles with you on vacation, especially if you have plans to go out. Unless you’re going somewhere on a peace mission or yoga retreat - then it might be best left at home!”
Their innovative use of natural, uncut and unpolished diamonds has made Diamond in the Rough a favorite of celebrities, socialites, and fashionistas so they understand that women want to wear their treasures, not leave them behind. Ms. Clisura offers these helpful tips for traveling with jewelry.
1. Decide on the pieces you’re taking and take inventory. A simple way to do this is to make copies on the photocopy machine so that you remember exactly what you took. Keep a copy at home and a copy somewhere in your luggage. Check the photocopy to make sure that you return home with all of your treasures.
2. Travel with a jewelry roll which will separate your jewelry into sections – earrings, rings, etc. and rolls up for compact, safe packing.
3. Don’t pack your jewelry in your checked luggage - keep it in your purse, or carry on.
4. To keep your jewelry clean, carry a little polishing cloth with you. You can use also use regular old toothpaste, yes ladies, its better than soap. Use Windex if you have it handy. It has ammonia in it – dab on an old toothbrush and clean away!
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Toss away those ill-designed jewelry rolls and Ziplock bags - these snazzy bags by Katie James are a stylish and practical way to store and protect your baubles. Made from 100% raw silk dupioni and lined in a soft polka dot cotton pique, the interior of the bags keeps your gems secure with 5 square elastic pockets, 3 earring straps, and 2 ring/necklace straps. This precious little bundle closes securely with a drawstring and the silk fabric makes these bags elegant and durable.
When asked what inspired her unique design Katie said, "I love organizing things. I made my first tool to organize jewelry when I was about 13 or so, out of cardboard. It was a cardboard post to stick earrings into. These travel jewelry bags were developed after an owner of a boutique expressed the desire for them. I knew there were a lot of jewelry bags out there in the world, but none with the snap ring loop closure (I like knowing my rings are safe), nor could you hang earrings on the outside. I'm very visual. Out of sight is out of mind, so I wanted to be able to see some of my pieces."
In addition to the jewelry bags, Katie James also sells sexy silk sleep masks that make it easier to catch some zzz's in style on planes, trains or buses.
Enter code JDSPRING20 to get 20% off your travel jewelry bag purchase at www.katie-james.com.
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From symbolic silver pendants to breathtaking gems and gorgeous gold, these featured baubles are not just accessories but artful and thoughtful representations of three different cultures. Adorn yourself in jewelry inspired by faraway lands and express not just your passion for fashion but your appreciation for the artistry of different cultures.
Gemstone loving divas in Manhattan, Aspen, the Hamptons and Dallas have been gathering together to host trunk shows featuring the glamorous creations of Adriana Carador. A true fashionista, Adriana studied fashion and accessories design in Rome and owned two women’s clothing boutiques in her native Brazil. Born in Sao Paulo, Adriana grew up admiring the beautiful gems of her country. She immersed herself in the history and study of jewelry and
gemstones and with the help of talented local goldsmiths, Adriana was soon transforming the area’s most precious resources into jewelry. The pieces in her eponymous line are crafted from 18k, white, rose and yellow gold, diamonds, citrines, tourmalines, topaz, smoky quartz and other precious stones. Her design partner, Victoria Flores, is a native Texan born to Mexican
parents who has fond memories of loving and playing with her grandmother’s jewelry. “I remember being sent home from class because I would wear these expensive necklaces to my Catholic school," laughs Victoria. Our kind of girl! Glamorous and versatile, Adriana Carador’s designs transition from day to evening with sophisticated ease. http://www.adrianacarador.com/
The culture, history and beauty of Africa form the inspiration of the Ammane Collection - a captivating line of silver charms and pendants that incorporates 12 Adinkra symbols. The symbols are from the era of 19th century Ghanian King Kofi Adinkra who wore elaborate clothing printed with graphic symbols and geometric motifs. The jewelry in the Amanne Collection includes the symbols of Akoma Ntoso (linked hearts that
represent understanding & agreement) and Sankofa (learning from the past). Coptic style crosses from Ethiopia are also featured. Looking for a unique gift that keeps on giving? The Amanne Collection has launched a Charm of the Month Club that makes it easy to grow a collection. You won’t just look good in this jewelry but you can also feel good about wearing it: a percentage of proceeds from the Amanne Collection will be donated to AIDS/HIV prevention, health education and grants to promote entrepreneurship and self-sustainable economic development programs.
If Turkey is on your wish list of places to experience or a locale where you already have ties, feel more connected to this fascinating country by wearing a unique piece of jewelry from Jaalbér. Located in a sweet jewel-box-of-a shop in NYC’s Soho, Jaalbér is New York’s exclusive purveyor of one-of-a-kind precious gemstone fine jewelry handcrafted in Turkey. Jaalbér offers 24 karat gold designer jewelry that combines centuries old techniques and Byzantine inspired craftsmanship.
Their selection of handcrafted rings, earrings, bracelets, bangles, and necklaces is connected to the past but appeals to modern tastes. And, do you have a jewelry box full of old gold pieces that you don’t wear anymore? Don’t throw those forgotten treasures away! Jaalbér offers a free consultation to restyle old jewelry into new and wearable objets d’art. In fact, Jaalbér recycles all of its gold. Green, gold and gorgeous – just the way we like it!
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Maybe you can't make it to Beijing for the Olympics but why not let those coveted medals inspire your fashion choices? Don't be shy, add a dash of gold to your wardrobe. From buttery yellow to dazzling metallic, there is a winning shade of gold to match every mood and personality. Who says shopping isn't athletic? Real divas know that getting the hottest look at the best price is a competitive sport! Let the shopping begin!
All head
Golden girls on a budget can look luxe for less in Isaac Mizrahi's Taffeta Couture Dress in Autumn Gold. Only $49.99 at Target.
A dash of glitz is in the palm of your hands with this Elissa Bloom art deco inspired jewel pouch. (On sale for $41.60 at EBags)
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