The Black Dress Traveler

Show Me the Sparkle: Statement Jewelry

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.

Keeping the Peace: Products That Make a Difference

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.

Stylish Acts of Kindness: Do Ubuntu Orphan Bracelet Campaign

"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.

Very Hollywood, Very Chic, Very Michael Kors

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.

Pretty Powerful: Same Sky Bracelets Made By Rwandan Women

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.

Global Chic: Affordable Luxuries from Iman

 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!

Four Tips for Traveling with Jewelry

Diamond in the Rough Solitaire Stack Rings

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! 

New Essential: Jewelry Bags for Travel by Katie James

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.

Baubles Go Global: Jewelry Inspired by Africa, Brazil & Turkey

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.

 

Adriana Carador

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 Amanne Collection

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. 

www.amannecollection.net

Jaalbér

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!  

http://www.jaalber.com/

Go for the Gold: Winning Dresses, Accessories & Cocktails

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 heads will turn when you drape yourself in this Diane von Furstenberg, "Nagami" faux wrap dress with dolman sleeves in Dijon. $365 at the DVF website.

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.

Project Runway devotees will want to rock this bold and ultra gold design by last season's winner, Christian Siriano.  On sale for $325 at Bluefly.  Fierce!

Betsey Johnson's sparkly knit halter dress will embolden the most timid wallflower. On sale for $135.99 at Bluefly.  (The Bluefly website also has gold dresses by Vera Wang, Nicole Miller and Vivian Tam on sale.)

Ballet flats get a dash of flash at the Gap. Comfy and chic. $44.50

This gorgeous Isharya gold filigree cuff with a turquoise stone ($147) and A.V. Max set of 3 matte and polished gold bangles ($38.25) are both available, along with other golden baubles, at Bluefly.

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)

Hmm, have you ever wondered what gold smells like? Donna Karan's GOLD eau de parfum combines casablanca lily and amber to capture gold's strong and sensual nature. ($75 for 1.7 ounces at the Donna Karan website).

If wearing gold isn't enough for you, get your Vitamin G intake with a martini made from Gold Flakes Supreme Vodka. This quadruple distilled vodka contains pure 24 karat gold flakes. (On sale for $70.99 at DrinkUpNY)