the jewelry bandit

Recently, my daughter has had a fascination with jewelry. I've now dubbed her the jewelry bandit

Rewind 2 weeks. I am getting ready to take a shower and place my wedding band on the bathroom shelf. As I'm showering,, I hear some rustling and open the shower door. Who is it? The jewelry bandit. Looking guilty as ever, she scurries off and I'm left thinking "what just happened?". Its then that I realize that she had taken my wedding band! There is no trace of it in the house. Unfortunately I am left to wear a temporary ring which is:

I mean, dont get me wrong, the ring above is not at all that bad but it isnt a wedding band. As I began searching for a new ring I ended up deviating...and looking for a right hand ring. I've never explored this part of the jewelry world so you can only imagine how fascinated and excited I was.  Here are a few rings that have caught my eye. If I do end up purchasing one of these beauties, it will be placed on the highest shelf in the house.

David Yurman Blue Topaz and diamond ($625)

Pear shaped blue topaz ring with diamond accents ($299)

Cushion cut blue topaz ring with diamond accents ($289)

 Pink topaz with diamond accents ($200)

a drop of color

I'm inspired by my daughter's eclectic style and personality. Her style is one part functional (think a tee, hoodie and a bottom). The second part is...well let's just say "interesting" textures and colors. Of course I'm the one to blame since I purchased these clothes but you've got to admit, what other age is it appropriate to wear a black long sleeve with a monkey face paired with a pastel pink tutu?

This has made me re-introduce prints back into my wardrobe. The easiest way to integrate a pop of color is through accessories. Think jewelry, scarves, shoes and even sunglasses. Below are a few of my favorite accessories that have given my blah wardrobe the pop of color it needed:

 Missoni scarves (a must since I work in the city)

Gazelle sunglasses in olive green

 

The infamous Giuseppe Zanotti wedge leopard booties. a-mazing. 

Fenton/Fallon for J.Crew rhinestone jaws chain necklace. a little sparkle brightens the simplest outfits

hermes collier de chien bracelet

A true closet staple for any fashionable woman who loves Hermes pieces, this arm candy is perfect alone or stacked with your watch and/or bracelets. Be it fabric friendship bracelets, metal bangles or even Prada plastic cuffs, the Hermes Collier de Chien bracelet is a classic piece that stands the test of time and compliments any wardrobe.

I personally own the suede version and was skeptical on if it would fit my large wrist. Initially it was fairly tight (my wrist measures 7 3/4) but after some time the suede and leather softened and loosened up. Below are the measurements of my bracelet, don't be discouraged if you cannot fit this style, there is also another version called the "Gaine" where everything, including the pyramids are wrapped in leather. The difference with the Gaine versus the original CDC is that it has a button closure instead of the slots and comes in more than 1 size

There is a new resurgence of interest in this bracelet. In the fashion industry, women of all ages, shapes and sizes are wearing this piece and I'm loving it! It is discreet to those who are not familiar with the style, but those that are appreciate and understand the luxury piece. When I visited the Hermes store in my area, there were only 2 piece left and I quickly picked up one before it was all gone. Also, Target has jumped on this and has made a replica which costs $16.99! Granted, the metal and leather is not up to par but it was interesting to see that Target is trying to fill this at a low, low price point.

As styles come and go, this is truly an investment piece that has stood the test of time. I mean, it has been around since the 1940s...that's proof in itself!


History: 
In French, the Collier de Chien actually means "dog collar". This Hermes piece was originally inspired by the belt and created in the 1940s and was specifically made for a client’s bulldog. This style has evolved and is currently available in a watch, cuff, clutch and belt.

Price: starting price for leather is $1,025 and can go up to $1600 for croc (as of May 2011)
Cost per wear for 1 year: approx. $3 day
Materials: leather, stamped leather, suede, silver, croc, lizard and alligator
Size: 1st slot fits 7in wrist and last slot fits8" wrist
         the bracelet contains 4 pyramids and 4 slots which makes it adjustable
How to wear: Casual or dress.
                       Can be stacked with a watch, other bracelets or stand alone
Where to purchase: Hermes stores or online at www.hermes.com

Celebrities and press:

 Nicole Richie

Nicky Hilton wearing a red CDC with palladium hardward

 

 Taylor Jacobson from the "Rachel Zoe Project" wearing a CDC with gold hardware

 Jessica Alba wearing a classic black CDC with Palladium hardware

Moxsie.com sale! 60% off the entire site

Recently, I was surfing the web (do they still call it that nowadays?) and I came across this tweet that said "Moxsie, up 50% off! Limited time!". My first reaction was to scramble, run to the site, place an order then tell my fashionable friends what was going on!

Fast forward 2 1/2 weeks later...

I receive an email in my inbox and this is what I saw: