Bugging Out

I fell hard the first time I saw this photograph of Elsa Schiaparelli wearing a black stole and an oversized insect pin.  The photo was taken in 1952 and now it seems that insect bijoux are crawling back into fashion.  I was looking through street style photos from the couture shows that took place in Paris earlier this year and amongst all of the chicly dressed people the one stylish creature that stood out above them all was a larger-than-life beetle bedecked with pearls and an opulent iridescent coat.  Delfina Delettrez created the playful piece for Shala Monroque, who pinned the eye-catching metallic insect to all but one of her outfits that week.  It was this bold statement that brought each and every one of her looks to life. I'm bugging and Jason Wu is too--his resort 2013 collection was topped with Swarovski bug taxidermy.  I'm thinking about adding this Delettrez bee brooch to my fall wardrobe--it would look great pinned to my coat.

And I've always loved the look of natural curiosities at home. The other day while browsing West Elm I was immediately drawn to a pair of framed butterflies they're offering from artist Christopher Marley of Pheromone. The Pheromone collection at West Elm is limited but their own site offers a stunning variety of specimens from butterflies to beetles, geodes, urchins, and more. I normally find the idea of framed insects a little creepy, but I must admit, the butterflies displayed in the living room above are more pretty than freaky. But if you still find the idea of putting dead butterflies on you shelves (and really - who could blame you?) how about displaying this brass fly or hanging this vintage brass beetle sconce from Jayson Home?

(Images via Street Peeper,  Jason Wu)

Pretty Little Pom-Poms

"A recent trip to the Amalfi Coast inspired our Resort 2013 collection — soft whites and seafoam green with shades of pink, purple and blue. We did traditionally rich fabrics in casual, effortless ways." — Tory Burch 

The second I saw this Pom-Pom Resin Necklace from Tory's 2013 Resort collection I was reminded of this Proud Mary Textiles' pillow I've been lusting after. I like the idea using pom-poms to add a splash of color to a pillow but I'm not sure I'm sold on the idea of wearing them. Thoughts?  If you're digging this look then be sure to check out Tory's entire resort collection, including the necklace pictured above,  on Moda Operandi.

Knot Your Average Jewelry

After seeing an Orly Genger by Jaclyn Mayer sculptural rope necklace at Space519 this past weekend I was instantly smitten and knew I had to do a feature on this talented design duo.  The brand is a joint effort between Jaclyn Mayer, a former Parsons grad and jeweler, and Genger, an Art Institute of Chicago-trained artist (yay Chicago!).  Look familiar?  That may be because you've seen it on the runway at Lela Rose and WHIT.  I'm dying to get my hands on the Necco Necklace -- nautical knots surrounded by sherbet-hued enamel, what's knot to love -- but the Crosby Cast Rope Bracelet  or the Garter Necklace would also do! Do you have a favorite?

Need a Ray?

I'm not typically a fan of the ever so trendy sunburst mirror but this one by Made Goods works for me.  It's called the Dawn mirror and it is fashioned after a vintage bracelet...a bracelet that must have looked exactly like this Pam Hiran necklace I purchased from ModCloth last week.  Striking resembalance, right?  I wore the necklace over the weekend and received a ton of complements.  It's probably the best $50 I've spent in quite some time and a radiant addition to my fall wardrobe. 

Smitten | Golden Wheat

Smitten doesn't even begin to explain how I feel about Aurélie Bidermann's wheat jewelry...more like obsessed.  Aurelie brings simplicity and luxury to this organic motif by drying out real wheat then dipping it in gold. I love the idea of wearing something real. And I'll admit, the fact that wheat is the symbol of prosperity makes this collection all the more desirable. I'd like one of each but if I had to choose I think the ring worn by Vogue Fashion Writer Esther Adams is quite divine.

Images: 1, 2

Currently Coveting

Lulu Frost CODE rings.  Thank you J.Crew for introducing me to Lisa Salzer’s new jewelry line, CODE, which was inspired by the room numbers from New York's iconic Plaza Hotel.  I don't usually buy myself expensive jewelry but I may have to make an exception.  After all, I strongly believe that every accessory counts!

CODE 14K gold numeral rings are available at the J.Crew 1035 Madison and 769 Madison Avenue stores.

Smitten | Decorative Jewels

As far back as I can remember, I've always wanted a vanity. This one from Steven Gambrel's Designer Visions showhouse is particularly stunning.  I love the idea of hanging your necklaces and jewelry on the walls as decoration - all you'd need is a box of shoulder hooks like this. 

Image 

Smitten | The Coveted

The Coveted, a new website that launched today, is absolutely stunning!  The site gives readers a behind the scenes look at some of the most influential and recognized global tastemakers of our time.  First on the list? Harper's Bazaar Senior Fashion Market Editor Joanna Hillman.  The long blonde hair and perfect red pout are her signature but it's fun to see how she lives and the creative process behind her iconic look!

(photos by Jake Rosenberg)