On the Radar -- The Word Necklace

So we've all seen the classic name necklace, made famous again in more recent times by the beloved icon, Carrie Bradshaw, played by SJP.  What would Carrie be without her "Carrie" necklace?

This idea was taken about a gazillion steps further in Lanvin's Fall 2013 show, with their line of wordy statement necklaces.  They used words like "happy" and "cool" in a script font, and scaled the proportions way up. I really like the look:

 

Is this cool?  Yes.  Is this a new idea?  Not really.  Look at this Chanel necklace from 1994:

There are some options if you don't want something quite so large, like this sweet necklace from Dior, in white gold with a diamond:

Or if Dior is out of your price bracket (or on another price planet, as it is in my case), there's tons of reasonably priced options from the handmade side of Etsy, like this sweet "happy" necklace from Piano Bench Designs, available here.

On the Radar -- Cameos

Trends are funny things.  We've talked about this before -- about how trends start with the style makers and move through the steps of fashion/home fashion, until they end up at Big Lots.  Or Dollar General. 

We're catching today's trend right in the middle of its progression through the stages.  Last year designers were all about cameos.  Like Lanvin's pre-fall collection (fall 2012):

 And Alexander McQueen (from last year -- neither of which are available):

 

Hmmm... But here's a page I just scanned from the July 2013 Harper's Bazaar, titled "Must-Haves":

And we've been witnessing renewed interest in cameos, both at the antique mall, and in many recent "favorites" of our sterling Van Dell clip earrings, listed here on Etsy:

So jump on this trend wagon!  It's just the right time...

From Morning Glorius, on Etsy, here.

And really, cameos are a quintessential classic.  They will always be stylish!

On the Radar -- Woodn't You Like to Have One?

Lanvin Necklace

We both of us, the Blackbird girls, each have a different ring that is a security blanket of sorts.  Mine is a silver ring that is fashioned with working hinged jaws accented with long, monster-like teeth.  I got it when a local jewelry store was going out of business for $7.  Someone offered me $50 for it once -- but I would never sell it.  Never.

Jewelry design is where, I think, designers get to let loose and have some fun.  Clothes can be amazing, but the moment you meet that certain necklace, that special ring -- that's the moment of total magic.  Accessories and jewelry are fun, easy to change around, and can be as delicate or as bold as you want them to be.  But jewelry can be sentimental, special, and family heirlooms, even if they are not that valuable.


I'm loving that designers went for wood in their designs this season.  Lanvin made stunning paneled cuff bracelets and necklaces.

Lanvin cuff bracelet

Marni also did a collection of wooden bug like pieces.

This minaudiere by Givenchy is STUNNING!

Even our First Lady Michelle Obama wears wooden jewelry, like this bangle made for her by Kara Ross.

Wood is an interesting material for jewelry, and it's something I've just started noticing.  I have lots of vintage rhinestone and enamel pieces, but I don't have any wooden pieces.  Might have to change that!  Look at these vintage pieces, available on Etsy:

1970s cocktail ring, available here.

1950s brooch, available here.

On the Radar -- Divine Deco

Carey Mulligan in Gatsby

Baz Luhrmann's reboot of "The Great Gatsby" was set to release this holiday season, getting all the designers in a tizzy to show their very Art Deco best.  Alas, the film's release has been moved to the summer of 2013, but the gorgeous clothes and accessories are everywhere now!

In case you don't know, Art Deco is a design style that started in France in the roaring 1920s, and maintained its popularity through the 1940s.  It's known for its symmetry and rectilinear shapes. We have great "The Skinny" posts about International Art Deco from August of this year: http://blackbirdantiques.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-skinny-international-deco-part-i.html and http://blackbirdantiques.blogspot.com/2012/08/international-deco-part-ii.html .

For today's blog, our round-up of favorites from top designers...

Lanvin, Spring/Summer 2013

Jenny Packham bridal gown, 2013

ASOS evening bag

Alexander McQueen, Spring/Resort 2013

Christian Louboutin