diamonds

One thing Elizabeth Taylor is known for are those lavender hued eyes. At least that's what everyone says. I can't tell if they're purple or deep blue. Whatever they are, they are beautiful. Today, we talk about old Hollywood glamour and how it is currently influencing the red carpet. We also take note of the beauty looks, whether it's the up do or the matte red lips. But mostly, the clothes get talked about and then the jewelry.

Someone recently said (in the news) that ET was Hollywood's first "It Girl." Well, she wasn't. Clara Bow was. But ET was definitely a force of nature. Men swooned in her presence and made crazy decisions, like umm, I think I'll leave my wife for her. This was the 50s when that type of behavior was not the norm (and shouldn't be now, in my humble opinion).

I think that if ET wasn't the first "It Girl” she was definitely a style icon. And though we think of her mostly in terms of her jewels (that Richard Burton, he thought diamonds would do the trick!), I think when it comes to style it's her beauty that remains in our minds. Her luscious use of lipstick, her pronounced mole, those striking (heavily lined) eyes. And we're not simply referring to her role in “Cleopatra.”

Liz, you have always been stunning, your sweet voice, your adherence to your own inner truth and your ability to move us on and off the screen, will always be an inspiration. I am NOT a fan of making movie stars more than they are. They aren't going to change the world, but they do have a voice and when they use it they can be powerful. ET spoke up for things she believed in long before others were willing to go there (whether you agree with her or not). And she always looked good doing it. Go Liz!

Source: israelidiamond.com
 

I come from a place of ‘Fendi before Food’ when it comes to rough times—economic or otherwise. Carrie Bradshaw famously said: "When I first moved to New York and I was totally broke, sometimes I bought Vogue instead of dinner. I found it fed me more."

More often than I like to admit, I have marched right on by the corner deli and into Intermix to buy myself a present. It’s amazing how a new top or bangle can fill me right up when washed down with a Diet Coke. To honor this spotty logic, I’ve asked the girls to rebel against the “Fabulous for Under $10” epidemic we’re all in, and to send me their picks for “Fabulous for Over $1,000.” Take that, economy.

Laura
I have lusted over a mirrored bedroom set for years now. But the fact that I have yet to live in any city for longer than three years has really cramped my style. Regardless, someday I hope to see myself reflected back at…myself…from a room brimming with mirrored furnishings that make me feel like I live in Paris circa 1922. This Haute House collection at Neiman Marcus (minus the headboard) will do me just fine. Price? $2,997.00. Bargain basement this is not.

Stacie
Although I currently spend the bulk of my $$'s on cabs (to avoid the onslaught of the after-work rush hour) and my love of shoes, if I could purchase anything in the world it would be art.  The barren walls of my apartment are really in need of Joan Miro, a Spanish Catalan painter, sculptor and ceramist born in Barcelona. I’m not the only person thinking this so his works are pricey at best. But we all know where my next $40K is going.

Lindsay

1. I love Chanel. 
2. I’m trying to branch out of my overly black wardrobe and bring a little color into my life (Joe and Jesse would be so proud!)
3. How amazing would this look with a pair of over-the-knee leather boots...and my great-great grandmother’s vintage mink hat? Mmmmm.

Dania
I was harassing Dania in my sweet little way (I started trash talking Ohio) to get her pick and this is what she sent:

WHAT: Cartier Love Bracelet, yellow gold with diamonds
WHY: Because I LOVE ME and I deserve it!

Price available upon request. (Hoytie Toytie, Little D.) 
 

Okay, Las Vegas might be my least favorite place to visit for more than 2 days with the exception of during the jewelry shows.  The top jewelry designers in the world descend on Las Vegas for the  Couture, JCK and Luxury accessories shows each year—and I was lucky enough to mingle with quite a few top designers (both burgeoning and well-known), as well as my fav editors.  Thank goodness for Graham Kostic (Modern Luxury), Tanya Dukes (Elite Traveler) and Samantha Milner (Vanity Fair) – they made it fun and kept me sane. Luckily, the show was also filled with some real talent.

Sevan Bicakci, a Turkish artisan, features full cityscapes sculpted into proportions so dainty that he was able to fit them into a stunning chandelier earring.  His work, which was new to me, moved even the toughest Vogue editors. Janice Debell, design director for Kwiat diamonds, actually introduced me to the collection.  Her latest addition to the Kwiat collection—a finely cut rose gold diamond Lotus flower ring was my favorite piece at the show. Her use of negative and positive space along with cognac diamonds was astounding. The Lotus flower truly looked as if it was floating lightly on my finger.

Hard rock jeweler Stephen Webster took away the award for hottest party (hosted by an uber platinum blond Christina Aguilera), and Best In Diamonds. Kwiat diamonds rose gold red carpet cuff with rose cut diamonds was also featured in this category. 

Rachel Zoe, who is a huge supporter of RARE Vintage NYC, was on hand at the awards ceremony to honor her friend Yossi Harari with the Best Haute Couture design award. I was able to sneak in a quick hug and brief hello before she breezed on stage in a stunning nude cascading dress and gold platform heels. 

Have some cocktails and debauchery in honor of Vegas, until next time….

Sources: www.elenavotsi.com, www.sevanbicakci.com, www.stephenwebster.com, www.kwiat.com