Jewelry Sparkles at Vogue Fashion Fund

Jewelry fashion is always gawk-worthy when the fashion world gets together for a function. Whether it’s sitting runway-side or throwing a fundraiser, where there’s Anna, Diane, Galliano and Leon – there’s diamonds, gemstones, and gold out the wazoo.

Last night, the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund celebrated its fifth anniversary at Skylight Studios in New York, and the glamorous crowd came out in droves. The evening celebrated up-and-coming designers with five and six figure prizes and top designers Narciso Rodriguez, John Galliano, Diane von Furstenberg, Vera Wang and Zac Posen were there to root them on.

The evening’s top prize of $200,000 and a year's worth of mentoring, went to 24-year-old Alexander Wang.

"Four years ago I was reading about this award in my dorm room in a magazine," the youngster told Style.com.

Looking drop dead gorgeous in Dior and a stunning vintage diamond choker was my favorite jewelry hound, Charlize Theron. And while an understated Blake Lively was there to share the spotlight, no one could hold a candle to the evening’s glamazonian MC.

The guests glittered as well with model, Doutzen Kroes in Hervé Léger and a glittering statement necklace and guest Chiara Clemente, in Giambattista Valli and golden pom-pom earrings.

The only misstep was a usually classic Anna Wintour in an unfortunate short sleeved sequined number with black tights that bordered on the, dare I say, tacky?

Diamonds Rock the VMAs. And a Phoenix Rises From the Ashes

We all waited with bated breath. Will she stumble over her words? Will she attempt to dance? Or (gasp!) sing? Will she no longer have the Miller Lite paunch and the chin acne? Much like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Miss Britney Spears did herself proud at the VMAs on Sunday night. And a nation breathed a sigh of relief.

Stunning in a pair of diamond drop earrings, Brit Brit took home three coveted Moon Men and made nary a misstep as she introduced the show and gave quick, heartfelt acceptance speeches.

Before the show, the red carpet revealed more diamond divas as Pink dolled up in Neil Lane diamond and platinum bangle bracelets, black diamond flower earrings and a diamond Right Hand Ring.

Diamond wrist-wear was the bling of choice for Lauren Conrad. Paris Hilton and model, Bar Rafeli, worked the statement necklace trend and the big earring brigade included Spice Girl, Mel B, Cristina Aguilera, and reality star, Brooke Hogan.

While the fashion impressed, the show itself got mixed reviews. Host, Russel Brand, created controversy over his spat with the Jonas Brothers and their virginal promise rings. What is he going to do? The trio practically threatened to give MTV a Disney make over with their sweet little three-part harmonies and floppy hair cuts. Sorry, America. I ain’t buyin’ it.

Or maybe Russel and I just miss the days when you might see Nirvana’s bassist clubbing himself in the face with his own guitar, or that guy from Rage Against the Machine climbing the set fixtures. I'm just saying...

Alma Awards Jewelry Fashion: Classy Meets Trashy

The jewelry looks ran the gamut at this weekend’s taping of the 2008 Alma Awards, which honors the artistic achievement of Latinos in film, television and music. Let’s start with the good news, shall we?

Two words: Jessica. Alba. This woman just gave birth and ruled the red carpet in an elegant pink Narciso Rodriguez bespoke gown with the perfect pair of diamond and crystal earrings. A forty-something and fabulous Daisy Feuntes wore the yellow gold summer trend to perfection to offset her floor-length, fitted white number. And Entertainer of the Year award-winner, America Ferrara, didn’t disappoint with a black and white striped Diane von Furstenberg cocktail dress from the Resort 2009 collection. A classic pair of drop diamond earrings were her only jewelry accessory, and the less-is-more choice worked.

Eva Longoria, the show’s host, wore a strange, jewel-accented satin dress that hit at that wrong part of the leg. And the hair screamed helmut. What happened here? And then there’s Paula. I can’t figure out if she takes this outfit seriously, but it is a serious calamity. The beaded black neck brace and matching drop earrings are gaudy incarnate. And the mermaid dress could have been plucked from the closet of a drag queen. In 1986. At least she keeps our tongues wagging, bless her.

To catch the full effect of Eva’s 500 costume changes, you can watch the show September 12th on ABC.

Teens Choose Tasteful Jewelry Fashions - A Blue Carpet Round Up

Drop what you’re doing. I have very important news to report. Yes, it’s more important than interest rates and the price of oil. The under-20 set made their fashion statement at the Teen Choice Awards this week. And the verdict? Tasteful, less-is-more looks ruled the day. A far cry from what this post-pubescent blogger expected of the little tykes.

The casual-chic affair, hosted by Miley Cyrus, aired on Fox last night and awarded surfboards to the country’s hottest young stars in over 40 categories. Vanessa Hudgens, who took home the honorable “Choice Female Hottie” award, represented the sleek and sophisticated set with a black and white cocktail dress and very little bling. As did Gossip Girl and multiple surfboard winner, Blake Lively, who wore a bright purple off-the-shoulder mini with just a splash of sparkle.

Our favorite layered, pendant necklace trend made an appearance on Lauren Conrad and the ever-present Miley. And the look carried over to the wrist as stars like Brenda Song and yes, Miley (in her second of five costume changes) chose to wear a stack of colorful bangles. Fun, flower rings were spotted on a few youngsters, and geriatrics Fergie and Hayden Panettiere rocked the blue carpet with flowy bohemian looks. And hats off to stars like Rachel Bilson and Leighton Meester, who wore just a pair of statement earrings to set off their gorgeous frocks.

I may be the only one in America who doesn’t have a crush on a Jonas Brother, but I am love with the way this generation rocks an awards show. I wonder if we can recruit them to stave off the looming inflation crisis?

Mad About Mad Men Jewelry Fashions

Break out your pencil skirts and matching sweater sets, AMC’s acclaimed series Mad Men is back! Last night’s highly anticipated premiere brought us die-hard Don Draper junkies back to the era of three-martini lunches, well-dressed ad men and the women who love (or are forced to tolerate) them. The surprise hit and critical darling earned 16 Emmy nods, and the show’s authentic early 60s fashions have inspired trendsetters and designers around the globe to find their inner Tippy Hedren.

This season begins on Valentine’s Day 1962. Jackie Kennedy is winning over America with her White House tour, and women are falling in love with her distinct brand of sophistication and grace. Rumor has it the show’s female characters will take center stage this season, which means more yummy period fashions for us to drool over.

Look out for more Grace Kelly-inspired evening wear, swing skirts and neck scarves. Button pearl earrings, signature pendants, costume jewelry and the classic office brooch will all be on display. And of course every Mad Men must-have is the ubiquitous pearl strand. Not to worry, though, ladies, the dashing Don Draper and his exploits are still the series’ main focus. And those suits! Growl.

So those of us who miss gathering every Sunday for Sex and the City fashion fixes can now look forward to planning viewing parties filled with fondue, cocktail dresses and clip ons. Move over Cosmos, there’s a new kid in town! She prefers her drinks shaken…not stirred.

Fashion's Triumphant Night

Who would have thought back in High School, that the library was the place to be seen? Well, we probably weren’t thinking of the New York Public Library and we definitely weren’t thinking of fashion’s top awards. Recently, the ultimate list of fashionistas, stylists, editors and critics gathered in the City to celebrate the CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America) awards.

The Womenswear Designer of the Year award went, for the second time, to Calvin Klein’s head designer, Fransisco Costa. For the guys, the man responsible for the most fashionable suits, trousers and general metrosexual head-to-toe was Tom Ford and winning in accessories was Tory Burch - the women behind the ballet shoe and metallic emblem that is (or should be) a staple of every female’s wardrobe.

But, as always, it was who was attending and where they were wearing that caused the most chatter. Victoria Beckham, Eva Longoria Parker, Tony Parker, Kim Cattrall, Hillary Duff, Mandy Moore, Lauren Hutton, Tina Fey, and Amy Poehler were some of the ‘celebs’ paying homage to designers such as Ralph Lauren, Donna Karan, Vera Wang and Carolina Herrera.

Even New York Mayor Bloomberg attended the stylish night out. He was honored, (not for his fashion sense I hasten to add) but for his commitment to keeping the city's garment industry thriving. On his accepting his award Bloomberg, in a lilac-colored bow tie, panned that he would have worn something more stylish, but "my skinny jeans are at the cleaners and my gladiator sandals are being resoled."


As for what they were wearing, when it comes to jewelry, it was a matter of quality over quantity. Cute black diamond studs, elegant gold hoops and of course ole Posh Spice (aka Mrs Beckham) who prefers size (just not in clothes) over all else.

Sex, Earrings And One Mighty Big Hat

So Sex In The City premiered in London, a city for sure, just not the obvious city. While the critics were bewailing the location of the opening, the fashion press were more interested in what they were wearing (and what not).

Sarah Jessica Parker made her statement loud and clear with what can only be termed an ‘unusual’ hat by Phillip Treacy. Very Carrie-ish, but on the streets of London - I thinkg not.

Kim Cattrall - seemed un-Samantha like conservative in her one-shouldered Vivienne Westwood number. She was as gorgeous as ever, just tamer than would have been expected.

Kristin Davis (I confess my favorite of them all) was totally Charlotte- like in a pinkish vintage dress by Guy Laroche.

But the fairest of them all – and this is where the long-shot comes in to win – Cynthia Nixon in a daring black Calvin Klein dress.

Now this is a jewelry-blog so over to the jewelry. Once again, necklaces were missing in action. Word to the wise, if you’re attending any red-carpet even this year – leave the neck bare and focus on the ears.

All four beauties wore elegant earrings drawing attention to their face and not their other assets.