NYC Fashion Week: F/W 2013 Trend Summary

February is always the most glamorous month with the Fashion Week and the Oscars. Though I am dying to pull out all the spring outfits and I'd vote for the warmth of summer over the chic coats of winter anytime, Feb is either about the red carpet or the fall outfits.

To avoid a depressing fall mood, I'm going to do a quick laundry list of key trends and here is a list of great posts for more reading. And hopefully, it will be spring tomorrow!

Key trends:
Textures - Fur and leather
Sparkles - Metallic colors and lots of beads and blinks
Colors - 2 opposites: Richness (Navy, red, purple and various degrees of greens) vs White and soft nudes/champagnes
Patterns - American classics (think tweeds), lux (embroidery), geo (color block)
Silhouettes - A bit military, a bit romantic, a bit boxy (on the outerwear)

If you want to see a detailed laundry list, check out this link.
Click here for the Pantone color trends.
Folks who like eye-candy, check out some cool runway looks here.

What jewelry is appropriate to give at which stage of a relationship?

Hm...sounds more like a trick question. It is true that normally guys only give girls jewelry if they really like a girl. Yes, you can quote me on that. For the newbies in the gifting scene, what type of jewelry should you get for your beloved?

First gift

Usually for first gift, I would recommend bracelets.

It is the type of jewelry that does not require an intimate knowledge of a girl - like ring sizes, if they have ear piercing or not. Also, subconsciously where the jewelry sits on a girl's body is symbolic to a boyfriend's caress. So necklace in a way is more intimate than a bracelet. A bracelet is a nice first jewelry gift that does not carry too much of...say an "expectation."

Early stage

Earrings are usually a pretty good choice. Earrings are usually easier for both the gifter and the receiver. A small pair of studs usually is a staple in a girl's jewelry box. Even if the girl does not usually wear simple studs, she can still wear it without affecting her style too much. And she can always find an occasion that calls for it. If you don't know what your girl likes to wear yet, stay with something metal or a simple gemstone set one (in a color that she likes) and don't go for anything too specific like pearls.

Steady stage

So the guy loves his girl but doesn't want to commit to the big M word yet. What should he give? Now is the time to get a necklace. A meaningful one is called for. Get one that would complement the girlfriend's style. It is the understanding of what she loves that makes the necklace a good gift, not how much you spend. But if you are hopelessly clueless about fashion, go for a nice one - if not a diamond, a precious gemstone necklace, or one that carries the meaning of love.

She is yours

It's time for the ring! Take a ring from her jewelry box and get it to a jeweler to find out what her size is. Or if that's not possible, try using a thin stripe of paper to measure the inside of her ring, input the length using this convertor to see what her size is. Do note that different fingers are different in size. To be safe, pick the middle finger. In winter if her fingers shrink in size in the cold temperature, she can move it to her ring finger and still be able to wear it easily. And it is easier to size up a ring then sizing down.

If this is your first ring for her, and that you don't plan on proposing anytime soon, stay away from a ring with diamond or white crystal/gemstone. See what necklaces and earrings she wears and pick a complimentary ring. Don't look for another ring she has and buy something too similar. But do use her rings as a style gauge. E.g., if she likes statement rings or simple everyday rings, with gemstone or not...etc.


Happy Valentine's Day!

Special Valentine's Day Promotion - Week 3

This is the 3rd week into my Special Valentine's Day Promotion. Introducing yet another limited edition from the Rose Collection at my Etsy store,
The Long Stem Rose Earrings.

A stem of 3 roses, a tiny leaf and a single thorn create a beautiful romantic story of love. This delicate pair of dangle earrings is hand sculpted by myself. The stem of roses swings with your movement, measures about 2.5" in length, and is made with sterling silver posts. Comes in sterling silver, or brass gold plated in 14K yellow gold or rose gold.

Normally only available at trunk shows and at boutiques, it is now brought to my Etsy store only in the month of February in celebration of Valentine's Day, and at a discounted price.  It is the ultimate gift for your beloved, and a unique adornment for your lovely self.

Visit my store for more romantic stories made of roses.

Special Valentine's Day promotion - Week 2

Week 2 update of the Special Valentine's Day Rose Collection on my Etsy store is here.  This week I'm introducing the pretty Rose Collar Bib Necklace to my Etsy store. It is especially created for my Etsy customers. Made in brass, available in basic gold finish and an unique pinkish gold oxidized version, this necklace radiates romance and is versatile for all occasions.

During the month of February, I am bringing some special pieces from my Rose Collection that are usually NOT available anywhere except for trunk shows and at selected retail stores, to my Etsy store customized or at a discounted price. These are usually specially designed or produced in small quantity only. Now you can get them directly from me to you, or to your loved ones. 

Come back later to see more rose d'amour in my store.