WHIMSY

I LOVE earrings. Especially long, dangly ones. That’s why I was so pumped to see an article on InStore.com that mentions how popular earrings have become on the red carpet.

Since Angelina Jolie wore those ginormous tear-drop emerald danglies to the Oscars, more and more celebrities are donning similarly sized gems in their ears. Green seemed to be the color of choice for several celebs (who wouldn’t want to copy Angelina’s statement-making jewelry?), but no matter what color, all of the earrings I found them wearing recently were HUGE. Not only has the big, chunky look come back in the cocktail ring department, but it’s found its way onto the ears of fashion-forward women everywhere.

Every woman should have a pair of diamond studs (they’re like the LBD of the jewelry world), but those studs are taking a backseat to stunning, bold styles like this and these. (And notice how this season’s sunny yellow hues snuck into both!)

Earrings also accentuate and elongate the neck and often times eliminate the need for a necklace, making getting ready for a night out much faster! (Your boyfriend/husband will thank you.)

–Keri

We all know that fashion statements made by Hollywood A-listers can become instant trends. View any red carpet “wow” outfit and you can be sure that the knockoff will be available nationwide very, very shortly.

But how often does the actual film itself affect the world of style? In answer, you can point to such iconic film fashions as Marilyn Monroe’s frothy white halter dress in The 7 Year Itch, Audrey Hepburn’s ladylike LBD in Breakfast at Tiffany or even John Travolta’s decade-defining white suit in Saturday Night Fever. These films and the style trends that they began changed the way we dress forever.

In recent years, this phenomenon has not abated. In the jewelry world, the spectacular sapphire and diamond heart-shaped necklace central to the Titanic storyline has been widely imitated. The popularity of the Lord of the Rings trilogy inspired a line of jewelry, most notably the pendant worn by Arwen Evenstar, played by the luminous Liv Tyler. And just a few months ago, young men everywhere were scooping up replicas of Edward Cullen’s distinctive and very masculine Goth wrist cuff popularized in the teen flick Twilight.

The 2009 summer movie season is no exception. Opening the summer is long anticipated Angels and Demons. A prequel to Dan Brown’s smash success The DaVinci Code, the film centers on a conspiracy, once again involving the Church. So it’s no surprise that religious-inspired jewelry is popping up on style watchers’ lists with increasing frequency.

Just yesterday, I opened the mailbox to find the current issue of National Jeweler. The cover was graced with a lovely model wearing a black cord necklace, complete with stylized cross. And according to the jewelry trade magazine InStore, Damiana, whose exceptional pieces were featured in the film, now offers a full line based on the movie, crosses, necklace and rosaries.

If this continues, I can only wonder what sort of trends we’ll see after the release of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince this July…

 –Susan

I went to a fabulous wedding reception this weekend. It was a second marriage for both the bride and the groom, so they actually held the party after several weeks of honeymooning in Italy.

As I sipped a wickedly good Cosmopolitan and watched the sunset, I observed the diverse crowd gathered to celebrate the happy occasion. And I noticed something strange… 16 to 60, almost every woman in attendance was wearing black and white! And I must admit, so was I (a cute little polka dot number with some amazing 4” wedges that made it hard to walk, but looked fantastic).

After making this discovery, I started to ask the other women there – why black and white? Most had the same answer that I would give myself – “It makes life easy.” And it’s true! Black silk pants and a crisp white Jones of New York blouse is one of my favorite “last minute” outfits.

Most of my wardrobe basically falls into three categories: black, white, or a black and white pattern. I occasionally throw in red, blue or maybe yellow for variation, but I find that no matter what the event, I consistently reach for the black and white. My husband thinks I have no imagination, and maybe it’s true, but black and white is the ultimate “Garanimal” outfit, at least for me.

Designers must agree that the combination is appealing, because the stores are simply filled with black and white for summer. Which is good news for all of those women I met at the wedding — exotic zebra prints, funky polka dots, an even nautical stripes are everywhere!

Oh, and by the way, the bride wore black.

–Susan

As I was browsing the MSNBC.com homepage as I try to do everyday, I noticed a featured video that depicted a woman wearing a huge, diamond- and emerald-encrusted necklace. This gorgeous necklace was shown on a newscast about Bernie Madoff victims who auctioned their possessions to hopefully gain back some of their wealth lost to Madoff’s schemes.

According to the broadcast, among the items auctioned were sterling silverware, a gem-encrusted ivory elephant, and artwork by Picasso and Chagall.

The 70-carat necklace is worth half a million dollars, but the opening bid on it was just $50,000. Talk about a bargain—at least for someone who can afford to spend that much on a necklace. Some of the auction pieces were family heirlooms that were to be passed down to children and grandchildren, but are now being liquidated to pay bills.

It’s always hard to see people selling precious possessions in a time of need, and jewelry is usually high on the list of things to be sold. Hopefully these pieces will be well taken care of, and since the vintage look is so popular right now, they’ll be worn and loved by whoever is blessed to own them.

-Keri

Jennifer Hudson shows off her style pre- and post-Idol

So, I’m thinking ahead to the American Idol showdown between Adam and Kris tonight and I happened upon InStyle magazine’s great online piece showcasing American Idol transformations.http://www.instyle.com/instyle/package/general/photos/0,,20164507_20171857_20393528,00.html

The one thing that immediately jumped out at me is that the old adage really is true – strategic simplicity has power. All of the Idols (and runners-up) look fine in the “before” shots. But every single “after” is cleaner, crisper, more polished and simply more powerful.

What specific tricks so dramatically set the “befores” apart from the “afters”? The most obvious difference is the generous use of all-over, solid color – frequently a power color like pure red or vibrant royal blue. There are no patterns to distract the eye. There are no competing textures. And use of one overall color makes each Idol look sleeker, taller and thinner. (Frankly, who doesn’t want that?)

The second difference is the cut and fit of the “after” styling. The line of a garment, the overall silhouette, is unquestionably one of the most important elements when choosing an outfit. Simple shapes become spectacular when you add a “wow” element (shoulders, hem, belting – only one at a time, please!)

Of course, even the most fabulous ensemble will look atrocious if the garment isn’t fitted properly. Too tight and a dress rides up at the midsection. Too loose and a jacket bags at the shoulders. This is especially important for any event where you’ll be seen from various angles (isn’t that every event?).

Finally, the restrained use of accessories is extremely important and one area that can instantly ruin a look. In every “after” shot accessories are used not to distract but to add a punch of interest. It’s the difference between wearing a set of small earrings, a necklace, a watch, and an armful of bangles — to wearing just one, spectacular statement necklace showcased on a field of solid color.

These tricks are certainly not new. In fact, one of my favorite pieces of fashion sense is from Marilyn Monroe – the original “American Idol”. She advised to get completely dressed, walk away from the mirror, and turn quickly to get a glimpse of your image. Whatever the eye goes to first – a necklace, a scarf, an overpowering jacket – take off.

Simplicity. Instant sophistication. And very, very Idol-worthy.

–Susan

The always lovely Galen Giaccone, Miss Delaware 2008, made an appearance at the Whitten’s flagship retail location not too long ago for a promotional event — and she made quite an impression! Gracious and effervescent, she charmed our staff and customers alike.

Of course, beauty queens and sparkling jewelry are a natural combination. Our relationship with the Miss Delaware state pageant, however, did not begin with the reigning queen. Nationally acclaimed jewelry designer and president of Whitten’s retail operations, Craig Whitten has been associated with the organization since 1996 in a number of capacities, including as a corporate sponsor.

As we look forward to the Miss Delaware Pageant, slated for June 11, 12 and 13 in Dover, Delaware, I wonder who will be lucky enough to take Galen’s place as our state representative to the Miss America Pageant? Whoever she is, she will have some big shoes to fill. We wish Galen the best of luck in all of her future endeavors!

–Susan

So, according to Pantone, “the global authority on color and provider of professional color standards for the design industries” yellow is the color of the year for 2009. “In a time of economic uncertainty and political change, optimism is paramount and no other color expresses hope and reassurance more than yellow,” the firm says.

This is good news because I love yellow! It’s a happy color that makes me smile – and works especially well in spring and summer. Unfortunately, like most people, I have a difficult time finding just the right shade. Too green-y and I look sick. Too orange-y and I look sick. Too mustard-y and … well, you get the idea.

But I am determined to wear this fabulous color and you can, too. The trick is to keep the color away from your face, so even if it’s not “your” yellow, you can still wear the trend and not look… well, you know.

What works:

A big, wide belt does double duty, creating an hourglass silhouette, as well as providing a shot of bright lemony color.

Accessories like one of the new “tall totes” or playful wedges add a pop of color and instantly update an outfit that’s become stale.

A skirt with buttercup-yellow prominently featured in the print will add a burst of sunshine to your day.

As scarf can be worn as a sash, knotted on the handle of a bag or tied around the brim of a straw hat.

My personal favorite – yellow diamonds. Or, if the budget doesn’t allow (and whose does these days?) a few yellow Murano glass beads for the Trollbeads or Pandora bracelet.

–Susan

Rebecca Minkoff Devote Tote in yellow

I went shoe shopping the other day to visit my favorite wedges at Famous Footwear, and to my surprise, they were finally on sale! I immediately snatched up the only 7 ½ they had in black patent, and considered ordering the white patent ones, too. (At FF, you can order shoes directly from the store and they deliver them right to your door, no shipping!) As I walked toward the register after convincing myself not to get the white ones, I spotted a pair of woven white leather high heel sandals and FELL IN LOVE with them.

Inspired by these amazingly gorgeous shoes (and the fact that Memorial Day is fast approaching), I’ve found five more pairs of white sandals to don when the weather’s nice.

1. Piperlime® is selling these adorable flat white sandals that have all the comfort of flops (that’s flip flops) but with more style, and a heel strap to keep them from making that “flop” sound when the sole of the shoe hits the sole of your foot. (These are way nicer than my foam Old Navy flops!)
2. Payless® is practically giving away these white peep-toe slingbacks. The only drawback is they’re in white canvas, so be sure not to go traipsing around in any grassy fields or anything.
3. I love love DSW’s online store because it gives customers a chance to review a shoe’s comfort, length and width, which comes in SO handy when buying shoes online. These small wedge thongs by Italian Shoemakers come in great spring colors—including white, of course—and customers have rated them as very comfortable, which seems to be a rarity when it comes to thong-style sandals. (No one likes chafing between the toes!)
4. Steve Madden® has a pair of white ruffle-y flat thongs on clearance. I love anything with ruffles (at least the small, cute kind and not the big, scary 80s kind), and spring’s the best time to pair white ruffle-y shoes with a bold floral top.
5. These gladiator wedges by diba® on Zappos.com are embellished with cute medallions, and they make a statement without being too over-the-top. Pair them with a white Goddess-style dress or top (another season must-have, according to Miss Susan, listed below) to feel like Grecian royalty.

–Keri

This morning I got up early and trolled around to see what was new at the worldwide fashion mart (aka the web). As many trends as I really like this summer, there are a few that — well, honestly – what were they thinking?! I love style as much as the next girl (maybe more) and I certainly love groundbreaking ideas. But come on, folks. Let’s get real – we have to wear these clothes, not parade on a runway. Clothes need to move with your body. You need to be able to bend over to pick up a dropped file folder. Occasionally you need to sit. And you must, must, must be able to go to the ladies room!

My nominations for the “What were they thinking?” Award:

1. Boyfriend jeans. If Katie Holmes can’t pull off this look, neither can I. ‘Nuff said.

2. Depression chic. From Vogue’s trends on www.style.com. I know that reaching back into fashion history for inspiration is a popular starting point for designers. But these interpretations of “flapper” dresses only work if you’re as thin as Kate Moss. Whoops. No, not even then.

3. Shoulder pads. Yes, these were big in the 80’s (literally). Joan Collins made the look great – then. Now… ummm…. ewww.

4. Jumpsuits. Okay, these were one of the worst ideas ever. Just once, try using the bathroom in a club wearing one of the numbers and get back to me.

5 Acid and neon colors recycled from the 1980’s. You know, as much as I love the iconic Cyndi Lauper, the styles she pioneered really should stay in the fashion history books. I’m all for recycling, just not recycling fashion. Check out www.vogue.co.uk

–Susan

May is Gold Month and a quick review of the May issue of InStore magazine revealed a wonderful surprise — rose gold is back in a big way for 2009.

Numerous designers showcased a variety of fabulous pieces using elegant rose gold. Paired with yellow and white gold, these designs looked fresh, contemporary and the perfect accent for breezy summer fashions.

A couple of my favorites include Zeira’s stacking rings in yellow and rose gold highlighted with diamonds. Anna Sheffield’s drop earrings – a combination of rose gold and sapphires — made me think of a summer day. And Carla Amorim’s “flower path” ring combined two of my favorite trends – rose gold and huge cocktail rings – into one fantastic piece.

Rose gold, also known as pink gold or red gold, is a beautiful choice for jewelry of all kinds. After a little research today, I learned that rose gold is actually a mixture of pure yellow gold with copper, which gives it a mellow, pink color.

Rumor has it that WHIMSY will release a rose gold accented version of the WHIMSY ring sometime later this year. So stay tuned.

–Susan