DIY: Tom Binns Neon Necklace

I’ve been a fan of Tom Binns for a while and although I had satiated my appetite somewhat with the Saftey Pin & Pearl Necklace DIY, I was still experiencing a Neon Gemstone Necklace hole in my life.  Since owning a necklace that can cost anywhere from between $650-995 does not seem very likely to happen in the near future. I decided to take matters into my own hands and use an ordinary gemstone necklace I happened to own and make it Binns-ified.

Tom Binns Neon Necklaces

I actually picked up the necklace from Forever 21 some time ago but since it was a bit glitzy looking for everyday life I’ve only worn it a handful of times. Something about neon, although it is eye catching makes the piece much more playful and casual. While Forever 21 no longer carries the same necklace, I think this one could make for an interesting variation.

DIY: Proenza Schouler Rope Necklace

Ever since I first saw this Proenza Schouler Rope necklace with stones I’ve been eyeing it wistfully.  And although it’s currently on sale for 30% off, $315 was still too steep for my budget.  I decided that instead of just wanting the necklace, it was time to get my craft on.  The longer I stared at the necklace I realized that it was consisted mainly of techniques that I used to create friendship bracelets and hair wraps as a teenager – suddenly the project became much less intimidating.

What you’ll need is 3 different colors of accessory cord, 4 colors of embroidery floss, some waxed cord, a darning needle, thread, 3 stone beads, some pin ends and some needle nose pliers.  If you are in NYC you can pick up some accessory cord, embroidery floss and waxed cord at Daytona Trimming.  I picked up my beads and pin ends at New York Bead, but there are plenty of bead shops around 6th Avenue at 39th St.

Look for Less: Gemma Redux Cluster Necklace

Gemma Redux cluster necklace, $466
I'm a huge fan of Gemma Redux, but the pieces are a bit out of my price range. Perhaps I'll be able to afford $400+ dollar necklaces one day, but until that day, necklaces like this one from Urban Outfitters will have to do the trick.

Both statement necklaces would look great this season with a summer frock or even just a plain white tee. Just remember to be careful with costume jewelry in the heat. Sweat plus cheap metals can turn your skin green!


Urban Outfitters Modern Boho Bib, $28

Sample Sale Report Dec 2009: Rachel Leigh

Stopped by the Rachel Leigh Sale today and found it to be well organized and easy to look at for most part. Staff was on hand to answer any questions and help as necessary. There were a couple of mirrors available to view your purchases as well. Everything is $60 and under. Multi-strand necklaces for $50, Oval Jewel & bead necklace $30, Jeweled Square Rings for $40, Square earrings $45, Bow rings $15, Hoop & Bead Earrings $20. Rose enamel necklaces are $25.

There were buckle cuffs & Plastic bobble rings $10 in bins below the tables

One of my fave pieces at the sample sale was this statement pave ring that was $60.

Cluster & wire rings for $60, Semi-Precious Cluster Bangles are $60

Snake skin & fabric covered rings were $30.

Assorted necklaces and earrings at the sale that only had a couple in each style were stored in these jewelry pouches on the rack, however the prices were not marked for this grouping and I had to ask for each piece. There was a wishbone pave necklace that I considered for $25.

Super cute bow enamel cuffs ranged in price from $5-20 depending on if they were damaged. While I was at the sale though I believe a woman came in and snapped up all the $5 bows though, probably as gifts for the holiday season.

Millie Cuffs that are slighty damaged are $10, Fabric covered cuffs are also $10.

My little indulgence at the sale although wasn't super cheap was this jeweled ball that looks like something King Henry would have worn :) Slightly royal, oversized and definitely fun.

Great sale for if you're looking for show stopper party pieces. The kind of jewelry that starts conversations. While not the lowest prices, at $60 and under, still within the realm of reasonable.

Who: Rachel Leigh
What: 50-80% off. Everything $60 or less.
When: December 7-9, 2009. Mon-Wed 9:30am-6pm
Where: 252 West 38th Street, Suite 902 (b/n 7th & 8th Ave) 646.290.6034

Trick or Treat: Not just for Kids

Sure we all know that ubiquitous McQueen Skull Scarf that is everywhere and even at one point imitated by Topshop. But what about checking out other sources for your creepy fun fix?
Whether you dress up for Halloween or not, these pieces grab my attention no matter what time of year it is. Maybe it's the somewhat Gothic imagery, pieces that are not so obvious what they are, or tongue-in-cheek factor here are some of my picks that work for more than just Halloween.

Paraphernalia - Anatomica Red Heart Necklace $25

I've loved Paraphernelia ever since it first launched on Etsy, but this red heart is a great new twist on an old favourite piece.

Button Diva - Anatomy Bones and Brains 1" Pinback Buttons $6.85 on Etsy

These black and ivory illustrations of anatomy would look super fun pinned on the lapel of a jacket or tote bag.

Jessica Hicks Web Earrings $250

This is a bit more of a splurge item but there is always some sort of beauty and strength in spider webs. These web earrings would definitely make a statement with whatever they're paired with.

Giles & Brother - Hook-fastening leather bracelet $125 on Net-a-Porter
This bracelet is so simple, but the knots and the fun hardware look anything but grim.

Michelle Chang Jewelry - Baby Skull Earrings in Sterling Silver $44 on Etsy

I've admired these studs for sometime, but previously they only came in a diamond eye version. Fortunately for the more budget conscious these skulls are well within reach.

Neurotica Bat Drape Dress $135 on Pixie Market

Neurotica always has fun prints and silhouettes, this Bat Drape Dress is no exception. The bats are definitely bats up close but from a distance look almost abstract.

Preview: Suzanna Dai Fall 2009

Antwerp Collection

Back in March, I posted an interview with up and coming jewelry designer, Suzie Gallehugh (of Suzanna Dai). She had told us that for Fall 2009 she was going to bring us "more neutral colors, but still with a lot of glitz". Just this week she launched her sophomore effort and I really love the results.

Antwerp Necklace on Blake Lively

My fave piece was actually one I saw on the designer herself a couple months ago. She had told me it was for her upcoming Fall line so I was super excited to see more! The necklace is from the Antwerp Collection, it's a bold piece but is full of intricate details from metal beadwork and delicate chains. If you think it looks a little familiar, perhaps you caught a glimpse it on Blake Lively during Gossip Girl!

I also thought that the baroque feeling I got from the St Petersburg collection would definitely make dark romance kind of statement! The satin cord, jet beading and mesh overlay make it fit for a modern day Czarina.

Finally, I also appreciated the fun tropical but earthy feel of the Amazonia collection which features real beetle wings!

Also important to note, Suzie also brought back my previous fave style the Monte Carlo, in a whole new variety of shades including amethyst, noir and bronze.

The Suzanna Dai collection is currently available at:
Bergdorf Goodman, Takashimaya, Sucre and Debut in New York;
Sassanova in Baltimore and Washington, DC
Fred Segal Rocks (Los Angeles)
Vermillion (Raleigh, NC)
Calypso stores nationwide

Prices start at $165 for earrings, $245 for cuffs and $365 for necklaces. For more info and to see more collections please visit SuzannaDai.com.