Be Naked

Clothes are great, makeup is even greater.

But style is about how you feel in your body.

No makeup, no clothes

Just you and your lovely skin-

free and feeling.

"And forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet

and the winds long to play with your hair"

- Khalil Gibran

<3

Claire

p.s. i love freckles

Chelsea Clinton's Wedding Jewelry

Chelsea Clinton's diamond engagement ring is one of the most sought-after styles of the summer, so it comes as no surprise that the blogosphere is abuzz with details about the rocks she'll wear down the aisle tomorrow.

Will she go the American princess route in a diamond tiara like Carrie Underwood did on her big day?


Or will she keep things classic and timeless like last year's A-list bride, Ivanka Trump?

What we do know from ABC News is that the rumored jewelry budget is upwards of $250,000 - enough to bring on even more security for the Rhinebeck, NY nuptials.

And Momma Clinton, now that she's got better things to do than avoid a nuclear holocaust, was spotted toting that light-blue indicator of deep-pocketed taste - a Tiffany bag - to Chelsea's building earlier today. Things are starting to look delicious already.

And while you know my favorite bridal buzz is all about the bling, this hilarious budget item comes a close second:

The Clintons are spending $15,000 for heated port-o-potties with classical music chimed in for good measure. Because what's a port-o-potty experience without a little Puccini, right?

Stay tuned for more Chelsea Clinton wedding details! I didn't get an invite - neither did President Obama, ok? - but I'll be on the hunt for all the latest dish.

Speaking of, did you hear the Bristol Palin/Levi Johnston wedding may be off? You'll never guess why...

Oxfords? With Flowers? And Sequins?

Kinda feeling these crazy oxfords from Forever21... what do you guys think?!

Oh p.s., they're 25 bucks. ;)

-B

Style Profile: Max & Gavia

Living in the Northwest practically endows its residents with a quirky sense of style

(okay, that's a gross exaggeration/stereotype, but it has some truth).

I went to high school with a lovely lady named Gavia who you will see in the the following pictures. Gavia has one of the most distinctive styles of any human being living on this planet. Her clothes are a lovely mix of old and new, with styles spanning more decades than she has been alive. I have always respected her quiet confidence, one that allows her to humbly pull off basically anything she chooses.

Her beau mister Max Reikosky is a male mirror image of Gavia.

Let's just say he's got a cool Northwest steez goin for him.

We had a little photoshoot yesterday because I'd like to share with all our readers (all 5? 10 of you? we love you :D) some styles that both stand out and are understatedly cool. Enjoy!

On Gavia: gifted dress; gifted boots; leather hair-band.

On Max: Vintage Reebok tank from The Patch in Victoria, CA; cut off Levi's; Black H&M beach shoes; gifted sunnies.

On Gavia: top stolen from Mrs. Angell; pants from Buffalo Exchange; Jacket borrowed from sister; shoes from Buffalo Exchange.

On Max: t-shirt from Value Village; jeans from H&M; pea coat from H&M; blue sneakers.

On Gavia: lace tank from Goodwill; pants from H&M; Doc Martins from Buffalo Exchange; sweater from local consignment shop.

On Max: flannel from Old Navy; Imaginary Foundation t-shirt; Levi's jeans; Sperry Topsiders boat shoes.

-B

My Earrings Arrived! Hooray!

They are so light and are fair trade and humanely made! Booyah!

Tomorrow I'll be meeting up with the lovely and stylish couple Max and Gavia to take some photos and talk some fashion!

-B

Real Housewives' Teresa Giudice: Diamonds, Debt and Delusion

(EPISODE SPOILER ALERT!)

Diamond jewelry is often the perfect way to celebrate a big anniversary like your 10th. There's the three-stone 'past, present, future' ring, an anniversary band, a nice pair of diamond studs - all possibilities at prices that will put you back a few hundred or maybe a grand if you shop smart.

But say, oh, you're $11 million in the red? Maybe this isn't the best time in the world to ask for a buncha (insert Eartha Kitt growl) "Diamondzzzzzzz", right? But that's not our delusional friends, Teresa and Joe Giudice from the Real Housewives of New Jersey.

How stupid, I mean, delusional can you be?


Exhibit A: When Teresa brings up that she wants anniversary diamondzzzzz to her friend Jacqueline, Jacqueline wants more details:

Jacqueline: "The Crown Jewels?

Teresa: "No, not the Crown Jewel," Teresa scoffs. "What do you think I am, Arabic or something ... Or wait, is that Indian?"

Exhibit B: In their CHARTERED HELICOPTER RIDE OVER MANHATTAN to celebrate their anniversary because that's what you do when you're $11 million short - curious Joe asks the pilot,

"That's a nice park in the middle of the city."

Pilot: "That's Central Park."

You're a lifelong Jersey resident and that little tidbit of geography didn't trickle down to you at some juncture? A diamond may be forever but this stuff is just priceless.

So, in the end? Teresa got her diamond wish and then some - a huge yellow diamond ring smushed in a chocolate dessert that had to have put Einstein back an SUV or two. When you're $11 million in the hole, what's a few more zeros?

Did I mention they are $11 million in debt?

What did you guys think of her rock? Real or fugazi? And what about Danielle Staub busting out with her (HUGE) diamond engagement ring from her EX HUSBAND to wear to her daughter's Sweet Sixteen party in front of his new (smaller-diamond-wearing) wife?

Just when you thought the class had left in a chartered helicopter over Central Park...

Bejeweled Sports Bra Breaks Price Record

Jewelry hounds, over the years I've promised to bring you bizarre jewelry tidbits from around the globe - from luxury dog beds and bejeweled Barbie Dolls to gemstone gadgets and a solid gold Kate Moss. But of all the strange places to find our favorite treasure, I never thought jewelry and sweat would make interesting bed fellows.

Luxist reports that the most expensive sports bra is now on the market - an $1850 creation that includes a Swarovski crystal neckline and a detachable sterling silver charm bracelet and necklace.

What's next? Jewel-encrusted jock straps?

Maybe I'm being too harsh? The Trenta Bra from BodyRock Sport's "Show 'Em Off" collection could be the perfect way to break the ice with those oh-so-serious Soul Cyclers. My guess is? Your yoga class will want to make your next 'corpse pose' a reality.

Look, if you like silver jewelry - great! More power to you. But I don't see the reason behind adding it to something that's designed to keep the jiggle, jangle to a minimum in the first place. Am I right?

What do you guys think? Is the Trenta Bra a fun fashion statement or a frivolous publicity stunt?

The Greatest Sin of All: Bad Eyebrows

Well haaaaaay there!

Today, I tried to dye my own hair. Every inch of me is covered in purple and blue!

But my hair looks good!

YAYYY!

But you want to know what does not look good?

Beautiful women with hideous eyebrows.

Like Olivia Wilde, the insanely attractive Thirteen from House

AHHHHHHH!

oh honey...

speaking of medical shows,

Do any of you watch Royal Pains?

Divya is so sexy

but her eyebrows are stuck in 1992

(also her bra is showing)

or how about

Lauren Conrad?

following in Jennifer Anistons footsteps as queen of understated style...

but lordy, these are some weird, awkward eyebrows.

So now you know,

I am an eyebrow bitch.

okie dokie have a great tuesday!

<3

Claire

'Neil Lane Bridal' Tickles Tinseltown

Celebrity jeweler, Neil Lane, never met a Hollywood wedding he didn't bedazzle, so his client list is long and loaded with heavy hitters like Ellen Degeneres, Nicole Richie and the entire Bachelor/Bachelorette franchise.

Last Thursday, the designer celebrated his new, moderately priced bridal collection with Kay Jewelers at a Hollywood fete, and the red carpet was loaded with leading ladies.

The 'cutest couple' award goes to Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi, who showed off their Neil Lane wedding bands.

Ashlee Simpson Wentz flashed her 4-carat Neil Lane engagement ring from rocker hubby, Pete Wentz, while confessing of her sister, Jessica, "She is happy, so we are all really happy."


Kristin Davis showed up in black and white diamonds, confessing to reporters that a 3rd SATC movie is 'unlikely'. (Ya think?)



And Eva Longoria Parker stunned in black Gustavo Cadile and loads of diamond ice.


I think the Neil Lane Bridal collection is the perfect way for humble grooms to give a celebrity twist to the bended knee ritual thanks to prices that are hundreds of thousands less than a typical Lane look.

Check out Jewelry.com for more info on the Kay Jewelers/Neil Lane partnership - and check out the vintage-inspired product pics here on kay.com. Yum!

Disney Couture? I Think YES

While browsing FredFlare the other day, I spotted a few cool piece of jewelery that bore the name Disney Couture. How intriguing... turns out Disney has a high end line of baubles based off of some of their most popular productions (such as Alice in Wonderland and Tinker Bell of Peter Pan).

Although a good half of the pieces for sale sport the same usual shameless Disney marketing tackiness, some were really sweet! Including some by Tom Binns, who is AWESOME.

Keyhole Alice in Wonderland Ring by Tom Binns for Disney Couture- $49.95

Disney Couture Tea Party Bracelet by Tom Binns for Disney Couture- $136.00

Disney Couture Hearts Necklace (more Tom Binns)- $180

Disney Couture Shark Bracelet- $54

I especially love the tea party bracelet. The enchanting whimsy in all things Alice are hard to avoid, no?

-B

P.S. After like 3 weeks of looking crappy the blog layout is FINALLY NORMAL!!!!!!!!

Uuuh... So This Is Awkward

To be completely honest, I was thinking maybe one person would want my sweatshirt... instead of like four.

So to decide who got it I wrote down everyone's names:

And put them in my tacky yet awesome fedora

And drew a name!

Yay Sydney! :D

I'll definitely be doing this again because let's be honest... there's tons of crap floating around my room that I've made and never worn/used. As Claire said the other day... "Being in your room is like being in Ariel's cave!"

-B

P.S. I ended up getting the white water buffalo horn earrings. in case anyone was interested. :3

Dior Fleur

The new collection by Dior is delicious!

Dior is great-

and a lovely lovely luxury makeup line

<3

Claire

p.s.

check these awesome candles by Sergio Silva

Cheaper Alternatives Final Post! (for now...)

Okie dokie!

I painted my nails lavender with gold sparkles today!

Also,

Here are my top drugstore brand picks, (all under 10$)

L'oreal Paris Voluminous Mascara-

Thickens, lengthens, doesn't flake, highly rated by makeup artists everywhere,

I actually use this stuff more than my Dior Show Mascara.

L'oreal Paris HIP Foundation-

looks and feels much more high end than it is!

Great range of colors, and has lasting power.

Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Glosses-

staples in my kit, these come in great colors,

have a delightful consistency and just a hint of sparkle.

Maybelline New York Eyestudio Precision Gel Liner-

Long lasting creamy formula that comes with a professional quality brush.

Perfect mix of liquid and pencil liners, and mistake proof.

<3

Well, thats all for now!

But I am constantly on the search for great, cheap products

PEACE

Claire

Mad About Mad Men Jewelry - Season 4

Jewelry hounds, our beloved Mad Men is back for a 4th season this Sunday! And aside from a Monday morning martini hangover, nothing is going to keep me from rejoicing at the swinging sixties jewelry fashion.

Janie Bryant, the series' award-winning costume designer, is injecting a bit of mod into the wardrobe this season as the plot advances to a post-JFK-assassination 1964.

These pics from the AMC website already have me drooling:

How much do we love this rhinestoned Joan look with her signature brooch?



Or this yellow gold look with the tassle pendant we've seen now in every season? (Yes, Janie Bryant. We're keeping track!)


Betty Draper continues to channel Jackie O:


And my favorite - Peggy Olson - is sporting a new do and a little more sparkle this season as she continues to climb the corporate ladder.



I'm also excited to report that Janie Bryant is sharing her period inspiration with the masses with her new clothing and jewelry line for QVC aptly called, "Mod by Janie Bryant".


She tells The Huffington Post,

"It's definitely vintage inspired and I just designed pieces that I really love from periods of the 50's and 60's so it's not Mad Men, it's vintage inspired but the pieces are real statement pieces and I think they can change one's look in an instant. The pieces are really fun. I love the jewelry. I love the handbag too."

The line will launch on September 29th, with 10-15 pieces of costume jewelry priced from $26 to $138.

What do you think of all this 60s jewelry style making a come back? Up your alley? Or best left in the past?

In the meantime, I'm breaking out my pencil skirt and sweater set for this Sunday at 10pm on AMC! Dirty martinis all around!

Any Takers? Re-Purposed Hoodie

A long while I gutted an old (old, old, old...) hoodie. I think it was Roxy brand or something, but it had tacky sparkly designs all over it. I cut them all out and replaced them with a heavy canvas-y fabric, removed the zipper and added military-esque tabs that snap. And then I forgot all about it.

The other week I unearthed it in my closet and decided to add some vintage brass buttons.

Although I really like it, it's not something that will make the final cut when I go back to school (I can only take so many hoodies to a place that rarely dips below 65 degrees). However, it put so much work into it that I don't want to just drop it off at Goodwill!

... Will someone please take this off my hands?!?

It's probably around a size SM-M. Is anyone interested?

-B