Store Appeal

Accessorize Yourself: Cartier Watches

Store Appeal: The Cartier Watch. The brand is associated with prestige, elegance, and royalty; it’s legacy is in jewelry and watches. Doing my research on this French brand I discovered that in 1904 (according to the Cartier Wikipedia page) Cartier came out with the very first practical wristwatch. With a reputation like that it’s no wonder that famous Princes, Kings, and celebrities have been adorned with Cartier on their wrists for ages. Well not only on their wrists, Cartier’s diamonds and jewelry is renowned all over the world as well. Take for example this gorgeous image of Princess Grace of Monaco in her Cartier engagement diamonds. Absolutely stunning!

Our Vote: If money were no object then it’d be a natural choice to adorn my wrist with the Cartier watch of my dreams. These watches are $$$$$, but their fantastic history among royalty and their timeless appeal make them a treasure worth handing down to future generations. There’s no denying the beauty and class wearing a Cartier automatically brings to any woman, man, king, or queen. I’d like to think that one day I’ll be successful enough to own something with such history and prestige!

Our Favorites:

1. Cartier Santos Dumont watch, $10,985.00.I know this is supposed to be a gentleman’s watch, but I love love love it’s vintage look and the alligator band. So classic.

2. Cartier Tank Francaise Diamond Watch, $15,840.00.

3. Cartier Women’s Santos 100 Automatic Pearl Rose Leather watch, $3,750.00.

Check out more Cartier women’s watches here.

Kenneth Jay Lane Accessories + More

Store Appeal: I love a good funky chunky bracelet once in a while, and Kenneth Jay Lane‘s collection of bracelets has definitely won me over.  The designs range from simple and chic to funky and organic looking. The bracelets are a guaranteed conversation starter, take for example these safari bracelets seen on Hilary Duff.  They’re cute and funky, but not in a gaudy, pre-teen way. Don’t be afraid to have some fun with his great costume jewelry. It adds pizazz to any boring outfit you’d like to update in your closet!

Our Vote: It was impossible to find an official Kenneth Jay Lane website with all his jewelry in an easy to view layout.  Everything I found was either on QVC or specifically for buyers to purchase wholesale. In other words, I highly recommend looking at beso.com’s collection of Kenneth Jay Lane accessories. I was specifically looking at the bracelets, but there are necklaces, pendants, rings, watches and more.

Our Favorites:

1. Kenneth Jay Lane Chunky Link Bracelet, $225.00.

2. Kenneth Jay Lane Tiger Bracelet, $112.00.

3. Kenneth Jay Lane White Enamel Linked Curve Bracelet, $140.00. Check out the amazing design details!:

Shop more Kenneth Jay Lane

Watch Yourself: Movado Watches

Store Appeal: Movado. Translates to “always in motion”. The name speaks simplicity, drama, class and style. My man is a watch kind of guy, and a Movado watch has been next on his wish list. Why? It’s simple, understated luxurious appeal has made it timeless and unique throughout the years. The company has been around since 1881 (!), and even today the company’s legendary Museum Watch with it’s gold dot at the top center has stood the test of time, with a gorgeous and growing collection of timepieces.

Our Vote: I’ve got to say these are some really sexy watches. That simple, elegant style is the epitome of timeless. The detail on these are absolutely stunning, and the quality is unparalleled. These are gorgeously engineered timepieces, perfect as a graduation gift or for marking an unforgettable occasion.

Our Favorites:

1. Movado Women’s Moderna Goldplated watch, $329.00.

2. Movado Sapphire Crystal watch, $1377.00.

3.  Movado Series 800 Black Chronograph watch, $720.00.

David Yurman Men’s Jewelry

If you are looking for a nice gift for your husband, father, brother or even a business associate, take a peek at David Yurman Men’s Jewelry.  They have a collection of really sleek men’s rings, cuff links, money clips and watches.

Some of the rings look like they’d make really good wedding rings, and although David Yurman jewelry can be very expensive,  many of these are actually reasonably priced and would make great wedding bands for your soon to be husband.

Take a look at the Men’s Royal Cord Silver Ring:

David Yurman Men's Royal Cord Silver Ring, $250

David Yurman watches are also great – truly stunning but very pricy – ranging from $2500-$10,000.  However, designer watches tend to be the men’s version of women’s obsession with designer handbags, so if you were looking for a show stopping gift for your man and had the money to spend you should consider David Yurman.

Emitations: Bargain Basement Bling

Celebrities are always dripping with jewels on the red carpets – sometimes 10 or 20 karats of diamonds, rubies or some other precious stone.  But for the most part, even the celebrities can’t afford this bling, they borrow it from famous jewelers like Chopard.  If you like the look of designer jewelry and are ok with wearing the not-quite-so-real thing, Emitations is a good store for you.

Angelina's Oscar Inspired Simulated Emerald Drop Earrings, $89

The earrings above are simulated Emeralds that were inspired by the ones that Angelina Jolie wore to the 2009 oscars.  I think that these are a really nice choice because they aren’t like fake diamonds where people may be able to tell the difference – probably no one is expecting you to be wearing enormous real emeralds anyway so they’ll take them at face value as costume jewelry.

Petite Fleur De Lis CZ Necklace, $39.99

The necklace above is cubic zirconia (aka fake diamonds) but because it’s small and subtle I think you could probably pass it off as the real thing.  But honestly, probably no one is going to ask if it is real anyway, so you don’t even have to pretend.  If you wear this with a nice dress it will look pretty and delicate.

In addition to necklaces and earrings, Emitations also has rings and bracelets.  They have a huge selection and lots of different styles including plus size jewelry and petite size rings.  Make sure to check out this site next time you are looking for a cool new piece of jewelry at an affordable price.

Accessorize Yourself: Nordstrom Watches

Store Appeal: Nordstrom is a one stop shop for many people. This fabulous department store offers men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing, as well as handbags, accessories, and my new obsession: watches! Chunky, oversized watches have made their trendy debut on many a celeb, and that’s what I’ve been on the lookout for.  I’ve even been stealing my boyfriends watches to add a tomboy contrast to my girlier outfits.

Our Vote: Nordstrom carries a wonderful selection of both men’s and women’s watches in their online watch shop. Super detailed search options allow you to narrow down your choices and find the watch of your dreams.

Our Favorites: I kept my focus on sleek, black watches and there was a tempting number to choose from. Here are my favorites from the men’s (top row) and women’s (bottom row) watch selection at Nordstrom.

From left to right:

1. TAG Heuer ‘Carrera’ Automatic Watch, $2000.00.

2. Armani Oversized Leather Strap Watch, $195.00.

3. Kenneth Cole Round Digital Watch, $85.00.

4. Movado ‘Sapphire’ Watch, $1895.00.

5. Marc By Marc Jacobs ‘Pelly’ Small Watch, $200.00.

6. Emporio Armani Women’s Stainless Steel Bracelet Watch, $245.00

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Alexis Bittar: Hidden Treasures

Store Appeal: I’m a simple girl when it comes to accessorizing and choosing my outfits, but don’t get me wrong; I’m a sucker when it comes to things like eye catching costume  jewelry. When I discovered Alexis Bittar’s jewelry collection I went all googly-eyed because his creations are the perfect mix of influences from things like vintage art deco to 80′s modern sculptural influences.  It’s to be expected from someone like him, whose credentials boast clients from Burberry to Pat Field of Sex in the City fame. No doubt you can see the craftsmanship and superb design talent from his various collections. Prepare to be wow-ed!

Our Vote: A very interactive website with Polaroid images of his jewelry and an illustrated timeline of his personal biography. You can find links to his blog as well as current/past jewelry collections. Great images of the jewelry as well as detailed descriptions.

Our Favorites:

1. Gold Crystal Encrusted Liquid Link Necklace. $195.00.

2. Crystal Encrusted Crevice Hinge Bracelet. $450.00.

3. Klimt Citrine Oval Drop Earring. $145.00.

More Alexis Bittar jewelry can be found here.