Monday, August 2nd: Both sparkling in gold lamé, the Double Happiness girls pulled off nothing less than the usual glamour that follows them from their home town in San Diego, California. 

Stephanie Wells, jewelry maker and author , and sister, Alisa Rottenberg, Director of Daisy Mae Public Relations, played fab hostesses to a fun and flirty event celebrating Double Happiness Jewelry and The Earring Style Book by Wells.

As I two-stepped it to the 80's / Western music around the room to view the collection and snack on the delicious Carousel Cupcakes, I found the contemporary jewelry to be well-crafted, tastefully designed and full of personality. My favorite piece: a single studded long blue velvet necklace draped with chains, pictured below.

City chic appeared to be the motif of the evening outfitted with cran-vodkas provided by NadaRed Vodka and the girl-glamour décor provided by the Norwood Club. In fact, I was honestly tricked by a stylized faux Warhol painting thinking it was Edie but realized it was only Lindsay Lohan with two black eyes on a hot pink background. From the hairy lamps and oversized plush couches, to the handmade chandelier earrings and turquoise-fragmented rope necklaces, the event was super cohesive and a ton of fun!

*photo 1: Alisa Rottenberg, Ralph Lauren Model- Christopher Collins, and Stephanie Wells

Being able to mix and match wields great power. Delicate Raymond has recently re-launched their website, allowing you to alter their jewelry by changing the lengths and style of chains, the color of the stones, as well as, being able to monogram anything you wish. Now that outfit that was missing something, well use your multiple options and find the missing link to complete your look. With the aid of one-click navigation and the new romantic design, jewelry shopping has never been so easy.

The new website layout demonstrates the simplicity and beauty of Delicate Raymond and their one-of-a-kind jewelry. Not to mention, the low prices will keep you coming back for more, especially the Deal of the Week- featuring weekly pieces at a special price. The numerous collections can be navigated around with ease and intrigue. In case you wanted to know, Wonderland is my favorite- just because everyone needs a bit of Lewis Carroll in their lives.

Founded by Michelle Zimmerman, an emerging jewelry designer who has been designing in settings from Tokyo to L.A., and just recently embarked on NYC. Zimmerman has been surrounded by art and its beauty since birth. Her Mother is a jewelry designer as well, and her Uncle being an artist, it was only a matter of time till Delicate Raymond was to be born. Once the business was launched in 2005, the only way was for the business to take off. To make this company even better, a percentage of the proceeds are donated to charities like Breast Cancer Awareness and a local Los Angeles charity, Para Los Ninos.

Just five years after its opening, Delicate Raymond will have yet another location to settle the East Coast/ West coast feud, there is a wholesale location right in the center of New York’s Fashion District at Galleries on Six, Suite 604 in The Merchandise Mart / 7 W New York- New York's premier design and style center on 7 W. 34th Street. While you are perusing for a treat for yourself, you'll want to return to the favor to your hubby, with the new men’s line to be launched in the fall (just in time for the holidays may I add).

As you can tell from the collection names, each accessory line has a story, whether it was inspired by the plateaus of the west or the culture of South Africa, Zimmerman has made it possible to combine metals and selective stones to perfectly compliment them. It is just up to you to personalize them with the chain style, length, and the option to monogram. Go ahead, let your fingers do the navigating and your eyes do the designing.

Yoga inspired jewelry from designers and co-founders Satya Scainetti and Beth Torstrick Ward offer a graceful collection of gold and sterling necklaces, rings, bracelets, and earrings at Satya Jewelry.

Carefully picked gemstones known for their healing properties are utilized throughout the line. These semiprecious stones; amethyst, ruby, emerald, and sapphire, to name a few, are often paired with pendants representing positive affirmations meant to inspire and awaken one's own personal journey.

Satya's Lotus Birthstone Necklace Collection in gold is my current favorite. On a 16" chain (a 2" extension link available upon request) lays a gilded lotus pendant with a trio of birthstone gems attached at the top. The power of this necklace is two fold: each birthstone has a specific description of its essence, as well as, the lotus charm symbolizing infinite potential, renewal, and new beginnings. How refreshing is that? Not only is this delicate necklace beautiful in form, but also in meaning. This piece is a standout on its own, but play it up by layering with a longer necklace (think different chain/pendants of varying lengths) to add more of a bohemian feel. I recently gifted this to my roomie and I love it so much on her that I just might have to get my own.

I tend to look for jewelry pieces with a bit of texture, a unique gem, or something that is beautifully unusual. These sapphire studs have all the aforementioned qualities and are simply stunning. Golden ridges along the stone have an old-world vintage feel to its shape and color. There is just a royal even Grecian quality to these earrings that definitely makes this a treasure to treasure. Plus, it reminds me of my favorite island on earth- Santorini, so I cannot help but gravitate toward this luxe pair.

Along with Satya's theme of evoking spiritual exploration and awareness, they also give back to the world around them through three charities. givelove.org, ebkids.org, and housingworks.org. Jewelry designed specifically for each organization are available on their website, at Satya Foundation, and in stores where 100% of the proceeds will go to the respective charities.

Look good, do good, feel good. You can't really go wrong with Satya's standout collection. Stroll in, even if just to take a peek into Satya's Zen jewelry oasis at one of their convenient boutique locations on the UES, UWS, and West Village. Who knows, you may walk out with a few goodies that will put an extra blissful pep in your step.

*image 2: Gold Aquamarine Lotus Pendant Necklace

*image 3: Possibilities Sapphire Post Earrings

*image 4: The Satya Jewelry Hope, Love, and Healing Necklace was designed with to raise money for the children and families of Haiti. With the help of Patricia Arquette, GiveLove and you, we can all be a part of the healing.

Every girl wants and needs to feel like a jewel... So we deserve to treat ourselves to the very best. Lindsay Colbus jewelry is modern, bold, stylish, and unique... just like every woman. We are special and should always feel that way!

Being a jet-set girl myself, who absolutely loves accessories, has on several occasions almost missed a flight searching for the perfect piece of jewelry to make an outfit look just right. I am charmed by Ms. Colbus' pieces. Adding a few of her designs to my collection, I am certain to be running on schedule from now on. It seems some celebs have caught on as well; from Rihanna (who had 2 pieces custom designed especially for her) to Sophia Bush to Lauren Conrad.

The talented designer lives in New York City and is continually inspired by her surroundings, her world travels, music, nature, and all things vintage. Her designs would look just as much at home at special events in Monaco, Paris, NYC, as they would on a tropical island. Simply gorgeous.

They are just finishing touch you need... effortlessly comfortable, feminine, and modern, just like you.

Lindsay Colbus jewelry participates with many charities and causes including organizations geared to women and women’s health.

The ready-to-wear jewelry brand will be having a national monthly sale in October. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Lindsay Colbus jewelry will be having a sale via online offering 25 percent off of all jewelry and 15 percent of the proceeds will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. The online sale at www.lindsaycolbus.com starts October 1 and ends October 31, 2009. The promo code is BRSTCNCER2009.

-article by Georgina Chapman for SBS

Thursday afternoon, I had the pleasure of attending a cocktail party to celebrate the launch of the Resort Collection 2010 by Kara Ross and her website.

The jewelry and handbag line, features exotic skins and gemstones such as; stingray, alligator, tiger's eye, and hematite. The collection also includes; hand-painted bags, straw, tie-dye, python, timepieces, enamel, and river rocks.

With distinctive designs that combine vintage with modern motifs (think cityscapes, Japanese Art, Egyptian Art Deco), Karen Ross captures an elegance that can easily transform from day into evening.

I was particularly drawn to her use of textures and colors. I love that Ms. Ross is not intimidated to mix gemstones, skins, and metal in the same piece. When I asked Ms. Ross about it, she informed me that she is actually a gemologist and loves to experiment with different materials and metals. However, this collection is a bit unique, "I really wanted to concentrate on price point and volume."

I say well done. The line proves to be a nice balance of statement pieces and classic luxury at an affordable price for, what it is. I mean, genuine hand-painted croc with intricate craftsmanship, is not going to be cheap, but it doesn't have to be outrageous either.

For a closer look at some of collection, please click HERE

April 23rd was definitely an evening of fashion passion. My bestie, Jen Marden, accompanied me to the opening of the Nolcha Retail Space in Nolita, where she quickly fell in love with a fantastic crystal clutch by Joann, and ran into a couple past acquaintances. I was stoked to view the eclectic and talented ensemble of independent designers, Nolcha features in this gorgeous space.

238 Mulberry, is home to the hottie twin footwear design duo Shane&Shawn. For Nolcha to embrace its mission to bring business to the forefront of the independent fashion market by expanding its current resources that include Nolcha.com – an online portal delivering daily business articles, news, global event coverage and insider interviews pertaining to fashion, it seemed the natural next step was to team up and share the deco-fab space with Shane&Shawn.

While Nolcha plans on rotating up and coming designers, the initial set is absolutely magnificent. Jewelry designers include: Ana Gutierrez, Marijoli, Anthracite, Castaway Design, and BettyLou Jewels. Bag designers spotlighted: Luis Steven, Gida Bavari, Paschal, and Accessories by Joann, as well as, hats designer, Ms. Bodangles, and clothing by Nuvula.

Lynn Furge, Nolcha Creative Director, states, "It is almost as if each designer has their own mini flagship store via the Nolcha Retail platform." This is so my kind of store. I imagine that is why Arthur Mandel, ESQ/ President, invited me to attend the opening.

Not only is Nolcha embarking on the retail journey, they are also thrilled to be the Backstage Production Sponsor for the St. Jude Design Cares Runway 2009, Thursday, April 30th at the Armory.

Conclusion: Nolcha Retail Space is a M-U-S-T. I swear they will have the next got to have a weeks before... and please check out: St. Jude Design Cares.

Were You Seen? Click here to see more photos from Nolcha Retail Opening

*photo 1 courtesy of Aracelis Batista (L-R: Kerry Bannigan, CEO Nolcha and Arthur Mandel, ESQ/President Nolcha)

*photo 2 courtesy of Aracelis Batista (L-R: Lynn Furge, Creative Director Nolcha, Jen Marden, and Britten Heft)

The sun emerged through the ominous rain clouds just in time to shine on the Penthouse Rooftop deck of The Cooper Square Hotel for the unveiling of the mini-bar exclusives. Tuesday evening, Klaus Ortlieb, CSH's managing partner, and Evan Altman, the sales and marketing director, welcomed guests to a gorgeous view and an introduction to the honorees of the soiree and their designs .

Ortlieb had been looking to round out the hotel's distinctive design, atmosphere, guest services and amenities. He turned to three VIP New York talents to make The Cooper Square Hotel's mini-bar stand out. As a result, the mini-bar features; things by tina thor, a custom Tina Thor jewelry line, the Pretty Pak, a Cooper Square Hotel- exclusive Loraine make-up kit by celebrity make-up artist- Loraine Abeles, and Stacy Morgenstern Igel- creator/founder of Boy Meets Girl®, has designed a t-shirt solely for the hotel.

The fashionably savvy crowd sipped wine and mingled whilst nibbling on delectable hors d'oeuvres from Chef Govind Armstrong of Table 8, examining the exclusives, and daring to approach the free standing deck. Some felt the panoramic view was better seen through the floor to ceiling windows. I personally enjoyed creeping up to the just above waist high glass railing.

I would now like to take a moment to recognize the renaissance this area of Lower Manhattan is undergoing and how The Cooper Square Hotel is a brilliant addition. We all have our personal feelings, revelations, and/or reservations about the Bowery overhaul, yet I feel that there are some things honoring innovation, such as the hotel and the inclusion of the aforementioned artists/designers.

Most skyscrapers appear to just pierce through the air (hence the term skyscraper, and the eminent free association with phallicism), however, The Cooper Square Hotel- standing 21 stories, by acclaimed building designer Carlos Zapata, seems to be supported by the negative space and the environment around it. It is absolutely breathtaking and surprisingly comforting.

But alas, I returned inside to blend into the trendsetting attendees: Billy Devlin, Bobby Flay, Euince Quinones, Laura Zapatu, James Vazquez, Jason Patric, Stephanie March, Ami Ankin... oh gosh, am I name dropping? So sorry, it was just way too fabulous to go without mentioning a few.

Conclusion: Stopping by The Cooper Square Hotel to get a peek at the uber exclusives available for purchase, is a fantastic idea and while you're there, you might as well have a bite at Table 8, your taste buds will be glad you did. I also highly recommend checking out Boy Meets Girl® online or visiting Bloomies or eModa to acquire the signature current collection.

To see more photos: click here

*photos 1 courtesy of Marion Curtis/Startraksphoto.com (Jason Patric and Stacy Morgenstern Igel)

*photo 2 courtesy of yours truly (Loraine Abeles and Tina Thor)

*photo 3 courtesy of Marion Curtis/Startraksphoto.com (Bobby Flay and Stephanie March)