Jewelry
Photo Gallery: Maggie Norris and Ariane Zurcher
+Lindsay Colbus: National Jewelry Month
+
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

Kara Ross: Affordable Resort Collection 2010
+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
Nolcha Retail Opening in Nolita
+
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)
VIP Unveiling Mini-bar Exclusives: The Cooper Square Hotel
+The Cooper Square Hotel VIP: Unveiling Mini-bar Exclusives
+
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)
