Trendy Fine Jewelry

I never feel completely dressed until I have my baubles on!  I love all types of jewelry and like to mix fine with costume. Here are some of my favorite fine pieces that are worth the splurge as they are fashion forward and classic at the same time.

India Hicks 18kt Yellow Gold “Love Letter” 16mm Pendant With Diamonds, $750
This cool initial necklace has an abstract quality to it and is super unique to each letter.  India Hicks, former fashion model, daughter of famed interior designer David Hicks and granddaughter of the Earl and Countess Mountbatten of Burma, designed these “Love Letters,” which make great gifts.

Lana Flat Upside Down Hoop Earrings, $390
Designer Lana Bramlette is known for chic, minamalist pieces like these sleek inverted hoops.  An update on a classic hoop, they can be worn with anything from a t-shirt and jeans to a cocktail dress.

Successorize Your Look with Stylish Necklaces

I love wearing statement necklaces and layering chic jewelry to infuse style into my daily outfits– which are what I like to call “successories.” A successory (see my quote on page 107 of this month’s People Style Watch) is a special accessory that is successful at taking your look from good to glam in record time! A successory can be a great leopard bag or a fab pair of earrings. The necklaces below certainly fit the bill and here are my favorite for the season:

Dannijo Medine Necklace, BUY NOW, $495
The fabulous sister team behind Dannijo create the most gorgeous and unique statement necklaces. Their Keira Bib style is an antiqued Copper chain with marble resin beads, and the taupe and turquoise color palette make for perfect spring shades. I love the versatility of this piece from dressing up a simple white tee to a sexy cocktail dress. Dannijo is a favorite of Kim and Kourtney Kardashian, Alexa Chung, Michelle Trachtenberg and style blogger “Man Repeller” Leandra Medine.

Jennifer Miller Swarovski Crystal Horn Necklace, BUY NOW, $295
I am obsessed with my Jennifer Miller Crystal Horn Necklace and like to wear it with my Ramy Brook dresses, or with jeans and a silky top. The yellow gold-plated necklace is on a 36” link chain and falls in just the right spot. It’s chic style finishes off any outfit! Jennifer Miller has cultivated a celeb following including Beverly Hills Housewives Kyle Richards and Lisa Vanderpump, New York Housewife Countess LuAnn de Lesseps and Angelina Jolie.

T.Cyia “Atomic” Gold Multi Chain Scarf Necklace, BUY NOW, $205
The T.Cyia handmade Multi Chain Necklace is a stylish and versatile piece that can be worn as a scarf, tied in a knot or double wrapped. Mixed metals make it on-trend and easy to wear with everything including gold and silver jewelry. The talented LA-based design team Tim McElwee and Cyia Batten create these beautiful pieces that are incredibly artistic. They are also favorites of Jennifer Lopez, Kate Walsh and Melissa George.

Real Housewife Kyle Richards: Lifestyle Secrets and Tips from Her New Book!

Reality TV personality Kyle Richards of the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills is a mother of four, wife, actor, philanthropist and now author! How does she do it all? I personally caught up with Kyle to find out some of her best-kept lifestyle secrets, tips on how to look camera-ready and her favorite things. As you may know from watching the show, Kyle always has a point of view and loves to share it. She is one of my favorite Housewives!

MM: What inspired you to write Life Is Not a Reality Show: Keeping It Real with the Housewife Who Does It All?
KR: I grew up in house of all women–my mom, grandmother and three sisters (I actually slept with my mom until I was 15 years old). I was always known as the dating guru–giving my friends and family tips on dating like how to get a guy to call you back. My real inspiration for writing the book is that I want to help women have the best marriage and relationships while looking and feeling their best. If I wanted to write a how-to manual to give to my daughters on having successful relationships, this would be it.

MM: What are three tips or take-aways from the book?
KR:
1. Beauty: I am a girls’ girl and love make-up. If I weren’t doing what I do now, I would be a make- up artist (I always like to do my own make-up). Using individual false lashes takes your make-up to a whole other level. In the book, I share my technique of how to put them on. My favorite brand for lashes is DuraLash.

2. Fashion: Mix and match your fashion with clothing at all price points. I think women should shop smart–if you buy the basics in solids from inexpensive stores, no one will know whether you are wearing Dolce & Gabbana or Zara. Stay away from prints in the less expensive stores. I recently wore leather leggings from H & M for $35.95 on the Wendy Williams show and received lots of compliments on them.

3. Relationships: I have a great marriage but it’s not by accident. It’s a big job and worth it to put in the effort. I enjoy giving people the tools on how to have a great relationship. For example, Mauricio and I have a designated date night. We also like to stay home more nights than out if possible. My daughters certainly have big shoes to fill.

MM: What advice can you give women who are trying to juggle a career and family?
KR: Make things in your life as convenient as possible. One of the things that is helpful for me is having my dog groomer come to my home which cuts down on time spent running around doing errands. I don’t have a chef, nanny or driver so I need to simplify my life and stay organized.

MM: You have the most gorgeous silky hair. What are some of your favorite hair products?
KR: For shampoo and conditioner I like Pantene, and for styling I use Moroccan hair oil to keep fly-aways in place.

MM: How would you describe your overall style?
KR: Relaxed glamour.

MM: Who are some of your favorite designers?
KR: For clothing: Haute Hippie, Parker and Chanel. For shoes: Fendi and YSL. Handbags: I am obsessed with them (and love to collect them). Favorite: Chanel.

MM: What is your “never leave home without” accessory?
KR: Lip Gloss.

MM: You always wear great jewelry. Who are some of your favorite jewelry designers?
KR: Jennifer Miller for costume jewelry. And Nicky Hilton too–I know she is my niece but she really has great things. Jacob & Co. and Loree Rodkin for fine jewelry.

MM: What’s in your make-up bag?
KR: L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara, eye brow gel (any brand), Bare Escentuals lip gloss, Dermablend cover-up, The Balm Blush in Hot Mama and black Urban Decay eyeliner.

MM: How you do to stay in shape?  Favorite workout?
KR: It’s very hard for me to workout with my schedule. When I have time, I like to go on a hike in the canyons of Beverly Hills or Bel Air after school drop off.

MM: What are your favorite restaurants or nightlife hot spots?
KR: Of course Lisa Vanderpump’s restaurants SUR and Villa Blanca. Mr. Chow, La Scala, Il Pastaio, Shu in Bel Air for sushi. I like Frida in Beverly Hills for Mexican.

MM: Where do you and Mauricio like to go on vacation and where do you stay?
KR: I like to rent a house in Lake Tahoe with family and friends and get away from it all. Picnics on the boat, barbecuing, just hanging out with my family.

MM: What is your biggest guilty pleasure?
KR: Hand bags. I am having a hand bag shopping hangover this month. I hope Mauricio doesn’t read this!

For more insider tips from Kyle, order Life Is Not a Reality Show: Keeping It Real with the Housewife Who Does It All.

This sassy California native was born in Hollywood, California into an acting family. She landed her first role at age four in Disney’s “Escape to Witch Mountain,” where she played the younger version of her sister, child actress and fellow Housewife Kim Richards. Her other sister is Kathy Hilton, mother to Nicky and Paris Hilton. Kyle’s TV credits include “Little House on The Prairie,” “Carter Country,” “Down To Earth,” and “E.R.” Film credits include “Halloween,” and “The Watcher in the Woods.” Kyle is an avid advocate for the fight against cancer, even completing a 68-mile bike marathon last year to raise money to help fight the disease. Kyle is married to the love of her life Mauricio Umansky, one of the nation’s top realtors. Up next, Kyle is starring in the Lifetime original movie, “Deadly Sibling Rivalry,” and is also developing her own handbag line, working on her new lifestyle book, and creating her own skin care line with famed Beverly Hills spa Vera Bella. Her greatest passion, however, is being a mother to her four daughters: Farrah (22), Alexia (15), Sophia (11) and Portia (3). Kyle believes “If you obey all the rules, you’ll miss all the fun.”

Be on the Cutting Edge of Style with Cool Cuffs, Bangles and Rings

I love to accessorize my outfits with cuffs, bangles and rings. Here are my favorite picks that will surely add some serious style and edge to your look:

Eddie Borgo Bear Trap Bangles, BUY NOW, $490
The set of three silver-plated brass bracelets are a perfect balance of rebellion and luxury. I love their versatility and they can be worn interlocked as one piece or reversed for added edge. The Eddie Borgo collection began with a request from designer Phillip Lim to create jewelry for his runway show and has since boomed. The collection retails in over 90 stores worldwide and has a huge cult following including celebs such as Blake Lively and Katy Perry.

Alexander McQueen Snakeskin and Brass Wrap Bracelet, BUY NOW, $315
I am a fan all things McQueen including the fab jewelry line with his signature skull detail. This midnight blue and black snakeskin wrap bracelet make it perfect for pairing with other gold accessories and really stands out against neutral palettes. The Swarovski crystal skull charm adds a pop of rock and roll.

Alexis Bittar Sugar Dust Bangle, BUY NOW, $295
These hand sculpted and hand painted Sugar Dust Bangles are gorgeous and have just the right amount of sparkle to dress up any look, day or night. Bittar got his start by selling antique jewelry and vintage clothing on the streets of lower Manhattan and is now collaborating with Burberry, Michael Kors and stylist Patricia Field. He also recently custom designed a lucite mask for Lady Gaga. No wonder he won the prestigious CFDA’s Accessory Designer of the Year award in 2010!

Kara Ross Pyramid Ring, BUY NOW, $290
From the Pyramid collection, this Sterling Silver ring boasts a geometric style with sleek lines and smooth detail that reflects light with every move. They are also made with a variety of gemstones (I personally love the Mother of Pearl version). Kara Ross is an expert jewelry designer, certified gemologist and has recently added wood crafter to her impressive resume; having been asked to create exclusive gifts for President Obama and First Lady made out of Magnolia wood that originated from the White House lawn! A pyramid ring by Kara Ross was recently worn by Golden Globe winner Jessica Lange, and other celeb fans include Hilary Swank, Anne Hathaway and Oprah.

Holiday Bonanza Giveaway

‘Tis the season for giving and here at PageDaily we have a very special holiday bonanza giveaway for you. Simply subscribe and you will automatically be entered to win our unique gift set stocked with goodies like a ShopBop gift certificate, L’Occitane hand cream, a Jay Godfrey dress, and much more!

Enter to win a total value of over $1500 including the following gifts:

• Urban Decay cosmetics & nail polish
• A $325 Jay Godfrey Aubert dress
• A $250 Shopbop giftcard
• Jennifer Miller earrings
• Striiv Fitness Device
• Jacques Levine ballet slippers
• 3 3-packs of Affinitas undies & 1 Berry Ball and Bag care set
• 2 Tasting Room Wine Samplers
• L’Occitane hand cream bouquet
• 10 Braced-lets bracelets
• Handset by Native Union Pop Phone
• Make-up Brush Set by Sonia Kashuk

Subscribe to win!

The winner will be notified by email on December 19. Share the holiday spirit this season by sharing our giveaway with friends!

Stephanie Hirsch: Her Art & Style

Stephanie Hirsch is someone to admire – she is an entrepreneur, author, designer, and now contemporary artist. Spiritual and a dedicated mother of two, she shares with us her inspiration behind her work and lifestyle favorites.

Melissa Meyers: You were a designer, author, and now an artist. Tell us how your past has influenced you.
Stephanie Hirsch: Whichever medium I have used to express myself my goal has always been to inspire people. Being a fashion designer (especially a swimwear designer), I designed with the intention for a woman to put on one of my creations and feel confident and strong, while wearing barely anything. I wrote my book “Mother Nurture” to inspire moms around the world to go on their own journey with their child, to help guide them to be the best person they could be. Now through my artwork, I inspire people with my interpretations of different sayings or mantras through beading and embroidery.

MM: Describe yourself as an artist.
SH: I try to stay connected to the light through different sayings and mantras. I interpret the emotions of these mantras through beading and embroidery. I always try to find the humor and enlightenment and to shed a positive light on our inner struggles.

MM: What inspired you to create this type of art?
SH: I was in a dark place in my life and had lost my creativity and zest for life. I always used mantras and sayings to keep me connected to a positive state, but at that time nothing would bring me back. I needed to literally and figuratively bring these mantras and sayings to life to help me get my sense of joy and passion back.

MM: Each piece has a special message. How many of each do you create?
SH: I have created 25 pieces so far.

MM: Describe the creative process and how each piece is made.
SH: First I sketch my idea in pencil, then I transfer my sketch onto a 5 x 7 canvas. I either sew or glue the beads/rhinestones onto the canvas to create a design and use colored pencil to mimic embroidery. Once the mini canvas is created I send the finished piece to India where each canvas is hand-done and takes approx. two-three months to complete.

MM: I know you have an impressive following. Who is the Stephanie Hirsch client or collector?
SH: A person who has an emotional, passionate response to the message I am conveying. It could be because they are going through or have gone through an experience and the message speaks to them. It is purely an emotional experience. Jennifer Miller is a client and very supportive fan, so much that she will rotate pieces of my work in her Southampton location all summer.

MM: Can we commission you to do a custom beaded canvas?
SH: YES!

MM: What are the prices?
SH: $1500-$5500

MM: Where can we check out your work?
SH: Clic Bookstore & Gallery, 23 Newtown Lane, East Hampton, NY, and the Alexandra Von Furstenberg store, 9001 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, CA.

FASHION:

MM: What is your favorite item in your wardrobe?
SH: My Elise Overland black pencil skirt. It is tough but sexy. I can dress it up or down and I always look pulled together.

MM: Favorite store?
SH: Barney’s New York.

TRAVEL:

MM: You have traveled extensively to India and to many exotic islands. What were some of your favorite trips?
SH: Bali, India, Morocco, and the Negev Desert (Israel).

LIVING:

MM: Do you have tips on decorating your home with art?
SH: Whichever artwork you choose for your home should inspire and make you smile.

MM: Can you tell me one of your new must-have home décor item, style accessory, or hostess gift?
SH: A big box of candy from Sylvester & Co… no one is ever disappointed!

Buy Now, “Mother Nurture”, $3.24

“Religion is for people that don’t want to go to hell. Spirituality is for those of us that have been there.” There is no better saying that captures the emotion of Stephanie Hirsch’s artwork. Her work delves into the deeper or double meaning of words and sayings with both humor and enlightenment. “Initially, sayings can be static,” Stephanie says, “but once we apply our life experiences they can have infinite meanings.”  To convey her messages, she bridges the gap between fashion and art by utilizing beads and embroidery, which give her artwork a three-dimensional depth. The metallic sheen of the medium also serves to remind us that the mantras can shine a positive light on our inner struggles, both literally and figuratively. ——– Stephanie Hirsch is an entrepreneur, designer, author and artist. She created the inca resort lifestyle brand in 1996. The boutique design house featured collections of luxury swim and resort wear. With Stephanie’s trendsetting designs, inca became a globally recognized brand. Entirely self-taught, Stephanie’s designs have been praised for her unparalleled attention to detail along with its flattering and superior fit, and it has also brought her wide acclaim and international recognition as a fashion designer. Following the birth of her son Hunter, her journey as a mother led her to write the book Mother Nurture: Life Lessons from America’s Best and Brightest. The book is a conclusion of her interviews with the mothers of 52 highly successful people around the world and was published in 2008 by Harper Collins. Stephanie has also collaborated with the premier indoor cycling studios SoulCycle. In bringing her design expertise and shared vision to reinvigorate the soul, she created their fitness line of comfortable yet stylish cycling apparel. She now turns her attention to art, using her unique vision and flair for style in creating beautifully embroidered and beaded canvases. Check out more of Stephanie’s work at www.stephanie-hirsch.com

Mother’s Day Gifts for Every Mom

By Melissa Meyers

Mother’s day is approaching fast which brings with it the task of finding the perfect gift for Mom.  There are plenty of new products out there that are sure to suit even the pickiest of mothers.  I have something unique and special for every type of mom:

1. Foodie Mom Gwyneth Paltrow’s New Cookbook – “My Father’s Daughter”
I went to Gwyneth’s book signing at Barnes and Noble a few weeks ago to pick up a copy of her new cook book to review. Thanks to Glee, we all know superstar celeb Gwyneth can sing, but did you know she can cook? In “My Father’s Daughter” she shares her recipes that celebrate family and togetherness.  With a foreword by master chef Mario Batali, you know the recipes must be delicious! They are also remarkably easy for even the most gastronomically challenged Mom.  Plus, there’s something for every palatte from the exotic tuna and ginger burgers to chicken and dumplings to wood oven pizza. I literally want to try every recipe in this book.
Buy Now – $30

2. Fashionable Mom
Rich Rocks Jewelry
Rich Rocks is a fabulous costume jewelry line with a celebrity following that appeals to women of all ages. The cast of Gossip Girl certainly loves their baubles–Blake Lively, Leighton Meester and Kelly Rutherford to name a few.  The selection is carefully edited and there is something for everyone. For the classic mom, I love the elegant pair of silver clover hoops (very Van Cleef). The boho Mom will adore the leaf earrings with champagne crystals and the hip Mom would enjoy the oversized hanging smokey dangle earrings.  Also, all of the jewelry looks luxe and the pieces have a nice weight to them.
Buy Now – Clover hoops – $75
Buy Now – Leaf earrings – $40
Buy Now – Smokey dangle earrings – $75

Jennifer Miller Jewelry
Another great costume jewelry line and designer who is always on trend is Jennifer Miller. I am crazy about their dog tag necklace engraved with the sentiment, “LUV U MOM.” I like this one for the cool Mom who lives in jeans and t-shirts. It also has a yellow gold-plated cut out heart charm disk to add to the style. Made of sterling silver on a 30” stainless ball chain, the necklace looks very substantial and is the perfect Mother’s Day gift for Mom from the kids.
Buy Now – $175

3. Pampered Mom L’Occitane Sparkling Verbena Skin Care Set
If you’re mom loves the spa, pamper her this Mother’s Day with this Sparkling Verbena set from L’Occitane.  This kit has everything Mom needs to relax including shower gel, body lotion, a delicious verbena scented sachet, shea butter hand cream and shea butter soap in milk and verbena scent.  It even comes with a Mother’s Day card. I am a huge fan of these products and use them regularly.  It is SO nice when someone buys them for you!
Buy Now – $55

4. Beauty Junkie Mom “All About My Mother” Make-up Gift Pack
Celebrity make-up artist Napoleon Perdis “All About My Mother” gift pack comes wrapped and ready to go in a lovely gift box.  The make-up kit includes a cute vintage-inspired coin case with universally flattering shades of eyeshadow, cream blush and lip color.  I love the lip color because it is shiny but not sticky and the four color eye shadow palette has the hottest colors of the season.  Cream blush is super easy to use and all of the makeup in the kit comes with “how to” instructions (available in two different color palettes).
Buy Now – $49 ($100 value)

5. Techie Mom PhotoOp Ipad Case
If your Mom is anything like me, she never goes anywhere without her iPad.  Luckily, PhotoOp makes an iPad case that you can personalize with an adorable photo of the kids.  All moms appreciate personalized gifts! Just email PhotoOp the picture you would like to use as a jpeg, and they will send you the ipad case. Available in leather or fabric.
Buy Now – Leather – $150, Fabric – $120 (Call the studio at 212-362-1911 to place an order)

6. Eco-Conscious Mom Recycled Windshield White Wine Decanter from Gifts.com
A sophisticated and modern wine decanter made from recycled auto-glass is the ideal gift for the eco-conscious Mom.  What’s really cool about this decanter is that it has an open ice chamber that chills wine without diluting it.  Every decanter is unique and handmade in Colombia making it a special gift that any Earth-friendly mother will love to have in her home.  I would use it as a decorative piece and for chilling ice tea or lemonade!
Buy Now – $55

7. Sentimental Mom TinyPrints.com Personalized Mother’s Day Cards
A refreshing break from the ordinary drugstore greeting card, TinyPrints.com offers personalized cards that they even send for you.  No need to remember to mail a card on time or waste time trying to choose the right card.  TinyPrints custom-made cards are heartfelt and special.  Choose the photos, colors, fonts and text to create a card Mom will cherish.  Tiny Prints also offers personalized stationary as a gift for Mom.  Celebrity fans of TinyPrints include Gwyneth Paltrow, Kelly Ripa, Rachel Zoe, Reese Witherspoon and Brooke Shields.
Buy Now – $1.99 – $3.99 per card

8. Organized Mom (or one who wants to be) PurseN Purse Organizers
Whether your Mom loves to be organized or if your Mom is the type who can’t find anything in her purse (sound familiar?), the PurseN purse inserts are a fashionable and functional gift.  These organizers make it easy to change from purse to purse without leaving behind any of your go-to items and keep bags clean. The inserts make Mom’s life easier with compartments for everything from her phone to her lipstick and wallet–and the rest of the “stuff.”  Good-bye black hole!
Buy Now – $58

9. Charitable Mom Love Quotes Scarves
Loved by celebs like Sarah Jessica Parker, Kate Hudson, and Jennifer Aniston for their luxe fabric, chic colors and charitable cause, Phyllis Wiener’s “Love Quotes” scarves make a perfect gift for the chic Mom who wants to give back. The scarves, available at lovequotesnyc.com, come in an array of gorgeous colors and can be worn around your neck, as a shawl, or on the beach as a cover up.  They also happen to be the perfect size and are amazingly soft.  I want them in every color! Plus, 10% of the proceeds are donated to international children’s charities.  Each scarf comes with its own special quote, making it a truly heartfelt gift.  P.S. Did you see Sofia Vergara in the new Pepsi commercial sporting the Regatta blue one as a pareo?
Buy Now – $75