Oscar, Opulence, and Orange – Oh My!

Jewelry hounds, my favorite designer has done it again. What would we red carpet watchers do without our Fashion Week Oscar de la Renta fix? Yes, this same Oscar who gave us Carrie Bradshaw’s stunning couture moment in the final Paris episode and oodles of Award Show memories.

His Spring 2010 collection was full of color and didn’t skimp on the bling, perhaps because his clientele includes some of the world’s wealthiest women – from icons like Barbara Walters to all those New York ladies who lunch.

For we mere mortals, it’s fun to gawk at the glamour. I am loving his tangerine touches, from simple sheath dresses to coral brooch accents.

And if you thought yellow gold was on its way out – think again. The runway sparkled with gold circle statement necklaces and earrings in addition to over-the-top chandelier shapes that would make Liberace blush.

And those red carpet gowns! How much would you die to see that pink number at the Emmys this weekend? Or, say, Angelina or Megan Fox in that black number?

Thank you, Oscar. For making me a covet-thy-fashionista pile of drool yet again. And for keeping Valentino-esque glamour alive (if you haven't seen the Valentino documentary, Valentino: The Last Emporer, put it at the top of your Netflix queue tout de suite!) .

Which designer makes you want to sell your first born for a chance at greatness? Weigh in!

Fashion Week Jewelry: Take 2

With one more day left of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York, my head has been spinning trying to keep up with all the top designers and their Spring 2010 Ready-to-Wear creations. The week started slow, with not a lot of new trends to get excited about - and even less jewelry to gawk at.

Designers that usually offer up at least a little sparkle - Carolina Herrera, Thakoon, Narciso Rodriguez - opted out of the usual statement bling this season. But never fear - Zac Posen, Marc Jacobs, Vera Wang and Diane von F came to the rescue.

Marc by Marc Jacobs:

Bold color, tribal influences and beads, beads, beads were the jewelry looks the 'chosen one' offered us for his little sister signature line (his Marc Jacobs collection offered up no jewels to speak of). Clearly, turquoise will be big for spring and layered bangles are still the best way to add color and style to any outfit.

Zac Posen:


Party wear is Posen's specialy, and he returned to what he knows best in what was arguably the critics' favortie collection this week. Primary colors ruled his catwalk as funky brooches and colorful statement necklaces in blues and pinks added sparkle.

Vera Wang:


Known for using jewelry creatively in her shows, Vera Wang did not disappoint this year as she sent her models reeling down the runway in lobster bib-sized chain mail pieces and lots of layered metal that gave an edge to her otherwise romantic collection of blacks and whites.

Diane von Furstenburg:

The First Lady of Fashion is still as ecclectic as ever, with yet another wearable ready-to-wear collection of boho chic garb. Layered bangles elbow deep made each look leap off the stage with a cornucopia of color. Seems to be the must-have accessory for next season, jewelry hounds. And the good news? You can find 'em cheap and plentiful just about everwhere - from Old Navy to Nordies.

So what do you think of my jewelry selects? Did I miss a designer you've been dying to see? I'd love to hear your thoughts. In the meantime, I'll continue to collect my thoughts and give you an overall rundown by week's end.

Diamonds, Divas and Drama at the MTV VMAs

Before I get to the jewelry fashion and the Kanye West outburst during the MTV Video Music Awards last night, I’d like to just take a moment to reflect on what I thought was – by far - the best part of the night.

MTV isn’t always known to be a class act, and the VMAs is certainly not the place to go looking for it, but whoever was in charge of producing the opening Michael Jackson dance tribute ought to get some kind of award.

Who doesn’t remember running to the TV everytime an MJ video would come on – from Thriller to Beat it? And we ran because we wanted to see those synchronized dance numbers, right? And if it wasn’t Michael it was his sister, Janet, who carried the torch.

Well, for those of you who are square in my demographic – here is a link to the thing. The dancers were amazing - and the Janet Jackson finale was a great way to top it off. I teared up all the way through. It’s not the same as seeing it live, I’m sure, but you’ll get the idea. Nicely done, VMAS.

Now, on to the fashion. First of all, if I see another starlet in a metallic mini dress I’m going to hurl. Enough, already! And Pink and Shakira showed up wearing the same friggin’ one! They are cool, sure, but someone think outside the box, will you?

Diamonds simply dripped from Beyonce, who wore $1 million worth of Lorraine Schwartz jewelry; Taylor Swift showed in the same designer’s diamonds and a stunning beaded Kaufman Franco gown, and the third part of this ill-fated trio, Kanye West, just accessorized with his girlfriend in an unfortunate jumpsuit.

So by now, you’ve all heard about how Mr. West took it upon himself to interrupt Taylor Swift’s wispy acceptance speech to lament the fact that Beyonce didn’t win for Best Female Video. I’m thinking Beyonce will be just fine without yet another award in her trophy case (she won the night's top prize for the video anyway).

In other words, let well enough alone, Kanye. MTV is a corporate juggernaut out primarily to promote big stars (including yourself), not to make fine-tuned artistic statements. If getting a Moon Man was the same as winning the Pulitzer, maybe he'd have more of a point. Maybe he didn't get hugged enough as a child?

Thoughts? On any of this diamond-filled drama?

Stay tuned for Fashion Week updates as the week progresses! I love this time of year!