Galas, Gowns and Grown-up Jewelry

Every jewelry hound knows the fall season brings with it all kinds of galas, opening nights and high profile fundraisers - perfect conditions for a good bauble hunt.

I love it when the grown-ups come out to play.

New York City Ballet's Fall Gala:

It's been a while since we've seen Sarah Jessica Parker on a red carpet, and she picked the tony occasion of the New York City Ballet's Fall Gala last night to grace us with a little Halston hotness and some great dress-up jewelry.

I love the necklace layering - not too matchy-matchy and just the right side of gaudy with the metallic sheen of her dress.  What do you think of the choice? Should she lose the longer look?


Los Angeles Philharmonic Opening Gala:

Eva Mendes lit up the left coast last night in a flowing Dior gown and sparkling Neil Lane jewelry that channeled old Hollywood glamour.

This diamond bracelet looks like it was made for her gown. Gorgeous!

Who are your favorite grown-up gamines to gawk at on the red carpet? Charlize Theron is another one on my list - despite her unfortunate gown choice at the Oscars this year.

Lady Gaga Inspires Meat Jewelry

Move over diamond divas. Here comes something meatier....

One would think things couldn't get any more bizarre than the 'insect jewelry' craze or gems made out of the remains of your beloved pet, Muffy (or Uncle Herbert). But the jewelry world is a vast and varied landscape, my friends.

So it should really come as no surprise that the dress that shocked America - Lady Gaga's VMA frock made from real red meat - has inspired a jewelry line sure to add sparkle to your sirloin.

Keep your panties on, PETA. The carne creation is made from FAUX meat product - it's 100% animal friendly. And might just cause some folks to go green on sight.

LA-based company, Onch Movement, is responsible for this lovely addition to the jewelry lexicon - and they promise the $55 'Meat-lace' will "look just as fresh and delicious as the day it was first cut."

Where's the beef, Mary? Oh, right. It's hanging around my neck like a Rocky Balboa punching bag.


I think I'll pass on this one. Thoughts?

Jewelry Shines at Chanel

Jewelry at Paris Fashion Week always play second fiddle to funny hats. I don't know what it is about those french fashionistas, but they just love themselves a crazy chapeau - especially that John Galliano.

But my jewelry prayers were finally answered with Karl Lagerfeld's surreal 20-minute catwalk creation for Chanel that brought back the statement jewel in refreshing new ways.

Fashion reviewers from the New York Times and Style.com raved about the jagged-edges and feathery silhouettes for Chanel's Spring 2011 ready-to-wear line. But I'm loving the emergence of a jewelry category we haven't seen much of lately - shoulder-duster earrings.

Sure, there are blingy bib necklaces akimbo from Mr. Lagerfeld, but the earring choice is fashion-forward at its finest. I have been trying to find out more about the history of this style (jewelry buffs, weigh in!), but with statement earrings surging on the awards show circuit, I'm sure we'll get our fill of daring dusters in the months to come. Stay tuned.

What do you all think of the swinging shoulder style? Designers? Do you have some in your coffers you'd like to share? Weigh in!