Merry Christmas!

Blogging For The New York Social Diary

Enjoy my column in today's New York Social Diary!  I hope you find some gift giving inspiration.

http://www.newyorksocialdiary.com/guest-diary/2015/accessories-diary-the-festive-frenzy

Beautiful diamond earrings from Ippolita

Christmas Pin

Last year I wrote a column about Christmas pins and I got somewhat obsessed, especially with the vintage variety.  I particularly like the idea of a wreath pin.  It's a little more unexpected than a tree and the round shape lends itself well as a brooch or a scarf clip.  I also did not want something kitschy or tacky like an ugly Christmas sweater.  I wanted the pin to be a bit glamorous and sparkly. I found an inexpensive wreath pin with crystals in a tiny store in my neighborhood and I wore it today for the first time.  I think it looks pretty good!

Crystal wreath pin

The hunt is still on for a vintage Christmas tree pin.  I have something very specific in mind that reminds me of my childhood.  One of the women in my family must have had one, because I can envision it and I'm determined to find something similar.  But, for now, I'm happy with my wreath.

The Lure of Indian Jewelry

The Indian jewelry I wore last night

I have loved Indian jewelry since I was a young child.  I remember in third grade we had someone come to class and give a presentation about Indian culture and she brought jewelry with her.  I wanted to get a closer look at the earrings in the display because I was fascinated, but when I picked one up the back piece fell off.  We were all crawling around on the floor looking for it and the teacher was rather upset with me.  Luckily we found it, but my obsession has only grown since then.

Last night I went to a lovely event at The New York Botanical Gardens.  It was a long week and I didn't really have time to think about an outfit until the day of and had to throw something together quickly.  The theme was black & white so I settled on a simple black dress and jacket with lots of pearls a la Coco Chanel, but then it occurred to me that my Indian jewelry has tons of pearls and would make a great alternative.  I had so much fun playing with it all while I was getting dressed.  I need to wear it more often.

Most of my stash of Indian jewels is costume, but I do have a few real pieces.  What I love about the real deal is that the back is always beautifully enameled.  Some pieces, like a bracelet or pendant, can be reversible, but most of the time the enamel work is for the eyes of the wearer only, a stunning secret.

The front of two rings and a bracelet

The beautiful enamel on the reverse sides

Anyone who wants to spice up their look with some exotic jewelry should definitely experiment with a few Indian pieces.  For those new to the world of Indian jewels, I recommended dangling earrings like the ones pictured in the first photo, they are flattering and draw attention to the face.

Blogging For The New York Social Diary

Please enjoy my column in today's NYSD:  http://www.newyorksocialdiary.com/guest-diary/2015/accessories-diary-high-jewelry-hi-to-the-animals-hello-holidays and see photos of Chanel, Tory Burch, Bulgari and much more!

My Chanel necklace, featured in my column today

Chanel bag decorated with Anya Hindmarch stickers

Blogging For The New York Social Diary

Please enjoy my latest column in today's New York Social Diary http://www.newyorksocialdiary.com/guest-diary/2015/accessories-diary-ladies-who-launch

There are lots of beautiful accessories that  I photographed at charity events in NYC, including Lenox Hill Neighborhood House, The Horticultural Society, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and more.

Verdura bull's-eye brooch