Five Instagram Feeds I Love

I don't know about you, but I could spend hours scoping out pretty pictures on Instagram. I suppose it can be attributed to my love of aesthetics and the designer in me: I adore ogling over photographs of beautiful scenery, products and people. I suppose if that's not your thing Instagram seems a bit weird and voyeuristic, but if you love scoping out pics as much as I do, here are a few of my favorite fashion and jewellery-related accounts for you to check out:

{photo via Gem Gossip}

@gemgossip - Danielle is a jewellery blogger, gemologist & antique jewellery collector who showcases all of the beautiful pieces that she collects and comes across in her travels.

{photo via Inslee}

@inslee - Fashion Illustrator, Inslee Haynes, showcases her colorful and whimsical creations.

{Photo via Dannijo}

@dannijo - Celeb jewellery designers and superbabe sisters Danielle and Jodie, mix artfully-styled shots with pics of them vacationing in hot locales with their super star friends. No biggie. 

{photo via Coco Rocha}

 @cocorocha - I love following along on the sartorial adventures of Canadian supermodel, Coco Rocha, and watching as she transforms herself from one photoshoot or appearance to the next. Best of all, this beauty seems totally down-to-earth and un-full of herself.

{photo via Arik Kastan}

@arikkastan - I'm kind of obsessed with this designer's vintage-inspired gemstone jewellery. Their rose gold and labradorite rings? I melt over these.










What are your favorite Instagram feeds? Leave a comment below, and then be sure to find us on Instagram!

Little Black Dress

I'll admit it - I'm not much of a dress girl. Don't get me wrong, I do love donning a great party frock on occasion, but skirts and tops have been the mainstay of my "dressy" and professional wardrobes. I suppose the versatility of a skirt is what makes me wearing a dress a somewhat uncommon sight. The couple of statement-making cocktail dresses I own have seen me through many a wedding reception, birthday party, you name it - which in reality means a handful of fancy occasions per year. So in fact, it's not just that I rarely wear a dress, but also, I seldom buy dresses because I don't feel I have many occasions to wear one. All of my dress-shy feelings aside, I recently realized there were a number of events coming up that required a new dress, and it dawned on me that the item that could cure my "dresses-aren't-versatile" thinking was a perfect, little black dress.

I managed to nab this adorable scoop-neck, full-skirted number from Aritzia, just hours before my fall launch event and I've got big plans for this dress. It's already seen me to a Thanksgiving wedding, replete with black tights and a cherry red cardigan, and it's due to make at least two more appearances this upcoming holiday season. 

A little black dress can be worn with basic black pumps, ankle booties or a bright pair of statement shoes like the pair shown above. Throw on a simple cardi, a sparkly jacket, or leather bomber, and you've got three totally different and fabulous looks going on. And of course, when it comes to jewellery, a LBD is the perfect canvas for any of your favorite jewels - I've shown just a few of our new Fall 2013 designs that I think would finish off this look perfectly. Patterned tights, a simple clutch or colourful scarf - the possibilities for accessorizing a LBD are endless. 

I think I may have just cured my whole, dresses aren't practical, shopping mentality.

How To Layer Necklaces

Cee, from Coco & Vera, shows us layering done right.

Happy Friday! I hope you are as excited for this long weekend as I am! Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays, and I'm looking forward to cooking up a turkey storm and enjoying some fun, r&r and adult beverages with friends and family this weekend. Plus, one of my good girlfriends is getting hitched on Saturday, so it's double the reason to celebrate in high style.

I've had a few customers ask me about the mystery of layering necklaces recently, so I thought I would share a few tips, to help clear up any question marks about how to go about this tricky business. Truth be told, there is no right or wrong way to layer your necklaces, however, there are a few things to keep in mind to help you answer the question, does this look alright?? before you walk out the door.

1.) Delicate pieces tend to layer best. That's not to say that chunky, statement making necklaces can't be worn together, but it's definitely a more challenging look to pull off. By sticking with simple, classic lines you can avoid overkill and keep your layered look subtle.

2.) Look for commonalities between pieces to help tie your look together. In other words, find a common element between the necklaces you're layering: maybe both pieces have a charm pendant, perhaps they share the same metal colour, have a similar silhouette, etc.

3.) Less is more. Okay, in fairness this is completely my own philosophy to abide by, but you know the saying that after getting dressed, you should always look in the mirror and take one accessory off? In the world of layering necklaces, if you've piled the pieces on and are feeling in doubt -- take one off. Ahh...that's better.

4.) Mix up the lengths. By varying the lengths of the necklaces you are layering, you can help avoid looking too "piled on" and really showcase the beauty of each individual piece.

And now, let's see some of these tips in action...

Mixed metals are anything but clashing when you tie the look together with complementary gemstones and in this case, two of the same design. The versatile length of our Satellite Necklace means these sparkly beauties can be worn as a perfect duo.

The delicate chain of our Celestial Necklace means you can wear two of these necklaces side by side. You could even add a third, longer gemstone necklace to this look.

One long necklace, one short -- complementary gemstone colors and delicate gold chain -- easy peasy.

Graduated layers and neutral gemstones allow this mixed metal, multi-coloured gemstone, trio of necklaces to be pulled off with ease.







And a final P.S. -- make your layered look the focal point of your style by keeping your outfit simple and chic. A basic black or white top is the perfect canvas for layered perfection.

So, can you pull off layered necklaces no problem? Be sure to leave a comment below with your own tips or thoughts on this style!

Black & Gold




Keltie Leanne Bracelet & Necklace, J. Crew Purse, Top Shop Belt, Kate Spade Watch, Enzo Angiolini Shoes

Black and gold is a big trend this season, though in my opinion, it's a classic pairing that can never go wrong. Accessories are a great way to incorporate black and gold into your look, whether as a chic accent against an all black ensemble, or in contrast to casual denim or bright pops of color. In addition to these two pieces from our line, the Black + Gold Bracelet and Stud Earrings add a subtle black and gold injection to any outfit, and for those who prefer slightly more delicate wrist candy, the Fresco Bracelet in Onyx is a gorgeous option.

Do you have any favorite black and gold clothing items or accessories that you love?