Material Archive

Catbird Jewellery in Brooklyn

I started following Catbird on Instagram a while ago and as I've said before, when that social network is used well, it's an amazingly powerful selling tool.

Case in point, it got me to venture to Brooklyn to see Catbird in person, as well as Mast Brothers and another shop, coincidentally called Bird.

If you love delicate jewellery, have a look at their site. They carry a broad selection of thin, gold bands like the one pictured above that I got, as well as diamond pavé pendants and tiny earrings.

Super cute store.

 

Today I bought: Zoe Chicco Diamond Pave Necklaces

 

Buy them here and here.

Rings (the sparkly kind for your fingers) by Thames & Hudson

 

If you love antique jewelry as much as do, I highly recommend picking up this great Thames & Hudson book by Diana Scarisbrick.

The styles they span are comprehensive and the photography is nice and detailed. It kills any desire to buy a generic, assembly line Tiffany ring again!

My week in pictures & other random stuff I like:

My Christmas Wish List

Truth be told, we don't do gift exchange in our family anymore – unless you happen to be under the age of 18. Instead, we travel or buy one another fun food items – like great chocolate or wine. So this list above is not a not-so-subtle hint for my beloved – I wouldn't dream of asking for these things (beyond vulgar!). Rather, it's a wish list for the things I hope go on sale Boxing Day...so I can buy them myself, if I have any fun money left after 3 weeks in Europe! ;-)

 Starting from the top, left to right:

1. Dries Van Noten Snake Boot from MyTheresa

2. Gold heart drop earrings from St Kilda

3. Sparkle needle point pillow from Jonathan Adler

4. Hipster heads from Jonathan Adler

5. Red plexi clutch by Charlotte Olympia

6. Gold snake Sang A Pop bag from Kirna Zabete

7. Multi-wrap watch from Burberry

8. Camel coat with fur collar from Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti

9. Creme de Rose lipbalm from Christian Dior

10. Soap on a roap from Diptyque at Barneys

11. Pave diamond earrings by Janis Provisor at Kirna Zabete

12. Gold devil pencil sharpener from Jonathan Adler

13. Blue satin ribboned heels by Liam Fahy

14. Constance H bag from Hermes

15. Green star earrings from Bochic

16. Glitter ankle boot from Barneys Co-Op

17. Nail lacquer in Scarlet Chinois by Tom Ford

18. Pink enamle bracelet from St Kilda

19. Yellow drop earring by Tom Binns

20. H Ring, little square dishes and collier de chien, Hermes

21. Bag by Sofia Coppola for Louis Vuitton

22. Needle point sunglasses sleeve by Jonathan Adler

x

Today I bought: Vera Wang Lariat

 

 

 

When I like something, no matter how many years pass, I never forget it. Vera Wang's 2008 Fall collection showcased a series of lariats that left such an impression. Today, I was lucky enough to find a brand new gold version to call my own – jumpy claps!

 

Net-A-Porter is having a sale right now & I snagged some good stuff:

Alexander McQueen Gold Wrap Bracelet

Michael Kors Cork Platforms







J Crew Polka Dot One-Piece

 

If it came in my size, this Mary Katrantzou dress would have been mine as well!

 

Check out the sale at Net-A-Porter

Courage My Love

After going for dim sum at Rol San this aft, we strolled through Kensington Market to pick up some fresh fruit. Naturally I jumped at the chance to pop into Courage My Love – a store I have literally been going to for all manner of vintage baubles and beads since I was 11 years old. Above is today's loot – charming vintage brooches that I'll convert to pendants.

Today I bought: Giles & Brother Archer Bangle

 

Picked up this beauty at Opening Ceremony today – which incidentatly, I can't say enough good things about. I keep coming back everytime I visit New York because the staff there are lovely and the product mix is very thoughtfully curated and fun.





 

Spring 2011 Shopping List

 

Click to see larger:

1. Gryphon Crochet Sequin Tee  •  2. Pierre Hardy Buckle Espadrille Wedge  • 3. Marc by Marc Jacobs Envelope Clutches in camel & green  • 4. Prada Banana & Stripe Dress  • 5. IRO Secret Sequin Sleeve Sweater  • 6. Dolce Vita Nude Sandals  • 7. Miu Miu White Dress  • 8. Cartier Love Bracelet  • 9. Michael Kors Double Buckle Sandal  • 10. Lover Underwire One-Piece Navy Swimsuit  • 11. Michael Kors Cork Sandal  • 12 Jill Sander Platform Sandal  • 13. Valentino Cat Eye Sunglasses  • 14. Alexander Wang Motorcycle Jacket  • 15. Prada Cut-Out Pattern Suede Boot (last season)  • 16. Erie Basin Vintage Amethyst Ring  • 17. Miu Miu Two-Tone Jersey Mini Dress  • 18. Hermes Cape Code Double Tour Watch  • 19. Vintage Gold Rolex  • 20. Jenni Kayne Camel Leather Booties  • 21. More Prada Bananas  • 22. Alexander Wang Ines Oxford  • 23. Rochas Platform Sandals  • 24. Druzy Earrings  • 25. Queen of Hearts V-Neck Sweater  • 26. Prada Fur Stole  • 27. Giuseppe Zanotti Canvas & Leather Boot  • 28. Giles & Brother Archer Bangle  • 29. Devi Kroell Wood & Crystal Minaudiere

Greek Signet Ring

Each time my mother took me to the ROM as a kid, I would spend an extra long time marveling at the ancient Greek jewelry and the facination has never stopped. Currently I have my eye on this lovely modern specimen from 1stDibs.

Gimmie Gimmie:

Bangle by Lady Grey  •  Sparkle Bag by Miu Miu  •  One-piece pale pink swimsuit by Miu Miu  •  Medor Clutch by Hermes  •  White leather bracelet by Hermes  •  Gold oxfords by Nicholas Kirkwood  •  Pyrite ring by Lunessa  •  Linen oxfords by Jill Sander  •  Silver pyrite ring Carole Tanenbaum •  Gold sequin top by Vince • Velvet dress  • YSL Nail lacquer  •  Gold lace cuff by Aurelie Bidermann •  Hammered gold bangles by Osanna Visconti  •  Caramel booties by Celine  •  Trench by Burberry  •  Jypsiere by Hermes  •  Coin ring by Aurelie Bidermann  •  Silver sequin / pink scarf by Club Monaco  •  Bow brooch by Balenciaga  •  Boots by Hermes

 

 

Erie Basin

 


 

Erie Basin is an extremely charming and tightly curated store (in Brooklyn NY) and online boutique that sells 18-20th century jewelry and collectable curios. "Ranging from Art Deco engagement rings to 18th century mourning jewelry to American folk art, the collection is varied, but carefully constructed" and very beautifully photographed I might add. Owner Russell Whitmore has a very sharp and refined eye!

Today I bought: Kenneth Jay Lane Black Diamond Drop Earrings

I am obsessed with jewelry that looks like it has grey or old pavé paste diamonds. These can be bought here or here.

Vera Wang Jewellery

 

I've said it before and i'll say it again, I think Vera Wang is doing some of the most beautiful jewellery out there these days. I am continuously impressed and in deep covet mode for every new collection I see.

Here's an older runway collection that demonstrates her amazing ability.

Luxe Lucite by Ted Noten

See more here.

Alidra Alic's necklace of rings

Click on image to see larger. Found here.

Scosha Bracelets

 

Do you ever have those things that no matter how many you already own, when you see them new or ever-so-slightly different in a store, you freak out and buy one in every colour? Well, that's how I behave when I see wrap bracelets. I go ape and buy all of them and right now, I literally want every single one of these! By Australian designer Scosha Woolridge.

Oh you pretty things...

Doesn't the ring look like a bubble-gum bubble or some delicious lozenge? Looooove.

And the second piece by Jamie Joseph is a modern take on an ID bracelet – so pretty.

Nice rock

By Erie Basin

Must have: Alexis Bittar

Love!

I want: Rebecka Froberg Gold Dandelion Studs

  Buy them here at Refinery 29.

St.Kilda of Brooklyn

Buy here.

Feeling a Whole Lotta Love for Love of Mine Boutique

My friend Adam and his lovely wife Anna recently opened a new home and fashion accessories store called Love of Mine Boutique and Friday night was their official opening party. Located on Queen west, nestled between the likes of Magic Pony and Buckler, the store is a wonderful addition to the neighborhood and really raises the area's level of sophistication. Carrying lines like Jonathan Adler, John Derian, Rebecca Minkoff, Canopy New York, Green Beads, Swallow, Heather Benjamin, Noir, Alexis Bittar, Pade Vavra, St. Kilda, Mercedes Salazar, amongst others – the store has something beautiful for every discerning eye.


I left at the end of the party with a soft wool throw for the chesterfield!

Jenny Klemming's Found Treasure

These items fascinate me – don't they look like they were found at the bottom of the ocean in an old pirate ship? By artist Jenny Klemming. via DailyPoetics.

Brush with beauty Christina Hendricks at Holts

Guess what beautiful Mad Men actress I ran in to this evening while popping by Holts to grab a few things? She and her new husband were like love sick teenagers smooching and floating around the store. At first, I almost walked right in to them next to the David Yurman section and then, moments later, they came and stood beside me when I was looking at some Tom Binns pieces. As is typical when you meet actors in person, Miss Hendricks was much smaller and thinner than I expected given her bodacious hourglass frame on the show. Indeed, she was still curvy but not as you might expect – the camera really does add a lot. Not so long ago, I also saw one of the Oslen twins trying on glasses and she was barely visible – thinnest, tiniest little thing you ever saw. A sprite!

As for her personal style, Christina's clothes and shoes were not terribly discernible or noteworthy – just all black. As was her Hugo Boss handbag. What struck me most about her was her beautiful velvety voice – it's really quite distinctive and appealing.

So, now that I've covered how she looked, no doubt you want to know what she was shopping for, oui? Well, to my surprise, she was quite keen on the Alexander McQueen bracelet pictured below. If I'm not mistaken, she was trying on the same version in a red lacquer finish. Although I do quite like McQueen's clutches of late with skull clasps, this particular item is not my cup of tea – not a fan of skulls as a lone focus – which also seems pretty passé in general now too, but, to each her own. She asked the sales woman to "have it sent up to her room."

A few things I'm currently in deep like with...

From top left to right:

VPL Overall Tank • 3.1 Phillip Lim Curly Fur Vest with Grosgrain Trim • Balenciaga Strass Single Strand Necklace • McQueen Python box clutch with skull clasp • Lee Angel Oversized Crystal Earrings • Hermès double tour Cape Cod watch • Druzy Gold Studs by Pade Vavra • Prada Bath Salts • VPL Beckham Bra • Bally python SP10 Ardey peep-toe d'Orsay • Silver diamond cut studs from metalicious on etsy • Stripe-T Forever 21 • Make-up palette Laura Mercier : Holiday "Colour Wardrobe" • Old Marc by Marc Jacobs laptop bag • Silver diamond cut ring from metalicious on etsy • Calvin Klein SP10 t-strap sandal with silver chain appliqué • Church's gold oxford

David Webb Jewelry: Rock crystal lion bangle

Wow – amazing. See more here.

Lusting after...

 

Lee Angel earrings from Intermix & Pedro Garcia satin ribbon booties!

Noir Jewels at Love of Mine Boutique

Last week I bought the Noir solid brass 18K gold plated Smooth Pyramid bracelet from newly opened Love of Mine Boutique on Queen West and I was literally stopped by 1-2 women in each store I went in after all day asking me where I got it. One girl squealed: "that bracelet is sick – I must have it!". Funny – I really wished I was carrying cards from LMB at that point as I was a real brand ambassador that day. The Noir line is really nice and although the pyramid style is similar to one from CC Syke – I actually like it much more. Now I need it one in every colour. :-)

There is a special place in my heart for Alexis Bittar

 
 


 

A deep desire to own an Alexis Bittar was what prompted me to make one of my first ever online purchases way back in 2001 – when the web was still like the Wild West. I've been hooked ever since on his work and am now a proud owner of an ever, albeit slowly, growing collection that I really love. The hand-carved lucite bracelets featured above are my current must-haves from his latest Summer and Fall collections. I'm hoping Santa will take note. ;-)

Some current favs from Solange Azagury-Partridge

 

Solange's work is so original and fun – it all looks like candy to me.

Daily covet: Tory Burch Watch Band Bracelet & Marc Jacobs Clutch

Get the Tory bracelet here. And isn't the bird detail on the MJ bag charming? I've seen variations of this clutch at Aritzia and Holt's but not this exact style yet. Canada never seems to get the full collection – disappointing.

Véronique Leroy Spring 2010

The large gold dipped flower necklaces from Leroy's show were a great balance to the simpler looks in the presentation and one of the most notable elements.

Gesine Hackenburg Ceramic Necklaces

 






 

I flipped when I first saw this! Gesine Hackenburg's wearable art is so beautiful. I'd like a strand long enough to drape around the house like a garland.
 
 

Coveting Jemma Wynne Bracelet

Saw this Jemma Wynne 18K yellow gold pave dome "Privé" bangle with blackened Champagne diamonds at Holt's last week and am smitten!

Bliss Lau at Bona Drag

I love Bliss Lau's collection of body jewelry – amazing stuff. You can also buy it here at Bona Drag.

Claire Hecquet-Chaut Ceramic Jewelry

Aren't these lovely? Handmade ceramic jewelry by French designer Claire Hecquet-Chaut. Her collection is sold at Astier de Villatte and some online Japanese retailers – but I haven't found them anywhere that I can access them yet. If you see them somewhere, please let me know!

Bubble gum machine rings

Designer Jaime Sin took the time to collect the perfect cheapy rings – like the kinds one would find at the dollar store and cast silver versions from them! The result is a very cute micro collection you can buy from Delphic on Queen West.

My Fall 2009 "Back to School" Shopping List

Oh, where to begin! There are so many things from the Fall collections that I am drooling over. Above is just a small sampling of my Fall 2009 shopping wish list. From top left to right:

First Row: Helmut Lang blue Y-back tank, Roksanda Ilincic Sabine velvet dress, Tom Binns sparkle cuff, Bulgari gold ring, Rick Owens shrunken zip biker.
Second Row: Giuseppe Zanotti flat suede boots, YSL gold chain strap satin purse, Elizabeth & James convertible trench (it becomes a dress!), Rick Owens grey bomber.
Third Row: Bottega Veneta silver chandelier earrings, Sass & Bide black studded cap-sleeve dress, Proenza Schouler PS1 med-satchel in blue suede, Proenza Schouler striped long-sleeved shirt
Fourth Row: Miu Miu belted wool sweater, RM by Roland Mouret grey wool dress, Mulberry black patent Bayswater handbag, Joseph leather leggings
Fifth Row: Miu Miu brown handbag, Christian Louboutin grey Paris boots, Fendi wool camel ruffle dress, Miu Miu embellished socks, Golden Goose fur vest, ACNE grey skirt
Last Row: Miu Miu studded black hobo, Burberry belt (from last season), Church's riding boots, Missioni cashmere thigh-high-legwarmers

Now you might be asking yourself – where's the colour??? I quite agree but will opt to be colourful through make-up this season despite the black lipstick trend (ick) or the nude lip look. Should we really be promoting a depressing look in these times? I say no!  I think a pink or poppy lip with a warm cheek is a shot of optimism right in the kisser. Here is a sample palette to balance out the greys and blacks above.

The prettiest handsoap ever

 

 

When you consider that you're supposed to wash your hands long enough to sing "Happy Birthday" to yourself, these soap rings seem like an ideal alternate timer. By the time they're completely dissolved, you're clean and smelling sweet. Could be a fun thing to have in the bathroom at a wedding shower – by designer Kyeok Kim.

Some recent favs from Luxury Culture

From top left: Goyard clutch, Burberry Spike necklace, Hermès iPhone case, Sonia Rykiel chocolate teddy, Baccarat Crystal Candy vase by Jamie Hayon, Alexander McQueen diamante-encrusted minaudiere, Chanel quilted diaries, Jimmy Choo for Hunter wellies.

The unexpected baby shower gift: Jennifer Meyer stacking rings!

The way I see it, once a women becomes pregnant, all focus turns to the new arrival and mom-to-be can get a little lost in the shuffle. During what can be an exciting, yet demanding and stressful time – women need little tokens for themselves more than ever in my opinion. Instead, why not have half of the shower gifts be for baby, and the other half for mom? That's why I opted to give my beloved friend and mom-to-be. Miss M, a wee diamond from the Jennifer Meyer stacking rings series for her shower gift. What girl doesn't like to get jewels? These are so small and fun and can be layered upon over time with more diamonds or rubies, etc. I think (I hope) she liked it!

My picks from Anthropologie this week

Anthropologie Summer 09 by Sassy Mollassy featuring Anthropologie

Ring-a-ding-ding!

Info about any of these can be found on my profile at Polyvore – search user: Machina

Giles & Brother

Love this emerald cut necklace in brass by Giles & Brother

Today I bought:

                          

The photo of this intaglio ring isn't terribly flattering – in person it sings.

Maison Martin Margiela

 

So in love with Mixko ceramic rings!

   

Buy them here

Crushing on Fenton

 
See the line here