SUMMER SPIKES... from Runways to Sophie's Closet

Giselle Bunchen wearing Balmain in V Magazine (April 2011)


There is nothing wrong with letting our inner tough girl shine: a little bit of punk rock can be just as glamorous as diamonds. And Burberry, Balmain and Jean Paul Gaultier all seem to agree.


BURBERRY F/W 2011;
NOIR Stackable Rings;
JOOMI LIM Gold Spike Bangles;
JOOMI LIM Gold Spike Ring

Burberry's spring collection is an intriguing mix of tough and feminine. We're thinking that Noir's stackable rings and Joomi Lim's spikey rings and bracelets have a similar feel.


BALMAIN S/S 2011; 
NOIR Gold Pave Cones Bangle;
CC SKYE Silver Pave Stud Ring;
NOIR Mini Pave Pyramid Silver Double Wrap

Balmain is determined to keep punk rock alive, in a very glamorous way -- reminds us of something Gwen Stefani or Rhianna would wear. Instead of a plain old stud, go for sparkly pave ones like Noir and CC Skye (so ladylike at the same time).


JEAN PAUL GAULTIER Couture 2011;  
CC SKYE Pave 'Wicked' Ring;  
NOIR Long Drop Spike Earrings

We love the shape of this Jean Paul Gaultier purse. It kind of looks like a medieval weapon of sorts. And almost identical shape to Noir's drop earrings and, if it was cut in half, the CC Skye 'Wicked' ring. Little spikey balls: it doesn't get cuter than that!

HOUSE OF HARLOW 'Nicole' Sunnies

Summer wouldn't be complete without a great pair of sunglasses and our favourites are these ones by House of Harlow. Aptly named 'Nicole', they also seem to be Nicole's favourites: she is rarely seen leaving the house without them.


'Nicole' sunnies

We love a great throwback to the 60s when it was all about bold geometries. They also remind us of the big and fabulous sunnies Jackie O used to wear.

Nicole Richie in L.A

Jackie O circa 1960s

So chic!

ANIMAL JEWELS

CARTIER 'Panther' Bracelet (sold for £4.52 million)

We can credit the late Duchess of Windsor for popularising animal-themed jewels. Hew opulent panther bracelet, designed by Cartier for their “Great Cat” series and gifted to her by Prince Edward, caused quite a fashion stir in 1952. Needless to say, every woman wanted one (and her own Prince too). Soon after, designers like Kenneth Jay Lane began making pieces inspired by the famous cat. Her Cartier panther was recently sold at an auction for £4.52 million and rumour has it that it was purchased by Madonna.


Duches of Windsor (early 80s); photo at the auction of her jewels

Our Kenneth Jay Lane's tiger bracelet was worn by Leighton Meester in L'Officiel's March issue and his animal cuffs have many celebrity fans like Rhianna, Jennifer Lopez and Hilary Duff.


In Sophie's Closet: KENNETH JAY LANE Tiger Bracelet


Leighton Meester wearing the KENNETH JAY LANE Tiger Bracelet


In Sophie's Closet: KENNETH JAY LANE Double Lion Head Bracelet

Adding to the cat craze is the 'Panthere' ring, also designed by Cartier. First introduced in 1912, it's been having a major comeback in the recent years. As seen on style mavens like Lady Gaga, Rhianna, Eva Mendes, Diane Kruger, Jessica Alba, Anne Hathaway and stylist Rachel Zoe, this little guy may just be the most coveted jewel on Hollywood. We loved its casual styling on Kirsten Stewart in Vanity Fair.


CARTIER 'Panthere' Ring ($15,000)


Kirsten Stewart wearing Cartier "Panthere' ring in Vanity Fair

Of course, not everyone has $15,000 to spend on a giant panther head! No worries, Noir has its own cheep n' cheerful version and a selection of other animal friends to choose from, like pigs, hippos (worn by Katie Perry) and elephants (did you know that Cartier has an 'Elephant' watch?).


In Sophie's Closet: NOIR 'Panther' Ring


NOIR 'Elephant' Ring

Thanks Duchess of Windsor and Cartier for making our animal friends so fashionable!

GARDEN PARTY

Glamour Russia (May 2011)

We love florals all year round but the summer is when we get really excited about all the blooming things. That includes jewellery! Rest assured, we have the prettiest accessories to hit up all the garden parties this summer.


Glamour Russia (May 2011);
Deepa Gurnani Skinny Metallic Leaf Headwrap

D&G did the entire collection of gorgeous florals. This dress from Glamour Russia is so go green and lush, quite earthy indeed. It kind of reminds us of our Deepa Gurnani leaf headwrap.


Glamour Russia (May 2011);
LOUIS MARIETTE 'Belle de Jour' Bobby Pins

The florals on this Dior dress are so lovely and summery. Fuchsia and emerald jewel tones are just lovely, very girlie and a little flirty. And we think our Louis Mariette flower pins would compliment the look perfectly.


Dazed and Confused (March 2011);
KENNETH JAY LANE Gold Enamel Tritone Flower with Rhinestone Centre

Yet another beautiful D&G dress was shown in Dazed & Confused. This time in a very pretty ladylike yellow print. The little vintage-looking flowers match our Kenneth Jay Lane earrings almost perfectly!


Elle Denmark (April 2011);
LEIVANKASH 'Olivia' Rose Ring

This light and romantic editorial from Elle Denmark is so pretty! We love how the models are wearing roses around their wrists. But roses are definitely not as special as our LeiVanKash 'Olivia' ring! Roses by any other name (don't) smell as sweet...

Introducing DEEPA GURNANI

'Mother of Pearl' Headwrap

If there is one accessories designer that really captures the essence of Boho Chic this season, it's Deepa Gurnani. This New York-based, Indian-born rising star launched her collection in 2006, together with her husband who happens to be a jewellery designer.


Paris Hilton (she looks great here)

She is a master beader -- trained at Central Saint Martins -- which is somewhat of a lost art these days. In fact, in the fashion industry Deepa Gurnani is considered an expert in her field and has collaborated with Alexander McQueen, Fendi and Emanuel Ungaro on hand-embellished couture garments.


Leaf Headwrap


Blair Waldorf (paired with Lanvin)

Influenced by her Indian background and bohemian style, each headband is intricately hand- constructed using unique fabrics, beads and crystals.


'Round and Leaf' Headband


Natalie Portman (always so elegant)

Sophie's Closet is thrilled to be carrying Deepa Gurnani. These pieces are going to make summer accessorising easy and breezy!

RED CARPET: Hair Jewels at the Met Gala

Kate Hudson

Metropolitan Museum's Costume Institute Gala is perhaps the best dressed red carpet event, more glamorous than the Oscars. Along with fabulous designer frocks, we noticed a major hair trend: sparkly accessories! Maybe it's because everyone is still enamoured with the Royal Wedding but we're not complaining. You know Sophie's Closet loves hair jewellery!


Supermodel Shalom Harlow

Some of our favourites were Kate Hudson's and Shalom Harlow's little sparkly barrettes. For similar looks, check out pieces by Jennifer Behr and Ban.Do.


Rashida Jones

Of course, one could never go wrong with little headbands and tiaras. We think Rashida Jones' piece looks so chic. We would go for our Louis Mariette 'Amour' headband or Jennifer Behr's 'Sabrina'.


Jessica Alba

Jessica Alba always looks gorgeous and her jewelled tiara just adds to her gorgeousness. Don't have a tiara? Try securing your favourite bracelet or necklace to your chignon.


Anna Dello Russo

Of course, Vogue's Anna Dello Russo stole the show with an egg-shaped fascinator! It's not the kind of look we would go for but we love it on Anna -- she is fearless!