Jewellery Inspiration: JAK & JIL

We are big fans of street style. Okay, maybe not your average street but the streets of New York, Milan and Paris during fashion weeks when all the editors and fashion insiders come out decked out in the latest and perfectly accessorised. And they always take risks, mixing different styles together. It's the same when it comes to jewellery.



KENNETH JAY LANE Double Lion Head Bracelet;
VITA FEDE Vero Snakeskin Bracelet

Our favourite is Jak & Jil, a blog run by a fashion photographer Tommy Ton, precisely because he shoots a lot of accessories. The images are absolutely stunning and style inspiring. It always prompts us to push the envelope a bit and pull out some of the pieces we haven't worn in a while.



KENNETH JAY LANE Snake Bracelet;
VITA FEDE Chain Snakeskin Bracelet



RACHEL LEIGH Gumball Ring;
VITA FEDE Como Hex Bracelet



JOOMI LIM Spike Bracelets;
CC SKYE Pave Stud Bracelet




CHAN LUU Wrap Bracelets;
VITA FEDE Como Hex Bracelet

The styling provides us with endless combinations: things we would never pair up before now make so much sense. We think of it as the runway outside the runway. And New York Fashion Week is just around the corner!

NEW YEAR, NEW ARRIVALS

New year brings new and exciting things to Sophie's Closet. Over the next couple of months, we'll be looking at S/S 2011 trends, magazine editorials, vintage style, the red carpet and, of course, Gossip Girl. But, for now, we wanted to introduce you to all the things we are super excited about.

FALLON

FALLON Multicolor Crystal Brass V Necklace (AED 1365, $425 CAD)

FALLON "Off Ramp" Jet Multi Bow Bracelet (AED 890, $278 CAD)

Fallon is fairly new to Sophie's Closet and we are excited to be carrying this outstanding line. Since its creation, Fallon has been editors' favourite appearing on the pages on Elle, Vogue and V.

RACHEL LEIGH


RACHEL LEIGH "Stella" Crystal Ring (AED 300, $94 CAD)


RACHEL LEIGH "Fitz" Hyacinth Necklace (AED 1350, $421 CAD)

We can't get enough of Rachel Leigh and the new pieces move from the usual enamel to sparkling crystals. The combination of sculptural metals and brightly coloured crystals has us swooning.

JENNIFER BEHR

JENNIFER BEHR Chunky Triple Row Crystal (AED 1720, $352 CAD)

JENNIFER BEHR Crystal Anchor Pin (AED 450, $140 CAD)

Jennifer Behr needs no introduction to Sophie's Closet costumers and we are excited to be stocking the new spring line as well as restocking some of our favourite past pieces. Anyone heading on an exciting cruise or a tropical vacation? We think the Anchor Pin is a must!

VINTAGE CHANEL


Vintage CHANEL Tassle Earrings (AED 2350, $732 CAD)


XL Vintage CHANEL 5 Charm Necklace (AED 3900, $1,215 CAD)

Our vintage Chanel pieces are so hot, they are flying off our shelves! So we are bringing more and more. Along with the signature CC clip-ons, we are getting some stunning chandelier earrings and charm bracelets.

COLLECTIBLE VINTAGE


Vintage CHRISTIAN DIOR Royal Blue Oval Marbled Earrings (AED 750)


Vintage CINER Green Jade Cabochon Earrings (AED 1100, $343 CAD)

We will be stocking up on more and more collectible vintage. It's become a bit of an obsession. We are just so inspired by the amazing craftsmanship and design. Plus, every serious style icon collects vintage (have you read our post on Olivia Palermo?). We are concentrating of bringing more Christian Dior, Ciner, Sherman as well as other well-known designers.

Happy New Year!

HOLIDAY STYLE

Alessandra Ambrosio by Giampaolo Sgura for Vogue Nippon (December 2010)

The holiday season is approaching and it's time to step up the glitter and gold. No one wants to ring in the New Year wearing something boring. But the truth is, every outfit without accessories is a little bit boring. We truly stand by this theory at Sophie's Closet.

The pages of December issues were covered in sexy metallics and sparkly jewels, so we were inspired to do some "dressing up" ourselves. We grabbed some of our favourite cocktail dresses and killer heels from Net-a-Porter and paired them with our accessories. Our muse? Alessandra Ambrosio in this stunning photo from Japanese Vogue. Sticking with metallics and blacks, we created three looks: Flirty Art Deco, Modern Goddess and Rock Chic.


FLIRTY ART DECO

from Net-a-Porter: MILLY dress; JIMMY CHOO shoes; JUDITH LEIBER clutch;
from Sophie's Closet: CC SKYE "Power" ring (AED 880); RACHEL LEIGH bangles (AED 640 each) and earrings (AED 290)

This look is defined by geometric lines and patterns (think 1920s architecture). We love the contrast of the soft lace dress with hard edge lines of the Judith Leiber clutch, CC Skye's ring and Rachel Leigh's chandelier earrings.


MODERN GODDESS

from Net-a-Porter: ALEXANDER WANG dress; ROBERTO CAVALLI shoes; LANVIN clutch;
from Sophie's Closet: MELINDA MARIA "Mademoiselle" ring (AED 530); MELINDA MARIA bracelets (AED 450 each); SIMAN TU earrings (AED 1400)

Every woman is attracted to soft draped garments. They have that Greek goddess feel, especially when it's off one shoulder. Goddesses are a little over the top so we decided to add some feathers, pearls and gold to the mix. One of the biggest misconceptions is that all jewelry has to match all the time. It's definitely not true. We love mixing stones, metals and styles. It makes the outfit more unexpected and edgy.


ROCK CHIC

from Net-a-Porter: SASS & BIDE dress; ALEXANDER WANG shoes; ANYA HINDMARCH clutch;
from Sophie's Closet: BOUNKIT earrings (AED 1640); CC Skye "Angel Wing" ring (AED 570); Joomi Lim spiked bangles (AED 470); Jeniffer Behr leather headband (AED 990)

Nothing is sexier than a little rock chic. This peek-a-boo dress by Sass & Bide is the embodiment of it without being trashy. With an amazing long front zipper, sequins and fine mesh, all detailed with gold, this dress was screaming for gold overload. We added winged Alexander McQueen booties and our matching CC Skye wing ring. No rock look is complete without some spikes and studs so, of course, we used Joomi Lim and Jennifer Behr. And to soften it back up: some glamorous jewels by Bounkit. The rock lady is still a lady after all.


More holiday looks coming up next week! In the meantime, visit www.shopatsophiescloset.com to view our complete selection.

COLOUR THEORY... from runways to Sophie's Closet...

We know that colour is always in, but for this fall season, one of the biggest trends is monochromatic hues from head-t0-toe. We loved rich shades of red, combinations of deep mustard yellows and army greens, winter blues and luxurious shades of brown and burgundy. Wearing one hue all-over produces a very striking image, one that says "I want to be noticed." Of course, we think accessories should play a part in this colour game, whether matching to an exact hue or choosing from a broader spectrum.


REDS and PINKS


Maison Martin Margiela, Bottega Veneta

Margiela's bright red ensemble is striking and Bottega Veneta's provides a softer mix of red and pink. The brightness of the Bounkit earrings would compliment Margiela perfectly, and both Vita Fede and Ettika bracelets would blend in with Bottega Veneta seamlessly.


BOUNKIT Carnelian earrings (AED 1670)


VITA FEDE Como Single Hex (AED 285)


ETTIKA Deerskin Leather and Crystal Chain Braid Bracelet (AED 330)


GREEN and MUSTARD


Burberry Prorsum, Akris

Green and mustard are both quintessential fall colours. We loved the army theme at Burberry and its mixing and matching of soft and hard elements: for example, wearing a silk dress underneath a military jacket. Akris offered an elegant but androgynous pant-suit. We think Vita Fede's bracelets would compliment both looks, or to dress it up we'd go for Siman Tu earrings.


VITA FEDE Como Wrap Circle Double (AED 360)


VITA FEDE Como Wrap Double Cone (AED 360)


SIMAN TU Green Jade Chandelier Earrings (AED 1700)


BLUES


Rachel Roy, Oscar de la Renta

We love the almost turquoise shade of blue by Rachel Roy (who says turquoise is for summer only?) and Siman Tu's chandelier earrings or Ettika's braided bracelet would add just a little bit of sunshine to this light blue winter ensemble. In contrast, we love Oscar de la Renta's deep navy blue, also an unexpected shade for fall.


SIMAN TU Aqua Glass Chandelier Earrings (AED 1700)


ETTIKA Deerskin Leather and Crystal Chain Braid Bracelet (AED 330)


VITA FEDE Como Wrap Circle Double (AED 360)


BROWN and BURGUNDY


Salvatore Ferragamo, Tse

Fall is not fall without brown or burgundy. Both are easy colours to pull off head-t0-toe. We especially love all the layering at both Ferragamo and Tse: what perfect fall looks! Mix shades of deep brown with gold for the ultimate fall experience. We suggest Vita Fede, Jennifer Behr (in lieu of a hat) and Rachel Leigh's adorable "Olivia" bow bracelet.


VITA FEDE Como Wrap Cone Double (AED 360)


JENNIFER BEHR Sailor's Knot Gold (AED 1100)


RACHEL LEIGH "Olivia" Snakeskin Bracelet (AED 350)


www.shopatsophiescloset.com

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THE GOLDEN RULE... from runways to Sophie’s Closet...

Get ready to glitter in gold this fall: gold is one of the predominant colours for the F/W 2010 season. We love the great selection of golden garments from gowns to dresses to pants, as well as bags and shoes, of course. We've broken it down to three distinct looks: the Golden Glam, the Golden Ornament and the Golden Rock. Sophie's Closet is ready to take on the gold with an abundance of amazing accessories for whichever look you choose.

THE GOLDEN GLAM


Gianfranco Ferré, Mulberry

We love everything about Gianfranco Ferré's glittery, golden, slinky gown: it's Old Hollywood meets Golden Goddess. A combination of gold and sparkly jewels is classic and utterly irresistible for any glamour girl. These bracelets by Lisa Freede and CC Skye are just perfect for a touch of instant glam. Of course, nothing is more glamourous than the delicate gold and crystal headband by Jennifer Behr.


Lisa Freede Swarovski Crystal Wrap Bracelet (AED 570)


CC Skye Pave Stud Bracelet (AED 1100)


Jennifer Behr Delicate Crystal Scallop in Antique Gold (AED 1100)

THE GOLDEN ORNAMENT


Alexander McQueen, Roger Vivier

Everyone was awestruck by Alexander McQueen's posthumous collection. Inspired by Byzantine empresses and religious iconography, golden ornamentation was a focal point of the collection, fit for an empress. McQueen wasn't the only one using golden ornamental accents; Roger Vivier adorned his shoe collection with delicate golden leaves. Naturally, we love a little bit of ornamental excess. In Sophie's Closet, we will be reaching for Rachel Leigh's "Gumball" (it kind of matches the McQueen collection) and CC Skye's "Angel Wing" rings to embellish our fingers. For our wrists, we pick CC Skye's "Dynasty" cuff with multiple ornamental chains. If only we could get away with crowns... we would wear them!


Rachel Leigh "Gumball" Ring (AED 350)


CC Skye "Angel Wing" Ring (AED 570)


CC Skye "Dynasty" Multi Chain Cuff (AED 555)

THE GOLDEN ROCK


Balmain, Alexander McQueen

Every season there is an updated take on "rock chic." This year, Balmain's Christophe Decarnin, a leader in edgy, used gold to accent his key pieces. Then there is the always edgy Alexander McQueen zipper bootie, this time adorned with a golden wing (the CC Skye "Angel Wing" ring would go well with this one too). We love accessories that are gold with an edge, like Joomi Lim's studded ring and CC Skye's "Gigi" spiked hoops. Of course, sharp spikes are not always needed for the edgy look: we think Vita Fede's leather and gold "Como" bracelets should do the trick.


Joomi Lim Studded Ring (AED 300)


CC Skye "Gigi" Spike Hoops (AED 495)


Vita Fede "Como" Single Hex (AED 285)


www.shopatsophiescloset.com

PS. Join Sophie's Closet on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.