All About Stacking

Adoring your arm with a stack full of bangles is once again a major top trend. Stacking bangles is an art form, requiring a perfect mix of colours, textures and various size bracelets and bangles.

Blake Lively 

Drew Barrymore

Olivia Palermo

To get your arms looking as beautiful as Drew, Olivia & co, just follow our guide on how to stack your arm candy in the most stylish way:

1. Odd numbers are more visually appealing, so start with just three or five bangles. Wear more if you feel comfortable to gain maximum impact.

2.Keep to the same shades or styles i.e. all gold. Crystals are a neutral and can be worn with whites or silvers.

Sarah Jessica Parker

3.Pick a theme and stick to it! (For example; edgy, preppy or ethnic.) An edgy spike bracelet will look out of place alongside a tribal friendship bracelet.

Heidi Klum

4. Consider the fit of your bracelets. Bangles with a larger circumference will sit lower on the wrist and fall over smaller sized bracelets. Keep to similar sizes for a clearer, more streamlined look.  

5. Start with the largest, boldest or widest bracelet toward your elbow and add smaller bracelets as you move towards your wrist. (Sometimes this rule can be broken by making the SECOND TO THE TOP bracelet the biggest instead of the first.) See what suits your arms best.

Rihanna

6. Watches can also be added to your stacking selection – just follow the rules above and ensure the size and colour complements your bracelets.

7. It’s OK to experiment and add in other materials, such as leather, thread or plastic. Again, just keep to your chosen colour theme.

8. With all this attention being drawn to your wrists, it’s advised to keep your nails manicured or painted, as they’ll now also be on display.

And remember…

The ever-glamouours stylist, editor and designer, Rachel Zoe always uses the phrase ‘more is more is more’. When it comes to stacking bangles along your arm – this phrase is only too true!

Follow these rules and simple steps to earn yourself some serious stacking-chic style cred!

CELEBRITY SPOTTING

Time Out New York

We've been spotting our pretty jewels everywhere. Magazine covers, editorials, red carpets... all on beautiful, trendsetting celebrities.


Scarlett Johansson wearing DANNIJO 'Garbo' Earrings

Femme fatale Scarlett Johansson looks gorgeous and very festive on Time Out's holiday-themed cover. She is wearing Dannijo's 'Garbo' earrings to complete her vintage look.


Emma Roberts wearing DANNIJO 'Garbo' Earrings

Julia Roberts' talented niece, Emma Roberts, is like a tiny version of her. She looks adorable, and very Audrey Hepburn-esque, in her Dannijo 'Garbo' earrings.


Michelle Trachtenberg wearing Dannijo 'Mazati' Necklace

Gossip Girl's favourite bad girl (they should bring her back!), Michelle Tranchtenberg, looks sleek and beautiful with her dark red lipstick and her Dannijo 'Mazati' statement necklace.


Mila Kunis wearing CC SKYE 'Starburst' Bangles, Cosmopolitan (September 2011)

Stunning and funny girl, Mila Kunis, exudes effortless style. We love the soft sweetheart neckline of this dress, against CC Skye's hard edged 'Starburst' bangles.


Kirsten Dunst wearing EDDIE BORGO Gold Pave Cone Bracelet, FLARE (November 2011)

Kirsten Dunst is picture perfect on the cover of FLARE magazine, wearing a bright Giambattista Valli dress. Only one accessory to complete the look: Eddie Borgo's cone bracelet.


Olivia Palermo wearing LEIVANKASH Feather Bracelet

And last but not the least, is our favourite girl, Olivia Palermo, showing some love for LeiVanKash again. This time she opted for a feather bracelet, for a nice bright dose of turquoise.

OLIVIA PALERMO's Jewellery at Sophie's Closet

Unique and sought after jewellery preferred by our style icon Olivia Palermo is hard to obtain. But since we are so in love with her style, we have been searching the globe! Recently, we acquired some unique pieces worn by Miss Olivia like Noir's pyramid bracelet, LeiVanKash's 'Olivia' ring and, freshly arrived, Lulu Frost brooch bracelet. Of course, we still have our staples like CC Skye's 'Starbust' and 'Pave Pyramid' bracelets.

LeiVanKash 'Olivia' Rose Ring (AED 1,520)

We recently did an interview with the phenomenal designer Leila Kashanipour of LeiVanKash. Her 'Olivia' ring is now available at Sophie's Closet. We are not exaggerating when we say that it's the most beautiful ring we've ever seen! It really is.

LULU FROST Heirloom Brooch Bracelet (AED 1,380)

Another one of Olivia's favorites is Lulu Frost. This is another new designer at Sophie's Closet and we couldn't be more ecstatic! Olivia wore her 'Heirloom Brooch' bracelet on the same occasion as the 'Olivia' ring and they just went together perfectly. This is a unique combination of a vintage brooch and a modern gold chain. Classic yet modern. Very much Olivia.

NOIR Multi Pyramid Bracelet (AED 1,200)

Our love for Noir is well documented on this blog. And Olivia has been seen wearing this line on multiple occasions. Most recently, she wore the 'Multi Pyramid' bracelet to New York Fashion Week. It's now available at Sophie's Closet.

CC SKYE Starburst Bangle (AED 540)

CC SKYE Pave Pyramid Bracelet (AED 1100)

Both these must-have CC Skye pieces have dazzled paps and fans alike. Olivia wears them often whether with a simple casual outfit or to sparkle up the front row.

We have fallen head over our Manolos with these pieces, as has Olivia, and now you can too! Since The City ended, we are desperately waiting for her to have her own show. We'll just have to look at her numerous street style photos for now.

Sophie's Closet Style Icon: OLIVIA PALERMO

Inside Olivia Palermo's Closet

Her legitimacy in the magazine industry may be debatable (did she really work for Elle Magazine?), but Olivia Palermo can definitely put together an outfit to die for. We admit that we fast forward through most of The City except, of course, when Olivia was on. We can watch her do just about anything for half an hour as long as she looks fabulous. Someone give this girl her own show!


Olivia's apartment

She shops anywhere and everywhere, from Zara and Topshop to Chanel and Hermes to New York City's eclectic vintage shops. Every serious fashionista collects vintage. And, this is what separated Olivia Palermo from all the other characters on The City (and The Hills). While everyone else seemed very pedestrian fashion-wise, Olivia was always refined and well-accessorized. This is not due to her superior financial situation, but rather to her incredible knowledge of costume jewellery and willingness to shop everywhere. "My aunt [Linda Donahue] is a costume jewellery expert, so I understand that it's just as valuable as real jewellery," she told Page Six.


Olivia wearing a mix of vintage and contemporary


Olivia shopping for vintage and wearing the CC SKYE's Pave Stud Bracelet (AED 1,100, $300 CAD)

She frequently visits stores like Topshop and Banana Republic for costume jewellery that resembles vintage. "When I have a replica of a vintage costume piece, I put it in the sun and let it age for a month, just to have it tarnish,” Olivia told Time Out New York. She also frequents New York City's vintage spots in search of statement pieces. Olivia masterfully mixes vintage with contemporary pieces. We love how she combined her CC Skye (her favourite!) "Starburst" bracelet with her rare vintage Trifari bracelet. Known for bright and colourful gems, Trifari dates back to 1918 and is highly coveted by vintage collectors like Olivia.


Olivia wearing vintage twin brooches (or clip-on earrings?)


Vintage Ruby Crystal Clip-on Earrings (AED 390, $122 CAD)

We love Olivia's attention to detail and how she utilizes every single opportunity to make a statement. The way she styled her dress collar with two twin vintage brooches is beyond brilliant. We have gorgeous vintage Trifari pieces that resemble Olivia's: a gorgeous bright gem gold bracelet and an incredible butterfly brooch and earring set.


Olivia wearing vintage TRIFARI and CC SKYE's "Startburst" bracelets (AED 540, $169 CAD)


Vintage TRIFARI bracelet (SOLD)


Vintage TRIFARI Butterfly Set (AED 2,750, $857 CAD)

Other pieces sought by vintage hunters are by Ciner and Hattie Carnegie. Ciner dates back to 1892, with pieces so intricately made that it is often mistaken for fine jewellery. For most fashion enthusiasts, Hattie Carnegie needs no introduction. This legendary fashion entrepreneur started out as a milliner and soon expanded her business to clothing and jewellery, garnering a loyal following by many style icons including the Duchess of Windsor. We just received an incredible Hattie Carnegie bracelet with green and red glass surrounded by rhinestones and faux pearls and matching earrings and the stunning green gem and rhinestone necklace and earring set by Ciner.


Vintage HATTIE CARNEGIE Cabochon Bracelet (AED 3,900, $1,215 CAD)


Vintage HATTIE CARNEGIE Pearl and Rhinestone Earrings (price on request)


Vintage CINER Marbled Emerald Set (AED 11,900 or $3,705 CAD)

But there are also beautiful vintage pieces to be found by 'no name' designers or simply designers that didn't put their names to their work. Olivia often visits Pippin Vintage Jewelry in New York City where she rummages through drawers full of glittering vintage baubles. She has perfected the fine art of mixing vintage with current, a girl after our own heart. And that is why Olivia Palermo is our style icon.

PS. We love her so much that we are going to have to do a Part 2!

PRETTY PICTURES: Spring Jewellery

Vogue Australia (April 2011)

Other than runways, we are always looking at magazine editorials for styling inspiration. Mixing designers and different pieces together is such a work of art and a tricky thing to achieve.



Vogue Australia (April 2011)

Vogue Australia did kind of a tropical bohemian theme here by layering of several necklaces. It's a stunning look and it really works! Gold in different shapes, turquoise flowers and beads are impeccably mixed together. We think we'll be trying this look.



French Revue de Modes S/S

Here is a different take on bohemian by French Revue de Modes. Again, a mix of turquoise and gold but with a little bit of a rock n' roll edge with the studded bracelets. We especially love the antique looking belt.



Harper's Bazaar Australia (April 2011)

Keeping things fairly simple but adding several pops of colour may be the main theme this season. Same goes with jewellery, especially chunky bracelets and bangles. We love the styling in Harper's Bazaar Australia: the layering of several simple necklaces and bracelets. Still remains very minimal.



Harper's Bazaar Spain (March 2011)

For a more tropical and tribal theme on colour-blocking, take note from Harper's Bazaar Spain. Keeping this fairly simple again by just layering multiple colourful bangles.



Harper’s Bazaar US (March 2011)

Is there a season when gold is not in? Well, it's getting a bit of a harder edge this season with chains and studs. We love this multiple chain choker necklace and matching bracelets. Definitely a little on a dangerous side.



Vogue China (April 2011)

Studs and spikes are as hot as ever, as demonstrated by Vogue China. The studded collar and cuffs are sensational. Feels a little bit 1980s, but very glamourous indeed.





Vogue Spain (January 2011)

We were waiting for a chance to post these pics of Sophie's Closet's favourite, Olivia Palermo, since January. She is perfect! We love the sparkly jewels she is wearing, especially the hair pin. Very Sophie's Closet and chic every season.

We are feeling inspired.

Q&A with Leila Kashanipour of LeiVanKash

Leila Kashanipour

We fell in love with LeiVanKash immediately upon seeing the gorgeous Olivia Palermo wearing a beautiful gold rose ring from the label. LeiVanKash is brainchild of Leila Kashanipour, a recent graduate from the famous Central Saint Martins School of Art and Design in London. Even before graduating, Leila began making her mark in the world of jewellery. Her pieces have already landed on the pages of ELLE, Tatler and Grazia, and will soon be arriving at Sophie's Closet. We recently caught up with Leila to discuss her inspirations, her personal style and future aspirations.


LeiVanKash Gold 'Olivia' Rose Ring (AED 1,520)

You went to Central Saint Martins School of Art and Design. Why did you decide to study jewellery?
Well I was very much interested in Fine Arts, specifically painting, when I applied to CSM for my foundation year. I thought that painting was what I wanted to pursue until I took a jewellery course. That's when I fell in love with the making process, the attention given to detail and giving an identity to each piece. So I applied for jewellery design for my BA and the rest is history!

What inspires your designs? Are you influenced by the art and design of your native Iran?
I get inspiration from everywhere! The way I feel, the gemstones I use, colors, nature, fine art and etc. For example vanitas paintings and memento mori were the initial inspiration for my 'Skullmania' collection. And of course, a lot of my pieces such as the 'Persepolis' collection is inspired by my Iranian background and culture. I tend to give my pieces an antique finish as if they were from the days of the Persian Empire.



Do you have certain designers that you admire?
I love the fine jewellery at Dior. There is so much creativity going on there -- it's breathtaking. I am also a huge fan of the Wendy Yue at Annoushka!

How would you describe you personal style?
Hm, hard one! I think I am what happens when London, New York, LA and Paris come together! As one of my good friends puts it "you are a hippie at heart, and your style is a mix between edgy boho chic and total rock chick."

What is your favourite piece from the collection?
The first piece I ever hand carved and my long-time favorite is the 'Olivia Rose' ring. It's very boho cool and it never goes unseen or without a compliment! My skull bracelet never comes off and has kinda become an extra organ. But each piece is special in its own way and they have all received a token of my love at one point.


Olivia Palermo wearing the 'Olivia' ring



What has been the proudest moment of your career so far?
I was so honored that Olivia Palermo wore the now called 'Olivia Rose' ring and loved it! But I get proud whenever I receive feedback from supporting friends and fans who appreciate the work that I do!

Do you have any future plans that you can share?
My website is coming to life very soon and I am super excited about that! And on a totally different topic, I becoming a Mrs in July. The rest you will have to wait and see!

To reserve your very own 'Olivia' ring, please contact Sophie.