JESSICA ALBA | FLORAL + FLATS

ph: Lovely Jessica

Jessica Alba looking cute in floral pants + flats. Her hair looks amazing.

Get the look...
+ IRO Caelie Perforated Moto Jacket (also here + here)
+ Need Supply Co. Bambi Nail Wrap Bracelet
+ Rebecca Minkoff Sienna Tote
+ New Look Manila Zip Front Bowler Bag
+ Wayf Tuxedo Stripe Floral Pants
+ Jenni Kayne D'orsay Flats
+ Chinese Laundry Easy Does It Flat

JUST A HEADS UP...

ph: LOVE

This is just a heads up that tomorrow, July 1st, Google Reader will be shutting down. To stay connected with all your favorite blogs, I recommend switching over to Bloglovin'. Find out how to easily import your blog list over to Blogovin' here and make sure to follow Le Fashion here.

And of course, you can always follow Le Fashion on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.

ps- The hot pink two-tone flats are from Tabitha Simmons.

Jeff Cooper Unveils Bridal Jewelry App

Bridal jewelry designer, Jeff Cooper, has introduced an app for iPhones and iPads that allows brides-to-be the opportunity to virtually try on the company’s designs. It’s now available through the iTunes App Store.

For those looking for bridal rings, the app allows future brides to go through the inventory of Jeff Cooper to virtually try on rings, allows for photo sharing and connects them with an authorized retailer.

The mirroring function puts the jewelry on the person in real time. While trying on, customers can click on the pricing icon, compare similar and matching items, and watch a product video.

For David Cooper, president of Jeff Cooper, the app brings the company’s jewelry directly to more people.

“We're excited to be bringing our designs to an even wider audience,” he said.

Please join me on the Jewelry News Network Facebook Page, on Twitter @JewelryNewsNet and on the Forbes Website.

JEWELRY CRUSH: MANIA MANIA | QUARTZ NECKLACE + RING

ph: Mania Mania Instagram

Details: Altamont Necklace // Equipment Shirt // Ushci Ring

Major crush on this quartz necklace and ring from Mania Mania. The necklace is modeled by the lovely Sara from Harper & Harley- it looks amazing with that green shirt!

If any of you are feeling crafty, Grace from Stripes and Sequins made a great DIY version of this necklace... check it out here.

The Oris Aquis Depth Gauge

The second and final installment of watches I missed at Basleworld but were able to see during Las Vegas Jewelry Week, deals with a specialty watch called the Aquis Depth Gauge from Oris. According to the Swiss watch brand, it is the first dive watch that measures depth by allowing water to enter the timepiece.

The company says it has applied "Boyle Mariotte Law" (which describes how the pressure of a gas tends to decrease as the volume of a gas increases) to the patented timepiece. The watch has a gray-colored channel milled into the side that runs counterclockwise around the dial, stopping between one and two o'clock. At 12 o’clock there’s a small opening. On descent, the air inside the channel is compressed by the surrounding water pressure, allowing water to enter through the opening. The edge, in light grey and dark grey, differentiates between water and compressed air on the scale around the outside of the dial, indicating depth while descending or ascending.

Besides being a cool addition to a diver’s watch, Oris says the depth gauge keeps divers safe as the indicator benefits from no inertia, so actual depth readings are seen instantly, which is useful in decompression breaks in lesser depths. It’s water-resistant to 500 meters/50 bar.

Other features of the watch include an automatic movement with a date window at 6 o’clock. The 46mm watch also comes with a waterproof case that contains interchangeable rubber and metal straps and tools.

The cost is approximately $3,200.

Please join me on the Jewelry News Network Facebook Page, on Twitter @JewelryNewsNet and on the Forbes Website.

DIANE KRUGER | BEAUTY IN BLACK + WHITE

ph: Celebutopia

Diane Kruger is a beauty in black and white. Love this midriff-baring crop top and leather skirt mix. On a side note, how can I get my skin to look that flawless?!

Get the look...
+ Express Long Sleeve Cropped Tee
+ ASOS 90's Crop Top with Long Sleeve
+ Rebecca Minkoff Mini Box Crossbody Bag
+ Iris & Ink Leather Skirt
+ Topshop Leather A-Line Skirt

Barbara Berger’s Costume Jewelry Collection at MAD Museum

Miriam Haskell Pearl Grape Cluster necklace, circa 1950, was inducted into MAD's permanent collections, June 25, 2013.

Fashion Jewelry: The Collection of Barbara Berger opened June 25 and is scheduled to run till Jan. 20, 2014. It features more than 450 pieces of costume jewelry by designers such as Marcel Boucher, Balenciaga, Kenneth Jay Lane, and Gripoix, which is a small portion of the approximate 4,000 items of costume jewelry she owns.

David Mandel glass, metal necklace, circa 2000.

A major portion of the exhibition is dedicated to the works of Miriam Haskell, an American costume jewelry brand that produces hand-crafted, made-to-order pieces in New York. One of the works, a gilded metal and pearl grape cluster necklace, has been donated to MAD as part of its permanent collection. The vintage piece was said to be designed by Frank Hess in the 1950s, and exhibits classical Miriam Haskell workmanship and materials of Russian gold plated brass, baroque glass pearls and crystal rose montées, completed by a torsade of glass seed pearls.

Miriam Haskell bib necklace with glass beads, rhinestones, gold plated, 1950.

The daughter of an American diamond merchant, Berger began her collection when she purchased a pair of Chanel earrings at a French flea market as a teenager.

Chanel glass, simulated pearls, enameled metal wristlet, circa 2000.

Many of the works in exhibition were expressly made to be worn with haute couture clothing by fashion designers that range from Chanel to Yves Saint Laurent, and Dior to Dolce & Gabbana. The exhibition also underscores the popularity of couture jewelry.

Miriam Haskell tassel necklace, circa late 1950s.

The exhibition is accompanied by a publication on the Barbara Berger collection published by Assouline. It will also include lectures and panel discussions, designer-led exhibition tours, and hands-on jewelry workshops and demonstrations in MAD’s 6th floor Open Studios.

The exhibition was organized by McFadden, William and Mildred Lasdon, in collaboration with jewelry historian Harrice Simons Miller, as guest curator.

Please join me on the Jewelry News Network Facebook Page, on Twitter @JewelryNewsNet and on the Forbes Website.

SAVVY CHIC

I put this look together with some of my top Savvy picks from Nordstrom. As soon as I saw the cheetah print top, I knew I wanted to build a look around it. I'm crushing on so many goodies from the Savvy department, so it was hard to focus on creating just one look. All the pieces there are on-trend and under $100, from brands like MinkPink, ASTR, Mural, Wayf and more.

1. Mural Cheetah Top
2. Quay Kitti Sunglasses
3. Carbon Copy Safety Pin Earrings
4. Leith Woven Track Pants
5. Topshop Medium Faux Leather Bowling Bag
6. Leith Pavé Arrow Bangle
7. Leith Arrow Bangle
8. Nordstrom Nail Color in French Wine
9. Steve Madden Realove Pumps

Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Nordstrom. The opinions, as always, are my own.

WHITE BLAZER + BOYFRIEND JEANS // CLASSIC + EASY COMBO | PART 5

This classic and easy combo is one of my favorites. I normally go for a black blazer, but with a white blazer, basic tank top, boyfriend jeans and a pair of simple white heeled sandals, you have a clean and crisp take that's perfect for spring and summer.

Get the look...
+ ASOS Blazer With PU Lapel
+ Elizabeth and James Vern Blazer
+ ASOS The One Tank Edit
+ Topshop Vintage Boyfriend Jeans
+ Current/Elliott Boyfriend Jeans
+ ASOS Hometown Heeled Sandals
+ BCBG White Palace High-Heel Sandal

For more inspiration, check out my other classic + easy combo posts.

JNA Awards Finalists Announced

Thirty-six entries from 23 companies have been shortlisted across 13 categories for the JNA Awards 2013. Jewellery News Asia, which organizes the awards, announced the finalists during the recently held June Hong Kong Jewellery & Gem Fair.

The Honourees  for the Brand of the Year – Retail, Employer of the Year, E-tailer of the Year, Industry Innovation of the Year – Manufacturing – Business, Manufacturer of the Year – Coloured Gemstone Cutting & Polishing, Manufacturer of the Year – Diamond Cutting & Polishing, Manufacturer of the Year – Gem-Set Jewellery, Manufacturer of the Year – Precious Metal Only Jewellery, Outstanding Enterprise of the Year – India, Outstanding Enterprise of the Year – Mainland China, Retailer of the Year, Sustainability Initiative of the Year and Young Entrepreneur of the Year (Age 40 and below) were announced at a news conference attended by industry experts, trade members and the media.

The 23 companies hail from eight countries and regions, namely mainland China, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Japan, the Philippines, Switzerland and Thailand.

Deliberations are still ongoing for a few remaining categories. The shortlisted Honorees in those categories will be announced at a later date, the organizer said.

This year, close to 90 highly qualified entries was received from 13 countries and regions.

“Our list of Honorees serves as a testament to the fact that Asia’s jewelry industry is full of thriving and innovative businesses and individuals with diverse talents,” said Wolfram Diener, senior vice president of UBM Asia.

The judging panel is composed of five industry experts: Albert Cheng, managing director of the World Gold Council – Far East; James Courage, chief executive of Platinum Guild International; Lin Qiang, president and managing director of the Shanghai Diamond Exchange; Nirupa Bhatt, managing director of the Gemological Institute of America in India and the Middle East, and Vichian Veerasaksri, director of the World Jewellery Confederation and advisor to the Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders Association.

The JNA Awards 2013 is a ticketed event by application only. Interested parties may submit their request by logging on to http://www.JNAawards.com/.

JNA Awards 2013 Honorees List:

Brand of the Year – Retail
Jewelmer International Corp.
Luk Fook Holdings (International) Ltd
PRIMO JAPAN Inc

Employer of the Year
Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Co. Ltd
Jewelmer International Corporation
Luk Fook Holdings (International) Ltd
Shree Ramkrishna Exports Pvt Ltd

E-tailer of the Year
Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Co Ltd
Leibish & Co Ltd
Plukka (HK) Ltd

Industry Innovation of the Year – Manufacturing – Business
China Stone Ltd
Odear Fashion Technology
Sun Sang Jewelry Co

Manufacturer of the Year – Coloured Gemstone Cutting & Polishing
China Stone Ltd

Manufacturer of the Year – Diamond Cutting & Polishing
Dharmanandan Diamonds Pvt Ltd
J. B. And Brothers Pvt Ltd
Kiran Gems Private Limited
Shree Ramkrishna Exports Pvt Ltd

Manufacturer of the Year – Gem-Set Jewellery
ShenZhen Ganlu Jewellery Co Ltd
Shenzhen Xingguangda Jewellery Industrial Co Ltd

Manufacturer of the Year – Precious Metal Only Jewellery
3D Kaiente Jewellery Limited Company
ShenZhen Ganlu Jewellery Co Ltd
Shenzhen United BlueOcean Technology Development Co Ltd
Shenzhen Yuehao Jewelry Co Ltd

Outstanding Enterprise of the Year – India
Kashi Jewellers
Kiran Gems Private Limited

Outstanding Enterprise of the Year – Mainland China
TTF High Jewellery
Shenzhen Xingguangda Jewellery Industrial Co Ltd

Retailer of the Year
Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Co Ltd
Luk Fook Holdings (International) Ltd

Sustainability Initiative of the Year
Dharmanandan Diamonds Pvt Ltd
Pranda Group
Shree Ramkrishna Exports Pvt Ltd

Young Entrepreneur of the Year (Age 40 and below)
Raphael Gubelin – Gubelin Group Ltd
Payal Shah – L’Dezen Jewellery Co Ltd
Zhou Defeng – Shenzhen Yuehao Jewelry Co Ltd

Please join me on the Jewelry News Network Facebook Page, on Twitter @JewelryNewsNet and on the Forbes Website.

LEILA YAVARI | ELEGANCE + EDGE

ph: Vogue + Lee Oliveira

Hands down, Leila Yavari's look was my favorite from Australian Fashion Week. The draped silk dress and low ponytail give it an understated elegance, but the statement accessories and metallic gold pumps bring on the edge.

Get the look...
+ Erickson Beamon Xenon Golden Crystal Necklace
+ Iosselliani Agate & Stone Watch Link Necklace
+ Lanvin Silk Maxi Dress
+ Mossimo Crossover Maxi Dress
+ Adia Kibur Plate & Chain Bracelet
+ Sophie Hulme Convertible Envelope Bag
+ ASOS Bag With Corner Plate And Side Strap
+ Manolo Blahnik Audi Gold Cap Toe Pumps
+ Boutique 9 Justine Specchio Pumps

Jewelry Set to Sparkle at Masterpiece London 2013

Attendees at the 2012 Masterpiece London preview.

From its first year, Masterpiece London made its mark as a world-class fair for fine art, antiques and design. The exhibition on the South Grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, London is set to begin its fourth year with more than 160 exhibitors showing fine art, jewelry, design, yachts, cars and antiques from the world’s leading exhibitors. It opens June 26 with a preview event and runs till July 3.

I'm interested in the jewelry that will be on exhibit and available for sale. Below are some of the highlights: 

Exclusive jewelry and gem dealer, Siegelson, will be exhibiting a Cleef & Arpels Art Deco platinum, carved ruby, and diamond necklace,

 
London society jeweler and craftsman, Theo Fennell, will present a whimsical Marie Antoinette brooch. 

A gold and silver parure with imperial topazes and diamonds, circa 1820, from Veronique Bamps 

Fred Leighton, will have a gold and diamond retro tassel necklace by Mauboussin, circa 1940.
 

Symbolic & Chase will present a pair of sapphire “Branche” brooches by Suzanne Belperron. 

The iconic David Webb Zebra Bracelet comprised of diamonds, rubies, black and white enamel set in 18kt yellow gold and platinum.  

The jeweler to London royalty, Wartski, will present an antique platinum and diamond necklace in the form of an openwork trellis set with and suspending brilliant cut diamonds, connected with curb link chains, in original silk and velvet lined fitted case. Forty seven diamonds weighing in total approximately 38 carats.

Please join me on the Jewelry News Network Facebook Page, on Twitter @JewelryNewsNet and on the Forbes Website.

A FASHIONABLE HOME

ph: MIJA

You guys know how much I appreciate home decor that's fashion related, so it's no surprise that I fell in love with Mia Josefsson's site, MIJA // The Super Ordinary.

My favorite details are the framed shot of Kate Moss, the wooden hand with the nails painted black with Chanel polish and the drawers with embellished straps. Can someone please send me a chic Swedish design fairy to style my apartment?! Click below for more photos...










Check out more of my favorite home inspiration here.

UP-DO INSPIRATION: MESSY CHIGNON

ph: PureTrend + The Libertine

Loving messy chignons at the moment. I'm always looking for a new up-do to try and this is perfect inspiration. It's also easier to pull off since it doesn't have to look so polished. I'm going to try perfecting this with a bit of texture and volume spray, a teasing brush + some bobby pins.

To complete the look...
+ Dolce & Gabbana Intense Liquid Eyeliner << For a classic cat-eye!
+ Splendid 1x1 Turtleneck
+ HELMUT Helmut Lang Slash Back Tee

For more hair inspiration, check out these no-fuss buns and these styles.

A LIL SPARKLE | SEQUIN SKIRTS

ph: Vanessa Jackson + Fashionista

Came across these street style shots of Peony Lim and Jennifer Dixon yesterday, both in casual chic looks with sequin skirts. I have to admit that sequins intimidate me. I always think of them as being too flashy for every day wear, but these ladies have convinced me otherwise!

Get the look with the following pieces + one of the skirts below...

Peony:
+ Stella McCartney Sunglasses in Black
+ Project Social T Holy Chic Muscle Tee
+ Madison & Berkeley Holy Chic Tee
+ Z SPOKE Zac Posen Claudette Croc-Embossed Tassel Clutch
+ La Mer Collections Cairo Pyramid Wrap Watch

Jennifer:
+ Stella McCartney Sunglasses in Neutrals
+ Equipment Reese Blouse
+ Steve Madden Realove Ankle Strap Sandals

POP PRINT

1. Topshop Animal Print Slip Dress
2. Elizabeth and James Lafayette Cat Eye Sunglasses
3. Luv AJ Crystal Cross Statement Earrings
4. Nars Lipstick in 'Heat Wave'
5. Elizabeth and James Berlin Knuckle Ring
6. ASOS Leather Contrast Weave Clutch Bag
7. RGB Nail Color in 'Cobalt'
8. Bauble Bar Silver Bangle Quintet
9. Tibi Ida Asymmetrical Sandals

MINIMAL B+W

Sometimes it's the simple things that stand out to me the most. This sculptured t-shirt and leather skirt create a perfect, and easy to throw together, minimal black and white look.

To get the full look, try this backpack + these round heel boots.

Owner of 75-Carat Briolette Diamond Names it 'Star of China'

Tiffany Chen poses by a picture of the 75-carat Star of China diamond while wearing the gem after purchasing it for $11.15 million.

The new owner of what Christie’s auction house has called the largest and most perfect briolette diamond ever sold at auction has identified herself and picked a name for the 75.36-carat gem.

Tiffany Chen, vice chairman of China Star Entertainment Ltd., has revealed herself to be the owner of the briolette diamond. She named the diamond after her company, “The Star of China.”

Chen purchased the diamond May 28 at Christie’s Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels sale for $11.15 million, $148,000 per carat, a world record for a briolette diamond sold at auction.

The briolette has been graded by the Gemological Institute of America to be of D color and type IIa, indicating its internally flawless clarity, excellent polish, highest level of chemical purity and exceptional optical transparency. Less than one carat in every 100,000 carats of diamonds is found to be found in this perfect condition.

The diamond is part of a pendant necklace that includes a marquise-cut purplish pink diamond suspended above the briolette.

Tiffany Chen poses by a picture of the 75-carat Star of China diamond while wearing the gem after purchasing it for $11.15 million at Christie’s Hong Kong Magnificent Jewels sale.

Please join me on the Jewelry News Network Facebook Page, on Twitter @JewelryNewsNet and on the Forbes Website.

Jewelry Tradeshows and National Jeweler Acquired By Private Equity Firm

Buyers and exhibitors conduct business at the recently concluded 2013 Couture Show in the Wynn Las Vegas. Photo credit: Anthony DeMarco

Toronto-based private equity firm, Onex Corp., said Tuesday that it has acquired Nielsen Expositions, which includes the jewelry tradeshows Couture Show in Las Vegas, JA New York, JA Special Delivery New York, and the online jewelry publication, National Jeweler.

Onex paid the Nielsen Expositions’ parent firm, an affiliate of Nielsen Holdings N.V., $950 million in cash consideration. With the closing of the acquisition, the company was renamed Emerald Expositions, Inc., based in San Juan Capistrano, Calif. It produces more than 65 business-to-business tradeshows and conference events per year across nine markets, including general merchandise, sports, hospitality and retail design, jewelry, photography, decorated apparel, building, healthcare and military.

Onex Partners III made an equity investment of approximately $350 million, of which Onex’ share was $85 million as a Limited Partner in the Fund.

Please join me on the Jewelry News Network Facebook Page, on Twitter @JewelryNewsNet and on the Forbes Website.

Laurence Graff Receives Order of the British Empire

Laurence Graff, founder of the one world’s most successful jewelry brands, has received one of the highest honors awarded by the British Monarchy. He has been named to Queen Elizabeth II’s Birthday Honors List, receiving a “Most Excellent Order of the British Empire” for his “Services to Jewelry.”

The OBE recognizes distinguished service to the arts and sciences and public services outside the civil service and work with charitable and welfare organizations.

The 75-year-old chairman of Graff Diamonds began his career in jewelry at the age of 15 working as a jeweler’s apprentice in London’s Hatton Garden. Sixty years later the British-born billionaire leads a global luxury jewelry business with boutiques in UK and Europe, North America, Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

Also during this time, he has taken ownership of some of the world’s rarest and most precious diamonds and gemstones, including the Wittelsbach-Graff, the Idol’s Eye, the Imperial Blue, the Blue Ice, the Magnificence, the Graff Pink, the Delaire Sunrise, the Graff Constellation, the Flame and the Graff Sweethearts.

“From humble beginnings and a lifetime working in the industry, I am extremely proud to receive such an honor,” Graff said. “I was born to be amongst diamonds, they are my true passion and this passion translates into everything I do.”

A total of 1,180 people were named on the Birthday Honors list, released June 15. The British Honors System is made up of five awards of differing rank. In descending order, they are as follows:

* Knight Grand Cross or Dame Grand Cross of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (GBE)
* Knight Commander or Dame Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (KBE or DBE)
* Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE)
* Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE)
* Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE)

The highest two ranks entitle its recipient to become a knight or dame.

The awards are presented twice each year in June (Queen’s Birthday Honors) and on New Year’s Eve.

Please join me on the Jewelry News Network Facebook Page, on Twitter @JewelryNewsNet and on the Forbes Website.