So-Cal Fashion UpdatesNews for the passionate fashionista…

Photo credits, Flair Magazine

By Edo Chorm, Contributing Blogger

Spring has sprung and almost everything is “alive.” Let’s rethink about the foliage and flowers like the cherry blossoms we all find so eye-pleasing, and give a moment’s thought to other specimens that also come with fair weather territory. We’re not speaking only of lovely animals such as humming and mocking birds, cute bunnies and mischievous squirrels.

No, we’re concentrated on the tinier critters of the land, soil and garden. The worms and bees, the grasshoppers and ladybugs, then there’s the snakes. Their reptilian patterns have been inspiration for clothing and handbags for ages, but what is it about a snake that has Jewelry designers flocking to emulate its elongated body in so many of their collections? Whatever the reason may be, we also fell under the spell of the enchanting snake.

KENNETH JAY LANE Green Enamel Snake Cuff Bracelet

A closer look at some of the pieces we have of these slithering creatures may provoke intrigue, mystique and adoration. Feelings awaken in our minds so that we yearn to adorn ourselves with their beauteous and amazingly curvaceous silhouettes. And what not to yearn for when they are bedecked and bedazzled with jewels and gems of magnificent beauty? Being drawn to these beautifully crafted pieces is inevitable for us like the real counterparts are to the flutes of snake charmers.

Photo credits, Vogue Paris

MELINDA MARIA 18K Gold-plated Python Wrap Ring in White Diamond CZ

KENNETH JAY LANE Large Gold and Turquoise Cabochons Snake Ring

Photo credits, Vogue Paris

KENNETH JAY LANE Large Ruby and Crystal Snake Ring

Photo credits, Vogue Paris

KENNETH JAY LANE Antique Gold and Turquoise Sapphire Back Snake Ring

KENNETH JAY LANE Smooth Coral Cabochons and faceted Stone on Turquoise Enamel Snake Cuff Bracelet

Photo credits, Vogue Paris

KENNETH JAY LANE Gunmetal Cicada Swarovski Crystal Embellished Brooch

ALEX MONROE Classic Bumblebee Necklace in 22k Gold Plate

KENNETH JAY LANE Antique Gold and Pink Multi Octopus Ring

CATHERINE WEITZMAN 18k Bird on Branch Earrings

ALEX MONROE Owl Arch Earrings with Stone Set Eyes as seen in Baila Magazine, Japan

ALEX MONROE Bee Stud Earrings in Gold Plate

If you have been captivated by some of these pieces like we have, why not browse through our Wild Things page for more fashion ideas and inspiration behind this buzz and hiss-worthy trend.

By Edo Chorm, Contributing Blogger

On Friday, Blizzard Nemo crippled some from making it to designer Yuna Yang’s show; but not all. With antique, dark wood walls, high cathedral ceilings and petal-shaped chandeliers as backdrop, along with the sound of classical music from a live band wafting in the air, the presentation of Yang’s collection was quite charming.

An open bar, featuring “Venetian Summer,” a concoction of O.J., peach juice and vodka, catered to those who arrived early. Adding to the air of old-world charm, models walked leisurely in measured pace; sans the “strut,” which typically is seen on fast-beat runway shows. A motley of looks: Business blazer and pant pairings, a white ruffled blouse, dresses in draping techniques and velvet skirts. Not to mention, eveningwear that was diversified, such as the black lace dress with tulle skirt, almost like a tutu, was amongst the lineup.

Shapes were slim, and fitted with the exception of pieces that were a bit roomier, such as those with slits on skirts or flared hems on pants. The show’s takeaway is beautiful lace. Some in bold colors lined blouses, skirts and dresses, making the collection feminine. Deep, bright red and green used on silk skirts or dresses made for a sexy, edgier look; but silhouettes remained unquestionably ladylike.

CHAN LUU Cashmere and Silk Scarf in Lilac Ash

CHAN LUU Bronze Pearl and Crystal Wrap Bracelet on Natural Brown Leather

Photo credits, WWD

CHAN LUU Orbicular Granite Mix Wrap Bracelet on Natural Grey Leather

CHAN LUU Shadow Dye Cashmere Scarf in Black and White

Photo credits, WWD

CHAN LUU 3" Dark Purple Jade Earrings

Photo credits, WWD

KENNETH JAY LANE Multi Shape Pink and Tan Dangle Earrings

CHAN LUU Graduated Bronze Pearl Wrap Bracelet on Natural Brown Leather

Photo credits, WWD

RONNI KAPPOS Large Red Tear Drop Earrings

CHAN LUU Modal and Cashmere Scarf in Pompeian Red

Photo credits, WWD

CHAN LUU Cashmere and Silk Scarf in Poppy Red

CHAN LUU Grey Pearl Chain Mix Wrap Bracelet on Natural Brown Leather

Photo credits, Chan Luu Blog

By Edo Chorm, Contributing Blogger

Chan Luu wraps and bracelets are pretty nifty, in a subtle way. That’s what makes them so appealing. Last spring, I was in the lounge/restroom of the Andaz 5^th Avenue hotel when I fell into conversation with a woman who was an actress. On one of her wrists were heaps of beaded Chan Luu wraps and leather cord bracelets in neutral and earth-tone browns. The thirty-something blonde mentioned that she never took them off, even when she showered. That made sense, since judging by how she rocked her Chan Luu’s—a bit entangled and slightly convoluted—it would be a hassle to remove on a daily basis. But, she said, she loved them. She had gotten used to them being on her wrists 24/7, and it was of no bother to her. As a Chan Luu fan, the bracelets were lightweight and valuable enough to wear for every living moment of her life. If Chan Luu wraps can become that integrated into someone’s life, that’s enough for me to write home about.

Chan Luu’s wraps and bracelets are unique in that they are handmade, but with exquisite craftsmanship. They’re beautiful to look at and trendy to wear. Celebrities such as Jennifer Aniston, Mischa Barton, Sandra Bullock, Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears, Drew Barrymore and Janet Jackson can’t be wrong as they have rocked a Chan Luu or two. The designer has a knack for creating jewelry that combined using organic shapes; and using an array of hand-cut semi-precious stones, sterling silver, gold vermeil and custom dyed leathers, mixed with modern ideas into trendy, yet timeless and wearable pieces. I’m pretty sure the beauty and panache invoked in them was influenced by the multi-ethnic locales the designer frequented, of which I’m almost sure included her homeland Vietnam. With influences from the East and West, the creativity of some of these pieces exude stories of travels from almost all corners of the world,  with alluring and interesting tales that end up filling me with amazement and wonderment of the brand.

Photo credits, Chan Luu Blog

Photo credit, Chan Luu Blog

Photo credit, Gossip Girl 1976

By Edo Chorm, Contributing Blogger

Today, New Yorkers felt the artic chills as many were bundled up, utilizing the contraptions that came with their coats. Their heads donned the Eskimo hoodies and their hands stuffed in their coat pockets. Scarves were not only wrapped around their necks but the lower half of their faces, and many donned woolen caps. Those who didn’t dress weather appropriate succumbed to the wrath as they hunched, while tucking their necks and chins down to ward off the harsh air as much as humanly possible, all while their breaths were coming out in successions and could be seen in puffs before evaporating into the frigid air.

A young woman, wearing a slightly oversized fur coat was spotted (amongst a mass of pea coats and puffer jackets) walking eastbound on West 40^th Street. 180s ear warmers were wrapped around her head over a ponytail while she carried a leather satchel in her right hand. She had on skinny jeans with oxfords. She looked incredibly 90s chic, and warm.

Sweaters are of good use, as well as scarves for such times as these, when staying warm indoors, minus the outerwear, is wanting. To retain heat and stay comfortably warm at the office, buttoning up button down shirts up to the collar is a must. The austere and militant look will exude confidence and power and will look quite put-together, especially underneath a sweater.

Scarves can also play the role if shying away from enclosing all of the buttons. Scarves are so light, and just one can change a look entirely. Not only do scarves retain heat but they also add a stylish flair to a look. Scarves come in so many textures, colors, prints and patterns to ascertain this claim. Scarves also add a sophisticated and humble appeal, as they are soft and do the job of covering up, to any woman who wants to reserve that demeanor. As a huge fan of scarves, they do play vital roles in all fashionistas lives, and even more so, now that the cold has crept in.

MATTA Ameira Dupatta Scarf Shawl In Black

Photo credit, Street Peeper

CHAN LUU Cashmere and Silk Scarf in Medieval Blue

Photo credit, Street Peeper

Photo credit, Elle Magazine

Photo credit, FFFFound

CREATIVE WOMEN Hand Spun Asymmetrical Patterned Scarf in Black and White

CREATIVE WOMEN Hand Spun Asymmetrical Patterned Scarf in Toast

Photo Credit, Harpers Bazaar

CHAN LUU Painters Stripe Silk and Cashmere Scarf in Dress Blue Combo

Melinda Maria Moon and Star Necklace 18K Gold Plated as seen on Ashley Tisdale

Photo credit, Street Peeper

Photo credit, Cool Hunt

Photo credit, Benjamin Kanarek Blog

By Edo Chorm, Contributing Blogger

Maybe a bit of color would be nice to look at even when the festivities of the holidays have gone.  A little color—or a lot can be found in Creative Contrast’s New Arrivals section. Joli retro and vintage inspired drop earrings, brooches and bobby pins come in a variety of pleasing colors.

One most eye-candied is the pink glass bobby pin, shaped as a rose with delicate petals and gems within. Then there’s the emerald green pin speckled with golden chips, perfectly squared to elicit either juicy candies or gemstones. And then, let’s not mention the bobby pin in a globe-shaped charm with leaf-like artwork in the lower hemisphere. If a lollipop was not inspiration, then a smooth and perfect specimen might have been. The fine details put into these pieces can be observed, scrutinized, and then enjoyed, more so if they were held. The delight can only come when these are up close and personal.

Tolani scarves are brighter and more colorful than ever before, whether rendered in candy-cane stripes or lush and tropic floral. Take the stripe mix scarf in pink and Kauai silk scarf; these two are undoubtedly pleasing to the eye. And because they’re so lightweight and soft, they’re just as pleasing to the skin.

The cuffs from the Matta Palo collection are with colors. These wristlets come in a scheme that is either cheerful or moody, nevertheless, the saturation of colors in color-blocking method render the pieces as punchy—with an exotic and ethnic twist to really stand out.

Joli JEWELRY Set of Three Vintage Glass and Crystal Bobby Pins

Joli JEWELRY Set of Three Vintage Glass and Shell Bobby Pins

Photo credit, Benjamin Kanarek Blog

Photo credit, Benjamin Kanarek Blog

Joli JEWELRY Vintage Cameo in Bright Deco Design Pin Brooch

Joli JEWELRY Vintage Rose Quartz Floral and Green Glass Pin Brooch

Photo credit, Benjamin Kanarek Blog

JOLI JEWELRY Vintage Cut Aqua and Peridot Crystal Dangle Earrings

Photo credit, Benjamin Kanarek Blog

Tolani Kauai Silk Scarf in Turquoise

JOLI JEWELRY Vintage Bakelite Cherry Red Flower Pin Brooch

Photo credit, Benjamin Kanarek Blog

MATTA Palo Wrap Bracelet in Gold and Pink Mix

MATTA Palo Wrap Bracelet in Green and Red Mix

MATTA Palo Wrap Bracelet in Maroon and Teal Mix

Photo credit: Vogue, Japan

By Edo  Chorm, Contributing Blogger

We’re ringing in the New Year by bringing onboard a new concept. Think rock n’ roll, punk or whatever conjures up the uber badass, hardcore, rebellious and underground style that the world has come to fear or respect, love or hate, and combine that with all things pink, delicate, dainty and nice, such as flowers, pearls, and crystals. If this incongruous way of fashion styling had crossed your mind, then, we reckon, great minds do think alike. The juxtaposition of hard and soft has never been more evident than in the earrings, necklaces and bracelets found in Joomi Lim’s collection, a brand we’ve recently introduced to the Creative Contrast family.

Pretty pink and pearly shaped skulls made of rose gold atop Swarovski Crystals shaped like delicate teardrops? Who knew that could be a match. With the skulls in an almost wicked grin, these babies don’t intimidate much, given the color and tone they set. They’re definitely a fusion of the darkness with the light, but this light is a strong one.

JOOMI LIM London Calling Rose Gold Skull & Crystal Earrings

The same goes for the Lost Innocence Peach Pearl bracelet and the necklace. Constructed with a string of pink pearls resting underneath a layer of pointed metal spikes as if to protect or conceal the fragility and beauty within, with a tough exterior. The result is somewhat mind-teasing; a diamond-in-the-rough, a rose with thorns. In short, a beautiful piece of jewelry.

JOOMI LIM Lost Innocence Peach Pearl Bracelet with Rhodium Spikes

The marriage of rainbow and weaponry is found in Joomi Lim’s Modern Tribe bracelet. The spikes are indeed, eye-popping, in swirls of beautiful, rainbow colors, making this wrist gem easily eye-candy.

JOOMI LIM Modern Tribe Spike Bracelet in Rhodium with Rainbow Titanium Spikes

The most eclectic, one that makes you raise your brow, is the Let Them Eat Cake bracelet which is designed with pink spikes amid a bed of gleaming Swarovski crystals. This mixes the hardened, concrete world of tough chicks with the soft, luxe and sheltered world of princesses.

JOOMI LIM Let Them Eat Cake Swarovski Crystal Bracelet with Rose Gold Spikes

Photo credit: Vogue, Japan

Photo credit: Vogue, Japan

Speaking of princesses, Let Them Eat Cake necklace and earrings exude the exuberant life of none other than Marie Antoinette, but still with a bit of toughness, more so in the presence of spikes.

JOOMI LIM Let Them Eat Cake Silver Spike and Rose Crystal Necklace

JOOMI LIM Let Them Eat Cake Silver with Rose and White Crystal Earrings

Photo credit: Vogue, Japan

On a side note, taking the New Year into account for all those who have made unique resolutions, try browsing accessories and jewelry in our New Arrivals section and see which ones might help in carrying out your goals by boosting moral support

Photo credits, Vogue China

By Edo Chorm, Contributing Blogger

The cold really gets to me. I absolutely loathe it. For someone who uses a thermal blanket during the summer months, it gets really harsh for me by the time winter comes around. Unless the heat is set to at least 80 degrees Fahrenheit, I won’t be sound. I totally understand why bears hibernate. Who’d want to step out into the cold, having the prickly feel of needles come in contact with your flesh? The thought of going into hibernation until spring crossed my mind briefly. Though, that would be kind of sad to think like that. And so, I turn to the only logical way of coping with a season that I pretty much despise (particularly those bleak months immediately after New Year’s). I bundle and layer up.

Indeed. I’d wear thermals underneath my pants. I’d wear my wool cap, never minding as much that my hair would end up flat. I’d pull the hoodie of my coat over my head (which is lined and insulated with rabbit fur. Unfortunately, it’s real and I’ve been meaning to get a new one with faux fur since the texture of “fur” does keep me quite warm), and never minding that it would end up slightly obstructing my vision. At least I’d diminish the wrath of the cold tremendously.

Photo credits, Vogue China

Photo credits, Vogue China

Photo credits, Vogue China

Photo credtis, Vogue China

Photo credits, Vogue Russia

I’d also wrap myself up in a thick scarf. I’m now rocking one that I bought at a vintage shop in New York City. Not only does it fend off the chills, it’s also very stylish. Its modern floral prints in a black and graphite grey color combo, and the very soft and luxurious feel it has on my skin makes this scarf wearable for both indoors and out.

Check out this link for scarves from Creative Contrast that will be sure to keep you warm and stylish this season.

Photo credits, Vogue Russia

I’d wear gloves, even fingerless ones when I’m indoors, working and typing up my stories. Right now, I’m wearing fingerless gloves made of a mix of cashmere and wool. Gold studs are affixed in rows of threes on the back of the hand, making these babies look pretty bad-ass. To some, I might even look a bit like a “derro” as the Aussies would put it, but I sure don’t feel like one, being pretty much warm and toasty. These are just a few of the things I suit myself up with so I can cope with the cold. Otherwise, I might as well move to the land down under. For now, I think I’ll just stick around and tackle winter, yet again.

Photo credits, Vogue Russia

Photo credits, Vogue Russia

Photo credits, Vogue Russia

DIGBY & IONA Sapphire Arrowhead Necklace

NOIR Cassius Small Sword Hoop Earring in Gunmetal

DIGBY & IONA 2X4 Ring

CHAN LUU Crystal Silver Night Statement Ring

DIGBY & IONA Stump Ring in Oxidized Sterling Silver

KORA DESIGNS 19" Glass Drops Necklace

Photo courtesy of i-D Magazine

By Edo Chorm, Contributing Blogger

Winter is creeping in, uninvited. Its cold drafts leak into our homes, grazing us with icy fingers, also leaving any remaining exuberance of natural life from fall, desolate. Say adieu to the last autumn leaf as it spirals downward from a now barren branch. May we embrace winter and hope to be inspired by its frosty presence.

Let it evoke in us a tranquil mood and quiescent spirit so that we may have the patience in waiting the winter out. May we make the best of it by keeping beauty and saving grace, and not fall victim to its dreary existence.

Let it not turn us into homely, unkempt drabs by seeking shabby winter wear. Let us embrace beauty—cold weather style—but still keeping polished and fabulous even as the temperature drops to below zero. Let us embrace luxury to keep our spirits high, but let us stick to solemnity for winter’s sake.

We must be discerning of the color, fabric and texture we choose. We must also opt for those “luxe” clothing and accessories with a slight tarnished, old-world feel, where melancholy and a yearning for love exist, even amongst riches.

Photo credits, i-D Magazine

Photo credits, i-D Magazine

Photo credis, i-D Magazine

CHAN LUU Cashmere and Silk Scarf in Adobe Rose

Scarves drape and veil, as ways to work layering into the dressing process. We should look to the MATTA Dupatta shawl scarf in bark. The mysterious and sensual guise it rouses, would add the right touch to the somber winter’s mood that we have succumbed to.

Photo credits, i-D Magazine

Photo credis, i-D Magazine

Photo credits, i-D Magazine

CHAN LUU Silk Chiffon and Crystal Trimmed Bracelet in Black

Reminiscent of a mix of baroque and cabaret fashions, lace, amulets, crystal and gems, florets and sheer hosiery are lavish enough, but should still evoke the mood of winter’s smite.

Stick to dark and rich jewel tones such as emerald, ruby and sapphire for a luxe look. Subtler colors such as plum, rose and mauve on jewelry and accessories should fulfill the longing for blossoms. Play around with intricate, heirloom trinkets that seem to hold deep, dark family secrets. Then, adorn yourself to chase away the winter blues.

Photo credits, How to Spend It Magazine

CHAN LUU Dress Blue Cuff Bracelet with Metallic Sequins

Photo credits, Dolce & Gabbana, Interview Magazine

If we wish to seek more inspiration with elegance, designer Kenneth Jay Lane’s jewelry collection offers lavish baubles, in which should suit our taste for refinement, and our flair for grandiose.

Christy Turlington and Linda Evangelista

By Edo Chorm, Contributing Blogger

The ’80s and early ’90s saw the rise of SUPERmodels. Albeit the word still has diva potency to those who now hold it, the meaning of that word for such faces (and bodies) of Cindy Crawford, Christy Turlington, Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista and Claudia Schiffer blew everyone else out the door. The Glamorous, diva-esque and larger-than-life portrayal these classic beauties depicted on-camera and off-camera (al la Evangelista’s “we don’t wake up for less than $10,000 a day” quote) had the fashion and media world fixated. The over-the-top fashions which consisted of clothing, jewelry and accessories in funky shapes and colors are so imbued with this particular era, it’s impossible not to be able to recognize ’80s and early ’90s fashion off the bat.

Linda Evangelista

As I came across Ben Amun’s (pronounced Ah-Moon) jewelry, I went through an epiphanic moment.  Browsing through some of his pieces, images of models looking carefree with bright smiles on their pretty faces, and those handsomely, beautiful, bold brows to boot, appearing on matte and grainy pages of old Vogue magazines flashed in my mind (I had a collection of these vintage issues which I received as a Christmas gift). The bold and chunky, and quite colorful attire and accessories that they were rocking seemed—for both stylist and model—as the coolest and trendiest, and that we must, without a doubt, emulate. Fashionistas did, but it wasn’t only about the fashion that they were trying to emulate. It was about an elusive lifestyle, amassed with only beautiful and cool things that they were led to believe they could also follow.

All photos credits, 80's - 90's Supermodels

BEN AMUN Black and Red Hinge Cuff

BEN AMUN Thin Square Resin Bangles

BEN AMUN Brazilian Brights Sea Bead Three Row Necklace

Ben Yellow Beaded Chunky Necklace

Ben Amun Black & White Beaded Necklace

Ben Amun Riviera Lucite Drop Earings

It’s actually of no surprise that Amun’s jewelry set off these thoughts for me since the designer, Isaac Manevitz was a pioneer of the statement-making jewelry movement in the early 1980s! Simply put, he was one of the first to have started this gaudy luxe fashion trend. As an innovator, he has established himself in the fashion industry for more than 30 years, gaining an impressive roster of A-list celebs such as former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, Kate Moss, Fergie, Nicki Minaj, Blake Lively and Rihanna and his jewelry has also been prominently featured in highly influential publications such as Vogue, W, ELLE, Harper’s Bazaar, Vanity Fair and Marie Claire. Manevitz’ artistic approach by using fine, unusual materials such as lucite, pewter, glass and crystal to create one of a kind, and hand-crafted jewelry, which by the way are locally made in Manhattan, makes this brand that much more appealing.

BEN AMUN Stretch Gold Geometric Bangle

Ben Amun Double Leaf Brooch

BEN AMUN Metallic Gold Bangle

BEN AMUN Large Gold Chain Link Bracelet

Creative Contrast now carries Ben Amun, housing some exquisite pieces that mirror the super, uber vogue styles of SUPERmodels in the ’80s and early ’90s. The time now shouldn’t be a problem as these carefully chosen pieces from our website have stood the test of time (why do you think the brand Ben Amun still carries such nostalgic gems?) and will compliment fiercely into modernity.

BEN AMUN Crystal Cluster Rounded Earrings

BEN AMUN Simple Crystal Necklace