A lady with a love for literature and shiny things discusses books & bling.
The 4th of July is a big deal in my hometown (a little place called Washington, DC) so I’m taking today off to go find some fireworks to watch.
Here are some fireworks of a different kind to enjoy while I’m off gallivanting around the Capitol:
If you’re feeling patriotic, I recommend you put on some appropriate music and go revisit my post on Hamilton-inspired jewelry from three weeks ago.
I’ll be back soon!
xoxo,
Becky
Happy Friday, my dears! I’ve got something special for you to daydream about over the weekend (the three-day weekend, for my US readers). It’s time to show you the goods from Couture 2016.
Well, not all of them. If I showed you everything that came under the heading “jewels I liked at Couture 2016” or “pretty things at Couture 2016,” we’d be here all day. So instead, here are pieces that I not only liked, but found to be noteworthy in some way: a fresh take, a unique point of view, an exceptional stone, etc.
I thought we’d kick things off with one of my very favorite, extremely wearable finds of the show.
These angular hoop earrings by Melissa Kaye are just too cool for school. The pointed shape is an edgy departure from the traditional round hoop, and the visual effect of having diamonds on the front with colored gemstones showing through from the inside slayed me. When I was daydreaming about what I wanted to take home and add to my personal IRL jewelry wardrobe, these were top of the list.
Roule and Co was one of the most talked-about brands at Couture 2016, and for good reason: their whimsical, mesmerizing style, which centers around gemstones trapped in geometric cages, is as fun as it is impeccably crafted.
It’s impossible to look at these designs and not want to touch them.
I’ve said before – and will probably say again – that I don’t generally get excited about pearls. There are exceptions to that rule, however.
These two are by Jewelmer, and the combination of their lustrous golden South Sea pearls in bold, architectural settings is really checking all my boxes. Gold on gold, soft on hard, round on angled: each piece is a masterpiece of contradictions.
This necklace from Caratell is a modern fairy tale dream of a piece. Light and comfortable to wear, its extraordinary beauty comes from the fact that the flower petals are made out of anodized titanium. With that rainbow iridescence as a centerpiece, the necklace flows outward in elegant angles graced with diamond buds and leaves. A glamorous, refreshing take on the classic floral motif.
(And yes, I did climb into a window frame at the Wynn in order to use their curtains as a white backdrop. Never let it be said that I lack dedication.)
What I’m reading:
A Desperate Fortune by Susanna Kearsley. I read this on the plane home from Vegas and I loved it. Granted, I was sleep deprived and somewhat medicated (I don’t like planes). But I always enjoy Susanna Kearsley’s novels, regardless of state of mind. This was a fun one.
Gambled Away: A Historical Romance Anthology from Rose Lerner, Molly O’Keefe, Joanna Bourne, Jeannie Lin, Isabel Cooper. A selection of hand-picked romance authors each submitted a gambling-related short story to this excellent anthology. It’s rare to see a collection where all of the writing is so equally good. I want to go find books by every author included. Be aware: there’s some serious sex in some of these stories.
Internets:
Three little boys rocking out Schuyler sisters’ style.
The wacky hats of Royal Ascot. I will never not click on something like this.
A Bit Of Afternoon Cheer: Google Charmed By Grandma’s Polite Searches.
Stray kitten photobombs a live newscast, becomes most popular kitty ever.
Skydivers playing a realistic game of Quiddich in the air!! Heroes.
Remembering the creator of the beehive hairdo. Because why not?
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