LupRocks Gossip

Huh Huh Huh, Tres Bien!

It's a favorite day at work when we actually get to see and touch the beautiful wares of our talented designers.  Today was one of those days, when a big box of hats from Hats by Tanya arrived!  Fortunately for me, I've discovered that I can actually pull off a beret, and nothing reinforces this knowledge like trying on 20 different versions.  This will be quite useful for my upcoming trip to France, where I'm determined to rock a beret.  I know in wearing a beret in France I risk coming across like Clark W. Griswald, but that's a risk I'm willing to take.  As it turns out, I end up channeling "Sparky" pretty often in my life, so why not keep it going?  I will try my hardest not to offend by completely destroying the language, I won't act like a loud obnoxious American, and maybe if I keep my mouth shut, everyone will just think I'm French in my very convincing hat.  Huh huh huh, how tres bien would THAT be?!    

 
c'est moi! 

Oscar's 2009--The Good, the Bad and the Attitudinal

Since we know you go to more reliable sources for your official post-Oscar's coverage, I'm just going to put forth some of the observations about the show itself, the dresses, the attitudes, and of course, the jewelry, that were floating around a bleary-eyed Lup H.Q. this afternoon:

Penelope Cruz--my God she looked fabulous!  Hair was classic, face wasn't overly made-up and more radiant and gorgeous than ever, and even though the jewels were boring (Chopard), I was almost glad that there was nothing to distract from her dress, a vintage Balmain over 60 years old.

Sarah Jessica Parker--We're generally big fans of SJP's red carpet looks, and last night was no exception.  While we really wish her breasts hadn't been so prominently on display in her Dior Haute Couture gown (was that really necessary?), the fact that it had a belt almost redemed the bulbous effect of being so wedged in there. 

Kate Winslet--That classic/futuristic hair, the elegance of the two-tone Atelier Yves Saint Laurent gown, the one-shoulder look that is so well-suited to her body, graciousness in every interview....she would have been a winner no matter what the outcome of the awards! 

Anne Hathaway--Another adopter of the light-is-right trend, Ann looked stunning in her Armani Prive gown and vintage Cartier jewelry.  Of everyone on the red carpet however, I was wondering how the h*#! she could walk in that dress, it was like a narrow tube.  Her smile was, as usual, radiant enough to take away my vicarious discomfort. 

Marisa Tomei--I've always had such a soft spot for Ms. Tomei, and the fact that I re-watched "My Cousin Vinny" on Saturday didn't hurt that cooing sensation of love I felt when I saw her in her silvery Atelier Versace gown.  The train looked impossible to manage and the overall effect was perhaps too complicated for my taste, but hey, she's still a knock-out.

Diane Lane--Speaking of knock-outs, Diane Lane is so f'ing hot I can't stand it!  The fact that she was clearly there reveling in her husband, Josh Brolin's nomination made her that much more endearing.  I know it's old fashioned, but I like a gal that'll stand by her man and not make the show entirely about HER. 

Viola Davis--While she might not have made anyone's fashion radar, I couldn't help but notice that her husband needed to GET OFF HER GRILL!  I can't find any videos of her online, but I swear, her husband was the definition of "smothering" in every interview that I saw.  I know he's excited, but give the girl her night!

Beyonce--To some (meaning, anyone of the male persuasion) Beyonce can do no wrong.  And while I will say that she can get away with fashion calls that most people can't, all I can say about that House of Dereon dress she rocked last night was...BOO! 

Jessica Biel--Speaking of BOO....yet another gal who can do no wrong in the eyes of most men (and many famale admirers), Ms. Biel's Prada monstrosity was not at all flattering to her figure and the choice of black shoes caught everyone I know off-guard.  Her face however, was gorgeous as per usual. 

Amy Adams--Since I'm being mean, Amy Adams?  She had what my sister so eloquently called a "back butt."  Her face is so cute and her hair was simple and elegant, but the rest of her?  Well, it just didn't work. 

Angelina Jolie--Speaking of mean....could she maybe, just maybe crack a smile or deign to talk to a reporter??  I know they're "above it all" and everything, but if you really didn't want to be bothered, why not pull a Steve Martin/Nicole Kidman and avoid the red carpet all together??  Why walk the carpet and then just blow past everyone who wants to speak to you?  On the other hand, she's just a knock out and that can't be helped, and while there've been some grumblings about her "day glo" jewelry in the blogosphere today, I just love me some big ole emeralds!  Go Lorraine Schwartz! 

Sophia Loren--An original "dame" Miss Loren was what they call a Hot Mess last night and God, do I love her! 

Hugh Jackman--And he can dance?!  Be still my aching heart!!! 

Slumdog Millionaire--The entire cast and crew rockin' the red carpet were adorable!  I'm in love!  Angie and Brad could take a lesson in gratitude and graciousness from the five year old beaming ear-to-ear during his stint on the red carpet. 

Robert Downy Junior--Could he be any cuter?  You think??  No way! 

Nolcha Fashion Event Huge Success!

We always love it when our instincts are right, and right they were when we chose to partner with Nolcha Network!  Last night they held an event at the famed Plaza Hotel here in New York City in celebration of fashion week.  Seven designers were on board at the event, including LupRock.com's own Bettylou Jewels, who introduced a new collection of "Spirit Collection" pendants in onyx and agate with rose gold and diamonds that we absolutely LOVE!  Alongside Bettylou Jewels were accessories designers Barbara Sears Nelson and EnaMaria, and women’s clothing designers emeDesigns, Nadia Nour, Vaughn Jereaux and Celestino by Sergio Guadarrama. 

Like any great fashion event, the crowd was beautiful, the liquor was flowing, the models were glowing, the cameras were rolling, the flash bulbs were flashing and, most importantly, business was being done.  Kudos to the team over at Nolcha for throwing a fabulous event that everyone was stoked about! 

"Leo" pendant from Bettylou Jewels new "Spirit Collection" available for under $200! 

Pink Panther 2 Does it Again (and we LOVE it!)

We here at Lup H.Q. are not immune to critics and movie reviews.  We know we've worked on some stinkers in terms of movies (the costumes in those stinkers however, ALWAYS look good!) and we're not afraid to admit that.  But we are adamant about the fact that the Pink Panther 2 is hilaaaaaarious, bad reviews be damned!  Maybe the fact that I continue to laugh over certain parts of the first Pink Panther with my six year old niece is simply giving some indication as to the level of my sense of humor (I would like to have a hammmmmbuaourgeah!), but Pink Panther 2 did not disappoint with a hilarious helping of slapstick and plain old silly buffoonery.  And what, may I ask, is wrong with that?!  Oh, sure, the Pink Panther and Steve Martin "purists" out there might say that he's sold out or that the jokes weren't "memorable" but I must protest!  I might not remember the particulars of the 2nd one, but I do remember gripping my belly and gasping for air, and on my second or third viewing I'm sure I'll be reciting lines off the cuff like I did with the first one ("I want you to bring me everyone in the city of Paris with the first name 'You'")! 

And I suppose it goes without saying, but it must be said....the wardrobes were amaaazing!  See here, the gorgeous Bollywood star Aishwarya Rai Bachcham wearing one of Yossi Harari's signature Gilver cuffs.    

Novice New York Fashion Week Coverage--Part 1

I'm not even going to pretend that I'm an authority on the good the bad and the ugly when it comes to fashion week, but I do know what I like and what I don't like, and I'm definitely loving the fact that smaller, under the radar designers like Jason Wu (well, he was under the radar until his inaugural coups anyway), Chadwick Bell, Prabal Gurung and Bensoni are getting rave reviews this season.  Wu in particular showcased a feminine and whimsical collection and, best of all, he didn't skimp on accessorizing, something that is near and dear to all of the hearts here at Lup H.Q.!  

Jason Wu Image: NYMag.com

We were also excited to learn in today's WWD that many independent jewelry designers, including LupRocks own Kara Ross and Alexis Bittar, are taking part in the fashion week festivities by collaborating with various clothing designers.

While I'm wary of making this next statement, because I fear the fashion gods are going to strike me down with lightening, since my absolute favorite part of fashion week is reading the cleverly snarky and always hilarious reports from the Fug girls on NYMag.com, I'm just going to say what everyone I know is thinking....WHAT WAS MARC JACOBS THINKING???  I'm sure there is some profound "ism" that he's somehow channeling that I'm too dense to understand, so please enlighten me if you can!

Marc Jacobs Image: NYMag.com

Metalicious makes Daily Candy Valentine's Gift Guide!

Every fashionista we know (and we know a lot of them) religiously receives Daily Candy in her inbox every morning and reviews it thoroughly.  How delighted we were yesterday to find a LupRocks.com designer, Metalicious by Stephanie Maslow-Blackman, listed on the 2009 Daily Candy Valentine's Day Gift Guide!  Well deserved kudos on a highly coveted gift guide, Miss Stephanie!  Congrats!

Blog Entry Mania

There is so much going on here at Lup H.Q. but for some reason (maybe it's the excess candy I can't stop ingesting?  Thanks again, Ms. Woo!), I can't settle my brain down long enough to wrap my head around writing a proper blog entry.  So here goes my random assemblage of unformed blog entries:

We LOVED this piece by our most beloved Talya Cousins in today's "Spotlight" section of W.com!  It features several LupRocks.com designers and looks simply gorgeous! 

We got a sneak peak at the latest version of the redesign of LupRocks.com and we're absolutely busting with excitement!  The ever-talented team over at Ceci New York is working on it and we just know everyone will be thrilled with the new look (don't worry, the functionality will remain as smooth as ever!).

We had a great conversation with the folks over at Shopflick.com; we're always on the look-out for ways to provide added value to our designers! 

We got some great R.S.V.P.s to the Nolcha fashion event this Thursday and we're so excited for Bettylou Jewels to benefit from all of that media exposure! 

We started talking about our annual pilgrimege to Las Vegas....yep, it's that time of year again!

Typical conversation around Lup H.Q.:

Jessica-- "We are NOT using the glamour shots!"
Michelle-- "Why not?  Everybody loves the glamour shots!"
Jessica-- "You want to use the glamour shots?  Okay, fine, we can use the glamour shots." 

Hopefully something more succinct coming at you tomorrow (but I can't promise, Alex sent us SO MUCH CANDY!). 

 

Will Work for Candy

It's no secret that we here at Lup H.Q. practically subsist off of candy, but it isn't often that someone actually speaks to us where we live.  A cupcake here and there, sure, and back when we were planning the Awards for Excellence Gala for the Women's Jewelry Association, we got a very sweet (pun intended) holiday gift from Pier 60 every year (thanks Meredith!), but nothing prepared us for the onslought of goodness that arrived in our office this morning! 

As it turns out, not only is Alex Woo an amazingly gifted and prolific designer who is perpetually setting trends worn by tastemakers and fashionistas, she's also thoughtful and charming and, above all, incredibly sweet!  Nothing makes a Wednesday fly by like receiving a big ole' package of candy from Dylan's Candy Bar!  We'll be eating our weight in candy for the next few days but hey, that's why we go to the gym, right??  Happy Valentine's Day to you, too, Miss Alex Woo, stay fabulous!!!

 

Lynn Furge's Trip to Oro Miami

No, I didn't whisk down to Miami last week to attend Oro Miami, the Fine Italian Jewelry exhibition.  Rather, I've been here in New York freezing my tale off while the ever-fabulous Lynn Furge, Editor-in-Chief of Métier Magazine and Creative Director of LupRocks.com partner Nolcha Network, rubbed elbows with the beautiful (and warm) people!  At least she brougth us back the below post: 

Oro Miami

Things Italians know how to do: add luxurious elements to any tangible object, design and throw a party.

All three came together during OROMIAMI the first edition trade event featuring high-end Italian jewelry.

With prosecco flowing, nineteen designers showcased their pieces in a runway show on Monday evening at the Ritz Carlton South Beach.  I attended thinking (just for mere curiosity) how a “jewelry runway show” would successfully take place.  How would the attendees see the jewels? What would stand out if models were breezing by so rapidly that an even a trained eye couldn’t guess the stones, techniques etc. 

But then as if Donatella herself whispered in my ear “Amora… it’s easy, we’re Italian” my worries were put at bay.  The first piece trotted down the runway and even from 15 feet away you could not miss the diamonds, bezel set and draped in a vine pattern.

Okay… now I got it.  I was dealing with Italians and nothing in Italy is left undone.

Prosecco still in hand (they re-fill…its lovely) I took my job of looking for the next cross over star seriously.  Do Americans still do matching sets? Is there ever such a thing as enough diamonds? I am used to minimalism.  I have grown to appreciate one diamond strung across one cord, therefore the strobe effect as each piece passed was over-whelming.

And then it turned the corner.  Compliments of Andreoli Gioielli, a lovely chandelier earring (the kind you would see on any star at any red carpet) with a mix of amethyst, citrine and aquamarine so lovely I started to check my bank account on-line.

Some super hip snakes followed in bracelet form by Aurea Venus, which is the hottest thing out there right now.  Trust me, I’ve seen them on Cameron and she knows.

And then for the men (because Italians invented metro-sexual even before that was a thing) there is Paparazzi Firenze.  The cufflinks are carved like butter with absolute precision and the cross is a sentiment, not a statement.  Only something true artisans from Florence could create.

Books n' Baubles

Anyone who knows me well knows that, as much as I relish the finer things in life and immerse myself in the study of beautiful clothing, jewelry and accessories, I'm far more inclined to spend my hard-earned cash on books than I am baubles.  I was extremely saddened by the news on Tuesday that the legendary, two-time Pulitzer prize winning author John Updike had passed away, but I wasn't sure how I would make this topic relevant to our LupRocks.com blog readers....until I read yesterday's WWD.  The article highlighted some of Updike's most poignant quotes culled from two interviews they'd done with him, some of which are extremely relevant to any artist who can only hope to be as prolific as this gifted author,  and anyone who can relate to the idea of making a successful career out of doing something one really, really loves (like designing truly beautiful clothing, jewelry and accessories!).

 

"Being a writer has become a dream come true for me--like an answered prayer."  1997

"I'm a plugger...Writing does not require any drive--it's like saying a chicken requires drive to lay an egg."  1972

"I don't want to get into this thing of writing successful books.  I want to leave myself room to write an arcane and self-indulgent book.  That's the only kind that's interesting for anyone to read 20 years from now."  1972