Andy Warhol Double Feature Campbell’s Soup Shot: $150.00

Andy Warhol MidSize Banana Graphic Watch from Amazon.com: $120.00

Find good deals on Andy Warhol watches at Smarter.com.

Top charm bracelets on the market for you to check out:

Armani Exchange Charm Bracelet from ArmaniExchange.com: $34.00

For the luxe life upper east sider, Armani is the only way to go. Make your statement with this fashionable, haute-couture piece.

Prime Art Heart Charm Bracelet: $29.95

Wear your heart on your wrist with this stylish understated look. A thin chain keeps this charm bracelet from being too bulky, but you can certainly add your own twist to the design if you like! There’s definitely room.

Find more affordable charm bracelets at Smarter.com.

Shop through a wide selection of jewelry at Smarter.com.

Vanity Fair has released their international Best Dressed List for 2009 and I’m sure no one was shocked to see that the country’s premier couple made the cut. Michelle has become a muse for many designers with her laid back sophistication and a rocking fit body that is totally believable and well in the realm of possibility for everyday women. Well, not entirely, to be honest if you also count those shapely arms chiseled to perfection, but you get the idea. She’s by no account a Hollywood siren sporting an unattainably Barbie like body armed with strategic enhancements. In total contrast to that “popular” look, Mrs. Obama represents an imperfect attractiveness. The statuesque first lady works out sensibly, has an instinctive nonchalant sense of style and does her clothes beautiful justice but all in a completely down to earth, accessible way. The rarity of that makes her a style icon in my book. I love too that she has introduced the world to lesser known designer names like Maria Pinto and Jason Wu.

While I like the elegance of her simple sheaths and the polished appeal of her pencil skirts (I sometimes don’t care for her cardigans I must admit, but you can’t please everyone all the time!), it is her jewelry that completely rocks my boat. The girl can certainly write a book on how to wear pearls without giving off that dreaded old lady vibe. I don’t know anyone other than Carrie in “Sex in the City” who gives pearls this much of love! I was so delighted to know BTW that many of her pearls are fakes—I dig grounded beauties!

Sometimes the pearls she wears are more conventional, white, short and oversized, which she craftily pairs with structured, more modern attire. The ones that I would probably go for myself are her quirky, whimsical, longer, multi colored ones that add glamour and razzle dazzle to an otherwise monotonous, simplistic clothing palette like a little black dress or a tailored blouse. A delightful pin that doesn’t take itself too seriously or some fanciful beads thrown in for attitude, but never all at the same time, lend a European edge to her modest outfits, a style she has made her own.

I went on a bid to check out some Michellesque treasures and look at what I came up with (below). I think I even found one of her original pieces! (the vintage inspired flower necklace with the pink dress). In fact I got so carried away that I even ordered myself a string of beads I just didn’t need! Tsk ,Tsk…

St Erasmus Long Pearl Necklace

Allie Braided Bead Necklace

St Erasmus Pink Flower Short Statement Necklace

Twisted Beaded Necklace

Pink Flower Pin

Maddy Emerson Freshwater Pearl and Agate Necklace

Nori’s Layered Lace & Faux Pearl Necklace

Cara Accessories Beaded Chandelier Earrings originally priced at $28, on sale now for $15.90

These are a great deal. Earrings like this will last if you take care of them, unfortunately the base metal that’s used to make these will eventually start to change color if exposed to certain elements like salt, sweat, and heat. So, if you’re planning to wear them on your next night out on the town or with the girls at the club…go for it, but they may tarnish after a few times of this. Either way, 16 bucks is not a bad price for such a lovely accessory. What to wear these with…anything really. Of course, as I’ve mentioned before, I am a big fan of the dangly earrings with hair up in a bun, and a soft cotton t-shirt and shorts. No heels, usually sneakers, boots or flat sandals. If you want to wear them in a more feminine way, a white sundress would pair lovely with these. It doesn’t have to be white though, any old sundress would look good with these earrings because they aren’t too flashy. My favorite part about these, and what drew me to them at first glance was the square-like shape these earrings fall in. I like the thin wire and chains that were used, and that shade of turquoise that the beads are in is one of my favorites. They are simple, but yet detailed just enough to be the only accessory you’d need for the day or night. The reason I wouldn’t wear these in fall or winter is because the earrings just look too summery for me. Fall and winter is darker–you are wearing more layers of clothing, and a lot of hoop earrings come back, or just simple drop bead/jewel earrings are good enough accessory to wear. Pretty, chandelier earrings like these should be saved for spring,and summer.

This gal looks great on a beautiful day in New York City, she added a chunky turquoise necklace to a simple outfit of neutral color.  This is a good way to wear jewelry like this, pairing it with more simple pieces so that it stands out easily without being flashy.

Speaking of flashy, this ring may be written off as being just that…

ABS by Allen Schwartz “Hippie Chic” Large Turquoise Ring $85

Reminiscent of a 1970’s cocktail ring, the combination of turquoise stones and rhinestones in this ring give it just the right amount of flash and funk.  This would be nice to pair with something simple and plain, or wearing with one of those nice long maxi dresses that are trendy right now.  Although I am forecasting this as a seasonal trend for summer, according to the department stores, it isn’t.  It was difficult to find any turquoise jewelry anywhere.  You can always of course search for actual turquoise, but will probably be directed to an offbeat site that claims each of their product is authentic, and 100% real.  Hunting online is probably not the best way find turquoise jewels, and you would have better luck scouring flea markets or antique shops.  If it is real though, an authentic turquoise cuff can retail anywhere from $200-$400.  Pricey indeed, but once you have it you realize the true value of that piece, even if you have to shine it up a little!

Image Source: elle.com

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more turquoise jewelry.

I was dressing for a little backyard b-day party yesterday, in 90 degree heat I might add, and when I put on my new maxi dress with some flat gold sandals I was still thinking, where’s the fun?  Then I grabbed my antique gold lockets hanging from a long chain to layer over my usual necklaces and there it was.  So, let’s talk lucky charms.

To begin with, have you noticed that Tiffany and Co. has completely extended and revamped its charm offerings in materials from the relatively affordable sterling to big-time treats of gold, enamel and diamond?  The Tiffany’s collection includes everything from the little princess friendly crown or cupcake, to the initials, martini glasses, or “Olympian” charms based on antique Tiffany silver, that will delight the grown up girl.  I also love the ideas Tiffany has for adornment options: don’t just charm a bracelet or chain, but hang one on a key chain, on your belt, or my personal favorite, on your purse.

And recently, just about everyone is getting on board the charm train.  I even found some cute little danglers at Gap Kids last week.  Perfect for the little charmers, you can get a tiny shoe, frog, rainbow, etc., as well as a bracelet to hang them on; all at a price that won’t make you freak out if your little one looses her jewelry while hanging upside down from the monkey bars.

The big idea I want to dangle in front of you though, is the charm necklace.  Now, I know full well that the “statement necklace” is all the rage and delicate pieces have been deemed out by the fashion police and their deputies.  However, when something is a great element of your personal style, I say as always, buck the trend or make it your own.

My current faves are a layer of multiple necklaces with personal charms.  I know this look has been around for a while, but I love it to much to break up with it.  My personal charms now in rotation are a gold and diamond butterfly from the 70’s that I inherited (o.k., stole) from my mom, mixed with a white gold Elsa Peretti bean that was a gift from my BFF.  At this point, I am feeling the need for all the good luck charms I can get.

If you want to take some of your personal baubles like a star, a child’s initial, a locket (like Faith Hill has) and make it more of statement, why not mix two or three charms with a heavy chain and a strand or two of pearls?  I think you will find the result…charming.

Photo Info: These cute and affordable charms found on fun little site CharmedandDangerous.net. Also take a look at the fun charms Smarter.com features.

Gap White Ankle Jeans: $59.50

They are nice and skinny, with just a touch of stretch and the cropped hemline allows you to show off your shoes appropriately.

Brewed Bean Shell: $58

Next, add a floaty top like the one above from Anthropologie.  This appropriately colored red flounced top adds a little party flare while keeping you cool and giving some coverage.  So far we have red and white checked off the list.

Next: accessories.  Luckily, with the gladiator sandals popular for a second summer in a row, maybe you have a little strappy sandal already lurking in your closet.  Now how about a star necklace in honor of the occasion?

This beautiful necklace, found on MadisonLosAngeles.com, incorporates a vintage charm and is on a long chain that will float beautifully against your flounced top.  As an alternative, might you consider some gold or silver chandelier earrings to reflect nicely off the fireworks?

Now you are dressed to stay cool, not dig holes in your neighbor’s lawn and look reasonably festive. Party on Wayne.

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more white jeans and red women’s tops.

In this collection, Azria was inspired by the needs of one of his design staffers who had recently gotten married and was preparing for her honeymoon on a remote island which was only allowing her to take a single suitcase that weighed 20 pounds.  So Azria followed with featherlight silk and and separates in muted solids and in this grayish watercolor print. There were long dresses with floor dusting hemlines as well as plunging necklines. These items all seemed perfect for any honeymoon…gauze dresses

Monrow Stencil Knit Racerback Dress $187

This dress would fold up nicely in any suitcase without probably getting to wrinkled…

Sam Edelman Greco Sandal: $89.95

I love the mustard yellow leather on these gladiator sandals, these would work well with the dress.

Delicately layered necklaces like this Lauren by Ralph Lauren Double Strand Petal Necklace ($44) always compliment long dresses.

Image Source: Style.com

Find at Smarter.com:  Shop for more racerback dresses and long dresses.
Discounts on women’s sandals and layered necklaces.

Everyone out there who adores fashion but feels overwhelmed trying to sort through the blogs, shopping sights, online mags, print mags and books that chronicle planet fashion, please raise your hand.  Mmmhmm, I thought so.  Me, too.  So last week, I took an idea from one of my fashion icons, the great Dianna Vreeland, and started an inspiration board.  Gimme a sec, I am going somewhere with this.

It’s not just the time it takes to blast through all that fashion dicta that is a problem, it’s trying to make sense of what might work for you and what should just be left to recycle bin.  Physically sitting down, tearing out and pinning to a cork board any print image and that truly elicits a response is not only fun, but it illustrates what you might have been craving without realizing it.  (Note for iphone/laptop diehards: you could also do a computer version with downloaded pics, but the physical cut and pin is more decorative and more tactile, if less portable.)

Here’s what I found.  After sorting through images from four recent magazines and three catalogs, I narrowed it down to the usual eye candy I enjoy:  a heart charm from Roger Vivier, a cake with such outrageous flowers it looks like an Ungaro print, glittery Louboutins, a vintage-y swallow pin from Sonia Rykiel, inspirational pics of Michelle Obama and Dara Torres (that 6 pack!).  I also found a new trend… I love the new thick strapped/shoe bootie heels. What??

Rosebud Slingbacks:  $278.00

Friends, I am a true blue pointed toe, stiletto heeled, delicate Manolo/Prada/Gucci girl, so how did this chunky, strappy cone-heeled shoe sneak onto my radar?  No idea, but I love it with a floaty dress, tailored shorts and jackets, soft bubble hemmed skirts.  Thanks to my low tech inspiration board, I am clear on what trends make sense for summer and what is just white noise.

Guess I have some shopping to do.

Fabulous Sylvia Weinstock’s book on cakes, the flowers just kill me–found on Amazon.com.

Over the top Glitter Sling Back Heel Louboutins: $775