Posted on Thu, Jul 22, 2010
I'm always flattered when I receive a wedding invitation; I think it's an honor to be a wedding guest. Think about it like this, a couple has chosen you to be one of the few to participate in one of their most private and sacred moments. You'll be a witness as they pledge their love and fidelity to one another 'til death do they part. They've invited you to become a part of their intimate world of family and friends. Cool. Great. Exciting even. Your RSVP has been sent in, the date set-aside on your calendar and now, you've got to figure out what to wear. You'll know if a wedding is black tie or formal because the invitation will state it plainly. Otherwise, it's sometimes difficult to know how dressed up you're supposed to be at a wedding. Often the wedding invitation and other collateral will give you clues as to the direction the bridal couple is heading in. And some bridal couples have taken to giving their wedding guests cues with cute phrases like "Resort Chic", "City Sophisticate", "Cocktail Attire" and the like on their wedding invitations or wedding websites. While the bridal couple knows exactly how they want their guests to dress, their cues may not provide enough direction for some of their guests. My husband and I were one of these couples - we used what we thought were great phrases and believed they spelled out exactly what the attire was for each of our wedding weekend events. Some of our friends and family got it; those who didn't called for more explanation. Lesson learned? Be as explicit as you can. No one's going to take offense, people just want to make sure they're dressed appropriately.
As a general rule of thumb, weddings are dressy affairs. Unless otherwise indicated, one should assume that the Bride and Groom are going to be strolling about in their "best" and they'd love it if their wedding guests did too. For women, this translates into no white and really no black if you can help it. White is the province of the Bride on her wedding day and she should be accorded deference, point blank, no room for discussion. While black is no longer a "no-no" at weddings (traditionally black was believed to be too funereal), some cultures do believe that wearing black to a wedding is bad luck for the bridal couple. A pretty dress that can be dressed up or down with accessories is a wonderful option. Find a dress that you feel comfortable in and a pair of heels as well as flats to match (trust me, Havaiana's paired with your silk dress isn't the best look). For men, it's much more simple, wear a suit and tie or a blazer, slacks and a tie. In the Summertime, a light-colored linen or seersucker suit is perfect; you'll be cool and stylish all at once. Remember, the tie and jacket can always come off after the ceremony, but it's better to be overdressed than to show up in shirt-sleeves when everyone else is suited-up. When it's all said and done, it's about celebrating your friends and family in style!
Guest blogger, Kalyn Johnson is a fashion stylist who specializes in helping brides navigate the path to I DO stylishly and sanely. Recently married, Kalyn learned more about weddings than one has the right to keep to herself so she decided to share some of the nuggets she gathered along the way. Check out Kalyn’s blog, Wedding STYLE by Kalyn Johnson.
Posted on Tue, Jun 22, 2010
It's difficult to keep up with the dynamic relationship between diamonds and fashion. Jewelry trends, like clothing, change with the seasons. Now, of course the classics will always be classic... Diamond stud earrings will always be the most versatile piece of jewelry any woman can have in her wardrobe, and a diamond line bracelet will always compliment a little black dress as well as the season's most eclectic fashion. But diamonds have come a long way from the pages of ancient Indian texts and tales of Kings & queens...Once reserved only for the wealthiest class, modern time made diamonds accessible to everyone. From the diamond engagement ring to a pave diamond iPad, diamonds are used to convey love, style, desire, ambition, success.... So how are we wearing our diamonds now? Think organic... it's really a continuation of our on-going obsession with vintage influences. Older cutting styles have become very popular once again; rose cuts, slices, miners and even rough. These cuts are usually accompanied by pave diamonds - I mean let's be honest, we all need a bit of sparkle. And as the newest trends continue to borrow from our past, diamonds continue to lend themselves to all the latest fashions - colorful bracelets, drop earrings, big rings and of course our favorite gadgets.
Now if keeping up with today's trends feels like you're fighting a level five hurricane, let me give you a little piece of mind... A classic will always be a classic whether it's a Chanel suit or a diamond tennis bracelet, and as fashion and pop culture come & go, one thing is certain, a diamond should always be Simply Brilliant®.
.
Posted on Tue, Mar 16, 2010
Best supporting actress nominee, Anna Kendrick, has received fabulous reviews for her red carpet appearance at last Sunday's Oscars. From People StyleWatch to InStyle, the pale pink draped Elie Saab Haute Couture gown has placed Anna on some of the most notable best dressed list. Although when it comes to completing a red carpet look, its all about the details!! The crystal Judith Leiber clutch, Sergio Rossi heels and Kwiat diamonds were the perfect accoutrements for this red carpet evening.
But how does Kwiat end up on the red carpet? Even though Kwiat is the first choice of many celebs, it is no easy task to find the perfect jewelry for the perfect dress or tux. Skipping all of the gritty details in between (trust me it takes a dedicated and somewhat crazy team of people), lets take an inside look at what Anna wore for Hollywood's biggest night.
Ms. Kendrick chose pieces from the Kwiat Vintage Collection. Vintage is HOT! It's one of the year's biggest trends and everyone from celebs to brides have embraced vintage styles.
The custom created Kwiat Vintage earrings were the largest challenge. The Vintage Collection may have been the prefect fit for Anna's dress, but to be Oscar perfect we needed to customize. ...and in true Hollywood fashion our time line was tight! The vintage design was carefully customized that weekend and the one-of-a-kind dangle was ready just in time.
The bracelet that Anna wore is a unique open design. Diamonds and precious metal loop around themselves to create an elegant, more modern vintage look-perfect for this young Hollywood star. The ring she wore has been described as a 'web' ring but 'web' does not properly describe the intricate nature of this piece. The ring has a pattern of diamonds with elongated pears (or leaves if you prefer). It may seem delicate but this is no small ring...its a statement! An Oscar-worthy statement at that. The bracelet and ring are two of the most recent arrivals in the Vintage Collection.
There will always be a red carpet somewhere, but the Oscars' red carpet is the most anticipated. Even though I missed the large diamonds and WOW jewelry of past Oscar red carpets, I still think that this year was a success. Anna Kendrick was lovely and we enjoyed finishing her red carpet look with Kwiat Diamonds.
Want more? Check out which Kwiat pieces Anna wore to the Vanity Fair party on our Facebook page.
Posted on Wed, Mar 10, 2010
On Sunday night, the famous Kodak Theater on Hollywood & Highland once again hosted Hollywood's biggest night. The Academy Awards is the finale of the awards season indulging all of our guilty pleasures from hype and controversy to glamour and ego. Of course, we all tune in to watch!
As exciting as having 10 best picture nominations may be, I'm still a sucker for the red carpet - and more specifically THE JEWELRY!! (no surprise there) The trend was clear this year - small, intricate earrings and bracelets. Unlike past years, there wasn't huge diamond jewelry everywhere you turned. Although Carey Mulligan did not shy away from the WOW factor with those cascading diamond and diamond briolette earrings by Fred Leighton (Thank You Carey!), the general trend was subtle. Could this be the trend of young Hollywood or perhaps a side effect of the economy? I would say a little of both.
I hear you jewelry lovers everywhere! You were longing for old Hollywood on Sunday night; huge statement diamonds and million dollar shoes. I hear you and I promise, I'm right there with you. BUT... Despite the fact nothing took our breath away...small intricate earrings and a few stacked bangles lent themselves nicely to the neutral and Spring color palettes, sparkles, and the elegant top knots and buns scene on this year's red carpet. There really isn't anything to criticize, just an unfortunate unfulfilled jewelry obsession. Although, don't be so quick to judge the WOW factor of the 2010 carpet. Despite the clear trend - celebs were still rockin' some big bling. Did you spy the 18 carat diamond cocktail ring on Penelope Cruz's finger or the 9 carat diamond on Sarah Jessica Parker?
So breathe easy avid fans of bling. I do not think that large jewelry on the red carpet has gone by the wayside, it's just waiting for the latest wave of young Hollywood to be comfortable in their skin and seasoned Hollywood glamour to remain gainfully employed. Until then there's nothing wrong with simple, elegant earrings and a few stacked bracelets.
Posted on Thu, Feb 18, 2010
The first tournament of the 2010 LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association) season starts tomorrow in Thailand and the LGPA will be celebrating its 60th year! Kwiat will also be celebrating the start of a new season as we support a great cause. Golfer Cristie Kerr and Kwiat have teamed up to support Kerr’s foundation, Birdies For Breast Cancer, and the start of the 2010 season comes just as the new collection is ready to launch. 10% of all proceeds from this new Collection will go to the foundation. The limited-edition Collection is inspired by our Kwiat Star Collection, invoking the charitable connection by using a pink sapphire and pink gold.
The Honda PTT tournament starts tomorrow and continues through the weekend. All the action will air on The Golf Channel (Feb 19: 10-11:30AM, SAT: 4:30-6:00PM, & Sun: 4:30-6:00pm). Tune in to see Cristie Kerr and the other LPGA women start their 2010 season! Here’s a hint…every time Cristie makes a birdie, the foundation receives a donation!
Posted on Fri, Feb 12, 2010
Ahhh Valentine's Day.... A day to spend with the one you adore. Even though it doesn't have to be a holiday to show someone you care (it definitely should not be the only time), I admit - there is something about February 14 that puts most people in a romantic mood. Valentine's Day weekend is upon us, your plans for that special someone probably include flowers, candy, maybe dinner or perhaps a piece of jewelry. Now...It's obvious that there is a little bias here, but jewelry will last much longer than any of the other traditional Valentine's Day gifts. So let me give you some advice... hearts are great. Heart jewelry is a great gift, especially on v-day. BUT SWEETHEART BEWARE! Not all women love hearts...some actually use the word hate. Good news though! You don't have to give heart jewelry for Valentine's Day. It's silly to think jewelry requires a theme - a woman's jewelry should reflect her personal style. So when you're shopping consider who you're buying for, and remember flowers will fade and chocolates melt but jewelry tells a story....and really who would say no to jewelry?? Happy Valentine's Day!
Posted on Fri, Feb 12, 2010
As the tents in Bryant Park started to fill and an anticipated Fall Fashion Week began, the fashion world recieved devastating news. British fashion designer, Alexander McQueen was found dead in his London home on Thursday. McQueen was a fashion icon who is credited with helping revive the British fashion industry and creating the modern runway show (His shows were always a favorite) McQueen's designs were truly awe-inspiring and instantly recognizable for being dramatic and exquisitely tailored. Our hearts go out his family and friends - He will be missed.
Posted on Wed, Feb 03, 2010
If you have not already discovered the Kwiat Vintage website, here is your official invitation.Since its introduction, Kwiat Vintage has been a success. Drawing on Kwiat's vast archives and a century of experience, the collection ranges stylistically from Nouveau to Deco to Modern Vintage. It is a favorite among our celebrity clients and is only carried by exclusive dealers, it is a collection that embodies the 100 year history of a company that respects jewelry as artwork.
Visit the Kwiat Vintage website to view the complete collection or find an authorized dealer in your area.
Posted on Mon, Feb 01, 2010
Last night's Grammys were not only music's biggest night, but the Grammys biggest night since 2004. 25.8 million Americans watched the broadcast last night and I was definitely one of them!... But by now you know the excitement starts on the red carpet. Music's biggest night always brings out the biggest stars of music - and this year those stars rocked diamonds! Kwiat diamond earrings and bracelets were the choice of two of last night's winners. The first, Taylor Swiftwon early and graciously accepted her Grammys wearing Kwiat diamond earrings and diamond line bracelet - a classic choice for the lovely and talented Taylor. The Black Eyed Peaswere also early winners, taking home a total of three Grammys by night's end. The fashion critics are already humming about the blue Emilio Pucci mini that Fergie paired perfectly with a Kwiat diamond cuff from the Wave Collection. With the Grammys down, Hollywood sprints toward the Oscars! See you there
Posted on Fri, Jan 29, 2010
Simply Brilliant
Awards re-cap! Avatar is dominating, Streep went up against herself, GLEE is a hit, Alec is funny and The Good... Wait a minute! That's not the re-cap I was talking about. Winners aside, lets chat about the sparkling gems of the red carpet!
So far Gabby, Glenn, Mariah, and Anna have graced the red carpet with Kwiat diamonds. From Diamond earrings to a fabulous floral cuff these celebs definitely made it on a few best dressed lists. So let's get up close and personal with the brilliant jewelry that accompanied these brilliant beauties.
First, a Kwiat bracelet from the American Beauty Collection, a necklace from the Kwiat Legacy Collection and Kwiat diamond studs were selected by Ms. Precious, Gabby Sidibe, as she walked her first red carpet in a Kevan Hall gown. To give you an idea of the brilliance of Gabby's selections, the Legacy necklace alone is made up of round, marquise, and pear shaped cut diamonds and is over 65 carats of diamonds! A statement piece to say the least.
Glenn Close stayed classic with a pair of Kwiat Diamond Earrings - although there is nothing subtle about those brilliant rocks!
The Moonlight bracelet is more than 55 carats and has over 1000 diamonds! This bubble is always a stand out on red carpet and even though Mariah Carey has no problem standing out on the red carpet, for last weekend's SAG Awards adorned her wrist with the Kwiat Moonlight Bracelet.
Anna Kendrick played to a fierce feminine side with a cuff bracelet from the Floral Collection and did not disappoint with cluster earrings from the American Beauty Collection.
This week's Simply Brilliant recognizes that midway through award season, we have not been disappointed! From concept to creation, Kwiat jewelry is has the highest standard of quality and brilliance no matter where it appears; on the red carpet or on your wedding day. So red carpet jewelry, if you didn't already know, you are Simply Brilliant!
...Award season continues on Sunday with the Grammys!