VeryVeryChic

Champagne Wishes and Diamond Dreams At Sotheby's "Magnificent Jewels" Preview

 

 

 

I can't really think of a better way to spend a Sunday afternoon. I was invited to attend Sotheby's "Magnificent Jewels" Preview, which highlighted pieces available at the upcoming New York sale on April 29. It was one of two public previews the renowned auction house held in Los Angeles over the weekend. West coast customers were able to preview contemporary, modern and impressionist art masterpieces which will be available at its Spring auctions in May. And the "Magnificent Jewels" preview was an incredible opportunity to view many rare and signed pieces including a special private collection of the late singer Eydie Gorme. Many items were gifts from her husband Steve Lawrence such as a platinum and diamond Rivière necklace to celebrate their 25^th wedding anniversary. I had the great fortune to receive a guided tour by Lisa Hubbard, Chairman of North and South America for Sotheby's International Jewelry Division. It was a Hollywood red carpet dream come true to be able to try on several of the exquisite pieces including the exceptional 28.18 Karat Kashmir sapphire and diamond ring pictured above, a stunning Tony Duquette gold and smoky quartz bracelet from the collection of Danielle Steel and an unnamed, but nevertheless show stopping emerald necklace (pictured below). Important pieces in the collection include the rare diamond, onyx and emerald Cartier tiger bracelet (pictured above) and a Fancy Intense Orangy Pink 15.23 Diamond ring valued at $6-7,000,000. This collection has made stops around the world and is on its way to Hong Kong where it will be on view before returning to New York in time for the sale. Scroll down for a look at many of the special pieces at the preview and some of my favorites. So VeryVeryChic!!

 

  

Tony Duquette gold and smoky quartz bracelet, collection of Danielle Steel $15,000 to $20,000

A Magnificent Platinum, Fancy Intense Orangy Pink 15.23 Diamond ring with diamonds, est $6-7,000,000

A champagne toast!!

A stunning emerald and diamond necklace 

Cartier bracelet

David Webb necklace

Tony Duquette jewelry

The El Dorado Emerald and a Cartier diamond and emerald bracelet, est at $700-900,000

Cartier bracelets and a rare 28.18 Karat Kashmir sapphire and diamond ring

Tony Duquette necklace 

Diamond and emerald pins

Boucheron diamond bracelets

Cartier 18 Karat gold, colored diamond, diamond, onyx & emerald bangle bracelet, est $600-800,000

VVC NOW: MYKITA Press Preview

 

 

Trying on shades at the Mykita press preview is like being a kid in a candy store. Here is one of my favorite looks for Spring. A chic pair of pink mirrored lenses from the Mykita X Bernard Willhelm collab. The Berlin-based eyewear company has been doing many designer collaborations as of late including Bernard Willhelm, Montcler, Damir Doma - and more. So VeryVeryChic! Scroll down for more images and a look at the current collection.

 

Meet Shoe Designer Du Jour - George Esquivel - at BARNEYS NEW YORK

 

 

If you're a shoe connoisseur, then you are soon to be in shoe heaven. Designer George Esquivel will be hosting an event this Saturday March 15, at the Barneys New York flagship store in Beverly Hills. The SoCal native whose style can be called classic retro chic, has crafted shoes for everyone from No Doubt to the Killers as well as clients who have paid $20,000 and more for his custom work and exotic leathers. Esquivel was nominated in 2009 for a CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Award for his handcrafted shoes and accessories, and the brand has continued to establish its name in the world of luxury. Esquivel's appearance at Barneys is an incredible opportunity to meet the ultra-talented designer, order a custom pair of shoes and shop from the Spring 2014 collection. You can RSVP for the event by calling 310-777-5712 or just stop by between 2 and 4 pm. Also, be sure to bring that special guy in your life. Esquivel's men's collection is an artisinal shoe dream come true. The brand is definitely one of my top choices -especially when I'm looking for that extra special pair of shoes to style a celebrity. I promise it will be worth the trip!! In case you can't make it, here are a few looks from the Esquivel Shoes website - and you can shop for more on Barneys.com.

XOXO

Vegas Chic

 

These are so bad, they're really, really good. It's amazing what fashion gems you can find in out of the way places. Here are some over-the-top embellished shades I spotted at the gas station on the way to Vegas. Studding and crystals - they couldn't be more perfect!

Elvis. Is. Not. Dead.

VVC SHOP LA: A Girl Needs Her Dior

 

 

 

 

Today's VeryVeryChic Find: Dior Red Stilettos.

In my efforts to purge the old to make way for the new, I stopped by Crossroads on Sunset Blvd. today and discovered a chic pair of the most beautiful Dior heels. Although the stilettos were a bit steep for me, I hope someone gives these lovelies a good home. Size 9- $42.50 - Shop L.A! May the chicest fashionista win!!


#VVCSHOPLA

 

YES Pleasssse

Look what arrived in the mail today. My new sky high YES platform boots!! SO excited!! Thank you to Solestruck for sending them my way. The "Sequon" is one of the latest looks from the brand's underground footwear line, YES. I can't wait to rock them out and about in LA and mayyybe during fashion week....hoping to be in Paris this season... So VeryVeryCHIC!!

XOXO

New Year's CHIC #AllMetalEverything

 

Ring in the New Year with sparkle!! I've been obsessing over metallics this season. From bedazzled Starbucks cups to Repossi's chic jewelry and an ultra luxe Lanvin tome, they are so very very chic! Here are a few of my favorite finds that will dress up you and your home for the New Year. 

 

XOXO

Repossi

 

Perrin Paris

Connor 2014 "Shoes calendar"



Maison Martin Margiela replica painted sneaker


Azature white diamond nail lacquer
BCBGMAXAZRIA gold strappy heels


Starbucks cups

J. Mendel minuit clutch



Repossi ear cuffs

Gianvito Rossi metallic glitter sandal

 

Ladurée macaroons


Erickson Beamon

Tom Ford

Lanvin "Metal Beyond La Nuit Minaudiere"

Pineapple (just because)

Christian Louboutin silver pumps

Repossi cuff

Erickson Beamon

Lanvin 

 

VVC Obsession: Christie's "Magnificent Jewels"

Rare gemstones, signed jewelry, natural pearls and diamonds – lots of them - including a spectacular 52.58-carat Internally Flawless Golconda diamond are a few of the rare collector pieces that will be offered at Christie’s New York winter sale. I was invited to attend the “Magnificent Jewels” preview while it was in Beverly Hills and the collection is stunning. According to Christie’s, 2013 was a banner year for colored and colorless diamonds and the New York-based auction house expects its final sale of the year will gross a jaw dropping $45 million. The 500-lot day-long auction will take place on Dec. 10 at Christie’s Rockefeller Center where collectors from around the world will be front and center for the chance to add some of these exquisite jewels to their collections.

During the LA preview, I spoke to Leslie Roskind, Specialist, Senior Vice President at Christie’s America, who said the renowned auction house curated items based on the fine jewelry market’s standards. Collectors look for rare gem stones and exquisite pieces as well as signed jewelry from the world's top jewelry houses. Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier, Harry Winston and Bulgari are all included as well as pieces by David Webb, Suzanne Belperron and Rene Boivin. In addition to the spectacular 52.58 carat rectangular cut diamond ring estimated at $9,500,000 to $12,500,000, a few highlights of the sale include a private collector’s four-piece diamond collection from Liviev - one of the world’s most exclusive diamond brands - as well as property from Cartier heiress' Marion Rumsey Cartier's collection at Saint Louis University. There is also an exquisite Cartier “Tutti Frutti” Art Deco diamond and multi-gem bracelet circa 1930 and a rare 17.67 Kashmir sapphire ring estimated at $500,000 to $700,000. I had several favorites – one of which was, of course, the exquisite 52.58 carat "rock" as well as the beautiful diamond and gold pendant necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels pictured above. They are now on my Christmas "Wish List" - ah, if only!!

Scroll down for more of my favorite pieces and to preview the full collection, go to Christies.com. 

Inside the Christie's Beverly Hills headquarters


Art Deco diamond & multi-gem “Tutti Frutti” signed Cartier bracelet circa 1930, photo: Christie's Images Ltd. 2013


The exquisite 52.58 carat D-Color Internally Flawless Diamond Ring, photo: Christie's Images Ltd. 2013


The Christie's jewelry case - just what every girl needs!


Property of an Elegant Lady: A diamond necklace estimated at $150,000 to $200,000


Property of a Lady: A set of citrine and gold "Melon Slice" jewelry by Rene Boivin 


Property of A Lady: Suzanne Belperron chalcedony and diamond "Edelweiss" flower brooches


David Webb sapphire and diamond necklace signed "Webb for David Webb" 


Diamond rings - 16, 17 and 18 carats - all sold individually 


A signed Buccellati diamond, pink sapphire and gold wristwatch estimated at $12,000 to $18,000


Property of an Elegant Lady: Collection of Leviev Diamond Jewely - showcased together at Christie's 


Leviev diamond pendant necklace est. at $2,500,000 to $3,500,000, photo: Christie's Images Ltd. 2013


Property of an Elegant Lady: A chic 90.81 carat Leviev diamond bracelet made from emerald-cut, D-F color, Internally Flawless to VS2 clarity diamonds - stunning.

Hi-Tech METTLE

It's TechWeek in LA and with tech accessories all the rage, I had to share one of my recent finds. I'm obsessed with Mettle Fair Trade's chic iPad and iPhone cases! I'm not a gadget girl per say, but I spotted these pieces at the Agency Showroom in LA - and have been coveting them along with the Australian brand's ethnic-inspired jewelry and accessories. The iPad case has a brass cover which mimics an avant garde breastplate necklace and the iPhone cases have a chic modern design. Mettle Fair Trade's limited edition collections are made from recyled Bomb shell metal, Lucite and Eco leather. Produced in Cambodia and Indonesa, Mettle is known for its directional designs and ethical production methods.

Fair trade + Hi-tech = VeryVeryChic! 

XOXO

 

Gogosha X Goldsmith: Shop-In-Shop

 

 

It's a British Invasion..... Gogosha Optique has brought London to LA!!!

The renowned LA optique on West Third Street has created a month long shop-in-shop which is a near replica of Oliver Goldsmith's Notting Hill store AND contains the complete iconic eyewear collection. Think Audrey Hepburn's shades from "Breakfast at Tiffany's," as well as legendary looks worn by Sophia Loren, Grace Kelly, Michael Caine and Peter Sellers. I stopped by the launch event last week to say hi to my friend Julia Gogosha as well as view the collection. It was an honor to meet Goldsmith who is the great granddaughter of the founder. She not only relaunched the 80-year old collection, but in 2010 created her own line of glasses - the Claire Goldsmith Eyewear collection. I highly recommend stopping by Gogosha before the 31st. Not only can you see the entire range, but it's a unique opportunity to have a pair of bespoke Oliver Goldsmith sunglasses custom made. Here are a few images from the event ..... be sure to check back for more in depth coverage of my interview with Goldsmith to be posted soon! 

 

GOGOSHA OPTIQUE

8238 West 3rd Street

Los Angeles, CA  90048

 

XOXO

Julia Gogosha and Claire Goldsmith


So many colors..

Me trying on the goods.


'60s.


Claire Goldsmith Eyewear


So many options....


The iconic butterfly frame can be custom made for approx $2500.

Stars & Stripes Forever

 

I'm feeling patriotic in honor of Independence Day. And....look what I found in my vintage archives? A '60s shift that says All Americana with plenty of chicness. How would I update the look? Wildfox Couture sunnies for day and Alexander Wang's ever so cool glow-in-the-dark heels to light up the night!!  

#VeryVeryChic

***************  HAPPY 4TH of JULY!!!!!  ***************

Scroll down to see the full look. 

VeryVeryChic vintage dress

Wildfox Couture "Starstruck" sunnies

Alexander Wang glow-in-the-dark "Agata" heels

Alexander Wang glow-in-the-dark "Agata" heels

Alexander McQueen #FriendsForever

In case you haven't noticed, friendship bracelets are all the rage. And now you can get the high fashion version with Alexander McQueen's alternative friendship bracelet. This might be the best trickle up trend I've seen! The bracelet, decorated with all-over mini metal skulls, is ultra, ultra chic. And.....it's now on my wish list. #friendsforever

 

Shop it on Selfridges.com in silver or gold.

Kylie Minogue + High Heels = Shoe Porn

 

Have you noticed Kylie Minogue's killer Instagram shoe posts? Christian Louboutin, Cesare Cadadei, Sergio Rossi, Dolce & Gabbana. The Aussie star has an incredible shoe closet! Her heels are always seriously high, incredibly sexy and have plenty of sparkle. To see more follow @kylieminogue on Instagram.

Here are a few of my favorites.

 

Cesare Casadei

Dolce & Gabbana

 

Christian Louboutin

 

Look of the Day: Christian Louboutin Black & White Ankle Boots

Boot love. 

I'm diiiiieing over these Christian Louboutin color block ankle boots from Net-a-porter. Black & white is a hotter than hot trend for Spring and these beauties are the perfect wardrobe update to get ahead of the fashion curve. You won't be traipsing through the snow in these lovelies, but here in Cali, they are perfect for a sunny winter day. Uber glam and very, very chic. Love.

Shop it here.

InstaTomFord

 

It's so bright, I've got to wear my Tom Ford cat eyes.

 

http://instagr.am/p/Q3UubYDoWX/