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Personal picks: Erin Gallagher and Viv&Ingrid jewelry

Maya Meinert — Thu, 26 May 2011 15:43:20 +0000

Erin Gallagher's Judy necklace

My best friend turned me on to two of my new favorite jewelry designers, Erin Gallagher and viv&ingrid. She gave all her bridesmaids Erin Gallagher jewelry, and so did I. She also gave me a viv&ingrid necklace as a bridal gift, so both of these lines will always remind me of weddings — which isn’t a bad thing, right?

Both lines have designs that range from simple geometric shapes to the more complicated and colorful; there’s something for everyone, especially because there is also a wide range of prices. And both offer customization, though Erin Gallagher is more flexible, which is probably why it’s popular with brides.

Cool stuff I would actually wear: Alice in Wonderland

Maya Meinert — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:00:35 +0000

Clothing and accessories inspired by a Disney movie? I was skeptical, even though I loved “Alice in Wonderland” as a child and love that Tim Burton made an updated movie version, because you never know what rabbit hole designers will fall in to when creating pieces based on a film. But after seeing some of the Alice in Wonderland Disney Couture items at the W Hollywood hotel’s party last week, I was pleasantly surprised — impressed, even.

When I saw this statement necklace by Tom Binns, I wanted to rip it off the mannequin and wear it right then and there. Who could resist these red candy-like hearts, safety pins and crystal chains? It’s cute and edgy at the same time. I want, want, want! Too bad it costs more than $1,000…

Tom Binns All Heart necklace

There’s more: a broken tea cup necklace inspired by the Mad Hatter tea party and a chain-and-charm necklace featuring all kinds of images from the movie.

Tom Binns Smashing Time necklace

Tom Binns Charmed Adventure necklace

(There’s a simpler version of the Charmed Adventure necklace available from Bloomingdale’s for $175.) See more Tom Binns Alice in Wonderland jewelry on Luxist.

I also really liked the Charlotte Tarantola cardigans inspired by the film. Once again, the cute-yet-edgy look is prevalent with ruffles on the placket, a Tarantola signature. The black-and-white lace printed cardigan was my favorite.

Charlotte Tarantola cardigan

And the pièces de résistance, the Sue Wong dresses. The Flower Wonderland-Inspired beaded gown ($588), with a tulip petal skirt, is gorgeous. And the Red Queen-Inspired dress ($388), which is really black, is very cool.

Sue Wong Flower Wonderland-Inspired dress

Sue Wong Red Queen-Inspired dress

Check out Bloomingdale’s, the Disney Store and Zappos for more Alice in Wonderland-inspired clothing and accessories.

And check out the lobby of the W Hollywood. It’s very open and modern, though I question the use of British terms such as “lifts” for elevators and “WC” (i.e., “water closets”) for restrooms. I bet the hotel will change that WC to restrooms soon enough. Anyway, a walk through the hotel’s Delphine restaurant yielded a modern take on art deco decor that I liked a lot. Too bad they were full (supposedly, with reservations, despite having many empty tables) and couldn’t seat us. Maybe another time.

W Hollywood

FYI: I’m now a contributor to L.A. Stylist Mom. This post can be found on that site, too.

For him and her: Valentine’s Day gifts

Maya Meinert — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 21:44:12 +0000

Valerie Confections Pour Elle box

Valerie Confections: This L.A. chocolatier has themed boxes for Valentine’s Day, with intense flavors in both. The Pour Elle 11-piece box comes with white chocolate and rose petal hearts, and dark chocolate and passion fruit ganache hearts. The Pour Homme boxes come with semi-sweet chocolate hearts made with toffee pieces and fleur de sel, and dark chocolate hearts filled with liquid caramel. I actually prefer the Pour Homme sweets — the liquid caramels are to die for — though the passion fruit ganache is really nice, too. (Full disclosure: Valerie Confections’ owners are my neighbors, and I received these chocolates as a gift.) Check out the Web site for more options, including a Pour Homme gift set with single malt scotch truffles!

Wanda Gale Design: This Falling Heart necklace ($69) made from either gold or silver and semi-precious stones (shown below in gold and citrine) is a cute and fashionable way to say “I love you” — or “I like you a lot.” Whatever. Or buy it for yourself because you love yourself!

Wanda Gale Falling Heart necklace

Charmed Circle: For the guys, there are these Nut and Bolt cuff links ($165 for silver) that are super cool and chic. There are also cool gifts for gals on here, too, including really unique and playful charms. The envelope, bird in a cage, and chandelier charms are ingenious.

Charmed Circle Nut and Bolt cuff links