Boutiques For All

When you think of Google, you undoubtedly think of things like creativity, search engine mecca, and a company famously known for innovation. What I'm sure you don't typically think of is FASHION. Well my friends, that is about to change.

Last week Google launched it's newest site for all of us to obsess over. Boutiques.com. The best way to describe this goodness is a hybrid version of shopstyle.com, polyvore.com and singer22. A place where you can gather inspiration, styling tips, create your own 'boutiques' and best of all SHOP!

Categorized by celebrity, designer, blogger, retailer, trend, style genre, etc... there is virtually hundreds of ways to find what you are looking for and even more ways to get there through the avenue which inspires you most. So go explore Boutiques.com and try not to waste the rest of your day while doing it! Tweet

Exciting News

If your in New York City this holiday be sure to check out the magical holiday window dislpays at Henri Bendel where House of Lavande is featured. The displays which were unveiled this past week feature The Nutcracker theme with life size ballerinas, mice, a 6-foot-tall Nutcracker, and a Christmas Tree accessorized with mini monitors playing footage from the New York City Ballet. Taking center stage in the Bendel window are thee ballerinas, one masked as a mouse, doning exquisite House of Lavande jewels. J'Adore the Holidays!

This week be sure to pick up a copy of Vogue Best Dressed, the special edition of Vogue that just hit the newsstands. Not only does this special edition feature the world's best sartorialists, it has an insider's guide to America's top shopping, which includes House of Lavande! Check out our House of Lavande online boutique to see some of our special adornments, and take advantage of our styling services to help you select the perfect holiday gift. Tweet

Mood Board: Byzantine Beauties

Jewel colors, rich details and opulent embellishments inspired by the Byzantine Empire are popping up in modern day fashion and accessories. These inspired styles transcend time thanks to the likes of Coco Chanel and Alexander McQueen who have featured luxe Byzantine inspired details throughout their collections. 

A look from Lee McQueen's last Alexander McQueen collection, Fall 2010; "The Kiss" by Gustav Klimt; Coco Chanel portrait by Cecil Beaton; Pierre Hardy multi-colored heel; Sandor signed ornate clamper with clear, emerald, and yellow glass stones, House of Lavande; 1930’s Czech card case with bezel set pink, green, and blue stones on the top of an etched paisley pattern, House of Lavande Tweet

History Repeating

Joseff of Hollywood

This week we take a look back into the beginnings of one of the most fun, and most collectable designers of costume jewelry. Eugene Joseff, also knows as Joseff of Hollywood.

Born in Chicago in 1905, Joseff had charisma and personality that would take him far in life. In 1930 his jewelry business began to take shape. This was also the time when Joseff met his friend Walter Plunkett. Walter produced a movie in 1934 titled "The Affaris of Cellini" and to Joseff's surprise there on screen was the lead actress in meticulously dressed 16th century costume wearing 20th century jewelry! Joseff thought this was an enormous disservice to the industry and told Walter he needed to do something about it. Walter then challenged Joseff, saying "If you think you can do better, go ahead!" So he did!

From this point on Eugene Joseff's career took off. He was the premier jewelry designer for the film industry from the 1930's and beyond. He designed jewelry for films such as Gone with the Wind, The Three Musketeers, The Wizard of Oz, and many, many more. Contrary to normal business practice of the times, Joseff never sold his jewelry to the studios, only leased them out as they were made. Thankfully for us, because now we are able to collect, wear and enjoy his pieces today!

Joseff of Hollywood gold leaf necklace ($1,498)

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The Look

Get more looks out of your wardrobe by adding a bold pendant to your favorite day separates and go-to little black dresses. 1 statement piece can equal endless stylish ensembles depending on your mood, season or occasion. In this segment of The Look we show you that 1 vintage Lanvin pendant works perfectly by day and night.

Lanvin Paris signed gold snake chain necklace with three interchangeable lucite pendants in green, red, and brown, ($2,498)

Option 1

From day to glam. Trend-on pieces like grey, pops of leopard and monochromatic tones are great for effortlessly chic day looks. Take your look up a notch by adding on the vintage green Lanvin pendant.

Option 2

Dress with a twist. Give your LBD's a new life with a punch of green & gold. For night opt for a pendant you would normally wear casually during the day. The plunging v-neckline of this little black dress is a perfect fit for a bold necklace. Tweet

Mood Board: Color Color

Miuccia Prada is always setting trends, collection after collection, and these bold orange earrings remind us of all that's Prada and trend-on for resort and spring, color color! Whether you showcase bright color in a small dose like these must-have earrings, or find inspiration via vintage Pucci, this season it's all about color color.

Prada resort 2011 collection; Prabal Gurung SS 2001; Veruschka wearing Emilio Pucci in the 1960s; 1970's Selini signed mod orange and black earrings, House of Lavande; Celine canvas and leather bag, barneys.com Tweet

Sweet Scents

For the past few weeks now we have been on the hunt for the perfectly scented Lavender candle. Well, we have found it! Seda France Lavande Provencale candels are the newest addition to House of Lavande. They are a fantastic holiday gift, or even a great 'just because' thoughtful gesture. You can pick one up here at the store, or at the House of Lavande online shop and we would be more than happy to send one (or a few) your way!

The box is a decorative statement in itself, a pagoda style purple and green delight with a tassel on top!

Seda France Candles ($32.00)

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The Look

A great to-go look year round is a nautical inspired striped top paired with a classic black blazer. This look works well for business casual, weekends away or even dressed up for dinner with friends. In today's segment of The Look, we're showing you 3 different necklaces that will instantly give a maritime look various options apropos for any occasion.

Option 1

 

*Unsigned 1980s clear and gold necklace ($448)*

This is the perfect look for a day at the office, work meetings and lunches out. For an added dose of fun add in a great cocktail ring.

Option 2

*Thorin & Co diamante necklace ($1798)*

Go bold with a statement necklace for a night out, it instantly glams up the casual striped tee and blazer. Pair up with a skinny dark denim jean, black legging or bondage black skirt. Killer sky high heels will finish the look off.

Option 3

 *1970s unsigned gold necklace ($848)*

A longer gold necklace with fringe-like details gives you a boho luxe look perfect for the weekend. A signature piece like this adds a dose of glitz without going overboard. Pair down with chic flats or an equestrian style boot, by evening dress up with a pointed pump.

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Come November

If you haven't checked out the latest issues of some of your favorite magazines this month, you should be sure to pick them up. Full of ideas for fall, and beautiful finds from House of Lavande, you surely will not be disappointed! Two of our favorites this month are the glam, ultra chic spread featuring Anne Hathaway in Vogue, and the 1950's retro looks in Harper's Bazaar.  Be inspired this fall to mix vintage into any look!

November Vogue 

House of Lavande diamante necklace ($348)

November Harper's Bazaar 

House of Lavande Napier gold button earrings ($198)

House of Lavande gold locket necklace ($848)

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Day Tripping with Bergdorf's

Ever dream of having the chance to create a masterpiece like the magical holiday windows at Bergdorf Goodman? Well, here's your chance. Beginning Friday, the famed fashion windows facing Fifth Avenue will be shuttered as the uber talented visual design team creates this year's holiday window delights, and you have the chance to participate by designing your own holiday window through Bergdorf's Polyvore Holiday Windows Challenge. Using some of the inspirations and fashion favored by their visual team this holiday season, dream up your own Holiday Window and submit your collages between Friday, November 5 — Friday, November 12. 
Think you’re up for the challenge? Check out 5th at 58th, Bergdorf's blog for more contest and prize information. May the best window win! Tweet

Mood Board: 70s Redux

The 70s is making its way back into all things chic and fabulous, and style icon Bianca Jagger is the quintessential queen of inspiration for this look. Showcase glam goddess with sleek ensembles paired up with strikingly bold accessories. This look screams sexy cocktails and late night discos, perfect for the upcoming holidays.

Louis Vuitton S/S 2011 Look 1; stylish revelers at Lanvin New York Halloween Bash; 1970s Lanvin brown and clear necklace, House of Lavande; style icon Bianca Jagger; Gucci clutch; Christian Louboutin gold-studded PVC heel, Barney's New York Tweet

History Repeating

One of the delights of vintage jewelry is being able to read, explore and discover the history and stories that are behind each designer and piece. This week we are featuring one of our favorite designers here at Lavande, Hobe.

Jacques Hobe began designing fine jewelry in the late 1800's in Paris. He was considered a master goldsmith and producer of fine jewelry throughout Europe. In 1925 his son, William Hobe came to the United States to sell costumes to Florence Ziegfeld of the Ziegfeld Follies, and left with a request from Ziegfeld to create a line of jewelry that was inexpensive to be worn by the showgirls. William then started the company Hobe Cie Ltd. NY and began producing Hobe costume jewelry.

Throughout the 1940's and 50's Hobe produced jewelry for  many major Hollywood movies and  actresses and was also used in many fashion advertisements. The slogan "Jewels of legendary splendor" was featured in an ad in the 1940's.  It explains well how the brand was considered unmatched in quality, and was and still is regarded as one of the best costume jewelry companies in America.

Hobe bracelet at top: 1950's ($5,798) | Hobe peridot ring ($1,748) | Hobe multi stone brooch ($848)

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The Look

Today at House of Lavande we are introducing a new series, The Look. Each Monday we will be posting an outfit and showcasing 3 various ways to accessorize that one look. The Look will also highlight 1 key piece of jewelry and we'll show you 3 different ways it can be styled. So check in with us every Monday to get style inspirations on how you can instantly update your look.

Today's highlight piece is a Lanvin dress, perfect for a day at work or drinks & dinner after.  We've selected various pieces of House of Lavande jewelry to show you how easy it can be to create a style all your own.

Key Piece = Lanvin dress that easily takes you from office to fun

Option 1

A statement necklace is the easiest piece to select that will instantly update any ensemble. When choosing a piece to best fit your look, keep in mind of neckline and style of the dress or top your wearing. We love this bold vintage YSL necklace because the gold and brown accents compliment the fabric color of the Lanvin dress perfectly and the pop of green adds interest.
*YSL green necklace ($1,648)

Option 2

There's a huge trend right now of playing up your wrists. Have fun mixing and matching various bracelets to create a layered look. To help keep your layered wrist look apropos, select bracelets that have the same color of metal for a base and try various width and embellishments. For evening or a downtown edge look, think about playing up both wrists and add an additional bracelet.
*1940 Trifari gold bracelet ($448), unsigned bracelet ($548), 1960s unsigned gold square link bracelet with flower ($248), Harman gold bracelet ($1,898)

Option 3

To add a graphic punch to this chic Lanvin dress, we love the idea of a graphic earring. For a more simple approach, choose one large earring and keep the rest of your look simple. For a bold approach, you can pair any of these options up with a necklace or bracelet. We recommend evening only for the latter approach. For a classic twist to a modern dress, pair up with a drop peal earring.
*1980 unsigned diamante earrings ($648), 1970 Les Bernard brown earrings ($498), 1980 unsigned gold earrings ($448), 1980 unsigned pearl earrings ($398) Tweet

Recent Press

 Emma Stone wearing House of Lavande earrings and ring on David Letterman

 Rashida Jones in House of Lavande at the Hollywood Awards Gala

Taylor Swift in House of Lavande Victorian gold buckle bracelet on David Letterman

Lauren Conrad wearing a House of Lavande bracelet to her book signing

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Sophia Coppola's Top Hotels

Stylesetter and filmmaker Sophia Coppola is at it again with her latest flick Somewhere, landing back in LA at the oh-so-chic hotel Chateau Marmont. Nowness.com recently sat down with the director and Marc Jacobs muse for a behind the scenes peek of her latest film, and an exclusive feature of Coppola's Suite Dreams, her picks of the top hotels in the world. Knowing her endless vision of great taste, we can guarantee that this is one list you'll want to hang onto and use as a go-to resource for future travels.

Here's a little taste on where Sophia likes to stay when traveling the world. Visit nowness.com for the complete list.

The Ritz, Paris

Bonafide “old Paris” elegant glamour. “For ultimate spoiling.”

 

Park Hyatt, Tokyo

"For sentimental reasons, and the view over Tokyo at night.” (The hotel was the setting of Lost in Translation). Don’t forget to catch jazz band Sausalito every night at nine in the New York bar.

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38 Essential New York Stores

We at House of Lavande love a good boutique, so we have to give props to Racked NY who just ranked their top 38 definitive shopping experiences in New York. If your a fashionista you'll most likely recognize many by name or personal experience. Whether its fashion, vintage, books or home, they have it all. We've added a few new names to our next shopping excursion, you should do the same.

Oak boutique and map as featured in Racked NY's 38 Essential New York Stores

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The Gucci Collector

Have a piece or collection of vintage Gucci and ever pondered how much it might be worth? Well your in luck, Christie's is now offering the very first Gucci-certified online destination for appraising vintage double G products. Here's how it works: a team of experts including Christie's Specialists as well as Gucci's own in-house archivists will assess the item, and Christie's will provide an auction estimate for qualifying submissions. Select owners will have the opportunity to sell their items to Gucci, or in a future Christie's auction, if desired. Sounds like a pretty fab setup. Scour your closets, dust off those G's, you never know what something might be worth.
Photo courtesy of gucci.com Tweet

Mood Board: Rock Chic

Bring out the rockstar within you this fall with all things red, back and studded. Go rock chic with hardcore statement accessories that will certainly gain you some fashionable groupies. And keep this look rocking straight through fall into spring, where both Balmain and Isabel Marant sent rock glams down the runway. We say rock on.

Balmain S/S 2011 Look 23; Isabel Marant S/S 2011 Look 20; Joseff of Hollywood black earrings, House of Lavande; Marie Claire October 2010; Alexander McQueen patent leather clutch, Saks Fifth Avenue; Muberry studded leather bootie, Net-a-porter

To help pull together your rock chic looks for fall contact our House of Lavande Stylist Tweet

Trendcasting SS 2011: Part 5

See our last trendcasting report from the SS 2011 collections. Viva La Paris!

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Trendcasting SS 2011: Part 4

And the spring 2011 trends continue. You wouldn't want to miss out would you?

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