Designer Spotlight: FENTON

"FENTON is an elaborate mix of unexpected elements."

What I loved about this brand is precisely that, the unexpected combination of different elements and textures, rope and crystals, pearls and chains, creating a delightful vision for the eye and an evocation of the pop culture, they're truly one of a kind. It's easy to find out the signature of the brand when you see one of their pieces.

Fenton designer Dana Lorenz created FENTON in 2006. Dana entered the fashion industry, working for Gucci and Donna Karan, jewelry design started as a personal endeavor, but her pieces quickly grew a cult following, after that, Fenton was soon carried at the top retailers worldwide, she also created a more economical line called Fallon.

Let me show you part of her SS 2012 collection:

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Arm Party SS 2012

Let the arm party begin!

It's that time of the year again, time to show the arms again, and of course, the old and new bracelets that we have!

The trend of stacking bracelets has not ended, and I think it's gonna be around for a while, and this time I'm going to show you my favorites, those that are on my wish list and also some others from my DIY tutorials, plus a little guide on how to stack them.

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Trends: Black & White

It has always been one of my favorites trends and combinations, utterly elegant and chic, the black and white would always be a classic.

This time I show you some of my favorites B&W looks and items.

Fashion Tip: You could wear an all over B&W look or you could add an unexpected touch of color (I specially like it this way).

Outfit 1: Tank Top, Old Navy Shorts, Vince Camuto Similar Bag, Black Heels Similar Here, Straw Fedora Hat

Outfit 2: T Shirt, Necklace Pre-order Here, Theory Shorts, Claire Purse and Sandals similar Here

Outfit 3: Mango Tank Top, ROMWE lace Pants, Rebecca Minkoff Clutch, Flats similar here and           G-Shock Watch

Outfit 4: Topshop Blazer, J Crew Silk Shirt, Anndra Neen Necklace, Malene Birger Lace Skirt, 3.1 Phillip Lim Tote and Mango Pumps

1/2/3/4 Similar Here/5/6/7/8/9/10/11

Trend Pictures: romwe.com, streetpepper.com, theblondesalad.com, yesstyle.com

DIY: Number Necklace

Do you have a favorite number? maybe your bday or anniversary date, a lucky number perhaps?
Well, I have several favorite numbers, but today post is about two of my favorites: 2 and 7, why?, because of my sons, whose birth dates are full of the same number for each one, my older son was born on 02-22-02 (see all the two's) and the younger one was born on 7-07-07 (you understand now), and even though they were both c-sections I didn't planned the delivery dates!

Well, enough explanations now to the DIY, ever since I looked at Lulu Frost Plaza collection (BTW some of the numbers she used are actually from the room doors at the New York Plaza Hotel) I knew I had to make  a 2 and a 7 for me, and I could make this with Sculpey and nail polishes.

Boticca

Today I'm really happy to show you my latest Polyvore collaboration with one of my favorites new online boutiques: Boticca

Don't you love to discover new shops and boutiques that amaze you with all those beautiful items that you haven't seen anywhere else?

Well, that happened to me when I discovered boticca, the ultra chic online boutique, well, actually is more than this, it's also a marketplace, where you buy the jewelry directly from the designer, whose are carefully selected from all around the world.

"Boticca was born out of an inspired moment when one of theirr founders discovered a rare find in the bustling Medina of Marrakesh, and realized that such unique design talent was almost impossible to find, So they created a website that makes it easier and more enjoyable for us to discover high-quality, distinct jewelry, bags and accessories with a meaningful story."

Want to see just a small sample of what you can find there?

I was really happy when boticca asked me to promote their brand at Polyvore, because I've been a huge fan of their concept and also of all of their fabulous designers, it was hard to choose the items to feature on the sets, because they were many, many amazing things there.

Let me show you the collection of sets I made for them:

boticca by julietav on polyvore.com

TOTES

I must admit that I'm a handbag lover, I'm not the one that always wear the same one, everyday, I like to change my bag according to my outfits, and I have to confess you one thing too, do you know about those "seen on TV" Purse organizers called Kangaroos? well, I use them! I got them as a present from my grandma two years ago, and even though at first I wasn't a fan, now I am, because they really help me change my bagstuff easily from one bag to another, and because they come in different sizes and colors (black and nude) they go with almost all of my bags.

Now back to today post, one of my favorite bags for the season are the "Totes" practical, stylish and perfect to keep all your summer essentials, besides they're among the most economical, that way you could get a designer tote for less than a clutch. These are some of my favorites:

From Top to Down

Under $50: Old Navy B&W Tote, Forever 12 Yellow Tote, DSW Chainlink Straw Tote

50-100: Melie Bianco Brown & Black Tote, Modcloth Orange and Fucsia tote, Topshop Straw tote.

100-200: Steve Madden Leather Tote, Madewell Yellow Tote, Calypso St. Barth Straw Tote

200-300: Rebecca Minkoff Diamond Tote, Castaner Beach Tote, Malene Birger Fringed Straw Tote

And here's a Tote DIY Roundup, from very creative fashion and DIY bloggers, from making a tote to embellishing one.

Sharpies/Black & White/ Diamond Patterns/ Ombre Stripes/ Sequins/ Neon Touch/ Lace/ Gold Stripes/ Tote Kit

Fashion Bloggers Pictures on top page via Who What Wear, Mary Summers of M.A.S. Fashion, and Nubry.

DIY: Revamp your office Space using Pinterest

Ever since I entered Pinterest I've been adding many many pins from things that I would love to make, including the most delicious food recipes, diy projects and ideas for renovating my home, I spent many many hours looking at all the amazing pins (I even turned my mom in to a Pinterest addict), but it was time to put those pins on action and actually turn those great ideas into reality.

I revamped my office space (a corner in my hallway), because I like to be surrounded by pretty things and I needed a better environment to look at when working or blogging.

It all started with this pin from Jones Design company, it was the best tutorial ever on how to paint a wallpaper  (template included), so I went directly to their site and printed out the design and start tracing it over on my wall. 

Trends: Nature Prints

There's nothing better than Spring to spend hours on the nature, watching the flowers bloom, the birds chirp, butterflies flying and more.

This trend is inspired by nothing more than nature, prints that make us connect to the earth, and here I show you a little guide on how to wear this trend, from runway to real life.

Enjoy the Beauty of Nature!

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Jewelry Spotlight: ANNDRA NEEN

Being from Mexico I've always been a huge fan of silver jewelry, and whenever I went on vacations with the family I was the one always looking for the silver rings and earrings, bracelets and more, I've always been in love with the craftsmanship and excellent work from many Mexican artisans.

That's why when browsing the web I found a gorgeous Cage Clutch that made me look for it's maker, and that's how I discovered the fabulous jewelry from Anndra Neen, this is the kind of jewelry my mom and grandma have in their jewelry boxes, but even more modern and organic.

Sisters Phoebe and Annette Stephens founded this Jewelry brand on 2009, Born and raised in Mexico City, they attended college in the United States. They then moved to New York City, and after a trip to Japan they started Andra Neen.

"Their inspirations are as diverse as they are and begin with a childhood surrounded by artists."

Each one of their pieces is unique and hand crafted of both mixed metals and silver by artisans in their workshop in Mexico City. Their pieces have been worn by Michelle Obama, Jessica Alba, Drew Barrymore, Nicole Richie, and Anna Paquin, among others.

Necklaces: Rose Quartz/Melted brass and Choker

Cuffs: Brass Cage/ Cage Tub

Clutches: Cage/ Brass

Rings: Dotted/ Segmented

DIY: Pentagram Ring Inspired by Eddie Borgo

It's DIY Wednesday! 

Today's ring was very fun to make, you have to know that I've always loved playing with clay, I can't stop modeling things when I have this material on my hands, even with Play-doh! 

I've been wanting to use the Sculpey I bought a few week ago, and while looking for inspiration on what to make with it I found some pictures of the Eddie Borgo pentagram ring that I've been lusting for a while and this was the perfect material to achieve the look!

Because I bought the sculpey on grey and gold colors I had to paint the ring with black paint spray (I recommend you use matte, I only had shiny), but you could buy black Sculpey and skip the paint.

DIY Nail Art: Marni Inspired

I Love Marni!

Their bold prints are a great source of inspiration for nail art don't you think? And this Royal blue is one of my favorites!

Sporty Chic

One of the biggest SS 2012 Tends has to be the Sporty Chic, and I specially like this one because it suits so much of my style, I love sporty pieces that are often also very comfortable (perfect to run around chasing the kids), but I like to wear my sporty look mixed with a touch of casual chic, like hoodies in a nice fabric, that I can wear with trousers or skirts.
I specially like the sporty pieces in out-of-the usual fabrics, like silk or linen shorts, tailored jackets and hoodies, and some stripes to complement the look!

Here's my little guide to wearing the trend without looking that you're actually gonna hit the gym!

Outfit 1: Top Similar here, Shorts, Bag Similar for less Here, Sandals

Outfit 2: Top, Skirt, Bag, Sandals

Outfit 3: Tank, Skirt similar here, bag and sandals.

Outfit 4: Jacket, Tank, shorts, Bag and Sandals

Easter Giveaway: Win a Cynthia Rowley Printed Silk Scarf

Happy Easter!

To celebrate Easter and spring I'm giving away this Cynthia Rowley Scarf (I also bought one for myself) that you can wear with many of your spring outfits, I like to wear mine in my hair, in my handbag and on my neck on the chilly days.

I loved the colors and flower print when I saw this scarf, and of course because I also like Cynthia Rowley so much! 

To enter you only have to like me on GFC, BlogLovin or Facebook.

Please leave a comment below with your name and email (in case you don't want to share your email on public you can send me a message to julieta@vjuliet.com)

Extra Entry if you tweet about this, it could say something like this: I just entered @vjulietav Easter Giveaway for a chance to win a Cynthia Rowley Silk Scarf!

Contest Open Internationally.

Ends on April 19th, 2012

Winner will be chosen by a random number.

(This contest is independent and not associated with the Cynthia Rowley Brand)


UPDATE:
The contest has ended and the Scarf has a winner now:
Comment #28: Ashlie Ortega

Congrats!!!!!!
Thanks to all who participated, and soon a new Giveaway for you all!

DIY Golden Flowers Bracelet

This weekend is gonna be gardening days for me, it's my favorite part of the spring, getting my hands on the dirt, planting flowers with the kids and watch them bloom later.

Talking about flowers, while spring cleaning at home, I found these gorgeous golden flowers on my craft supply boxes, my mom gave them to me several years ago, I think they were from some 80's earrings, and I made a bracelet with them, I really love how it looked on my arm.

DIY Nails: DKNY Flower Inspired

If you got a look on my yesterday post about mixing prints, you might have seen the gorgeous SS 2012 DKNY Top on the first outfit, a cobalt blue and red floral top that also caught my eye on the March edition of Lucky Magazine (same print but in a blazer), well, that was the inspiration I need to make a new DIY nails art.

Shop the Florals: Pants, Blouse, Skirt, Dress

Mixing Prints

As I was searching for inspiration for a new post today, I found many fabulous SS 2012 prints and I have to make this post about mixing two completely different prints, like flowers and stripes, dots and birds or any crazy combination you have dreamed of.

I know that not many will like the trend, specially because it's very risky to wear without looking like you've just picked two items from your closet with your eyes closed!

Well, in case you still want to follow the trend and make an statement look, I share with you some ideas to wear it (a safer one for me is stripes and flowers, or stripes and dots), the trick is to find something similar on those different prints, like a color or an item, that way you kinda have a theme.

Outfit 1: DKNY Blouse, Tibi Skirt, Sandals similar here, Clare Vivier Bag 

Outfit 2: Black Crane Top, Vera Wang Skirt, J Crew Flats, Modcloth Bag

Outfit 3: Sonia Rykiel Shirt, Altuzarra Pants, Josie Belt, Nine West Pumps, Zara Bag

Outfit 4: Madewell Tee, Nicole Miller Shorts, Marc Jacobs Shoes, Boticca Clutch