Lucky Charms

I like stars, horseshoes and rainbows in the marshmallow form, but I love evil eyes, wishbones and clovers in silver, gold and platinum.

What can I say? I have a sweet tooth and like nice things!

With Yoga, Kabbalah, and good fashion superstition sharing the limelight with the ancient and traditional faiths, the way we find luck, good favor, and a little bit of blessings now comes with bling.  

These tokens and charms veer from the traditional and favor the fashionable, so they are more Saturday errands than Saturday's sacred texts, but I love finding a personal way to accessorize.  Here are some of my favorites:

Lucky Charms from L-R: Jennifer Zeuner Long Skinny Good Luck Hamsa Necklace at Singer22, Alex and Ani - Lifetime of Luck Expandable Wire Bangles at Couture Candy, Anna Beck 'Gili' Clover Necklace at Nordstrom, Jennifer Zeuner Mini Hamsa Curb Bracelet at Charm & Chain, Ileana Makri Evil Eye Bracelet at Barneys New York, Dream Mullick Wise One Bangle at Max & Chloe, Jennifer Meyer Wishbone Studs at Ylang23

Where do you find your luck?

Kiss me, I'm Stylish!

Emeralds have favor with today's leading ladies and have for long before (and presumably after) St. Patrick's day.  The richness of emerald stones complement the complexion of today's hottest stars. 

Most famously first seen on Angelina Jolie at the Oscars in 2009:

Angelina Jolie in Lorraine Schwartz via InStyle

They have since graced red head Julianne Moore at the Golden Globes in 2010

Julianne Moore in Bulgari via InStyle

And, a very blond Reese Witherspoon at the Oscars in 2011

Reese Witherspoon in Neil Lane via InStyle

These looks get their movie-star sized wattage from the simplicity of the design: a stud and a drop, and the mega-size.  In this case, (and with jewelry isn't it often the case?), bigger is better.

So, perhaps you don't have velvet rope access to Neil Lane - here are some looks for less:

Go Green, From L-R: Noumea Emerald Pierced Earrings at Swarovski, Courtney Lee Collection Emerald Brittany Earrings at Max & Chloe, Lata K Illusion Green Onyx Long Earrings at Max & Chloe, Nicky Hilton Sterling Silver Bullet Earrings with CZ and Green Enamel at Endless.com, Diana Warner Emerald-Cut Crystal-Drop Earrings at Max & Chloe

Red Carpet Inspiration: Jewels

Again, I loved Gwyneth Paltrow's dress, hair and jewels. 

Gwyneth Paltrow in Calvin Klein via InStyle

I thought she radiated.  In fact when watching the pre-show with my sister I kept noting the man/intern/earring showcaser who relentlessly adjusted Paltrow's hair to show off these:

Louis Vuitton Earring via People.com

Those earrings are to die for, and I am fairly certain the originals fall under the category of "would kill your bank account".  But all hope is not lost. The idea behind the earring is a cluster of multicolor stones in an organic shape (not specifically round or square).

Here are my top picks for the look for much, much less:

From L - R: Rachel Leigh Nico Shooting Star Cluster Earrings at Charm & Chain; Gas Bijoux Faux Turquoise and Quartz Gold Plated Cluster Earringsat Ylang23; Wing Studs at Top Shop; Sorrelli "Wild Meadow" Earrings at Endless; Oscar de la Renta Multi Stone Drop Earrings at Net-A-Porter

Loving the Rockies

In any mountain town, or Disney gift shop, you'll be likely to find barrels of "gem stones".  My sister and I collected them, I think with the intention of using them for something really fabulous.

Now I wish I had them.  For early spring, I am really loving the look of rough cut, jagged stones on Jewelry.  

I have seen a few examples in boutiques around town, and for a celebrity comparison Cameron Diaz in 2007 really comes to mind. 

via FabSugar.com

 

More Ettinger UK...

As Ms. Diaz illustrates the bold, oversized and natural stones add a playful sensibility to even the most dramatic gown.  They have a unique and interesting sparkle that seems more unique and less fussy.  Besides, with a good tan these pieces are a stunner.  

Warm weather, where are you?