Sneak Peek: Courtney Kerr x BaubleBar Jewelry Collection, Launching Tuesday

photography courtesy of BaubleBar

Courtney Kerr has long been a fan of BaubleBar, a trendy online virtual jewelry counter. This, mixed with her affection for statement jewelry (note exhibits a, b, and c), made the collaboration between the two a no-brainer. It’s been in the works for a year, but you’ll finally get to shop Courtney’s Bauble Bar next week. This marks another milestone for the  Most Eligible: Dallas reality TV star-turned-blogger-now-turned-designer, but it wasn’t all glitz and glamour.

“When they pitched this idea to me last summer, I never imagined all the dedicated hours that I would spend staring at samples and making decisions and that it would be so difficult,” she says. “Obviously, I wanted the collection to be done right, and of course I wanted it to be a reflection of me as a blogger and style tastemaker, but also, speak to my personality.”

This sneak peek at a few necklaces reveals a variety of looks, from simpler, old Hollywood-inspired gold and crystal necklace to a blinged Art Deco collar with pink stones and turquoise spikes.

“Looking at the collection I see every kind of girl: the one who wears long flowy maxi dresses with traditional turquoise jewelry, the one who dresses in head-to-toe black and tops it off with a badass spiked chain, and the gal who uses her layered jewelry to make a statement. Either way, there is something for every girl in this collection, and it’s a project with an incredible company that I could not be more proud of.”

Clear your e-shopping carts. The collection launches online on Tuesday.

photography courtesy of BaubleBar

Nikki Reed on Her 7 For All Mankind Jewelry Collaboration and Her Biggest Inspiration

I wasn’t able to make the private event at NorthPark this week to celebrate the launch of Mattlin Era by Nikki Reed for 7 For All Mankind, but fortunately, People Newspapers reporter Georgia Fisher got it covered by passing along the assignment to her shadow of the week, high school senior Claire Criss. The duo interviewed the Twilight actress and jewelry designer, and Criss wrote up the following story:

Walk through NorthPark’s 7 For All Mankind, and it is abundantly clear why Nikki Reed’s jewelry was chosen for the store.  Best known for her part as Rosalie in the Twilight saga, Reed has now added jewelry-designer to her chain of talents.  Launching this week in Dallas, Mattlin Era — Reed’s label — is a great addition for all jewelry lovers.  With a unique look and a price point of less than $100, the collection is sure to be a hit.

Reed agreed to lend her name to the five-piece line just a few months ago, and the day her manager called about the opportunity, she put twelve sketches together in a matter of hours. The Starry Knight necklace and matching earrings are inspired by 7 For All Mankind’s Photo Real jeans, which are embellished with Swarovski crystals. The pieces really compliment the jeans, making the collection even more appropriate for the store.

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Feast Your Eyes on These “Rare Gems of India”

I told you around Valentine’s Day that one of interior designer Heather Asbury’s “Gems of India” bracelets hit my wish list. Today, I had the opportunity to sit down with Asbury and see her designs in person, and I am totally, full throttle, over-the-moon smitten with her stunning jewels, which she designs over here, using materials from India, Africa, and Turkey, and are assembled in India and Dallas. They’re truly even more beautiful up close. It doesn’t hurt that Asbury is a gem herself. She’ll even make house calls to talk about customizing pieces like her horn cuffs (which are sourced from animal materials that are naturally shed). And each piece is handcrafted–check out these ornate details. Relatively speaking, her pieces are affordable compared to the fashion market, but they still run in the thousands, so expect an investment piece that can be a future family heirloom. (Surely, my future children will want that ring below.)

So in love with this (out-of-my-budget) emerald ring it hurt to take it off.

This is a one-of-a-kind cuff with a gold band and colored diamond stones. Simple and lovely.

Enamel bangles with emerald and diamonds.

African bone beads and a vintage Indian pendant

Water buffalo horn cuff with a vintage Indian pendant

On My Love List: The Woods Pink Druzy Circle Drop Earrings at Forty Five Ten

photography courtesy of Forty Five Ten

Normally, I think of The Woods jewelry as being earthy and slightly witchy, but these pink druzy circle earrings, surrounded by pavé diamonds are kind of darling. The weathered-looking gold and dainty size keep them wearable for everyday. $1,100 at Forty Five Ten.

On My Love List: Sethi Couture Diamond Ring

photography courtesy of Ylang23

I’m dreaming big with this week’s love list, so I have no qualms adding this stunner of a diamond ring by Sethi Couture to my collection. Ylang23′s got this pretty thing with a 2.89-karat red/brown diamond in blackened white gold surrounded by champagne diamonds. $5,000 at Ylang23. Who wants to be my valentine?

On My Love List: Virgins Saints & Angels Dragon Crown

photography courtesy of Virgins, Saints, and Angels

Because I’m obsessed with royal history, because I went to see Snow White and the Huntsman twice in a row when it came out, because I’m just a little (or maybe a lot) Gothic at heart, and for, about, one million other reasons, I love the newest Virgins Saints & Angels collection, inspired by ABC’s Once Upon a Time, at SWAG. The collection full of crystal pendants, ornate hair pins and and combs, and cocktail rings, is elaborate, whimsical, and okay, a tad bit silly. (There are spider cuffs and dagger earrings.) But hand over that Dragon Crown (see above), and I swear I will wear it nonstop. Like, when I’m Swiffering and stuff. (It’s only $450.) If you want to check out the full Once Upon a Time collection and meet the designer, Cheryl Finnegan, head over to SWAG this Thursday, February 7, from 4 pm to 7 pm for cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and snapshots of you adorned in these jewels.

On My Love List: Le Métier de Beauté & Ken Downing Fragrance Necklace

photography courtesy of Neiman Marcus

Le Metiér de Beauté and Ken Downing are, like, besties. The high end beauty line, which is sold exclusively at Neiman Marcus, partners with Neiman’s head honcho on limited edition items (like nail polish and lip stick colors) and is now re-touting their holiday edition Pampille de Seduction fragrance necklace for Valentine’s Day. So, what’s a fragrance necklace? Exactly what you think: a piece of jewelry literally infused with scent. But not just any jewelry, naturally. This baby is 24-karat gold with hand-cut carnelian stones. Scents are a mix of the following (because PR people always say it best):

Gardénia: Playful and sweet, this classic fragrance projects hints of orange blosson and jasmine.
Orchidé: Spicy seduction, this fresh aroma captures the deepest scent released by the orchid just after sunset.
Ambre: Warm, exotic and sensual. Earthy wood notes mixed with deep, sweet tones give this scent vintage charm.

Only $4,500.

Support Local, Buy This Killer Quartz Spike Necklace

photography courtesy of Elle Studio

Over the weekend, we stumbled upon a local art festival in the Design District. Apparently, it was the Rendezvous with Fire and Art! fair. (I think they need to do a little PR work next time–not much of a crowd.) In any case, I wandered into the tent of local artist Elle Schuster and fell in love with a spiky “arrow” quartz crystal necklace. I regret not snapping a photo, but her “spear” version (see above) is pretty similar. As it turns out, Elle’s a multiplatform artist, too. Photographer, photo illustrator, and photo sculptor are a few of the hats she wears, so it’s no surprise her necklaces resemble wearable sculptures. Find a selection of her jewelry at the Dallas Museum of Art Gift Shop and the Meadows Museum Shop and her one-of-kind pieces online at Elle Studio.

Pencil This In: Champagne Reception for The Woods Designers at Forty Five Ten

photography courtesy of Forty Five Ten

If you already know The Woods, you’re probably a fan. If you don’t, you will be. The Aspen-based line of necklaces, pendants, bracelets, and earrings, is a fusion of earthy, organic materials and precious diamonds and gems. Celebs, stylists, and fashion bloggers are big fans, including our own Hanh Merriman, the stylish doll of Life in Travel blog, who’s hosting the upcoming trunk show reception for the line at Forty Five Ten. Head over on Friday or Saturday for a trunk show highlighting the newest pieces in the collection, but definitely aim for Friday from noon to 2 pm, when the champagne reception is taking place and you can say hello to designers (and sisters) Shawn Hecox and Samantha Hitchcock.

Where: Forty Five Ten
When: Friday and Saturday, Friday from noon to 2 pm for reception
RSVP: email here

Pretty Trinkets Giveaway: Rory Ashton Jewelry Set

Local jewelry designer Rory Ashton kindly sent over three pretty little pieces for one lucky gal who reads ShopTalk. There’s a “Lemon Slice” necklace with a carved out agate pendant on a gold chain with a crystal details and a matching set of “Dragonfly” wire-wrapped hoop earrings with glass drops and a wire-wrapped ring, both with generous chunks of yellow howlite. It’s simple to enter. As usual, just click here.

To check out the rest of her collection, you can browse her Etsy shop or visit local retailers like Flirt Boutique, Krimson & Klover, and even Stanley Korshak, who carries an exclusive collection.

Pretty Little Fall Details

If you haven’t had a chance to take a look at our recent fall look book, featuring head-to-toe outfits from Cabana, Elements, Milk & Honey, Haven, and Piermarini, check it out now. Then swoon over these cool jewels and accessories that help make the looks.

photography by Desiree Espada

These Lionette earrings are so versatile. They remind me of scorpion tails–but prettier. $246 at Elements

photography by Desiree Espada

(left) This Misha clutch works for all seasons, but I especially enjoy it with chunky amethysts. Clutch, $250; locally designed M. Elizabeth ring, $48 at Haven

(right) These sunglasses Costalots sunglasses in style 83, come in a variety of colors, but we love the ladylike berry hue. $214 at Piermarini

See What We Found at New Gemma Collection Jewelry Shop

Texas native Leigh Elena's leather wrap bracelets

It wasn’t until I visited Gemma Collection, newly opened in Snider Plaza, that I realized how badly the Dallas shopping scene had needed a contemporary jewelry store like this one. Owner Adriane Sack knew, which is why she created this one-stop accessory shop, with more than 30 lines of jewelry, which are still being shipped to the boutique in droves.

Don’t get me wrong. There’s plenty of good jewelry in this town in nicely edited collections in women’s stores. But they’re small. Not comprehensive. Gemma Collection is. The shop has a little bit of everything, all priced under $300.

You want small and dainty? There are simple metal studs in the shape of anchors, bows, and other cutesy things. You want to turn heads? There are statements pieces, like gigantic crystals from from Lionette. Into geology-inspired pieces? Find agates, amethysts, and druzy galore.

Looking for local creations? There’s plenty to choose from by BonBon by Micah Yancy, Snooty Peacock, Catherine Page, Three Bishops, and more.

Jump for more jewels.

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Gemma Collection Jewelry Boutique

Meet new jewelry boutique, Gemma Collection. Housed in Snider Plaza, this accessory station is brought to you by owner Adriane Sack, who saw a need for a shop with a variety of collections and lines not yet seen in the Dallas area.

“I went to as many showrooms and markets around the country as possible to find up and coming lines that weren’t already all over Dallas,” she says.

More than 30 American-made lines are carried at the store, several of which are local to Dallas. Prices run from under $45 to $300, but Sack says most ring up between $70 to $150, which means you can accessorize from head to toe and still keep a roof over your head. Check it out this Saturday during the grand opening party for “snacks and sips,” gift card raffles, and a chance to score one of the 50 gift bags, which include “fun goodies” from Pure Barre, The Blues Jean Bar, My Fit Foods, La Bichette, Sunstone Yoga, and more.

What: Grand Opening Party
Where: Gemma Collection
When: Saturday, September 22, from 10 am to 8 pm

Snag Barse’s Flash Sale of the Day: This Bronze and Turquoise Cuff

Totally digging this engraved bronze cuff with turquoise stones from local designer Barse, and good news, it’s on sale. For today only, you can snag this pretty girl for $48 (down from the usual $178). There are only 24 left, so move fast. Buy here.

Spotted at V.O.D.: Venessa Arizaga Crochet & Rhinestone Collar Necklaces

Venessa Arizaga collar necklaces at V.O.D.

There isn’t much that doesn’t set my heart aflutter at V.O.D., but I am really digging these spring crochet threadwork and rhinestone collar necklaces by Venessa Arizaga. For $285 for Night Light (neon green) and $345 for Clementine (multicolor), these statement pieces will amplify the sex appeal a low neck line or shake up a drab sweater.