Manhattan’s Finest (And Most Colorful!) Gem

A Brief Word About My Newest Obsession: Jewelry Designer Andy Lifschutz’s Creations!
In the season where Hippie styles (Flowers and Bell Bottoms) are undoubtedly returning, I couldn't help but be mesmerized by Andy Lifschutz's designs! The Brooklyn native “collaborates with nature”, and has cited his “summers spent by the sandstone cliffs and beaches of Santorini” as inspiration.

In his creations, he uses only domestic materials and reclaimed metals. Although his formula is simple- either rainbow, white quartz, or pyrite stones on bronze, silver, or yellow or rose gold- every piece is completely different! Andy Lifschutz creates custom rings (left) as well as his original collection, Nature Speaks.

The prices range from $250 to $2,500, and are available both on Andy’s website, and at his New York location: Fatou at The Plaza Hotel, 1 West 58th Street, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, on the mezzanine level. During fashion week, his designs can be found on the second floor of the hotel outside of the Warren Tracomi salon.

(As seen on JoonBug NY)

Add Some Flare To Your Style!

Spring Is Bringing Back 70's Styled Bell Bottoms!

Although we're still in January, we can't help but get excited for the 70's-inspired trends that we'll be seeing this Spring! In addition to the stylish flower pins that are quickly gaining popularity once again, be sure to expect flared leg jeans to show up everywhere from Forever 21 to Derek Lam's Spring Collection.

70's trends have always been present in mainstream fashion- think of the Hippie-inspired floral prints, flare leg jeans, and minimal styling techniques that somehow creep up on runways each season. Although consistently present, the influence of the 70's on fashion is never quite the same. Sometimes it's so apparent that styles are practically screaming "Woodstock!", and other seasons, it's so slight that its almost invisible to the fashion-untrained eye.

This season, although not as major as full-out bell bottoms, flare-legged jeans are definitely coming back! Their arrival is undeniable, as they've already been seen on the Spring 2011 runways of Derek Lam, Celine, D & G, Elie Tahari, Dries Van Noten, Badgley Mischka, Theyskens’ Theory, and Thakoon. My advice? Get ready to grab some flared leg jeans and embrace your inner flower child!

(As seen on JoonBug)

Flower Power

Channel Your Inner Carrie Bradshaw This Spring With Flower Pins!

Flowers are beautiful. There's no doubt about it- whether planted, or gifted, or worn, they're gorgeous. Flowers in fashion create an image of fantasy and whimsical daydreaming, and are beautifully feminine. Flowers first appeared in fashion during the 60's- the age of Flower Power and brightly dressed hippies- and we've loved them ever since! Although not as heavily seen in mainstream style after that period, they still show up every now and then.

In the late 90's, the flower returned in the wardrobe of Carrie Bradshaw, but this time as a pin rather than a pattern. Carrie was, and still is, a major fashion icon, even though she's fictional. She accessorizes with flowers that she attaches to her clothes, which complete each outfit in a very Bradshaw-esque way, unique to only Carrie herself. In the 2008 film , Carrie exhibited her love of flowers more than ever during the first scene, wearing a gorgeous white dress with a shimmering gold flower on the shoulder.

This year, Banana Republic is also channeling a similar charm, incorporating flower pins in their Spring/Summer 2011 collection. The collection has a whimsical girly feeling, and uses floral accents to help convey it.

This Spring, we'll see floral inspirations everywhere, but this time they'll be 3-dimensional. The unique style of the flower will continue to spread as the season progresses, so wear a pin and make Carrie proud!

(As seen on JoonBug)