I must have been a magpie in another life. I’m so attracted to anything shiny, glittery, glossy, shimmery, it’s become a running joke in my family and among my friends. I can spot a diamond, Swarovski crystal, or cubic zirconia from half a mile away – and I have to get a closer look.
Such was the case this past weekend when I went to Staten Island to attend the play, The Andersonville Trial, which starred my friend Robert Blue. He was great; the play was great. However, this is not a post about the play, although it was such a treat. So, shout out to The Staten Island Shakespearean Company. Check out their upcoming schedule of shows – and go if you’re in the vicinity. Or even if you’re not. It’s worth the trip.
Now, back to the bling (does anyone say bling anymore? Oh well, you know what I mean.) – which I spotted on the neck of a young woman who, it turns out was the production stage manager. Her name is Christie Zampella and she’s an actor with an obviously great sense of style. How seriously cute is this necklace? It’s by Betsy Johnson and I think it’s adorable. (Thank you, Christie, for allowing me to take a photo of it. See? I’m not a totally crazy person who accosted you in the middle of the theatre. I really do have a blog and you are charming and a great sport.)
Which brings me to the subject of my favorite blings, er, things.
Judith Leiber Handbags
Judith Leiber is, in my opinion, the undisputed queen of the crystal-studded evening handbag. Ms. Leiber sold her company in 1993 and, frankly, nothing compares to her now-vintage animal-shaped minaudieres. But Mary Gleason, president of Judith Leiber LLC remains true to the Leiber aesthetic, even as she tries to modernize the designs by, for example, introducing handbags at more modest price points and ones large enough to hold a cell phone. Several times a year, Judith Leiber LLC introduces some fabulous (and tres expensive) handbags. Blingistas, here’s a field trip idea worth considering: The Leiber Collection Museum, 446 Old Stone Highway, Springs, NY. From what I read, Judith Leiber herself has been buying back some of her classic designs to showcase in the Collection.
Cocktail Rings
Cocktail rings are statement pieces that, depending on whether they’re real or faux, are serious or fun – or both. In my case, cocktail ring is a misnomer because I’ve been known to wear my cocktail rings at any time of the day, regardless of whether or not there’s a cocktail in sight.
Shimmery Makeup
The bling does not have to be expensive to be fabulous. It can be as inexpensive as a lipgloss or sparkly eyeshadow. I am mesmerized by the glittery gold eyeshadow that Christina Aquilera has worn on The Voice. I cannot take my eyes off her makeup. You can achieve a similar, albeit less glittery look with Estee Lauder’s Pure Color Cyber Metallic Eye Shadows, $24. I particularly like Cyber Silver, Cyber Copper and Cyber Green, a shade that’s eminently wearable. Also, try Too Faced Glamour Dust Glitter Pigment, $17.
Shoes, Of Course!
Bling Your LBD with a pair of glittery shoes. They don’t have to be expensive, a la Christian Louboutin, to make the outfit. A simple black sheath dress takes on a whole other life when paired with a pair of shimmery, glittery stilettos. I got these, by Guess, at DSW, on sale, for under $40.
Little Things that Bling
Whenever I pull this little pen out of my handbag, it elicits smiles or gasps and everyone who sees it wants one. These little Swarovski crystal-studded pens are available on various websites and gift shops, so start googling. And keep your eyes open in jewelry stores and shops where gift items are sold.
Is there such a thing as too much bling? Honestly, there probably is – but I’m not the one to ask.
Bling It On!
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Shop Amazon – Boutique Designer Jewelry
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love my sparkles & bling- a big drawing factor to all my Bare Escentual Eye Colors is how much Sparkle they have to them :)!
I am going to have to look into the Bare Escentual Eye Colors. I love shiny shadows. I’ve read, for years, that women of a certain age – like over 35 – shouldn’t wear shimmery shadows as they are aging. I disagree. If they’re applied properly and blended well, they bring attention to the eyes and make them sparkle. (I also love to dot a touch of sparkle on my cheekbones for an evening out. It looks great under low party lights or candlelight.)
I say “bosh” to the age limit! the CEO of Bare Escentuals is our age also and that has never stopped my Leslie! {and yes I claim her!! both as a real friend & an inspiration}
I have so many wonderful “highlight” radiances from BE for that – as a C around the outer eye area. or just a small buff over the upper cheek area {also has a slight slimming effect, by creating a higher cheek bone}
“Boshing” right along with you. Agreed, Leslie is a great inspiration. Would you want to write a guest post about BE? You can give tips on general usage, highlighting, contouring, etc. Day to night looks. Name names, link to products. (I’ll take care of the formatting.) Think about it and let me know. Also, are you around this weekend? E me.
I have the pleasure of knowing Christie…she is a good actress, talented and creative…She has an eye for fashion and jewelry…eccentric and classy!!! And yes, S.I. Shakespearean Threatre does great shows..always worth the reasonable price of a ticket.
Dorri – Thank you SO much for your response. If Christie hasn’t seen the post as yet, please let her know about it. I spotted her across a room and made a point of telling her how great she looked. It was a pleasure meeting her that night. The production was great; the performances were great. My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed the evening. Say hi to Christie! (And feel free to enter the EverBeautiful.com Fragrance Giveaway. Check out my post regarding that. Only 4 days left.)
“Ooooh Shiny!” A favorite observation in our family, especially when group shopping. It’s an alert that translates to “Stop whatever you’re doing, get over here now, and take a look at this blindingly gorgeous treasure.” Nothing compares with Baubles, Bangles and Beads when it comes to brightening the day – or night. It’s Kismet, you know.
Haha! (You’ve been watching too much Mad Men. I get the 60s references. They are 60s, right?) Yup, the love of anything shiny is a common thread in our family. But who wouldn’t be happy looking at these beautiful things? I’m blinded by the light. (70s reference.)
Love the “Shoes, of course” but the hand bag is very lovely.can they go together?
Oh Olga, absolutely! I LOVE the shoes with the platinum handbag, especially with a simple little black dress. Fabulous! But I think it would work even with a black or white sequin dress, as long as the dress doesn’t have a busy pattern. Love, love, love! Accessories that bling can take the right daytime dress to an evening event and make it look very important and festive. Thanks for your comment – and your suggestion. Terrific!