Gap Design Editions

Gosh, word sure spread fast about the new CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund designer white shirts and jewelry huh? I went to my local Gap last night to check it out and they were already running low on stock. Well, overall I felt a little underwhelmed about the shirts (priced at $78 - $88) by Phillip Lim, Band of Outsiders, and Michael Bastian. This Cut-out dress by Three AsFour is cute. The jewlery by Philip Crangi is um…different, but they are not my style. What do you think? Weigh in on them.

Liza Shtromberg jewelry

You know once in a while when you see this incredible piece of jewelry, it makes you go wow this is not only going to make me look pretty, but it’ll also bring out a creative side of me. It doesn’t necessarily have anything to do with any trends going on right now, it’s just so different and artistically designed and made. Such is the unique hand-crafted jewelry from Liza Shtromberg.

The strength of stones. The grace of metal and the wisdom of wood. The beauty of pearls and the wonder of shells. These are just a few of the secrets behind the stunning beauty and elegance of hand-made “Ancient Modern” jewelry by artisan Liza Shtromberg.

As one of today’s most respected and acclaimed creators of unique, one-of-a-kind jewelry items, she is recognized the world over for her discerning taste and unrivaled ability to evoke the wonder and energy of nature in every piece she creates.

Utilizing the highest-quality examples of freshwater pearls, semi-precious stones–including Turquoise, Red Coral, Aquamarine, Peruvian Opals, Agate, Smokey Quartz, Amber, and Lapis Lazuli, just to name a few–as well as saltwater shells and select woods, her designs appeal to lovers of both contemporary and classical jewelry styles across the globe!

Liza Shtromberg Rutillated Quartz Rectangle Cocktail Ring $173

Liza Shtromberg Smokey Quartz Split Band Cocktail Ring $163

Liza Shtromberg Smokey Quartz Oval Band Cocktail Ring $173

Liza Shtromberg Ancient Modern Double Chunk Ring $148

Liza Shtromberg Petra Rutillated Quartz Teardrop Earrings $173

Kenneth Jay Lane flower rings

While I continue to be obsessed with chunky necklaces and giant bangles and bracelets, now I’m head over heels for these Kenneth Jay Lane flower rings. One of these beauties will be mine. Aren’t they just so pretty?  They are big, but so delicate. The details are intricate and the colors are just gorgeous, perfect for the summer.

Kenneth Jay Lane Orchid Ring with Pink Pearl $73

$70

$70

$79

Kenneth Jay Lane Rose Ring $132

A new giveaway - 18K Gold Plated Sakura Earrings by Kipepeo!

Update: Congratulations to Jeniffer of  Angola, IN who is the lucky winner of these earrings!  Thanks everybody for entering the contest.  I really wish everybody could win!  Stay tuned for more contests in the future

Darlings, as I promised here is our new giveaway and I really think you are going to love this prize. A girl can never have too many pieces of fine jewelry, right? A lucky Ma Petite Chou reader can win this beautiful 18K Gold Plated Sakura Earrings ($295) offered by the leading online jewelry retailer Szul located at the heart of Manhattan’s Diamond District. Yes, you are entering to win the same gorgeous pair of earrings Alicia Keys is wearing in the picture!! Szul.com has recently launched of its New York Designer Spotlight program. It is featuring SOHO’s hottest up and coming jewelry designers whose pieces have been spotted on the hippest Hollywood celebs. The current feature is Kipepeo. Carol Muthiga, the designer, has created a buzz with her trademark filigree earrings. Kipepeo Jewelry is a favorite among celebrities such as Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Lopez, Halle Berry, Britney Spears, Nicole Richie and so many more. The earrings are from The Modernica collection that blends Kipepeo’s unique style with clean lines resulting in a simple, contemporary, elegant look. Each piece is handcrafted in brass and dipped in 18K Gold. The earrings’ hooks are Gold-Fill. One of you will be the envy of your friends when you wear them out on the town

Be sure to check out the entire Szul.com site for a huge delicious selection of diamond, gemstone, and pearl jewelry. Thanks to Szul for sponsoring!

So the rules of this contest are: As always, simply leave a comment to enter. Please leave your name and email address so we can contact you if you win. This contest will be open for one week and end at 11:59 PM EST on Wednesday, April 16. One lucky winner will be drawn randomly and contacted via email on Thursday. One entry per person and U.S. and Canadian residents only, please. Good luck to everybody!

Marni Resin stretch bracelet

Marni Resin stretch bracelet $420. Why are those alien eyes keeping following me? Oh Marni, you are so quirky.

Cool vintage shades

I guess the big oversize sunglasses are here to stay, although the huge bug-eye ones aren’t so popular anymore (thank goodness). I’m dying to get my hands on some vintage ones, or vintage-inspired. Love these from Free People. The colored frames are especially cool.

Vintage Neostyle $368

Vintage Dior $388

Vintage Vuarnet $298

Leopard Shell Sunglasses $24

DNA Cowboy Aviators $38

Chameleon Sunglasses $28

Deal Alert - Chan Luu silk satin scarves

Spring scarves! Like I said before, the perfect spring accessories! These pretties are on sale just in time. Love the soft colors and cute polka dots, 50’s retro chic. Wear them on the neck, on the hair, on the bag, anywhere.

Chan Luu Colored Silk with White Polka Dots oblong scarf $45 on sale for $22.50!

Chan Luu Silk Satin Polka Dot Scarf $58 on sale for $29.99!

Get ‘em at The Hip Chick!

My silly eBay purchase of the day

I think I talked about the U Bra before. It is quite a clever invention. One time I almost bought it when I saw it in the store, but I talked myself out of it ’cause a) it was expensive, b) I didn’t need one for any of my tops. I’m not one to don a plunging V neck (yet). Then I saw it on eBay from this seller and being only $10, I thought what the heck. Sometimes I just don’t buy things need them, but in anticipation that I might need them in the future. So here it is! I tried it on. It’s not the most comfortable bra, which isn’t a big surprise since the cup only covers half of the boob. Now we’ll see if I have the nerve to wear it underneath a plunging V neck. This Catherine Malandrino dress looks fabulous, theoretically speaking.

Catherine Malandrino Deep V Camisole Dress $425

A new giveaway!

Update:  Congratulations to Meaghan who is our lucky winner to this giveaway!  :)  Thanks so much to everybody for entering.  I really wish I had prizes for everyone!  Keep checking back, I will definitely have more contests in the future

 Happy Easter everybody! To celebrate the long weekend, I’m having a brand new giveaway! Nothing makes me happier than giving you a little something special to enjoy :D. You are not going to want to skip this one. There are two prizes to this giveaway.

The first prize that I’m giving away is this pair of beautiful Leaf and Husk earrings from Bridget Lynne Designs ($55), a glass leaf drop and husk pendant are suspended from a 14K gold filled cable chain. Attached to a gold filled earwire. Measures 4 1/2 inches. The designer Bridget Lynne Nielsen is such a cutie, and her designs are absolutely pretty, feminine and timeless. All the pieces are handmade by Bridget Lynne herself and they are surprisingly affordable. Be sure to check out her website. One of these days I’m going to buy everything up on that site!

The second part of this giveaway is a $50 gift certificate to the ultra-luxurious celeb haunt Bruno Jamais Restaurant at 24 East 81st Street between Madison and Fifth (Phone: 212 396-3444). Believe me if I was from NYC, I’d be going there myself. But I thought I’d pass it onto all you NYC residents or those of you who are planning on a trip to NYC. Bruno Jamais is blocks away from all of the upper east side’s museums and hotels such as The Carlyle, The Mark and The Stanhope. Celebrity diners have included Chazz Palminteri, Cindy Adams, Chris Noth, Fat Joe, Gary Shandling, Robin Givens, Chaka Khan, Alex Rodriguez, Supermodel Carol Alt, The Gastineau Girls, Joan Rivers, Kim Cattral, and even former President Bill Clinton.

So the rules of this contest are: As always, simply leave a comment to enter. Please leave your name and email address. Your email will be kept safe and private and only viewable by me. This contest will be open for one week and end at 11:59 PM EST on Friday, March 28. One lucky winner will be drawn randomly and contacted via email on Saturday. One entry per person and U.S. and Canadian residents only, please. Good luck to everybody!

More about Bruno Jamais Restaurant after the jump if you care to read about it.

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Juice Couture’s weekend chic

Juicy Couture’s got some amazing sailor-chic weekend attires and accessories. Some of the flip-flops I’m not a huge fan of, but they are doing a good job with the spring stuff. I am particularly liking this Pleated Chiffon and Jersey Dress $198. Love the delicate neckline and sleeves.

Couture Canvas Red Carpet Tote $175. And this canvas tote is quite adorable in the light pink print. It’s perfect for going to the market on the weekend.

Juicy Couture Violet Sunglasses $150. And I love the softer color of these shades, very feminine, plus the light pink earpieces match the pink canvas tote. Albeit it’s on the inside, which is better ’cause that is more subtle.

Summer scarves

According to Telegraph’s fashion writer Sarah Mower, It’s time to study the classics for the summer. Among the top ten classics, summer scarves is what I’m interested in getting right away. “A scarf is not just a fashionable accessory to wind nonchalantly around your neck. It’s also a way of wafting elegantly past trends you don’t necessarily want to commit your whole person to but don’t mind showing you know about: chiffon, florals, ethnic prints, sequins (as seen at Anna Sui).” Many of our moms wear beautiful scarves year around, right? They are right about something eh? I knew I should’ve listened to my mom. I’m quite liking the pure silk scarves from Vera. The prints are colorful and modern. And just like shown in the pictures, they are perfect for dressing up a simple tee.

Vera Pine Needles Scarf Green $81

Vera Pine Needles Scarf Black & White $81

Vera Long Traveler Scarf Yellow & Grey $81

Vera Pendulum Long Scarf Brown & Orange $81

Vera Abstract Scarf Navy & Red $51

Jewelry Stands

My nice jewelry box is totally disorganized and over-flowing. And I’ve been using those cases that I got from Home Depot, you know those see-through boxes that your guy keeps his nuts and bolts? Yep, I need much better system. Jewelry stands are a great idea. Not only will I be able to keep my jewelry organized and untangled so I can easily see what I have and reach for that pair of perfect earrings for the outfit (with most of them in the boxes, sometimes I forget that I have them), but I’ll be able to keep the jewelry in much better condition. And besides look at these pretty stands, they can totally pretty up your vanity table.

Earring Stand $14

Little Birch Jewelry Stand $26

Little Birdie Jewelry Stand $18

Sakura Earring Stand $10

Chirp Bracelet Stand $18

Wrap your neck in these

I am absolutely obsessed with necklaces of enormous sizes. The bigger and the more colorful, the better. Now the seemingly big necklaces that I do have now just don’t seem big enough! My neck wouldn’t feel so bare if I had all of these. I just wish most of these weren’t so out of my reach.

Agate Cabochon Necklace by Bounkit for Vivre $1,550

Santa Fe Necklace by Dori Csengeri $1,550

Flower Beaded Bib Necklace by Miriam Haskell $850

Pink Rhodalite Necklace by Siman Tu for Vivre $550

Emily-Jane Blue Lagoon necklace $290

Lauren Wimmer Robins Egg Small Bib Necklace $140

Charlotte Russe’s best spring picks and 25% off everything!

I love Charlotte Russe even though we don’t have a physical store here where I live. They are nice people, one girl actually emailed me personally asking if I was satisfied with my purchases after my trip to their store in Buffalo, NY and to informed me that they had started shipping to Canada. Well, today they have a special discount for St. Patrick’s Day. For today only save 25% off entire site! No coupon codes needed, just follow the link. Here are my favorite picks for spring on the site. And I’m strangely drawn to green things:)

Striped Halter Sundress $24.99 $18.74

Pleated Dress $36.99 $27.74

Mixed Print Halter Dress $28.99 $21.74

Rosette Embroidered Top $34.99 $26.24

Off-The-Shoulder Top $16.99 $12.74

Asymmetrical Patent Heels $24.99 $18.74

Satin Swirl Print Wedges $24.99 $18.74

Plaid Flats $18.99 $14.24

Canvas Tote $14.99 $11.24

Shell Pendant Necklace $7.99 $5.99

Dress up your laptop and iPod

Check out my new laptop skin!
I actually don’t own that many gadgets, just my cellphone, blackberry and laptop which are my everyday essentials. I’m a pretty simple girl when it comes to accessorizing my gadgets. But when I found Gelaskins where you can find fantanstic artist-designed removable skins for iPods and laptops, I just wanted to accessorize the heck out of my laptop. You are going to feel like a kid in the candy store. There are so many artistic designs that caught my eye. The one I have on is Land of Dreams by artist Amy Sol.

I also got these two, Growth by Lawrence Yang and Peeking under leafs by Jeremiah Ketner. Aren’t they adorable? Seeing how much time I spend on my laptop, it definitely deserves a little fashion too!

These are just some of the artists designing for Gelaskins. I’m sure you will find the style(s) you like.