This Was Inevitable...

Let's do some math, shall we?

SKYROCKETING PRICE OF GOLD + DOLLAR IN THE CRAPPER =

Hello silver, brass and pewter! (And a sprinkling of gold vermeil and leather, too.)

I took a peak at Barney's to see what was going on in the jewelry front. A year ago, 18kt gold reigned supreme. Here is a sampling of what I found today. Many of the pieces are fantastic but I've got to say, some of these prices are going to take some mental adjustment.









Jill Platner
Axis Bracelet
$1,250.00













Maria Rudman Rambali
Pewter Brown Leather Bracelet
$325.00

Rettore
Brass Buckle Bangle
$950.00











Aurora Lopez
ID Bracelet
$400.00














Antonio Palladino
Gold Snake Bracelet
$2,635.00



$2600+ for vermeil???? It's a sign of the times I guess.

Yikes.

Taddah-Worthy

I'm going to be honest. 2008 has been less than thrilling on the celebrity fashion front. Even the fashion-forward Olsens seem to have hit a rough patch. (A certain ArdenWohl-On-Steroids sweatband/headband tragedy comes to mind.)

A bright spot...






















Leighton Meester at the New Yorkers For Children Dinner Dance
[image via style.com]

If you're looking for something to do today...

Go meet Ralph Rucci. He has a scheduled appearance at Bergdorf Goodman between 2:00 and 4:00.

In my humble opinion, Ralph is the greatest living American fashion designer, even though he is often overlooked by many of the top fashion magazines. He has a reputation for having an older customer, but twenty and thirty-somethings who ignore his clothes are really missing out.

Here are some looks I love from his Spring line.







































































































Bergdorf Goodman
754 Fifth Ave. (57th Street), 4th Floor
Ph: 212.753.7300)

Forever Like Red

A friend (thanks KG!) emailed me about the band, Forever Like Red, which is based in my hometown - Shreveport, Louisiana. I don't normally post about music, but I fell in love their album Distance. I have lived in New York and previously Los Angeles for a combined nine years and these guys would stand out in either city.

Their album is for sale on iTunes now. The lead singer's voice is vaguely reminiscent of Jeff Buckley, but the band's style is all its own. My favorite songs from the album are Father, Breakdown, Forever Like Red and Exit Signs.

Check out the video for Exit Signs below, and download their entire album on iTunes.