We Love: Made in NY

What’s on your holiday wish list? We have some cool things picked out that are made in New York, and a few other irresistible somethings from everywhere. Here’s our round-up of enviable items to we’d love to give & receive.

For the art & design-types on your list, the most gorgeous fishbowl imaginable.

How pretty are these gem-shaped soaps, by husband & wife designers in Red Hook, Brooklyn!

Also made in Brooklyn! The best Hanukkah gelt

These killer neckties are made in NYC, too.

Yes, yes, yes, more awesome presents made in Brooklyn!

Speaking of color, who wouldn’t want to wake up with this every morning?

European dream weekends! How fun would it be to find this in your stocking?

And this, from artist Yayoi Kusama’s too-cool Louis Vuitton Collaboration.

Of course, the best things in life aren’t things. Have fun this weekend!

Photo: Aruliden’s Fish Bowl, from the A+R design store.

Like us on Facebook.

Ask Jeff Cooper: Diamond Engagement Ring Trends for 2013

Happy Holidays! We’re already thinking about 2013, which is poised to be an incredible year in engagement ring style. Here are our top ten predictions for the best trends of the year.

1. Vintage-Inspired
Updated vintage designs are the single biggest trend we see, now and in the future. Who doesn’t want a ring that feels timeless? Vintage-inspired engagement rings have that innate sense of history and romance. Photo: Hope

2. Colored Stones
What do Penelope Cruz, Kate Middleton and Mariah Carey have in common, besides great hair? Colored engagement rings! Sapphires especially are seeing a huge rise in popularity, quite possibly due to Kate Middleton’s royal rock.

3. Halo & Double Halo
Modern brides are loving the architectural look of halos, and some couples also see them as symbolic of eternity. Either way, we think dramatic halos seem chicer by the day.

4. Princess, Emerald & Oval Diamonds
After Brad Pitt designed Angelina Jolie’s engagement ring with its impressive emerald cut diamond, was there any doubt the trend would take off? Three cuts we predict will be huge in 2013 are princess, emerald and ovals.

5. Personalization
Justin Timberlake included Jessica Biel’s aquamarine birthstone in her engagement ring. Our own Nikole Collection is based on the ring David Cooper designed for his wife, Nikole. In love and jewelry, the more personal, the better.

6. Twisted Bands
An elegant twist is such a classic, glamorous way to add dimension to a ring, we think you’ll be seeing a lot of this trend in the future.

7. Floral Motifs
Brides feel freer than ever to express their personalities, and unique engagement ring designs are gaining popularity. Floral engagement rings strike such a cool balance of feminine beauty and bold individuality.

8. Unique Settings
Blending in with the crowd is so over. While most brides want a classic look, choosing a unique setting is a great way to make it your own. We love barset diamonds for a look that’s bold, but still timeless.

9. Three Stone Rings
A lot of couples see the three-stone ring as symbolic of the past, present and future, or three of their own personal milestones. It’s just another way that couples are personalizing their experience, a trend we love.

10. The New Solitaires
Fresh, new versions of the classic solitaire will be big in 2013. We’re really feeling radically clean lines and understated details that make the center stone pop.

Keep up with all the trends in wedding jewelry. Like us on Facebook.

 

We Love: A Colored Wedding Dress

Would you dare to forgo the classic white gown for a colored wedding dress? If three times make a trend, then colored dresses are a craze in Hollywood, since we’ve seen this almost a dozen times!

Trendsetting stars like Julianne Moore, Gwen Stefani, Portia De Rossi, Reese Witherspoon, Jessica Biel, Anne Hathaway, Cynthia Nixon, Emily Deschanel  and Amber Tamblyn all wore color, and we suspect it’s a trend we’ll see more of in the future.

Who wore it best? It’s Hollywood, so of course everyone looked uniquely amazing. We’re all about the refined simplicity, so we’re voting for Reese Witherspoon’s blush pink Chantilly lace Monique Lhuillier. Such a flattering color and classic silhouette could really work on anyone.

Photos: Lara Porzak & People Magazine

Like us on Facebook.

We Love: A Great Wedding Video

So what are you up to this weekend? The Matisse show at the Metropolitan Museum of Art looks amazing. But then, so does holiday shopping online with a cake in the oven. Here are some fun links from around the net we’re loving this week. Have a wonderful weekend!

The ‘Magnificent Jewels’ auction at Christie’s.

Is ‘Magnificent’ a bit too extravagant? Try these.

Put a bow on it for the holidays.

Yum. Nine Amazing American Whiskeys.

A sweet gift that gives back.

Matisse at the Met!

Just so incredibly romantic.

Like us on Facebook.