Fashion Bloopers: Now Starring Robert Downey Jr.

Sometimes there's nothing quite as enjoyable as taking in the beauty of a particular star bedecked in an imaginative fashion confection, and many a fashionista's wall or mirror has been taped up with a picture of a celebrity who unmistakably got their fashion moment just right. But it's not always the case that stars nail the fashion challenge; sometimes, in fact, they very seriously flop. It may be somewhat incongruous to snicker at the unfortunate fashion choices of the very celebrities that on good days, but if gossip rags are any indication, it's certainly a past time. There are ample opportunities in the entertainment industry for stars to fall flat in a big way; from red carpet events coast to coast, ball gowns and suits make plenty of daring appearances throughout the year. But not all fashion mistakes are made in front of the brightest spotlights. Sometimes, they can be as simple as a walk in the park....



...A walk in the park is what Robert Downey, Jr. might have had in mind when he dressed for a London dinner last week, accompanied by his wife and famed British filmmaker Guy Ritchie. Ostensibly celebrating the then-imminent release of his new Sherlock Holmes flick, Downey Jr. sat down for what was likely a lovely meal –dressed in less than lovely duds. The most striking element of the star's questionable ensemble, a piece that has made its way onto the eager front pages of plenty of publications, was a powder blue affair that might have been the world's first glimpse of an unhappy marriage between a top hat and a fisherman's cap, trimmed in a darker blue ribbon that just might have been crafted of velvet. Crowning the actor in what looked to be part old maid bonnet and part rummage sale disgrace, the hat would have seemed entirely out of character were it not for the awkwardly baggy pants the star wore atop shoes that could have definitely used a good scrubbing.
By contrast, Downey Jr's wife looked perfectly chic and groomed, and seemingly unaware of her husband's bizarre outfit, a trait which may make her the most forgiving woman in show business. Of course, this doesn't mark the worst case of celebrity dressing the world has ever seen –a few of Cher's Bob Mackie moments, for instance, come to mind--, but the world of gossip has made certain that it will earn its place among the hallowed halls of stars who stepped out in something utterly ghastly. In the world of men's fashion accessories, it can sometimes seem like being adventurous is especially risky. But when men shop with costume jewellery retailers and accessory houses with a reputation for getting trends just right (like Janeo's raised-ridge leather belt, for instance), expressing oneself doesn't have to involve showing up in the bad fashion headlines bedecked in items that couldn't flatter a fish.

The Stars Head to Havana

Havana may not immediately come to mind when considering the world's most famous celebrity spotting locales. But recently, the city has been bustling with such big names as Benicio del Toro, Robert Duvall, Bill Murray, and James Caan, who were in Cuba, officially anyway, in order to be present for del Toro's reception ceremony upon his achievement of the International Tomas Gutierrez Alea Prize. The special honor, bestowed upon del Toro for his depiction of Che Guevarra in the recent film “Che,” created a bit of buzz and apparently was able to bring some substantial star power along with it.
While celebrities an as yet undiscovered American citizens alike have had some degree of trouble visiting and working in Cuba over the past several decades, the new American administration's efforts to rethink its relationship with Cuba has led to greater opportunities for collaboration. Rumors have been circulating that the all-male big screen team had an ulterior motive to their visit: scoping out the possibility for the creation of a film in Cuba. With its clear waters, old-world charm, and distinctly Caribbean appeal, the country makes sense as a filming destination, particularly in light of its inexpensive services.
Whether we'll be seeing much more of Cuba in celebrity news seems fairly certain; even if the island doesn't become a popular destination for movie making, its beauty is sure to draw plenty of stars for vacations and holidays. Of course, this leads to the ultimate conundrum of how to accessorize for a perfect Havana hangout. If it wasn't obvious from the get-go, costume jewellery's eternal love affair with facets spells out the perfect starting point for fun and functional costume jewellery accessories that'd highlight the warmth and wonder of this previously forbidden island.
The legendary sun in Cuba might make it a bit impractical to don a lot of heavy jewels. So, with a sigh, but a knowing nod toward necessity, we defer to the sparkle power of cosmetic mirror bag charms. These versatile pieces provide a bit of reflection for checking up on your lip gloss or checking over your shoulder for that particularly juicy waiter with the trilling accent. Of course, a mirror's the perfect opportunity for getting in a bit of bling, as well, and our compacts do exactly that.


Our limited edition heart shaped bag charm beautifully composes the subdued colors of afternoon sun in lazy bursts surrounded by tiny embedded champagne Swarovski crystals. Swirling, creamy enamel plays off the soft leatherette panel that protects the mirror from scratches, and bestows the small but sensational accessory with a beauty that's perfectly appropriate for a hot night at a Carnaval parade or a quite evening by the pool. As relations with Cuba benefit from a bit of the sunny demeanors currently in office, we hope more cultural exchange will occur across the water –and that costume jewellery will continue to benefit as a result.