Mercedes-Benz Fashion Show: Swimsuits Ready for Sand and Sun

While there are many anticipated seasonal shows featuring an array of specialty garments, the Mercedes-Benz swim show held each year in Miami is one of the most revered and well-loved events of the summer. It might be the special peek at what will be on offer for the pool and the coast over the course of the next year that draws the crowds to this popular show, but we have a feeling that the unique composition of swim suits create a sort of accessory appeal, making the pairing of tops and bottoms, suits and sarongs, sandals and sombreros, a kind of ultimate accessory arranging. This year, the suits on parade ranged from delicate, teeny-tiny bikinis in many styles to bold one-piece maliots and inventive shapes that strategically placed just a bit of pretty fabric in all the right places to create very modern looks for the water.
The takes on beauty were classic and alluring; one show in particular featured coiffure reminiscent of the 1920s and 30s, back when bathing suits were mostly concerned about covering as much skin as possible. Lips went bold with dark colors and eyes stayed bright and clear with basic mascara and a minimum of fuss (who needs eyeliner stains from a dip in the pool, anyway?). And of course, there was jewellery on display as well. Big, chunky bangles in fun materials and patterns were a popular choice for structural swim suits, while more delicate pieces, especially 14k gold charms, jewelry necklaces, and dainty crystal brooches and other accoutrements, were paired with feminine, strappy suits. So what's a girl to wear to the beach if she wants to bring a little shine? Here's our style guide for different summer suit looks.



This interesting suit shape is brough out beautifully by the interesting lines and patterns of the white and tawny print. Playing up this rudimentary yet exotic look, ethnic beads make for a fashion-forward statement. This suit would work wonders with our ethnic bead necklaces, which come in a range of textures, materials, and colors. A straw hat and a bit of sunscreen are all that's needed to make this look turn quite a few heads, whether in the tropics or lounging around the local pool.




A classic bikini calls for classic accessories, and this model sports an excellent set of costume jewellery accessories to complement her suit. The silver bracelets and silver earrings, contrasting with thin and thick structures, add interest to the suit without being overbearing. But there's a bit of whimsy in the floral print that's not picked up by the chosen jewelry designs shown here, and we think the addition of a flower shaped crystal cell phone charm would be a great echo for the suit's print.



This denim and gingham number recalls the sweet patterns and fabrics of the heartland, and calls for accessories in leather and suede. Our quality suede wrist cuff would add just the right amount of golden highlights to this rustic look.

Celebrity Fashion Face-Off – Different Accessories, Same Designer Duds

It's an especially feared feared fashion faux pas: after tireless searching, tailoring, and pampering in preparation for a big night out on the town, two celebrities end up wearing the same piece of clothing. There are a few different reasons why this particular slip-up is so unfortunate. The ample opportunity to compare who looks better in a plunging or thigh-revealing gown is a definite downside, with older or less toned celebs taking a visual hit that otherwise wouldn't have had much cause to be published. There's also the issue of the time-honoured celebrity-designer courtship. If a certain design house offers a piece to a celebrity for a red carpet waltz or important event, the appearance of the same garment on someone else can detract from the selling and statement power created through the sponsored celeb's fashion “advertisement.” Perhaps most importantly, however, showing up to a party looking like someone else simply isn't fun. Still, this couture tragedy is bound to happen on occasion, so what's the remedy? Costume jewellery, of course! Accessorizing with unique jewelry from bracelets to bangles and brooches to gemstone jewelry necklaces, and even throwing in the occasional bag charm, mobile jewellery, or crystal belt buckle is a great way to put personality into a piece of clothing.



Recently, the identical dress discovery was made between two major music divas: Madonna and Whitney Houston. You can hardly blame the pair for their draw to the dress, a black and silver Dolce & Gabbana leopard print number with refined, squared-off straps and a generous neckline featuring flattering sweeps of fabric. Madonna and Whitney wore the dress on the very same night, but were thankfully attending different events. Whitney donned the frock to an album debut in London, while Madonna slipped it on for a dinner with the designers themselves in Milan. Both singers look fantastic in the dress, making an expose of who has a wider waist or whiter teeth an exercise in futility. But neither diva seems to have gotten the maximum value out of the gown through their choice of accessories.
Madonna chose a classic cross jewelery necklace with a silver pendant, slightly tucked beneath the gown's neckline. In contrast, Whitney wore a simple black choker, which may have been a bolder statement, but still lacked that something special delivered through the rhinestone sparkle and 14k gold sheen of quality costume jewellery. So what could these celebrities have worn to make their dresses look a little different? For Madonna, we'd recommend our unusual cord, tassle, and crystal jewelry necklace, in gunmetal gray tones that work well with the silver sheen of the dress. Our crystal charms would also be a great choice for a bag or phone, and this black, white, and clear cosmetic compact mirror bag jewellery would do the trick nicely.




For Whitney, we think our rhodium crystal belt buckle would make a nice accent, especially when paired with the sparkle power of one of our charm rings that doubles as a jewelry necklace chain, such as this black and clear rhinestone-studded heart charm.

The Great Phone Charm Celebrity Match-Off!

Phone charms are gaining momentum as one of the hottest jewellery accessories on the market, with nearly limitless options for mobile phone straps and crystal charms that can range from elegant to funky. We've found plenty of dirt on celebrities and their cellphones, but how about celebrity phone charms? Until the stars reveal their favorite picks, we have a few humble suggestions.



Britney could use a little love lately, and as the saying goes, you've got to give some to get some. Perhaps she'd do well with our crystal heart charm, a pretty gold piece with sparkling crystal details along the outside and a very clear message of “love” written across the center. A little traditional, a little original, with a lot of star power –right up Britney's alley.



Amy Winehouse would probably appreciate the cute appeal and touch of something a little unusual in our hello kitty bag charm and phone accessory. The piece features a silver charm studded with brilliant clear crystals, in the shape of the classic hello kitty character. Topping it all off is a pretty pale green bow, the perfect hair accessory for an elaborate up-do like Amy's. Dangling from her cell, this mobile phone strap with special hello kitty star power would be sure to add a little bit of softness to the singer's often ragged edges.



What better phone charm for Jennifer Love Hewitt than this classic crystal heart charm all dolled up and ready for a ride on a celebrity cellphone? A beautiful, gleaming gold hear charm is set with stunning clear crystals, surrounding a captivating and dramatic centerpiece of pure Siam red crystal. Evoking the passion of love while remaining subtle and innocent, this is just the charm for the cheery, doe-eyed actress' phone.



Jessica Alba's smoldering appeal along with her fresh take on fashion is a sure match for our purple button, crystal, and heart cell phone charm. Mobile jewellery with a distinct sense of high-fashion accessory, this charm creates a cascade of purple shades and stand-out shapes, with deep purple enamel buttons, several light amethyst beads, and a substantial silver and amethyst crystal heart charm. Cute, classy, and creative all at once, this cell phone charm even matches the star's favorite purple shoes shoes.



Paris Hilton isn't afraid to bring out the bling, as is plainly visible with her crystal-studded phone. But why stop there? Our preppy, perky, and eternally pretty handbag crystal phone charm would look great dangling from the heiress' mobile. With real gold charm details making a strong statement of quality and taste brought to life by shimmering crystals and a cute enamel butterfly, this cell phone charm hits all the classic notes.

Which cell phone charms would you pick out for your favorite celebrities? Let us know, and don't forget to include yourself on the A-list, of course.