Fashion - Slideshow

While some costume jewelry is acceptable, pearl jewelry is where I draw the line. Must. Be. Authentic.

With that in mind, number three on my top ten essential pieces of jewelry for every woman is the pearl necklace.

You've seen pearls worn by some of the world's most memorable women —

Grace Kelly, Lady Diana, Audrey Hepburn, Jackie Kennedy Onassis, —

and for good reason: Pearls are timeless, elegant, and wear well with anything.

Here are my choices for favourite pearl necklaces, priced high to low:

• Tiffany Signature™ Pearl necklace: The 18-inch long strand of pearls for women who want to be spoiled. Seriously. Tiffany & Co.'s cultured pearl necklace features an 18k white gold clasp, and it doesn't come cheap. ($18,000 CAD, Tiffany & Co.)
• White Freshwater Pearl necklace: Birks is synonymous with quality. When you purchase anything from Birks, you're purchasing it for looks, and keeping it for life. And, if you'll have a pearl necklace forever, why not go all out and buy a 100-inch long pearl necklace? Fashion meets function with a longer length; you can wrap several times are your neck, or wear at full length. ($895 CAD, Birks)
• Cultured Freshwater Pearl necklace: Ah, Costco. Not the first place that comes to mind when you're shopping for pearls, but they sell a quality product for an affordable price. Made in Canada, this 20-inch strand of pearls features a 14kt white gold clasp and pearls in semi-baroque shape. ($119.99 CAD, Costco)

Fashion - Slideshow

Here's a little history for you: Also known as a dinner ring, the cocktail ring really came into fashion in the 1940s and 50s. A cocktail ring is easily identifiable because of its size, and because it typically contains precious or semiprecious stones. Originally worn at the cocktail hour over dinner gloves, cocktail rings started out being worn on the fourth finger of the right hand (this is where the "right hand ring" name comes from). Today, however, cocktail rings are commonly worn on either hand, and come in sizes fitting index, middle, and ring fingers.

And, in case you're wondering, a cocktail ring doesn't have to contain genuine stones; in fact, costume cocktail rings are completely acceptable and will allow for you to have multiple variations of this eye-catching jewelry essential.

I love that a dramatic ring can instantly glamourize whatever you happen to be wearing. Whether worn with more formal attire as it was originally intended, or worn with your favourite skinnies and a white t-shirt, the cocktail ring is number two on my list of essential pieces of jewelry that every woman should own.

Here are some stylish interpretations I think you'll appreciate, priced high to low:

• Costco Flower Pink Tourmaline and Diamond Ring: Hellllooo. Sparkling pear-shaped pink tourmaline gemstones act as a lovely accent to 38 .30 carat diamonds. Set in 14 karat white gold, this is a ring you'll wear for life, and pass to the next generation. ($1999.00, Costco)
• House of Harlow 1960 Spike Black Cabachon Cocktail Ring: Sure it's only gold-plated, but for the occasions when you wear this Nicole Richie-designed ring, that's a fact you can easily accept. A resin cabochon is highlighted by rough-around-the-edges spikes, making for interesting take on ladylike elegance. (About $74 CAD, Shopbop)
• Forever 21 Excess Shine Ring: I'm not usually a fan of Forever 21, but for the price, you really can't go wrong with this ring. I really like the center stone, and the eye-catching rhinestone encrusted surround. For less than 10 dollars, who wouldn't? (About $7 CAD, Forever 21)

Fashion - Slideshow

I've been searching for the ideal ikat curtains, and these West Elm window panels may be just the ticket.

Available in panel sizes ranging in height from 63 inches to 108 inches, the ikat ogee linen window panel from West Elm is a healthy blend of 55 percent linen and 45 percent cotton. The fabric texture is ideal for window panels, however the fabric thickness leaves something to be desired (for complete opaque coverage you'd need a liner).

What I love about ikat patterns is how they can work in just about any environment. Whether in a dining, living, or sleeping area, ikat patterns act to add interest and depth to a room without being too bold. And the ivory/straw colour of this motif? A calming neutral that will work with just about any colour scheme. The diamond trellis design of these particular West Elm curtains is completely chic and could work in a contemporary or more traditional setting.

These West Elm window panels have a grommet top, so once you find the perfect hardware to complement, you'll be set to install.

It's that easy.

_{Shop the Look:}

_{Ikat Ogee Linen Window Panel, $73.29-$89.22CAD, West Elm}

Fashion - Slideshow

Marilyn Monroe famously said that diamonds are a girl's best friend. She was right, but she also should have mentioned that pearls, gold, and gemstones are all of utmost importance.

We've already looked at Hope's Top Ten Essentials for Every Woman's Wardrobe, and now it's time we talk accessories. That's right, ladies, there are several pieces of jewelry that are absolute essentials. While I'm a big believer in all things authentic, I fully recognize that not every budget can afford real, so work with what you can.

Number one on my list of top ten essential pieces of jewelry for every woman?

Hoop Earrings!

Hoop earrings are so versatile — smaller hoop earrings wear well to work, and large hoop earrings make for a playful after-hours accessory. Depending on your preference, your hoop earrings may be silver or gold, and whatever the case, just make sure they're part of your jewelry collection.

Check my choices for hoop earrings, priced low to high:

• Peoples Jewellers 14K White Gold Hoop Earrings: With a diamond-cut finish, these hoop earrings from Peoples Jewellers are affordably priced at $89.99. With a hinged closure, and a moderate size (17 x 19mm), these earrings won't do serious damage to your budget. ($89.99, Peoples Jewellers)
• Ippolita Wavy Rose Gold Hoop Earrings: Launched in 1999, Ippolita's jewelry line is simplistic and entirely elegant. Take these large hoop earrings for example. 18-karat yellow gold plated with beautiful 18-karat rose gold, and an sculptural shape make these mid-priced earrings very appealing. ($395, Neiman Marcus)
• Gurhan Spring Drop Hoop Earrings: Renowned Turkish jewelry designer Gurhan Orhan is a master when it comes to pure gold designs. These hand-hammered 24-karat yellow gold hoop earrings feature teardrop shapes that are truly unique. Each Gurhan piece is numbered and signed by the artist. ($3120, Neiman Marcus)

Fashion - Slideshow

Jackie O taught us several things that are important to remember:

1. Always be a lady.
2. A strand of pearls and the right neckline make your look.
3. Remember to look up.