Fashion

Fashion - Women > Jewelry / Timepieces

Pearl earrings: Understated. Exquisite.

Ever since I was a child, I've been styling pearl earrings. No matter what you wear them with, pearl earrings add an element of class.

Please note, that pearl earrings — whether chandelier style or simple studs — should be authentic. And this is something I won't budge on. Pearls don't have to cost a lot, so why wouldn't you wear real?

Here are some of my favourite studs, pearl earrings priced high to low:

• Ippolita mother-of-pearl diamond earrings: She first launched her 18k gold collection in 1999, and let's face it — there's a reason Ippolita has reached cult-like status in the jewelry world. Her designs are incredible. Like these mother-of-pearl diamond earrings, for example. Ladylike by design, these earrings feature diamonds (.31 total carat weight) set around gorgeous mabe mother of pearl. Diamonds and pearls belong together like peanut butter and jam. ($1500, Bergdorfs)
• Tiffany & Co. pearl stud earrings: A safe bet, these Tiffany & Co. pearl studs are keepers. Mounted on 18k white gold, these earrings are beautiful and don't require any more description than that, except for the fact that they're very moderately priced. ($350, Tiffany & Co.)
• Cultured freshwater pearl stud earrings set: For those of you really budgeting (OK who am I kidding, aren't we all?), this is a real deal. A set of pearl studs for less than 25 dollars. Wow, right? Set on sterling silver, these pearl earrings come in classic pearl white and peacock blue. Allow me to reiterate: You can buy two pairs of pearl earrings for less than 25 dollars. ($21.50, Overstock)

Fashion - Slideshow

A bracelet can be simple and still be stunning; bracelets can also be extravagant and entirely elegant. No matter what your personal style — classic lady, minimalist, or bohemian — there's a bracelet out there that's right for you. And so I introduce number four on Hope's Top Ten Essential Pieces of Jewelry for Every Woman —

The bracelet.

Because I classify bejeweled cuffs in the bracelet category, behold my choices for three completely eye-catching accoutrements, priced high to low, as I know you've come to appreciate.

• Emilio Pucci plexiglass and crystal cuff: Can Pucci do no wrong? Even now that Peter Dundas is at the helm, the iconic fashion house is still producing designs that make bold statements. Check this pink cuff, highlighted by magenta crystals. ($990, Net-A-Porter)
• Alexis Bittar crystal encrusted aster bracelet: Starting out in the vintage jewelry field, Alexis Bittar eventually began designing his own jewelry, and even worked with Patricia Fields on Sex and the City. This crystal encrusted bracelet is both dainty and daring, and would add a delicate complement to whatever you happen to be wearing. PS the hinged closure with magnetic clasp means easy on and off. ($275, Shopbop)
• J.Crew classic thin bangle: Layer and layer, and layer some more! J.Crew's classic thin bangle is a must-have in every colour and thickness. Don't believe me? Check my jewelry box. These are the prettiest, most durable, and most stylish item you can own for under 30 dollars. For real. J.Crew's bangles are finished in hand-enambled 14k gold, over brass, so even when the gold fades, you've still got a gold-like finish. And the colours? Have a look for yourself. Love these. ($21.50, J.Crew)

Fashion - Women > Jewelry / Timepieces

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

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}