How to Wear: Alanna Bess’s Fabulous Statement Jewelry

Alanna Bess is the kind of jewelry designer we can definitely get behind. Her rings, necklaces, and other creations are beautifully feminine and utterly unique, but they achieve a versatility that makes them easy enough to wear every day. Featuring notably unusual stones — and trust us, we’ve seen a lot! — the Alanna Bess styles that populate our sale on Gilt.com on May 14 range from demure gold and silver drop earrings to daring statement necklaces and rings beset with chunky geodes.

The bold visual effect of the stunning Blue Lapis, Jasper & Green Turquoise Pendant Necklace is offset beautifully by its long, simple gold chain. Pair it with your favorite white v-neck and cutoffs for a cool, boho look; wear it with a simple neutral shift; or go bold by throwing it on over your favorite printed dress — just stay away from hues that are too perfect a match, or you’ll ruin the effect.

The Light Grey Tabasco Geode Ring achieves the uncommon affect of being both a statement piece and a wear-with-everything neutral. Pair it with your favorite black or white summer dress and sandals for an elegant study in easy chic.

The beachy Carved Agate & Gold Nugget Bracelet is a standout piece for sure, but it will look amazing stacked with your favorite friendship bracelets. Prefer to put it in the spotlight? The bracelet is the perfect accessory for anyone wondering how to wear a summer maxi dress.

Inspired? So are we. Shop Alanna Bess Jewelry on Tuesday, May 15, at noon ET, on Gilt.com.

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Posted by Sara Cardace May 14, 2012 3:35 pm Accessories Galore, Women
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5 Questions for… Doron Hakimian, President and Chief Designer of Dove’s Jewelry

While designing jewelry may not have been Doron Hakimian’s first passion — that would be architecture — we couldn’t be more thrilled he discovered his hidden talent for it! Doves Jewelry stands out from the pack with innovative cuts, deep, luscious colors, and a strong, passionate aesthetic we love. So we jumped at the chance to interview the designer on the occasion of his upcoming sale of Doves rings, necklaces, and more on Gilt.com. Read on for Doron’s fascinating answers, and shop Doves Jewelry on Gilt.com on May 14 at noon ET.

Q: How did you decide to become a jewelry designer?
I was raised in a family of jewelers, but architecture was always my passion. Upon getting my architecture degree I decided to spend a summer creating designs for my family’s upscale wholesale jewelry business. What followed was a whirlwind of orders that drew me into the business. I always tell people that I studied architecture but instead of buildings I “build” earrings, pendants and rings.

Q:How does your knowledge of architecture influence your designs? What are the other great influences on the way you design?
Architecture is about space and shapes and understanding how to work with both. When I create a pendant I think about where this will fall on a woman’s neck to be most alluring. When I’m designing an earring I imagine how it will frame a woman’s face and flatter it. I make rings that lengthen a woman’s finger. Women wear jewelry to feel beautiful, and my goal in every design I make is to do just that.

My designs are influenced by art, nature and all things of beauty. Recently on a trip to St. Barths I was struck by the incredible color of the Caribbean Sea. When I came home I immediately began sketching pieces that would capture the experience. The St. Barth’s Blue collection is a doublet of Turquoise and white topaz. Our artisans set a sheet of the finest sleeping-beauty Turquoise beneath crystal clear white topaz and set them in 18 karat gold and diamonds. I take pride in the fact that many of my customers have told me how much the pieces remind them of the ocean in St. Barth’s. As an artist and a designer that tells me that I am doing my job well.

Q:Do you have a woman in mind when you are designing? Where do you see your pieces being worn?
The woman who wears Doves is the woman who strives for the exceptional. Our pieces are exceptionally beautiful and incredibly well-made. The artisans who hand-create each of our pieces make sure that they are durable and can be worn and enjoyed for generations to come. Our pieces are so versatile they can be worn in the boardroom, out for a night on the town, or just spending a day with the family.

Q: Do you have advice on how women can incorporate statement jewelry into their wardrobe?
Jewelry is the most important element of a woman’s wardrobe. A woman can wear a classic black dress but still make a statement by wearing bold, exotic jewelry. The great thing about our pieces is that they are classic yet fashion forward. They are fun and easy to wear.

Q: What do you see in the future for your brand? Are there any major milestones you have in mind to hit this year?
We have gotten quite a bit of celebrity attention in the past year with our pieces being worn at award shows, on celebrity A-listers and on the red carpet. We hope to continue getting not only celebrity attention, but to become a household name. I hope that the Doves name will be synonymous with exceptional designs and incredible craftsmanship.

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Posted by Melissa Liebling-Goldberg May 11, 2012 2:04 pm Accessories Galore
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Gilt Chat: Jamie Finegold, CEO/Creative Director of Tart Collections

Tart is the Gilt go-to brand for luscious jersey pieces: from the comfiest maxidress to the sexiest going-out dress, husband-and-wife team Jamie and Dana Finegold have us covered for every occasion. Since we’re all such huge fans, we were thrilled that we got the chance to chat with Jamie about what makes him tick as a designer and an entrepreneur – and what we can look forward to next from the brand!

Q: How did you get started in the design business?
I had a clothing line I was designing in college. A sorority friend asked me if I could make 120 sailor dresses for her Delta Gamma sorority. The salesman in me said yes before I had thought it through. It was incredibly hard to pull this off from my dorm room in Santa Barbara, but I made it happen. I got a Ph.D in apparel in 4 months. Not a very profitable venture, but it started my career.

Q:How did Tart come to be? Why do you think the brand has resonated so well with women?
I was always critical of the wardrobe my girlfriend was wearing, her mom would show up with a box of Ann taylor and I would say, “You’re not wearing that”. I sort of took over as her personal stylist. I had always loved clothes for myself and was always spotting or developing my own trends. I guess I developed my own aesthetic of what I thought my girl should look like. After marrying her it was a continuation of what I had done with her all through college. It’s funny today to have myself and 2 oldest daughters still dressing Dana for any event we might go to. The brand is just cut right, the silhouette are all so flattering, the clothes make you feel great when you put them on. I have women come up to me all the time to tell me that have a five-year-old Tart dress that they cannot get rid of because it’s still their favorite piece in the wardrobe. If you want to go out and get stopped on the street, start dress is a sure way to make this happen.Women have gravitated to the line because it’s easy. Whatever you put on is effortless!

Q: Who do you see as your customer? Have you been surprised or extra excited to see anyone in your designs?
Our girl is definitely not any particular age. She cares about staying in good mental and physical shape. She prefers Whole Foods to 7-Eleven. Would rather ride her beach cruiser to the beach and loves to travel whenever possible. She also drives her kids to soccer practice and doesn’t have time to think about a complicated wardrobe. Toddlers are her main focus these days. I think our it girl currently would be Alessandra Ambrosio.

Q:What’s the secret to balancing work and relationship with the same person?
It can be a challenge, these days I ask the question, “Can we talk about work” if I get a smile that means its ok, a frown means back off. Our strengths are complete opposite so there isn’t a lot of stepping on each other’s toes. I respect her skill set and vice versa, our mutual appreciation for each other’s talents keeps things fresh.

Q: We all love the iconic Infinity dress, but what do you think your next must-have piece is?
We are seeing a big trend back towards our jumpers again. They are so versatile, it very cliche to say this but it’s true that you can dress them up or down. Great for looking casual but together at the pool and then super sext and glam at night. Everyone that puts them on oozes over the fabric . It’s so luxurious you feel like you are royalty.

Q: What’s the one item every woman should have in her closet?
Maxi dress! Every year someone predicts the end to the maxi. It’s constantly our best selling body. New prints keep them fresh and updated. They can always be accessories to fit your event and they are always sexy.

Q:What’s your favorite trend for Summer?
I grew up in the ’80s so I Have an affection for brights and neons. When I was at UCSB, Mossimo was just blowing up with bright neon beach gear. I was dripping in neon…good times.

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Posted by Melissa Liebling-Goldberg May 10, 2012 12:26 pm Tastemakers and Influencers, Women
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Gilt Chat with the Expert: Lori Taylor, Global Pro Lead Artist at Smashbox Cosmetics

Smashbox Cosmetics is coming to Gilt.com with an amazing range of products built from years of photo-shoot know-how. So who better to tell us how to achieve the ultimate in LA beauty (from beachy natural to red carpet glam) than the brand’s lead makeup artist Lori Taylor? We hit her with our burning questions and she answered with all the wit and wisdom you could hope for! Shop Smashbox on Gilt.com on May 8, starting at noon ET.

Q: What do you love most about Smashbox? What drew you to working with the brand?
The brand as a whole! Being able to collaborate with our creative department in creating a theme for seasonal makeup collections, working with product development to choose colors and products that reflect our studio brand personality, shooting with Davis Factor to create beautiful images that are reflective of the collection and finally seeing these products become favorites of the everyday woman to be used in real life. It’s an amazing process.

Q:What’s your “hero product” from Smashbox?
Photo Finish Foundation Primer! It creates the perfect canvas for foundation application, minimizes pores and fine lines and keeps your makeup looking fresh longer. It can even be used to tame frizz in hair!

Q: So, why should we all be adding primer to our makeup routine if we don’t already use it?
Primers have changed the way woman wear makeup. In the past 6-8 years many brands have stumbled upon what we have always known at Smashbox— makeup is best applied to skin that has a smoother, softer texture. Primer is key for helping makeup look fresher longer by prepping the skin, filling in fine lines and minimizing pores. Smashbox primers do everything from correcting color, adding hydration and adding luminosity to keeping skin matte and makeup looking fresh. We have created a primer to address each skin issue, with more to come. We are the primer authority!

Q:What’s the key to keeping your face looking fresh all day long?
Minimal makeup with maximum results. Skin that looks naturally fresh, not cakey. Applying makeup the Smashbox way with sheer, thin and natural layers.

Q:What’s the most common makeup mistake you see?
Hiding behind your makeup. Makeup that looks unnatural or mask-like. Makeup should enhance, not mask.

Q:What’s the next big makeup trend you love?
The sky is the limit. We have our finger on the pulse of modern makeup technology, which sets Smashbox apart as a brand. Our studio is our lab, so we have the ability to come up with formulas in the most creative environment and share that with the masses. Our studio is what sets us apart!

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Posted by Melissa Liebling-Goldberg May 7, 2012 9:00 am Beauty Matters, Women
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