SKULLS! by Devora Libin Jewels

Roxy II, Blue  $125

Poppy S., Rutilated Quartz & Onyx  $80

Devora Libin Jewels' publicist reached out to me regarding their latest collection.  It's rare to get pitched something this good by a PR person. And I should know, since I have been one for longer than I will admit. 

I am a huge fan of classy punk rock style.  And these pieces are the embodiment of that.  You can slip in and out of conventional society undetected, until someone looks closely, of course. 

The pictures tell the story, but just so you know, this stuff is super high-quality. And I really dig the glittering crystal pave beads and Swarovski crystal detailed skulls.  There are skull necklaces and earrings available online too, although wearing ALL skull jewelry at once might be overkill.  So check out the handcuff and pistol pieces to break up the monotony!

Fur From the Front: Kokin

You may need an armed guard escort for this plush peacock-colored fur monster hat on sale at Kokin's showroom. Alas, the designer Kokin says this rich-looking hat is sold without protection. Styles include fur trappers, aviators in a choice of mink, fox and rabbit in colors such as purple, pink or black. Prices for "stop and stare at me" pieces will set you back $250 -$300. Want to be mistaken for a model, magazine editor, or someone who has landed a contract with the NFL?  Stop by this sample sale where Kokin will style you and select a suitable cloche, cap, bucket hat, or beret in a range of materials like leather, felt, and bedecked with treatments such as Swarovski crystals. Alicia Keys, Julia Roberts, Britney Spears, Queen Latifah, Cher and Sarah Jessica Parker have all donned Kokin. Women were stocking up by the armloads, but hats and scarves will be replenished. http://www.kokinnewyork.com/

247 West 38th Street
Sun -Tue 9am-6pm
Payment Type:   Cash ONLY
 
~nancy brennfur

If Pebbles and Bam Bam designed for Erickson Beamon...

The Flinstones must have been the inspiration for this ga ga Neo Geo collection bracelet with fun brightly hued pink and purple stones overlaid with Swarovski crystals that look like they came straight from Bedrock's quarry. Not the type to throw on a real or faux fur over your dress? Toss a gold mesh caplet that fastened with black lace around your shoulders. Compliments will gravitate to your sphere if you wear an unconventional pair of drop rhinestone earrings with  stars and planets from the Galactica collection. Again, the Fall 2010 collection at the Coterie show at the Javits Center is a stand up and notice me one - for the little Lady Gaga in all of us. Check out their tweet feed for a pic of Lady Gaga in Erickson Beamon headpiece and bodypiece posing for the M.A.C. Viva Glam campaign.

~Nancy Brenner

VOTE: Independent Designer Handbag Awards

Hi all - see this handbag a.k.a. backpack? See it!? Well you can vote for it and ensure that my friend Darren Wallace wins the award for: Best Handmade Handbag at this year's Independent Designer Handbag Awards.

Made of royal blue cayman crocodile backpack and lined with black embossed cow hide, it has a zipper up the middle of the reverse side as well as a small pocket. It also features small embellishments including Swarovski crystals.

You can buy his wares...as well as other commissioned items of pop art, which I will include in another post.

Dome Ring: $165

I have to hand it to The New York Times' Urban Eye for finding this one - the Dome Ring by Kenneth Jay Lane for just $165. "Faceted Swarovski crystals line domed curve of faux hematite paved ring. Inner tab adjusts to fit. Choose from green or crystal. Measures 1" wide."

I think this would make for an excellent fancy pants ring. Or even if your pants aren't that fancy, this ring will crank up your cool and/or groovy factor exponentially.