Urban Boulder - jewellery with an edge

Lisa Simpson and Remo Carbone are the designers behind jewellery brand with an edge, Urban Boulder.

The duo are New York City-based (Remo is an Aussie) and are inspired by their surrounding urban landscape. They buy their opal directly from independent miners in outback Queensland - the result here speak for themselves.

(Check out their Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/urbanboulder and Twitter page at www.twitter.com/urbanboulder

Say the duo: "We create contemporary jewellery inspired by the urban environment and crafted with natural precious elements. We draw upon every day, but often overlooked, details from the environment around us and reinterpret the shapes with boulder opal and silver into beautiful pieces of jewellery.

"Classified in the same category as diamonds, boulder opal – which makes up only a tiny fraction of the opal mined – contains every colour of the rainbow. No two stones are ever the same, so all of our pieces are one of a kind."

Indeed they are. For more on this wearable art, watch this video below:

Urban Boulder: inspiration and creative process from Urban Boulder on Vimeo.

Tara Lawson Jewellery - new must haves

So, I am a bit of a jewellery freak. A lover of all things that sparkle, interesting pieces to adorn myself with. So I was thrilled to be the first (thanks Colette and Nikki at Park Avenue PR!) to view the new collection from Tara Lawson.

Tara is an artist, jewellery designer and free-spirit living and working in Sydney (pictured here).

In late 2010, after designing for some of Australia’s largest jewellery houses, Tara has now released her own signature collection.

Featured here, her debut collection Lush Land, is a compilation of organic statement pieces through to the delicately layered.

Tara's signature style includes elements of geometry and nature, entwined with mystisim and magic, to create an earthy and luxe feeling. These designs are individually handcrafted and cast in precious metals and decorated with semi-precious stones.

Tara is inspired by nature and symbology, astrology, mystisim and magic, individualism and freedom. Her debut collection, like Tara herself, blends mystery with love, reminiscent of stories both intriguing and whimsical.

The pieces pictured are:

Phalynx Ring $40 and Phalynx Triset $50

Tear and Stone Ear (Blue Lace Agate) $120

Shagnet Necklace $220

Kinetic earrings (my fave!) $60, charm sold separately

For where to buy, just scroll down here: http://www.youngrepublic.com.au/index.php?dispatch=products.search&company_id=108&type=extended&search_performed=Y

Fashion Weekend Sydney, 2011 - Shopping Heaven

Did you go along to Fashion Weekend Sydney?

I did - and it was shopping/fashion nirvana.

Montarna McDonald (if you are fashion-obsessed, you should really be following her on Twitter at @IntersectionPad) gave Josie's Juice a run-down, complete with fab pics, on what went down at the best open-to-the-public fashion mecca event.

"The four day fashion extravaganza that is Fashion Weekend Sydney saw incredible bargains from your favourite designers, as well as runway shows, luscious pampering and mini makeovers – it truly was the ultimate girly day out!

"Stylish shoppers who came snapped themselves up numerous purchase’s at amazing discounts of up to 70% off from fantastic designers including; Nicola Finetti, Fleur Wood, Little Joe Woman, camilla and marc, Natasha, Something Else and Life with Bird just to name a few. The catwalk shows ran throughout the event showcased both new and favourite styles from the designers’ collections in one group show, highlighting the best of what the sale had to offer.

"And to top the experience off NP set were providing mini makeovers and Tony&Guy were there to fix any of your hair problems for a tiny fee of $10.00 PLUS as if that wasn’t enough Essie was there to give your hands a pampering and fix any chipped nails shoppers may have had. And in a perfect finish to the shopping experience shoppers were treated to a complimentary glass of Tempus Two at the wine bar.

"This year’s Fashion Weekend Sydney was truly bigger and better than ever, we look forward to seeing you all again next year!"

As a guest on the Friday night at the media VIP lounge (think delicious Italian antipasto and Tempus Two Moscato - my new fave drop), I thoroughly enjoyed my first foray to the event. After downing some delicacies, it was time to shop. I was rather overwhelmed with the choice - so much so, next time I am allocating more to shop up a storm. I did pretty fab, though - scored a too-divine leather cuff from PeepToe (and a gorgeous yellow jewel-encrusted PeepToe bangle) and not forgetting the famed Sweaty Betty gift bag, so choc-ful with goodies (a Rae Morris beauty book, LaSenza undies, HotMilk undies [don't care if they are maternity duds - they're hawt], Voodoo hosiery, Lindt choccie, Modelco and Face of Australia cosmetics, and much more.

Will I be back at next year's Fashion Weekend Sydney? You betcha!

Like A Prayer: Madonna-inspired Diva collection

Everything about this new collection from Diva taps into my nostalgic psyche:

I was beyond obsessed with Madonna's Like A Prayer (remixes? I had all of 'em, and played them incessantly).

Was more than fixated on crucifixes (being Italian Catholic, it was only natural).

And I sought out any photo shoot featuring Madonna (the top photo, shot by Herb Ritts, and featuring in Australian Rolling Stone was taped inside my wardrobe).

So, these new Diva pieces are all highly covetable for me - my faves are the turquoise rosary beads and the silvery/crystal cluster of bracelets.

On-sale now at Diva stores nationally.

See: http://www.diva.net.au/

Mila Kunis wears Chrissy L: Cosmo Ecuador and Cosmo South Africa

Girl of the moment, actress Mila Kunis is on the cover of Cosmopolitan Ecuador wearing a piece from the Australian jewellery designer Chrissy L.

The bangle - I want one! - is called the 'gold digger bracelet' and the piece is available online now at:

http://www.chrissyl.com.au/cart/index.php/bangles/gold-digger-gold-bangle.html

And the brand has been shown double the love from the internationally-loved mag - Mila is also seen here wearing the 'high roller cuff' on the cover of Cosmopolitan South Africa March 2011 issue.

Well done, Chrissy L!

For more shopping, see: http://www.chrissyl.com.au/cart/

Five Key Accessories - What You Need Now

Accessories are the lynchpin of every outfit.

They can transform a look from so-so to sensational, from blah to breathtaking, from 'meh' to memorable.

I am firm believer that every outfit is incomplete without a least one shiny bauble to complement it. Sometimes three, if placed strategically and all working in harmony.

Here, five key accessories - all Samantha Wills. The Australian jewellery designer scours the globe for inspiration and creates the trends. All can be adapted to an existing wardrobe. Or do what I often do: plan an outfit around that piece.

The five pieces, in myriad versions, every woman should own are:

A ring

A brooch

A necklace

A bracelet, bangle, or cuff

A set of earrings

Of course, I haven't added belts (I am ob-sessed with them: cinched in, low-slung, studded, whatever) and hats to the mix. And shoes. Whoa, that's a whole other blog post.

But I am very partial to jewelled accessories - my home is full of them. In the fruit bowl on the dining table (I am not kidding), in pristine plastic storage compartments, stored in the distinct Samantha Wills Balinese boxes (for SW pieces only - otherwise, it is deemed sacrilege for SW purists like me).

The only quandary is quantity. How much is too much?

The answer is simple.

Never enough.

For more, see: http://www.samanthawills.com.au/

Joy Jewellery Charity Bracelet

The Joy Jewellery brand has launched a new charity bracelet in support of cervical and ovarian cancer.

Many women in Indonesia are faced with poverty, illness and hardship. A foundation has been established to support women who can not afford basic medical treatments, such as pap tests.

This foundation sets up clinics throughout remote villages and offer local women the opportunity to be checked and provided with adequate medical care if they present with dangerous cells.

Joy Jewellery has created this gorgeous wooden bead, pearl and sterling silver charm bracelet in support.

Profits of all sales of this bracelet go directly to this worthy cause - a stylish piece and you're aiding something seriously important. Love shopping with conscience...

For stockists, go to http://www.joyjewellery.com.au/

Valentine's Day - last minute gifts, part two

Selling for the past few weeks - and especially released for Valentine's Day - is this little number.

Australian jewellery designer Chrissy L has released three limited edition "Valentine Desire Collection" pieces.

Each 'Desire Set' comes with the gorgeous pearl selection as well as the (I want one!) jewel-encrusted bow which can be worn on the necklace or separate as a lapel clip-on (I'd wear it attached to a gorgeous pair of black heels).

The set comes packaged in a blingy Glomesh clutch - I have one of these and I love using it as a mini clutch.

For $89, one of these (including the bag) is yours.

The Desire Valentine Special is sold exclusively online at www.chrissyl.com.au and will be available until stock is sold out. You won't get it by V Day if you order today... but you will get reserve brownie points when it does arrive...

Chrissy L Accessories - Celebrity Fave

Chrissy L accessories is killing it in the US - and what a pleasure to see an Aussie brand resonating so well with the spoilt-for-choice American starlets.

These two pieces, from the forthcoming Autumn/Winter 2011 GLAMROCK collection (launching March 1, 2011) are called the 'glam ring' in turquoise - as worn by Hollywood actress Minka Kelly, and the venom earrings in silver (oh my, yes please!) as worn by the cute-as Holly Madison.

For more, see: www.chrissyl.com.au

Elyse Taylor for diva - the face of Alex Perry's High Summer 2011 collection

Internationally-renowned Australian model Elyse Taylor was shot for the latest Alex Perry for diva collection... the results are too divine.

The lavender and feather creations are faves... just gorgeous.

See the entire collection in-store now, at diva stores nationally.

Argyle Pink Diamonds Limited Edition O Pendant

From Western Australia's Argyle Diamond Mine comes this extraordinarily rare piece of history, the Argyle Pink Diamonds Limited Edition O Pendant - showcasing the world's finest pink diamonds.

Inspired by the recent success of the Argyle Diamonds Australian Colours Necklace, Argyle Pink Diamonds has cleverly created an iconic piece of jewellery that celebrates the magical allure of its rare pink diamonds. Since the mid 1980s, the Argyle Diamond Mine has been the world's only consistent producer of natural pink diamonds.

A true diamond connoisseurs is enamoured with this beautiful hue, and interest has intensified since the Argyle Diamond Mine's inception, and with few of these natural wonders discovered annually - in fact, they are reputed as the most sought after and luxuriously rare diamonds in the world.

The Argyle Pink Diamonds Limited Edition O Pendant celebrates this rarity with over a carat of precious Argyle pink diamonds pavé set in 18 carat rose gold.

The 'O' is invisibly mounted on a diamond set 18 carat white gold link chain, and each is laser inscribed with its own limited edition number and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.

With only one hundred of these timeless treasures created - and only an estimated decade of life remaining in the Argyle Diamond Mine - the Argyle Pink Diamonds Limited Edition O Pendant ($7700) has been described as "the ultimate expression of the rarity, beauty and luxury of the Argyle pink diamond."

And now excuse me while I send this blog link to my husband...

For stockists: www.argylepinkdiamonds.com.au