Bario-Neal opens a showroom in NYC!!! (Sponsored by, erm, Bario-Neal)

Hello, internet. Hello, world! Helloooooo, New York City....

We are Bario-Neal Jewelry and we are excited to announce the opening of our New York City showroom in lower manhattan. 

Bario-Neal is committed to environmental responsibility, ethical sourcing, and marriage equality. Our work is handmade in Philly with recycled metals and responsibly-sourced gemstones. We are also happy to work with your heirloom stones or recycle your precious metals in our bands. 

The new location offers our custom design services and showcases Bario-Neal’s collections. It’s important for us to be able to work with our customers on a personal level as they search for the right wedding band, engagement ring, or special pair of earrings. With our new space, we look forward to being able to better serve (& get to know) our New York-based customers.

The showroom is only by appointment, but we are having an opening party! Stop by and check it out November 7th from 5-8pm, at 195 Chrystie St., #900A.

Editor's Note: Anna and Page sent me a whole bunch of images to choose from for this post. Rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets (yes, they make all those things, too!).

But it's the RINGS RINGS RINGS RINGS RINGS RINGS RINGS that blow me away every time -- both Bario-Neal's custom work (custom designs begin at $500, see three examples pictured at top) and the engagement rings + bands from their current collection (rings pictured are priced between $255-4400).

Digby & Iona + TAXIDERMY!

Two of my very favorite things.



See more of the photos by Amy Shutt over on style carrot.

Shop Digby & Iona here and here.

unfancifying a dress?

Dear ESB,

So in the spirit of being sooooo laidback guys I'm not a bridezilla I swear I let my bridesmaids pick their own (navy) dresses. All well & good, except one woman picked this and the other one this.

Both lovely dresses and they'll each look great, but kinda like they're at different weddings? I offered to buy them (nonmatching) jewelry to wear so I'm wondering if you have any ideas for necklaces that would casualify the Monique Lhuillier or dress up the Asos one.

Difficulty level: not much more than $50, preferably orange or close to it.

*****

This is not a problem that can be solved with a necklace.

This is a problem that can be solved with: a) just pick the damn dresses for them or b) BE FINE WITH IT. kapish?

I'm so into this.

I'm having a chain moment.

Chain chain chain chain chain.

Vertigo Necklace, Silver Ombre Plankton Bracelet + Ombre Fountain Earrings from Melbourne Metal Collective

We interrupt #weddinghorrorstory(week) to bring you....

Bridal accessories from Metier.

I'm in SF as we speak shooting this lil movie. If only I had time to stop in and PAW THE SHINY THINGS.

I'd also love to see this Philip Crangi Men's Hammered Steel Band (with 24K gold lining!) in the flesh.

Sexiest diamond commercial EVARRRRRRR

Or: Short film featuring the sexiest fucking jewelry you've ever seen??

MOOD PIECE?

Whatever you want to call it, I directed it, and I am pret-ty pleased with the way it turned out.

Featuring Anya Skidan, Matthew Green, and Teepee
Cinematography by Jon Edward Miller
Hair + Makeup by Charlie Taylor
Flowers by Amy Merrick
Music by Oceanographer
Jewelry, Props + Styling by Catbird, of course. (Head on over there to shop the video.)

Yet another reader is forced to make HER OWN STYLE CHOICES

Aug 10

Dear ESB,

I would greatly appreciate your stylish opinion on my wedding ensemble.

So far I have everything I need but have recently been rethinking what I'm wearing. I am a somewhat traditional bride but am about doing what I want despite tradition and yet have ended up making some very typical choices. This is what I get for going shopping with my dear sweet mother instead of my FSIL who has kick ass style.

Here is what I have so far that I'm happy with:

This Romona Keveza dress but with a sash I'm making that's more casual. These Seychelles flats. This rad sparkly bangle.

Here's what I have so far that I'm rethinking:

This necklace, which now seems waaay too sweet. And a sweater similar to this with no polka dots.

Before I got my engagement ring I never wore any jewelry, so I could really use some help finding a necklace that's more unique (preferably in a white or coral or peach). Our wedding is an evening garden wedding in 1 month and we are doing about 1/2 traditional things and 1/2 whatever we want.

Also, I'm thinking of switching the sweater for this because I'm a blazer girl at heart. Any of your superb input is highly appreciated!

Sincerely
Sucked Into Sweetness

*****

Aug 10

Addition: the blazer is no longer available in my size (s, xs, 0-2)

*****

Aug 11

Also, I'm wearing this in my hair. And I completely understand if you don't respond to this simply because I have sent you 3 emails instead of 1

*****

Oct 13

so, yeah. i never responded.

WHAT DID YOU WEAR??

*****

Nov 20

No worries, you're clearly very busy. It was great!

Although I probably could have gone with no necklace, I ended up buying that blazer and LOVED it.

Pictures attached and credit to our awesome photographer. And yes, there's a link to some incredible underwater engagement photos at the bottom of that link - that's why you take engagement photos.

You're awesome,
Hallie

*****

Clearly you did not need my help one bit.

♥ ♥ ♥

(Photos by Cameron Ingalls)

A HELLA RAD Down-to-Earth Bride

Hey ESB,

Thank you thank you for your down to earth and realistic wedding blog. I have never had to write to you with any queries, but I have certainly read your blog every morning for the last year of wedding planning. 

B and I tied the knot in the redwoods last Monday (Halloween) with 27 of our dearest friends/family. This was a big change from the 100+ guest wedding we were originally planning, and I'm sure you had something to do with it. We could not be happier with how everything turned out.

Now, the point of my email: my husband bought me a fabulous necklace from a local jeweler in her teeny tiny studio.

Her style instantly reminded me of you, so I thought I would pass along her website. I hope that you enjoy! I'll also pass along a photo of the affair, for shits and giggles.

love,

a down to earth bride (thanks to ESB)

*****

dear adteb,

eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

♥ ♥ ♥

p.s. totally digging Marisa Haskell. most especially this wrap bracelet.

(Photo 1: Katie Schoen, Photo 2: Taken by her man on the honeymoon in Big Sur)

A lil necklace for y'all

One-of-a-kind by Makool Loves You

(L sent it my way because it reminded her of this guy.)

turquoise + coral + african glass

I'm way into these Kim Dulaney jewels. I would have ordered the Avocado in a HEARTBEAT if we weren't going to be on the road for another 10 days.

Maybe I'd better order it anyway before you guys buy her out....

Via Wit + Delight
______________________________

Speaking of bracelets, the Catbirds put this one on our actor/model, and now I'm obsessed with it. Clearly I need MORE BRACELETS.

a little something blue

From Alyson Fox's new collection. How gorg would this necklace be with a simple white dress? I mean, right??

Email Alyson directly for pricing + availability. (And soon. That shit sells out quick.)

p.s. Remember Alyson's own repurposed wedding dress? Gaaaaaaaaaaaah.

omg i love you guys.

CROWNS IT IS!!

And the winner of the Bona Drag contest is Galerie, of the Racerback + Silver Fringe!

That Lauren Manoogian Cotter Fringe Necklace was THE most popular item you guys included in your outfits, and she really did work it the best.

Update: Photo by Kate Daigneault (thanks, Maddie!) via The Lane.

p.s. Galerie, email me!!

Bona Drag Shopping Contest: THE VOTE!

So, I challenged you guys to put together an outfit for the Philly Bride featuring a dress for under $250 and at least one item from the Bona Drag online store. 

I also said I'd give extra points to anyone who found a way to incorporate small dogs/cats/bunnies. No idea what I was thinking.

Anyhoo. You guys did really well. And some of you made me look like a complete photoshop amateur, but I tried not to hold it against you (TONIA).

from Johnna (pictured above): This dress. These shoes. This bracelet. This ring. <-- jaguars count as cats.. right?

from Galerie: amazing acne naia dress with braided racer back, silver fringe necklace, grey suede platform sandals, and to splurge, a fabulous lace cape

from Tonia: The dress is here, the shoes here, the bracelet here and the DOG CHARM (!!!) here (hopefully I am not the only one in-love with wiener dogs.)

from Aimee: hello lovely! ($216), with this necklace ($545, i knooow), and these shoes ($398) and if there is a chill this jacket ($98)

from Melissa: Alright, the reformation dress, with these gorg pearls and the highest, comfiest heels or wedges you can find.

Pls use your vote wisely. The winner will receive a $200 gift certificate from Bona Drag.

Seeking: A new signature necklace

Hey ESB-
I'm searching for a *new* signature necklace, as mine tragically perished on a roadtrip as of late. Sadface. You know, an every day small metal charm kind of thing. Help a sister out?

*****

I spotted this little faceted necklace on etsy and thought of you immediately. It comes in antique gold (pictured), oxidized silver and oxidized gunmetal.

Via n &n, who just pinned the little faceted studs

A very special maid-of-honor's gift......

Cunt Necklace handmade in Los Angeles by NEIVZ, available at Le Coquette

Come on, I know there are a few of you who need this.

Pls help me accessorize a CIRCUS DRESS

dear esb,

i am going to wear a very colorful dress for my wedding-picnic.

i've come to refer to it as my circus tent dress and it makes me enormously happy. but before i came upon this dress, i figured i'd wear jewelry of some kind since i also like jewelry--but i'm kind of at a loss. nothing i own works, that's for sure--which, to add to the challenge, means my budget is extremely limited. do any ideas strike you?

if it matters, i'm a lot shorter than the model, so on me, the dress grazes my ankles. i'll probably put my hair up in a clip as well, hence the intensified desire for some neck/ear adornment.

thanks for any thoughts or ideas you might have!

all best,
twirling in my circus tent

*****

is this a fabulous combination, or have i lost my mind???

via Oh Joy! + Marc by Marc Jacobs Multi-Stripe Dress (still available in size S, size L, and XS in pastel)

you might be better off with this simple silver necklace from Favor.*

(Top image: Erma Ward by H. A. Atwell Studio via Laughing Squid)
_____________________________

*great necklace, terrible name.

How to accessorize a Skater Bride

dear esb.

my pickle is pretty simple...I'm wearing this dress in Ivory for our wedding reception (we're being married in front of our immediate family 2 days prior at a little art gallery, where I'll be wearing a diff. dress).

What are your thoughts on jewelry and my feet?!

Keep in mind that I deal with stretched lobes (ear)...it sucks. Anything but a stud is pretty much going to end my earring wearing days. Other than that...I'm totally open!

And if you need to know a bit about me to help with this decision...I like tattoos (and have a few), my fiance (he's a bit of a skater boy:), anything vintage...and my fiance refers to my style as a bit 'grandma-ish'. SO I like to keep it classy but for surely want something a bit off.

Thanks MUCH!:)
- simple pickle

PS. My boy and I are about the same height so I hope not to tower over him, at least not at the ceremony:)

*****

pickle, for you i'm thinking vintage nine wests + a wee hummingbird skull.

the shoes have hearts pre-stamped on the soles. if that's not a good omen, i don't know what is.

______________________________

A close second: These vintage jazz booties. Man did I have fun shoe shopping on etsy.

WHOA NOW

If that is not wedding-meets-badass, I don't know what is.

Is it cool to wear a choker with a sweetheart neckline? I know eff-all about sweetheart fucking necklines.

Tangled chain choker necklace with three vintage pearls by DLC via lauren (she is a wealth, that one)

statement necklaces under $200

Hi ESB,

I need help finding a necklace and you're the girl to go to for these sorts of things.

I saw your necklace post about a month ago, and while I really liked them, I need something with a bit more drama.

Yea, I said 'drama.' I need a statement necklace. The dress is simple, so I want the accessories to be a big deal and since I'm wearing my hair down, my ears will be covered - so drama earrings are out. I'll probably just wear some studs.

It's a strapless dress with a sweetheart neckline.

Please help. I'm scouring the internet on a daily basis trying to find something. I no longer read books, only shopping sites. It's that bad.

*****

Hokay. Since I haven't seen your dress, I figured I'd better give you some options (clockwise from top left):

1. Felt Ball Necklace from terrain

2. The Druze Crystal Choker by Luv Aj (Love Her.)

3. Tiered Snaked Pearl Necklace by Annie Costello Brown (This one's on sale, so if you like it, JUMP ON IT.)

4. Mida Necklace by Laura Lombardi

Meret Oppenheim + Laura Lombardi

Just a couple of ladies that are pleasing me today.

Meret Oppenheim wearing a paper jacket of her own creation via I'm Revolting via MONDOBLOGO

Laura Lombardi copper fringe necklace just landed at Pour Porter

p.s. Speaking of style or whatever, there's a new style post for you up on 100LC, featuring maxi skirts. I have to admit I took some inspiration from here, but I've been hot on the bridal-maxi-skirt idea since 2009, people.