The Friday Forum - June 13 - and By Kilian Scented Jewelry

Friday the 13th, and the Satsuki azaleas are blooming. It's sucn a pretty time of year. We have been drenched this week, so the azaleas aren't terribly happy. Later today, the last storm is predicted to move through, bringing a "cold front" that will take the humidity out of the air. I'm expecting a great weekend for everyone celebrating Father's Day.

You could have knocked me over with a feather when I learned that Kilian Hennessey is introducing scented jewelry. I've always been underwhelmed with the concept, although I've never been underwhelmed by Kilian. WWD quoted Kilian as saying, "We are living in a world where things that are invisible don’t exist,” referring to the plethora of images on everything from Instagram and Pinterest to Facebook. “Perfume is an accessory in the same way shoes and handbags are. But it’s an accessory that is not visible.”

Now, he will be providing visible fragrance. The Jewels of l’Oeuvre Noire, a capsule line of four necklaces for women, each one coming in 18-karat-gold plate and pure rhodium. There’s an onyx bead tassel necklace (whose cord is microencapsulated with one of six By Kilian scents), plus two other tasseled models and one with a locket. Each involves a cage system made of perforated metal that holds a ceramic piece onto which fragrance can be applied.

The Leathers of l’Oeuvre Noire are four bracelets - in a selection of five scents - for men in either brown-and-gold or black-and-silver finishes. Their fragrance is said to last up to one year. Hennessy designed them all. Tassels have appeared on the snazzy By Kilian fragrance boxes, and the metal shield design is on some of the jewelry, as well. “It’s always essential shapes,” he said.

Prices for the women’s line range from $245 for the locket necklace to $465 for the onyx piece. The bracelets run from $195 to $325. The jewelry is set to launch Sunday in the By Kilian boutiques in New York, and Moscow, plus online through bykilian.com. Its rollout will include London’s Harrods and Bergdorf Goodman in September and the upcoming Kilian boutiques in Paris; Lugano, Switzerland; Doha, Qatar; Seoul, and Dubai through year end. Will you be shopping?

It's time for the Friday Forum. I love this part of our week. What new products did you discover this week? Did you find any deals you couldn't resist? Are you using a fabulous product and want to sing its praises? Did you find a beauty product disappointing? Do you have a question others might be able to answer? Want to talk about skin care? What's new in your life? Just use the comments. Don't be shy. Just make sure to ask any question you might have over the weekend. By early the next week, most (not all) readers will have moved on.

Photo courtesy of Southern Living; Kilian information and photo courtesy of WWD

The Friday Forum - November 16

It's hard for me to believe it's 10:00 am already, and I'm just starting to write the Friday Forum. I stayed home today, and spent the first part of my morning lugging recycling out to the bins for pick-up. Then I spent about an hour on work communications - even though I'm not officially working. Charlie and I spent a little time cuddling, and suddenly, it's 10:00.

The sun is shining, so I expect to be able to capture photos of the new Chantecaille eye trio and post them in a few hours. I've had the trio for days, but haven't had a sunny opportunity to take swatch photos.

Yesterday's New York Times Thursday Style sections, which I'm still reading, caught my eye the moment I saw the Sotheby's advertisement for its sale of the Magnificent Jewels from the Collection of Estée Lauder and Evelyn H. Lauder, being sold to benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. The 6.54 carat, flawless oval pink diamond, flanked by white diamonds, is breathtaking. The photo in the paper is exquisite. This photo cut from the online photos at Sotheby's doesn't capture its life.

Here is part of the description of the sale...

This December Sotheby’s is honored to offer exceptional diamonds and signed jewels from the collections of Estée Lauder and Evelyn H. Lauder, sold to benefit The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, an organization founded and championed by Evelyn Lauder. Highlighting the Lauder jewels are two particularly special diamonds: a beautiful Fancy Intense Pink diamond ring of 6.54 carats and a heart-shaped Fancy Intense Yellow diamond of 47.14 carats, set in a diamond necklace by Van Cleef & Arpels for Estée Lauder, and once owned by the Duchess of Windsor. The collections also feature a spectacular D color diamond of 22.16 carats by Graff and a very fine selection of wearable evening and daytime jewelry, all reflecting the classic style and refined taste of the women who wore them.

The Magnificent Jewels sale also includes a compelling array of white and fancy colored diamonds, precious gemstones, period designs and jewels signed by esteemed European and American jewelers of the past and present. Leading the selection of magnificent diamonds from private collections are the 52.73 carat Fancy Vivid Yellow diamond ring and the 33.84 carat D color diamond ring. Jewels crafted by Suzanne Belperron, Mauboussin, and Fouquet highlight the vintage jewels on offer, and designs by Nirav Modi and Michele della Valle will appeal to collectors seeking more contemporary styles.

I must remember to buy lottery tickets before I take Charlie for his annual physical. A big lottery win will be the only way I would ever be able to buy a diamond estimated at between $4M and $5M.

Also in the Thursday Styles section was an article on primers. Written, I believe, for the woman who isn't familiar with the many face, eye, and nail, and hair primers, the piece by Shivani Vora quoted Polly Blitzer as saying that primers are one of the fastest growing categories in beauty. You can read the article here. The pros and cons of primers for the face were addressed.

I never apply eye makeup without a primer, but I have to admit I seldom use face primers. I like to try them, but generally find them an added layer I don't need. I already use a face serum, moisturizer with sunscreen, possibly an additional sunscreen product, and then foundation and concealer before I apply blush, bronzer, and/or finishing powder. I think a primer is unnecessary for anyone who has good skin. Fortunately, at least one expert quoted agrees with me. Pfew! Validated.

Do you use any kind of primer? Forget nail primers. Doesn't everyone use them? Do you use an eye or face primer? Which ones? I've been using the Edward Bess Illuminating Eye Shadow Base. I'm still smitten with it.

Let's talk about your week of beauty - primers or not. It's time for the Friday Forum, our open chat. I love this part of our week. Have you selected your favorite holiday collection - and purchased a few new treasures? What new products did you discover this week? Did you find any deals you couldn't resist? Are you using a fabulous product and want to sing its praises? Did you find a beauty product disappointing? Do you have a question others might be able to answer? Want to talk about skin care? What's new in your life? Just use the comments. Don't be shy. Just make sure to ask any question you might have over the weekend. By early the next week, most (not all) readers will have moved on.

Don't forget this week's giveaway contest for Bobbi Brown's 24K Shimmer Brick. The deadline for entries is tomorrow, Saturday, November 17, at midnight. It's a beauty. You should enter.

Photo at top by Best Things in Beauty; diamond ring photo courtesy of Sotheby's

The Friday Forum - August 19

The Chantecaille fall collection has launched at Chantecaille's Web site, but I'll bet you didn't know that starting next Tuesday, August 23, Chantecaille will be offering the gift with purchase shown above at Chantecaille.com (with a minimum purchase of $200). The beautiful makeup bag is stocked with deluxe samples of Rice and Geranium Foaming Cleanser, Jasmine and Lily Healing Mask, the gorgeous Pelates fragrance, and a mini Elation Brilliant Lip Gloss. Wouldn't next week be the perfect time to pick up your fall makeup from Chantecaille? With the exquisite New Classic Palette, Gel Liner Pencils, new Lip Chics, and the innovative Faux Cils Longest Lash Mascara available, I know you'll develop the I-wants as quickly as I did. Why not enjoy a little lagniappe too?

The third weekend in August is always an exciting time for me. That's when the International Gem and Jewelry Show comes to Chantilly at the Dulles Expo Center. The huge hall will be filled with vendors later today, selling everything from fragrances (yes, oddly) and knock-offs to the best in fashion jewelry and the finest of fine jewelry. While the August show is never as exciting as the December one, I always find something I can't live without. Later today, I'll be shopping for the very trends we saw at Neiman Marcus last weekend, but at wholesale prices. Anyone can go (you don't have to be a dealer), so if you live in the DC area, make sure to pop over. It's always worth the trip. I'm going to try to constrain my spending very carefully.

Before I visit the jewelry show, I'm going over to Saks Chevy Chase to pick up the Chanel No. 19 Poudre that Loyd Cassler rang for me earlier this week. It launches today, August 19, Coco Chanel's birthday. She was born in 1883, and I think it's safe to say her impact on fashion and beauty was remarkable. I've tested No. 19 Poudre several times, and I'm excited to be the proud owner of, as one of my fragrance expert friends says, a full bottle. Little did I know that collectives of like-minded souls buy and split bottles of new fragrances - until I met the wizard who can find anything.

I tweeted this week that anyone interested in Le Métier de Beauté's new skin care should pre-order it soon. It launches Monday. I think the demand for the initial shipments will quickly overwhelm the stock. If you don't have a favorite LMdB counter, please call either one of my two friends - either will take good care of you. Dustin Lujan is at LMdB at Bergdorf Goodman in New York. Kathy Shoreman at Neiman Marcus Tysons Galleria told me to go ahead and put her cell phone number on the blog (she may regret that once the heavy-breathing calls start). It's 571-212-8399.

It's time for The Friday Forum, our open chat. What new products did you discover this week? Did you find any deals you couldn't resist this week? Are you using a fabulous product and want to sing its praises? Did you find a beauty product disappointing? Do you have a question others might be able to answer? Want to talk about skin care? What's new in your life? Just use the comments. Don't be shy. Just make sure to ask any question you might have over the weekend. By early the next week, most (not all) readers have moved on.

The giveaway contest for the new Fall 2011 Clé de Peau Beauté Extra Rich Lipstick in R7 ends tomorrow, August 20 at midnight. It's a gorgeous lipstick, inside and out.

Photo courtesy of Chantecaille

New David Yurman Fragrances - The Essence Collection

Who doesn't adore David Yurman's jewelry (I stop by the counter often just to drool)? I'm an avid colored gems fan, and his designs are beautiful. I will never forget my jealousy when a friend at work (Kirk) would appear after Christmas wearing her new David Yurman jewelry. Her family certainly has good taste!

Now David Yurman has given us a second, inexpensive way to wear his creations with his Essence Fragrance Eau de Toilette Collection. The Essence Collection includes three evocative scents, each echoing the artistry of David Yurman’s signature jewelry and the emotions associated with three of his favorite gemstones - lustrous pink tourmaline, vivid peridot, and glistening citrine. Each essence is identified with a personal touch from Sybil Yurmam, a fluid brushstroke of paint mirroring the gemstone-inspired color.

In the spirit of David Yurman's jewelry, the Essence Collection is designed to be worn alone or paired, mixed to create an expression that is as individual and effortless as the woman herself. The Essence Collection has been artfully sculpted for the sense of smell by renowned master perfumer and creator of the original David Yurman fragrance, Harry Fremont of Firmenich.

The three scents span the range of fragrance types, with at least one for every taste. From floral to "floriental," you will find one you like.

Delicate Essence (Pink Tourmaline) is a modern floral, romantic and feminine. The top notes notes are pink pepper, lotus blossom, and sparkling orange. The mid-notes are pink peony blossom, wild rose, and rose absolute. The dry base notes are sheer amber, blonde woods, and musk. I knew I would love it, and I do. The floral notes are perfect for me, and the pink pepper gives it pizzaz - excitement, energy, and a spirit all its own. The amber and woods give it a lingering base.

Fresh Essence (Peridot) is fruity-floral, crisp and playful. It's also right up my alley. I'm wearing it now. It's fruity, which I love, but fortunately not terribly sweet. I'm sure you've smelled fresh, crisp, green fruity fragrances; they have notes that make their fruits sparkle. This one's special. The top notes are sparkling apple, cassis, juicy red fruits, and fresh greens. The middle notes are rose, peony, and water lily. The dry base notes are soft musk, cashmere woods, and cedar wood.

Exotic Essence (Citrine) is mysterious and sensual. It has an oriental flair to my nose (my first impression was correct, confirmed on the Web site). The top notes are sparkling mandarin through and through. The middle notes are Casablanca lily, rose petals, exotic woods, and patchouli (the patchouli, though soft, means this is not "my" fragrance). The dry base notes are vanilla absolute, amber, warm musk, Australian sandalwood, and peach skin. The warm base notes dominate Exotic Essence, making what otherwise might be floral a deeper fragrance - one you might wear at night to entice. I know that there are many of you who don't share my limited fragrance preferences (usually florals, fruits, and aquatics). This is your fragrance! It's complex and original.

The Essence Collection ($85.00 for 3.4 fluid ounces) is now available at Bloomingdale's, David Yurman boutiques, and DavidYurman.com. I received generous samples from Mr. Yurman's PR firm - and feel very privileged to have had the opportunity to wear these new, unique fragrances. You would expect anything David Yurman touched to be gorgeous, and the Essence Collection is.

Photo courtesy of David Yurman

Fabulous Jewelry by Firenze Gems

Today, we "divert" to another kind of beauty: jewelry - the beauty that lasts forever.

Firenze Gems of Los Angeles, California, specializes in one-of-a-kind pieces designed by Kiki Walker. Kiki uses precious and semi-precious gems, pearls, and yellow and white gold to create her stunning pieces. She shows her creations at International Gem and Jewelry shows, which traverse the country, landing in my area four times a year. You can find a show schedule at this link.

I will warn that my photos don't do Kiki's jewelry justice. It's hard to get good photos in a convention center without setting up lots of gear to mimic studio conditions. Nevertheless, I had to try so that I could share some of the jewelry with you. Just click on the photos to enlarge them.

Firenze Gems offers the quality of "designer jewelry" at a fraction of the price you will find in jewelry or department stores. How is this possible? Kiki is the designer, manufacturer, and marketer, and by cutting out the middlemen, she is able to pass the savings on to her customers. I have bought a "wardrobe" of Firenze Gems pieces, and each piece draws compliments wherever I go. Her designs, like the name of her company, are influenced by her time in Florence, Italy.

At the top left, you will see a picture of Kiki (yes, without her beautiful face) modeling aquamarine beads with 18K gold "spacers" between them and a beautiful 18K gold and diamond clasp. This necklace is now mine, I'm pleased to say. I helped her at the Northern Virginia show on the 14th-15th, and everyone who stopped at her display admired these fabulous gem-quality aqua beads. The "dangly" earrings Kiki is wearing are also aquamarines, mixed with 14K gold and pearls - stunning.

At the top right, you will see a strand of multicolored black Tahitian, white and cream South Sea, and golden Australian pearls with an eye-catching clasp that is best worn where others can see it. We should never hide beautiful clasps in the back!

The next photo is a beautiful tear-shaped black Tahitian pearl (18 mm long and 15 mm circumference) on a necklace of 18K white and yellow gold with diamonds interspersed in the chain.


Above is an especially catching design. The fancy gold necklace has earrings to match. The combination of 14K yellow gold, Tahitian black pearls, and appetite is truly gorgeous. Has I won the lottery last weekend, this set would have been mine too! I'm a blue and green gem addict.

Although Kiki works with all kinds of stones, she loves aquamarines and other blue and green gems, such as appetite, iolite, kyanite, tourmaline, and chalcedony. These are my kind of colors, and she uses them a lot. That doesn't stop her from working with other fabulous gems - and antique gaming counters. Pictured below is a fire opal necklace. The stone has gleaming life, fire, and color - qualities my photo just doesn't capture.

Kiki does lots of custom work, so if you see something you like, but want it done a bit differently, she can make it your way. Or, she can copy pieces you have seen and like - or may have lost. What's amazing is that she doesn't charge extra for custom pieces, just her relatively low markup over costs. She is actually rewarded by her customers' happiness.

I can't show you everything in this blog, so if you get a chance to attend an InterGem Show, look her up. Or, you can contact her by e-mailing aureawalker@yahoo.com.