Kara Ross Spring 2012

Need more bling in your life?  Jeweler Kara Ross has gems on her mind this spring, along with exotic leathers, metals and style.  All shades of turquoise, lapis and amethyst dominated this seasons' collection.  You could see it in the shades of painted skins on the envelope flap bags or embedded in the jewelry.  

Some of Kara's signature touches are the faceted finishes resembling the closeup view of precious stones on rings and cuff bracelets.  The other is the jeweled clasps on her purses for that extra luxury touch.   Some of the rarer skins used in the handbags are then set in metal like a jewel for a truly symbiotic design process across categories.  Is that an artists' perogative? Thrifty or an eco-minded creative process?  Either way, Spring's blue skies will be beautiful.

Mdivani Monroe interviews Ms. Ross to discuss her baubles in depth:

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Calypso Accessories Boutique Launch

 Finished all of your holiday shopping yet?  What about your own wish list?  Calypso St Barth opened its accessories-focused boutique on Manhattan's Lower East Side Recently.  The creative director designed it to be like a fantasy closet filled with all of your favorite baubles.

The store has an international mix of scarves, candles, handbags, jewelry, wraps, a few furry jackets too. I have to admit, the boutique is exactly what I would personally want as my closet.  It's cozy, and you can sit in the center of the quilted pouf surrounded by your glam goodies.
Calypso Accessories, 280 Mott Street, New York NY 10012, 212-965-0990

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Most Fashionable NYC Easter Parade Hats

 Bonnet, chapeau, fascinator, head sculptures...Easter is a time for religious reflection or gluttonous chocolate consumption.  For the most stylish of New Yorkers, yesterday's 5th avenue parade was a giant runway for the most exquisite creations to top your crown.

Fashion personalities like Rosemary Ponzo, fashion designers and milliners showed their favorite designs.  Artists made a statement with dramatic sculptures.  Lovers of vintage accessorized complete outfits for their favorite era.  Young princesses danced around in wide brimmed dress-up hats while twirling in Sunday School dresses.

Cadbury be damned, I know what I'm asking the Easter Bunny for next year...

Photos by Jemal Countess and Geoffry Gertz

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