Chinese Pearls Take Center Stage

When you think of a string of pearls, you probably picture a beautiful strand of Japanese akoyas, which most traditional necklaces are made from.

But did you know that China's pearls now rival those that come out of Japan in terms of quality, beauty and luminosity? It's true, thanks to improvements in culturing techniques; and thanks to relatively inexpensive labor, the gems are also a bargain.

According to Royston Chan, reporting in Reuters, the eastern city of Zhuji, China is turning into a global trading hub for freshwater pearls. That's because the rivers and ponds of Zhujo are protected from agricultural and industrial wastes that affect much of China's other waterways.

China's success has pulled global pearl prices to records lows, Chan writes, while making them more affordable for average consumers.

Indeed. Check out http://www.moonriverpearls.com/

Marc Misses the Mark

I'm a huge Marc Jacobs fan. I mean, ginormous! So I was surprised to be so disappointed in his new shoe collection. Oxfords that look like they were designed for my grandma? Flats that look like mice? What are we, 4 or 94?

What say you? I'd rather spend $250 on something chic.

Tips for Throwing a Wedding When You're On a Budget

High gas and food prices have had an impact on spending lately...Americans are cutting back where they can. One thing you don't want to skimp on is your wedding, but what if you
must? Here are some tips for an economical, yet still fabulous, wedding. These came from Glamour:

• Skip the major flowers: Flower costs can be astronomical. Just as pretty but less costly: Fill clear cylinders with water and float candles in them.
• Skip favors: Brides obsess over them, but no one will miss them.
• Cut out extra desserts. Cake is plenty.
• Order bridal jewelry from MoonRiverPearls.com. Their inexpensive yet rich designs make great wedding party gifts. (This last tip is my own, natch.)
  

Push Back Fall!

Egads, Elle magazine is already previewing the fall collections. Seems come fall we'll be seeing jewel tones, lots of coats, yet more ombre and a sort of allover Hitchcock-heroine-meets-Amy-Winehouse-herion-chic. As much of a fashionista as I am, I say stop the presses! Summer just arrived...let us enjoy it. It was only last week that I broke out my flirty sundresses, strappy flat sandals and lip gloss. I'm not ready for swing coats, emerald-green floor-length dresses and ankle boots. What's next, Christmas decorations?

This shell bracelet from MoonRiverPearls.com embodies easy summer style. Pick one up today! It's on sale!

Fashion Advice for Brides from a Bridal Accessories Expert

June is not only the month whose birthstone is the luminous pearl, but it’s also a very popular month to tie the knot. To that end, I decided to interview my good friend and co-worker, Mary Ellen Garbarino, about pearl bridal jewelry for this month’s column. Mary Ellen is a jewelry buyer and a bridal consultant for MoonRiverPearls.com; her expertise is pearl bridal jewelry. In her career at Moon River Pearls.com, she’s helped hundreds of brides choose the perfect bridal jewelry for their wedding day—not to mention gifts for their attendants, and she truly loves her job. Read what she has to say about current bridal jewelry trends, why pearls are timeless classics and what brides should do to ensure they get the perfect look on their special day.

Are pearls still popular with brides or are they considered old fashioned?
Mary Ellen Garbarino: Brides are always looking for pearl jewelry both for themselves and for their attendants, including their flower girls. Many brides buy pearl earrings for their mothers, grandmothers, godmothers and any other women involved in the ceremony. They do not consider them old fashioned at all. Classic and timeless is more like it.

What styles of pearl jewelry are brides wearing nowadays?
ME: We find that many times brides wear a classic pearl necklace handed down from a family member and then they look for earrings or a bracelet to wear with it. If the dress is strapless, they look for either long earrings to wear alone, or pearl studs or drops to wear with a strand or pendant. Illusion necklaces are popular with the bride who has chosen a dress without lots of detail.

Do you have advice for choosing the perfect necklace or earrings? Do they have to go with the dress?
ME: Pearls go with everything; well, at least white pearls do. If the dress has lots of beading or sequins, especially if the pearl beading is stark white (they are never real pearls either) we have to be a bit more careful when choosing the jewelry. Pearl overkill is not a good idea.

Are pearls an affordable option for bridesmaids' gifts?
ME: They certainly are. We sell freshwater pearls which are gorgeous but very affordable. We offer great discounts to brides who are buying in larger quantities. In special circumstances we will give the bride free button pearl earrings with each necklace. Normally I ask a bride what her budget is for each attendant and I makesuggestions with that in mind. It simplifies the process for them. I work very hard to keep her expenses within reach for her and if we discount a bit more—that’s just fine with us. We love happy brides and buying their bridal jewelry should be the least stressful part of their wedding planning. Many of our new bridal customers receivedour jewelry as a gift at a wedding they were a bridesmaid in.

What are some fresh ways to wear pearls?
ME: The classics are always fresh no matter what, tin cup necklaces are huge and we offer them in white, black, pink and lavender. Women love them. Since Carrie Bradshaw (aka Sarah J. Parker) wore the rope of pearls during the entire Sex and the City movie, women are ordering them. I really feel that when women or men are spending money on pearls, they buy the classics always. On-line shoppersbuying trendy stuff are not looking for real pearls—these are mostly young girls wanting to spend under $20. They are not our typical customer.

Do you have any overall fashion advice for brides?
ME: Yes, when looking for a dress, try on lots of styles. Go dress shopping with an open mind, a good friend with some fashion sense, and find a helpful sales clerk. If the salespeople are not helpful or don't treat you like you are special, move on because there is a bridal shop waiting to treat you like you deserve. Onceyou find your dress and you know how you want to wear your hair then call us and let us guide you with your jewelry. When in doubt, buy several styles from us, charge them, try them on and return what does not work. You have to see it on! We'll credit your credit card before you even get your statement. It's as easy as that.

What about any fashion or jewelry don’ts, or are rules meant to be broken?
ME: Most good fashion jewelry rules are there because they work. Check out any bridal magazine and most times the rules are followed. Don't forget to think about where the wedding is taking place, for example is it a simple beach wedding or an elaborate affair at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City? Can a bride break the rules? Of course she can within reason and only if it is in keeping with her personal style—don’t be someone you are not unless it is an upgrade!

Should bridesmaids' jewelry match?
ME: My personal opinion is yes, but that is how I am. If it doesn't match exactly, it should be white pearls, or pink pearls, etc. Do give the bridesmaids the jewelry as a gift, and then you won't have to worry about someone wearing something horrible and sticking out as the bridesmaid with horrible taste who is trying to steal the show.

Are traditional pearls the only jewelry that's right for black tie?
ME: Traditional or vintage styles. Strands or chokers, short or long earrings: Oh yes. I was watching the movie North and South the other night and the pearls on the women were simply gorgeous. Pearls and diamonds together—what a stunning combination that’s always right for a black tie wedding.

What about a beach wedding?
ME: Sterling silver or pearls or a combination of both. Coin pearls are perfect fit too. Pearls, water and sand are a natural combination and look just terrific.

Thank you for your time, Mary Ellen. You’ve certainly given brides some food for thought!
ME: My pleasure. Brides should feel free to call me toll-free if they have any questions. 800-405-2488.

Why do we care so much about Mrs. Obama's pearls?

In the last three days alone, I've read half a dozen articles about politician's wives' or women politicians' sense of style. Why do we scrutinize Michelle Obama and Nancy Pelosi and comment on, say, their legs or their beautiful pearls more than their political views, but never talk about Bush's tie or Obama's shoes?

Style mavens know that first--and second--impressions count. A First Lady--and lady politicians--will always come under scrutiny from the fashion press. That's the way it goes. With campaign season in full swing, we pick apart every hemline, every string of pearls, every inch of fabric, looking for clues to the woman behind the fashion.

"Everyone knows that people respond to the way you look when you run for office," André Leon Talley, an editor-at-large for Vogue told the International Herald Tribune. "A black Camelot moment is the right moment for the Obamas," he added. "And so the faux pearls, the A-line dresses, the Jackie flip are obviously all part of how her image strategy has evolved."

An article in the Boston Hearld entitled "Hail to the Chic: Cindy or Michelle?" says that Michelle Obama and Cindy McCain exude a confidence and flair not seen in national politics for a long time.

“They’re total fashionistas,” said Susan Mullins, president of BackBay-based image consulting firm Susan Style. She praised both women for dressing stylishly, yet age-appropriately. Fashion criticisms of the two women are minor, said Mullins, who wishes both women were less TV camera-concerned about wearing prints. And while both love pearls, Mullins wishes Obama would “spice it up a bit.”

“I love her Wilma pearls,” she said, referencing her oversized ones reminiscent of “The Flintstones” character. “But my suggestion is doubling them up.”

Ginger Burr of Total Image Consultants in Lynn agreed about Obama’s conservative jewelry choices. “Michelle has the opportunity to have a little more fun, be a little more adventurous,” she said.

Burr said Obama’s bolder belt statements - “they’re not wimpy, they definitely have substance”--make her look comfortable in what she’s wearing.

“It makes her approachable,” she said.

Seems when it comes to politics, clothes--and pearls--really do make the (wo)man.

Sea-Inspired Jewelry

According to Modern Jeweler, the sea, and the creatures that live in it, are a great source of inspiration for fine jewelry. "Whether they are life-like specimens or inspired by sailing and nautical motifs, the latest catch of sea life jewelry combines traditional designs with some exotic textures, precious metal mixes, and materials actually originating in the sea."

Check out my favorite sea-inspired jewelry:

Frederic Duclos’ sterling silver starfish necklace (pictured) with freshwater pearls, suggested retail $378, (888) 898-3636. Thistle & Bee’s crab enamel pin, suggested retail $295, (212) 594-0418.

Pink crescent shell stretch bracelet, on sale for $14.99, http://www.moonriverpearls.com/

Octopus pin, $18, http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=11041713