what the heck to do with the neck?

 

I'm thinking about wearing a strapless look on New Year's Eve and, while that may seem like a simple decision, I'm now faced with an age-old question related to the open-neck look: necklace or no necklace?

I love jewelry, particularly cool necklaces. What better way to showcase some pretty neckware than over bare skin, right? But isn't the whole point of going strapless to show off the clavicle, neck and chest? The whole appeal of the look is that it looks sexy in an unexpected, kind of non-sexual way. Especially for flat-chested girls like me.

There are tons of examples on the different variations of the necklace-strapless relationship. I'm being drawn to the bare look, despite my fondness for necklaces. Could throwing on a simple chain and pendant like Vanessa Hudgens be a compromise? What about delicate, showy piece, like Kate Middleton or Bar Refaeli? Or is it better to go with the tried and true statement necklace? Nina Dobrev's choker looks kind of amazing and modern.

All these questions, and this isn't even the end of it! Once the necklace dilemma is solved, then I'll have to find the right earrings, and decide if the hair should be up or down. So many choices! What's a girl to do?

the dame's diamonds

Christie's auctioned off some of Elizabeth Taylor's jewelry this week and the outcome was pretty outstanding. InStyle has pictures of some of the pieces, many of which sold for well over 10 million dollars. It's kind of tragic, in a weird way, that this unbelievable collection will have to be separated. I feel like they're orphaned treasures! Little orphaned treasures that sold for over $115 million collectively...

The collection of diamonds and stones is really the most amazing part. My fine jewelry collection consists of mostly of David Yurman and Tiffany's. I can't even imagine what it would be like to actually own these breathtaking pieces. It makes me a little jealous/anxious about starting to amass or piece together my own "adult" jewelry collection. It's like, I can only dream of one day owning one of these pieces! If I had to fantasize about being lucky enough to have one of these beauties, I think I'd choose the cognac diamond ring. Sigh. In my dreams.

All images via InStyle.com

noir for moi

I'm totally smitten over this neon crystal Noir Jewelry. The combination of crystal and rope is the perfect juxtaposition. Add the neon shades and the look is perfectly hip and surprising.

My absolute favorite is the cuff. I love the pink and the little sunburst design. The drop and hoop earrings are so unexpected. Can you imagine how cool they would look on? The necklace is the most over the top piece but it's the perfect thing to top off a t-shirt and jeans, adding a glamorous, fun touch.

hard as nails

Last week, I hung pictures in my room with some nails and a stacked heel pump as a hammer. Needless to say, that was the closest I think I'll ever get to any sort of construction project.

Thanks to Andrea Lieberman's new jewelry collection with A.L.C., however, I can look like a tough, do-it-myself chick without having any of the skills or savvy.

The line has an industrial look to it and features nails, bolts, chains and wire. I'm always looking for ways to juxtapose my feminine style with edgier pieces and throwing on some of these would be the perfect way to do that.

like krazy

So Kim Kardashian is getting a divorce. Just... don't even get me started. I'd like to personally thank the entire Kardashian clan for giving my boyfriend endless ammo with which to make fun of me.

I thought we should celebrate Kim's divorce here at Doux Rousse (that's not even insensitive, you know this will somehow be celebrated with a special, exclusive interview, entire television series, whatever, just more money). What better way to look back at a marriage that started with a heinously large engagement ring than with the bride's own line of baubles.

Most of the Kardashian products are just horrible, but Kim's jewelry line, Belle Noel, is actually pretty chic with a sort of Egyptian vibe.

I prefer the necklaces and earrings, but it's only fitting to look at Ms. Kardashian's collection of rings on this momentous occasion.

time warp

My dear roommate Marie (also a redhead... or my deux doux rousse) brought these La Mer watches to my attention. She never got a menswear inspired watch and is contemplating making one of these her staple timepiece. I'll never abandon my trusty Michael Kors Gold Bracelet Watch, but I may add this to my wrist repertoire.

I was going to write about the Odyssey Wraps that my roomie is lusting over, but after going to the website, I discovered all the cool, different wrap watches La Mer has. My favorites are the Chain/Charm Wraps. The brown leather with the gold and copper chains looks so classic but casual and different.

The Simple Wraps are anything but. They come in colored snakeskin, glitter, neon and patent leather. The electric yellow and pink leather looks so fresh and modern.

I have a penchant for studded and biker-inspired jewelry, so obviously, I'm obsessed with the Layer and Stud Wraps.

The company also has traditional pieces, but I'm loving their take on watches as interesting jewelry. There's an option to customize a watch, but I love the ones they've already made. The only thing keeping me from putting one of these super stylish watches on my wrist is deciding which one I want.