Khaki Craze: Military-Inspired Utilitarian Basics for Spring

I've just finished combing through the March issue of Vogue and I must say that it did not disappoint. I thoroughly enjoyed reading and reviewing everything from the feature on somewhat unexpected cover girl, Tina Fey, to Alexander Wang's MOD (model off-duty) style inspiration, to the "Military Issue" fashion spread shot by Mario Testino.

The twelve page spread featuring utilitarian basics of the spring season including trench coats, safari-style button down shirts, military-themed jackets and cargo pants reminded me of a recent post on Garance Doré's blog titled "Khaki is the New Black."

Pictures via Doré's "Khaki is the new Black" post

A khaki color palette works well with many complexions as it includes a range of hues from beige to olive to brownish. Though I'm not quite ready to trade in my predominately white/grey/black wardrobe, I am definitely inspired to incorporate a few khaki pieces for spring. I love how the subject of Doré's post mixes khaki AND black - now that's a compromise I can agree with!

This khaki craze is reiterated in Vogue's take on styling the reoccurring military theme. By pairing more masculine, structured pieces with decidedly feminine silhouettes, fabrics and details, Vogue keeps the look modern, fresh and perfect for spring! Below is Vogue's March 2010 multi-page "Military Issue" fashion spread:

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"Military Issue" photos by Mario Testino for the March 2010 issue of Vogue via www.millionlooks.com

Standout surplus-style pieces from the spread include a Balmain cavalry jacket with fringed epaulets and braided cord details (image 4), Burberry Prorsum cashmere V-neck sweater with gathered sleeves and washed-chiffon skirt (far left of image 5), Comme des Garçons asymmetrical cropped moss wool jacket (image 7) and Alexander Wang peep-toe ankle boots (images 11 &12.)

Will you be sporting khaki military basics this spring?

xxKP

Eco-Chic: Lauren Bush Teams Up with Barneys on Ethically-Minded Collection

Featured in Vogue's March 2010 issue, Lauren Bush's fledgling collaboration with Barneys (the first collection launched in Spring 2009), Lauren Pierce Atelier, is a made-to-order collection of one-of-a-kind dresses that are created with environmentally friendly fabrics from around the world.

image via Vogue

Each season, the model-turned-designer will donate 10% of the Lauren Pierce Atelier profits to a cause that affects women in the country from which the collection's materials have been sourced and the designs have been created. Ethically sourced and environmentally conscious, the fabrics used in Bush's latest collection have been hand-dyed by women in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Dresses are available in five silhouettes, retail for around $500 and are available exclusively at Barneys.

"You can love the dress, plus feel great about the good it's doing," Bush tells Vogue - I couldn't agree more! Hop over to www.lauren-pierce.com for more information on Lauren Bush's chic, reasonably priced, and socially conscious collection.

xxKP

Amethyst Inspiration: A Look Styled Around the February Birthstone

Last week I began using the super-addictive site Polyvore, which allows you to "mix and match products from any online store to create outfits or any kind of collage." I was inspired to begin creating a monthly set styled around the birthstone of the corresponding month. I frequently build my outfits based on the jewelry that I feel like wearing on a particular day or for a specific event and I thought it would be fun to share my styled sets with you! In the future, I'll try and post this entry at the beginning of each month.

So without further ado, here's the first birthstone inspired set created via Polyvore:

Amethyst Inspiration: February Birthstone set

(Items included in this set clockwise starting from top: Ray-Ban "Original Aviator" sunglasses, purple balloons, Kristin Pasternak Fine Jewelry Amethyst Granulation Earrings, Goldsign "Envy" straight-leg jeans, Miu Miu Suede Ruffle Platform Peep-toe Pumps, Bottega Veneta Cobalt blue Deerskin Tote, Fred Flare Silk Racerback top with Pocket, Miss Selfridge Grey Burnout Print Cardigan, Kristin Pasternak Fine Jewelry Amethyst Trifoil Cocktail Ring, Me and Kashmere "Amali" Black and Purple Cashmere scarf.)

Would you ever build an outfit around a piece of jewelry?

xxKP

Gimme: Kristin Pasternak Jewelry

Bonjour, mes amis!

While checking my KP Fine Jewelry inbox late last night, I came across an email from Caroline, the blogger extraordinaire and talented artist behind the super cute and whimsical site It Looks Good To Me. Consequently, I was beyond thrilled to read that Caroline had posted a little write up on the debut collection of yours truly featuring a lovely watercolor of our Diamond Granulation Stacking Ring!

Click here to read the entire post!

The Diamond Stacking Ring is one of our favorite pieces and it looks great worn as a set of three or by itself - diamonds are just so versatile!

If you haven't had the opportunity to see our newly launched Online Shop, we invite you to do so. Also, don't forget to take advantage of an exclusive 20% discount off all merchandise in celebration of the Grand Opening of our Online Shop (and of course the upcoming Valentine's Day holiday!) now through February 14th, 2010. To receive the discount, simply enter the discount code VALDAY2010 in the notes section during checkout. The discount will be taken manually and will appear on your emailed receipt.

Don't you just love getting good news in your inbox?!

xxKP

Traditional and Modern Birthstones

Birthstones are gems that have historically been associated with one of the 12 months in the Gregorian calendar. Wearing birthstone jewelry during the month that the stone represents first became popular in 15th century Poland and was thought to enhance magical and healing properties of the stone.

Traditionally, the birthstones assigned to each month are below:

Traditional Birthstones

January | Garnet

February | Amethyst

March | Bloodstone/Jasper

April | Diamond/Sapphire

May | Emerald/Agate

June | Alexandrite/Emerald

July | Ruby/Onyx

August | Sardonyx/Carnelian

September | Sapphire/Peridot

October | Tourmaline/Aquamarine

November | Citrine/Topaz

December | Zircon/Ruby

However, in the 1930s the American Gem Society released a revised list of Birthstones, which designated the Modern birthstones assigned to each month with which more people are familiar.

Modern Birthstones

January | Garnet

February | Amethyst

March | Aquamarine/Bloodstone

April | Diamond

May | Emerald

June | Pearl/Alexandrite/Moonstone

July | Ruby

August | Peridot/Sardonyx

September | Sapphire

October | Tourmaline/Opal

November | Topaz/Citrine

December | Turquoise/Zircon/Blue Topaz/Tanzanite

(image via the American Gem Society)

January

By her who in this month is born,

No gems save Garnets should be worn;

They will insure her constancy,

True friendship and fidelity.

February

The February born will find

Sincerity and peace of mind;

Freedom from passion and from care,

If they the Amethyst will wear.

March

Who in this world of ours their eyes

In March first open shall be wise;

In days of peril firm and brave,

And wear a Bloodstone to their grave.

April

She who from April dates her years,

Diamonds shall wear, lest bitter tears

For vain repentance flow; this stone,

Emblem of innocence is known.

May

Who first beholds the light of day

In Spring's sweet, flower month of May

And wears an Emerald all her life

Shall be a loved and a loving wife.

June

Who comes with Summer to this earth

And owes to June her day of birth,

With ring of Agate on her hand,

Can health, wealth and long life command.

July

The glowing Ruby should adorn

Those who in warm July are born,

Then will they be exempt and free

From love's doubt and anxiety.

August

Wear a Sardonyx of for thee

No conjugal felicity.

The August-born without this stone

'Tis said must live unloved and lone.

September

A maiden born when autumn leaves

Are rustling in September's breeze,

A Sapphire on her brow should bind,

'Twill cure diseases of the mind.

October

October's child is born for woe,

And life's vicissitudes must know;

But lay an Opal on her breast,

And hope will lull those woes to rest.

November

Who first comes to this world below

With drear November's fog and snow

Should prize the Topaz' amber hue --

Emblem of friends and lovers true.

December

If cold December gave you birth

The month of snow and ice and mirth

Place on your hand a Turquoise blue;

Success will bless whate'er you do.

- Gregorian birthstone poem printed in Notes and Queries, May 11, 1889.

Isn't it fascinating to learn of the protective and curative powers of birthstones that were commonly believed in centuries past? Before reading this post did you know both your Modern and Traditional birthstones?

xxKP

Kristin Pasternak Fine Jewelry Launches Online Shop!

Why hello there, February!

What a whirlwind that past couple of months have been beginning with the launch of the Kristin Pasternak Fine Jewelry collection and website in December. Since then it's been a (happily) hectic schedule of jewelry design and production, photo shoots, some pretty exciting meetings (more to come on that soon!) and most recently, the addition of the Online Shop to the site last week!

The Kristin Pasternak Fine Jewelry website and Online Shop has been a multi-stage project on which we've worked very closely with the web designer. We couldn't be happier with the almost final product (we are constantly changing, adding to and upgrading the site) both aesthetically and functionally.

If you haven't had the opportunity to view the Online Shop, we invite you to do so and to also take advantage of an exclusive 20% discount off of all product until February 14th in celebration of the Grand Opening of our Online Shop. To receive the discount, simply enter the discount code VALDAY2010 in the notes section during checkout. Your discount will be taken manually and will appear on your emailed receipt.

Lastly, a sincere Thank You is due to our family, friends, Facebook Fans, Twitter followers and Blog readers for your wonderful feedback and your much appreciated support!

xxKP