New York Housewife Dis-‘Count’-ed

The clothes, the jewelry, the botox, the self-imposed detachment from reality - our favorite reality show car crash, Real Housewives of New York City, certainly has it all. But fasten your diamond-clad seat belts - the juicy dish just got a whole lot dish-ier.

While all of the cast members – from Fran Drescher incarnate, Jill Zarin, to the social climbing ex-model, Kellie Killoren Bensimon – inspire my wrath on every episode, no one makes my eyes roll harder than LuAnn de Lesseps. Otherwise known as – The Countess.

For those of you who are blissfully unaware, The Countess takes great pride in being the Miss Manners of Manhattan – throwing her title around like it’s a one-way ticket to her own fiefdom. If her upcoming book title, “Class With The Countess” doesn’t give you enough of a picture, her overbearing and misguided etiquette lessons to anyone within earshot surely will.

The truth is, The Countess was originally a (gasp) commoner, who married in to her title. Her husband, the Count de Lesseps, has always been a fleeting presence on the show – dashing off to do ‘count-like’ things in Europe and the like leaving LuAnn to scoff at the help on her own.

But soon after celebrating her 16th wedding anniversary on March 16th, The Countess got the news (by email no less!) that her one-way ticket to the ‘other half’ decided that taking up with an Ethiopian woman in Geneva was more fun than being LuAnn’s ‘better half’ – leaving her stunned and – for once - at a loss for words.

A source told Page Six, “LuAnn was blindsided. She was just devastated. They have basically lived apart for many years — he lives in Europe and comes and goes as he pleases, but she never thought this would happen. "

I wonder if there is a chapter in her book on the graceful way to milk your husband for millions?

Equally as gauche is the recent court case surrounding housewife, Kellie, who while she isn’t spending her waking hours making sure her cast-mates know she’s well 'above' them, is apparently punching her boyfriend in the face. Oh, and designing jewelry.

I found this link to her small jewelry line that debuted last year on Owl's Lab. The imaginative collection is a series of…you guessed it…owl styles that are actually kindof a 'hoot' (sorry).

The Real Housewives of New York airs Tuesdays on Bravo! at 10pm.

Week 13-Sunstone Flower Earrings

My muse seems to have disappeared along with my checkbook. I'm sure they'll both reappear sooner or later after their nice vacation. So this week I borrowed someone else's muse. I wanted to make a pair of earrings for myself with these pretty sunstone drops and I was stuck on what to do with them. These are more than a little inspired by the very talented Lisa Newton of Julida Designs whose work I adore. They're made with 20 and 26 gauge sterling wire.

Paula Abdul's Accessory Overload

Dennis Rodman isn't the only celebrity courting an intervention. Paula Abdul might be America's favorite Idol judge, but she needs to be stopped when it comes to her shocking fashion choices.

It might be the Kids' Choice awards, but the age-appropriate police were totally sleeping on the job here.

Less is more, Paula. Less is more.

Rachel Zoe Designs for the Masses

Love her or hate her, uber-fashionista, Rachel Zoe, is fast becoming the empress of her own sartorial domain. In between filming her Bravo! show, The Rachel Zoe Project, and styling Hollywood’s A list, including Kate Hudson, Jennifer Garner, Cameron Diaz and Demi Moore, People.com reports that Zoe is getting the ‘witch vibe’ for her own full-range clothing line.

We die!

While collection details are still top secret, Zoe promises a complete line that includes clothing, bags, fragrance, and – of course – jewelry. And price points won’t be as crazy stratospheric as her well-heeled clientele can afford.

“It will be absolutely, 100% accessible fashion for sure — for everybody.” Zoe explained.

“There’s no reason for me to do a luxury-level design. That’s not who I am. I don’t think it’s what people want from me. I think that I would need to give people that fantasy becoming a reality. That’s my job.”

Awww, she’s thinking about us huddled masses yearning to find deals.

And if you can’t wait to see what jewelry Zoe offers up (the collection launches next year), the fashion maven recently cleaned out her jewelry box to benefit the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance. You can bid now on pieces she designed for Judith Leiber along with costume jewelry straight from her drawers on eBay’s DecadesTwo store and www.decadestwo.com.

And fans of the show will go bananas for news that the second season is scheduled to air sometime mid-year. Bring on the Brad bow-tied meltdowns!

Diamonds Down Under

Bronx Mowgli's mom, Ashlee Simpson, brought out the bling at the MTV Australia Awards last night. Hubby Pete Wentz was also there as both a nominee and the show’s host, and the happy couple surprised the audience with a raunchy kiss after their onstage appearance.

"Sorry we haven't seen each other in a while," Simpson said. "So we're going to find a quiet place to go fornicate."

Poppa Simpson, cover your ears.

Ashlee’s red carpet uniform consisted of a basic black dress and a stunning pair of statement diamond earrings in a geometric design. Other red carpet winners included The Hills’ Audrina Partridge, who accessorized her blank stare with diamond drops to die for.

Singer, Duffy, made her own contribution to the little black frock brigade, but could have fared better with a little sparkle to liven things up. And Kylie sister, Dannii Minogue, proved the apple doesn’t fall far with a stunning silver J’Aton Couture dress with bejeweled fingerless gloves and peep toe pumps.

US band The Killers opened the awards show at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, followed by The Fray, Mauboy, Sia, Kaiser Chiefs, and Kings of Leon (via satellite).

And the highlight of the night? A surprise performance by none other than Vanilla Ice. Not the kind of ‘ice’ we jewelry hounds prefer, but I’m sure it was worth the cost of admission.

Word to your mother.

leopold rabus

i first came across the work of leopold rabus in one of the many lovely art books put out by the berlin folks of gestalten verlag that i really dig. but it wasn't until i stumbled upon the above installation photo that the work really resonated with me. take a peek for yourself over here.

xo.

'clementine' jen corace @ art star

'too soon'

Jen Corace has a new show up at Art Star Gallery here in philly. I really fell in love with a lot of the work, but this one is my favorite! Too bad it's the only one not for sale! Make Prints Jen!!! Check out my review of the show on fecal face, or go see it if you live near philly, it runs thru April 13.

xoxo

Champagne, Cinema and Scarlett Johannson

She acts, she models, she 'sings'…now the effervescent Scarlett Johansson can add “First Face of Champagne” to her glittering resume.

Last night London’s finest stepped out at the famous Blue Sky studio to celebrate Moet & Chandon’s “Tribute to Cinema” event, where they unveiled the first celebrity ambassador to the world of bubbly libations.

Tough job, but somebody’s gotta do it.

"Moet and the movies both tell compelling stories and share authentic emotions with the world," explained the divine Miss Scarlett.

"I am honored to have been chosen as their ambassador and to make history with the brand, as the first celebrity face of champagne!"

The lady of the hour arrived looking VERY brunette in a lacy little black dress and stunning S-shaped diamond earrings. British celebs like Thandie Newton and Joseph Fiennes (where have you been?) made a red carpet appearance, and model Eva Herzigova dazzled in a diamond choker and a strapless red Dolce & Gabbana puff dress from their Spring 2009 collection.

Moet will launch an international advertising campaign starring Johansson, which was shot by renowned photographers Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott. The campaign will include print, outdoor and online advertising, featuring Moet and Scarlett as icons of celebration and reinforcing the brand as the champagne of cinema.










So you’re an 'icon of celebration'. You're drop-dead gorgeous. Ryan Reynolds is your husband. You can hand-pick your starring roles. AND you get a lifetime supply of Moet?

Pass the bubbly. I'm getting depressed.

A good day!

Today was a really good day here at Lulu Bug - I made the Etsy front page 3 times! It really helps offset the extra crummy stuff that is going on at the day job.

Michael Jackson Auctions His Neverland Treasure Chest

If you are in the market for a piece of pop music history, Michael Jackson is having a glorified garage sale of the entire contents of his Neverland Ranch next month, and the loot includes everything from his famous arcade game collection to the actual front gates (Macaulay Caulkin not included).

Julien's Auctions has been workin’ workin’ day and night to sift through thousands of items from the storied property and found so much MJ memorabilia they had to schedule eight different auctions over the course of four days.

So what's on the auction block? There’s a jeweled glove collection – including the iconic white glove worn when Jackson moonwalked his way into pop music history. There’s a closet full of those sequined military jackets from the Victory Tour era (sorry, the Beat It Jacket is not among them). And there’s also a disturbing number of lawn sculptures featuring young children.

Oh, Michael.

Over 2,000 items are up for grabs, and the auctioneers hope to bring in as much as $20 million for Jackson, with a portion of the proceeds going to the music industry charity, Musicares.

Lot highlights, including the glove collection and a pair of moonwalk socks, are currently touring major cities worldwide. The main event begins on Wednesday, April 22nd and runs through Saturday April 25th in Beverly Hills.

What would you do if you had a few grand to put in the mix? Would you loosen your purse strings for the moonwalk socks? Or do you think the whole thing is totally 'off the wall'?

Weigh in!

Scarlett Sings

Her nerves were gone. Just like that. No more anxiety; no apprehension at all. All week, her fear had been building to a fever pitch; she had been certain that tonight she would collapse like a soufflé, her insides runny and sad, the rest of her crumpled into a heap. But no. Mercifully, she was intact. Intact and unafraid.

Scarlett looked at herself in the mirror and was sure. She was ready. Everything in her life had led up to this moment; every day had been only a rehearsal for this night. She ran through a vocalise for confirmation; her voice was rich and easy. She smiled; a dazzling smile of pure joy, and opened her dressing room door. Carefully, she walked out to the wings; her cue would come soon. The orchestra swelled, and her heart rose with the sound.

She was on.

© 2009 Cynthia Newcomer Daniel

Brass filigree and chain maille, seed beads, swarovski crystals and pearls, cubic zirconia. This necklace won first place in the Use the Muse contest. Hand fabricated.

Reese Witherspoon’s Less-Is-More Jewelry Style

Reese Witherspoon has been globe trotting this month promoting her latest film, Monsters vs. Aliens, in understated jewelry looks that accentuate her girl-next-door glamour.

Whether its basic black and a pair of diamond studs or earl grey and barely there pearl earrings, this celebrity supermom is fast becoming the poster child for classic Hollywood glamour.

This weekend brought Reese back home to Los Angeles, where she wowed the crowd with a non-traditional Rodarte metallic mini that required minimal bling.



















And what do her two kids think about their animation star-mom?

"They are rabid, and they wake up in the morning like, 'When can we see this movie? When is this movie going to come out?'" she told reporters. "My daughter goes, 'Just how many people can I bring to the screening? I invited the entire third grade!'"

And just when you thought Reese’s fairy-tale life couldn’t get any dreamier? A-list boyfriend, Jake Gyllenahaal, threw her a 33rd birthday party at his house this weekend after the premiere, inviting sister Maggie and her hubbie Peter Sarsgaard and Robert Downey Jr. and his wife Susan, among others.

"I'm looking forward to my birthday," Witherspoon recently told reporters at a press conference for her upcoming film. "I think it is a great thing, to be able to be doing things with my kids and having them be proud of me. It's like, what's better than feeling you've accomplished things in life?"

And to look good doing it? Priceless.

i just stumbled across this incredible french band odland. their band photos are amazing and the music makes me nostalgic for the time i lived in france. their list of instruments includes toys and a typewriter......they are offering free downloads on their website. perfect music to hold you over while waiting for the new bat for lashes cd, 'two moons', to come out next month.

xoxo

twin love

two different prints of mine featuring conjoined twins were selected for two different treasuries at the same time....as always i have twins in my split brain!

Kristen Lora Jewelry - Variety in Style and Technique

Variety usually means having an assortment of things. In the case of jewelry created by Kristen Lora, we would have to say that variety means so much more than that; we need to use a word like abundance to describe her broad range of work.

Inspired by bold shapes, color and movement, Kristin designs jewelry that is meant to flatter and entertain. Believe us when we say, Kristin Lora delivers an abundance of entertainment. She has so many collections of jewelry to view; yet in this post, we will admire just a mere handful.

Always appreciating color and natural elements, Kristin focuses on creating beautiful and artful jewelry. Most are made with sterling silver. She creates all her pieces with the utmost in impeccable skill and technique. This intricate brooch is from her Tubular Collection





Her metalsmith skills are impeccable and all her designs are meticulous and sophisticated. These earrings are from her Felt Collection




This jewelry is both unique in its composition and cherished for its value. Often the artist adds a touch of whimsy. Here is another delightful piece from her Felt Collection




From the Circle Cluster Collection



Here is another example from the Circle Cluster Collection





And we haven't even touched on half of her collections. Yes, there is so much, much more. It's a mind-boggling abundance of jewelry all offered by the same artist.


What inspires you to create?

Feel free to share your thoughts.

japanese artist kahori maki makes incredibly lovely paintings with a mix of highly detailed floral motifs and feminine portraiture. i dig the collage/inky quality she achieves, and of course how here, the female subject is masked and covered in overgrowth.  

found.

Happy Spring!

It really feels like spring here in Sonoma County, California. The long dark is over, yay!

Popping the Question? Let Her Eat Cake!

Between the AIG debacle and Natasha Richardson’s shocking death, it’s hard to find something to smile about this week. And guys? I’m afraid I am the bearer of even more bad news.

Just when you thought getting on bended knee couldn’t be any more nerve-wracking (and, let’s face it, costly in this day and age), Manilla businessman, Angelito Araneta Jr. came up with yet another way to spend your hard earned dollars with his latest creation - a diamond and gold engagement cake.

Apparently a diamond ring and your undying love and affection is no longer enough, gentlemen.

The 21-year-old businessman instructed his catering company to come up with a bejeweled culinary creation that is covered in 24-karat gold leaf and 15 African diamonds. The price for this essential part of the mating ritual? A mere $2600.

Kinda makes having your cake and eating it too an entirely different proposition.

Call me old fashioned, but if you're going to shell out $2600 extra bucks for the occasion, I'm thinking the money could be better spent on, say, an even BIGGER diamond ring instead of a gold-leafed reason for me to do more Tracey Anderson workout videos.

Just a thought.

Bling No More

It appears that Mrs. Madoff's woes have just begun. For all you women out there that have dreamt of marrying a millionaire and living the life of luxe in a swanky Gossip Girl-size apartment in New York - remember - there's a price to pay.

For Mrs. Madoff, the shame and humiliation has just begun. The government wants to seize the couples’ $7 million penthouse apartment on the Upper East Side of Manhattan; three resort homes located in the South of France, Palm Beach, and Montauk ; four boats; four cars; a Steinway piano; $65,000 in silverware and..... wait for it....... $2.6 million worth of jewelry owned by Mrs M and about 35 watches and cufflinks owned by the Ponzi Prince of Wall Street.

As for the watches and cufflinks? It's clear the fiddly financier isn't going to need them in the big house he currently calls home.

Good riddance!

Week 12-Vernal Equinox

I suppose I could make up some story about how this fits the theme of vernal equinox but I'm not that creative. Actually, I'm fascinated with old keys and this is just something I wanted to make for myself to wear around on a long chain. It has plenty of imperfections but I'm sure as heck not doing it over. :D It's about two inches long and a little over an inch wide. The beads are teeny tanzanites.

Week 10-Pride and Prejudice

I'm not sure if these earrings have anything to do with Pride and Prejudice. But the book is an antique volume of the complete works of Shakespeare so does that count? These are post earrings with sterling silver beads, hessonite garnet rondelles and tigereye drops.

'grey empire'

i'm seriously hating myself for not going to see the new work by Camille Rose Garcia at the Scope art fair in NYC last week, although i did make several serious attempts. Jonathan LeVine gallery hosted the booth at the fair filled with the dark delights of the doom and gloom queen of the pop surrealist set. the booth featured a wonderful installation and large paintings and drawings featuring raven haired rock-a-billy ladies decked out in disney dresses surrounded by her skull butterfly familiars in various states of distress and agony. although known and often copied for her layered and drippy backgrounds, the new pieces show the wood grain of the panels she paints on, adding to the patterns she often overwhelms her landscapes with. the inclusion of fairy tale font in her cryptic texts add a nostalgic sense to the work, comforting the viewer although the end is near friends! the future may always look bleak to Miss Garcia but I'll always be along for the ride, no matter how far down the dark rabbit hole she takes me. to head down there yourself, check out all of the new work here.

'gloom and doom'

the flocked wallpaper shown her is available for sale!