Top 5: Statement Jewelry Picks

I am a person that loves the Autumn season because I feel like layers of clothes looks far better than a little tank top and shorts. Despite my pleading with the man upstairs, the world still gets hotter ever year, and I am forced to wear the lightest clothes possible in order not to die of overheating. If you are like me, and need something to make your summer wardrobe pop without adding bulk, Never Fear! Statement jewelry can add complexity to an otherwise simple outfit. Today I give to you my top 5 picks for statement jewelry pieces.

1. Giles & Brother 

   'Irular Collar Necklace'  -  $540.00  

    shopbop.com

2. Marquis & Camus Brooch

     style # 6FBC12

    $185.00 (used to be $265.00)

    www.marquiscamus.com

3.  Urban Outfitters

      'Dreamers Bracelet' - $28.00

       urbanoutfitters.com

4. Jacquie Aiche

    'Double Prong Geode Ring'- $255.00

     shopbop.com

5. Gara Danielle 

    'Green Turquoise Ring' - $180.00

    www.my-wardrobe.com

Crazy About: Studs

This inaugural edition of 'Crazy About' is dedicated to my current obsession: pyramid studs! I simply can't get enough of these bad boys, and here, I'll show you some of the easiest studly pieces to incorporate into your wardrobe. 

1.  The fabulous Urban Renewal Studded Denim Vest: This former jean jacket is the perfect addition to add some punch to an otherwise simple outfit.  

$148.00 Urbanoutfitters.com

2. Pyramid Stud Earrings: At only 16 bucks, these babies will up your badass quotient, without putting a huge dent in your wallet.

 Urbanoutfitters.com

3. Free People Juno Stud Wedge: A studded leather wedge is the perfect, yet unexpected addition to your summer attire. $168.00 FreePeople.com 

4. Bona Drag Studded Ballet Slippers: The former ballerina in my nearly had a heart attack after setting my eyes on these. The perfect blend of girly fantasy, meets biker chic.

 $48.00 bonadrag.com

5. Urban Renewal Studded Short: Each pair of these vintage cut off shorts are different, yet they all have one thng in common: a pyramid stud trim. Each pair has been naturally distressed by their original owner, which gives the shorts some character. 

$58.00  Urbanoutfitters.com

I see Italy, I see France...

On the 24th I will be leaving for Paris, then Florence and Rome. With lots of walking to do, I decided to buy another pair of flat boots. I am crazy for fringe, so I decided on a pair of 3 layer fringe boots from Minnetonka. I already have a short pair of flat fringe boots (a light grey pair) and a brown pair of tall Minnetonkas so this was just a nice darker addition to the collection. 

Rome has a really high rate of pick pocketing, so I chose two bags that fit close to the body for extra protection. These two are from urbanoutfitters.com. I will post pictures when I get back!

Jonesing For Basassery

Perhaps it is the stories that my dad tells me, of his cross country trips on his bike, or my mom's fond memories of her favorite worn out jeans. Maybe it's even my way of rebelling, but however it came about, I am jonesing for some badassery. I find myself daydreaming of zippers, leather, distressed denim, and a cancerous cigarette behind my ear (not that I would smoke it). 

The whole distressed denim thing intrigues me. I was tentative at first to get on the distressed bandwagon, despite the fact that I love the look. My fear was that it would look abercrombie-esque and not sophisticated. The wave of distressed denim that is surfacing right now is more tame than those worn by Sienna in her prime. Brands such as Current/Elliott, Levis, and J brand are making great worn out jeans right now. Soon enough I will post pictures of my own adventures in distressing denim- until then, these pictures will just have to do!

photo credit: Shopbop, Urban Outfitters

Spring Is In The Air

Hello lovelies! My apologies for my leave of absence! So right now I am quite obsessed with the harem pant trend. Although they can be intimidating, I decided to give them a whirl. I figured that if I were to buy a pair of harem pants, I would buy a pair that served multiple purposes. That's when it happened: I stumbled upon the AMAZING Free People convertible harem pant. They can be worn as a jumper, or harem pants, or shorter drop crotch pants. They look so cool, and I can't wait to throw them on with some serious heels. At the end of March I am going to Europe and these babies will be perfect for multiple uses when I am traveling. While I was in Free People, I found myself falling into my yearly style cycle. I tend to feel more bohemian as the warmer months begin. Lightweight fabrics, and embellished accessories are swirling in my head right now and are making it quite hard to focus on homework!  I suppose I should go be productive and clean right now...my walk in closet won't fit most of my stuff, and I seem to be taking over all of the storage (my poor boyfriend- he is such a champ)! 

Off I go to try and put a dent in cleaning the mess!

photos: freepeople.com

Party Like It's 2009

As 2008 comes to an end, we find ourselves reflecting on the last year, and making resolutions for the year to come. A resolution we can all agree is on our list? Be fabulous of course! And what better way to have a fabulous 2009, then to dress to the nines on new years eve! Jen Brill and Peaches Geldorf showed us how to stand out, while at Miu Miu;s 57th street store opening in New York. Take a cue from Jen by accenting your outfit with an animal print clutch, or bright shoes! Peaches has the perfect amount of sparkle for the season, in a shiny silver skirt. New years is a great time to take a few risks- so dont be shy of a sequin skirt, or a major smokey eye! At Roberto Cavalli's Spring 2009 show, models were all smoked out in black and charcoal eyes. Really want to stand out? Add a touch of glitter! Make Up For Ever makes an eye glitter in black that will make you the center of attention. With the perfect outfit, and smokin' makeup, you can be sure that ringing in 2009 will be fabulous! 

photo credit: Sephora, Teen Vogue, Style.com

All I Want For Christmas Is...

It might be the season to be jolly, but it's also a very stressful time for those trying to pick gifts. Unluckily for my friends and family, Hannukah, Christmas, and my birthday all happen within a matter of 2 months...that means lots of presents! This post is dedicated to great gifts for the fashion student. Upcoming posts will feature gift ideas for your friends and family. 

1.Every fashionista needs a big bag to carry all her stuff! Marc by Marc Jacobs makes a beautiful a  leather satchel that can certainly handle being filled to the brim with all your goodies.

("Softy- Large" Satchel, Marc by Marc Jacobs- www.nordstrom.com)

2.Fashion gurus will love the new fashion bible: Influence by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. This is a great coffee table book- filled with interviews that the twins had with the most influential and inspiring names in fashion. 

(buy at Amazon.com)

3. For the hippie in all of us, urban outfitters has the perfect present solution. Highway Child feather earrings. With 3 color choices, these earrings can be worn with any outfit. 

(but at urbanoutfitters.com)

4. For just $4.80 you can get a set of seven metal bangles - some of which are studded!  What could be better for  fashionista on a budget?

(buy at forever21.com)

Burberry Prorsum Pre-Fall 09

Burberry's pre-fall collection was another hit for resident designer Christopher Bailey. Along side their traditional trench coats in metallics and jewel tones, were tailored jackets and fierce furs. Furs were seen with beautiful brocades and leathers. The dark compilation certainly made me crave some chilly weather (something we are deprived of in Los Angeles).

Getting To Know You...

My name is Ilyssa and I am starting The Edge to be a new online magazine/blog. I am a fashion student at FIDM in la la land, and have a weakness for chocolate, puppies and Teen Vogue. My goal is to work at a fashion magazine. On the way there, I am studying to be a fashion stylist and visual designer. In addition to writing articles about fabulous fashion, I will write pieces on how to get through life- because we could all use a little help!