Spikes and Sparkles: nOir Stack Pyramid Rings

Spike encrusted accessories seem to be my new thing. I'm trying not to go overboard, but I just can't seem to help myself.

When I heard nOir jewelry was on Gilt, I immediately downloaded the iPhone app and snatched this set of mixed metal spike rings. Luckily I was able to get a set because I know a number of other blogging ladies were excited about these too! I think we have a photo planned.



The mixed metal set is glamorous and shiny and sparkly in person. I had bought a size 7 set to wear on my middle finger but I found them to run pretty small. I wasn't the only person to find that to be true. I would say mine fit a size 5.5 or 6 rather than a typical 7.



Because they ran small I was wearing them on my ring finger and I have to say, these would make a kick-ass wedding set. When I stack them I've been wearing the wide silver band topped with the gold band then the rhinestone band.




Not that these are a very expensive set. Their regular price is only $60.

nOir has a ton of other necklaces, bracelets and rings ranging from more studs to crystal encrusted animals. I love the quality of my rings so I'm definitely going to keep my eye out for them on Gilt again.

If you don't have an account on Gilt, or the other shopping sites, click here and check out the latest deals:

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Joomi Lim Jewelry - Love Hurts

Don't you just love when you stumble upon something and then, unexpectedly, fall in love?

After the Blogger Meet-up during Fashion Week, I made a point to head over to my favorite Bergdorfs. Even if I don't get something I like to have a quick browse around the shoe salon, take in the windows and just soak in the shopping atmosphere I don't get at home.

While I was taking the escalators from floor to floor, I noticed this lovely lady standing next to her gorgeous jewelry on display.



Joomi Lim was at Bergdorfs doing a small trunk show of her "Love Hurts" series and we were able to chat for a bit. I tried on a number of her pieces which were very layered and textured, featuring pearls, spikes and mixed metals.

I was totally drawn to the spiked necklaces and debated about the long version or the choker.




In the end I went with the long necklace version because not only is it a great length to wear alone or combined with other pieces, it triple wraps perfectly as a bracelet (Thanks for the suggestion, Joomi!).



I've worn it at least 5 times already since I bought it and just love it. It has a great weight, is very comfortable and a fun addition to toughen up a sweet dress or work outfit. I mix metals a lot so I really liked the two tone version.

Joomi has an online store, in addition to being showcased at Bergdorfs, and a tumbler, so make sure to follow her to keep up with her latest happenings, events and new pieces.

Digging on the Gaga

I'm late to join the appreciating crowd but I am happy to finally be a part of the Lady Gaga fan club. As her popularity grows, I'm excited to see designers of all levels embracing the risk taking element that, to me, is her greatest appeal.

This is something I'm in the process of writing about over on Shoe Daydreams. I'm sick to death of designers and companies dumbing down their designs to try and get them to sell in the mass market. In this day and with these economic times, I don't want to spend my money on boring and safe. I want it to be worth my hard earned dollars.

So I was excited to see the Lady Gaga curated pieces in the Not Just a Label shop.

I had to pick up the last one of these awesome spike crown headbands by Savannah Wyatt...



Per the designer:

This piece is from my very first line of headpieces inspired by various things such as flappers, warriors and Jesus' crown of thorns. The pieces are individually handmade and include elastic, fringe, leather, metal and copper detailing.



I love the philosophy of the shop itself too:

“Fashion finds its freedom in the art of individuals; NOT JUST A LABEL is a place for those who find their way off the beaten track, allowing them to express themselves in a community where everything goes...break the mould, redefine the expected, re-colour the palette, inspire and be inspired.”

NOT JUST A LABEL is the leading global business directory for showcasing avant-garde fashion designers of today, nurturing the upcoming talents of tomorrow. It provides an outlet for talent to blossom; a place where visionaries meet collaborators dedicated to the creative spirit of fashion. The platform targets graduates and avant-garde fashion designers, providing a stage where collections are showcased online. Numerous designers have already been discovered by international press and recruited by renowned retailers and prestigious fashion houses via the NJAL website.

Through an unlimited global showroom, matching demand and supply with individuality, creativity, diversity and talent, NOT JUST A LABEL provides a free tool that can be used by designers to present themselves along with their collections. This is a unique way for industry participants and fashionistas alike to access the ideas of tomorrow’s designers.

A global showroom where trend scouts, tastemakers, stylists and retailers can source talent and ideas globally. NOT JUST A LABEL aims to be the source and the epicentre for the creative part of the industry. We see ourselves as oiling the cogs in the wheels of the fashion business.

As a unique network of like-minded individuals with a profound sense of trendsetting, NOT JUST A LABEL offers a rare opportunity to reach and interact with a global community of opinion makers. We offer a wide range of cooperation opportunities for companies, schools and media, both on our site and at related fashion events.

If you would like more information about NOT JUST A LABEL please contact us. Be part of it…be a black sheep yourself

Since I bought the last spiked headband, you can't get it but there are other pieces. I wish I could have bought these too. Like the aluminum eyepatch from "Paparazzi"...




And I love this swarovski-encrusted wrist guard from her Maxim shoot.

These, as I mentioned, were from the Lady Gaga group but they have a lot of other amazing clothes and accessories in the shop. I know where I will be keeping my eye out for new talent and unique pieces.