Looks Like Tom is No Longer the Top Gun of Aviators

Ray-Ban originally developed the aviator in 1937, the teardrop shaped glasses modeled after the smoked-lensed flying goggles that Ray-Ban made for the Army and Navy at that time. However, it wasn't until Tom Cruise sported a pair in Top Gun, that aviator glasses truly became sexy and iconic. Today, Chrome Hearts is once again reshaping the image of the aviator, giving the look a punk rock makeover.



Founded by biker enthusiast Richard Stark, Chrome Hearts produces edgy, high-end silver jewelry, leather clothing and furniture. The luxury products embody a gothic motif, featuring fleur-de-lys, daggers and floral cross designs. Chrome Hearts' sunglasses also feature their gothic motifs, and are often seen on many young celebs, such as Grey's Anatomy hunk Justin Chambers, model John Morrison and new mom Jennifer Garner.







Personally I'm more a 'pretty in pink' kind of girl, but something about the precise detailing and intricate design of these glasses makes me want to go over to the dark side. Just sporting a pair would make anyone feel a little bad ass. Ready to unleash your rocker star persona? Than scoop up a pair of Chrome Hearts shades at Ulla Eyewear and let your inner bad girl (or boy, for that matter) roam free.












**Celebrity images courtesy of Celebrity Sunglasses Finder.

A Little NYC Flair Comes to Madison

New York City is my favorite place in the world. If you don't believe me, you can just take a peek at the Big Apple tattoo decreatly tucked behind my right ear. So you might imagine my delight, when I discovered two NYC designers would be hosting a trunk show this Thursday and Friday at Woldenberg's. Lauren Wimmer and Rebecka Fröberg, both jewelery designers, will show a dazzling selection of their stunning work, which will be available for purchase.

Wimmer handmakes all her pieces, which consist of semi precious stones, sterling silver, gold filled wire, gold filled chain and antique brass. Her pieces explore the concepts of "light and weight". I am expecially a fan of this interlooped bracelet, the Des Cuff, with it's intriguing texture and coloring.

Fröberg's work has a spiritual feel, her work inspired by the myth and folklore of her native country, Sweden. A Fashion Institute of Technology graduate, Fröberg founded her jewelery studio in 2006 and creates delicate jewelery made of precious metals, either in solid 18 or 14 karat gold or sterling silver. This necklace, entitled "Snowflake in Cloudberries," would make any woman feel like a queen.

To see more of Wimmer and Fröberg's designs and to meet these two young, up and coming designers, stop by their Trunk Show at Woldenberg's, this Thursday and Friday, the 27th and 28th from 10am until 5pm. See you there!

Justified Jewelery

Fair Indigo is a clothing store that embraces the concept of fair trade, paying meaningful wages to the people who produce their clothing and accessories. This week they received jewelery from Angeles Anonimos (Anonymous Angels), an organization in Peru founded to create jobs for people with disabilities. The organization taught its "angels" to be jewelers and the results are stunning. My favorite is this beautiful turquoise necklace, just one of many items that also feature matching earrings. In multiple colors and materials, you are sure to find a piece you will not only love to wear, but will feel good about purchasing as well! If you want to know more about these products, "fair trade" or Fair Indigo, visit www.fairindigo.com. While there, hear individual stories from the "angels" in Peru.

Raffia Done Right

Bright colors have begun to appear all over the mall as spring collections have arrived in the last few weeks. One of my favorite spring pieces is this orange raffia purse from Australian designer Helen Kaminski. Not only is the boho chic tote cute and stylish, but its cotton drawstring lining makes is perfectly functional as well! The purse, along with a variety of other Helen Kaminski hats and bags, is available at Terese Zache.

The Future's So Bright....

All anyone talks about these days is the record snowfall that we are experiencing here in Madison. Add some blistering cold and it is enough to make any fashionista wish for the coming days of sunshine and bright, airy dresses. So maybe it was wishful thinking, but something drew me to the Kieselstein-Cord sunglasses on display in Ulla Eyewear.

The frames are some of the chic-est I have seen. Each one embodies glamour, with leather and jewel accents that add just enough flair to each frame. I would not expect less from a company whose main production is jewelry. Who doesn't want to add a little glam to their everyday eyewear? Right now the frames are marked down 50 percent, making it the perfect time to scoop up a pair to flaunt all summer long.