Nothing bitter about Bittar

If you're looking to make a statement or take an outfit to a new level, great costume jewelry with a little edge is your answer.

The good news is we've searched for you, and are happy to tell you to look no further.

We're loving Alexis Bittar these days. Specifically, we'd like to rock out in his Miss Havisham earrings and stack his Lucite bracelets up to our elbows.

Crystal Encrusted Gunmetal Double Link Earring ($255 on sale for $127.50)

The better news? Tons of New Year's sales around town are stocked with Alexis Bittar pieces at huge markdowns. We just scored a Gunmetal Hinge Bracelet at Intermix at 40% off, and saw a lot of Crystal Encrusted Gunmetal pieces at Nordstrom for great prices.

Pair a few Skinny Tapered bangles ($55 on sale for $35.90) together for a versatile look.

Bittar's balance of feminine and edgy is exactly what we want right now, and with these sale prices, you can't miss!

Photos: alexisbittar.com

Arresting Accessory

Handcuff's as jewelry... and you're not Lindsay Lohan?  Absurd, right?  

Nope.  The amazing RZ has done it again, introducing the world to her newest fashion accessory - these beyond fun Jack Vartanian 18k rose gold handcuff bracelets with diamonds (to be worn on the same wrist).  A mere $4,880.

They might be an unattainable obsession, but they teach us fashion lovers to take risks and seek out unique pieces to accent our looks.

Mad props, RZ, mad props.

Photos: jackvartanian.com

Help Haiti

The devastating January 12 earthquake in Haiti will require lasting attention emotionally, logistically, and financially. If you haven't yet donated, or are looking for another way to help, the fashion industry has something to offer.

Jeweler Judith Kupperman, a Wayuú Tayá Foundation board member, has designed the "Help Haiti Hope" necklace/bracelet. Meant to serve as a "symbol of hope," the piece is a letter H pendant in a gold finish on a green silk strand, or a silver finish on a brown silk strand, that can be worn 2 ways.

The Help Haiti Hope symbol is available for $10 at helphaitihope.org (75% will go toward helping children in Haiti, the other 25% goes toward production, shipping and handling costs only).

Here are some staggering numbers about the Haitian survivors, reported on CNN.com (see more here):

300,000: Children younger than 2 who need nutritional support

90: Percentage of schools in Port-au-Prince that have been destroyed

497: Haitian orphans who have been evacuated

For other fashion-related ways to help, see the Associated Content's article here.

Photos: credited to J. Gold & Co. Photography on helphaitihope.org

Handy Daily Candy

Today through August 4th, get 25% off regular priced clothing, accessories and shoes at Diavolina (online by entering code DAILYCANDY, and in the store by mentioning Daily Candy).

ABNI suggests saving on "J Brand 'The Pencil Leg' Torn Jean - Jett" (Regularly $196, with Daily Candy's discount $147).

Also, make sure you check out their sale items, like Velvet Angel's Peeptoe Booties in black for 50% off ($148 marked down from $295)!

Photos: shopdiavolina.com

Break out the bobbles!

When this image appeared in my inbox, I was reminded once again of how I have never felt comfortable wearing Tarina Tarantino jewelry.  Every item reminds me of the 75 cent bobbles I had as a child of the 80's (and not in a good way). 

But her jewelry has been spotted on people of all ages and demographics, so I dug around a bit and found some quintessentially Tarina items that I would be thrilled to wear!  (I am in love the with fleur-de-lis earrings.)  Enjoy: 

*Fleur-de-Lis drop earrings ($70)

*Bibarucci "tooth" earrings ($95)

*Elephant charm necklace ($163)

Photos: activeendeavors.com