Sterling Silver Jewelry, Celebrity Jewelry, Hand Bags, Clutches, Bridal Jewelry, Costume Jewelry, Gold, Chains, Children's Jewelry at Portia Jewelry

Thursday, Sept. 27, 2007 New trends- 2008 Spring Trends- Milan & New York Fashion Weeks
By Isabel Manzo

Click to view all the trends with photos on Portia Jewelry's Blog!

Seems like designers really took in mind the beauty of a woman's figura when putting together their new designs for Spring 2008. Milan Fashion Week 2007 continues and New York ended, as we all know. So many things kept me interested, which surprised me, considering most of the color palette. Neutrals and Black & White were the staples, the "base colors", at the big player's shows such as Vera, Calvin, Emporio Armani, Cavalli, Bottega and even D&G.

I think because these garments seem a lot more realistic and appealing for the "average" woman, it really did make it a lot more interesting. Plus, each designer added splashes of color to their neutral bases. D&G added blue and Gucci added yellow to their black & white arrangements and then pink to what seemed like the same black & white arrangements.

You can stop squinting! Those blinding gold and silver metallics have been tamed a bit. These light metallics were seen in blue-grey, white, cr�me, camel, and subtle gold and were pleasant to my eye. With the exception of Prada, who blinded me and made me a bit dizzy with confusing patterns and ugly plaids, the tone was mellow- dramatic.

Ok, enough about colors! Going back to what interested me about this season's shows is really how these fashions would appeal beyond the runway shows and their loyal followers. In both New York and Milan, loose layers and form fitted silhouettes were most complimenting and ultra polished. Designers such as Bottega Veneta offered many classic looks with a 40's- 50's vibe. Roberto Cavalli stirred much excitement in me with silk/satin long dresses that displayed oversized flowers just at the bottom in vibrant hues. Designers also kept short cocktail dresses sexy with an almost lingerie look but still kept it rich and classy.

Biggest accessories, everywhere to be seen, were belts & hats! Belts seen were big, small, metal, fabric and just about any form and size. Hats were big and floppy and also military and structured. Jewelry is all about color and exotic beads. Necklaces long, thin and delicate or big, chunky and full of color. The safari look is also a must-have this season with natural cut beads and fabrics in neutral and amber tones. Gold seems to be the way to go! Gem adorned hoops in varying shapes have become a necessity and cocktail rings in gold or silver with lots of color. Turquoise and corals remain a staple for summer fashion. Click to view more...

Designer Cheat Sheets:

D&G:
-Neutral bases with splashes of blue and camel leather
-Waist-defining belts
-Ruffles on skirts and shirt trimmings

Bottega Veneta:
-Neutrals (beige), heather-grey
-Form fittings & classic silhouettes- 40's & 50's inspirations
-Conservative neck lines
-Light camel leather accessories (gloves and bags)
-Fabric matching belts
-Light metallics

Emporio Armani:
-Neutral bases (tan)
-Black & white bases
-Black & white checkerboard patterns
-Light metallics in heather grey, tan and white
-Rich shiny & silky fabrics
-Loose fitting and light layers
-Fitted blazer jackets
-Waist- defining belts
-Metallic pastel pearl or beaded necklaces
-Big black bead necklaces
-Long drop dangling earrings
-Wide metallic leather band bracelets in black and cr�me

Gucci:
-Black & white bases with splashes of bright yellow
-Black & white bases with splashes of pink
-Short strapless cocktail dresses
-Lots of folding fabric
-Pockets on almost every cocktail dress and gown
-Light colored plaid fabrics
-Waist-defining belts

Roberto Cavalli:
-Neutral bases and grey-blue
-Light neutral metallics
-Ruffles
-Light and flowing layers
-Long silk dresses with oversized floral prints
-Thin gold layered necklaces with small natural stone pendants
-Thin gold bangle bracelets
-Peasant style fabric patterns
-Things most of us would like to forget about from the 70's & 80's!!!

Prada:
-Used colors! (plum, dark sage, red)
-Bold fabrics (plaids)
-Thick trimming
-Light layers in rich fabrics
-Light knit "jump suits"
-Strong gold metallics paired with plaid
-Choker necklaces

Here's an excerpt from Portia's Blog...

Saturday, February 16, 2008 Spring arrived at Portia!- 2008 Spring Jewelry Arrivals

Some may say we're rushing... but who cares! This drab winter has got to go! We just uploaded all the spring jewelry and we're really excited. Some of our favorite looks include safari with a layered and chunky golden amber necklace, safari metal hoops, animal print acrylic and wood bangles, neutral leather bracelets and tropical beaded necklaces. Any of these pieces would look fabulous with the safari print dresses and jumpsuits that are going to be a must-have for the spring.

Nature has also inspired us at Portia Jewelry. We really sifted and searched to find new and fresh designs that were eye-catching, yet modest and not too over the top. Color was key and 3d designs were what we had in mind. Other important elements included rose gold, three tone jewels and enamel. Enamel is great because you can wear a piece of enamel jewelry for a day at work and also with evening wear. It's loaded with color and always looks sharp and polished. The boho look also keeps sticking and the burnished gold floral cuff keeps the look clean and delicate.

Iced cabochon stones in bright summer hues like sea green and aqua blue will look great with your summer tan. Layered pink and aqua stone necklaces on matching thread have a cool and airy look. We've also included summer shades of green, blue and pink combined with gold and can be found on necklaces, bracelets, earrings and fab cocktail rings.

This spring is all about color! We say. think fun and happy jewelry with Portia's mixed tropical colored layered necklace, pink braided patent leather in a gold chain bangle, colorful seed bead dangle earrings or the gold and acrylic linked necklace. One of my favorite additions is the metallic blue chain necklace. This necklace is the ultra accessory for a club night! The double chain necklace shimmers in a metallic blue and gold with every twist and turn.

Gold is in and it's more in demand than ever. With real gold prices sky rocketing, Portia's gold jewelry collection is exactly what you need. We've added more hoop earrings, exotic cocktail rings, classic turquoise and gold combos and long linked necklaces. I am also extremely excited about the five tone snake chain necklace, which features long snake chains in every tone or you can opt for a more delicate version with the one layer gold snake chain necklace. These two necklaces are great because you can wear them in so many different ways. You can layer them, twist them, knot them etc.

And finally, our last mission for spring 2008 was to add sterling silver jewelry we like to call... modest couture. We hunted for bling that doesn't blind us! These additions include delicate sterling silver and clear cubic zirconia jewelry that exudes elegance with modern designs. The pave cz link necklace in sterling silver doesn't need to be worn with an extravagant gown. You can easily sport this necklace with a simple cocktail or maxi dress. Another couture arrival is the couture cz lariat necklace! Click to view more