Style Tips from Fashion Stylist Phillip Bloch

by Samantha on May 18, 2012

Phillip Bloch

Phillip Bloch, widely considered to be Hollywood’s premier fashion stylist, is featured in an innovative new video series from Ross-Simons. The Jewelry Fashion Series shows how to incorporate the very the latest jewelry trends into one’s wardrobe — without spending a fortune.

Discover just how easy it is to look put-together simply by adding the right jewelry. Phillip shares his expert fashion advice.

1.      Delicate Necklaces

Personalize your look with a beautiful blue chalcedony and cultured pearl necklace that is reminiscent of an antique vintage find. Phillip points out that the piece has “a light, elegant and ethereal look.” Phillip’s personal style tips: wear this necklace during the day with a chiffon floral dress or a great little tee.  At night, pair with a vintage style silver/gray satin evening dress.

2.      Mixed Metals

Nothing looks more modern than mixing gold and platinum. And don’t worry about combining the two metals together. “Violate all those shopping rules and dare to be different,” advises Bloch. Phillip’s personal style tips: loop two diamond hoop earrings together – one in gold and the other in sterling silver. “It’s a very Beyoncé type look,” explains Bloch. “And who doesn’t want to dazzle like Beyoncé?” Try cubic zirconia for the magical sparkle of diamonds at prices that fit every budget.

3.      Big and Bold

Oversized quartz and diamond earrings are perfect for both day and night. Phillip’s personal style tips: during the day, the earrings look casually elegant when worn with a classic white tee shirt. For night time glamour, pair the earrings with a dark piece of clothing like a little black dress or a gray cashmere sweater. “It’s amazing how the contrast between light and dark colored pieces changes the entire look,” enthuses Bloch. Yet another bold fashion choice is to make the wrist a focal point by adding a gorgeous free-form moonstone and diamond slice bracelet. Bigger is better.

4.      The Versatile Tassel Necklace

The black and white palette is always in style. Consider a cultured freshwater pearl lariat necklace with striking black onyx tassels. Phillip’s personal style tips: There are so many ways to wear this piece. Wear it long and easy in the front. Wear it as a choker with the tassel in the back. (A great summer look that shows off a low-back top.) Wear the tassel necklace as a belt with the tassel on the side. Or wrap the tassel necklace as a bracelet.  Phillip also suggests adding a multi-strand pearl torsade necklace when you wear the tassel necklace as a bracelet or belt.

Wear it as a choker with the tassel in the back.

5.      High Impact, High Glamour Jewels

It’s all about big statement pieces like a huge amethyst cocktail ring or stacked sterling silver bracelets. Remember, cocktail rings are not just for cocktail parties. Make an impact by wearing dramatic jewelry during the day, even at the office. Phillip’s personal style tips: you can never have enough bracelets or a big enough ring. A popular trend this season: animal motifs such as a white topaz and black sapphire panther ring.

 6.     Mix and Match

Find your own unique style by experimenting with different trends. For example, it’s not mandatory to always wear your engagement or wedding ring on one’s finger. Try wearing a ring on a beaded necklace for a fun, flirty look. Or opt for jewelry reminiscent of Liz Taylor by pairing a pearl and sapphire bracelet  with a multi-strand pearl necklace. A gold lion knocker bracelet has a vintage feel but is actually quite modern. Phillip’s personal style tips: Go for baroque by pairing a chunky baroque pearl necklace with a free-form baroque cocktail ring. It’s a bold look that works any time of day.  As Phillip concludes, “It’s five o’clock somewhere!”

A bold look that works any time.

To view Phillip Bloch’s style tips, go the Ross-Simons social hub at http://www.ross-simons.com/inside. Coming up next in the series: videos featuring such fashion stylist as Deborah Norville, Catherine Andreozzi and Kelly Dooley.  For the very latest fashion offerings at incredible price points, please visit the Ross-Simons website at http://www.ross-simons.com.

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7 Helpful Tips to Pull Off a Stacked & Layered Look

by Lilli on May 16, 2012

One of our favorite jewelry trends is the stacked and layered look!

Layering clothing is simple. Add a cardigan to a cute shell, a jacket over a blouse, etc. But how do you stack and layer jewelry without looking overdone?

When layering jewelry, you want to complete your ensemble, not draw attention away from your outfit.

Here are 7 jewelry layering and stacking tips to help you look styled and sophisticated!

  1. Wear multi-strand necklaces and multi-strand bracelets.
  2. Layer a few beaded necklaces of coordinating colors. You can even twist them together.
  3. Pair a long beaded necklace with your favorite pendant necklace for contemporary charm.
  4. Wrap long necklaces around your neck or wrists twice.
  5. Pile on three or four bangles of various metals (silver and gold) for chic contrast.
  6. Alternate thin and chunky bracelets for the trendy textured look.
  7. There’s no rule against sporting 2, 3 or 4 rings on one finger. Stackable rings are all the rage and fun to wear!

Be creative! Have fun mixing and matching your jewelry. Just remember, the goal is to look fabulously fashionable and on-trend, yet polished and put-together.  Follow these simple tips and you can’t go wrong.

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A Note From Darrell

by Darrell on May 11, 2012

Have you “liked” us on Facebook yet? We’re proud to have over 130,000 fans to date, all united by their passion for beautiful jewelry. Our fans can enter to win signature Ross-Simons jewelry, play our fun guessing games, see behind the scenes photos, keep up with our special store events, get our best gift ideas – there’s always something new happening. And right now, anyone who “likes” Ross-Simons on Facebook can submit a request for personalized style advice from our talented merchandising team.

Every week we spotlight one Facebook fan who needs help accessorizing a favorite outfit. Our experts will suggest just the right jewelry for any occasion – job interview, casual night out with friends, formal wedding. Simply tell us your plans and we’ll do the rest.

Here’s how it all works: submit a photo of yourself in the outfit you’d like accessorized and tell us about your style. Are you classic, modern or trendy? We’ll keep your budget in mind as we put together our best suggestions for completing your look. Just click “The Look” on our Facebook page to get started. Or simply check in each week to see the ideas we’ve developed for other Facebook fans.

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Graduation Gift Guide

by Lilli on May 7, 2012

Graduation, a time when young women and men everywhere turn in their books, notebooks and calculators in exchange for a cap, gown and well-deserved diploma.

If you know an upcoming high school or college grad, you most likely have received an invitation to their graduation party. You already sent in the RSVP. But now, what do you get the recent graduate?

We have come up with a graduation gift guide – a collection of the most sought-after gifts the graduate will be thrilled to receive!

A graduation is a time of transition from being a teen to becoming an adult, from being a full-time student to becoming a career-minded individual. So, giving your grad a “grown-up” gift to recognize this milestone will be truly appreciated.

For him, A+ choices include stylish watches, monogrammed cufflinks, money clips and key chains.

For her, must-haves include diamond, pearl and sterling silver jewelry and monogrammed pendants and charms.

These gifts are perfect for the fashion-forward grad but are also classic, timeless and will never go out of style! You are sure to choose a gift that will not only make a nice memento, but a gift that will last a lifetime.

And…maybe, just maybe, it will become a family heirloom that will be passed down to the next generation of graduates!

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Styled for a Wonderful Weekend

by Lilli on April 30, 2012

The weekend is finally here! You can put away the business suits, pencil skirts and other structured 9-5 wardrobe pieces and hit the streets wearing fun, eye-catching fashion pieces that are still functional.

Farmers Market- Farmers markets are becoming increasingly popular.  The farmers market is a place where friends can get together on a weekend morning,  grab a freshly brewed coffee, catch up and select locally grown fruits, vegetables and fresh dairy and breads. The vibe is fresh, fun, cool and creative.  Your look should coincide with this anything-goes vibe. So pile on the fashionable bracelets and rings and be on your way!

Farmers Market

Antiquing on Sundays-  Antiquing and accessorizing are a lot alike. Both can be eclectic and unexpected. Search through your jewelry treasure box for mixed-metal, two-tone and leather jewelry. Leather bracelets and cord necklaces are an unexpected, of-the-moment trend that is edgy, eclectic, and the perfect accessory for antiquing on Sundays.

Antiquing on Sundays

Sunday Brunch-  Sunday brunch, one of life’s little treats, a time to slow down, catch up and enjoy a delicious mid-morning meal.  A time to get a little dressed up. Go with modern, upbeat, statement-makers like layered beaded necklaces and multi-stack and tailored bracelets. Finish off your beautiful brunch time ensemble with a big ring and hoops.

Sunday Brunch

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Great Mother’s Day Gifts

by Lilli on April 23, 2012

How will you honor your mom this Mother’s Day?

Although you may tell her every day, Mother’s Day is a time to also show her with thoughtful gifts and actions.

When you were younger, you may have dazzled her with a homemade Mother’s Day card and craft.  Today, you can spoil her with the sparkle, shimmer and shine of jewelry!

Mother's Day Gift Guide

For the classic mom, think diamond earrings, diamond bracelets, pearl necklaces,  gorgeous gemstone jewelry and birthstone rings.  The fashion-forward mom may like stackable rings, bangles, monogrammed jewelry or pendants and charms.

If you’re not quite certain what to get her, we’ve made it easy for you with categories including: Top 10 Mother’s Day Gifts, Mother’s Day Gift Sets, Modern Vintage and Gifts Under $100.  You are sure to find an exquisite gift that will not only put a smile on her face, but a gift she’ll treasure forever…just as she did the handmade cards!

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Gifts for New Moms – Push Presents & More

by Samantha on April 16, 2012

We’re always looking for new and interesting ways to celebrate life’s happiest times, right?

And one of the most joyous milestones in life is the birth of a baby. When a man gives a gift to the mother of his baby to thank her, it’s called a ‘push present.’

Okay, as a term it’s not really that pretty or poetic. But it gets the point across about all she’s gone through to bring that new life into the world, don’t you think?

Jewelry is always a great choice for an intimate gift-giving occasion like this one. What new mom wouldn’t feel pretty wearing this trendy statement ring when she finally gets a night out with her girlfriends? It’s so fun and glitzy!

Diamond stud earrings are always the perfect choice for a new mom gift, too.

Another push present idea might be an engraved picture frame or a figurine like this one from Nao:

Nao "Loving Lullaby" figurine

 

There are lots of options like figurines and glassware, but, jewelry is really the most personal gift option. It has that “from me…to you” feel, don’t you think?

A new mom deserves the best! Did you ever receive a ‘push present’? If so, what was it?

What gifts do you like the most? Leave us a comment.

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After Hours Fashion Flair

by Samantha on April 11, 2012

Are you going to a spectacular, formal event- a cocktail party, black tie wedding or dinner at 8? Our style experts are always on the hunt for jewelry that will add a bit of fashion flair to any after hours look.

Cocktail Party - What could be more fun than an evening of drinks, music and friends?  Today’s cocktail party is even more elegant than that of yesteryear.  With a few simple tips, we will help make your look the highlight of the night! You may initially think LBD- little black dress, but color is so of-the-moment. Accessorize your fun colorful dress code with a mix of beads, super-sized drop earrings and what’s a cocktail party without a statement-making, attention-grabbing cocktail ring?

Cocktail Party

Black Tie Wedding- Fancy hors d’oeuvres, bubbling champagne and an elegant string quartet are the staples of a black tie wedding.  And you should feel just as glamorous as the evening itself! Whether you choose something extravagant, or go with the “simple but elegant” look, you will be as fabulous as if you are walking the red-carpet. Just be careful not to look so good that you steal the bride’s thunder! You can’t go wrong with “something blue” jewels…blue diamond earrings, blue topaz ring and an aquamarine bracelet. And for a splash of spectacular sparkle, it is perfectly proper to mix fine diamonds and CZs.

Black Tie Wedding

Dinner at 8- Dinner reservations have been made. You’ve picked out a fabulous dress and open-toe pumps, but still need to choose just-as-fabulous accessories. It is a night for something extra chic and charming. Pile on the extra-long, Baroque pearl necklaces, for a great combination of classic fashion with modern, trendy styling-  not to mention great movement and visual interest! Finish your look with pretty, champagne drops and a Baroque pearl ring for added panache.

Dinner at 8

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What to Look For When Shopping for Pearls

by Lilli on April 4, 2012

Black Pearls

Gleaming, glowing and exotic, pearl rings, bracelets, earrings and necklaces are fashion classics.

What’s interesting to learn about pearls is how rare they really are and just what to look for when buying.

Pearls are eco-centered to the max. They are cultivated, which is why they are called ‘cultured’, mostly in freshwaters near Asia.  And they aren’t just white! Pink, black and champagne pearls abound, too.

Pink Pearls

When shopping for pearls, consider the luster and the shape, and these great pearl shopping tips.

Akoya, South Sea, and Tahitian pearls of exceptional quality and highly prized.  What we love is that pearls become more luminous over time.

Tell us, what’s your favorite style of pearl jewelry?

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Ross-Simons’ Estate Jewelry

by Gloria on March 31, 2012

Timeless and unique, are the two words that Tom Kowal has in mind when hand selecting the estate jewelry for Ross-Simons. Often, he looks through thousands of jewels and chooses only a handful to be featured at our stores, catalogs and online.

Tom knows that women like to wear fantastic jewelry that will make an impression, so when he is on a buying trip he carefully examines each piece to make sure that they will be a knockout. He also looks for the condition of the items and inspects them to be certain that they are pristine, without any chips or flaws. Kowal loves unique, one-of-a-kind pieces and even after 25 years in the business he still gets excited when he finds the perfect item.

Estate Jewelry

What exactly is an estate jewel and is it the same thing as an antique? This is a common question that Tom has answered hundreds of time. Estate is anything that is previously owned. It could be just from five years ago, while antiques are jewelry pieces that are 100 or more years old.

Next time you’re looking for that exclusive, one-of-a-kind piece check out Ross-Simons’ estate section on www.ross-simons.com

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