Mixing Metals This Holiday Season with Svelte Metals x Wai Ming

We've team up with contemporary designer, Wai Ming, again! Emily's Brady Koplar's latest collection features perfect metallic pieces for those holiday parties (and beyond!). As you know, we love #MixingMetals and were stoked to see she styled the collection with Svelte for Wai Ming's lookbook yet again.

Diane Dress | Cobb Cuff | Lancaster Ring

Eva Jacket | Savita Skirt | Cobb Cuff

This season's metallic pieces pair perfectly with Svelte! So perfectly in fact, that we co-hosted an Instagram contest this month with Nichole Ciotti of Vanilla Extract. The winner received $200 to both collections to spend on a new holiday look. Our personal favorite combo is Emily's Ashley Skirt with a couple of stacked Crawford Cuffs.

We also adore how Nichole styled the Emma Top with our Wells ring, Chamberlain ring, Hoxton ring, Jackson ring, and Cobb cuffs. 

Happy Holidays from Svelte!

Introducing the Lancaster II

We're so excited to officially unveil the new Lancaster II! The two-tier ring is the perfect companion to the Lancaster; it can be stacked on top or beside it (as shown in the below video by our fab friend, Nichole Ciotti of Vanilla Extract). 

As always, we love seeing how you style your Svelte! Don't forget to tag #SvelteMetals for a chance to be featured across our social channels @SvelteMetals.

Svelte Metals x Wai Ming Spring '14

When one of our favorite brands, Wai Ming, approached us about providing accessories to complement their Spring '14 lookbook we were floored. Starting with her Spring 2012 debut collection, Emily Brady Koplar continues to update classic silhouettes with unexpected (yet refined) details. It's no wonder industry leaders like Refinery29, InStyle, and People StyleWatch have taken notice of Wai Ming. We're dreaming of the pretty fan print that takes the stage for Spring '14. Wai Ming is available online and at a boutique near you.  

(Re)Decorating Your Work Space

Perhaps we are guilty of holding onto childhood traditions, but fall still feels like the start of a new year to us. With so many goodies on the shelves for Back-to-School, we can't help but partake and do a little redecorating.

Up first, our brand new office in California! When approaching a space for the first time, we like to sketch out the area with scaled measurements, being careful to note any built-in design elements to consider (i.e., windows, sloping ceilings, outlets, etc). This way, we are able to design around what is already available to us. Got a rad view? Take advantage by placing your desk in front of the window.

We like to tackle the functional necessities first (we've been known to get distracted by everything at Z Gallerie). For us, this includes large table areas and lots of storage. Typical desks are often a bit narrow for our purposes, but we've found IKEA dining room tables make perfect work tables. If you've got the time, you can uncover some fab pieces vintage or thrift shopping. And if you're crafty, DIY projects can help you turn existing pieces into custom works of art.

As with our personal style, we also love to mix patterns, textures, and colors with interiors. Accent furniture and decor items are a fun, noncommittal way to spice things up. Adding items that don't scream "cubicle!" is key to keeping your office homey, welcoming, and eclectic. Check out the pieces we are hoping to snag for our new space below.

1. Chair 2. Cow Skull 3. Area Rug 4. Magnifying Glass 

5. Bird Cage 6. Display Box 7. Retro Telephone Stand 8. Desk Lamp

Trends We Love: Metallics for Day

Much to our delight, daytime metallics have been tapped as a Spring '13 trend. We can't help but feel that the trend is a nod to Miss Serena Van Der Woodsen's sequins-for-day style (RIP GG). Pastel metallics are our favorite for spring and summer, pair them with light neutrals or work them into a monochrome outfit.  If you want a more subtle look, pieces with metallic accents are a great place to start.

Trousers, Polishes, Sunnies, Sandals, Tote, Shirt, Earbuds, Clutch

Mixing Metals: Father Time

Bold wrist watches are a great way to up your arm candy look and the perfect opportunity to try out #MixingMetals. Spanning an array of price points, check out the ones we are coveting below. 

1. Michael Kors 2. Marc by Marc Jacobs 3. Kate Spade New York 4. Michael Kors 5. Nixon 6. Movado 7. Nixon 8. Swatch 9. Kate Spade New York 10. Movado 11. Marc by Marc Jacobs 12. Karl Lagerfeld


Svelte Tip: Have small wrists? Stick to watches with removable links to get the perfect fit. Most retailers will remove links for you at no extra charge.

Why We Don't Agree with Rachel Zoe's 'Dos and Don'ts'

While we adore and respect celebrity stylist and designer, Rachel Zoe, we don’t feel the same about some of the fashion advice she gave to Glamour magazine readers. Among the list, Rachel declares mixing hardware a “Don’t”. 

We couldn't believe the boho-chic Ms. Zoe was against #MixingMetals, so we scrolled through the countless Pins of the fashion maven. We are relieved to report that she does, in fact, deviate from her Don'ts, namely when it comes to jewelry. Zoe is often found piling on tons of gold pieces while still wearing her 10-carat diamond and platinum Neil Lane ring.   Check out her fabulous looks below!

Drenched in pearls, gems, and mixed metals in InStyle

     

Here in oversized gold chain bracelet and silver ring.

In this heavily gold look, Zoe's platinum "Push Present" (for son Ryder) pops

To be fair, Rachel goes on to detail plenty of helpful style advice we love.  Check out her list of Dos and Don'ts over at Glamour for some inspiration.