Cocktail Dressing: White and Gold

I can't believe it's already fall and soon it'll be time for holiday cocktail parties. You might think I'm jumping the gun a bit, but nothing is worse than running to the mall for a last-minute ensemble. Why not add a gorgeous new frock to your wardrobe early in the season? I'm quite fond of a sophisticated pairing of cream and white, inspired by this pin on Pinterest.

And nothing is better than topping it all off with cocktail ring. Try the selection of Gems TV Silver Rings, it's where I found this gold-plated stunner. You'll also find incredible gems at Ernest Jones, another just-discovered online boutique.  

Shop It: Tresor Paris earrings, Dorothy Perkins dress, Gems TV ring, Kate Spade shoes, Marc Blackwell glasses, Diane von Furstenberg bag

{ introducing } Anjolee

Why stop at one ring when you can layer on the jewels? Sometimes the best part of fashion is reveling in excess, especially when you're stacking rings from our latest sponsor, Anjolee. Outfitted with gemstones, an anniversary ring is a beautiful addition to a stack of layered rings. A few of my favorite anniversary rings are featured above, but an ultra-indulgent diamond anniversary ring is an enticing option too.

{images via 1, 2, 3}
{ post sponsored by Anjolee, but opinions within are not influenced }

{ cocktail ring } versailles cocktail

Occasion: August Afternoon
Wear: Arty Ring by Yves Saint Laurent ($250)
Sip: Versailles Cocktail via Delish

• 1 oz Cointreau
• 2 oz Remy Martin XO
• 1 oz fresh-squeezed lemon juice
• Rim the glass with 24 carat gold flakes.

{ cocktail ring } raspberry gin fizz

Occasion: Brunch Banquet
Wear: White Moonstone Diamond Cocktail Ring by Wendy Mink ($222)
Sip: Raspberry Gin Fizz via Just Married and Cooking

• 1 750ml bottle of gin
• 2 pints fresh raspberries
• ½ cup sugar
• Brut Champagne, well chilled
  
• Lemon peel for garnish
  
• Raspberries for garnish
  

1. In an air-tight glass jar, combine the gin, raspberries and sugar. Store in a cool dark place. Turn the jar over once a day to mix the contents, until the gin takes a deep red color, up to a week. Strain the gin and store in a clean glass bottle.
   
   
2. To serve, pour ½ ounce gin (chilled) into the bottom of a champagne flute. Fill the glass with champagne and garnish with a raspberry and lemon twist.

{ cocktail ring } mint julep

Occasion: Donning a Derby Hat
Wear: Sparklers Praseolite Cocktail Ring by Tiffany's ($975)
Sip: Mint Julep via Delish

• 8 mint leaves, plus mint sprigs for garnish
• 1/2 ounce(s) Basic Simple Syrup
• 2 ounce(s) bourbon, preferably overproof
• Crushed ice

1. In a chilled julep cup or fizz glass, muddle the mint leaves and Simple Syrup. Add the bourbon and crushed ice. Set a swizzle stick or bar spoon in the cup and spin between your hands to mix. Top with additional crushed ice and garnish with the mint sprigs.

{ cocktail ring } the fresh sunrise

Occasion: Seaside Soiree
Wear: Round Cabochon Ring by Ariella Collection ($28.90)
Sip: The Fresh Sunrise via Delish

• 3 lemon wedges
• 1 teaspoon(s) sugar
• 4 ounce(s) Alizé Bleu
• Sparkling wine

1. Put lemon wedges in a shaker with sugar and muddle. Pour in Alizé Bleu, top with ice, and shake vigorously. Then strain into a champagne flute and top with sparkling wine.

{ cocktail ring } pog punch

After last week's fixation with piña coladas - or more specifically, that pineapple cocktail ring I ordered immediately after posting - I've been daydreaming of the perfect drink and bauble combinations. And with that, a week of posts was born. Stay tuned for sparkly rings and the cocktails to sip with them.

Occasion: Party in Paradise
Wear: Phillipe the Parrot Cocktail Ring by nOir Jewelry ($175)
Sip: Pog Punch via Marie Claire

• 1 1/2 parts SKYY Infusions Pineapple
• 1 1/2 parts fresh-squeezed orange juice
• 1 part guava puree

1. In an ice-filled shaker combine all ingredients, shake, and strain into ice-filled scorpion bowl. Garnish with a floating orchid and pineapple. Accessorize with straws.

Cocktail Hour

The origin of the word "cocktail" is unclear, but some surmise that the word is derived from the French "cocquetier," or "egg cup," a common vessel for early mixed drinks. Even though the stemware has [thankfully] changed and three martini lunches have fallen out of vogue, it's time to make cocktail hour cool again - and slip on an eye-catching ring to celebrate. Cheers!

1. Belle Noel Resin and Pave Ring, Boutique to You, $38
2. Veruca Crystal Bar Ring, Fallon, $125
3. Pearl Bird Ring, TopShop, $18
4. Ridged Stone Ring, Tophop, $25
5. Arty Too Ring, Yves Saint Laurent, $295

Currently Coveting

{one-shoulder tops}

{tinseled wreaths}

{holiday brights}

{mistletoe kisses}

{bejeweled fingers}

Outfit Notes: Top - The Limited; Earrings - Marc by Marc Jacobs; Clutch - Banana Republic; Bracelet - Vintage; Rings - Forever21

Save or Splurge?

With the holidays swiftly approaching, what better way to adorn yourself than with a festive cocktail ring. After all, you'll be toasting glasses of champagne, clutching mugs of hot toddies and sipping hot chocolate - keeping that ring prominently on display, twinkling in the candlelight. Try a starburst cocktail ring this year for a bit of retro appeal. The rhinestone rays of the Charlotte Russe version is perfect for all of you magpies. For a healthier investment, the Kate Spade version (now on sale) will bedeck your finger for years to come.

Would you save or splurge?

Gilt-y Pleasure

There are some gorgeous statement rings by Sparkling Sage on Gilt right now, like the dumortierite and tiger's eye versions (above) for only $24 each. I can't decide on which one I love more.

Need a Gilt invite? Click here.

Ring-a-Ling

A Saks box appeared outside of my apartment door on Saturday - and I couldn't contain my excitement for the bauble resting inside.

When I placed my order earlier this month, I braced myself for a long wait. The gem was on backorder until May 25th - I expected it to arrive just in time for my birthday.

After starring in many lust-filled dreams, the Yves Saint Laurent Arty Ovale Ring is finally nestled into my collection.

Artistic Pursuit

Each year I earmark a portion of my tax return for a slightly impractical fashion splurge. Once my tax forms would arrive in my mailbox, I'll be another step closer to this year's selection: the Yves Saint Laurent Arty Ovale Ring.

In the meantime, I'll continue to drool over photos of the ring and anxiously wait to order one of my own.






photos via Lala Land, Fashion Coup, Chictopia, What Possessed Me, Jewels File

Little Luxuries: Cocktail Rings

I love juxtaposing glamorous cocktail rings with thick tweed and wool pieces in the fall. (Though, it may be because I'm prematurely anticipating holiday parties.)

Under $100

As much as I want to, I can't justify this Juicy Couture enamel and rhinestone cocktail ring ($98) - my boyfriend gave me a black onyx and diamond version last year for Christmas. It's gorgeous though and one of you should buy it and post pictures to entice me.

Under $50

This Swarovski ring by Joomi NYC ($50) measures an impressive 1.25 inches long and has more than enough sparkle to catch someone's eye.

Under $25

Forever21 continues to be a top contender for a rhinestone-encrusted cheap thrill, like the Dora Faceted Bead Ring ($5.80).