Monday, February 28, 2011

Oscar Jewelry 2011 - Trends and our picks for Best and Worst Jewelry.




2011 Oscar Jewelry TREND: GREEN!  


Credit: Lester Cohen/WireImage
Reese Witherspoon wore 35 carat Emerald and Diamond earrings by Neil Lane.

Credit: Jason Merritt/Getty
Credit: Fraser Harrison/Getty
Amy Adams wore jewelry by Cartier.  A diamond necklace featuring a 33.24 carat Emerald and Cartier's Haute Joaillerie secret watch bracelet in platinum, with diamond, and a 30.75 carat carved emerald.  The watch bracelet alone is worth 1.025 million dollars!


Credit: Kevin Mazur/WireImage
Celine Dion wore a piece by Bulgari featuring Green Spinel and Emerald set in 14kt Yellow Gold.  This piece is from Bulgari's historical archives collection, but not my favorite.



I was unable to find who made Annette Bening's beautiful emerald earrings, but they were probably my favorite.  I love the teardrop cut of the emeralds.  The scarcity of metal work really lets the gorgeous green color pop!

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Our Pick:  BEST OSCAR JEWELRY

Jennifer Hudson.

You can never go wrong with diamonds!  Outfitted in jewelry by Neil Lane, including 10 carat long basket earrings, three bracelets totaling over 135 carats, and a stunning 20 carat diamond ring.  She screamed Hollywood.  Glamorous, classic, stunning!


Credit: Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Credit: Kyle Rover/Startraks

Credit: Kevin Mazur/WireImage



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Our Pick:  WORST OSCAR JEWELRY

Natalie Portman.

She's young, and beautiful, but the jewelry just looks too old.  There was nothing young and fresh about the dress or the jewelry.  If this were on an older actress, I don't know if I'd feel the same way about it.  Also, I'm not really into matching the color of your jewelry to your outfit. The earrings, provided by Tiffany & Co. feature a rubellite tassel and rose-cut diamonds, are beautiful on their own, but overall: fail.

Credit: John Sheerer/Getty

Credit: Jason Merritt/Getty

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Long Walks on the Beach...

I suppose a long walk on the beach can be enjoyable, relaxing and romantic even.  Miami did get rated as the 4th most romantic city in the US by Amazon.

However, if this staple isn't quite your idea of a date but you do enjoy the views Miami has to offer and maybe you and your sig other are into dates that are a little more active, we think we've found the hottest date in town.

Hirooka Surf and Sport offers paddlesurfing lessons, as well some pretty cool other activities, and they are conveniently located in South Beach, behind the Gansevoort Hotel.



One reason RFS loves Hirooka Surf and Sport, besides that they donated to the Rally for Kids for their Poker and Pool tourney, is that they are offering couples paddlesurfing lessons and have even aided some creative individuals in proposing to their special someones.  Check out their video below!




Yea, we know, AWESOME!

Contact them here for more info or to set your date!

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Trend Alert with Hope Henderson: Bright Eyes!

Check out what Hope has to say this month!  


In honor of fashion week, I wanted to talk about trends that can go from the catwalk to the sidewalk. There is color everywhere during fashion week and we are seeing alot of it on the eyes. I love colorful, vivid eye shadow that smacks you right in the face! It draws attention and makes you more confident. You can wear the trend as is by placing one main bright and bold color all over your eyelid and into the crease extending it past the eye. Wing some black liner out along with it to give it more edge or place a brighter color on the center of your eyelids for some pop. If you aren't feeling quite that daring then start simple and build up using pastels instead of vibrant shades. Use a neutral color in the crease of your eye then add the pastel color on your eyelid. 


The bottom line it: Don't be afraid of color! If there is a color you love to wear in clothing, chances are you will like it on your eyes. 






You can see more from Hope at www.HopeArtistry.com.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Don't make plans next week and if you have some, you may need to break them!!

Next week we have two VERY significant, VERY important events coming up.

On Wednesday, we have Social Esquire's relaunch event.  If you don't know who Social Esquire is, you should.  They are 3 intriguing young women.  The 3 successful lawyers find the time around their careers and families to run their boutique event company together.  As I was saying, on Wednesday, they will be holding their first EmpoWOMENt event which will benefit organizations that directly impact women.

We obviously LOVED this idea and fully support Social Esquire's vision and you should too!


RFS and our conflict-free diamond rings will be present.  Make sure to RSVP at rsvp@socialesquire.com.  We would love to see you empoWOMENing :) 


Secondly, for all of our friends, other wedding vendors, and most specifically all those women who just recently got engaged, clear your schedule for Saturday, February 26.

Shiraz Events is putting on, Ask the Experts 2011, Bridal Trends, presented by Town & Country Magazine.  They are flying in some of the top industry experts to speak with all us about popular bridal trends in invitations, design, food, fashion and more.  The Saturday afternoon event will take place close to RFS, in the beautiful courtyard at Villa 221.  This is sure to be incredibly beneficial to vendors and brides alike.


We will actually be the ONLY vendor there featuring engagement rings and wedding bands!!  We are TERRIBLY excited and of course, we would LOVE to see you here too!  Make sure to RSVP at rsvp@shirazevents.com!! Most importantly, do not hesitate to share this event!

Like we previously mentioned, we love learning and interacting and attending/participating in events like these!  Make some suggestions!  

Hope to see you all next week!!


Wednesday, February 16, 2011

The Suit Doesn't Make The Man... But It Helps

Gentlemen, this is FASHION!




Today we met Max Girombelli, co-founder of Duca Sartoria, purveyor of the finest custom suits a man can wear. From the fashion house that discovered Versace, to his mother's recent contributions to Prada, Max's family represents generations that have helped define Italian Fashion.




Now, in an industry that has become consumed by labels, Max has returned to tailoring, the root of fashion. During your private tailoring appointment, Max works with you to design your custom Duca Sartoria suit made from the finest fabrics of your choosing. The suit comes complete with pockets that can accomodate any man's needs. Max was kind enough to show us one suit of his with a slender pocket for his love of cigars accompanied by pockets for his lighter, cutter, and another for the candies he likes to keep on hand! Max is particularly proud of the bright trim on the inside pockets of the jacket, a signature of any Duca Sartoria.




Max is based out of his Madison Avenue Atelier in New York City, and has now extended his client base to Miami. He was just wrapping up his first weekend of fittings at the Mondrian Hotel in South Beach, but he plans to return in March for another session with Miami's most fashion-conscious men. So get in touch with Max now before his schedule is filled.


Max Girombelli of Duca Sartoria
212.582.3225
max@ducausa.com
www.ducausa.com

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Midtown Newbies: Serendipity Studios

Last Thursday night we attended our new neighbor's grand opening.  Serendipity Studios are an award winning wedding photography and cinematography studio.  Travis and Candice are the husband and wife duo behind the cameras.  JCG Events transformed the space outside of the studio with help from Balmelli Creative.  Here is a video by Travis of the event:


Studio Grand Opening | Serendipity Studios from Travis Cossel on Vimeo.


We strongly suggest you check out more of the incredible footage Travis shoots and photos Candice takes.

Their images definitely speak volumes of Serendipity Studios!!



Ring Finger Studios, hub and wife, Chris and Tara, another Midtown neighbor, Spencer Carabjal of Jets.com and Rachael and her boyfriend Nick in the Crazy Booth!

Friday, February 11, 2011

Get engaged with RFS!!

We like to meet new people.
We like to network.
We like to make friends.
We like to discuss.
We like to engage.


One catch, thankfully, we are SUPER busy lately which does take from networking.  Perhaps it is because we have so much to offer!

Aside from creating our beautiful selection of conflict free diamond engagement rings, RFS gets involved in charity events, we like to do trunk shows with exclusive selections of estate  jewelry, we like to educate all the clueless men of Miami on diamonds, we like to combine forces with other small business (or big ones),  and we LOVE to utilize new media!!  I suppose you could say we like to be involved... in A LOT.


Rachael explaining the RFS earring giveaway at the Rally For Kids, Pool and Poker Tournament at STK.


Chris and Tara at the hip.e Boutique trunk show.


RFS rings featured by stylist, Dann Weir in a photo shoot for Irene Marie bags.


One of the looks by make up artist, Hope Henderson, who writes a monthly blog feature for RFS



Chris teaching the guys how to buy an engagement ring during Beer, Rings and Wings


So we want to know:

What events would like to see RFS attend or be involved in?  Where would you like to see our engagement rings and wedding bands?

Where would you like to see our exclusive trunk show estate pieces?  Do you know the perfect little boutique?

Where would you like to see RFS events held?

Let us know your thoughts!!

email us: info@ringfingerstudio.com
tweet us: @RingFingerMiami
message us: www.faebook.com/RingFingerStudio

or even get old-fashioned with it and call us!! 786-888-4515

Monday, February 7, 2011

Meet: Kitanim Flowers

We were lucky to meet Meredith Wiskin Clarin of Kitanim: a floral design and event company last week.  She's a pint sized dynamo that you can't help but to like!  We asked her some questions about her floral and event company Kitanim, so check out the interview below.

Oh, and P.S...for those of you that were wondering "Kitanim" means "seedling" in Hebrew.


Where is Kitanim?
South Beach Studio
by appointment
970 Fifth Street (between Michigan and Jefferson)
Miami Beach

How do we get in touch with you?
Our local number is: 786 879 7341
Email: meredith@kitanim.biz 
Cell for immediacy is: 732 740 5548

How did you get into floral designing?
It was always a dream to work with flowers.  By chance and a bit of persistence, I started working at Michael George in New York City as a summer internship in the Beauty level of Bergdoff Goodman.  I took to it and worked at the local Ann Arbor flower shop my Senior year of college.  As soon as I graduated college, I moved to New York City and officially began my professional floral career at The Daily Blossom.

What is your signature?
Bold color combinations and lots of texture.  I'm not afraid to try new color combos and experiment with exotic fruits and vegetables as accent flowers.


Where do you get your inspiration?
I am so lucky to have a fabulous husband who inspires me everyday.  We have a beautiful daughter who makes the career and mom juggling worthwhile when she says, "go see mom a floral design."

What are the current trends in wedding florals?
Current Floral trends include a "less is more" attitude towards florals.  "Sleek and simple" are the design terms we have been seing a lot.  We execute this well with gorgeous Calla Lilies and tall sleek branches that get iluminated by hanging tea votives.
Furthermore, brides are enjoying complimentary combinations of both tall and short florals in an effort to vary the depth in their reception room.  It's a mix and match concept that really works well in large spaces.

What are the best flowers for our steamy Miami weather?
Tropical flowers really do well in the heat.  We work a lot with antheriums and orchids.

What's your insider tip for brides booking their wedding florist?
There should be a connection between the bride and her florist.  Go where all of your questions get answered and you are made to feel like a queen.  At Kitanim, we pay an increduble amount of attention to our bride's cues --- her vision is exactly what we set out to create, and inevitably, a friendship emerges.  We keep in touch with all of our brides.



Kitanim is featured on Gilt City this week - until Wednesday only!!!  
Hurry up and buy your Valentine's Day Flowers before you have to pay full price!  Go to Gilt.

Keep in mind: Kitanim offers floral design classes for large and small groups, and for fundraising events as well.

Rare and Unique in the world of Engagement Rings.



For an upcoming article on RFS, I was asked today what makes us "rare and unique".  What seemed that a difficult thing to condense into a sentence or three, actually proved to be fairly simple.

It made me realize how truly rare we are, and it made me proud of RFS.  Thanks for indulging me and allowing me to share this.



"We are the only jeweler to focus solely on engagement rings and wedding bands, which we really feel are the most important and pivotal pieces of jewelry in our lives.  Ring Finger Studio is also unique for utilizing conflict free diamonds and recycled precious metals.  We look beyond the obvious symbolism of an engagement ring or wedding band and ensure that the underlying symbolism is in tact by sourcing materials and producing the rings ethically."



Friday, February 4, 2011

Rally for Kids Pool and Poker Tournament at STK

Rally for Kids, a charity that benefits kids with cancer, (which has some heavy hitting endorsers like Eva Longoria and Gene Simmons) held a fund raising event last night that we were privileged enough to participate in.  Here are some pics from the night, a pool and poker tournament coupled with Grey Goose at STK in the Gansevoort.  



Joel Hock, founder, speaking about the Rally and upcoming events. 



Winners received donated gifts from the Gansevoort and Grey Goose.  


RFS was able to hold our own contest.   We had all of the charitable competitors and spectators guess the carat weight of nine of our FAVORITE RFS engagement rings.  Whoever came the closest won a set of hand cut, amethyst in 14k gold earrings.





Rachael explaining how to win the earrings. 


Jessie Camacho



Chris ruling the poker table. 


We'll be donating a FABULOUS ring for the Road Race and Auction in April, and make sure to check out the Rally for Kids website to find out how you can donate!


Thursday, February 3, 2011

RFS Special Feature: Luxe Fete, a lovely Miami Event and Design Studio

Before meeting Nathalie, owner of Luxe Fete, we were confident we would be able to work together .  Now that we have, we had to feature her and share the beautiful work she does with each of you!


If you do not fall in love the moment you get to the Luxe Fete website and hear their music I suppose you should read on. But we were IMMEDIATELY hooked!  Luxe Fete is a full service boutique event planning and design studio.   The three words they use to describe themselves are, "simply elegant parties."  Luxe Fete's abilities are diverse for sure but the one common aspect of each project they take on is how they create and enhance all of YOUR wishes, dreams and style into an equally memorable and spectacular event!

Now to the good stuff... three questions I asked Miss Nathalie:

RFS: What was the defining factor to make the switch from practicing law to starting Luxe Fete (yes, she went to law school and practiced law for several years)?

Nathalie: I knew I did not want to practice law anymore when I noticed I had no issue staying up late working on events but could not do the same for working on briefs.  It's all about passion.

RFS: What was your favorite event you planned?

Nathalie:  My wedding.  It was at the Trump Sonesta with the beach as a backdrop and had so many personal touches.  I loved designing and creating an atmosphere that told the story of me and my husband.  It was magical for many reasons and I will always strive to create that same magic for all my couples.

RFS: Lastly, when you aren't putting on events for other peoples enjoyment, what do you do for fun in your spare time?

Nathalie: I love hanging out at the beach with my husband and daughters.  It's the perfect way to decompress and just have fun.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

All You Need Is Love! And to shop Gilt City...

Typically if you are visiting us, you have lots of love! RFS offers both the Love Is In Miami and Love Is In The Air packages, which are full weekends for you and your main squeeze to enjoy Miami and have a consultation and diamond viewing with us!

Terribly exciting, right!? One problem, you and your sig other are lucky to fit in a dinner at home together, let alone an entire weekend. Not to worry, we still want you to have a specialized, romantic experience designing and choosing your engagement with us.

Introducing, Love Is For You! This day of love includes a 60 minute couples massage at The Spa at Viceroy Miami, followed by lunch at Viceroy Miami's Bistro E, a private consultation and diamond viewing and a $500 credit towards the purchase of an engagement ring at Ring Finger Studio.



Even better, the package, Love Is For You, will be featured on Gilt City February 9-16, 2011.  What's that you ask?  Gilt City is a division of Gilt Groupe.  Gilt Groupe is an AMAZING shopping website with discounted luxury goods (discounted 50-90%!).  Gilt City is for experiences in each of its featured cities.  If you need an invite,  email us at info@ringfingerstudio.com.

If you would like any additional information on any of the three packages RFS and Viceroy Miami offer, please contact us at 786.888.4515.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

RFS Exclusive Trunk Show with hip.e Boutique on Thursday, January 27!

If you missed out I want to apologize right away!  We wish you could've come but what fun!  Shopping at hip.e with a special discount, trying on one of a kind estate pieces from yours truly, all while sipping champagne and enjoying some tiny treats from Charlotte Bistro and Seasons 52.  It was surely a fun and fabulous evening for all in attendance.  The goodie bags were even packed with some of RFS and hip.e's favorite neighbors in the Gables and Midtown, including Dulce, Nail bar and I-Designs.

If we did see you Thursday night, we hope you enjoyed yourselves and the experience as much as we did and we thank you for coming to see us!  Here is a quick preview of some of the photos from the event.


Chris Carita and Tara Rose of Ring Finger Studio



Guests of the RFS Trunk Show at hip.e Boutique



Mari Alarcon-Grimalt and Bianca Alarcon





Mari Alarcon-Grimalt, Bobbie van def Vlugt, and Thomas


Nick Michalkow and Rachael Witte


A complete album will be available here, on the RFS Facebook page very soon!  

If you would like to stay up to date on other trunk shows we have coming in the future or the going-ons of RFS send your email address to info@ringfingerstudio.com.