Maybe it’s the moody, constantly shifting storm systems, or perhaps it’s vacation reading like “That Summer in Sicily” tucked patiently into our beach bag, but whatever the origin, we can’t seem to shake the day dreams of dimly lit encounters on the damp garden paths of Italian villas and kisses stolen while tucked into alcoves hidden in old houses.

There’s something about those grand affairs in old manors – you know, the kind that starts out with elegant food and small talk, takes a turn for the debauched around one a.m., and ends with former strangers recounting the night’s intrigues while they dip their toes in the Olympic size pool as old friends at sunrise.

These magical, elusive occasions come about as often as a lunar eclipse and are rarely planned for, which means one must always be prepared – with an attitude that invites intrigue and an outfit to match. Doyle & Doyle recommends taking a cue from contemporary Italian fashion royalty like Lucilla Beccaria Bonaccorsi and Ilaria Norsa (as featured in Lucky Magazine’s Ciao, Bella Style feature) by pairing traditional Italian tailored pieces with some whimsical accents that are anything but conservative.

Brimming with pathos, the looks from Luca Guadagnino’s I am Love are a fitting model for the lusty nights and covert trysts clouding our imagination. Find a slim Roland Mouret sheath like the ones matriarch Tilda Swinton dons throughout the film (perfect for slithering in and out of) or a fitted Christopher Kane with romantic, sheer panels.

Styling wise, we say let the smoldering of your eyes and pout of your lips do the heavy lifting. Accent your lids with a earthen shade to bring out your natural eye color, keep the lips bare save for a swipe of pale pink gloss and slick the hair back from your brow.

Finish it off with D.S. & Durga’s bracing cologne of coastal Italian citrus rinds to complete a fresh out of the shower look – perfect to keep your fellow party guests guessing should you reappear dripping after a moonlit skinny dip later in the evening.

Pull it all together with gemstones inspired by the colors of a great lawn lit by revelry from within, a violet shadowed path, and the inky predawn sky after the moon and stars have already gone to sleep. Just make sure to get that Victorian malachite earring back from the Milanese Visconte in the light of dawn, he’s probably not going to hand over his family’s villa as promised and you’ll need that set for your next grand affair.

Tell us, amori miei, what wonderful feste are filling your social calendar this season? And, more importantly – what are you wearing?

Tags: Accessories Guide, Italian Villa, party attire.

This past weekend may have begun with a seemingly endless onslaught of rain, but as the sky opened up and the sun broke through, the promise of summer made itself known in New York. On weekends such as these, we love escaping to locales like the Hamptons, Montauk, or Fire Island – hauling totes stuffed with our favorite glossies to the beach, clustering around the fire to enjoy the spoils of our long simmering clambakes, or wandering around  for ice cream and shopping.

When packing for a weekend getaway, it’s important to have options without overburdening your duffel – you don’t want to be laboring under the strain of your bulging bag while people are waiting to load behind you on the Jitney! Whether you plan to spend the day exploring the Pollock-Krasner House, riding bikes from East Hampton to Montauk – pausing for a leisurely picnic – or boutique hopping in and out of shops along Main and Jobs, the below wardrobe basics paired with our beach weekend essentials will keep you feeling fabulous.

We suggest a simultaneously provocative yet elegant wear anywhere swimsuit from Eres, a striking trapeze maxi like Mary Katrantzou’s in a colorful postage stamp print, and bold tote like Marni’s gorgeous colored leather. Set the whole look off with rings featuring colorful stones sourced from the ocean and shining metals evocative of the sun reflecting off the waves.

Pair our poppy colored Vintage coral button ring with this gorgeous emerald green beaded bracelet

This serene pink coral Victorian Etruscan ring with delicate gilded shank is a perfect complement for our playful bracelet featuring stylized fly links in rose and yellow gold.

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Key West, Bali, Charleston – what do these seemingly disparate cities have in common? Why, they are home to a handful of the gorgeous yet, easy breezy waterfront weddings we just cannot get enough of this time of year. When you are surrounded by the splendor of the ocean or the beauty of a sandy dune, you don’t need to add much more to the mix than a beautiful dress and your sweetheart, but we’ve rounded up a few elements we think help bring that extra romantic touch, none the less.

Including our ever so delicate and beautiful vintage engagement ring of the week featuring a round cut brilliant diamond! Not unlike shoreside ceremonies, this ring’s simple elegance and mix of materials (18k & 14k gold) make it an understated beauty to behold.

Essential 1: Channel Aphrodite with long flowing locks bound only by a floral crown or draped in equally dreamy lace.

Essential 2: Forgo the seashells and starfish as table décor and opt instead for watercolor table numbers and menus inspired by painter Emilie Clark’s work accentuating the kaleidoscopic beauty and untamed mysteries of the watery underworld.

Essential 3: Go native – cocktails of the freshest, local seasonal flavors and bunches of the local floral and fauna for your ceremony decorations and bouquets.

Essential 4: Embrace the chill – eat sans silverware, dance on the sand, let the only invites to your after party be the waves.

What are your top tips for the wannabe waterfront bride? Tell us in the comments!

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Between rain showers, New Yorkers are eagerly flocking to their favorite spots for a leisurely stroll or outdoor meal as summer graces us with vitamin D enhancing rays, encouraging us to slough off the monotony of seasons past for bright shiny experiences and fresh looks in which we can enjoy the extra hours in the day.

One of our favorite places to enjoy summer’s splendor is the rooftop bar at the Wythe Hotel in Williamsburg, where from one vantage point you can take in both the gritty, industrial sprawl of Brooklyn and the towering skyscrapers of Manhattan. Sip on a refreshing cocktail (like the Solerno Caribeno above) while you feast your eyes on the spectacular colors of the changing sky and the equally spectacular crowd that passes through the boutique hotel’s perfectly appointed bar every night of the week.

With an international crowd of actors, musicians, and models putting in appearances, you will most certainly want to bring your sartorial “A game,” and may also consider boning up on the latest indie releases and runway stars. After all, you never know when you might be standing next to upcoming Don Jon multi hyphenate writer/director/actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt, or Chanel’s Danish campaign star Freja Beha Erichsen.

For our perfect night at the Wythe hotel amongst the stars in the sky, as well as those rubbing elbows with us back on earth, we’d pick a sleeveless graphic print dress like this number from Free People, appropriately blingy Loeffler Randall mirrored sandals, Solange Knowles’ favorite CC Skye luctie clutch, and some unexpected colors subtly incorporated at the corners of our eyes and tips of our nails. And the best way to complete this sophisticated, modern look? Incorporate a few carefully selected timeless accessories bien sûr.

We love the pairing of our super long Victorian chain and glam Georgian Amethyst fob with a wristful of mismatched bangles in deceptively simple styles like our Art Deco Black Onyx Straightline Bracelet, Victorian Moonstone Heart Bracelet and Victorian Diamond Knot Bracelet.

What are the best places in your hometown to enjoy a hot night amongst your fellow bright young things? And what dress to impress accessories will you not leave home without? Tell us in the comments!

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While Memorial Day may have now come and gone, there’s no need to lament. Though summer officially begins in a little under a month, the season for warm weather travel is already upon us and we have accessory ideas for every adventure.

Whether you are truly taking in the wild and untamed savannah of South Africa or just South African wine country, you need a no fuss statement piece for your Elegant Safari. Choose a Carnelian necklace like this Art Deco piece in homage to the continent’s fiery sun.

No sailing trip is complete without your favorite nautical scarf cinched tightly around your ‘do, or draped devil-may-care style around your shoulders. Keep it from becoming an offering to the sea with an equally stylish pin like our Victorian Sapphire Pearl in a crescent design.

Lollapalooza, Electric Daisy Carnival, Burning Man or Bonnaroo – whatever your flavor of Summer music festival, a dual purpose accessory like this Seven Point Star Compact Pendant will earn you top marks for style. A decidedly less chic accessory (though certainly no less crucial), a small bottle of hand sanitizer will make you the most popular gal in the bathroom line.

While we can’t all be blessed with Blake Lively’s perfect sunkissed locks and legs that just won’t quit, we can have the ultimate surf accessory (aside from a killer tan and oversized shades), jewels in the color of the ocean. These Turquoise Huggie Earrings and Vintage Sapphire Foliate band will take you from seaside to private late night cabana.

And for us city girls spending a weekend staycation exploring the unknown corners of our fair city, we’ll want to keep it light. The only must beyond breathable fabrics is a beautiful hairpin to keep hair tied back in sleek up-do, like this Antique Pearl and Rose Cut Diamond Hair Ornament.

Where are your ruby espadrilles clicking you to this summer? We hope you’ll tell us about it in the comments.

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As Spring days slowly transition into Summer (very slowly, it seems!), a whirlwind of galas and charitable balls descend upon New York City. Last week, one such function was held to benefit an organization that does incredible work on behalf of disadvantaged women in the city. Beautifying them by providing interview clothing and confidence, Bottomless Closet’s comprehensive program celebrated 17 years of women helping women last Monday.

At Bottomless Closet’s 12^th Annual Spring Luncheon Rosanna Scotto of Good Day New York and Bridget van Kralingen of IBM were both honored with the 1^st Annual Transformation Award for their work on behalf of women in the workforce. Keynote speaker Lynn Povich inspired attendees with her first hand retelling of the landmark class action suit that she and 45 other young women participated in against Newsweek to change the workplace for women as we know it now (check out her book on the subject: The Good Girls Revolt). And most touching of all, clients of Bottomless Closet spoke about the impact the organization has had on their lives.

At Doyle & Doyle we know firsthand the transformative power of a smart shoe or perfectly placed brooch, so we choose a few of our favorite accessories, perfect for a posh luncheon or big day at the office.

A Victorian Coral Earring & Pin Set and beautiful Victorian Etruscan Revival Coral Bracelet

Victorian Moonstone Drop Earrings and Late Victorian Opal & Diamond Festoon Necklace

Vintage Diamond Flower Brooch and Antique Victorian Pearl Flower Pin

Do you have a “power piece” you wear for good luck or confidence on a big day? Tell us in the comments!

All photos by David M. Land

Tags: antique jewelry, gala, luncheon.

We’re so thankful to all of you who came by Doyle & Doyle this past Sunday to spend a little of your special Mother’s Day festivities with us. Beverages were enjoyed, smiling faces were painted and lots of revelry was had – we wish we could have you all over every Sunday! Oh wait, we can! Though we can’t promise face painting every time, we can promise beautification of a sparkly variety!

For those of you who weren’t with us, we hope you had a truly beautiful Mother’s Day with your loved ones. Just as we hope that some of our favorite inspirational mothers, featured below with their beautiful children, did as well. Take a gander at the handpicked pieces we would choose for each woman were we so lucky to have them as our own mothers, and tell us in the comments – how did you celebrate your mothers this holiday?

For the funny bossy lady with serious pin-up potential Tina Fey (have you seen her 2009 Vanity Fair cover?!) pictured with daughter Alice (inspiration for “A Mother’s Prayer for our Daughter” which we plan to recite over our own children’s bed at night every evening until they are 30) we’d choose this antique sapphire & diamond crescent pin.

For earth mother Bjork pictured here with her colorful daughter Isadora, we’d choose an Arts & Crafts ring shaped around an organic carved jade Buddha to help awaken her limitless creative genius.

For glamorous Meryl Streep we’d choose this Vintage Coral charm bracelet with an Italian horn, Buddha, pig and stylized fruits to represent her three beautiful daughters Mamie, Grace and Louisa. We’ll let her choose which charm represents which child, though we hear daughter Mamie is a real peach on stage in performances such as Les Liaisons Dangereuses.

In celebration of Vera Wang’s arresting, accomplished daughters (one attending Harvard, the other University of Pennsylvania) we’d choose these vintage diamond clip earrings in a modified plume design which would be at home with any of her glam gowns.

And last, but certainly not least, the First Lady Michelle Obama. An inspiration to the entire nation, the First Lady has helped to push important legislation while acting as a role model to two sweet young ladies, Sasha and Malia. For the First Mom, we’d pick a creative take on her favorite accessory, a strand of pearls, this Art Nouveau Pearl pendant.

Tags: celebrity moms, gift ideas, mother's day.

Vancouver’s historic Gastown district is named after the area’s first Saloon proprietor “Gassy” Jack Deighton. And while the oldest neighborhood in Vancouver has come along way from its rough-and-rowdy days as a resort for off work loggers, it’s never lost it’s offbeat vibe. The cities charming cobblestone blocks are chock full of rambling Victorian homes that cut a classic, elegant figure in an otherwise cutting edge modern town.

Some of our favorite style setters and the haute haunts whose doors they darken call Gastown home, and today we’re taking a tour through the places these creators of what’s been called the “urban woodsman” look go for inspiration, as well as curating some complementary accessory looks.

Inventory Stockroom is the 900-square-foot storefront HQ of arbiters of global cool, Inventory Magazine. A living, breathing manifestation of the pages of their expertly curated tome, you can get a sneak peek into what will be featured in upcoming issues while you explore the shop’s clothing, accessories, and objects created by a variety of designers and craftsmen from around the world.

An important element in a finely tuned life where commitment to craftsmanship is central, Revolver serves up a rotating selection of the finest regional coffee roasts to Gastown’s well-heeled. Ask the knowledgeable baristas for a made to order recommendation and enjoy it in this sun-filled cafe.

Gastown’s Dutil is the home for premiere denim supply offering more than 2,000 pairs of high-end, hard to find jeans. Their singular focus means they have the ability to procure such rarely seen denim delights as Japan’s Momotaro and San Francisco’s Tellason, alongside essential staples like A.P.C., Rag & Bone and Canada’s own Naked & Famous.

Old Faithful Shop is a modern-day wonder emporium specializing in uncommon furnishings – stocking everything from glass terrariums to vintage cage lamps to Chemex three-cup hourglass coffeemakers. A special treat is their fragrant, locally made house soap brand, Staples & Sundries.

If you prefer to create your own handcrafted wonders, then Dressew Supply is a one-stop shop for all sorts of craftsman, packed to the rafters with a huge selection of fabrics, notions, craft supplies, costume pieces, yarn, sewing tools and more. Be sure to check-out their year round costume stock.

In the know locals are hip to the fact that there are more then delicious chicken on ciabatta and meatballs with Sambal hot sauce to be found at Gastown’s favorite sandwich shop, Meat & Bread. Chase this quick bites with sandwich of a sweeter sort, of the bacon-maple ice-cream variety. 

Top your day off in this effervescent nabe with craft-cocktails at former music hall The Diamond’s secret speakeasy (please report back if you can find it!) and bask in the chill vibes and delicious flavors of this beloved local watering hole.

Punch up the natural, earthy, low-key tailored looks that Vancouverites like Milliner Jessica Fortin are known for with a bright pop of Victorian bijoux. Try a matching set of Victorian Carved Coral Bacchante & Amphora Necklace and Earrings paired with our Late Victorian Jade Ring in homage to Gastown’s beautiful homes.

Does your favorite Spring time city have a signature style? Tell us in the comments, what looks and accessories are delighting the sartorial savvy in your neck of the woods?

Tags: vancouver city guide, Victorian jewelry.

The first recorded use of perfume was by the ancient Egyptians and it was further refined by the Romans after being brought there by Cleopatra. In fact, during her reign, Cleopatra found many creative applications for the aphrodisiac beyond the typical applications of incense and unctures.  Returning from her nation building campaign in Rome upon Caesar’s death and preparing to face Marc Antony, it is said that she had the sails of her ship doused in her signature scent to intoxicate and seduce him before even setting a foot on land.

While scientists debate the effectiveness of aphrodisiacs, there is no denying the ability of a particular aroma to recall a memory or moment in time, and there is hard science to support this phenomenon. We experience scents through the olfactory bulb in our brain, a part of the limbic system, which is the brain’s emotional center. This limbic system also controls our behavior, mood and memory, intrinsically linking all three to our experience of aromas.

Whether you believe them to be aphrodisiacs or not, perfume’s close ties to our memories mean an inherent link to our emotions. Carry remnants of your favorite moments in time around with you in our historic perfume flasks.

Choose a light floral essence reminiscent of your wedding day bouquet to carry around in our Edwardian enamel perfume flask decorated with forget-me-nots, roses and birds.

Or perhaps a musky clove, vanilla and cinnamon scent, a mixture favored by the matron of yet another empire, Napoleon’s Josephine, in our Victorian Opal and Garnet with regal scroll repousse work in gold.

You can also create a wholly custom aroma to fill our vintage geometric perfume flask with the help of a certified herbal alchemist like Julianne Zaleta who consults and creates handcrafted, fully customized, natural aromas for her clients from her Brooklyn atelier.  

Is there a specific aroma that reminds you of an important moment in your history? We’d love to hear about it in the comments.

Tags: Cleopatra, Edwardian, perfume flask, victorian.

There were some truly sensational looks stomping down the Spring runways and we saved our favorite of the trend forecasts for last – the head to toe prints of painterly patterns and gentle watercolors. Designers as diverse as Michael Kors, Acne, Matthew Williamson, Elie Saab, House of Holland and many more each offered up a unique interpretation of this artful style.

And the best thing about this particular trend? There is no need to wait for Spring to road test these styles. Even in bold colors, these versatile prints have a gentle touch which make them perfect to start transitioning into your winter wardrobe. Just like a carefully chosen and  timeless accessory, these are the types pieces that you can rotate through your wardrobe all year long. Below is Doyle & Doyle’s round-up of our favorite artful runway looks paired with similar pieces available in stores that you can wear right now. And, of course, no look would be complete without the perfect handpicked accessory from our Doyle & Doyle collection. This lavender maxi from Acne’s Spring runway has us channeling Drew Barrymore’s Cinderalla in Ever After. We’d love to take this Theysken’s Theory number out for a spin now – perhaps on a date with Prince Charming – paired with opaque tights, a shrunken moto jacket and our Opal & Diamond Enamel Pendant.   These Elie Saab gowns are equal parts floaty and structured, with bright splashes of color bound by strokes of black – an unusual combination mirrored in this sweet number from ICB. We love it paired with the electric green of the peridot gem in our Heirloom by Doyle & Doyle Scroll Pendant. The color play in these fabulous Matthew Williamson trousers reminds us of the fiery optics of our Vintage Oval Opal Ring. Wear the look right now with this Elizabeth & James blazer – perfect over denim and paired with this dazzling knuckleduster.

Michael Kors’ painterly pattern of bright blue skies adorned many pieces in his Spring collection. We love the serenity of this beautiful blue on all of the elegantly cut pieces featured, but would probably tone it down a little for winter wear – say with these floral print pants from Suno’s Resort collection. Bring the colors of the sky back in with our Antique Diamond and Aquamarine drops, elegantly fashioned in silver and gold, to complete the look.

And last, but certainly not least, a watercolor wedding look plucked from the Spring 2013 runway of Monique Lhuillier – perfect for a winter time resort wedding getaway – paired with our deep blue ocean Sapphire & Diamond filigree ring fashioned in platinum.

What Spring 2013 runway looks are you coveting this coming season? Which pieces can you just not wait to wear?

Tags: Diamond, Sapphire, Spring Trend.