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?

Out on the farthest reaches of New York’s Long Island, one shouldn’t be surprised to turn a corner and come upon a field of larger than life objet d’art, or a three story fireplace sans house. Our favorite Montauk and Hampton’s weddings weave these delights into the very fabric of the ceremonies themselves, along with elegant, camp inspired details.

We love the look of untamed, cascading bouquets overflowing with wildflowers like those of jewelry designer Pamela Love’s wedding. Purple thistled plants, plush peonies and garden roses make regular appearances in the peninsula’s many summer ceremonies.

The very nature of a seaside affair dictates an unconventional gown and imaginative details such seams of apron style tie-ups, a deconstructed bohemian bodice, or a structured, yet softened washed taffeta abound.

While the setting certainly needs no further enhancements beyond those that nature bestowed, wedding decorations inspired by the seafront setting as well as site specific  sculpture are not uncommon and elevate the already magnificently beautiful mise en scene.

Our Edwardian engagement ring of the week has a lunar feel with a 1.5 ct Old European cut, bezel set diamond in a surround of ten .79 ctw Old European cut diamonds fashioned in platinum and 14k gold. Its beauty is most certainly out of this world and it is an enchanting choice for the bride to be who wants to be under the spell of the magic of nature and the spirit of a beachfront enclave on the edge of the earth every day.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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

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.

Though the exhibit itself has received mixed reviews so far, we know one curated collection of objects that is sure to please – our handpicked selection of Doyle & Doyle bijoux inspired by the style stars, models, and Hollywood A-listers who walked the red carpet at the annual fete to celebrate the Costume Institute exhibit Punk: Chaos to Couture.

As curator Andrew Bolton explained, “Punk endures today because it reflects our longing for a time when originality and creativity were celebrated, a time when fashion was provocative and confrontational. And, above all, a time when fashion championed the individual and self-expression.” Below, some of our best handpicked pieces to bring the couture to the chaos of the faux-hawks, safety pins and deconstructed style pieces you’ll be rocking once you see this show. 

Kerry Washington was a gothic vixen in Vera Wang with bold statement rings layered over her opera length leather gloves. Get the look with our Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond ring centering a giant cabochon stone with 36 single cut diamonds in platinum.

We loved Greta Gerwig’s vampiric palor (are her canines looking a little long to anyone else?) and dramatic black gown with layers of striking strands. We’ll add just one more, a Victorian snake necklace set with chrysoberyls, rubies & rose cut diamonds.

Ashley Olsen once again demonstrated unerring taste with her choice of this Vintage Dior Couture gown. Inspired by the sparkling florals popping through an electric orange sheer overlay, we’d top-off this showstopping number with our equally bold Victorian Earrings 

We tip our hats to singer Miguel who’s lapel adorned with a cluster of pins was definitely a step beyond many of his male counterparts in attendance. We would have taken it maybe one step further with a Victorian Braided Hair Mourning Pin to add that DIY bricolage look.

In our humble opinions, no one was more punk rock than January Jones Monday night who went for a fearlessly androgynous face – practically bare apart from birds of prey eye makeup –  slick black Chanel Couture gown and hardly a gemstone in sight. We would just slip one perfectly blood red Vintage Carnelian Enamel Ring on to the former Ms. Draper’s hot little hand.

While Emilia Clarke strikes fear into the heart of her enemies as Khaleesi on HBO’s Game of Thrones, in this Jessica Rabbit-esque Ralph Lauren she could use a little toughening up to achieve true punk status. Slipping our Victorian Tiger’s claw pendant around her neck would definitely bring that “Mother of Dragons” fire to her look.

Christina Ricci slayed in one of Vivienne Westwood’s (the mother of punk fashion) tartan gowns, but her blingy diamond bangle left us craving some danger in her accessories. We say keep the bangle (hey, if you got it!) and wrap this Diamond & Ruby Snake Bracelet slyly around the base for a surprising bite.

Did we miss any of your favorite looks from Monday’s Met Gala? What is your ultimate punk rock accessory and how do you mix it up with your high end pieces? Tell us in the comments! 

Inspired by these enterprising brides and a unique local event that both contributes to sustainability and works to solve Vancouver’s homeless problem, we’ve curated some of our own favorite vintage bridal bargains from around the web – along with an engagement ring of the week that will surely become an heirloom for future generations to discover. 

From local consignment shops to the vast catalogs of online retailers like Etsy & Ruby Lane, there are many gowns (or even patterns, should you have the know how) that can give you big day impact without your budget taking a big hit. We love these vintage 60′s gown patterns, cream colored empire waist 70′s frock, and sweet 1940′s white silk chiffon gown with soustache embroidery for pocket friendly wedding dress looks that will leave brides who spend three times as much wishing they had a fraction of your savvy.

Harness the devil may care attitude of the 1920′s by piecing together a mismatched set of vintage glassware and cocktail accoutrement from your local flea market. Coupes, highballs and tumblers in assorted sizes,  shapes and colors will bring a charm and ethereal lightness to your reception.

If you’re planning on an outdoor affair, a pop of color via retro wrought iron rentals or incredible kitschy scores like this midcentury terrarium blow-up ottoman (out of this world!) will bring your guests comfort and conversation as they try to figure out where in the world you found such gems.

We cannot even begin to catalogue the vintage accessories available for bridal style accents from all of the most elegant of eras available online… but we can share some  of our favorites! Like these glimmering, glittering vintage clutches, incredible 1930′s wedding day silver pumps and the sweet dove grey patent leather heels topped with perfect bows. Oh accessories, you complete us.

And the best wedding day accessory of them all is no doubt the piece that you will treasure on your wedding day and beyond – like an Heirloom by Doyle & Doyle engagement ring that is anything but expected and has all the hallmarks of an instant classic. Centering a round gemstone in rose cut black diamond, moonstone cabochon, peridot, or ruby set in a scalloped bezel with scrolling patterned band, this ring is an incredible value sure to continue to grow in value over time. Tell us, where are you finding the most “pinspirational” bridal accessories? Do you have an invaluable source for vintage treasures on the web?