Neon Ignites Color Clashing for Spring

My first trip to NYC was at age twelve. I was on a business trip with my "Aunt" Jane, fashionista extraordinaire, who ran the Chicago showroom of a high end costume jewelry company.  As a preteen I had to know THE most important thing in jewelry at that moment, and she answered me with two unforgettable words, "Aurora Borealis." There my fashion story began, but even I didn't know it at the time!

Seems like every fashion magazine I pick up is featuring neon brights. Spring is all about color and neon seems to be the spark that ignites it all. See how to play those neon brights with the other candy pastels that are so on trend for Spring/Summer 2013. You must get out of your box to achieve this look because color clashing is what makes it all work!

Color blocking is what ties the outfit above by Nanette Lepore with our amethyst, coral and blue chalcedony earrings. Bold, yes, but it works.

Turquoise mixed with neon lime is a great warm weather combination. This powerful pop of turquoise adds just the right amount of interest to take a fun summer suit by Vivienne Westwood to new heights. I think this is the perfect answer to an afternoon wedding or power lunch.

Here is another take on lime and turquoise. The Lela Rose dress is a softer shade of neon and our recycled glass necklace is actually more of a blue green, but the color balance remains the same.

Our Rebekah necklace would be the perfect answer to Equipment's neon yellow silk shirt. Wear the necklace under the collar for a "neon meets tribal" sort of quirky chic.

J. Crew has a great selection of neon cashmeres this season. Any of them would look amazing with our Lynwood necklace. The touches of wood mixed with the candy colored stones adds a casual air that works so well with your favorite jeans.

Clothing available at www.net-a-porter.com.

Jewelry available from the Lexie Collection at www.myrnahalpern.com

Inauguration Day

My first trip to NYC was at age twelve. I was on a business trip with my "Aunt" Jane, fashionista extraordinaire, who ran the Chicago showroom of a high end costume jewelry company.  As a preteen I had to know THE most important thing in jewelry at that moment, and she answered me with two unforgettable words, "Aurora Borealis." There my fashion story began, but even I didn't know it at the time!

Not only is Obama celebrating Inauguration Day, we are too. Happily we announce the inauguration of our special Lexie Collection for Spring/Summer 2013. Lexie is only available online and is specially priced (all pieces are under $100.) Every piece tells a story at The Montage Collection, and the story behind this collection is a tale about sherbet hues where all the tres chic characters in the story mix and match effortlessly.

Kick off the warmer weather ahead with the Cordelle necklace which sports a flirty and fun silk tassel. Cordelle is lightweight and colorful. Slip it over a simple tee for a casual weekend or pair it with a silk tunic, skinny pants and high heels for a night out.

Speaking of a night out on the town, the Rebekah earring would be perfect. Designed to complement the Rebekah necklace, it is also a great companion to the Cordelle necklace. Amethyst, coral and blue chalcedony are a great color combo. Don't be afraid to wear it with anything neon. It will look amazing.

If bracelets are your thing, this collection is for you. Delicate yet daring, each bracelet is unique and will be a fabulous addition to your personal Montage Collection. And now the best part, a portion of every online purchase goes to Pancreatic Cancer Research, really a win win. Happy Inauguration Day  and Happy Shopping, everyone!

See it all by clicking here: www.myrnahalpern.com

A Dirty Job, but Someone's Gotta Do It

My first trip to NYC was at age twelve. I was on a business trip with my "Aunt" Jane, fashionista extraordinaire, who ran the Chicago showroom of a high end costume jewelry company.  As a preteen I had to know THE most important thing in jewelry at that moment, and she answered me with two unforgettable words, "Aurora Borealis." There my fashion story began, but even I didn't know it at the time!

Jewelry designing has its perks...... like when you have to go to New York. Where else can you buy your stones and supplies, meet with your rep., and hire a new intern? And here she is... our fabulous new intern Keely-Shea Smith, a senior marketing major at F.I.T. seen here ready to trudge through the aisles with me at Accessories the Show at the Javits Center. From there we moved on to the ENK Shows at the Piers.

And what fascinated us? Not the chandelier earrings, but the chandeliers! Here's the one we had lunch under!

Loved this chandelier as well. Found it in a booth by a jewelry designer from London. Would love to make it into an earring.

The next day it was time to get down to business... so many stones, so little time. (Guess I had spent too much time with my hubby having lunch at Jean Georges that day!)

Speaking of distractions, had to do a little research at the Uniqlo store on Fifth Avenue with its twirling mannequins..........so cool!

All in all it was an exhausting but productive trip, it's a dirty job...... you know the rest.