Thursday Fashion & Beauty

The late actress Marilyn Monroe said it best: “a diamond is a girl’s best friend .”

This blog is all about sparkle. I found this blog that Ivanka Trump (The Donald’s daughter) is doing on Brides.com and thought I would share.

In September 2007, Ivanka Trump–style icon, former fashion model and beloved daughter of Ivana and The Donald–decided to strike out on her own by launching her very own jewelry line, the Ivanka Trump Collection. “Not only is this my first independent project outside of the Trump organization,” said Ivanka, who is a VP within her father’s real estate enterprise, “but an opportunity to bring my passion for jewelry to life.” Her exquisite pieces, which blend gorgeous rock crystals and diamonds, are housed in Ivanka’s chic flagship store on New York’s Madison Avenue. Every day next week, the designer serves as a special guest blogger for Wedded Bits, telling us what she loves most about jewelry, how a bride can choose the perfect piece for her wedding, and how being a Trump has influenced her own personal style.

How can a bride find her bridal jewelry?

A bride should find jewelry that she feels most comfortable wearing—the last thing a bride needs is an added stress on the big day! Statement pieces are always exciting and especially powerful in the pages of a magazine, but at the end of the day, a bride needs to feel comfortable in not only her gown, but her jewelry as well. I have yet to experience this, but I always hear about how brides just know when they’ve found “the dress.” It’s the same with jewelry—when you find the right pieces to complement your gown, it’s just instantaneous. In the end, whatever tone of jewelry a bride chooses, it’s most important that she owns her look. Her everyday look might consist of simple diamond stud earrings, but her bridal look can be a bit more daring and dramatic, as long as it still resonates with her sense of style. —Ivanka Trump

Courtesy of Ivanka Trump Collection

How can a bride find jewelry to match her wedding dress style?

Over-accessorizing is the biggest mistake many brides make! It’s best to have a single piece of jewelry that serves as a focal point while still complementing the dress and overall look. For a strapless dress, I’d recommend a bold, statement necklace, like the graduated pave diamond bead necklace (pictured on left) from my collection, in order to draw attention to the neckline. For a halter dress, diamond stud earrings and a stunning bracelet are probably best, so that the jewelry does not distract from the cut of the dress. With a sweetheart neckline, diamond earrings are a safe bet, but a lariat, like our diamond tassel lariat necklace (pictured on right), could create a sexy effect by accentuating the neckline. —Ivanka Trump

Courtesy of Ivanka Trump Collection

Make your jewelry investment count

What tips should a young woman keep in mind when shopping for investment pieces?

When shopping for wedding jewelry, timeless and elegant pieces that are versatile, like my 72 inch mixed cut necklace, are great investment pieces and can be worn a variety of ways. The necklace has four hidden clasps that allow multiple style options so that it can be worn as a long or multi-layered necklace or even wrapped around the wrist as a chain bracelet. With an investment piece, it’s best to find jewelry that can be worn not only on special occasions, but every day as well. Diamond studs are also a necessity for any jewelry wardrobe–they are elegant and simple, but they add a little something extra to any outfit. —Ivanka Trump

Courtesy of Ivanka Trump Collection

Qiana