The Hills Have Eyes!

The hills of Greece that is. And by eyes I mean Evil Eyes...in accessories of course.

The Evil Eye is known to have been a fixture in Greece dating back to at least the 6th century BC when it appeared on drinking vessels. Now, the Evil Eye is depicted in art, key chains, jewelry and so on. More than a good luck charm, the Evil Eye wards off evil, hence the name Evil Eye. The belief is strongest among the people of Greece, Rome, Judaism, India, Islam, Turkey, Bangladesh, Iran, Latin America, United States and Egypt.

Trocadero has some Evil Eyes of their own with these beautiful pieces by ILEANA MAKRI that just happens to be from a Greek based Jeweler, specializing in 24k and 18k gold. One of the most special pieces is this Evil Eye in 18k gold with tsavorite, diamonds and blue sapphires.

Here I'm wearing HELEN FICALORA'S Sterling Silver Initial Charm with the little Evil Eye.


Check out the collections at Trocadero.

Jewels in the 'hood

Lately I've been wearing a medley of necklaces and have received many compliments from friends and strangers alike. I don't usually change my jewelry up as often as I would like to or even recommend to others. And judging by my repeat wearing of this four-necklace combo, I am clearly someone who gets stuck in a rut...even if it's somewhat stylish!

The necklace I wear everyday is my 24 inch 14 kt gold twist chain from Helen Ficalora with A, H, K and "Project Sunshine" charms from her and then a gold vintage dice charm given to me by my friend Heather Severs, the Accessories Director for Town & Country, when I left NYC for Nebraska. She said it was for luck. I love the gold paired with the white beads and ribbon necklace on a nude "bra-strap" from Prada, one of my purchases one season in Milan during the shows. The third necklace to be added to this grouping was an old Judith Leiber pillcase necklace encrusted with Swarovski crystals with a coin purse closure with peridot and garnet.

And then the last piece is a sterling silver camera pendant that I bought at the Gallery of Functional Art in Santa Monica on my July visit to L.A. It was the perfect length to work with the other three and I also liked the idea of showcasing how mixing metals can really look beautiful together.

Speaking of mixing metals...I was in Vegas for the shoe show and Kaitlyn from Joie was wearing an armful of Alex and Ani expandable bracelets. I loved how she embraced mixing the textures, the metals, the different materials. We love carrying the Alex and Ani line at Trocadero -- they make such a great gift both for oneself and for bridesmaids, friends, wives and teenagers too. We've sold out of many of the single charm bracelets but they're on reorder for fall. We can't wait to get more of them in. But in the meantime, come by and check out what we have currently in stock. And while you're at it, you can view our exclusive Helen Ficalora Sterling Silver Collection. I don't know anyone who doesn't love the simplicity and charming prettiness of Helen Ficalora's initial pendants. And at a recession-friendly price tag of only $50 per alphabet charm and $35 for a 16 inch chain and $40 for an 18 inch, it makes a great under $100 gift.

Trocadero pick: modern monograms

I love monograms. Whether it be a monogrammed cardigan (I got my first one in eighth grade), monogrammed luggage or, in this case, monogrammed jewelry, I covet it all. Trocadero has a lovely selection of high-end monogrammed jewelry, but the sort of modern, wearable looks that will last a lifetime instead of just a season.

Trocadero stocks Ginette_NY's now classic monogram styles in both the subtle engraved disc version and the more dramatic lace monogram, which is my personal favorite. Alice loves Helen Ficalora pieces - as do many of the other girls in the store - and the monogrammed initial discs look modern next to the other pieces Alice chose to carry, including horseshoes, paw prints, zodiac charms and puffy hearts. These charms, which come with or without diamonds - are simply made for stacking and wearing every single day.