Jessica Simpson, Zale to Launch Jewelry Collection

Jessica Simpson will launch a diamond fashion jewelry collection available at Zale Corp. branded stores beginning in October.

The Dallas-based jewelry retailer made the announcement Tuesday. The Jessica Simpson collection will feature rings, earrings, pendants and bracelets, available in a range of affordable price points, the company said. Simpson’s collection will be offered exclusively at

Random images I like today

Zale Corp Q4 Sales Up 9.4%, Comp Sales Up Nearly 10%; Losses Also Rise

A Zales jewelry store worker in San Bruno, Calif. examines watch inventory.  Photo credit: Paul Sakuma / AP

Jewelry retailer Zale Corp. said Wednesday that fourth quarter sales rose 9.4 percent year-over-year to $377 million. Same store sales for the period, ended July 31, increased 9.8 percent, compared to a decrease of 2.1 percent during the same period last year. At constant exchange

How Much Is That Doggy In The Window?

As you know, I've just moved to a new neighborhood in Chicago, which means lots of new stores to check out! Lucky for me (and unluck for Mr. EWP), within 2-3 blocks of me there is a Club Monaco, Marc Jacobs, Intermix, Scoop, Cynthia Rowley, and Nanette Lepore, just to name a few stores. I'm in heaven.



I am a ridiculous sucker for Nanette Lepore. Her dresses and, well, everything are just so tailored, chic, and feminine. I want all of them. All the time. And those jerks over at Nanette Lepore must know this about me, because they change the window display ALL. THE. TIME. Every time I walk by with little miss BabyWP in her stroller, there is a new dress, top, something in the window. And they all make me swoon.



But this one I had to share because for the first time since having Miss BabyWP, I wished I was back at work. Why? Because then I would have somewhere to wear this:

Nanette Lepore, $398

Look at those darling pin stripes! And the perfect grey! And the shape flattering ruffled waist! *SWOON*



Well, I know how much that doggy in the window is, and I hope someone can find it a good home, because I just can't bring it home with me right now.

Sorry!!!!

So sorry to have been MIA, bleeps. I was busy packing for the move, then moving, then was without internet, then was unpacking, then injured my back while unpacking and had to lay around in pain for a while. But I have internet now. And my back is on the mend. And since I can't actually finish unpacking due to my fun back restrictions, might as well jump back into blogging.



And we have some fun things coming up! Next week I have an event for Michael Anthony Salon Spa's 20th Anniversary and an event at Saks Fifth Avenue where I will meet the shoe making god Brian Atwood in person!!! SQUEEE!!!!!!!!!!!! Lots of fun coming up. Whatever shall I wear???!



I've also decided to make September a dos and don'ts month. A whole month of EWP tips on what to do and not do (e.g. flip flops: don't, dark wash trouser jeans: do).



Sorry to have left y'all for so long. But I'm back now.



xoxo,

EWP

Consumer Confidence ‘Deteriorates’ in August

De Beers Beverly Hills store. Photo credit: Anthony DeMarco

The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index, which improved slightly in July, plummeted in August. The Index now stands at 44.5 (1985=100), down from 59.2 in July. It is the lowest reading since April 2009. The Present Situation Index decreased to 33.3 from 35.7. The Expectations Index decreased to 51.9 from 74.9 last month.“

Michelle Armas art

Such gorgeous colors. Enjoy the pretty!

love this...

Ginette NY ring:

Kim Kardashian’s Wedding Band and Wedding Day Jewelry

The wedding band is shown with Kardashian’s 20.5-carat engagement ring. Photo source: entertainmentwise website

Jewelry designer Lorraine Schwartz played what appears to be an exclusive role in Kim Kardashian’s jewelry for her August 20 wedding to Kris Humphries.

“Kim chose a diamond eternity band set in platinum by Lorraine Schwartz, approximately 12 carats, with an estimated price tag

LJ International Revenue Up 26%, Profit Up 59%, Led by China Retail Business

The Enzo retail chain in China is a stellar performer for  LJ International.

Hong Kong-based jewelry manufacturer and retailer, LJ International Inc., reported Thursday that operating revenue in the second quarter increased 26 percent to $41.5 million. Gross profit increased 59 percent to $20.6 million. Operating income increased 13 percent to $3.3 million. Net income for the period ended

Tiffany Still Riding High, Reports Strong Growth in all Regions, Raises Earnings Forecast

Tiffany & Co. said Friday that worldwide net sales in the second quarter increased 30 percent year-over-year to $872.7 million due to strong growth in all geographic regions. Excluding the effect of translating foreign-currency-denominated sales into U.S. dollars, worldwide net sales increased 24 percent and comparable store sales rose 22 percent.

The luxury retail jeweler said net earnings

Jewelry and Watch Brands Score Low on their Digital IQ

E-tailers and department stores lead the rankings and Jewelry & Watches and Accessory brands lag behind in their digital IQ.  Image source: Digital IQ Index: Specialty Retail, L2

E-tailers have the highest digital IQ, department stores saw the largest gain in their digital IQ during the past year and the digital IQ of home furnishings brands fell from the prior year. However, it is jewelry

Marc by Marc Jacobs iphone covers

Good enough to replace my Kate Spade cover that breaks every day?

Signet Q2 Same Store Sales Up 10%, Total Sales Up 11%

Kay Jewelers brought in $367.5 million in the second quarter for its parent company, Signet Jewelers.

Signet Jewelers Ltd., the world’s largest specialty retail jeweler, reported that year-over-year same store sales increased 9.9 percent and total sales rose 10.8 percent to $797.6 million for the second quarter of 2011. Total income before taxes jumped 82.4 percent to $99.8 million for the

32-Ct. Fancy Vivid Yellow Diamond May Fetch $8M at Christie's Auction

The Vivid Yellow, a rare, highly saturated, fancy vivid yellow diamond of 32.77 carats will be the star lot of Christie’s New York Magnificent Jewels sale on October 18. The golden yellow hue of this large pear-shaped stone is so intense and so deep that the Gemological Institute of America ranks it among the rarest of gemstones in its class. The stone is expected to achieve in excess of $6

Just a picture

Princess Charlene of Monaco Prefers Van Cleef & Arpels

Princess Charlene and Prince Albert unveil the Alambra display at Van Cleef  & Arpels boutique in Monaco.

Earlier this month, Princess Charlene and Prince Albert of Monaco helped to inaugurate the Van Cleef & Arpels boutique in the Principality. The occasion allowed the creator of haute joaillerie to introduce a new interpretation its iconic Alhambra motif in honor of the Princess. The

love this...

Marc Jacobs polka-dot cashmere and silk-blend scarf:Yves Saint Laurent chyc leather clutch:Diane Von Furstenberg kallina silk wrap top:Halston Heritage one-shoulder pleated chiffon dress:

Rare Patek Philippe Watches to Star in Antiquorum's September Auction

Patek Philippe Ref. 2499

Two Patek Philippe watches will share the starring role at the upcoming "Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces" auction by Antiquorum Auctioneers.

The September 14 event at the watch auctioneer’s New York headquarters will be led by a Patek Philippe ref. 2499 and an extremely rare and probably unique Patek Philippe Split-Second Chronograph Ref. 1436. In addition,

be an optimist...

‘The Collection of Elizabeth Taylor’ Tour Dates Announced

Photo Credit: Christie's
Admirers of Elizabeth Taylor will have a chance to view many of her most cherished items as they will appear on a world tour before going up for auction at Christie’s.
The international auction house unveiled the dates of a landmark series of public exhibitions and special events around the world. The tour will begin in Moscow and go through major cities in Europe,

U.S. Gold Jewelry Demand Down 8%; Global Jewelry Demand Up 6%; India Accounts for 32% of Demand

Gold jewelry demand in the U.S. fell 8 percent, year-over-year, to 21.7 metric tons for the second quarter of 2011, the World Gold Council said Thursday. However, in value terms, demand strengthened by 15 percent to $1.1 billion, which mostly reflects a 26 percent increase in the price of gold during the period.

“The combination of high unemployment, frail economic growth and stubborn inflation

valentino after my heart.

I am IN LOVE with these new Valentino handbags!

Esp crazy about the two animal print bags.

Danish Authorities Investigate Pandora’s IPO

One of the largest IPOs in 2010 is now being investigated by the Danish government.

The Danish Financial Supervisory Authority, the country’s market regulator, said Tuesday they will ask police to investigate Nordea Bank Denmark, a unit of Sweden's Nordea, for failing to report its financial interest in jewelry maker Pandora in an investment analysis prior to the  company’s float in October,

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Goshwara Strives for Perfection with its Colorful, Gemstone Jewelry

Emerald tassel earrings with diamonds and onyx Trim in 18k gold from the G-One collection.

Perfection is elusive and almost impossible to attain. But that doesn’t mean one shouldn’t strive for it. Goshwara was the term used to describe a perfect teardrop shape in the court of Persian and Indian kings and is still used among those who work in gem cutting and polishing factories. It is also

wedding outfit

Trina Turk dress:beautiful view!

Hermès Watches Reinterpret the Passing of Time

Arceau Temps Suspendu in a steel case and opaline silver dial with herringbone motif.

In the world you and I inhabit it may seem that time moves in a linear fashion. But in the world of Hermès time can be suspended and days can disappear while hours can travel at an unpredictable pace.

The famed Parisian luxury house, the apple of Bernard Arnault’s eye, recently introduced two watch lines

Birthday present

My boyfriend got me these great Badgley Mischka peeptoe pumps for my birthday!

love them!

It's Here! It's Here!

Well, sort of. My big modeling gig photoshoot made its first appearance in the following invite for an event for the salon. Can you find your favorite EWP?

Look at me getting my model face on. That was the face I made when he told me to "smile, but not really" I had NO idea what I was doing. I'm pretty sure I look very confused.



My move is tomorrow and I have no idea when the stupid internet installation people will be showing up, so hope to see you within a week.



xoxo,

ModelWP

what a wonderful idea...

Use pumpkin pie as frosting:

No, not pumpkin pie flavored frosting. Literally make pumpkin pie, stuff it in a piping bag and then frost your cupcakes. Amazing.

Boucheron’s Wild and Crazy Ladies Watches

Héra Tourbillon

For more than 150 years, Boucheron has held an esteemed place in the rarified world of haute joaillerie. Early this year, the Parisian jewelry house introduced its “Cabinet of Curiosities,” a jewelry and timepiece collection based on animals and presented in a wildlife setting.
At Baselworld, the world’s largest watch and jewelry tradeshow in Basel, Switzerland, held in

Vote For Me!

Head here and vote for The Esquire Wears Prada for Chicago's Most Valuable Blogger 2011!



Your support is much appreciated!



xoxo,

EWP

Frugal Friday - Protect Your Face

The most precious part of your look is... your face! Proper skincare is imperative for keeping a healthy glow for years to come. No one wants to grow up and look like an old leather football. Gross! Keeping your skin protected is always within budget, especially with these items.



I never ever leave the house in summer without a hat. Wearing a hat has the added bonus of making your look effortlessly chic. I swear when walking around town, random strangers will stop me on the street to compliment me on my outfit. But I know it's really just the hat pulling it together! So grab a fedora, keep your face protected, and your look projected.

Francesca's, $24 @

J. Crew, was $65, sale $29.99

Nordstrom, was $68, sale $44.90 @

Another MUST have item is sunblock. You should never ever leave the house without a little spf splashed on your face. Not even in winter. But adding another thing to your beauty regimen may get you feeling overwhelmed, so do what I do - a two-in-one spf/moisturizer. Keeps my skin glowy and moisturized and protects it from the sun at the same time. I recommend going at least SPF 30 to get a good layer of protection going.

Aveeno, $16.39

Bare Minerals, $28

Okay, this isn't under $50, but it's also TWENTY FOUR OUNCES of protection. Talk about a deal! Just a quick pump into your hand and you're off!

Supergoop, $68

Josie Maran, $14-$32

Philosophy, $38

@Available in more colors

Just because summer is winding down doesn't mean you should stop paying attention to your skin. Keep those faces protected!