Dannijo Jewelery's core womens' collections

As a working professional with more style than the average suit-and-tie jerks in my office, it’s been a struggle coming up with outfits each morning that satisfy both my fashionable  compulsions and the office dress code. Most of the time I end up relying on accessories with personality (doorknockers, anyone?), so I’m always on the lookout for the latest bauble that can funkify my look. Enter the up-and-coming jewelry line Dannijo.

Based in New York, Dannijo is the brainchild of sisters Danielle and Jodi Snyder, who began making jewelry as kids when they discovered how to use their dad’s medical tools to do some fancy wire work.  Within a few years, the girls opened their own boutique and their line has been doing amazing (everyone from Mila Jovovich to TV’s Gossip Girl are fans of the designs). Combining their personal influences–Danielle loves boho and tribal themes while Jodi goes more for the old-Hollywood glam feel–has helped the girls come up with a truly unique stable of innovative designs that are timeless, yet full of personality.

Dannijo's Lost at Sea Collection

Dannijo currently has four womens’ collections available. Lost at Sea, the first women’s line, consists of aquatic-inspired statement pieces made of mixed metals and featuring pearls, aqua aura, and other semi-precious stones (my favorite is the Mare, a beautiful necklace showcasing a breathtaking baby blue aqua aura stone wrapped in multilayered chains). The Navajo collection draws from Danielle’s love of Native American history, with standout pieces such as the Loren earrings melding traditional hammered metals with updated designs. More modern is the Cult Couture collection, which aims for a very rock-n-roll aesthetic. Punky pieces from this collection worth a peak include the layered black, silver, and pearl chains in on-trend Lenon Necklace and the malleable chain mail link Frankie Cuff. Last is the Haring Collection, inspired by designer Keith Haring. The real zinger of the collection is the Marilyn ring, an oxidized petal-shaped metallic ring with an electric-hued semi-precious stone in the center (I am in LOVE with the electric yellow and oxidized silver color combo!).

The Mens' Collection, called DJ MEN, from Dannijo

Dannijo has also released a mens’ collection – called DJ Men, the line consists of cufflinks and tie clips with attitude. If your man loves guns and cogs (random, we know, but what dude doesn’t!), this would be the perfect gift to spice up his work suit!

I think it’s safe to say that a ring or two from Dannijo will go a long way when it comes to making your work-wear stand out, so make sure to visit their website and cop a piece! Although their line ranges on the higher-end of the price scale, these baubles are original enough to be worth the price!

Dresses by Nature Vs. Future

So I’ve been hearing about this designer shopping event called Shop NYC for the past couple of years, and really wanted to check it out. Thanks to Bijules, I got a comp ticket to enter and see what it was going on. And this is when I admit my mistakes and tell you that I messed up. I should have told you guys about this earlier.

Gen Art is an arts and entertainment organization with offices in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami and Chicago, that is dedicated to showcasing emerging fashion designers, filmmakers, musicians and visual artists. They produce over 100 events a year, and Shop NYC is just one of them. Utilizing designers featured in Gen Art runway shows, as well as some of New York’s top emerging fashion and accesory lines, Shop NYC allows fashionistas to purchase current run pieces, samples, one-offs, and pre-release products directly from designers at discounts of up to 70% off. In addition they also had a beauty area with free makeup applications, hair touch ups, and brow shaping.

I saw a lot of clothes and jewelry from brands that we at M.I.S.S. will likely be reporting on individually in the near future, but you can get a taste in the photo gallery. My personal favorites were the dresses by Sonia Rykiel that were stashed in the mashup designer dress section. So cute! And cute’s not even my thing! I also loved the cotton and jersey pieces by Mary Meyer. I was smart to not bring a wad of cash, cuz I would have dropped it on her Spine Leggings in an instant. I don’t condone stealing…but I can’t lie! I thought it for a split second!  I also, for the first time every in my many year’d life got my face totally done up by the makeup people at Dex New York. I’m a mascara, lip gloss, and that’s it kind of girl, and just have to say it felt totally weird to get the sponge with wet foundation all over my face. But when my makeup artist was all done, the combination of their mineral based products looked really good, lessening my under eye circles, and highlighting my cheekbones in a pretty natural way.

In all, I think the cost of a $15 ticket to the event was probably worth it when you combine the steals and deals to be had, the beer and wine bar, and use of the beauty section.  So next time New Yorkers, I promise I’ll tell you ahead of time when this event is going down (psssst…. it’s in November, date TBA) and for the ladies in Chicago, Miami, Los Angeles, and San Francisco – keep your eyes peeled for SHOP events in your cities. The next one will be in Miami on June 18th. Everyone everywhere else, check out the Gen Art boutique of Yoox.com for some exquisite fashion choices.