Singer Alicia Keys can add jewelry designer to her resume. The Grammy-winner has joined forces with Toronto designer Gisele Theriault for a collection of sterling silver and gemstone pieces inscribed with poetry and prayers.  The jewelry line, called the Barber’s Daughters, will be available in Fall 2010.
Lucky New Yorkers, however, can get a sneak peek at Keys’ jewels on Monday and Tuesday (Nov. 23-24) at a temporary pop-up shop at the Collette Blanchard Gallery at 26 Clinton Street in Lower Manhattan.  The hand-crafted jewelry is priced $85 and up.
Keys told Women’s Wear Daily her mission is “to give people beautiful, unique …read more

Although this recession has been tough on a Hot Mama’s wallet, that’s no reason to skip holiday gift giving. Actually, it’s a fine time for more thoughtful and unique presents. So when I discovered Lagelle hand-knitted hats and scarves, I had to share.  Every Lagelle item is made by Tahisha Crawford with TLC.
The Pittsburgh-based designer and Brooklyn native has been knitting for seven years and launched her Lagelle accessories line in November 2007.
Tahisha’s inspiration? “Everything,” she says.  ”But I find myself being inspired by vintage fashions.”
The 35-year-old took her line’s name from her mother’s maiden name Laguer.  ”I credit my Mom for …read more

One of the best things about writing Hot Mama Daily is all of the cool fashionistas and designers I have a chance to meet, like Seville Michelle Anastos. The New Yorker recently launched her own shoulder jewelry called babette epaulette.
Find out more about the crafty stylist:
Hot Mama Daily: How long have you been making the shoulder jewelry?
Seville: I came up with the concept in July 2009 and by October 2009 I designed the full line.
HMD: What’s your inspiration for starting the jewelry line?
Seville: I was working with a pop star, Nelly Furtado, and imagined all of the beautiful things I would …read more

At Target you really can expect more, and pay less. In the tradition of Anna Sui, Isaac Mizrahi, and Jean Paul Gautier (his hush-hush line will debut this month), the latest high-end designer to hock his wares at Target is Carlos Falchi.  The Brazilian designer’s luxury handbags retail for about $3000 at upscale department stores like Neiman Marcus and Saks.
So ladies get ready, set, and go stock up on holiday gifts, because Falchi’s authentic-looking, faux snakeskin bags are available at Target ($19.99 to $49.99) through December 27.
Thanks to the generous folks at Target, I already have my large, patchwork satchel in …read more

It’s official, today is the first day of fall.  Even though the weather isn’t the least bit frosty, it’s still a good time to invest in a quality pair of gloves. 
During Fashion Week, I went to a cocktail presentation for Gaspar Gloves. Designed by third generation glover maker Dorothy Gaspar, the gloves were featured in designer Erin Fetherston’s feminine Spring 2010 runway show.
 
 
 
The gloves are also highly regarded in Hollywood and have been worn by leading ladies including Angelina Jolie (”The Changeling” ) and Michelle Pfieffer (as a fierce Cat Woman).
 
 
Gaspar gloves are like buttah, and I can’t wait to wear my black …read more

If I don’t say so myself, Hot Mama Daily has sponsored some great contests this summer.  The latest was the Sunglass Warehouse giveaway, and two randomly selected winners will each be awarded a $25 gift certificate for the shades of their choice.  And since all of the website’s designer-inspired sunglasses are less than $20, the winners can scoop up more than one pair. 
 
 
As part of the contest, I asked for your favorite beach getaway.  Here are the answers from the two lucky winners:
Jennifer King, 36,  of Bullard, Texas says, “Bahamas baby!”
Rosanne Morrison, 54, of Rockford, Illinois says, “I like Maui or …read more

It’s that time again.  After some thoughtful web surfing, I’m obsessing over several fashion items that will give my wardrobe the wow factor it’s been missing lately. 
Here are my latest picks:
 
If I made one costume jewelry splurge it would be on this vintage resin and floral detail necklace by Wendy Mink.  The “Dusky Pink Bib” necklace is one of a kind too, so I better grab it before it’s gone.
 
It’s time to start thinking about Fall fashion, and these ’80s new-wave-reminiscent boots are exactly what I need to kick my autumn wardrobe up a notch.  The synthetic “Skipper” boots are …read more

Whether you’re going on a weekend getaway or taking a stroll in the summer sun, you need a cool pair of shades.  So Hot Mama Daily will give two lucky readers each a $25 gift certificate for Sunglass Warehouse, the discount website the carries more than 1000 designer-inspired colors and styles of sunglasses, all starting at just $7.99!
 
 
 
Here’s how to win:

Respond to this post and tell me your favorite beach getaway.
Include your full name, email address, age, and hometown.

Hurry and enter.  Two winners will be selected at random, and the contest ends Monday, July 20 at 11:59 pm!
Image credit: Sunglass Warehouse

Why pay for an expensive up-do for your wedding or prom when you can use a HairZing?  Thanks to TV infomercials you’ve probably heard of EZCombs, but the HairZing is actually the original double comb hair accessory.
 
 
Since the combs are handcrafted by women artisans around the world, no two HairZings are exactly alike. They’re available in three sizes, and were created for women and girls with varying hair types and lengths.
 
 
My Goody bands are so 1994, and I need an alternative accessory to sweep up my double-strand twists.  So I can’t wait to get my HairZing from the brand’s African …read more

The Third Annual Independent Handbag Designer Awards were announced earlier this week in New York City.  I couldn’t attend, but I’d like to congratulate the winners and spotlight Brazilian designer Alice Tapajos for Zibba, winner for “Best Handbag in Overall Style and Design.”  Her bags are like buttah, and I love her classic, chic design style.

 
The 55-year-old designer has worked in fashion since 1974 and her bags are sold in her native Rio de Janiero (one of my favorite cities in by the way).  
“I believe that fashion is an instrument that socializes and indicates the options of groups of …read more