All That Sparkles and Shines at the Oscars: Get the Look for Less

Awards season is one of my absolute favorite times of the year and it always wraps up with the most spectacular night of them all: the Oscars. The 83rd Annual Academy awards did not disappoint, as stars graced the red carpet more bedazzled than ever before. Several of the famous beauties, like nominee Amy Adams and performer Gwyneth Paltrow choose gorgeous dresses adorned in sequins from head to toe, while others like performer Mandy Moore and Penelope Cruz, wore gowns with sparkly beaded embellishments. No matter what color or fabric the A-list ladies choose to wear, each and every one of them wore breath taking jewelry that topped off their gowns and radiated throughout the night. In case you fell in love with some of their dazzling pieces as I did, here are a few trends I picked up on, as well as some similar baubles of my own.

Like Cate Blanchett's Van Cleef & Arpels vintage yellow diamond earrings? You'll love my Enette Classic Filigree Stud Earrings in Gold, coming to the KS website soon. Classic perfectly compliment a gorgeous gown with elaborate detailing like Cate's amazing beaded and pleated Givenchy Haute Couture gown.



Like Best Supporting Actress Winner Natalie Portman's Tiffany & Co. rubellite tassel earrings? You'll love my Dera Tassel Earrings in Gold, coming to the KS website soon.



Like Best Supporting Actress Amy Adam's Cartier Haute Joaillerie emerald and diamond bracelet and necklace? You'll love adding a splash of regal green to your ensemble in my new Cuff in Mint, coming to the KS website soon.

Like Taylor Swift's gold drop earrings she wore at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party? You'll love my Carolina Earrings in Gold.

Like Reese Witherspoon's Neil Lane emerald and diamond earrings? You'll love my Ena Dangle Earrings in Emerald Green. Emerald jewelry seemed to be a big hit at this year's, so check out all of my emerald jewelry and get some gorgeous green gems for yourself. On a side note, I LOVE Reese's big, voluminous ponytail!



Like Gwyneth's colorful Louis Vuitton "L'Ame du Voyage" high jewelry earrings? You'll love my Carmella Stud Earrings in Watermelon, coming to the KS website soon. They are both reminiscent of a colorful buzzing bug.

Well Styled Hosts Suit Drive at Kendra Scott Boutique

This Tuesday evening, we were honored to be a part of a suit drive hosted by Well Styled, a unique and innovative Austin company comprised of trained personal stylists who aid women in dressing fabulously for their age, body type, and life style. We teamed up with Well Styled and offered Austin business women a chance to give to a wonderful cause that is close to my heart, Dress For Success. Dress For Success is a nation-wide non-profit that helps women dress appropriately in order to be successful at their jobs, by providing them with new or gently used suits and chic accessories. I have worked with Dress For Success in the past on the Rachel Ray show, and donate one of my Hope Pendant Necklaces and $7.50 to DFS for every item that is purchased online at Kendra Scott until we reach our goal of donating $25,000...we're getting closer everyday!

I was so proud to see more Austinites giving back to this cause. All of the fabulous ladies who came to support the event received 10% off storewide and 15% off if they donated a suit. Guests also enjoyed feasting on deliciously divine, custom-made cupcakes from Austin’s own Cupcake Bar as they dropped off their donations, shopped, and networked.

Check out my Facebook page, Kendra Scott Jewelry, and follow me on Twitter @kendra_scott to keep posted on special events and discounts such as this one happening at my Austin SOCO retail location.

In the likes of our own Kendra Scott Color Bar, the Cupcake Bar allows you to pick your own flavor cupcake and choose all of your favorite toppings. The guests loved delighting in the delicious treats as they shopped.

The glamorous gals were encouraged to swap business cards as they networked and were given bags to keep them in. They couldn't resist the sweet treats as they worked up the room.

Several of he lovely ladies made their way to our Color Bar and store manager, Celeste Lockin, and intern, Samantha Vicha, helped them to design their own custom Kendra Scott jewels.

SXSW Rock & Roll Ready - Behind the Scenes at the Kendra Scott Spring Photo Shoot

Original music, film premiers, indie concerts, and emerging technologies will soon take storm in none other than the music capital of the world and our home, Austin, Texas. Austin's unique culture and funky-fresh vibes bring about monumental events like SXSW and Kendra Scott wants to welcome those who love this city as much as she does. Austin's legendary rock & roll vibe and it's artistic community make it one of the most alluring places to live and explore.

The Kendra Scott brand lives and breathes culture, color, excitement, and eccentricity, just like the city of Austin. Austin's flare drives us as a company and has inspired the jewels that you can see at our SOCO boutique right in the heart of the city. The famous festival takes place March 11th through the 20th. Shwayze and The Strokes are some of the featured artists showcasing their music this year, and the infamous Perez Hilton will be one of the music panelists attending SXSW.

If you are attending SXSW, make sure to stop by our boutique and show us your SXSW badge/wristband and get 10% off anything in the store! Our jewels will be sure to make your wardrobe pop and you can rock Kendra Scott Jewelry while indulging in the festivities!

Kendra Scott photoshoot right outside the SOCO retail store.

Hair and makeup transformations thanks to Martha Lynn Barnes.

Kendra and Art Director, Cheryl, style and direct the shoot.

What better than turquoise for a rock & roll theme?

Glitz and gold jewels shine against a burgundy leather jacket.

Lights, camera, action! SXSW get ready to rock & roll.

Photography: Cory Ryan
Hair and Makeup: Martha Lynn Barnes
Models: Ophelia Talley and Brigitte Buckholtz

The 2011 Grammys Hit a High Note With Metallic Dresses

Hollywood glitz and glamour shined bright at the Grammys Sunday night with stars like Miranda Lambert and Heidi Klum looking stunning in metallic dresses. These gilded gowns caught my eye as the stars swept the red carpet in various designers. Heidi Klum wore Julien Macdonald, Miley Cyrus wore Roberto Cavalli, LeAnn Rimes wore Reem Arca, Miranda Lambert wore Edition by Georges Chakra, Kim Kardashian wore Kaufman Franco, and Jennifer Lopez was in Emilio Pucci.

In case you want to accessorize with metallic golds and silvers to look like the stars, here are some of my favorite pieces that exude the celebrity trend that caught my eye at this years Grammys!

Sparkle in my Ulyssia Filigree Ring in Gold.

Look stunning in my Maggie Filigree Hoop Earrings in Silver.

Catch someone's eye in my Afton Tassel Earring in Mixed Metals.

Stand out in my Salome Cuff in Rhodium.

Be bold in my Karenina Earring in Gold. This is also a favorite of Hilary Duffs!

Make a statement in my Weslee Chain Swag Necklace in Mixed Metals.

Kendra Scott's Grand Opening Party: What Colors Define You?

The kaleidoscope of vibrant lights brought a warmth to the unseasonably bitter cold on the streets of Austin's South Congress District. Emerald green, bright turquoise, lustrous amethyst, succulent citrus, and cotton candy pink lit up the skies, the streets, and adorned the shivering, fabulous guests who strutted the purple carpet leading to Kendra Scott's Grand Opening Party.

Photo courtesy of Cory Ryan
The A-list experience began as the guest list received their invitations, challenging them with the question: "What colors define you?"

Photo courtesy of Cory Ryan
Guests were greeted at the entrance by flashing candy-colored lights, upbeat music, and a glamorous purple carpet.

Photo courtesy of Cory Ryan
Paparazzi Chad Harlan and Cory Ryan took photos of the fabulous guests upon their arrival, and throughout the night at the spectacular party put together in immaculate style by Camille Styles Events.

Photo courtesy of Cory Ryan
A radiant pridote green lounge and bar surrounded by heaters was right outside the doors of Kendra Scott, provoking guests to chat, relax, and sip on some bubbly.

Photo courtesy of Cory Ryan
Kendra herself mixed and mingled with guests outside and inside, wearing a gorgeous plum Lanvin dress perfectly complimented with turquoise Gwen Earrings in her traditional pod setting.

Photo courtesy of Cory Ryan
The window displays were also revamped for the party, and beautifully and creatively portrayed the candy jewels theme. Guests admired the art work, created by Kendra Scott's own staff with jewels and actual pieces of candy, before entering the party.

Photo courtesy of Cory Ryan
The inside of Kendra Scott was packed to the brim with people chatting, sipping on the candy colored cocktails, and munching on delicious appetizers catered by Hop Doddys, Gueros, and Perlas.

Photo courtesy of Cory Ryan
Oodles of vibrant, colorful candies were displayed throughout the downstairs, adding to the delicious theme of the night.

Photo courtesy of Cory Ryan
The Kendra Scott Color bar was turned into an actual bar for the special event.

Photo courtesy of Cory Ryan
Guests sipped on Cotton Candy Cosmos, and Savvy Freshen Ups, cocktails handcrafted for the Kendra Scott Grand Opening Party by Marcelo Nascimento Lucky 13 Cocktail Company in Austin.

Photo courtesy of Cory Ryan
The lounge upstairs in the corporate office was transformed into a beautiful, sparkling haven for party goers to mingle in.

Photo courtesy of Cory Ryan
Gem colored table cloths adorned tables around the upstairs lounge area.

Photo courtesy of Cory Ryan
Guests were invited to try on the beautiful array of colored gems throughout the night.

Photo courtesy of Cory Ryan
One of the upstairs corporate offices was converted into the Amethyst Lounge, where everything inside was in dazzling shades of purple and pink.

Photo courtesy of Cory Ryan
Juicy hues of orange filled the Citrus Lounge, which was also a converted corporate office upstairs.

Photo courtesy of Cory Ryan
Delectable hors d'œuvres and treats catered by Kendra Scott's neighboring restaurants were carried on trays throughout the night for the guests to enjoy.

Photo courtesy of Cory Ryan
A bold and gorgeous statement necklace was made out of Kendra Scott signature Danielle pendants and rock candy especially for the party.

Photo courtesy of Cory Ryan
A custom-made turquoise bar adorned with Kendra's signature pattern awaited to serve guests upstairs.

Celeb A-listers such as Luke Wilson were in attendance at the fabulous grand opening event.

Photo courtesy of Cory Ryan
Austin floral and event design company Merveille created the beautiful center pieces especially for the party using orchids, hombre painted branches, colored sea glass, and rock candy.

Photo courtesy of Cory Ryan
The night could not have gone more perfectly. A HUGE thanks to all who came out to the Kendra Scott Grand Opening Party and we hope to see you back at our store soon!