Cuse Closet: Perfectly Polished

Cuse Closet peeks inside the staff's wardrobes to find out where we're going and how good we look getting there.

The Craze writer, Kate Ahrendtsen, knows how to dress to impress. For her interview, she layered on the garments and accessories to create a lasting look. Instead of going for a strict black and white ensemble, Kate chose to add a bit of color. She wore a high-waist free flowing black skirt over a pair of textured white tights, creating a chic and professional look. She incorporated color with her soft lilac top adorned with intricate beading. The bold black beads picked up the black in her shirt, helping tie them together.

She then chose to layer a neutral tan blazer overtop for a polished and professional look. Her caramel brown boots contrast with the blazer giving the outfit a relaxed feel.

As a final touch, Kate layered on bracelets and a watch and wore simple diamond earrings to complete her look. The stacked bracelets act as the perfect accessories because they pick up the glimmer from her top. Kate’s outfit is perfectly polished and sure to making a lasting impression.

Dress: purchased at a boutique in Pennsylvania

Blazer: Asos

Boots: Anthropologie

Stockings: H&M

Watch: J.Crew

Wrap Bracelet: Chanluu

Silver Cuffs: Tiffany&Co.

-Brittany Fowler

Jewel Juice: Think outside the chain (stores)

Jewel Juice is your main squeeze for all things accessories.

Roses are red, violets are blue, shoot down the cliché — with cupids’s arrow — and find something new. It’s that time again when we watch men young and old scramble to find overpriced, unoriginal, diamond-clad baubles to prove their love. Wretch. 

This year, if your man is still hoping to fill that little box, direct him toward something out of the ordinary. A personal piece is always more appreciated...and often less expensive. Here are a few of our favorites:

Fetty of Brooklyn

Fetty of Brooklyn's "garage-glam"

 

Rising rocker and lead singer of Semi Precious Weapons, Justin Tranter’s name is also breaking molds in the jewelry biz. Labeled “garage-glam,” Fetty's work is, ironically enough, home to a variety of heart-based jewels at three price points: urban, boutique and royalty. 

However, with names like “Shot Through the Heart,” “Butcher’s Wife” and “Love Bites,” these pieces require your significant other has more than good taste (a sense of humor) before you buy this edgy V-day present (available in necklaces and earrings). 

 

Skeleton Keys

Erica Weiner and Tiffany and Co. skeleton keys

Skeleton keys are all the rage right now, and what better time to give away “the key to your heart” than Valentine’s Day? Since these vintage-inspired jewels are everywhere from Tiffany and Co. to the local flea market, we suggest taking two things into account before you purchase: price and personality.  

Original works

Reiterating an original idea, look to local and emerging designers to fuel your love fire? Etsy.com, for example, offers an array of uncommon handcrafted jewels at prices you can’t beat.

Steampunk ring

The Steampunk vintage ring combines an eye-catching industrial aesthetic with an uncommon locket-like functionality.

hand-cut and hammered copper

Similarly, this hammered copper bangle set is a simple wrist reminder of your love. It comes in a trio, and is hand cut, formed, soldered and hammered.

A warm touch of amber

Last, but not least, offer up some ear candy with a pair of danglers such the Warm My Heart earrings. Made of Czech glass, the amber glow radiates a natural warmth all its own.

- by Sarah Zimmerman