Inspired by the beautiful rolling hills and heritage of Ireland, John Christopher Condron has created the John Christopher collection of luxury jewelry. Based in Dublin Ireland, Condron has been working with jewelry since he was just out of high school. His tastes lean towards strong lines that keep things simple and classic with lots of sparkling diamonds set in shiny golds and silvers. The Irish influences can be seen in the most subtle of places — for example the gold brush stroke appearance of the “New Aristocrats” pieces represents furrows found in fields in the Irish countryside. They’re fairly hefty looking designs that appear fashionable without being terribly trendy or looking too hard to ‘make a statement.’

JL is the name of the in-house fashion brand at the UK top department store John Lewis.

So if you are looking for the latest trends, look to JL. Their styles have stepped straight off the catwalk. Here are their latest cardigans for ladies.

JL Cotton Ribbed Cardigan. Versatile is what this ribbed cardigan is all about. Team it with a pair of jeans for casual wear, or dress it up with a skirt or trousers for work. Heart, flower and star shaped mother of pearl buttons give this knit a vintage, on-trend look.

JL Embroidered Star Cardigan. This knitted JL cardigan is so versatile. Team it with your favourite pair of jeans, or wear it unbuttoned over a pretty spring dress. The flattering v-neck front fastens with hidden poppers, while delicate stars are embroidered to emulate the buttons. With 3/4 length sleeves and a sweet flap pocket.

JL Skinny Ribbed Cardigan. Versatile is what this essential ribbed cardigan is all about. Features black dome buttons and a flattering nipped in waist. Team it with a pair of jeans for casual wear, or dress it up with a skirt or trousers for work.

This new for spring Prada Hobo purse, is made of the softest Nappa leather and features four brightly colored striped panels in Italy. You can choose from the fuchsia - violet hues (shown) or the turquoise - violet shades. With a detachable top handle and a long adjustable shoulder strap you can carry this bag a variety of ways. Available at Saks Fifth Avenue for $1,675, like all things Prada this purse is made in Italy of the finest quality leather. Bright and fun, the Nappa Stripes Multicolor Small Hobo is an instant favorite!

What do you wear with the latest looks on the Spring/Summer fashion collections? What goes with the myriad of color, sheer fabrics, drama and prints of the season?

Every year, Spring and Summer brings a certain lightness after a long dreary winter. That lightness is displayed in Spring and Summer dresses with ruffles and flowy dresses. Pastels, brights, florals and whites herald these warmer, brighter months.

Take the cue from this season’s shows. The models’ makeup are exactly what goes best with the outfit, though the looks may be a little too dramatic for the regular woman. Tone down the runway portrayal and you’ve got the perfect image for the season.

Alexandra McQueen’s models were strong on the brow, with medium brights on the lips for a look that portrays strength. Anna Sui’s models portrayed the bad girl image with smoky eyes setting the stage for seduction. Vera Wang’s models were naturally pretty, with nude makeup that always makes a come back every summer. Chanel’s models were glamorous with bright red lipstick that would do a 1940’s movie starlet proud.

Here’s a rundown of the 4 main trends in beauty for Spring/Summer 2008.

1. Smoky Eyes - Seduction

Here, the focus is on the eyes. Heavily mascaraed eyes, with lots of liner and very dark, smokey eyeshadow brings all the attention to the eyes. That look is balanced with naturally rosy lips and pale cheeks to avoid looking tarty.

2. Strong Brows - Strength

In this case, brows are well-defined. Blondes would have dark blonde brows or brown brows while brunettes have black brows. Lips are a medium shade of red or pink or peach or bronze while cheeks are barely flushed.

3. Bright Red Lips - Glamorous

That’s the look of the 40’s movie starlet. Bright red lipstick, but toned down eyes and cheeks. The lips are painted scarlet, orange red or crimson while eyes aren’t obviously lined. Mascara too is light and the eyeshadow is in a natural shade like peach or sand or beige. Blusher, if any, is applied with a very light hand, in a shade that goes with the lipstick.

4. Barely There Makeup - Natural

That’s the classic nude makeup look popular every summer. Yes, you use liner, mascara, lipstick, blusher and eyeshadow but the choice of color makes the difference. Pick colors brownish pink shades for lips and cheeks, sand, or browns slightly darker than your natural skintone for your eyeshadow and brown mascara and liner for that naturally pretty look.

Watchmaker Ulysse Nardin has introduced their new watch for Baselworld. The Sonata Silicium Limited Edition watch is a limited edition of 300 pieces (in an 18K white or rose gold case). Nardin is now using silicium in all its new models. The movement is the automatic UN caliber 67 with a power reserve of approximately 42 hours. The functions include hours, minutes, seconds, large date, dual time system with instant time zone adjuster, countdown, cathedral gong alarm. The case is 42mm and it has front and back sapphire crystals with an alligator strap. It’s handsome enough and I’m sure the alarm sound is beautiful but I find the yellow hands a bit jarring on such an elegant watch.