Thursday, January 4, 2024

Heart-Shaped Earrings Add The Sweetest Touch To Your Valentine’s Day Ensemble

Now that we've added bows to nearly everything in our lives, we're turning our attention to another coquette-friendly trend: Hearts. It's the perfect way to tap into your playful side, and earrings are a dainty and understated way to try them out. Thankfully, earrings with motifs such as hearts are no longer considered childish or cheap little trinkets. The whimsical pieces of jewelry are now stunning reminders of love crafted in 14K gold with pavé designs from luxury designers like Swarovski and Monica Vinader, along with more affordable jewelry brands such as Ana Luisa. 

Where would I even wear them, or what would I do with them, you say? Heart-shaped earrings work well for a multitude of events. You can simply add cute touches to your daily ensembles with a pair of heart-shaped studs, huggies, or hoops, or gift glistening dangly styles for anniversaries or other special occasions. If you're looking further ahead, you can even prep in advance for your Valentine's Day attire. So scroll on and prepare to fall in love with the best gold, silver, diamond, and crystal heart-shaped earrings; they're all just ahead.

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Kendra Scott Ari Heart Gold Huggie Earrings In Iridescent Drusy


For a little something extra to your outfits, don a pair of iridescent heart huggies from Kendra Scott. Hurry, colors are selling out fast, with the popular rose quartz shade already out of stock.

Shop Kendra Scott

Kendra Scott Ari Heart Gold Huggie Earrings In Iridescent Drusy, $, available at Kendra Scott

BaubleBar Melina Earrings


Make a statement that'll count with BaubleBar's chic oversized heart-shaped earrings. Although they're chunky, they're lightweight and hypoallergenic.

Shop BaubleBar

BaubleBar Melina Earrings, $, available at BaubleBar

Monica Vinader Lab-Created Diamond Heart Huggie Hoop Earrings


Twinkling heart-shaped diamond earrings exude charm and romance in one dainty piece.

Shop Monica Vinader At Nordstrom

Monica Vinader Lab-Created Diamond Heart Huggie Hoop Earrings, $, available at Nordstrom

Gorjana 14k Gold Open Heart Huggies


Gold hoops get an elevated twist with these open-heart huggies from Gorjana. The everyday style comes with the option of a pair or single earring.

Shop Gorjana

Gorjana 14k Gold Open Heart Huggies, $, available at Gorjana

Ana Luisa Jessica Silver


Take your pick from Ana Luisa's silver or gold puff heart hoops — you can preorder the latter. The hypoallergenic, water-resistant, and anti-tarnishing earrings also have a two-year warranty.

Shop Ana Luisa

Ana Luisa Jessica Silver, $, available at Ana Luisa

Jenny Bird Layla Drop Earrings


This heart-shaped jewelry is a new take on drop earrings. You're in for a treat with Jenny Bird's thin, elegant, and lightweight design.

Shop Jenny Bird At Revolve

Jenny Bird Layla Drop Earrings, $, available at Revolve

Maison Miru Classic Heart Nap Earrings


Attention, Maison Miru fans. The famous nap earrings also come in a tiny heart-shaped version in gold that deserves your worthy attention. Catch them all while you can!

Shop Maison Miru

Maison Miru Classic Heart Nap Earrings, $, available at Maison Miru

Swarovski Volta Stud Earrings


Swarovski's Volta Stud earrings aren't for the faint-hearted as the bold, fashion-forward pair are laced in a ribbon-liked design with twirling shimmering pavé crystals. There's also a matching necklace and bracelet if you want a complete set.

Shop Swarovski

Swarovski Volta Stud Earrings, $, available at Swarovski

Jennifer Fisher XS Heart Earrings with Pavé White Diamonds


Heart-shaped earrings, but make it an heirloom. Jennifer Fisher has created a timeless, delicate pavé diamond-encrusted pair that is a gift for a lifetime. The earrings are made to order and available in 18K and 14K yellow gold, white gold, and rose gold. 

Shop Jennifer Fisher

Jennifer Fisher XS Heart Earrings with Pavé White Diamonds, $, available at Jennifer Fisher

Gabi Rielle Wrapped & Ready 14K Yellow Gold Evil Eye Heart Drop Earrings


These aren't your everyday cutesy heart earrings. Affordable luxury brand Gabi Rielle has created an edgy gold evil eye drop earring in a striking green and red that'll enchant any viewer. 

Shop Gabi Rielle At Nordstrom Rack

Gabi Rielle 14k Yellow Gold Evil Eye Heart Drop Earrings, $, available at Nordstrom Rack

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Wednesday, January 3, 2024

2024 Engagement Ring Trends That Are Anything But Traditional

There are few things shoppers purchase with the intention of wearing every day, for the rest of eternity. But that’s precisely what an engagement ring represents: the promise of forever, a symbol of love turned into a precious piece of jewelry that hugs the finger of a future life partner. As such, it is a significant investment — both in terms of sentimentality and financial value — and with endless designs and silhouettes out there, figuring out what makes for your perfect pick is no easy feat. While more traditional engagement ring trends like diamonds, gold or platinum settings, and classic shapes will never go out of fashion, the new year is bringing with it fresh selections worth considering, especially for those who are enticed by non-traditional ring styles. 

As a result of a growing desire among consumers to select something that embodies the personality of its wearer, avant-garde styles will be in higher demand. “Towards the end of 2023, I’ve had an influx of bespoke engagement ring requests that totally rip up the rule book on ‘traditional’ design,” says Kitty Fuller, founder and designer of the jewelry brand Kitty Joyas. “The idea that you can wear whatever you like as the symbol of your union is set to get bigger and bigger. In 2024, I expect to see the classic ingredients used to make up an entirely new and exciting era of designs.” 

Add to that the fact that couples are modernizing the way they shop for rings, from approaching the process as a pair to opening their minds to second-hand pieces and lab-grown diamond alternatives, there will be ample opportunity to find the right ring for the right person in 2024. “From ultra-chunky settings to injecting a kaleidoscope of stone colors, this new wave of wedding jewelry reflects the larger movement at the moment, where people are embracing self-expression more than ever,” says Fuller. 

Below, discover eight of the biggest 2024 engagement ring trends that are anything but traditional. Uncommon and personalized designs that defy expectations and celebrate creativity, these picks are as unique as the individuals who will be wearing them.

Engagement Ring Trend 2024: Ahead of the Curve

Engagement rings with curvy bands are rising in popularity, says Sidney Neuhaus, co-founder of the brand Kimaï and a GIA-certified gemologist. “[This is especially true] when paired with our complementary wavy wedding bands to create a modern and stylish stacked look. We know our customers love to rearrange and play with these stacks to keep their special piece feeling fresh and interesting, falling in love with the design again and again.”

Engagement Ring Trend 2024: Swirling Silhouettes

While halos are a common feature in engagement rings, there are increasingly creative ways of surrounding center stones with smaller diamonds or gemstones. Danish jewelry designer Sophie Billie Brahe is known for her playful take on timeless ring designs, namely the rounded silhouette of her Escargot ring which draws from the swirling shell of a snail. “Customers are moving away from the traditional solitaire diamond and are focusing on distinctive designs. Our signature rings with unique designs are in high demand from our customers,” Billie Brahe says. “Although they were not originally designed to be engagement rings, the styles are often sought out as modern bridal pieces.” 

Engagement Ring Trend 2024: Sustainability Surge

According to a 2021 report by McKinsey & Company, sustainability practices have been playing, and will continue to play, an influential role in fine jewelry purchasing decisions, accounting for 20 to 30 percent of all sales in the category by 2025. Engagement rings are no exception to what’s been dubbed the “sustainability surge.” Leading brands are embracing pre-loved stones and bands made from recycled gold, and some are even offering in-house exchange programs for customers to send in their unwanted or broken jewelry in return for credits. 

Engagement Ring Trend 2024: Bold Bands

Chunky shanks are challenging conventional engagement ring designs by playing with proportion and favoring thicker bands and settings as opposed to typically dainty styles. By allowing the band to make as much of a statement as the stone itself, these pieces have a modern and organic appeal to suit nontraditional brides-to-be who want something as bold as they are. 

Engagement Ring Trend 2024: Nods To Nature

We often turn to nature in the realm of romance, from the symbolism of a single red rose to songs about doves and lovebirds serving as metaphors for significant relationships. Engagement rings, too, are borrowing from Mother Earth to imbue designs with meaning: a gold flower blooming with a rose-cut diamond; a shank made to look like interwoven vines signifying connection; eagle claw prongs as a sign of strength. Often these styles have a vintage appeal, striking a distinct balance between nostalgia and personality. 

Engagement Ring Trend 2024: Multicolored Gems

If there’s one common theme that runs through the top 2024 engagement ring trends, it’s playfulness. Jewelers don’t take themselves too seriously, and neither should soon-to-be brides. Opt for an array of colors that capture the spirit of that special someone with a ring featuring multi-hued gemstones. For an extra special touch, consider birthstones representative of you and your partner. 

Engagement Ring Trend 2024: East-West Orientation

Sometimes all it takes to turn something traditional into something a little… less so, is simply a shift in perspective. Literally. Rather than looking at a stone vertically as it is usually presented, consider a horizontal orientation for a trendy twist on any classic cut. From oval to emerald to pear to marquise, don’t hesitate to take your favorite shape and turn it on its side. 

Engagement Ring Trend 2024: Going Ringless

London-based jeweler Tessa Metcalfe is noticing that more people want to be part of choosing the ring they’ll be wearing every day but don’t want to miss out on the romantic gesture of their partner selecting a meaningful piece of jewelry for them. Her suggestion? Propose with something else instead, like a one-of-a-kind earring. “That way you can choose something that pushes the boundaries and shows your partner how much you know their taste and humor whilst respecting their autonomy to choose the engagement ring together [later on],” she explains. You could also skip the ring entirely and embrace the engagement watch trend for a different take on the romantic gesture that is equally symbolic. 

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by us. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, we may earn a commission.

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Tuesday, January 2, 2024

Hibernate In The Season’s Best Cozy Flannel Pajamas All Winter Long

It's the time when winter takes over, and cuddling up in the comfort of your own bed wins out over pretty much everything else. When the going gets tough, what other choice is there than too-cozy-to-ever-take-off flannel pajamas? They might not be the most chic winter outfit choice, but hey, when you're that far deep in another TV show binge, putting together a lewk is hardly a top priority.

To investigate, we did a deep dive into our all-time favorite brands like Madewell, Free People, and Jenni Kayne to find the perfect pair of flannel pajamas. Despite our admittedly low expectations, we were pleasantly surprised to find a selection that didn't disappoint. From the plaid and gingham sets you know and love to fun and festive pairs too good to pass up, winter sleepwear is better than ever before. So next time the elements have you itching for a good ol' fashioned night in, try a pair from our list of the best flannel pajamas ahead. Finally master cold weather hygee once and for all.

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Intimately Fallin' For Flannel Pajama Set


Meet the laidback flannel set that you can wear to bed and throughout the next morning for casual errands. Staying in pajamas 24/7? Yes, please! The oversized top is lightweight so you can pair it with a crewneck or chunky sweater. Meanwhile, the low-rise bottoms have a balloon-inspired style with a statement back pocket patch.

Shop Intimately At Free People

Intimately Fallin' For Flannel Sleep Shirt, $, available at Free People

Intimately Fallin' For Flannel Lounge Pants, $, available at Free People

Abercrombie & Fitch Flannel Sleep Pajama Set


For a slightly saucier take on cozy flannel pajamas, choose Abercrombie & Fitch's plaid version with a deep V-neck collar. It has the additional detail of a chest pocket for a fashionable point.

Shop Abercrombie & Fitch

Abercrombie & Fitch Flannel Sleep Shirt, $, available at Abercrombie & Fitch

Abercrombie & Fitch Flannel Sleep Pant, $, available at Abercrombie & Fitch

Madewell Plaid Flannel Pajama Set


Make your nights and mornings extra cozy with Madewell's supersoft oversized flannel pajama set. The minimalistic windowpane design is one that you'll gravitate towards all year round.

Shop Madewell

Madewell Plaid Flannel Pajama Set, $, available at Madewell

Jenni Kayne Flannel Pajama Top


Although only select sizes in Jenni Kayne's flannel pajama bottoms are available to shop, the coordinating tops are too pretty to pass upon. Whether you prefer to sleep in sweatpants or your old high school gym shorts — hey, no shame — you won't want to miss your chance to nab one of these luxe sleep shirts. 

Shop Jenni Kayne

Jenni Kayne Flannel Pajama Top, $, available at Jenni Kayne

J.Crew Flannel Long-Sleeve Cropped Pajama Pant Set In Plaid


If you already have a collection of oversized flannel pajamas and you're on the hunt for a trendier option, look towards J.Crew. The brand has a style with a slightly cropped top for more of a fitted appearance.

Shop J.Crew

J.Crew Flannel Long-Sleeve Cropped Pajama Pant Set In Plaid, $, available at J.Crew

Workshop Plaid Flannel Matching Family Pajama Set


Who says the family can't wear matching pajamas all year round? Target is home to several eye-catching shades, and this radiant green one is a beauty with its white adjustable drawstring waist tie.

Shop Workshop At Target

Wondershop Plaid Flannel Matching Family Pajama Set, $, available at Target

Gap Factory Relaxed Flannel PJ Set


This smooth flannel set has a straight, relaxed fit with a curved shirttail hem. Make sure you glance at the other whimsical prints from Gap to keep the PJs in steady rotation.

Shop Gap Factory

Gap Relaxed Flannel PJ Shirt, $, available at Gap Factory

Gap Relaxed Flannel PJ Pants, $, available at Gap Factory

Eberjey Flannel Short Holiday Pajama Set


If you live in a hotter climate and want to tap into some of winter's classic prints, we've found the short-sleeved and elasticized waist mid-rise pajama short sets you'll adore.

Shop Eberjey At Bloomingdale's

Eberjey Flannel Short Holiday Pajama Set, $, available at Bloomingdale's

Muji Side Seamless Flannel Pajamas


Muji is not only known for its aesthetically pleasing home decor and minimalistic items. It also has homey, breathable, and seamless flannel pajama set that exudes softness and cozy vibes. The brand's pink check version is dreamy and one that you'll want to lounge in bed all day.

Shop Muji

Muji Side Seamless Flannel Pajamas, $, available at Muji

L.L.Bean Scotch Plaid Flannel Pajamas


Like most of us, L.L.Bean is still recovering from the rush of holiday festivities. While select flannel pajama colors are estimated to ship by January 30th, this timeless dark green and black plaid print is available now.

Shop L.L.Bean

L.L. Bean Scotch Plaid Flannel Pajamas, $, available at L.L. Bean

Lanz Of Salzburg Pajamas


Classy piping and adorable pockets have turned this nostalgic tartan flannel into an elevated take on a classic. For those of you who have fallen in love at first sight with the PJs, there are also four other colorways if you want more.

Shop Lanz Of Salzburg At Nordstrom

Lanz Of Salzburg Pajamas, $, available at Nordstrom

Amazon Essentials Lightweight Woven Flannel Pajama Set With Shorts


With over 1,300 reviews and 13 designs to choose from, there's a reason why this Amazon Essentials pajama is a crowd favorite. The button-front relaxed-fit top and elastic mid-rise shorts are comfy for sleeping and lounging around home. For the winter, it's the perfect set for hot sleepers.

Shop Amazon Essentials At Amazon

Amazon Essentials Lightweight Woven Flannel Pajama Set With Shorts, $, available at Amazon


Madewell Flannel Bedtime Pajama Set, $, available at Madewell


Aerie Flannel Pajama Shirt, $, available at AE

Aerie Flannel Pajama Jogger, $, available at AE


H&M Flannel Nightshirt, $, available at H&M


The Cat's Pajamas Holiday Hipsters Flannel Pajama Set, $, available at Bare Necessities


Uniqlo Flannel Long-Sleeve Pajamas, $, available at Uniqlo


Rails Kellen Checked Flannel Pajama Set, $, available at Net-A-Porter


PJ Salvage Flannel Pajamas, $, available at Nordstrom


L.L. Bean Scotch Plaid Flannel Nightgown, $, available at L.L. Bean


Stars Above Striped Flannel Pajama Set, $, available at Target


Florence Balducci Menagerie Flannel Sleep Top, $, available at Anthropologie

Florence Balducci Menagerie Flannel Sleep Pants, $, available at Anthropologie


Plush Ultra Soft Short Sleeve Buffalo Plaid PJ Set, $, available at AmazonPhoto Courtesy of Amazon.


J.Crew Black Watch Tartan Flannel Pajama Set, $, available at J.Crew


White Mark Flannel Pajama Set, $, available at Walmart


Tommy Hilfiger Organic Cotton Flannel Pajama Set, $, available at ASOS


PajamaGram Flannel Cozy Boyfriend Pajamas, $, available at Amazon


Splendid Pillowsoft Sleep Set, $, available at Splendid

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8 Handbag Trends That’ll Have Your 2024 Style In The Bag

The new year is shaping up to be one of the boldest yet when it comes to fashion: Denim as eveningwear will be on the rise, non-celebrities will be going pantsless, and there will be bows aplenty. Accessorizing will be all about having fun, too, thanks to anklets with a luxury twist and innovative applications of mesh fabrics in footwear. Handbags will play an important role in 2024’s style reboot as well with some of the biggest trends dabbling in a bit of drama.

While Succession — in tandem with TikTok — is regarded as a catalyst for 2023’s biggest trend, quiet luxury, the aesthetic has had a ripple effect across the 2024 spring/summer collections, too. Also bringing the drama are the same 3D florals making waves across all fashion categories in 2024 along with bright blue hues that stand to steal the sartorial show. As always, there are more timeless trends for those of us who prefer not to cause a commotion with our closets. From the dazzling to the demure, we’ve compiled eight of the top handbag trends for 2024 to help carry you through 12 months of great style. 

Handbag Trend 2024: Circular Shapes

Trends are cyclical, and sometimes that circularity can be applied quite literally in the realm of design. Case in point: Designers like Altuzarra, Louis Vuitton, and Longchamp featured round purses on their spring/summer 2024 runways. Whether it’s a petite style with a top handle or something more convenient that can be worn across the body, circle bags are on deck to hit a wardrobe home run.  

Handbag Trend 2024: Double Up

Why stop at one purse when you can carry multiple? Alaïa, Coach, and Jil Sander are doubling down on the double bag trend, styling smaller, top-handle purses over larger carryalls. Whether you need the extra storage space or you’re simply aiming to make a style statement, opt for a medium-sized, minimalist base like a black tote that you can pair with a mini (or micro!) bag for an added layer of texture, color, or shape.

Handbag Trend 2024: Snakeskin Print

Borrowing from one of 2024’s top shoe trends are handbag styles featuring a snakeskin print. The daring motif can function as a neutral in shades of brown or gray as it did at Fendi, or it can be more of an embossed accent piece in vibrant shades like Gucci’s neon green or Rejino Pyo’s bright blue (more on this particular hue later). Don’t hesitate to pair your reptilian-inspired pick with matching kicks or even an overcoat in the same pattern — if Jil Sander’s coordinating ensembles are to be trusted, there will be no such thing as too much snake print in 2024. 

Handbag Trend 2024: Clutch Move

Not all handbags require hands, at least not always. The trusty tote, for example, spends most of its time on shoulders, and the crowd-pleasing crossbody does exactly what its name suggests. The best way to go hands-free in 2024, especially for an elegant occasion, will be with a sizeable clutch that isn’t necessarily for clutching. Tuck it under your elbow so your fingers are free to hold onto a champagne coupe, a phone, or the hand of a friend instead. Envelope and pouch styles were seen at Brunello Cucinelli, Tory Burch, and Chloé, while Altuzarra and Jil Sander went for more structured takes on the trend. Consider a convertible option so your clutch can be easily transformed into a different look with the simple addition of straps. 

Handbag Trend 2024: Stylishly Capacious Totes

Regardless of what Tom Wambsgans might think, a remarkably large bag is about to be the most on-trend thing to carry around in 2024 — at least according to mega designers like Givenchy, Bottega Veneta, Prada, and, of course, The Row, quiet luxury’s leading label. Be it the immense, ground-grazing leather sacks at Victoria Beckham or the canvas gardening bags at Max Mara that could fit the contents of an entire studio apartment, the bigger, the better as far as purses go. There’s nothing ludicrous about it.

Handbag Trend 2024: Bright Blue

While stark whites dominated the color palette of many spring/summer 2024 collections, there was a different hue catching our eye in the accessories area: bright blue. Isabel Marant, Versace, Giorgio Armani, and Ferragamo featured handbags in everything from majorelle to robin’s egg to sky blue, while a single cerulean purse was a standout piece in a sea of bright white on the Valentino runway. 

Handbag Trend 2024: Blossom Bags

Flower power will be in full swing for spring, but these are not your grandma’s couch florals. Flowery details are sprouting from all sorts of handbags including 3D blossoms at Balmain and 3.1 Phillip Lim, oversized flower prints at Chanel, and whorls of fabrics and pearls shaped like rosettes at Simone Rocha. If you want to give the trend a try without going all-out bag bouquet, opt for something smaller like a change purse or a mini bag with dramatic petal-like appliqués instead. 

Handbag Trend 2024: The Bucket Bag Comeback

It’s been a decade since the New York-based brand Mansur Gavriel launched its bucket bag, and still, the style’s popularity endures (searches for “Mansur Gavriel bucket” have over 400 million views on TikTok and the bag continues to be a favorite among stars like Taylor Swift and Sarah Jessica Parker). Add to that similar styles being endorsed by the likes of Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney, and Miu Miu, and it’s fair to say the trend might just be on the brink of its biggest year yet. 

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

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