There’s been a resurgence in the popularity of Americana, roots and folk music over the last few years. Acoustic instrument sales are up, and you can hear banjo’s twanging away on the radio in the even the poppiest of rock songs. Here are a few of the women who have dominated Billboard’s Folk Music chart this year.

Gillian Welch and Alison Krauss

These two artists came into the mainstream with 2000’s hit film, “O Brother Where Art Thou”. They collaborated on its award-winning soundtrack to sing the hitI’ll Fly Away.

This year, they’re sharing the Billboard Folk Chart once again:

Gillian has been busy all summer touring the country’s festivals in support of her album, The Harrow and the Harvest, with musician David Rawlings (don’t let the lack of a wedding ring fool you – this musical duo have been an item for years).

Here’s the engagement ring we think she should be wearing:

Alison has also been criss-crossing the United States with her band Union Station supporting this year’s release of paper airplane. Here’s the diamond jewelry we chose for her that compliments her unique style.

Zooey Deschanel

These big blue eyes have captured the hearts of many on TV and the movies, but did you know she could sing, too? Zooey has been the ‘she’ of She and Him with M. Ward since 2008. They released their third album, A Very She and Him Christmas in October, and have been at the top of the charts ever since. For those who can’t take their eyes off this beauty, she’s also recently taken off her wedding ring. As her favorite designer is none other than Chanel, the jewelry we’ve picked for her to wear is a classic diamond tennis bracelet.

Sarah Jarosz

Sarah was a mere 18 years old when her first album, Song up in Her Head, came out in 2009. She’s a musical genius, with two award-nominated albums under her belt by the age of twenty. Her instruments include guitar, banjo, and mandolin, but her signature instrument is the mando-cello. Accomplished, but still young, Sarah seems to have a penchant for fun, dangling earrings. These are the pearls we picked for her.

Active people who are involved in sports, or whose careers require a lot of physical activity, accessorize differently from the rest of us. For example, a tri-athlete will not want a big pointy, scratchy rock on her finger if she wants to wear her engagement ring when she is training. In fact, it’s a good general rule to remove all jewelry when you are playing sports -and in many cases it is against the rules to wear jewelry during competitive sports.

In this exception, you can see pole vaulter Kate Dennison wearing earrings and a wristwatch. In contact sports you remove jewelry because you might hurt your team mates or opponents. In this case, Dennison is only a danger to herself – for example, she could catch her earring on something and rip her ear lobe.

In contrast, it seems that quite a few baseball players have been wearing necklaces to improve their health. You can read more about the titanium necklaces at wired.com (Titanium Baseball Neckwear Big on Hype, Short on Science by Brian Mossop).

According to the Etch a Sketch site, Soccer player Raul Gonzales kisses his ring finger every time he scores a goal – one way to make up for taking his wedding ring off before the game!

Jewelry and Sports

• It’s a good idea to remove your jewelry before participating in sports. The same guidelines apply to jobs that require physical activity or operating machinery.
• There will always be exceptions: golfers often wear necklaces (or even anklets).
• Competitive sports, sport associations, and schools will have their own set of rules related to jewelry.
• When you remove jewelry you protect yourself and others from harm.

Jewelry Styles for Active People

It is somewhat of a stereotype (there are plenty of exceptions), but many male and female athletes have a simple, streamlined style. Their jewelry tends to be white gold or silver rather than yellow gold, with simple lines, smooth settings, and embedded stones.

This engagement ring would be the perfect fit for an athletic woman – strong and beautiful.

Here at Celebrity Icing our two favorite things are celebrities and jewelry, so in this spirit we have decided to select engagement rings for some of our favorite single celebrities. Here are our choices, we won’t know how close we were to the mark until the announcement comes out that Cameron Diaz and John Cusack are getting married (don’t hold your breath…).

Tyra Banks

Beautiful and ambitious are two words we would use to describe Tyra Banks. Strong and successful, Banks doesn’t  have anything to prove; however, we don’t think that would stop her from getting a big and sparkly engagement ring. It would take a pretty amazing engagement ring to impress Tyra Banks and everyone else would expect nothing less than a 5 carat diamond. We’d like to see Tyra Banks wearing a princess cut diamond engagement ring, like this one:

Cameron Diaz Engagement Ring

Cameron Diaz’s views on marriage were recently reported widely. She has said that marriage is not important to her, so she obviously chooses not to wear an engagement ring at all. If she were to change her mind, this is the ring we’d pick for her. An engagement ring should reflect the wearer’s personality so we would want the ring to be as fun and unpretentious as she seems to be. A platinum ring like the one we’ve selected is modern and fresh rather than old-fashioned, perfect for Cameron Diaz:

John Cusack Wedding Band

Someone who has held out for as long as John Cusack probably won’t want something flashy, that’s for sure. In fact, it’s hard to imagine him wearing any jewelry at all, let alone a wedding band (image: Scene from 2012 – watchtime.com). The only accessorizing Cusack does in real life is his signature pair of dark sunglasses.

Oprah Engagement Ring and Wedding Band Set

Someone as organized and mindful as Oprah would probably go for a matching set for her engagement ring and wedding ring. She is so independent and strong I’m sure she would want to be involved in the selection. Although maybe the romantic side of her would prefer to be surprised, who knows…

Here is a classic (and classy) set that we’ve chosen for her:

You know St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner when a certain popular American restaurant starts serving minty milkshakes. Celebrity Icing pays tribute to one of the funnest days of the year:

Green Beer

If you’re at a house party on March 17th and you drink, then you better have a green beer in your hand! And a funny hat. Or maybe you’re one of ‘those people’ – the kind who wear something inconspicuously green so that they have to show it to anyone who questions their St Patricks-ness.

Famous St Patricks Day Birthdays

While we’re on the topic of annoying, AmIAnnoying.com has a long list of celebrities born on St. Patricks Day, including Rob Lowe, Gary Sinise, Kurt Russell, and Billy Corgan. Only one of these celebrities gets my vote for ‘annoying’ – can you guess which one?

St. Patricks Day Ball

Dress available at perfectboutiques.com.

Not all St. Patricks Day parties take place in a house packed with green beer partakers. For example, the 175 year old St. Patricks Society of Montreal, Canada has an annual ball (it’s actually on March 11 this year, but close enough). It’s one of the oldest social events in Montreal (probably the whole country) and is attended by over 400 guests.

St Patricks Party Favors

If you’re planning on having a ball as a guest at a more elegant St Patricks party, you might consider bringing along a host gift such as this four leaf clover key chain (particularly if he’s Irish or hot, and definitely if he has a sexy Irish accent…).

Chicago turns their river green for the special day, but I think the best place to celebrate would be Ireland. Do you remember that scene in the Laws of Attraction when Pierce Brosnan’s character drunkenly married Julianne Moore’s character? Good times…

Irish Eyes

Speaking of sexy Irish accents, here is a list of Irish celebrities: Liam Neeson, Glen Quinn, Cillian Murphy, Pierce Brosnan, Gabriel Byrne, Colin Farrell, and Kenneth Branagh (visit starpulse.com for pictures and info about them). Just in case you’re wondering where the Irish female celebrities are, I’ll leave you with one of the most beautiful examples of an Irish accent there is. It may also serve as a warning to behave yourself on March 17th…

We don’t usually get too serious here at Celebrity Icing, but I think it’s okay to make an exception once a year. Here are some life lessons from some fantastic writers, movies, musicians, and actors to get you on the right track this year.

New Years resolutions come and go, but you can count on these predictions…

1. You Are Important

Your very existence has an impact on everything around you, so make the most of it. Sometimes we only think famous people are important but that’s not true at all.

Good old George Bailey (James Stewart) from It’s A Wonderful Life didn’t realize that his marriage to Mary (Donna Reed) and his life in Bedford Falls (above) had such a positive effect on everyone he encountered.

2. You Are Stronger Than You Think

In August 2005 a 23 year old woman in the UK lifted a car off of her friend’s leg even though she was injured. In 1982 a mother lifted a car up so that her son could be pulled to safety (he was pinned under the car when it fell during repairs).

3. Change IS Good

Pullitzer Prize winner Frank McCourt’s first book, Angela’s Ashes, was published when he was already 66 years old (he was a retired school teacher). Ian Fleming was 45 years old when his first James Bond book came out (previously he was a Naval Intelligence Officer). Whether you’ve been downsized or bankrupted, remember that things might actually get better instead of worse and you’re never too old to try something new if your current situation isn’t working out.

Misadventures are still adventures. McCourt turned his childhood poverty into a beloved and successful book and Fleming’s war experiences spawned one of fiction and films’ most exciting characters. Life is exciting, isn’t it?

4. Life Is Short

Andrew Koenig (Boner from Growing Pains), Corey Haim (Lost Boys) and Gary Coleman (Different Strokes) were all originally famous as children and, sadly, left us this year. If you’re like me, you grew up watching these actors. If you watched as much TV as I did when I was a kid, they almost felt like family.

Life is short, so make the most of it. If you love someone, don’t wait too long before you tell them- and remember, it doesn’t have to be a special occasion like Christmas or a marriage proposal. A simple ‘I love you’ any time is nice.

5. Enjoy Yourself

As Michael Jackson says in the song above, “Enjoy yourself… you shouldn’t worry about the things you can’t control… Why don’t you live, live the life you got…” Road rage, rude customers, and all of the petty drama that we create for ourselves… I hope to be a kinder, more patient, person in 2011 and I hope the same for all of you. Happy New Year!

Happy Birthday Sweet 16

Celebrity Children are All Grown Up

Prince’s son and Madonna’s daughter are both 16 years old this year, as are Jude Law’s son and Martin Lawrence’s daughter. Lindsay Lohan’s little sister Dakota turns 16 this year as well.

Celebrity Teens

Hollywood can be confusing. Some of its senior citizens look like they are in their thirties; some of its tweens look the same age. This week, Celebrity Icing went hunting for some famous 16 year olds to see what they were wearing. We found some styles that had us singing ‘happy birthday sweet sixteen,’ but we also found some sour notes along the way.Here’s the perfect soundtrack, so press play and enjoy this song while you read…

Taylor Momsey

Jenny or “Little J” on Gossip Girl started off as a sweetheart and ended up rock n roll eye shadowed tart. Taylor Momsey seems to have a similar split personality in real life. Here she is, looking fresh-faced and age appropriate.

SWEET

And here we have Taylor performing on stage with her band, trying to fill Avril LaVigne’s shoes, perhaps…

SOUR

We would have preferred a less revealing and provocative outfit, with some rock and roll accessories instead. These twisted silver hoop earrings are a great way to hint that you may be a wild child.

Dakota Fanning

SWEET

A sweet photo evocative of little red riding hood. A charm bracelet or fun heart tag bracelet would really top off her look.

“Whatever happened to that funny face,

My little tomboy now wears satin and lace”

Below, Dakota’s look may be a bit over-sophisticated for your average teen, but at least it isn’t a corset with a garter belt, as pictured above.

She looks like she is in her early twenties, a pair of converse running shoes would be better than those heels.

Corde Broadus

It was actually a challenge to find pictures of Corde wearing more than board shorts. Snoop Dogg’s oldest son’s closet must be full of swimwear, which seems appropriate for an athletic 16 year old teenager growing up in California. I believe the photo below (he is on the left) was taken at his 16th birthday party, last May.

SWEET

This look is quite formal for a teen, but probably mandatory at many private schools… the small earring is a subtle expression of his personal style.

I can’t believe it’s already September 1st! Here comes Fall!  This week we continue our flashback to the 80’s – when everyone was getting their colors done. Last December, I featured the method of determining which colors work for you in an article, “The 1980?s Called and Asked: What Season Are You?“  All fun aside, Jackson’s style advice is a blessing for anyone out there who is color-challenged. You can wear the most expensive make up, the hottest clothing, and the best jewelry – but if you are wearing the wrong colors you will still look horrible (and sometimes, even ill). For more information straight from the source, you should visit her website at carolejackson.com – she provides samples of color swatches that you can refer to once you identify which season suits you.

Wondering if you are a Winter? Then please read our article called “Get Your Colors Done Part 1: Is Winter Cool For You?“

Wondering if you are a Spring? Then please read our article called “Get Your Colors Done Part 2: Is Spring A Fresh Idea?“

Wondering if you are a Summer? Then please read our article called “Get Your Colors Done Part 3: Cool Shades of Summer“

Are You A Fall?

I think it’s safe to say that Lieutenant Commander Data (far right) is not a Fall. Those colors completely wash him out and make him look quite pasty.

Here’s the Test

Hold a piece of white paper up to your face and look for a yellow or blue reflection on to the paper. If you cast a yellow tone, you have a warm skin tone. This means you are either a Spring or a Fall. Autumns usually have brown hair and brown eyes, but there are exceptions. If you look good in brown, you are probably a Fall.

Mork is a Fall.

Fall is the best time to turn over a new leaf

What a perfect time to clean those non-flattering colors out of your closet! Falls are the easiest people to pick colors for, and this is the perfect time of year. If you’re a fall, look around you: the colors of the falling leaves, the deep greens of wet moss, and the deep orange of a pumpkin all look great on you.

Another strategy: go into your kitchen and take a look at those exotic spices on your shelf – those colors look great on you, too!

It’s hot outside, so it’s time to turn up the temperature and get your style sizzling!

Who Says You Can’t Wear Black in Summer?

Not Serena Williams who looks very cool in this black bikini.

Her bikini says, “It’s all about me” (literally).

Tips

If you are going to wear black during the hot days of summer just be aware of the fabric you select. Try natural fabrics like cotton, or my favorite – bamboo. A small percentage of synthetic fibre (rayon, spandex, etc) will help your clothes keep their shape and also prevent them from wrinkling.

When it comes to wearing black in the summer, think ‘less is more’. You don’t want to wear black clothing from head to toe, a black bikini or short summer slip dress will be more comfortable than a long sleeved shift or a full length skirt. Black and white are the ultimate high contrast combination for the intense light of a summer day and work well with most skin tones.

I love black straw sun hats with huge rims (think Audrey Hepburn) but they are not very practical for summer. You are not only wearing a hat to protect your hair and head from the sun, you are wearing it to keep cool and protect yourself from sun stroke as well – therefore black is not the best color choice. Wear a white hat or natural straw color instead.

Little Black (Summer) Dress

The LBD works year round -as seen by this pretty example from BCBG.

Black Diamonds

Accessorize with some black ice, like this diamond ring with black and white diamonds.

Wear this bracelet made out of glass beads at your next summer party – the perfect accessory for a fancy cocktail.

Hot to Trot

Keep your feet cool this summer with cute black sandals from Nine West.

We recently featured Audrey Hepburn here at celebrityicing.com, so this month when I was looking for a new celebrity to feature, I naturally thought of the other famous Hepburn…

Katherine

Born on May 12 1907, Katherine Hepburn was a Taurus. Although I’m sure she would have thought the very idea was ‘poppycock.’ Yet Taurians (is that what you call them?) are known for their steadiness of character, calmness in the face of obstacles,and steadfast nature. Characteristics that even Kate probably wouldn’t snort at.

Katherine Hepburn appeared in many,  many movies over a long lasting career. She won 4 Oscars and is deeply respected today for her talent and her strong personality, particularly considering the era in which she started her career.

Katherine Hepburn was able to portray very strong women who were also uniquely vulnerable – this made her roles very interesting (and timeless).

She also had a talent for comedy and an ability to be beautiful and funny at the same time.

My favorite Hepburn movies has to be Philadelphia Story – I think I’ve seen it more than any other, and I still enjoy it every time. There is a another version of the same story starring Grace Kelly and Bing Crosby, and it is also good – but not AS good as the Hepburn version.

Hepburn Style

If Katharine Hepburn inspires you, let her style inspire your style…

Isn’t She Yar?

This diamond bracelet would be perfect for her character in the Philadelphia Story.

Seating For One

Here’s an opportunity to support the theatre, celebrate your own individuality, and pay respect to Katharine Hepburn’s hometown at the same time. You can ‘buy’ a seat at the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center in Old Saybrook, Connecticut: “preserve her legacy – her fame – her personality – and her snappy style – by sponsoring a chair with your name or a name of someone you would like to honor on a chair plaque.”

Classic Style

Katharine Hepburn had an understated style that was very elegant, like these two-tone earrings and this gold diamond engagement ring. Yellow gold is the perfect type of gold for the Taurus, as well as anyone who enjoys classic movies, and vintage style.

What Season Are You?

This week we continue our flashback to the 80’s – when everyone was getting their colors done. Last December I featured the method of determining which colors work for you in an article, “The 1980′s Called and Asked: What Season Are You?“  This concept originates from a book called “Color Me Beautiful” by Carole Jackson - which spent 4 years on the NY Times bestseller list. All fun aside, Jackson’s style advice is a blessing for anyone out there who is color-challenged. You can wear the most expensive make up, the hottest clothing, and the best jewelry – but if you are wearing the wrong colors you will still look horrible (and sometimes, even ill). For more information straight from the source, you should visit her website at carolejackson.com – she provides samples of color swatches that you can refer to once you identify which season suits you.

Wondering if you are a Winter? Then please read our article called “Get Your Colors Done Part 1: Is Winter Cool For You?“

Wondering if you are a Spring? Then please read our article called “Get Your Colors Done Part 2: Is Spring A Fresh Idea?“

Are You A Summer?

Photo: Olivia-NewtonJohn.com

In the last article featuring this topic, we explained that “Spring” people look better in warm tones like peach and coral, and yellow gold jewelry flatters their complexion. It makes sense that Summers also look great in warm colors – it is the warmest season after all. However, Summers actually fall into the “cool” category. Examples of cool colors are: green, blue, and violet. Imagine pinks and greens with a blue undertone, and you are on the right track.

Take the Test

Summers are the least common color – it seems like all Summers have naturally blond hair color, which is also rare. To be even more specific, we’re talking cool blonds, not yellow blonds… If you’re a summer your face will reflect a blue tone rather than a yellow tone onto a white piece of paper.

You will look best in subtle color combinations and should avoid contrasts. Summers can still be bold, but it is best to stick to one bright color – like the red Christina is wearing below (note that this red has a blue undertone, making it work for a Summer).

Summer Ice

White gold and diamonds are perfect for the girls (and boys) of Summer.

The simple elegant design of this white gold solitaire engagement ring would be perfect.

This highly polished sterling silver collar necklace is also a great way to frame that beautiful summer complexion and blond hair!