Steampunk is a counter-intuitive sci-fi concept. It's about the future, but set in the past, usually Victorian era England. The technology is pre-digital and steam-powered, but it's also quite modern and computer-driven. Analog computers, that is, that float over cities on dirigibles. See? Confusing. Let's stick to the aesthetics of it.

If you enjoyed the look of City of Lost Children, Van Helsing, Howl's Moving Castle or Lemony Snicket, then you like steampunk. One of the most distinctive visual characteristics is a quasi-Victorian mechanism, with lots of polished brass and clockworks.



Interested? Well, before you pull out the superglue and renovate your laptop, start by decorating yourself with some mechanically beautiful necklaces, cufflinks, earrings and brooches from Rivkasmom on Etsy. They really capture the essence of steampunk, with clocks, trains, balloons, and so much shiny brass! The items are all handmade, original designs, and one of a kind, so if you see something you like in the gallery, rush over to Etsy before some steampunk beats you to it!

While trolling through the Style.com fall 2008 accessory report (yes, already) we stumbled on this wacky silver, enamel and Murano glass ring by designer Delfina Deletrezz. It was love at first sight!

It's Friday night and you're looking for the perfect outfit. The only thing clean and unwrinkled is your trusty black dress, and you have some cute shoes, but it just seems a little boring -- you want to stand out. And, as we're sure you know, the easiest way to make that happen is by adding some fierce accessories.

Reminder! Only three more days to get in your comments for the Orelia giveaway!

They are Retro Princess-perfect and classy addition to any outfit. Click here or you'll miss out on your chance for free bling, and visit oreliaboutique.com to check out their terrific line!

Know who makes really elegant, beautiful jewelry? Orelia Boutique.

Their jewelry is colorful, expertly made, and, more often than not, exquisite. Example: the delicately gorgeous turquoise "Shada" earrings you see at right. And guess what? We're giving a pair away!

Turquoise is flattering on everyone, and these earrings are, in a word, enchanting. Perfect for the Retro Princess, these earrings dress up or down and definitely grab attention with their understated sparkle.

You know, jewelry doesn't necessarily need to be big, or super-shiny, or really colorful in order to make a big impact. There's something really stunning about a simple pair of long, straight earrings, especially if your hair is pulled back to show them off.

We think these white circle threader earrings, $17.99 at Target, are a great way to accessorize an outfit for a night out on the town. The design is simple, and there's not a lot of bling, but the straight, silver, dangly lines with the simple circle really appeal to us.

For years we were die hard silver aficionados. Hoop earrings, clangy bracelets, shiny necklaces, it was sterling or nothing. Gold was what our mother wore, for Pete's sake. It was classic but not cool.

Then, while shopping in Abbot Kinney, a too cool for us part of Venice Beach, we found the cutest four leaf clover charm necklace. Except it was gold.

Some days you don't feel like being serious. You know what we mean -- the days when you wake up reciting Jabberwocky and wanting to eat ice cream on top of your waffles for breakfast.

On those days, shouldn't your outward appearance represent the character inside, even if you have to go and act like a real grown up all day long?

We love all of the amazing independent designers out there. In order to find out more about just what makes all of these creative types tick, we present to you an ongoing segment called Indie Designer Interviews.

Today we're pleased to introduce you to Sherry, the designer behind pequitobun, a line of one-of-a-kind romantic jewelry with a twist of whimsy and a little bit of rock-n-roll.

Some women just have a "natural beauty" vibe. They look fantastic with their hair messy and undone, and loose, flowing dresses only enhance their radiance. These women wear earthy colors and natural fibers, and they look spectacular.

However, that look doesn't work for everybody. For those of you who would prefer gold and diamonds to wooden bangles, there is still a way for you to pull of a more natural look while flaunting your own flair.

As the weather heats up, so does the party scene -- we can hardly keep track of all the swanky events on our calendar. There are weddings, birthdays, and plenty of "just because" cocktail parties that give us reason to glitz up our everyday look. And, one of our favorite ways to take an outfit from day to night is with a pair of killer earrings.

Have you ever had a formal event to attend, and gotten yourself all gorgeous and dolled up only to look in the mirror and think, "Huh, that's not really me"? If you've got a bit of an edge to your style, it doesn't seem right to pack it all away for a night (unless you want to, of course).

You know how the cool thing to do if you're a celebrity is to get paid bajillions for your baby's pictures and then donate all the money to charity? Well, that's not cool enough for Jennifer Lopez.

Ever the diva, miss thang expected her hubby, Mark Anthony, to lay down a serious amount of cash money in order to prove his love after the birth of their twins. Fortunately, People magazine paid them $6 million dollars for the rights to their baby pictures so Mr. Lopez was able to afford the $2.6 million dollar earrings that Jennifer had her eyes on.

Jewelry designer Lauren Wolf has some distinctive influences in her jewelry: She studied in coastal Mexico and now works "out of her studio in the shadow of the Brooklyn Bridge." While these might seem like opposing forces, she finds amazing and creative ways to use these two influences in her jewelry.

Textures like sting ray skin and and snake skin are cast in gold and silver, giving an urban feel to an otherwise coastal motif. However, I'm partial to the work she does with floral designs -- simple, beautiful flowers are given an edgy twist, so instead of just looking pretty and girly, they look feminine and badass (and who doesn't love that?). Lauren has lots of celebrity fans, including Lindsay Lohan, Cameron Diaz, Michelle Williams, Penelope Cruz, and Brooke Shields.

This isn't your grandma's costume jewelry -- it's the real deal. If you're looking for an incredible signature piece that you can be sure folks will notice for years to come, you've got to check out Lauren Wolf.

Eva Longoria and jewelry designer Claudia Lobao are good friends, so it's no surprised that the petite actress is constantly being spotted out and about in her pieces.

Claudia is originally from Brazil, but when she moved to San Antonio, she and Eva hit it off. Her friendship with the A-lister has paid off -- Claudia Lobao jewelry has been featured on 15 episodes of Desperate Housewives! That's more than any other jewelry brand has ever been on the show.