APJ Directors Gerald Butler and Paul Haggis suited up to save the children of Haiti photo credit: SSD

Director Paul Haggis and his non profit organization Artists for Peace and Justice held “A Ring to Educate a Child in Haiti” at world renowned Vhernier jewelry boutique in the heart of  Beverly Hills to unveil a very special unisex ring.  Vhernier partnered with APJ to create a limited edition sterling silver ring lined in gold (only 1000 made) with all profits going to the organization.  Actors AnnaLynne McCord, Elizabeth Banks and Gerald Butler attended the event to show their support for the cause.

On January 12, 2010, a 7.0 earthquare devestated the town of Port-au-Prince in Haiti, destroying homes, businesses, families…but not crushing the dreams of Haiti’s children. APJ is dedicated to restoring Haiti.  APJ supports communities in Haiti through programs in education, health and dignity. The organization’s immediate goal is to build schools to serve the poorest areas of Haiti, providing an education, hot meals, clean drinking water and regular medical treatments to the children living in the slums.

Ben Stiller, Charlize Theron, Clint Eastwood, James Franco, Jane Fonda, Keith Urban, Nicole Kidman, Penelope Cruz, and Russel Crowe are just some of the hollywood power who are loyal APJ advisory board members.

The event showcased Vhernier’s limited edition Pirouette Ring, available in silver and rose gold. Purchasing the $1,370 ring gives a child one  year of tuition at the St. Luc Street Schools as well as at the Academy for Peace and Justice in Haiti.

Pirouette Rings on display with a photograph of Olivia Wilde in Haiti. Photo Credit: SSD

With APJ awarding 100% of all the proceeds raised to the children in Haiti, and many event supporters stating that an education is priceless, clearly explains why the Pirouette Ring flew off the showroom shelves.

Up close and personal with the limited edition pirouette ring. Photo Credit: SSD

Ana Castracane of Vhernier Beverly Hills (pictured above modeling the Pirouette Ring) told us at SSD that her trip to Haiti changed her life.   The most important message Ana wanted to get across is that although more than a year has passed since the devastation hit Haiti, there is still a substantial amount of work to be done for the children.  She told us it is critical that private organizations step in and give the children the help they need and deserve.

Here’s a touching video featuring Marc, an adorable little boy who wants to be a filmmaker, who takes us inside his world to show us first hand what life is now like for him in Haiti.

Marc APJ from APJ Now on Vimeo.

APJ, established in early 2009, is a fundraising effort founded by Paul Haggis and friends that encourages peace and social justice and addresses issues of poverty and enfranchisement in communities around the world.

APJ Director Paul Haggis with SSD Co Founder Crystal Fambrini. Photo Credit: SSD

APJ Director of Communications Dana Maksimovich graciously greeted the elite crowd of roughly 100, despite literally being due any second to have her second child.

Director of Communications Dana Maksimovich (left) and Communications Cordinator Kathryn Everett. Photo Credit: SSD

A true feeling of inspiration and hope filled this intimate gathering. SSD is very honored to be included at this wonderful APJ event, special thanks to APJ friend John Ryan Jr for getting us involved. We very much look forward to participating more with this organization.

SSD Co Founder Crystal Fambrini with SSD Co founder Actress AnnaLynne McCord. Stipple: Click on AnnaLynne's Susie Rose shirt to find out where she got it! I have this same shirt and this brand is cute, flattering and best of all a STEAL.

High School Musical sensation Vanessa Hudgins at the 2009 Oscars. If you like Hudgen's red carpet look, jewelry designer Lisa Freede created an affordable cocktail ring, pictured above, that matches this look.

Hollywood’s hottest stars always dazzle in jewels on the red carpet.  Take a peak to find out how to get the looks of Halle Berry, Frieda Pinto, and Penelope Cruz for less.

For those watching from home lusting after the stars’ shimmering baubles, Lisa Freede Jewelry provides a more affordable option. Creating everything from earrings to rings, bracelets to necklaces, and hair jewels to headbands, Lisa Freede now carries a variety of unique designs to suit any jewelry need.

Take a look at our StyleSeenDaily.com slidesow below to see some of Lisa Freed’s designs.

Visit www.LisaFreede.com to scoop up this jewelry.

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Bryon Williams, Nicole Richie, Andy LeCompte and Rachel Zoe.

After all the rumors about Nicole Richie and stylist Rachel Zoe, we were surprised to see the two posing for photos together at when we attended Andy LeCompte‘s West Hollywood Salon opening. Is it possible that LeCompte himself paved the way for a reconnection?

Regardless, LeCompte was so busying touring with Madonna, his salon went open for months before he could host a proper unveiling. Finally when he did, clients like Lindsay Lohan, Micha Barton and of course Nicole Richie all came out to support.

While Madonna was not on hand, LeCompte did reveal quite a few secrets of the popstar. We’ll share but first a little background - he opened the salon with business partner (and fellow stylist) Leanne Citrone,  the two hand picked everything from the “cute coffee cups” to the unique art on the walls by their favorite L.A. artist Paul Rusconi. The  artwork is vibrant and alluring on most every wall in the raw studio like salon, which is tucked behind L.A. fashion designer Jenni Kayne‘s store.

Andy LeCompte's West Hollywood Salon

The hosts, LeCompte, Citrone and Kayne, had candy bar stations equipped with everything from Lolipops to Hershey’s kisses and the washing station sinks were all filled with ice and champagne, poured by typically attractive Angeleno bartenders. In addition to candy and cocktails, guests were given gift bags filled with Joico hair products and some lucky goers also claimed their own House of Harlow headpieces, designed by Nicole Richie and sold in the salon. Nicole sported a gold one herself.

Other clients such as Penelope Cruz, Jessica Alba, Kate Walsh and Fergie were not in attendance, but we’re told are frequent visitors. Now back to Madonna, if you want to get locks all sexy like her’s, LeCompte suggests adding texture by using Sunsilk Waves of Envy Sea Spray and then use either a Revlon 3 Barrel Jumbo Waver. Or if can’t get yourself an appointment to see LeCompte, get that sexy tousled look Madonna, Mischa and Lohan love, by using dry shampoo, a waterless way to freshen and restyle hair when you can’t indulge in a regular shampoo and blow out.

We took the advice and realized this was not only a great way to create that lusty look, but also a terrific soultion when you’re traveling, or rushing out the door with no time for proper primping.

Dry Shampoo Available at Sephora

Naturia Dry Shampoo by Rene Furterer, sold at Sephora is perfect to cleanse hair in minutes leaving it luminous and healthy with no water. The formula absorbs impurities and oil in the scalp with a high absporption power of essential oils that soften’s hair and will give you that “Madonna” look. 

Congrats to LeCompte, both talent and lovely, we could not be happier for his success!

www.andylecomptesalon.com

Heidi Klum – Blackened Platinum earrings and bracelets by Lorraine Schwartz. Photo credit: Getty Images.

Super mom/model/mogul Heidi Klum earns our Style Seen Daily pick for most amazing jewelry spotted on the red carpet so far this year.  Above she is pictured in blackened platinum earrings that are absolutely breathtaking on her and frame her face perfectly.  Take a cue from Heidi, don’t be afraid to wear big jewelry and lots of it.  

SSD friend, and jewelry expert Michael O’Conner, loaned Heidi these amazing earrings for her to wear at the Oscars.  He also loaned jewelry to Natalie Portman, Penelope Cruz and Kate Winslet to name drop just a few  (these ladies also looked amazing and you can find out exactly where their jewelry came from in our SSD slide show).  Now he is disclosing to our SSD readers what he’s heard from today’s hottest A-listers about red carpet sparkle.        

“This year, celebrities draw inspiration from the timeless Hollywood icons of the 1930s depression era to bring a unique combination of understated elegance to the red carpet. The hottest styles are classic vintage and art deco Platinum pieces that are as sophisticated today as they will be tomorrow.”

Elegance & Sophistication

Understated elegance rule the red carpet with celebrities choosing to accentuate one area while downplaying others. “We’re likely to see high quality Platinum pieces that have both intrinsic value and long-term durability such as vintage necklaces and bracelets that have the ability to go with every style and color choice,” comments O’Connor.

Penelope Cruz – Platinum and 69 carat diamond necklace, Platinum and 21 carat yellow diamond ring, Platinum and 11 carat diamond stud earrings and Platinum bracelets by Chopard. Photo Credit: Getty Images.

Mix and Match

“A newer trend is mixed and matched jewelry styles. Look for unique pairings such as a luxurious statement piece like a platinum and diamond bib necklace paired with simple Platinum and diamond stud earrings,” says O’Connor.  

One is Never Enough

Whether they are simple Platinum bangles or chunky Platinum and diamond cuffs, one is never enough.

 “Stacked bracelets piled on, is a popular trend. Some celebrities choose to forgo large earrings and necklaces, making bracelets the focus of their red carpet look,” expresses O’Connor.

 Colorful Glamour

From Platinum and turquoise oversized earrings to sparkling ruby cocktail rings, “colorful Platinum and gemstone jewelry will be noticeable on the red carpet.  Celebrities use bright colors to stand out on the red carpet and enhance their gowns,“ O’Connor comments.

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Affordable Options

Also, for those of you loving these stars jewelry but don’t have the budget just yet to buy these amazing authentic jewels, check out the following Style Seen Daily entry:

Oscar Jewelry Looks for Less