In brighter spirits since her divorce, Madonna is pictured here leaving an event. Yes, the trendy blazer and fedora caught our eye, but we also noticed Madge wearing a hamsa necklace. For those not “in the know,” the hamsa symbol is said to ward off the evil eye and offer protection. We have looked to Madonna for fashion and music trends in the past (ie: the iconic wedding dress at MTV Video Music Awards performance for “Like a Virgin”) and once we saw Madonna wearing the hamsa we knew she was onto something special. Madge has been an advocate for sporting interests close to her, Kabbalah bracelets alike, and has now added hamsa to her list. Luckily, many of the designers available at Max and Chloe have accessories boasting the hamsa charm.

Similar to Madonna’s necklace, the gold plated Ettika Lace Hamsa Necklace features a turquoise stone, perfect to warding off the evil eye. The crisp detail in this necklace is unmatched, and we love the unique paring with the stone for a bit of flair. If you are looking for a silver version of the hamsa necklace, try Brian Danielle Diamond Evil Eye Hamsa Necklace. This silver diamond necklace features sapphire stones, which are ultra posh and very unique. Not only will the hamsa charm stand out, but the sapphires will attract a flurry of compliments.

Since we can’t get enough of stackable bracelets and beads, Sydney Evan Wood Bead Hamsa Bracelet, Blu Bijoux Silver Hamsa Bracelet and Ettika Lace Hamsa Wrap Leather Bracelet are perfect paired together or separately, mixed with other bracelets and bangles from Max and Chloe. With different styles and colors to choose from, adding a hamsa bracelet, necklace or pair of earrings to your ensemble is easy and affordable. We can’t wait to see everyone rocking the hamsa charm! Don’t forget to follow @MaxandChloe on Twitter for the latest trends, blogs and exclusive sales!

Items featured in picture: Sydney Evan Wood Bead Hamsa Bracelet, Blu Bijoux Silver Hamsa Bracelet, Brian Danielle Diamond Evil Eye Hamsa Necklace, Blu Bijoux Hamsa Drop Earrings, Ettika Lace Hamsa Wrap Leather Bracelet and Ettika Lace Hamsa Necklace.

Related blog topics: Stackable bracelets,  Style by numbers, Jewelry with a statement and Slumdog millionaire style.

Photo courtesy of People.com

Tags: Blu Bijoux | bracelets | Brian Danielle | earrings | Ettika | Hamsa | Madonna | Necklace | Sydney Evan

We were quite surprised to see Megan Fox on the red carpet wearing a snow leopard shirt, black pants and motorcycle jacket, since she has been rocking glamorous dresses lately. Not that we aren’t a huge fan of the big dresses, but we adore this rock and relaxed look from Ms. Fox and Bones star Emily Deschanel. This trend reminded us of the felidae accessories we have from Kenneth Jay Lane, Blu Bijoux and Sydney Evan.

We all have favorite animals that we identify with, think are cute and can’t wait to visit as the zoo… maybe you even sported an animal backpack (or still do) and can’t seem to part with your favorite bear stuffed animal (no judgment here). It’s fun to wear animal print tops, dresses and even leggings but don’t limit yourself to clothes. Sporting exotic rings, bracelets, earrings and necklaces can be just as fun and stylish as any pair of leggings.

Wearing jewels with animal designs lets your individuality shine. We love the Sydney Evan Diamond and Sapphire Panther Necklace paired with a great blouse for day or party dress for night. The diamond and sapphire stones refine the gold panther for a grown up approach to sporting a panther necklace.  Kenneth Jay Lane Colored Tiger Bracelets and Kenneth Jay Lane White Tiger Bracelet look stunning paired separate or together as stackable bangles. We love the varied color tiger bracelets for fun on the weekend, and the white tiger bracelet works perfectly for on the go days. Don’t forget to follow @MaxandChloe on Twitter for our favorite accessory trends, featured items and special sales.

Items featured in picture: Sydney Evan Diamond and Sapphire Panther Necklace, Kenneth Jay Lane Colored Tiger Bracelets, Kenneth Jay Lane White Tiger Bracelet, Blu Bijoux Gunmetal Leopard Bangle, and Blu Bijoux Animal Print Rings

Related blog posts: Stars and Stripes, The Ring Leaders, Altering your Attire: Day to Night and Puppy Love.

Photo courtesy of People.com

Tags: Blu Bijoux | bracelets | Kenneth Jay Lane | Megan Fox | Necklace | rings | Sydney Evan

Ever have one of those days? You know the kind of day when nothing will go right for you? It seems quite a few people have been having “those days” lately. Favorite stores are closing, companies are merging and laying people off, and Angelina got totally snubbed this awards season! It looks like we could all use a little bit of luck.

There’s no shame in carrying or believing in good luck charms. We all have our quirky little things that we think will help keep our superstitious behinds out of trouble. Pirates of the Caribbean’s Geoffrey Rush supposedly has a small Daffy Duck figurine that brings him luck. Robin Williams carries a carved ivory piece that belonged to his father. Even athletes have those crazy, not to mention disgusting, good luck trinkets, like unwashed socks. Well, we’ve got a few good luck charms of our own that are a lot more hygienic than unwashed underwear, and a lot more beautiful, too.

Probably one of the most common good luck charms is the four-leaf clover, which can be seen on Zoe Chicco’s Gold Clover Necklace. It is said that each of the four leaves symbolize faith, hope, love, and luck. Some even say that the four-leaf clover will ward off the curse of the leprechaun.

Another lucky symbol is the shape of a horseshoe like Ettika Good Luck Bracelet. Supposedly, the horseshoe contains the good luck, so the open end must be at the top. If it is worn upside down, with the open end at the bottom, all of the luck will pour out.

Many cultures in the Mediterranean region of the world believe in the evil eye. This talisman actually does the opposite of what its name suggests. Although the beliefs vary by culture, a common belief about the evil eye charm, such as the Sydney Evan Diamond Evil Eye Bracelet, is that it will ward off the negatives effects of having an envious, evil eye cast upon you. But let’s be serious, when you’re wearing this bracelet, who won’t be jealous?

A common Islamic and Jewish insignia is the hamsa. This symbol represents the protecting hand of God. Unlike the horseshoe, this protection emblem can be worn with the fingers facing up or down and it will still have the same protective powers. Jennifer Zeuner Ebony Bead Hamsa Necklace is a stunning and chic way to protect yourself from evil.

The final charm we have for you is a bit different. The om on Rosena Sammi’s Sandalwood Sutra Bracelet represents a syllable of affirmation in Hindu and Buddhist traditions. While this is not out-rightly a luck symbol, it is a god symbol that is used in prayer and as a mantra.

Feel any better now? We suggest you slap one of these impeccable pieces on, head out, and buy a lottery ticket just to test out their effectiveness. If nothing else, you’ll look spectacular.

Tags: charm | Ettika | good luck | Jennifer Zeuner | Rosena Sammi | Sydney Evan | Zoe Chicco

Can you believe how kooky Mother Nature’s been acting? Earlier this week, we had temperatures in New York in December reach the mid-60s. That’s almost an unheard of occurrence. Then, to make our national weather just a little bit more peculiar, Las Vegas got about 3 inches of snow yesterday! Call us crazy, but the last time we checked, snow in the desert wasn’t a common occurrence.

We’ve decided to celebrate this meteorological phenomenon with a bit of an ice-storm of our own. Diamonds, crystals, and gemstones provide the same beautiful luster as freshly fallen snow. Why not commemorate this extraordinary event with a fresh layer of jewelry?

Lata K Illusion Blue Topaz Long Earrings are beautiful drop earrings whose color is reminiscent of the blue hue snow takes on at nighttime. A Brian Danielle Blue Topaz & Diamond Ring would go beautifully with these earrings and stay with your theme. Maybe it’s just us, but we think the diamonds encircling the large blue topaz stone really look a lot like snowflakes.

Meanwhile, Gerard Yosca’s Crystal Sapphire Bracelet is an alternative for darker fashions, but still shimmers like a midnight snowfall. You will be absolutely stunning with this accessory. Pair it off with a Sydney Evan Evil Eye Necklace for a coordinating piece that may provide a little extra protection and ensure that you have the best night ever!

Photo courtesy of CBSNews.com

Tags: blue topaz | Brian Danielle | diamond | Gerard Yosca | Las Vegas | Lata K | snow | Sydney Evan

Happy December, everyone! We’ve gotten through Thanksgiving and are in the final stretch to 2009. We don’t know about you, but the holiday spirit is definitely making its presence known here in New York. We’re only 2 days away from the annual Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting and the streets are beginning to bustle with holiday shoppers.

Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or something totally different, it’s a time of warmth despite the dropping temperatures outside. The upcoming weeks are going to be filled with faith, peace, hope, love, and unity. Keeping that in mind, Max & Chloe offers many pieces that convey the sentiments of the season in jewelry form.

Faith
M2 Design Faith Necklace is14k gold necklace and displays the word “Faith” in a nameplate style. It is studded with diamonds that make the word glimmer. We could only hope that everyone will showcase their faith as brightly as the Faith necklace this holiday season.

Peace
What’s the one thing you always hear people say that they want around the holidays? Peace on earth! Well, it has to start somewhere. Why not around your wrist? Alex and Ani Expandable Wire Bangle set are beautiful bracelets with a gold-plated peace charm dangling from one of the bangles.

Believe
GK Designs necklace says a mouthful: Live Your Dreams. From Oprah to the little kids sitting on Santa’s lap, no one’s shy about telling what they want this year. Then, there are all those holiday miracles you keep hearing so much about. What’s keeping you from following your heart? This charm necklace could be the verbal encouragement you need to get it done. And just in case, there’s a little wishbone charm for an extra bit of good luck.

Love
Ah, amor. It may just be a chemical reaction in our brains, as some scientists suggest, but there’s no denying it’s a pretty wonderful feeling. Probably just as wonderful as the feeling a young lady might get from opening up a gift of the Sydney Evan Love Ring. (Hint, hint, boys!) The 14k white gold ring spells out the word “love” in diamonds that sparkle just like the eyes of a girl in love.

Unity
One thing’s for sure, the holidays bring people together. Ettika’s Co-Exist Rosary Necklace beautifully embodies the concept of unity with a Star of David, Buddha, and cross all suspended beneath a peace sign. The necklace is inspirational of coming together to celebrate and embrace differences, which, after all, is what the holiday season is all about.

Tags: Alex and Ani | Ettika | faith | GK Designs | holiday season | Hope | love | M2 Design | Peace | Sydney Evan | unity