By: Anne M. Raso

I was fortunate enough to become acquainted with the shop-at-home (or on the net) line of fine costume jewelry called Lia Sophia during the last new York Fashion Week and then also attended a holiday preview party they gave at a New York Hotel. I have to say that there's something for every taste, and thus, I am giving them kudos for being the best place to pick up last minute gifts for ladies in your life who like gliz-and-glam, for the fussy palate of a Justin Bieber loving 13-year-old, or for the great grandmothers will more traditional tastes.


There is a also a red carpet line I have written about before on financefoodie.com--the pieces are heavier, more fashion forward and start at about $200 and celebs like Denise Richards have actually been sporting them (where else?) on the red carpet. Want my advice? I say get the three aforementioned "regular Lia Sophia catalog" pieces (pictured below) and have them on hand for hostess gifts and get the Red Carpet pieces for yourself!

NOTTINGHAM NECKLACE: Numerous loops of textured matte gold are linked and interlocked in an asymmetrical 36-39" adjustable necklace that’s as versatile as it is stunning. $118
PARTY FAVOR BRACELET: This knockout matte silver stretch bracelet is dripping with black diamond and clear cut crystals.  $130
BLACK DIAMOND AND HEMATITE EARRINGS: This knockout matte silver stretch bracelet is dripping with black diamond and clear cut crystals. Round and emerald-cut stones are individually bezel-set for added luxury. $130
Before I sign off, I wanted to mention that the Lia Sophia line for this holiday season is all the more special because the Nottingham Necklace is the featured accessory item for Dress for Success, a non-profit organization that helps economically challenged women worldwide transition from unemployment to self-sufficiency (Lia Sophia has been a long-time supporter of the charitable organization). Fashion for a cause -- now I don't feel as bad splurging on the the bling!

[Photos: Lia Sophia]



***Giveaway***

Congrats #18!  - Marlee

So Lia Sophia wants one of my lucky readers to have their own bling bling holiday! The team at Lia Sophia will send one reader an item of their choice from their online catalog (max value: $100)!
There are THREE ways to enter:
1. REQUIRED In my comments section, tell me which item featured above you love the most! (I love all three - after all, jewelry is a girl's bf!f)
2. Follow Finance Foodie on Twitter (leave separate comment telling me this)
3. Reblog / Retweet this giveaway (leave separate comment telling me this)

This is a quickie! Contest ends Tuesday December 21, 2010 at 5pm EST. Winners will be chosen via random integer generator on random.org announced on the financefoodie.com site shortly afterwards that night!

Disclosure: Lia Sophia provided me with the jewelry for the giveaway.