Did anyone watch Chime for Change on Sunday? (What an amazing event!) I was drawn to Jada's shark tooth necklace. Honestly, I haven't given shark's tooth jewelry a thought since leather ankle bracelets from a souvenir shop at any beach sometime around 14 years ago. But I'm digging the grown up necklace versions and covet all of the above. The earrings are pretty rad, too. And you know how I feel about dainty earrings with attitude.
I've never (honestly, never) been compelled to run out a purchase something at first sight. I usually research (is there a better deal) and debate over it (do I really need it?) (also known as, take all the fun out of it) and ultimately forget. But when my eye spotted this bag, there was no going back. It was love. And the thought that instantly popped in my mind was "this bag is happiness." It's simply a must. have.
(I know this post might sound a little shallow... I don't truly believe material things are the real source of happiness. But it is super fun and in my favorite color. A little surface happiness can't hurt in moderation.)
Tonight I'm attending an event at Goorin Bros. Hatmakers in Chicago. Hubby and I are both big fans of the brand as you can always count on finding classic pieces with a hint of trend or splash of excitement. I'll be honest, I wasn't much of a hat person before stumbling into a Goorin store a few years ago. They all just seemed wrong on my head. What I learned - it's less about style, more about fit. (Turns out, heads are not one size fits all, imagine!) Once you nail that down, it's much easier to find a flattering design. Hubby looks super cute in this one, this is one of my fave's (minus the turq ribbon - mine's brown) and sometime's they're even fun with party dresses! I hadn't perused the Goorin site in a while and am delighted at the additions of facinators and headpieces, they're totally dreamy!
Are you a hat person? I don't know if it counts but I can't get enough of beret's like this in the winter time.
You guys have heard of JewelMint right? The subscription jewelry line that offers new pieces of jewelry every month for $29.99 per piece?Before I go further, hang in there, this might get wordy but it'll be worth it...
(If you're really pressed for time skip down to the bullet points for the cliff notes version, I've got your back busy ladies. But otherwise, I hope you'll settle in for a minute.)
It's easy to fall into the trap of cheap accessories. And while cheap pieces aren't bad, they're often exactly that. Fading, breaking, lost stones, etc. "Ah, I'll just toss it." we say. But as I'm declaring this my year of the 'cleanse' I'm trying hard to rid myself and my home of junk. I've been debating over ordering from JewelMint for a while now - one, because when I normally pay 'the cost of lunch' for a new necklace or bracelet, $29.99 seemed pricey. And two, because I wasn't sure the quality would be worth it. (Another celebrity's name attached to a less than stellar product...) (This line is designed by actress Kate Bosworth and stylist Cher Coulter.)
But, I received my first JewelMint order over the weekend and was more than pleasantly surprised. I say pleasantly surprised because I consider myself pretty critical of products in general. After all, I get paid (in my full time job) to figuratively pick apart apparel products and analyze the details to negotiate for the best cost, quality, etc. So you can see why I might be a picky consumer. However, after my first experience with JewelMint I have nothing but great things to say. Starting from viewing the individual video's per piece (more on that below) things felt right. Then the package arrived - black and sleek and mysterious. I opened the box revealing my first awesome piece and was thrilled with the weight, sturdiness, security of clasps and overall quality. More than anything, it's so easy. I do love shopping but I rarely make enough time to do it properly. It's so nice (and thrilling) to be able to have a new showroom emailed to me each month and make a selection from high quality, on trend pieces. In fact, my favorite realization was that each piece has qualities making it unique and special, yet feel like something you've had for ages.
It's a 'jewelry of the month club' subscription service offering new pieces each month at only $29.99 per glorious piece. Yup. Pretty amazeballs.
You can skip a month if you want (though I highly doubt you will.)
The designs run the gamut, there is truly something for everyone.
Shipping is free! I don't know about you but nothing makes me happier than getting to checkout and finding out I don't have to pay for shipping. *happy dance*!
You don't have to fight stores, research trends or even put forth much effort. Each month, just pick a fabulous piece from your personalized showroom.
In addition to the monthly video to excite you, each piece features an individual video telling you about the design inspiration, how to wear it and other fun facts. This little discovery put me over the edge. I think I've watched each one in my showroom at least 3 times. So much thought and detail over each piece, don't you love it?! It's so helpful in getting a feel for scale and how it looks on.
Curious yet? Check out the February video. Can you spot my manicure inspiration?
So guess what? JewelMint is being so kind and offering 50% off your first purchase when you use the code: BIG. Oh, snap! That translates to $14.99 a piece. This is major folks. Use this code and make it work! Offer is valid until 2/29/12 (First time users only.) Grab the code and go!
I wanna know... have you ordered from JewelMint? What was your experience like? Please do share!
Disclosure: I received product in return for this post, however, my opinions are my own, based on my experience and interaction with the brand. As always, if I don’t love it, I don’t tell you about it. Read my official (i.e. “wordy”) disclosure here.
P.S. Thank you soooo much to everyone that voted in the H.Bloom 'Give Love That Lasts' contest... WE WON the grand prize for Chicago! And it still hasn't sunk in yet :) (More deets here) Mwah!
Usually, I'm trying to conceal the pins in my bun but these are sweet enough let show. Pretty pins have existed well before now, but these struck me as so adorable and everyday compared to some of the other options on the market. Discover ways to wear them here.
From the Royal Wedding and Kentucky Derby, to trend reports and media, fascinators are on everyone's lips. (Even CNN Money is talking about them.) More than a headband, not quite a hat, these gorgeous headpieces make the best of feathers, flowers & frill.
Sites like Etsy, Big Cartel, and Asos are stocked with options or try your hand at a DIY version courtesy of Eugenia Kim. Just review the tips for how to wear and you'll be channeling your inner fabulous in no time!
Picked up this sweet bow necklace for a whole $2.80 on Saturday after our last minute matinée viewing of the (super cute!) movie 'Paul'. (Forever 21 happens to be right next door to the theater.) Gotta love a day date and a new accessory. Won't it be delightful peeping out of spring necklines?
It's no secret I'm in love with Steven Tyler but he's also been one of my style icons since high school. (Once, I cut and dyed my hair to match his - dark on bottom, light on top - the results were 'eh' but I felt cool ;) (Ever noticed how he has the best layers?) I've recently fallen in love with another Tyler hair trend, the thin feather extensions he's been sporting on American Idol. A quick search excited me and ruined my day, seems like another 'missed' opportunity just passed me by!! Wendy Nichol in SoHo (I was just there, darn it!) will help you select and attach your new feathered accessory that lasts through washing, drying, and curling for up to six weeks. And according to DailyCandy it's only $45. Are you kidding me?!
You have my word, I will sport feathers this summer! Most likely, I'll purchase some of these from Etsy. Adoring the black and yellow but thinking a natural version might be better suited for every day. Thoughts?
Emerald was the color for awards season - first the gowns of the Golden Globes, now the gorgeous jewels of the Oscars. From light and ripe to straight up shamrock, the stars paired their gowns with unexpected grassy gems, creating a fresh, modern look that dazzled on the red carpet.
Quick! You're trapped in a glass room loosing oxygen by the second and the only way to survive is to pick one of the above - which do you choose?? (Come on, it's to save your life!)
P.S. My sincerest apologies for being a bad blogger friend lately, things are crazier than expected. I miss you all and can't wait to catch up. Special thanks to Johanna & Diana for the features last week, if you visited via them, welcome and thanks for stopping in! I promise I'll swing by and say hello as soon as I get caught up with life!
When Carrie threw out the White Denim in Winter outfit challenge I couldn't resist. Though not afraid of the concept, I've always refrained from wearing white bottoms after Labor Day for no other reason than that rule was always just stuck in my head. My eye would skip right past the bright white in my stack of jeans and I somewhat worried how this would come together..."How can I made a pair of white pants look wintery?" I thought over and over, especially when Snowtorious B.I.G dropped nearly 2 feet of snow outside. I think I solved the dilemma with with texture and layers, adding my Mom's (now mine) beloved vintage rabbit fur jacket to the mix - isn't it amaaaazing?! (It was a gift to her from my Dad before I was even a tiny thought and wearing it feels like a constant hug :) And to keep it fun I threw on some polka dot tights.
P.S. To be festive, I wore the top half of this outfit to the Chinese New Year parade on Sunday - it is the year of the Rabbit after all! (White jeans were removed due to tons of dirty, slushy snow!)
The details: Black Rabbit Fur Jacket - Vintage Mom's Denim Shirt - American Eagle Grey Thermal - Aerie White Denim - American Eagle Metal/Pearl Necklace - Macy's Black Elastic/Leather Belt - Vintage Mom's Polka Dot Tights - Hue Black Platform Slingbacks - Carlos (also seen here)
Be sure to check out my fellow posters today for more awesome white denim inspiration and see the full lot at Carrie's blog.
Living in a diverse city it's always interesting to find out where people came from. I love the idea of state representation and these necklaces are the most recent on my list. Catching up with a friend last week she mentioned that it took her 12 years to finally move to California. I'm thinking it would be pretty neat to own one of these pretties as a 'goal' piece...
Lately I've been loving the look of over sized rings. During summer, my go to was an antique gold/pearl/crystal beetle (a $5.80 Forever21 find!) but I'm putting the little buggy to rest until spring. For chillier weather, I'm thinking this cameo ring would pair lovely with the textures of the season (layered dresses and sweaters, leather and wool). And $12 to boot!
This little bag is making me miss my Mom. After 9 days of girl time it's back to the grind today and what do I stumble upon but this...She's called me 'mon petit chou' ever since I took French 12 years ago. It means my little cabbage and is a term of endearment in France. Isn't it just the sweetest?
Striking enough to wear alone, simple enough to wear together - these pieces by Gorjana make great transitional pieces as fall quickly approaches. Pair them with flowy dresses and sandals now, add tights and cardigans later.
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