. Twenty-Twelve .

Twenty-twelve was my first year of blogging!  I fell in love with the whole process, community, and creative space that is Jolie Jouel.  Thanks for following along with me as I found my way and started regular columns - from Designer Spotlight interviews, to This or That, Do or Don't? and Trend Spotting articles. I can't even imagine all of the things 2013 will bring but I am excited. Thanks for reading Jolie Jouel and I hope that I've brought all of you a little jewelry inspiration over the past year. 

Let's take a quick look back at Jolie Jouel in 2012...And I'll see you back here in 2013!

Do or Don't? Ball to Chain to Ear Cuff

I spotted the ear cuff trend back in September (here) and have been wondering if I have what it takes to pull it off since then.  Am I edgy enough? Can I find the perfect cuff? Just when I thought I was out, I spotted Emily from Cupcakes and Cashmere sporting a delicate chained version of the ear cuff I've been pondering for months. Now this is something I could pull off!  A fine chain connects a tiny stud earring to a wishbone-shaped ear cuff, delicately draping the ear, for a look that is more pretty than edgy.

But what do you think - is this look a "Do" or a "Don't"?

model pc: cupcakesandcashmere.com / Jacquie Aiche Ball Chain Ear Cuff, Shopbop

Emily's delicate version is sold out, but see alternatives here. 

Gift Guide: Stocking Stuffers ( < $25)

Stockings are my favorite things to open on Christmas morning. My husband and I solely give each other stockings. There is something magical and fun about pulling out tiny wrapped gifts from a giant sock. What a brilliant idea. Here are some fun, last minute stocking stuffers you can still pick up in time for the 25th. Oh, and the best part? They're all under $25. 

 

1. Pave Post Earrings, Anthro, $24

2. Number Charm, Anthropologie, $15

3. Albeit Lipstick, Anthro, $18

4. Magic Wallet, J. Crew, $18.99

5. Sparkling Cluster Chain Necklace, Forever 21, $19.80

6. Glitter notebook, J. Crew, $16.50

7. Sparkle Orb Key Chain, Anthropologie, $18

8. Disco Cone Cuff, Bauble Bar, Special Price $20

9. Charmed Hair Ties, Anthopologie, $24

10. Crystal Bobbi Pins, Ban.do, $25 

 

Are you all set for Christmas or do you still have last minute shopping to complete?  

I am done shopping early this year, for I think, the first time ever! Now I can just sit back and watch Love Actually and sip festive drinks :) 

Gossip Girl Finale: Jewelry Round-Up

Gossip Girl has been revealed and the main characters got hitched. Time to say goodbye to our weekly dose of fashion inspiration from the upper east side.  To commemorate such an occasion, I thought I'd do a jewelry round on the series finale of Gossip Girl. Will you miss this show or was it getting to odd for you? 

xoxo, Jolie Jouel

GG: photos courtesy of wornontv.net

Blair's wedding headband:

'Arielle' headband by Jennifer Behr

Similar headband: Ruche

Blair's wedding earrings:

Similar: Simply Soles / Shopbop / Max & Chloe / 

Georgina's Earrings: 

Wrap Snake Hoops by Danielle Queller

Similar: Kenneth Jay Lane (Charm and Chain) 

 

Georgina's Black Beaded Necklace:

Try one of these super-affordable alternative from Forever 21 - or layer them all!

Opaque Beaded Necklace / Wrapped Chains Necklace / Teardrop Bead Necklace  

Serena's Beaded Choker:

Similar: Target / Far Fetch / 

Serena's Green Earrings: 

Deco Onyx Hexagon earrings by Danielle Queller 

Similar: Boticca / StyleBop

Gift Guide: For the DIY Jewelry Maker

Have a crafty person on your list who prefers to make their own jewelry and play with pretty trinkets? I've got you covered with gift ideas for DIY lovers! They’ll be loving these helpful tools, supplies, and storage systems well into the New Year.

1. Mighty Bright Vusion Craft Light, Amazon, $20
Give your DIY lover some light! This lamp is perfect for jewelry making (and detailed artwork, needlecrafts, model making...). The light features two different brightness levels with high intensity LEDS that will never need replacing. Also includes a rimless magnification lens and features easy flexible arms that allow for precise adjustment.

2. P.S. – I Made This, Amazon, $13
Reimagine, reuse, and reinvent with the help of P.S.- I Made This. This book will inspire and encourage even beginner DIYers to undertake fun projects. The book features more than 25 user-friendly projects inspired by iconic fashion looks, runway trends, and celebrated style mavens for readers to create themselves. From lucite bangles and faux-fur vests to studded heels, this book provides easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions.

3. Needle Files, Michael's
The Needle Files are essential for jewelry making and wire working applications. This set contains the following shapes: flat, half round, square, triangle, barrette and round. Files are used to smooth out rough edges metals, wires, findings and other select beads.

4. Multi-Drawer Cabinets, The Container Store, $16.99 - $39.99
Multi-Drawer Cabinets efficiently store hardware, beads, makeup and other small items. The clear drawers are made from break-resistant polypropylene and allow you to easily identify and access the contents. A must need for any jewelry maker!

5. Martha Stewart Living Craft Space Table, Home Decorators, $239
Perfect for jewelry making (or sewing, scrapbooking or other craft projects) with its large surface, allowing you to spread out projects and keep things organized.  Includes two deep drawers to keep your commonly used tools close at hand and the top surface has a scratch-resistant coating.

6. Beadalon 7-Piece Tool Kit Zip Pouch, Amazon, $9
The Beadalon Econo 7-piece Tool Kit comes with all the tools a beginner DIYer will need to start jewelry making. The kit includes chain nose pliers, round nose pliers, wire cutters, tweezers, a bead scoop, snips, and 6 modular and stackable drawers all zipped into a handy storage pouch.

7. Beads
Any jewelry maker appreciates the gift of beautiful beads in all shapes and sizes.  Buying your own beads all the time can really add up, so why not give your DIYer the gift she really wants. 

One week until Christmas! Yipee!

One Piece, Three Ways: Holiday Edition

The holidays are fast approaching and that means time to start planning outfits and make packing lists! Make it easy on yourself by bringing one great statement piece of jewelry and wear it multiple times throughout the end of December.

You can switch out this Tinely Road necklace for any statement necklace, but this gives you a good idea of how to mix and match statement necklaces for a variety of occasions. I wish I had the Christmas Day outfit lined up for myself! #wishlist

Christmas Day

Statement Necklace / Citizens of Humanity Rose Jeans / Equipment Blouse / Cardigan / Booties

Holiday Party

Statement Necklace / Silk Dress / Blazer / Shoes

New Year's Eve 

Statement Necklace / Sparkly Dress / Clutch / Pumps

DIY Friday: Make A Christmas Gift!

Sometimes the most special gifts are the ones that people make. You know how you feel when your niece gives you a handmade card? Why not pass that feeling along to a loved one by making them this DIY necklace!

You will need:

- Silver chain

- 4 beads

- 4 links of thick curb chain

- 2 jump rings

- 2 wire guards

- 2 crimps

- 2 crimp covers 

- 1 clasp

- Beading wire

- Snips and flat nose pliers

Step 1: 

Create a loop in one end of a small piece of wire with your wire guard and crimp. Next, string two of your beads onto the same piece of wire.

Step 2:

Loop the other end of your wire through the silver chain. Use a wire guard and crimp to secure.

 Finish with a crimp cover and snip excess wire.

Step 3:

Repeat steps 1 & 2 with the other two beads.

Step 4:

Use a jump ring to attach one end of the thick curb chain to one of the beaded units. Use another jump ring to attach the second bead unit to the other end of the thick curb chain.

Step 5:

Attach your clasp to one end of the necklace and a jump ring on the other.

Finale:

Will you be making any of your Christmas presents this year? 

Happy weekend!

Do or Don't? Brooches

What do we think ladies, are brooches old-lady-ish or making a stylish comeback? If they're done right they have the potential to be fun and flirty. I especially like the over-sized flower pom-pom ones. I am thinking, ban.do?

pc: Atlantic-Pacific

What do you think, leave it for the grannies or bring it into 2013?

'Tis the Season: Holiday Earrings

I am self-admittedly not an earrings kind of gal. On a day-to-day basic my lobes go bare, hidden under piles of wavy locks.  So really, what's the point? But one time I always jump at the chance to wear earrings is over the holidays. Whether it be a holiday work party, a Christmas party with friends, Christmas-Eve or New Years Eve, those are the times to go all out with a little ear sparkle.  Below are my top picks for festive earring for the holidays.    

 Will you be wearing sparkly, festive earrings this holiday season?

1. Emma Drop Earring Club Monaco $69.50
2. Kenneth Jay LaneWaterfall Earrings, Shopbop $169.00
3. Snowdrop Earrings, ASOS, $26.39
4. Sabrina Cluster Earring, Club Monaco $49.50
5. DANNIJO Alexis Earrings, Shopbop $392.00
6. Oval Drop Earrings, Juicy Couture, $39.99
7. Crystal and color statement earrings, Lulu Frost for J.Crew, $138.00

Watch Round-Up

I am in the market for a new watch and have been doing lots of online window shopping.  The problem is, there are so many pretty, cool, and unique watches out there, I can't seem to choose just one! Do I go for an everyday boyfriend watch? Something fancier? Or something that's totally different and unique? I might just have to get a few!

Which one is your favorite?

1. Timex Modern Originals, Timex
2. The Capulet Watch by Nixon, ASOS
3. The Kensington Watch by Nixon, Shopbop
4. The Bobbi, Nixon
5. DKNY Sparkle Strap Watch, Nordstrom
6. The Camden Chrono, Nixon
7. Michael Kors Midsize Chocolate Leather Watch, Michael Kors
8. Slim Runway Watch by Michael Kors, Shopbop
9. Georgia Leather Watch, Fossil

Gift Guide: For the Guys

Possibly the hardest-to-shop-for culprits on your list: the men.  Whether it be your boyfriend, husband, father, or brother, these specimens tend to be somewhat of a mystery when it comes to finding the perfect present.  I've rounded up the most stylish and useful "guy" accessories I could think of, from jewelry to tech accessories and nifty gadgets for food and drink.

1. Leather Wrap Bracelet, J.Crew
2. Terrace Woodgrain Sunglasses, Smith Optics
3. Leather Belt, J.Crew
4. Rubber iPhone Case, J.Crew
5. Three Piece Knife set, Williams-Sonoma
6. Leather Shoe Laces, J.Crew
7. Salut Flask, Catbird
8. Ring, Titan Factory
9. Switchblade Necklace, Digby + Iona
10. Leather Weekender, J.Crew
11. Compass Key-Chain, Catbird
12. The Monopoly watch, Nixon
13. Sterling Silver Tie Clip, J.Crew
14. iPhone lens, OlloClip Lens

Obsessed

Here are the jewelry photos I've been loving lately. So much inspiration to be found on Pinterest! Enjoy!

All photos from my Pinterest! Follow along with me! And happy weekend!