Gift Guide: For the Jewelry Lover

Christmas is just one month away! We put up our Christmas tree yesterday and I've been enjoying peppermint mocha's since the red cups (read: Starbucks) made their debut. This is my favourite time of year, for so many reasons.

I put together a little gift guide ('tis the season!) for my fellow jewelry lovers so that you can share your delight for glitz and glam with your loved ones. Or maybe, just maybe, if you pass this shiny list onto them, you might receive a little sparkle under the tree.

1. Gold Watch, Marc by Marc Jacobs, $225

2. Glitter Tassle Loafers, J.Crew, $298

3. Glitter iPhone Case, Kate Spade, $40

4. Twisted Stacker rings, Catbird $64

5. Star Necklace, Piperlime $58

6. Shine Bright Like A Diamond Print, Society 6, $18

7. Ariel Gordon Jewelry Case $275

8. Mint Jeweled Necklace, Anthropolgie, $68

9. Diamond Print, Etsy $30

10. Earrings, Anthropologie, $28

11. Razzle Dazzle Tech Charms, Kate Spade, $50

12. Black Jeweled Necklace, Anthropologie, $68

13. Brass Cuff with Stones, Catbird $68

14. Diamond Sweatshirt, ASOS, $31

Spook-tacular Jewelry

With Hallowe'en just days away, I thought I'd round-up the some of the spookiest-yet-wearable jewelry. You know, just in case you want to forgo the pink wig and fishnet stockings for a more subtle take on dressing up for the holiday. You'll be the envy of all of those dripping in uncomfortable face paint in any of these spooky pieces.

1. ASOS cat ears ring

2. Hanging fangs necklace, Jennie Kwon 

3. ASOS spider earrings 

4. Vampire crown ring, Verameat

5. Diamond web ring, Jennie Kwon

6. Creepy hands bracelet, Verameat

7. Spider web cuff, FarFetch

8. Oxidized spider studs, Boticca 

Trend Spotting: Hello Kitty Cat

Are you a Cat Lady?  Or simply wishing to unleash your inner feline? Either way these cat inspired jewelry pieces more than cute and totally on trend. The Jacquie Aiche Kitty Ring is on my wishlist!  

1. Plain Kitty Ear Waif Ring, Jacquie Aiche

2. Kitty Cat Earrings w Diamond Eyes, Yayoif Forest / Catbird) 

3. Lela Kitty Ring, Brandy Pham

4. Cat Face Ring, ASOS

5. Kitty Cat Ring w Blue Sapphire Eyes, Yayoif Forest / Catbird 

6. Scrappy Kitty Ring, Verameat

7. Bittersweet NY ring - kitten (tiny) & cat (regular), Catbird

8. Cat Face Studs, Catbird (gold version here)

Colour Moment: Coral

Coral is the perfect colour for the warm summer months. It looks great set against a tan and pairs well with simple black, white, or tan outfits. Will you try out some coral accessories for summer?

1. Interlaced Chord Bracelet, Mango

2. Yves Saint Laurent Arty Ring, Net-A-Porter

3. Coral Beaded Bracelet, Chan Luu

4. Pyramid Bracelet, Kate Spade

5. Chain Link Pyramid Bracelet, ASOS

6. Feather Necklace, Boticca

7. Komono Rubber Watch, ASOS

8. Kuta Collar, Jenny Bird

9. Beaded Bracelet, Kenneth Jay Lane

10. Triangle Chain Necklace, ASOS

11. Tear Drop Earrings, ASOS

12. Neon Coral Wrap Bracelet, Gorjana

13. Classic Bangle, J.Crew

14. Lanvin Pearl Bracelet, Barney's

What to Wear: Baby Shower

Spring is in the air and that usually means showers abound - baby or bridal! I've had baby showers on the brain as I've been lucky enough to have a few weekends in a row celebrating our upcoming baby with friends and family.

I think pretty, feminine jewelry is a must for showers. If you're the bride-to-be or momma-in-waiting, now is the time to look for pretty, girly jewelry. I love these two pieces below. The Vale Corset ring is high up on my wish list. It's edgy enough with its modern design and the delicate diamonds running down the centre soften its look. The Club Monaco necklace is new to stores and its rhinestones and opal details makes for the perfect shower bling.

Here is my dream baby shower outfit!

Maternity Dress, ASOS 

Club Monaco Necklace

Vale Corset Ring

Sam Edelman Bootie, Piperlime 

Trend Spotting: Bug Jewelry

Spring showers bring May flowers...and bugs and insects and pests! Flower inspired jewelry has dominated jewelry trends this spring but I've started to notice a fierce competitor - bugs!  There is something cute and edgy about wearing a bee on your finger (instead of running from them) making insect trinkets fun to wear.  I was inspired by a gold bee ring that I saw in a Glamour Mag article (here) and decided to dig up a few more buzz worthy friends for you.

Inspiration Bee Ring

1. ASOS, Floral Bug Necklace

2. Love Bug Charm, Juicy Couture 

3. Bee Necklace, Psyche

4. Bug Ring, Shopbop 

5. Carved Flower Bug Hinged Bangle, Betsey Johnson

6. Bug Stretch Bracelet, ASOS

7. Boxchain Necklace with Bug Detail, ASOS

8. Bug Earrings, ASOS

9. Unwanted Visitor Winged Bangle, Kate Spade

Celebrity Jewelry Style: Rachel McAdams

First things first, how is it possible that Rachel McAdams looks amazing with every single hair colour? That's just not fair. Aside from seeming refreshingly humble, being a fellow Canadian, and a true style chameleon, Rachel has great accessorizing prowess. Never over doing it, and choosing pieces that fit beautifully with her attire, Rachel has a simple yet dramatic jewelry style. Playing off her ever-changing hair colour, she seems to choose retro glam earrings while blonde, edgier pieces (like stacked rings) while a redhead, and dramatic classics (such as a bold cocktail ring) as a brunette. When hair colour becomes your main accessory, everything else is just icing on the cake!

1. Robyn Rhodes Black Jade Ring, Max & Chloe  

2. Black Super T Ring, Max & Chloe

3. Arrowhead Ring, Max & Chloe

4. Gabriel Artigas Cigar band (layered up x 3!), Shopbop

5. Deepa Gurnani Earrings, Shopbop

6. Chandelier Earrings, ASOS

7. Crystal Earrings, ASOS

8. Stacked bangles, Mr. Kate 

9. HoH Sunburst Necklace, Shopbop

One Piece, Three Ways: Spring Booties

Don't put away those ankle boots just yet! You can still get tons of wear out of your winter ankle boots this spring. By ditching your socks and following these other helpful styling tips, you can continue to wear your booties with jeans, dresses, and skirts. Try wearing outfits like the ones below for stylish, spring, ankle boot appropriate wear. And don't fret, I've also included plenty of jewelry options for these stylish outfits.

Michael Antonio Massey Ankle bootie, Piperlime

7 For All Mankind Jeans, Piperlime

Skinny Studded Belt, Piperlime

RayBan Boyfriend Sunglasses, Piperlime

Jet Back Button Top, Piperlime

Sabine Long Necklace, Piperlime

Michael Antonio Massey Ankle bootie, Piperlime

Splendid Dress, Shopbop

Navy Blazer, ASOS

Michael Kors Oversize Watch, Shopbop

Rebecca Minkoff Bag, Nordstrom

Michael Antonio Massey Ankle bootie, Piperlime

Club Monaco Skirt, Shopbop 

Vince Cream Sweater, Shopbop

Tory Burch Wrap Bracelet, Nordstrom

Bloom Cuff, Nordstrom

Marc by Marc Jacobs Woven Cuff, Nordstrom

Will you be keeping your ankle boots in rotation this spring?

Hoop Earrings Round-Up

In high school I could often be found wearing large silver hoops. They were my go-to accessory. And well, everything old is new again! I've been noticing everyone from style bloggers like Sincerely, Jules to celebrities like Ashley Madekwe and Rhinana rocking this trend.  So now I am on the hunt for a new pair of hoops (since I've since lost/thrown out my faithful '90s pair). Here are the options that I've gathered up below!

1. Astley Clarke, Sea Shell Hoop Earrings, $135

2. Jennifer Zeuner Jewelry, Small Hoop Earrings, $99

3. Rachel Zoe, Bear Claw Hoop Earring, $95

4. ASOS, Flat Hoop Earrings $16.95

5. Lucky Brand, Medium Oblong Hoop Earrings, $20

6. Tophop, Smooth Round Hoop Earrings, £7.50

7. Gorjana, Arc Large Hoop Earrings, $54

8. Kate Spade NY, Scallop Hoop Earring, $53.99 SALE

 

Get the Look: Gold + Chambray

Want to try this chic look for Spring? Here is how you can get the look for less!

1. Chambray shirt, Madewell

2. Gold Link Necklace, J.Crew

3. Tortoise Shell Sunglasses, Topshop

4. Gold Link Bracelet, ASOS

5. Gold Spike Bracelet, CC Skye 

Warm Up with Leather Gloves

I went away skiing this past weekend and my Mom lost her leather gloves during dinner at an Italian restaurant. It was quite the mystery, let me assure you. It got me thinking about replacements and once I started doing a little online reconnaissance, I was happy to see that a ton of gloves are on sale at this time of year! Why not stock up while the prices are right? You never know where a glove thief may be lurking.

1. Bow Glove, Tory Burch
2. Lois Glove, Club Monaco
3. Pleated Leather Gloves, Browns
4. Burberry Wool Check Gloves, Saks
5. Studded Leather Gloves, C Wonder
6. Bow Leather Glove, Cole Haan
7. Rachel Zoe Haircalf Gloves with Signature Buckle, Shopbop
8. Black Chevron Quilted Driving Gloves, RAG & BONE
9. Diane von Furstenberg Two Tone Gloves, Shopbop
10. Leopard Gloves, Banana Republic
11. Pepe Jeans Joane Gloves, ASOS
12. Leather Heart Cut Out Gloves, ASOS

Year of the Snake Jewelry

According to the Chinese Zodiac, 2013 is the year of the snake.  This isn't something I typically follow but I looked it up, out of interests sake, to see what our 2013 baby would be. It made me wonder if we'll start seeing more snakes in art, culture, pop references and even jewelry in 2013!  Here are my top choices for 'Year of the Snake' jewelry.

1. Rose Gold Snake Ring with Diamonds, Catbird
2. Jacquie Aiche Snake Flat Bar Ring, Shopbop
3. Snake Bangle, Catbird
4. Jennifer Zeuner Skinny Diamond Snake Necklace, Shopbop
5. House of Harlow 1960 Snake Bangle, Piperlime
6. Mummy Snake Bangle, Mr. Kate
7. Snake Hoops, Catbird
8. Diamond Snake Ring, Colette
9. Aurelie Bidermann Snake Mamba Bracelet, Shopbop
10. Dogeared Snake Earrings, ASOS 

Will you be sporting any snake jewelry in 2013? 

Perhaps a great gift for an expectant 2013 Mom? ;)

Layering Necklaces: High, Medium, and Low Price Points

I am really into layering dainty necklaces these days. There is something beautiful about things in threes and this number is also ideal is when it comes to layering necklaces.  Avoid pendants that are too chunky as your layers could end up looking messy and random. Instead, look for delicate pieces, on thin chains, that will give you a cohesive, put together look.

Here are some fun layering ideas at every price point!

1. ASOS, Handcuff necklace, $10.55 / 2. Topshop, Triangle Pendant, $28/ 3. Shopbop, Pave Ball Necklace, $49

1. Catbird, Owl Necklace, $110 / 2. Vale, 14K Baby Heart Choker Necklace, $215
/ 3. Vale, 14K Hammered Bar Pendant Necklace, $250

1. Vale, 18K Diamond Slice Necklace, $795 / 2. Vale, 14K Tiny Arrow Necklace, $275
/ 3. Catbird, Diamond Filigree Necklace, $735

Which layered group is your favorite?

Trend Spotting: Ear Cuffs

photo credit
Last week Jason Wu had his models wearing18k gold ear cuffs, custom designed for his show at New York Fashion Week.  Could this be the start of something big? I've been starting to notice ear cuffs popping up on bloggers, models, and in magazines alike.

I say, if you like it, put a cuff on it.

1. Pack of 4 Mini Ear Cuffs, ASOS  
2. Maria Francesca Pepe Crystal Stud Ear Cuff, ASOS 
3. Multipack Of Fine Hoop Ear Cuffs, ASOS  
4. Feather Ear Cuff, Free People 
5. Bark ear cuff, Mr. Kate   
6. Ear cuff with Fringe, Free People

7. Pack of Two Lower Ear Cuff, ASOS

8. Just Acces Triple Ear Cuff Set, ASOS

9. ASOS Pack of Four Ear Cuffs, ASOS 

10. Mania Mania Telepathic Ear Cuff, Shopbop

11. Pack of Three Mismatch Ear Cuffs, ASOS

12. Maria Francesca Pepe Stud Ear Cuff, ASOS

One Piece, Three Ways: Fall Scarf

I don't know about you, but I tend to think about scarves a lot like jewelry. It's one of my go-to accessories for fall, and if I am wearing a scarf, I don't tend to wear a necklace. So for me, a scarf is a lot like a big, fun, cozy necklace. Since the temperatures will start to drop soon (sigh) I thought I would put together three fall outfits that all look great with a scarf.  If you live in an area where it stays warmer for longer, trade out the scarf for a bunch of thickly layered necklaces or one big statement necklace, like this one.

On a Hike:
Scarf: French Connection Leopard Scarf, ASOS 
Shoes: Ash  
Army Jacket: ASOS  
Jeans: ASOS 
Boyfriend Knit Beanie: ASOS

To a Business Meeting:
Scarf: French Connection Leopard Scarf, ASOS
Super Skinny Leather Pants: J Brand
Tuxedo Blazer: Madewell
Top: Splendid
Earrings: ASOS
Bootie: ASOS
 
Girls Night Out:
Scarf: French Connection Leopard Scarf, ASOS
Dress: Nation LTD 
Jacket: ASOS
Booties: Jeffrey Campbell 
Bracelets: Vita Fede, French Connection, ASOS  

One Piece, Three Ways: Summer Necklace

I found this bright beaded necklace for sale on Shopbop's website and couldn't help but think how versatile it would be for the summer. And at $29 it's quite the deal. Necklaces have been creeeping up closer and closer to choker length and this one is right on trend. Short, bright, and patterned, you'll be reaching for this summer necklace at the beach, for a barbeque, and on a boat cruise.  The necklace comes in three different colors and I've thrown together three different outfit ideas:

Beach:
Swimsuit: Splendid
Sandals: Boutique 9
Sweater: Velvet
Hat: ASOS

Barbeque:
Jeans: ASOS
Shirt: Union Jack ASOS tee 
Shoes: TOMS
Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs

Boat Cruise:
Dress: Pencey Standard 
Sandals: ASOS
Hat: ASOS
Bag: Cynthia Vincent
Bracelets: ASOS + ASOS

Which Would You Rather: for $545

I can never decide if it's better to invest in pricier but more quality pieces or to get the most bang for my buck and choose quantity over quality. There are so many pieces that I would love to own that are just out of my price range. But if I saved up and stop buying cheaper pieces I would be able to buy fewer, but more expensive pieces. I am not totally sure which is better, and like most things, it probably depends on the situation. If there is an expensive piece of jewelry you're in love with and know you'll get a lot of use out of, you'll probably save up. For trendier pieces I am guessing most of you would choose cheaper options.

But let's get specific. Would you rather this Gemma Redux necklace for $545.00 or eight pieces for the same price?

Gemma Redux, Cordelia Necklace, $545
------- Or -------
J. Crew, OGJM azalea bracelet, $74
ASOS, Aztec Triangle Drop Earrings, $13.26
J. Crew, Crystal Cupcake Necklace, $138
J. Crew, Classic Link Bracelet, $102
ASOS, Multi Chain Rounded Collar Necklace, $19.88
Shashi, Neon Nugget Bracelet, $22
Frieda and Nellie, Ravishing Rodeo bracelet, $160
ASOS, Spike Stretch Bracelet, $13.26
+ a cup of coffee = $545


Let me know in the comments below which you would choose!

Trend Spotting: Chain Linked Rings

Like tiny handcuffs for your fingers, chain linked rings are popping up everywhere. The look is edgy and sexy so keep your other fingers bare for a look that's decidedly clean and uncomplicated. Styling tip: wear the rings so that that chain lays in the top of your hand.

1. Maison Martin Margiela, Chain Double Ring
2. Ha-Yeon Lee, Double Chain Ring
3. Made Her Think, Double Band Chain Ring Silver
4. Top Shop, Spike Cross Link Ring
5. Ha-Yeon Lee, Chain Ring
6. ASOS, Locksmith Chain Linked Rings
7. Top Shop, Pearl Mix Chain Ring
8. Kabiri, Carnivore Double Ring

Tell me, will you be trying this chain-linked ring trend?

One Piece, Three Ways: Jeweled Headband

There is no better time to wear pretty headband than in the summer. The look is light, keeps your hair off of your face, and is down-right lady-like. When I saw this pretty pink version from ASOS I couldn't help but share.

The details: This hair band is made by ASOS Collection and features a curved band bound with a satin ribbon and large faceted crystals. And at $19.88 USD this little number wont break the bank.


Here is how you can style this headband for three different occasions: for work, as a wedding guest, and meeting the boyfriend's parents. 

Get the look!
For Work:
Suit jacket: Tribune Standard
Suit shorts: Tribune Standard
Tote: Foley & Corinna
Shoes: Aquazzura
Necklace: Mettle Pendant Choker

Wedding Guest:  
Dress: Alice + Olivia
Shoes: House of Harlowe 1960
Clutch: Whiting & Davis
Bracelet: CC Skye

Meeting the Parents:
Blush Jeans: Siwy 
Top: A.L.C.
Ring Set: Gorjana 
Purse: Rebecca Minkoff
Shoes: KORS Michael Kors 

Tell me, will you be wearing headbands this summer?

Trend Spotting: Wishbones

Some people just need a little extra luck. Wearing jewelry as good luck charms has been around centuries - and it doesn't look like this idea is going anywhere! I've been seeing wishbones popping up all over the place.  Trust me, this collage could have been four times as big! My modest eight favorites, below:

1. J.Lingnau, Wishbone Necklace - silver
2. Jennifer Meyer, Tiny Wishbone Bracelet - Yellow Gold 
3. Belle Noel, Multi Wishbone Necklace
4. Belle Noel, Wishbone Stud Earrings
5. ASOS, Dogeared Gold Teeney Wishbone Necklace
6. Jennifer Zeuner Jewelry, Mini Wishbone Necklace
7. Jennifer Meyer, Pave Diamond Wishbone Ring
8. Parc, Gold Mini Wishbone Necklace

Do you have a have a piece of jewelry that you wear for good luck?