Friendship Bracelets

There's no better time to pile on the friendship bracelets than in the summer. These soft, bright bracelets have a casual feel and stir up memories of long days at camp, sun kissed locks, sandy toes, and best friends.

I've rounded up my top summery bracelets below. Will you be wearing friendship bracelets this summer?

top to bottom, left to right:

Frieda and Nellie, Turquoise

Sugar Blossom, Heart of Gold

Lauren Elan, Misel 

Frieda and Nellie, Dainty Bracelet

Sugar Blossom, Petunia

Marc by Marc Jacobs, Pink and Blue

Travel Essentials

We're getting set for a little trip to Paris and it got me thinking about travel neccessities. We're flying with a soon-to-be one year making the need for planning and a very precise packing list quite high. Here are a few travel essentials off of my current Paris trip list.

1. Herschel Duffle Bag. The perfect carry on - loads of room and a stylish print (another fun print here.)

2. An iPad or tablet. Bring your music & apps with you and stay connected en route. Loving this Kate Spade iPad case.

3. Headphones. Block out 3B in style.

4. Jewelry. I like to bring a) stacking rings, b) a few dainty necklaces for layering, and c) a fun statement piece.

5. A travel journal. Jot down your memories in this Rifle Paper Co. journal so you'll never forget them. I also recommend taking notes ahead of time so you don't miss out on any key landmarks, must-try restaurants, and boutiques (write down those addresses!).

6. Ray-Ban New Wayfarers. I love this update on the original. Every holiday needs a good set of sunglasses.

7. Snacks. Snacks for me. Snacks for the baby. Neither of us do well going hungry.

8. A good read. This one and this one are high on my list.

Line Lust: Lauren Elan Collections SS14

I am thrilled to share Lauren Elan Collections' newest Spring/Summer line! After a brief hiatus following the birth of her daughter, Lauren is back, inspired, and better than ever. As always, the line includes plenty of Lauren Elan signature sparkle, pops of neon, and some heavier mixed metal stunners.

The SS14 line just screams summer. The colourful necklaces and bracelets are perfect for season; the sparkly pieces will have you ready the prettiest of weddings; and the elements of mixed metal can be worn just as easily for breezy days as for summer soirées.

Take a look at a few of my favourites below and check out the full spring/summer line at laurenelan.com.

Get the Look: Tough / Pretty

This photo is captioned 'Tough Pretty' on my Pinterest jewelry board. It's so true. This look is edgy yet feminine, rockin' while sweet. Interested in getting this dichotomous look? Get the look below!

1. White Nails, Butter London Cotton Buds

2. Pave V Ring, Zoe Chicco

3. Love Ring, BaubleBar X Atlantic Pacific

4. Bracelet/Ring Hand Chain, Jacquie Aiche 

5. Arrow Bracelet, Lauren Elan

Embracing Fall: Coats, Booties, and Moody Jewelry

Wearing: Zara Coat, Cake for Breakfast tee, Piperlime booties (similar), Rebecca Minkoff bag (similar), American Eagle sunglasses

Look at me posing like a personal style blogger by some graffiti downtown. This is harder (and more embarassing!) than it looks. Bloggers make it look so easy. Maybe it is easy for the effortless cool and beautiful. I kind of wanted to run and hide every time someone walked by.


I am loving this Zara jacket with faux leather sleeves for fall. And I couldn't be more excited to be wearing boots again! I finished off the look with a soft ampersand tee, dark jewelry, and some shades.

Fall Jewelry pictured above: Lauren Elan necklace, Jennie Kwon Onyx ring, 

Catbird Hammered First Knuckle Ring. 

Insta-Lately

Are you following Jolie Jouel on Instagram yet? Here's what you've been missing!

 My new favorite boho jacket complete with pretty embroidering. Paired with a DIY necklace.

 A pretty stack.

 Old faithful - one of my fave Gemma Redux necklaces.

 Two other favorites layered up - Vale shark tooth necklace and Lauren Elan Nova necklace.

 Taking a cue from Daenerys and rocking a side braid.

Waiting for little toes to fill these adorable moccasins. 

 Dressed up bump and adorned with a DIY quartz necklace.

 Two DIY'd bracelets. Here + here.

My long weekend essentials - Starbucks, a few good reads, sunnies, and RM Mini Mac.

 Lauren Elan bracelet transformed into a necklace!

 Wearing my favorite H&M top and a very large baby bump.

Detail shots: Vale necklace, DIY bracelet, and a throwback to the 33 week old bump.

Jewelry Designer Office/Studio Inspiration

Need a little office or studio inspiration? 

Check out the offices, desks, and design spaces of these fine jewelry designers.

photo credits:

Margaret Elizabeth Jewelry / Jennifer Fisher /  frieda&nellie /  Samantha Wills / Lauren Elan / DANNIJO /  

Maya Brenner / Mr. Kate / 

Like a Mermaid

I may have a slight obsession with mermaids. When I was a little girl I would go to sleep with my legs in mermaid fin position and pray that I would wake up transformed, into a real mermaid. I still sing "Part of Your World" and swim around like The Little Mermaid in the lake at our cottage. I've come to accept that I will never be half woman, half fish, and that this is probably for the best...but I am still drawn to all things mermaid, scaly, and iridescent. Here are my mermaid-esque accessory picks!

1. Bib Necklace, DANNIJO

2. Scaly Makeup bag, Marc by Marc Jacobs

3. Gold eyeshadow, Sephora (Kitten by Stila)

4. Tie Dye Scarf, Free People

5. Greeting from Malibu, Frieda & Nellie

6. Aja, Lauren Elan 

7. Aqua eyeliner, Sephora (Makeup Forever)

8. Watercolor Watch, Nixon

9. Dress, Rebecca Taylor

10. Silk Scarf, FarFetch 

11. Cuff, Alexis Bittar

Colour Moment: Chartreuse

Bright colours and neon shades are being ushered in as the temperatures continue to rise. So ditch your greys, taupes, and black in favour of a little splash of colour. One of my favorites is a bright chartreuse. Clumsy name, but this colour gives a sleek and polished look. At the very least we can accent our wardrobe with a little colour, right?! 

Gwyneth 

1. Ettika Rhinestone bracelet 

2. Loren Hope Alex Cuff 

3. Alexander Wang Rocco Bag

4. Alexis Bittar Block Ring

5. Cargo Jacket, Revolve Clothing

6. Neon and Quartz necklace, Shopbop

7. Tai Party Bracelet 

8. Sol Sana Neon Sandal 

9. Lauren Elan Kensington Necklace 

Trend Spotting: Braided Jewelry

There is something about summer that brings out the braids. Think french-braided buns, tiny accent braids sweeping across your crown, and braided jewelry. Friendship bracelets abound in the summer and one of the easiest and quickest ways to work your embroidery thread or chord is to braid it. Other designers have used heavier metal material for braiding for a look that is decidedly grown-up yet laid back. Here are my favorite braided jewelry below!

1. Lia braided friendship bracelet, Lauren Elan 

2. Orange and Metallic braided bracelet, MANGO

3. Braided Stone Chain bracelet, BCBG 

4. Gabriela Artigas, Braided Choker 

5. Aurelie Bidermann, Braided Bracelet

6. AURELIE  BIDERMANN, Miki 18-karat gold plated braided necklace

7. Pink braided bracelet, Piperlime

8. Long Braided Necklace, LOFT

Coachella Jewelry Guide

Next weekend kicks off Coachella 2013. While I am excited to hear about the band performances, the celeb spotting, and general festival merriment, I am most interested in seeing the festival fashion. Coachella is the quintessential music festival for boho chic style and laid back stylish looks.

Let's take a look at the best Coachella (or any music festival!) appropriate jewelry. You still have one week to snag your festival jewelry!

1. Free People Rope and coin necklace

2. Free People Double Indian Stone Ring

3. Free People Beaded Cuff

4. Luv AJ Crystal Cross Necklace

5. The 2 Bandits Big Texas Earrings

6. Lauren Elan Lia Braided Friendship Bracelet

7. The 2 Bandits Day Tripper Necklace

8. Free People Chain Leaf Headpiece

9. Alex and Ani Feather Bangle

10. Alex and Ani Hoop Earrings

11. Haute Betts Gypsy Amethyst Friendship bracelet

12. Luv AJ Hammered Ear Cuff

13. The 2 Bandits Sunshine Open Cuff

14. Free People Large Stone Necklace

15. Alex and Ani World Peace Bangle

16. Free People Breastplate Necklace

17. Haute Betts Sunset Hand Chain

18. Free People Coin Necklace 

Are any of you lucky enough to be headed to Coachella this year? 

Wedding Jewelry: Round-Up

If you have a wedding this spring or summer it's time to start honing in on the details...like your jewelry! Choosing your wedding jewelry is a very important decision as your special day (and your jewelry!) will be immortalized in photographs. Years down the road you'll likely still have a framed wedding photo hanging around and your kids will want to see the day you married their Daddy.

As you can see, choosing your bridal jewelry is a very serious decision. You'll want to look for something that can stand the test of time and fits your style. Are you normally outgoing and love show-stopping pieces? Then going bigger with a statement type piece is ok. If you're normally understated and classic, you'll want to look for daintier, classic wedding jewelry like rhinestones and pearls.

I for one love bejeweled hair pieces and clips for an unexpected sparkle and charm.  Swoop your hair back to one side with a vintage pin or have a clip poking out from underneath your up-do.

Here's a look at some of my favourite wedding appropriate jewelry pieces available today.

1. Ban.do, Odette Crystal Bobbi Pin

2. BHLDN, Midnight Bracelet

3. Samantha Wills, Velvet Champagne Earrings

4. Samantha Wills, Come Away with Me Earrings

5. Anthropologie, Tulle Tendril Bib

6. Lauren Elan, Elena Necklace

7. Anthropologie, Swifting Pendant Necklace

8. BHLDN, Polar Seas Necklace

9. J.Crew, Crystal Cupcake Necklace

10. J.Crew, Martha Bracelet

11. Lauren Elan, Abigail Necklace

12. Samantha Wills, Whisky and Lace Bangle

13. J.Crew, Crystal Circle Necklace

14. J.Crew, Martha Necklace

15. Samantha Wills, The Way I Love You Earrings

16. Anthropologie, Bloomshine Necklace

17. BHLDN, Ume Blossom Necklace

18. BHLDN, Garland of Light Bracelet

19. Ban.do, Crystal Swirl Brooch Bobbi

20. J.Crew, Crystal Crush Bracelet

Colour Moment: Winter White Necklaces

February is in full swing and we have the snow to show for it here Ontario. While it can be a bother at times, it certainly is pretty. I've been seeing lots of sparkly necklaces lately that have been reminding me of the snow outside my window.  And let me ask you this, is there any better time to wear winter white than in the winter?! So stop acting like a snow queen and embrace the weather. Dress up with a little snowy sparkle and you'll be feeling more like an ice princess in no time.

Shop the look!

1. Ann Taylor, Large Pearl Statement necklace

2. Gemma Redux Mixed Metal necklace

3. Fallon Jewelry, FOREVER Regalia Bib Necklace

4. Banana Republic, Spring Fling necklace

5. Ann Taylor, Candy Coated necklace

6. Juicy Couture, Chunky Chain Necklace

7. Forever 21, Peter Pan Collar Necklace

8. House of Harlow 1960, White Sand Sunburst Necklace

9. Lauren Elan, Oliva Necklace

Trend Spotting: The ID Bracelet

This lovely little military-esque trend is hitting wrists in a big way. As far as I understand, the ID bracelet has been around for a long time - think 50 years. With it's simple, chunky, slightly androgynous design and with the ability to engrave it to make it a more personal piece, it's no wonder that this bracelet has been causing quite the stir for so many years. See my favorites below!

1. Marc by Marc Jacobs Standard Supply ID Bracelet

2. Noir Jewelry Classic ID Bracelet

3. Tiffany and Co 1837™I.D. Bracelet

4. Bop Bijoux Leather ID Bracelet

5. Urban Outfitters ID

6. Max & Chloe A.V. Max Gold ID Chain Bracelet

7. Ann Dexter-Jones Silver Medium RP ID Bracelet

8. Max & Chloe Robyn Rhodes ID Kai Block Bracelet

9. Rebecca Minkoff Pave ID Bracelet

10. Lauren Elan James Bracelet

Do you like this military inspired jewelry trend? Sound off in the comments below!

This or That? Neons vs. Neutrals in the Winter

Do you like to tone down your look in the dreary winter months with soothing blush tones, standard metallics, and neutrals? Or do you prefer to combat the winter dull-drums with pops of neon and primary colours? I think both looks are appropriate and fun, depending on your mood. But where do you stand? Neon only in the summer? Or do base metals simply bore you?

Vote on your winter jewelry of choice - neons or neutrals - in the comments below!

pc: Brooklyn Blonde (wearing a neon Lauren Elan necklace) 

and Sincerely Jules (in a variety of neutral base metals)

Hello 2013

Happy New Year!

I spent the last week enjoying time off with family and friends. Sometimes a break from the computer is just what we need in order to recharge and realign priorities, right? The pause has been wonderful, but I am looking forward to getting back into the blogging routine and jewelry inspiration game!

Here are a few of my jewelry shots from the holidays. Enjoy!

jewelry:

photo 1: gold snake ring, Catbird / nova Letter "A" necklace, Lauren Elan / gold shark tooth necklace, Vale

photo 2: necklace, random

photo 3: silver bangle ring, by me / silver stacked rings, random

photo 4: fringe necklace, American Eagle (similar here) / silver twig bangle, Mr. Kate / silver squiggle bracelet, by me

Someone special made an appearance in this out-take. I am excited to share my biggest project for 2013 with you guys - a baby! We're 17 weeks here :)

How was your break? Any jewelry requests for 2013?

Gift Guide: Your Trendy Friend or Sister

It's hard to believe Christmas is less than one month away! I love the month leading up to Christmas maybe even more than Christmas itself. I can't get enough Christmas carols, baking, decorating, and scheming up the perfect gift for everyone on my list. Today we'll start with the "easy" to buy for people on your list - your best friends or sisters! Why are they easy? Well, because they're the most like you! If you like it, want it, and have it on your list, chances are it's on theirs as well.  Here is my list for your trendy friends, at all price points. Enjoy!

Jennifer Zeuner, Mini Eye & Hamsa Necklace / Anthropologie, Orbiting Rivets Cuff / Lauren Elan, Nova Necklace / Forever 21, Bow Ring / Catbird, Hammered First Knuckle Ring Silver / Giles & Brother, Hook Cuff /  Michael Kors, Slim Runway Watch / Anthropologie, Braided Bracelet / Anthropologie, DIY Friendship Bracelet Kit /  Gabriela Artigas x Sincerely Jules, Mila Necklace &/or Headband

Winner, Winner + Thanks

I am thrilled to announce the winner of the Lauren Elan Astin bracelet giveaway. This was our most popular giveaway yet, and want to thank you all for entering and for Lauren's generosity! 

Drum roll please...

Meaghan (comment #4) you've won the Astin bracelet and 25% off your next Lauren Elan purchase! I'll be in touch about your mailing address!

 

I know that today is American Thanksgiving so I just wanted to take the time to thank my readers for continuing to support Jolie Jouel. Your comments and support mean so much to me! I have a lot to be thankful for this year and am definitely taking the day to reflect.  

What are you thankful for today?