Line Lust: Mr. Kate SS13

Mr. Kate was one of my first online jewelry loves and for that reason, will always hold a special place in my heart.  Yesterday she launched her Spring/Summer 2013 line, inspired by the shapes and textures of  seahorses. I always find it interesting what inspires other designers. Sometimes it's something just so small and unexpected - like a seahorse - that it really makes me sit back and try to think about my surroundings and little creatures and nuances in the world.  The seahorse's delicate yet spiny texture definitely makes a lot of appearances, as so do a few actual seahorses. As usual, the jewelry pieces are available in three different gold tones (white, yellow, and rose) and there are two necklace styles that feature either turquoise or white howlite beads mixed with custom Mr. Kate metal fin pendants and handmade beads.

Mr. Kate SS13 Lookbook:

Jolie Jouel Favorites!

Left to Right, Top to Bottom:
seahorse bangle, $94 / fin necklace. rose gold with white, $95 / flat vertebrae bangles. pair, $210 / basics mixed metal cuffs set, $75 / basics mixed metal stack rings set, $38 / mummy snake bangle, $98 / vertebrae ring, $58 / vertebrae cuff, $299 / basics mixed metal bangles set, $58 /

Celebrity Jewelry Style: The Olsen Twins

Every fashionista's favorite set of twins, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, are under our jewelry style microscope today. These two pint-sized moguls are ironically fashionable. With their center-parted blonde locks, signature sunglasses, and cutting edge fashions, they're always on the top (or bottom!) of someone's fashion list.

With the success of their fashion lines - The Row and Elizabeth and James - it's no shock that these sisters have ventured into jewelry design by adding edgy pieces to their Elizabeth and James line.

While Ashley tends to keep her jewelery a little more understated and classic, Mary-Kate likes to pile it on in excess.  Like opposing ends of the spectrum, these two balance each other out perfectly. Take a look at the photos below for more Olsen Twin jewelry inspiration!

Do or Don't? Perfumed Jewelry

I love multipurpose products. With two-in-one perfume and jewelry products hitting the shelves it got me thinking whether or not I would actually wear or use one of these items.  There is something intriguing about being able to bring your signature scent along with you.  But are the aesthetics up to snuff?

Clockwise from top left:
Viva La Juicy Solid Perfume Necklace / Stella McCartney Stella Solid Perfume Necklace /
Chloe Solid Perfume Necklace / Hello Kitty To-Go Ring

Vote in the comments below!

Gift Guide: For the Moms on Your List

Your very own mom, your friends who are becoming moms, and moms-to-be all deserve a little extra thought around the holidays. It's a selfless job and moms don't always get all the recognition they deserve. Spoil the moms in your life this holiday season with bejeweled accessories and jewelry. She'll love the gift of a little extra sparkle!

1. Yellow Gold & Diamond 'M' Pendant Necklace, Jennifer Meyer
2. Ciate Caviar Manicure, Sephora
3. Glitter BlackBerry Case, Kate Spade
4. Gold Mommy Pendant Necklace, Jennifer Meyer 
5. Case-Mate Gold Glitter Coated Glam Case, Amazon
6. Glitter Ball Coin Purse, Kate Spade
7. DKNY Sparkle Strap Watch, Nordstrom
8. Glitterati Twist Scarf, Ban.do 
9. Solid Perfume Necklace, Chloe 
10. Glitter Belt, Kate Spade
11. Peanut Necklace, Anthropologie

DIY Friday: Art Deco Bracelet

This is one of my favorite DIYs yet. It's just so pretty and will be perfect for dressing up at holiday parties!

You will need:

- Silver twine

- Flat rhinestone "beads"

- Magnetic clasp

- Small silver beads

Step one:

Cut four pieces of silver twine long enough for a bracelet plus knots.

Step two:

String two pieces of silver twine through each side of your "beads."

Step three:

Add a bead to one side, through both strands, and tie a knot.

Step four:

Add a bead to the remaining strands, and secure with a knot.

Step five:

Put both strings (on one end of the bracelet) through the one half of the magnetic clasp, and tie off. Repeat on the other end. 

Finale:

It's one of those bracelets you can dress up or down. Shown here with Lauren Elan Lily bracelet.

Can't wait to try this same look with these beads next:

Happy weekend!

This or That? Holiday Hair Flair

I tend to think of hair accessories like jewelry. They're ornamental, sparkly, and are sweet additions to your outfit.  No one does hair accessories like Ban.do.  They have a fantastically festive holiday line that includes oversized hair clips and bobby pins, bows, and flowers.

If you were dressing up for a holiday party, which hair accessory would you choose?

Understated Sparkle or Full-On Flower Flair?

Vote in the comments below!

Festively Obsessed

We've got fuzzy sweaters, glitzy jewels, pops of red and gold, warm fur, and toasty beverages in today's festive edition of "obsessed".  Like always, all photos are from my Pinterest jewelry board, but this time all the photos have jewelry plus that "je ne said quois" holiday feel about them. I just love this time of year.  Enjoy!

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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

Do or Don't? The Single Earring

A surprising jewelry trend has been popping up here and there, coming and then disappearing again – a single earring! I spotted Diane Kruger, Milla Jovovich, and many others rocking this bold, asymmetrical look. I am all for experimenting with accessories, but do you think this look is a do or a don't? Should earrings always be worn in pairs or is this a look you totally would try?

Let me know in the comments below!

DIY Friday: Silver Beaded Bracelet with Tassel

I know that most of you will be hitting the malls tomorrow in full combat gear, but if you decide to stay home and want to try your hand at making something (instead of buying something) why not try this simple silver beaded bracelet with tassel?  I wanted something delicate that I could layer with my other silver pieces and thought these small, silver plated beads would be perfect. And the tassel? It's there for a bit of pizazz and color.

You will need:

- silver beads

- elastic cord

- embroidery thread in multiple colors

- scissors

Step 1: 

Measure your wrist with doubled elastic cord, leave extra room for tying. Fold elastic in half (doubling) and start stringing beads onto the cord.  Doubling up on the cord does take a little extra stringing time but it's worth the added security and strength.

Step 2:

Continue stringing beads until you have enough to encircle your wrist.  Tie a double knot (pulling tightly) and snip your ends.

Step 3:

Cut 2 inches of embroidery thread in each color. Fold them in half over the knot. Take another 2 inch strand and tie around the thread (double knot) at the top.  Trim the ends.

 Ta Da!

I frayed the ends a little more by separating the thread for a fuller look. Then I paired it with another silver bracelet to complete the look.  

 Stay tuned for a DIY on the floral, crystal bracelet I made (wearing above) next Friday!