Hello, Goodbye

It's almost time to say goodbye to 2013 and hello to 2014. This year was so special for me for many reasons - but most importantly because I became a mom to the sweetest baby girl. I'll be taking a little time this holiday to reflect on the successes of 2013 and scheme up plans for 2014. Here's a look back at Jolie Jouel in 2013 - a year filled with life-changing 'firsts', fun DIYs, trend spotting, and style posts. As always, thanks for following along and see you in 2014!

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Holiday Sparkle

There is no better time to sparkle than during the holidays. Christmas parties abound and throwing on glittery earrings or a few sparkling necklaces is the best way to look and feel festive. This season my go-to sparkle has been my red Swarovski encrusted necklace by up and coming British jewellery designer, Burju. If you're looking for a one-of-a-kind, perfectly festive (for any time of year!) statement necklace, look no further than Burju.

Here's my take on holiday sparkle and a few other great options below!

1. Necklace c/o Burju

2. Fanned Drop Earrings, J Crew

3. Gold Ring, Anthropologie

4. Star bracelet, J Crew

5. Frieda and Nellie Ring, Shopbop

6. Ribbon Necklace, Anthropologie 

7. Zig Zag Rings, Shopbop

8. Glitter Watch, Kate Spade

9. Pear Necklace, J Crew

10. White Stone Bracelet, Anthropologie 

11. Textured Cuff, Anthropologie

12. Tripple Ring, Anthropologie

13. Frieda and Nellie Ring, Shopbop

Gift Guide: Personalized Presents

It's extra-special when you receive a gift that's personalized just for you. The extra thought that goes into a personalized purchase delivers the message 'I was really thinking of you this season.' Of course my personalized gift of choice is of the jewelry variety...but see all of my favorite monogrammed gifts below!

1. Gorjana Alphabet Necklace

2. C Wonder Gold Wine Stopper

3. Gorjana Coin Bracelet

4. Anthropologie Gem Monogrammed Wristlet

5. Jacquie Aiche Alphabet Ring

6. Monogrammed Coasters

7. Rebecca Minkoff Pouch

8. Chapters Indigo Gold Wall Letter

9. Anthropologie Mug

10. Anthropologie Letter Hooks

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

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

One Look, Three Ways: Convertible Jacket

This convertible jacket by Tart Collections is perfect for damp, fall weather. I wore mine yesterday while getting coffee in the rain with my sweet little family. The fabric is perfect for drizzly, autumnal weather. The best part? The sleeves and hood zip off for an instant style change. Puffy vests are so in style this season.

One Piece, Three Ways: 

Convertible Jacket by Tart Collections

My take:

Skinny army green pants, American Eagle (old) (love these two similar and similar)

Floral tunic, Aritzia

Gold Lariat (DIY) (luxe similar)

Booties, Aldo (old) (similar and similar sale!)

Satchel, Coach (old) (similar)

Jacket, c/o Tart Collections

Brunch with the girls:

1. Sweater dress, Piperlime

2. Necklace, Tom Binns

3. Over the knee boots, Piperlime 

4. Vest, Tart Collections

5. Clutch, Claire Vivier

Running errands:

1. Grey Jeans, Paige Denim

2. Jacket, Tart Collections

3. Boots, Frye 

4. Fuzzy white sweater, Piperlime 

5. Purse, Marc by Marc Jacobs 

6. Beanie, Echo

Fall Favourites

Autumn is my favourite season, which makes this post my favourite of the favourites! Here are my favourite things from the 2013 fall season.

Rings

I love layering and stacking my rings. I am completely head over heals with black stones at the moment and love how my two Jennie Kwon rings go so well together. One is onyx, the other, black diamonds.

Purple nail polish

This nail polish didn't chip for the better of a week. That never happens for me. Between insane amounts of typing and caring for a 5 month old, this is a feat unto itself. I also love that this is a true purple, swaying from the typical dark burgundy-near-black hue that permeates the season. Sally Hanson Complete Salon Manicure in Trouble Maker.

The Walking Dead

Elizabeth Dehn for One Love Organics Active Moisture Vitamin B Enzyme Cleansing Oil & Makeup Remover

This cleanser feels rich, moisturizing, and totally indulgent. My skin loves it.  Did I mention it's an exfoliating oil? The perfect one-two punch for cooler temps.

Pumpkin muffins

In the past two months, I have made these muffins more times than I care to admit.  I adapted this Kraft pumpkin loaf recipe for muffins. I left out the cream cheese and added chocolate chips. Heaven.

Succulents

Plaid Scarf

Sweater dresses

I am loving this sweater dress from Tart Collections for fall. It's so easy to throw on and instantly looks polished and thought-out. Not to mention, the two tone side panels are totally slimming.

Line Lust: Blair Eadie x BaubleBar, Part Deux

She's back as guest bartender! And I'll have one of everything she's serving up. Blair Eadie, style mix-master behind the blog Atlantic-Pacific, has released her second collection with Bauble Bar and it is straight up awesome. The collection includes statement necklaces and stackable rings reflecting her much sought after style. Can't wait to get my hands on a few of those midi (aka first knuckle) rings!

*all images via Bauble Bar

Check out the entire collection here!

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 

DIY Friday: Hallowe'en Spider Ring

I am jumping back into the Jolie Jouel archives for this spooky DIY. Read on to see how you can make this gold, Tom Binns, spider ring dupe.

I came across this gold, Tom Binns spider ring a few weeks ago while I was working on my Halloween jewelry post. It got me thinking about a more affordable DIY alternative for Halloween. I was reminded of the plastic spider rings we used to wear as kids and headed out to the craft supply store to investigate. The result is a pretty good dupe for the Tom Binns version and will save you a ton of money.

You will need:
- plastic spider rings
- gold paint (I used Martha Stewart's liquid gilding in gold)
- paint brush
- optional: rhinestones or beads for extra bling.

Prep the area with newspaper, cardboard, or construction paper. Shake up the paint and lay out the spider rings.

Cover the rings in gold paint. Make sure to get in all the nooks and crannies. Let dry and then flip the rings to paint the areas you couldn't get to on the first coat. One coat was enough with the Martha Stewart paint, but if you're using a different brand it may take two or more coats for a solid finish.

Add rhinestones or beads for an even glitzier look! Use super glue (carefully!) and get creative. Or you can keep your spider pure gold a la Tom Binns.

Ta da! You're all set for Halloween and will have the prettiest spider ring out there.

Will you try this DIY spider ring for Halloween?