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 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!

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

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

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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One Piece, Three Ways: Holiday Necklace

The mercury is dropping and it's beginning to at least look like the holidays are just around the corner. Everywhere I look - department stores, coffee shops, book stores - Christmas trees are popping up and red, silver, and gold are sparkling away. For me, the "red cup" at Starbucks signals the official launch of the holidays season, and well, I got one over the weekend.

All of this holiday cheer got me thinking about festive jewelry and accessories.  The necklaces tend to be bigger; the earrings, fancier; and the bracelets, sparklier.

Let's start with the necklaces. Look for a versatile piece that you can wear with a party dress or jeans. Stick with silver or gold or mixed metals. You don't really need to add in color here.  Look for a piece that you wouldn't likely wear in the summer. Think crystals, pearls, and other heavy gems. This Kenneth Cole Urban Glitz Link Necklace from Piperlime is a good example.

Office Holiday Party

Necklace, Piperlime

Dress, Free People

Shoes, Schutz

Clutch, Clare Vivier

Holiday Brunch with the Girls

Necklace, Piperlime

Jeans, Joe's

Sweater, Jack by Bb Dakota

Booties, Steve Madden 

Christmas Eve Celebration

Necklace, Piperlime

Top, 213 Industry

Skirt, Tinley Road

Tights, Kate Spade  

Shoes, Envy Footwear