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

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? 

Get the Look: Easter Ready

Planning on dressing up for Easter this weekend? Why not try this pretty look! With blush ruffles and a show stopping arm party, you'll be the belle of your Easter dinner.

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1. Sweet Valentine Dress, Free People

2. Rhinestone + Chain bracelet, Piperlime

3. Rhinestone bracelet, Delia's

4. Chain bracelet, Piperlime

5. Heart charm bracelet, J.Crew

6. Bow ring, Max & Chloe

Trend Spotting: Soft Elastic Hair Ties (+bracelets!)

Tired of traditional ponytail holders that break and dent your hair? These hair ties, made from a hand knotted soft and stretchy material, are just the solution! They double as bracelets, and with the endless colour and pattern possibilities, you can be sure to find one (or two!) to coordinate with your outfit. 

I've been seeing these soft hair ties popping up everywhere. I can't seem to find who made them first (Emi-Jay maybe? Let me know if you know!), as I like to give credit where credit is due...but it's likely there are so many brands and versions because they look relatively easy to make.  If you know how to tie a knot, you can go into business. Not looking to DIY? Here are some of my favorite hair ties below!

Styled photos: ManeMessage

1. Anthropologie, Multitude Hair Ties, $16

2. Nordstrom, Kitsch Hair Ties (5-Pack),

3. Nordstrom, Emi-Jay Silver Glitter Hair Ties, $6.97

4. Shopbop, Bop Basics Solid Neon Hair Tie Set (18), $36

5. Nordstrom, Emi-Jay Chevron Hair Ties (3-Pack), $6.97

6. Anthropologie, Crystalline Hair Ties, $24

7. Anthropologie, Charmed Hair Ties, $24

8. Free People, Free People Elastic Printed Hair Ties, $10.23

9. Etsy, Hair ties by The Tye, $5

Seasonal Look: Metallic Accessories for Winter

In my opinion, the best time for shinny, icy, metallic accessories is in the winter. The high shine finish is reminiscent of winter, snow, and ice and actually brightens an otherwise dull look.  So throw on your favourite metallic bracelet for a blinding arm-party or pop on those reflective sunglasses to keep the glare out of your eyes. Any way you choose to wear it, metallic accessories are just right for winter.

1. Alexander McQueen Metallic glossed-leather cardholder

2. Rebecca Minkoff Heart Bracelet

3. Deepa Gurnani Metallic Petal Cuff

4. Ray-Ban Mirrored Cats 5000 Aviator Sunglasses

5. Rebecca Minkoff Little Louie Metallic Leather Key Pouch

6. CC Skye Pave Studded Cuff

7. Hive & Honey Hammered Metal Cuff

8. Michael Kors Glam Studded High Top

9. Kate Spade Passport Holder

10. House of Harlow 1960 Skull Vial Necklace

11. Free People Metallic Belt

Get Organized, 2013 Style

The start of a new year feels fresh and exciting with seemingly endless possibilities for new goals and changes.  For me, the new year always signals a fresh start and a chance to get more organized. Pretty calendars abound, new pens and paper products call my name. As I enter a new chapter of life, preparing for a wee baby to join our family, I am going to need to more organized than ever before. Not only do I have to keep track of my own appointments and deadlines, but a Little One's as well. Oh, and try to keep up with my writing on top of keeping him/her alive. Here are some products I have my eye on to help me with this goal. Do you have any tips for staying organized?

1. Free People Desktop e-Calendar, free download / 2. Marc by Marc Jacobs Wallet / 3. Diesel Watch / 4. Paper Source 2013 Paper Source Art Grid Calendar /5. Kate Spade 2013 Desk Top Spiral Calendar / 6. Rebecca Minkoff M.A.C. /

Important Note: I know this post wasn't very jewelry heavy, but for 2013 I am expanding Jolie Jouel to include all accessories.  Jewelry will definitely still be the main focus, but now and then you'll see handbags, shoes, scarves, tech accessories and more. Hope you enjoy the variety every now and then! xx

Fun Halloween Jewelry

Not ready to go to work or class dressed as a sexy cat? Then take Halloween to place it doesn't normally go - a classy one! Yes, it can be done. Rather than dressing up like Katniss or Snooki, opt for some adult friendly Halloween jewelry during the day and join in the Halloween spirit while keeping your dignity intact!

And the good news is, whether it be some fun orange jewelry, a snake ring, or a spider necklace, you can get wear out of these items year round. Can't say that for your costume, can you?

1. Katrina Lapenne, Double headed snake ring, Catbird
2. EMANUELE BICOCCHI Bat and cobwweb ring, Farfetch
3. Tom Binns, Spider Earrings, Shopbop
4. Jennifer Zeuner Jewelry Long Diamond Snake Bracelet, Shopbop
5. Dream Collective Snake Bangle, Free People
6. Skull Earrings, Boticca
7. BCBGeneration Ring, Silver Tone Bat Two Finger Ring, Macy's
8. Adia Kibur Layered Beads Necklace, Shopbop
9. Pack of Two Snake Stretch Bracelets, ASOS
10. Kenneth Jay Lane Tassel Pendant Necklace, Shopbop
11. Tom Binns, Spikder necklace, Shopbop
12. Tom Binns, Spider ring, Shopbop

Stay tuned for an exciting DIY dupe for the Tom Binns gold spider ring. Can't wait to share this one with you!

"DIY Friday": My Little Eye

This is a slightly different take on DIY Friday as I don't have step by step instructions for you, dear reader. I definitely "did this myself" but I don't expect most people to have the tools and materials to make one themselves. I hope that you'll still enjoy seeing my DIY below!

As long-time readers know, I love evil eye jewelry. Not for any supersitious reasons, I just really love the way they look. So the only rational thing to do was to make my own eye shaped ring.  I scultpted it in wax and cast it in silver. The result is less than perfect, but it's all a learning experience. This ring is one of the more difficult pieces I've made and am already thinking of ways to perfect it next time.

Some other evil eye jewelry that I am loving lately.

1. Catbrid, Evil Eye ring
2. Catbird, Odette NY Ojos Cuff
3. Free People, Vanessa Mooney Evil Eye bracelet
4. Free People, Odette NY Ojos ring
5. Free People, Leather Beaded Eye bracelet

Trend Spotting: First Knuckle Rings

I am loving all of the dainty knuckle rings I've been seeing on everyone from celebs to bloggers. I own one first knuckle ring - the Mr. Kate bow crown ring - and absolutely love it. I get so many compliments on it, I believe, because it's so unexpected. Now I have my eye on Catbird's first knuckle ring, a dainty alternative that can be worn everyday as part of my basic jewelry uniform. What do you think about first knuckle rings?

1. Free People, Sparkle Midi ring
2. Tobi, Kate Mid Knuckle ring
3. Catbird, First Knuckle Ring
4. Free People, Dion Ring
5. Mr. Kate, Bow Knuckle ring
6. Mr. Kate, Sif Knuckle ring
7. Mr. Kate, Screw Knuckle ring
8. Free People, Sterling Silver Midi Ring
9. Free People, Delray ring