Colour Moment: Jet Black

I am having a jewelry love affair with black stones! I know summer is the time to lighten up, but there is something striking and unexpected about black that will always stand out, no matter the month.

1. Vita Fede, mini titan bracelet

2. Jennie Kwon, emerald cut onyx ring

3. blanca monros gomez, Black Diamond Small Dainty Necklace

4. Alexa Leigh, Black Rhodium and Black Pavé Diamond Elijo Ring

5. Zoe Chicco, black pave v ring

6. Gemma Redux, mood bracelet

7. House of Harlow 1960, Seer's Necklace

8. B-Low The Belt, Bow bracelet

9. Jacquie Aiche, Anklet

10. House of Harlow 1960, Sunburst necklace

11. Gorjana, bloom necklace

12. Jennie Kwon, black diamond cuff ring

13. blanca monros gomez, Little Black Diamond Stud Earrings

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.

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

Line Lust: Gemma Redux SS13

Gemma Redux SS13 was revealed last week (I am always on the edge of my seat, eagerly waiting new Gemma Redux pieces!) and it does not disappoint. The collection is composed of a mix of fabulous turquoise and aqua pieces, simpler curved metal pieces, and brass gemstones that look like tiny bars of solid gold. Each piece is handmade in New York city. My favorites are below or you can click here to see the full line!

All jewelry images from gemmaredux.com

Colour Moment: Turquoise

The first jewelry I fell in love with was a tray full of turquoise and silver jewels from a shop on a Native Reserve near my cottage. Something about those two colours together just spoke to me and will forever remind me of gloriously hot summers, teepees, and the sweet smell of a warm summer breeze. I wanted every piece of turquoise jewelry in the tray.  The chunkier the better. To this day I still love turquoise jewelry and the bohemian luxe flair that it ads to any outfit.

As a throwback to my first jewelry love, I've rounded up my current favourite turquoise pieces on the market.

1. My own turquoise ring. Acquired during my high school years, I'll never let it go.

2. DANNIJO, Perra Cuff

3. Samantha Wills, Bohemian Bardot Ring

4. The 2Bandits, Daytripper Necklace

5. Samantha Wills, Cleo's Secret Earrings

6. Samantha Wills, All For You Earrings

7. The 2Bandits, Teepee Cuff

8. The 2Bandits, Morning Glory Necklace

9. Samantha Wills, Cameo Lover Collar Necklace

10. The 2Bandits, Canoe Paddle Earrings

11. Samantha Wills, Back to the Garden Ring

12. The 2Bandits, Concho Wing Cuff

13. Samatha Wills, Belle Dejour Ring

14. Gemma Redux, Turquoise Pendant Necklace

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

Lately...

It's been awhile since I've showcased the jewelry I've been wearing lately. Here it is!

1. Robyn Rhodes Egypt necklace
2. DIY ombre bracelet with Lauren Elan Meghan bracelet
3. Sparkly Forever 21 necklace (similar here) with a bunny tee
4. Lauren Elan Meghan bracelet with DIY black beaded necklace
5. American Eagle Leather Bow bracelet
6. Stella and Dot Renegade Cluster necklace + Lauren Elan Jemma necklace
7. Forever 21 Flower bib (similar here)
8. Gemma Redux Braided necklace (sample sale!)
9. Gemma Redux Liz necklace

How To: Lengthen a Necklace

I love my braided Gemma Redux necklace.  It goes with nearly everything I own and is the perfect mix of gunmetal and bright silver. The only thing I sometimes wish, depending on what I am wearing, is that the necklace was a little longer. There are times when a longer necklace just looks better. Longer necklaces are slimming, a little more laid back, and are an interesting switch up from the omnipresent shorter necklace.

Today is one of those days. I threw on a very fitted black tank, a boyfriend cardigan, and skinny jeans and wanted the help of a long necklace to keep drawing the eye down and keep my proportions in check.

In a matter of minutes I found a simple solution and wanted to share this helpful trick with you. I know I'll be doing this a number of my necklaces this season!

Step one:
Choose your a short to mid-length necklace.

Step 2:
Measure out a piece of matching chain to the desired length and fold chain in half.

Step 3:
Loop the chain through one end of the neckace.

Step 4:
Guide a jump ring through the open ends of your extension chain. Guide the same jump ring through the other, clasped end of your necklace.

Step 5:
Cloe the jump ring for a finished look.

Here you have your longer necklace in 5 simple steps!

 Can you see yourself trying this trick at home?

Fall Jewelry Must-Haves

It's official, the days are getting shorter (sob, sob) and the mercury is beginning to drop. Before we know it the leaves will be changing to colors we never knew existed and we'll be piling on the layers to enjoy the crisp autumn air.  The slightly cooler temps got me thinking about Fall wardrobe staples and what the essential jewelry pieces are for the Fall 2012 season.  If you're going to invest in a few new pieces this Fall, something from each one of these categories would be my humble suggestion.

Chains:

Dannijo, Joanna Necklace 

Lauren Elan, Bennett

Gemma Redux, Crystal Drop Ellie Earrings

Catbird, Chained To My Heart Earrings

Gemma Redux, Braided Rose-Tone Gunmetal and Steel Chain Bracelet

Gemma Redux, Black Tourmaline Liz Necklace

Bright Bracelets:

Lauren Elan, Aja Bracelet

Lauren Elan, Lia Bracelets

Erickson Beamon, Modern Moghul Bracelet

Animal Inspired:

Vale, Shark Tooth Necklace 

Digby + Iona, Big Bunny Ring

Katrina Lapenne, Two-Headed Snake Ring

Verameat, Tiny Frenchie Lover Necklace

First Knuckle Rings:

Catbird, Dark Side of the Moon Ring

Catbird, Rose Gold First Knuckle Ring

Mr. Kate, Bow Crown Ring

Sale Alert: Gemma Redux

One of my all-time favorite designers is having a sale that was too good not to share. Gemma Redux is having her annual online sample sale. The sale started yesterday and new pieces will continue to be added until 8pm tomorrow.  Visit the Sale! The site was having a lot of issues when the sale first went live (due to high traffic), but now that it's a day into it, you should be fine :)

These items aren't guaranteed to be in the sale (they were the first day, but may have been snatched up!), but these photos will give you an idea of what beautiful pieces you could pick up for a steal! Happy shopping!

 *All photos from gemmaredux.com

Which would you rather: For $735

Would you rather one, big ticket item or many items for the same price?

Your choice (if you choose to accept):

- one Diamond Filigree Necklace for $735

OR

- one Two-Headed Snake Ring
- one Ampersand Ring
- one Ojos Eye Cuff
- one Mini Bar Ring
- one pair of Gemma Redux earrings
- set of Marc by Marc Jacobs Jelly bracelets
for $736

Vote in the comments below! 

Which Would You Rather: for $545

I can never decide if it's better to invest in pricier but more quality pieces or to get the most bang for my buck and choose quantity over quality. There are so many pieces that I would love to own that are just out of my price range. But if I saved up and stop buying cheaper pieces I would be able to buy fewer, but more expensive pieces. I am not totally sure which is better, and like most things, it probably depends on the situation. If there is an expensive piece of jewelry you're in love with and know you'll get a lot of use out of, you'll probably save up. For trendier pieces I am guessing most of you would choose cheaper options.

But let's get specific. Would you rather this Gemma Redux necklace for $545.00 or eight pieces for the same price?

Gemma Redux, Cordelia Necklace, $545
------- Or -------
J. Crew, OGJM azalea bracelet, $74
ASOS, Aztec Triangle Drop Earrings, $13.26
J. Crew, Crystal Cupcake Necklace, $138
J. Crew, Classic Link Bracelet, $102
ASOS, Multi Chain Rounded Collar Necklace, $19.88
Shashi, Neon Nugget Bracelet, $22
Frieda and Nellie, Ravishing Rodeo bracelet, $160
ASOS, Spike Stretch Bracelet, $13.26
+ a cup of coffee = $545


Let me know in the comments below which you would choose!

Summer Wish List

It's been awhile since I've put together a wishlist...it's time!

1. Max & Chloe Crystal Leaf Necklace
2. Juliet & Company Mirage Necklace
3. Digby + Iona Big Bunny Ring
4. Jezebel Evil Eye Ring
5. Nixon Kensington watch
6. Satomi Kawakita Bar Ring
7. Gemma Redux Sasha bracelet
8. Forever 21 Beaded Collar necklace

I had no idea I was wishing for so much gold until the collage came together! If you had told me two years ago I'd be looking at gold jewelry instead of silver, I wouldn't have believed it. But there you have it folks! Gold is just so pretty. I am a convert.

Celebrity Style: Jessica Alba

Jessica Alba is an actress, a multi-tasking mom, and an entrepreneur. Despite a busy lifestyle, Jessica always manages to look stylish and put together - right down the fine details of her accessories.  I for one love Jessica's style. At times she has a rocker-chic vibe, while at other times a more whimsical bohemian vibe, and the next day she'll make ultra preppy look cool. One thing that remains the same no matter what her style? Her killer jewelry.

A few photos of Jessica Alba's enviable jewelry collection below!

pc: stylehive.com / sylebistro.com / lifefashiontrends.com / prenses-style / stylegoddessblog.com / weheartit.com 

Style tips:
Go for chunky necklaces. Jessica loves a statement necklace for day and evening, casual and formal.  Chunky necklaces are youthful and fun.  Don't know where to start? Jessica is a big fan of Gemma Redux, so check out that collection first!

Stack your bracelets. Jessica also loves an arm party! Go for mixed metals and don't forget to add in a few fun pops of color.

Wear earrings with formal outfits. While Jessica's go to accessory is undoubtedly the statement necklace, she tends to switch things up while dressing-up.  You'll often see Jess on the red carpet in a stunning dress and breathtaking earrings. Take a page out of Jessica's book and try retiring your necklaces for a night out in favor of a pair of statement earrings. You'll be glad you did!

Lately

A few snaps of the jewelry I've been wearing lately:

Jolie Jouel Chevron necklace.

 Jolie Joule charms - Aztec, Arrow, & Chevron

 Stella and Dot Renegade Cluster Necklace.

 Jolie Jouel Arrow necklace.

Mr. Kate Twig Cuff, Jolie Jouel Arrow bracelet, Jolie Jouel squiggle bracelet, random rings on ring finger, and Jolie Jouel finger bangle on index finger.

Gemma Redux Liz necklace.

Jolie Jouel Horseshoe necklace.

Celebrity Jewelry Style: Blake Lively

Blake Lively has an enviable style. From her golden, bouncy hair down to her Louboutins, she's got it going on.  Lately I've been obsessing over street style images of Blake and set photos of Serena van der Woodsen. They really are the same person, aren't they? Blake is often quoted as saying that she and Serena have the same wardrobe and her style wouldn't be where it is today without Gossip Girl.

Both Blake and Serena (is this getting confusing?) are all about accessorizing. There is no denying that Blake's clothes are top of the line and ultra chic, but her accessories usually steal the spotlight.

Here are a few of my fave Blake Lively jewelry moments:

pc: stylebistro.com, beadingnecklace.com, rosearkrated.com, coolspotters.com, boticca.com

Based on these photos, Blake appears to favor jewelry designers Gemma Redux, Lorraine Schwartz, Chanel, and Carla Reiter.  Can't blame her! 
***Check back tomorrow to see how you can steal her look!***

Deal of the Month

This deal was too good NOT to share! Especially since so many of you loved the mixed metals post from a few days ago. Now you can have your very own mixed metals piece at a fraction of the price! I ordered mine as soon as the email arrived...so it's now safe to spread the news knowing that I've secured mind. I kid, kid, I'd share with my dear readers any day.  Enough babble, onto the deal!

Can you believe it?! This necklace was originally $398 USD and is on sale for $59 USD. Gasp. I thought there was a typo when I received the email.  It's on special for Mother's Day (insert collective "awwww"), and what a Mother's Day gift it would be! I can't think of a single Mom who wouldn't want to be given this beautiful necklace on her special day. 

The Liz necklace by Gemma Redux is made up of Rough Cut Rock Crystal, Steel, 18K Gold, Brass And Steel Plate Chain.

Ps - I won't tell if you decide to keep it for yourself ;) xxjj

Mixed Metals Vs. Pure Metal

*All necklaces Gemma Redux*

It's time for another This or That post! Where do you stand on mixing metals? It used to be a major faux pas to wear gold and silver at the same time and now, not only is it acceptable, it's encouraged and stylish! Do you tend to mix things up or keep your jewelry strickly silved toned or gold toned at one time?

Still not convinced about mixing metals? Take a look at how these ladies have mastered the trend.

pc: Atlantic-Pacific, Shop Bicyclette, Brooklyn Blonde