The Perfect Pearl

Bangles are Back!

Jess — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 16:00:37 +0000

This spring bright colors piled on in exciting and bold combinations is all the rage. It is the perfect way to pull yourself out of the winter blues. Warm up your look with combos of purple and yellow, turquoise and coral or pink and green. You can’t go wrong with bright, happy prints and fun accessories to go along with your outfits. This Spring 2010 season, bangles are back – and with a bang! Arms are very popular this season so go ahead and layer on the bracelets. Mix up materials and colors for an exciting look. It’s great to mix gemstones with textured metals or big thick cuffs with thinner traditional bangles. Here are some fun looks I found to give you some ideas when you are out shopping for your spring accessories!

Blue Bangles

I love the combination of white blue and gold in these bangles. They have a simple design to them but are sure to make a statement when you layer them on. This would be a great office or daytime look when paired with a cute blouse. The blue is bright enough to give you that pop of color we all so desperately need without being too flashy.

Bright Bangles

I love these bright colored bangles I found on the internet. Not only do they have the bright colors popular for the springtime but also incorporate another trend – geometric shapes. They are fun and funky, perfect for a weekend look or even a night out with the right outfit. Bangles like these would look good mixed together with textured metal bangles and beads.

Pearl Bangles

Metal Bangles

I love these two styles mixed together. These beautiful white and rose colored pearls mixed with the chic yet simple metal bangles will give you a trendy, sophisticated look. The softness of the pearls mixed with the heaviness of the silver is a fantastic look that will pair fabulously with jeans, a blazer or a cocktail dress!

Cocktail Rings

Jess — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 16:00:51 +0000

By now, everyone has spring fever and is ready for the bright colors and fresh designs for the springtime fashions. What better way to get in the mood for spring than to take a look at what’s trending in the fashion world! A big trend that you can already see all over the red carpets are cocktail rings. Many celebrities and fashion icons have been seen without necklaces lately. This sparse accessorizing around the neck lends itself to big bold pieces elsewhere. Check out some fabulous cocktail rings I spotted that will add flair to any outfit:

Bright Colors

I love this cocktail ring I found while browsing the internet. It is so bright and fun – perfect for spring. The other great thing about this ring is that it is casual enough to wear with anything!

Flower Ring

This flower cocktail ring is fabulous. It has those natural, earthy elements that are so popular this season. A ring like this will definitely add some flair to your outfit!

Pearl Ring

If you are looking for a big cocktail ring for a fancier outfit, try something like this pearl stunner. This is a gorgeous white pearl in a sparkly setting and it will definitely make a statement.

The Versatile Fashionista

Jess — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 16:00:54 +0000

While things in the economy seem to be getting a bit better, most consumers out there are still pinching their pennies. A big trend in jewelry this year is versatile pieces that you can wear during the day and into the night. Silver and pearl jewelry is the perfect choice for versatility. If you go for silver, choose pieces that have the same color gemstones and you will be able to mix and match them with just about any outfit. Pearls are one of the most flexible jewelry choices you can buy. They come in so many colors and styles and they look great with jeans, a blazer or an evening gown. Here are some fun and fashionable choices that can add some affordable versatility to your jewelry collection:

Black Pearls

Find a simple set of pearls like these black ones and you will be wearing them all the time. Pearls like this look great with jeans but will also pair fabulously with a flirty cocktail dress for a night on the town!

Silver Set

Shop around for a set of silver jewelry like this set here. Find a set you love that is simple and sleek. Pieces with clear crystals or diamonds will look great with t-shirts, blazers or a fun top for date night.

Tri-Layer Necklace

This silver necklace is a great choice for versatility. It can be worn with just about any outfit. Go for a bold look and wear all three together or opt for the simpler look and just wear one.

Multi-color Pearl Necklace

I love this pearl necklace I found while browsing the web. It has beautiful white, rose and black pearls strung in an intricate design. This necklace, while it might look fancy can be matched with quite a lot.

Pearls and Scrunchies – Match Made in Heaven

Jess — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 16:00:52 +0000

Anyone who follows the world of fashion knows that any, and I mean ANY trend can revive itself. We have seen leggings, slap bracelets, neon colors, chunky jewelry and shoulder pads all make a run for it in today’s fashion world. While some of these old-become-new trends thrive and others fall flat. One fashion trend that I never believed would have made a comeback though – the scrunchy. These oversized, cheesy, elastic hair bands have been scorned in the fashion industry ever since the days of Punky Brewster came to an end.

Marc Jacobs Pearl Scrunchy

Thanks to the ever-so-fashionable Marc Jacobs however, the scrunchy is making a comeback. He took an old, tired trend and turned it into something beautiful – worthy of the most girly girls and ballerinas everywhere. He wove luxurious fabrics with gorgeous, lustrous pearls and adorned each and every one of his models with one at his spring show. He pleated and wound the pastel fabrics into exquisite designs and perfectly placed each bright white pearl. These hair accessories are not even close to being reminiscent of the 80’s. They are sophisticated and luxurious to say the very least.

Small accessories like this embellished with high quality gemstones, like pearls are a hot commodity this season. With the economy still on the downswing, consumers are looking for the best ways to penny pinch but still look their best. Marc Jacobs pearl scrunchies are the perfect example of the big, bold accessories that are sure to hit stores everywhere this Spring.

If you can’t afford the Marc Jacobs version of the hair scrunchy, don’t be upset! There are other options out there for the budget-minded consumer. Check out a few of these other feminine, pearl-studded hair scrunchies:

Black Pearl Scrunchy

This is a fabulous hair accessory that can add pizazz to almost any updo. It is made of a soft fabric and three strands of variegated white pearls make for the perfect embellishment. Remember – when it comes to hair scrunchies, there is a fine line to walk between sophistication and just downright awful!

Lace and Pearl Scrunchy

This scrunchy is a great variation of the Marc Jacobs scrunchy. It has beautiful pastel fabrics woven with a delicate lace and a few perfect white pearls to add a touch of luxury. Something like this is subtle yet speaks volumes about how fashion forward every detail of your wardrobe is!

Copper and Gold Delights

Jess — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 15:50:07 +0000

Getting back in touch with nature is a theme in every part of society nowadays. Everything is “green” – it has become a trend of sorts to be earth-friendly. This earthy, bond with Mother Nature has even seeped into the fashion world. Metals like oxidized copper and gold are extremely popular on runways and in stores. Mixing them with other earthy elements like pearls and natural stones makes for some beautiful pieces of jewelry. When opting to buy nature-inspired pieces, stick with warm, earthy tones like greens, browns and yellows. Look for pieces with natural stones and lots of textured metal. Here are some great pieces I found while searching around:

Copper Bracelet

Big, cuff bracelets are all the rage right now and this is beautiful piece. The band is gorgeous, textured oxidized copper and there is a natural cream colored stone set on the top. This would be a great bracelet to wear on the weekends with a pair of blue jeans, boots and a casual top.

Copper Necklace

Statement necklaces are a big trend in the fashion world. This is a great way to get in touch with your roots. There are beautiful yellow and turquoise beads strung together with a huge, hammered copper pendant detail. This necklace could look great with just the right cocktail dress and would definitely be the statement of your outfit!

Gold Earrings

I fell in love with these earrings when I came across them online. They have a great gold hoop detail to them with beautiful black and white pearls and crystals perfectly placed on the gold chain. These are a great way to mix edgy and feminine styles together. These earrings are also subtle enough for everyday wear but have enough interest to draw attention!

Layers, Layers and More Layers!

Jess — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 15:47:10 +0000

Anyone who follows the fashion world at all knows that layered accessories are very popular this year. Whether you layer on a bunch of necklaces or bracelets, you can’t go wrong. It’s a fun trend too, allowing you to pull out 5 or 6 necklaces from your collection, wear them together and be on the edge of fashion! It’s a simple trend too, there really isn’t much you can do to mess up this fashion must-do. Just don’t go overboard- there is such thing as too many – you don’t want to have a hard time holding your head up because your necklaces are too heavy! Fashion and its accessories have a sort of split personality this year. On one end, they are super feminine and soft while the urban, edgy style of the 80’s is making a new impression. Mixing unexpected elements together like metal chains and soft pearls can give you a fantastic look for any time of day. Check out some of these examples I found on the web:

Sarah Jessica Parker

One of my favorite fashion inspirations – Sarah Jessica Parker – went bold on this necklace ensemble. She paired some simple chains in golds and silvers, all different sizes and lengths with a couple chunkier pieces up by her neck. Paired with her simple shimmery outfit, her layered necklaces are the perfect accessory! So, if she can be any example for those of you out there wanting to try out this look – go bold!

Hillary Duff

In this photo, Hillary Duff shows the perfect union of edgy and feminine. She has on an urban, shimmery black mini dress but layered on a bunch of beautiful strands of white pearls in all different sizes and lengths. This adds a classy and feminine touch to a rock star outfit. The lesson here is – don’t be afraid to mix styles, you might be pleased with the result!

Layered Pearls

This is a great example of a necklace you might be able to find in stores or online. This has some beautiful black pearls paired with black beads and a crystal flower detail. This necklace would look great paired with some long metal chains worn with a collared shirt to the office or a simple dress for a night on the town.

State of the Union Fashion

Jess — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 15:43:23 +0000

Like millions of Americans around the country, I tuned in to watch the President deliver the State of the Union address. Before the President enters the room, the cameras

Michelle Obama

pan across the attendees. One thing I immediately noticed were how many of the women in the room adorned their necks with strands of pearls. Undoubtedly, Michelle Obama has had a major influence as her single strand of white pearls has become a type of trademark for her fashion. In signature style, Michelle Obama was wearing a budget-friendly dress designed by Issac Mizrahi and she had on her single strand of white pearls.

Nancy Pelosi

This is such a simple style statement but makes such an impact whenever she puts them on. There is no doubt that other women in the political arena have been influenced by Michelle’s simple, sophisticated style. Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi even made her mark on the fashion world with her sleek lavender suit that she paired with a gorgeous multi-colored strand of pearls. Pelosi’s necklace was comprised of large, possibly Tahitian or South Sea pearls, in ivory, white and gray. She matched her necklace with a beautiful pair of pearl stud earrings. It made for the perfect leadership outfit.

Warning: Toxic Jewelry

Jess — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 16:00:41 +0000

There are so many things out there in the world that can harm your child that it can drive a parent crazy trying to keep up and worry about all of them. One of the last things parents would expect to bring harm to their child would be jewelry. Media outlets everywhere have released warnings about certain types of children’s jewelry that is shipped in from China. This jewelry can contain Cadmium, a heavy metal that is more toxic than lead.

The cheap jewelry in question is sold nationwide in large-chain stores like Wal-Mart and Claire’s. Some of the jewelry that has been tested has been shown to be made almost entirely of Cadmium. Long-term exposure to this heavy metal can have devastating effects on children and adults alike including kidney damage, lung damage and fragile bones.

Toxic Pendant

The jewelry suspected to contain toxic levels of Cadmium include children’s charm bracelets and pendants, like this Rudolph pendant. Other pieces include “The Princess and the Frog” themed jewelry sold at stores like Claire’s. Wal-Mart stores have pulled many of the suspected toxic jewelry from its shelves as a safety precaution. Federal law agents have also gotten involved in the situation to dispose of and prevent more toxic jewelry from entering the US and making its way onto store shelves.

The best course of action is to be aware of the possible risk and thoroughly inspect packaging of anything you buy for your child. If the packaging on a piece of jewelry says “Made in China” it might be better to play it on the safe side and choose something different. Lawmakers are in the process of passing new laws banning Cadmium usage in the United States but it hasn’t happened yet. Most stores have also pulled anything they deem dangerous, but you can never be too safe!

Egyptian Fever

Jess — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 16:00:03 +0000

Vintage, tribal and geometric influences are everywhere in fashion this season. Designers, celebrities and fashion enthusiasts everywhere are snatching up Egyptian inspired accessories. Egyptian elements are inspired by nature and make bold statements. Golds, bronzes and coppers are popular this season and it is easy to find Egyptian inspired accessories made of these metals. Eagles, snakes and geometric shapes are popular elements along with beautiful green and yellow gemstones. Egyptian culture has always stirred a sense of mystery and wonder and these new accessories have the same effect.

Eagle Cuff

Large cuff bracelets are all the rage and this bracelet is the perfect way to capture Egyptian inspiration into your wardrobe. This cuff is made of beautiful gold and embellished with a gorgeous green gemstone and the eagle is shown off with beautiful white diamonds.

Beaded Necklace

If you want to feel the mystery and seductive nature of Egyptian culture, try a necklace like this one. Long draping strands accented with beautiful green and yellow gemstones are perfectly reminiscent of that ancient time. You can feel like Egyptian royalty when you wear a necklace like this!

Gold Bangles

Since layered bracelets are huge this year, why not blend two trends into one? Pile on a bunch of gold bangles like these ones for the perfect everyday look. Find a soft gold embellished with minimal stones in greens or yellows. Bangles like these pair perfectly with just about any outfit since they are so neutral.

Bracelets and Bangles!

Jess — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 16:00:26 +0000

A popular accessories trend for the upcoming season is layers, but not only in necklaces. Many celebrities and fashionistas can be seen wearing a bold combination of medium to wide bracelets in multiples on their wrists. It’s a fantastic look to pair fun and funky metallics like gold, copper and bronze with sparkly gemstones and the soft femininity of pearls. Just remember that if you are going to make a big statement with your bracelets, take it easy on your other accessories. You don’t want to look like a walking jewelry store! One big, bold statement is all you need when it comes to fashion. Here are some great bracelets I found online:

Chocolate Pearl Bracelet

This is a simply fabulous bracelet that I need to pick up for myself! It is beautifully embellished with the ever popular chocolate pearls, white freshwater pearls and other sparkling gemstones. It has a gorgeous wide cuff design and is perfect to wear dressed up for a night out or with jeans and tank top on the weekend.

Sarah Jessica Parker

Sarah Jessica Parker is always fashion forward. In this picture, at a promotion for her perfume you can see the bracelets she is wearing. The layered silver and turquoise bangles in varying widths and sizes together for a fantastic look. This layered look is so easy and affordable to achieve but showcase how important the details are!

Layered Pearls

This picture is the perfect example of how to layer pearl bracelets. There are white, ivory and rose colored pearls in different sizes layered with other sparkly, gemstone embellished bracelets. This is a great, feminine look that you can wear with just about any outfit and is so easy and affordable to achieve.