The Perfect Everyday Earring
In Texas, a visit to James Avery Craftsman is sort of a right of passage for most girls. Generally, that first trip occurs some time around age 10. For me, that was the age at which I acquired my first charm bracelet. From that day forward, every holiday meant another James Avery gift. For me, stepping into a James Avery store brings back a ton of memories. I still have and wear nearly every piece of the line that I have ever purchased or received as a gift. The majority of James Avery stores are in Texas, but thankfully, now you can shop James Avery online.
When I was 12, my mom bought me a pair of the Christina French Clip earrings:
James Avery Craftsman Christina French Clips
I have worn them at least once a week ever since FOR SIXTEEN YEARS (wow, I feel old)! And they still look just as good as the day my mother bought them. Yes, the jewelry is a bit pricey, but the pieces are of high quality and of timeless style. They are also the kind of earrings that can be worn with casual wear, or something more formal. These earrings are just the right size- big enough to be visible, small enough that they blend in nicely with whatever you are wearing.
Christina French Clip Earrings at James Avery Craftsman, $70.00 in sterling silver. Also available in 14 karat gold or gold/sterling mix.
Updating on the Cheap
Listen, I don’t know if you guys have heard, but there is this nasty little rumor going around that the economy? Not doing so well. I keep hearing words like bailout, recession, unemployment. A little scary, no? Unfortunately, the part of my brain that is entirely controlled by J.Crew apparently hasn’t heard these same rumors. It still tells me BUY BUY BUY! So the desire is still there. But the means? Diminishing for most of us.
Which is exactly why accessories are so fun. They allow you to update your wardrobe and still afford necessities, like ya know FOOD.
Silver Floral Embossed Cuff
I love this cuff from Lulu’s, home of bargains a’plenty. And it certainly looks like it cost more than $13! It will also go with a great variety of items, and will add a special something to any outfit. For those of you on the hunt for jewelry bargains, might also recommend these incredible bangles for $14, or this floral cut out ring for a mere $7.
J. Crew beaded paisley necklace (on SALE even!)
Still thinking about the big necklace, because I am in love with the idea of looking better for daytime without having to work for it. Choose a necklace with some visual interest to draw the eye; I like a bright bead and an intricate design. But don’t go overboard — big embellished jewel necklaces are hip for fall, but they can be hard to wear for daytime, unless you are already getting dressed up.
J. Crew has a lovely alternative for day: this beaded bib necklace, with a curvy paisley pattern, is the perfect pop of color over a tee or under a blouse or strung across a dress.
Beaded paisley necklace, J. Crew. Currently on final sale for $39.99; available only in blue (but really, is that a problem? I think not).
Banana Republic cabochon bib necklace: Big for fall!
A big necklace is an easy way to dress up even your most casual outfit — wear it with jeans and a tee or tank, or over a simple dress, and suddenly you are ready for anything. A dramatic necklace changes your look without slowing you down at all.
This one, from Banana Republic, is sleek and simple and yet still elaborate enough to make a statement. In cool silver and stunning green cabochon, this is a perfect piece for day or evening.
And for $59.00, you’ll have money left to go out for drinks. Or get a manicure! Or both — why not?
Banana Republic cabochon bib necklace, $59.00.
Forever 21 adds some bling to your summer (for next to nothing)
Summer style is all about color and shape, and that applies to your accessories as well as your clothes. Jewelery is a simple way to add a pop of color to any outfit, and Forever 21 can hook you up for under $5.00.
I am completely smitten by this flower ring, which is available in six summery colors and retails for — are you ready? — $4.80! Perfect for a fun summer accent!
Wear your big ring on your first or second finger; pair it with your LBD for a night out or your suit for a day at work or your shorts and a tee for the weekend. Keep nails short and manicured, but in a neutral shade; you don’t want anything to compete with the ring.
Flower ring, available at Forever 21.
A little bit of blue: J. Crew enamel bangle
Clean, simple lines are coming back for Fall 2008, and with them comes simple jewelry, with sleek lines and crisp colors. The enamel bangle is a classic; wear one or stack them, or mix with chain bracelets for a retro Jackie Kennedy look.
J. Crew’s enamel bangles come in two sizes, 1/4 inch and 1 inch. The smaller size is available in this fabulous blue, a perfect foil to your favorite navy dress or white shirt or pink blouse. Equally appropriate for a day at the pool or a night on the town — let this flash of blue be your signature piece.
J. Crew enamel bracelet, $20.00.
This bracelet is like art for your arm
This beautiful mixed-bead bracelet is mezmerizing; the colors and textures and shapes are all so different, and yet together they create a harmonious whole that is just incredible. “Materials included (from clasp to chain) are: carnelian (dyed), lampwork bead, Balinese silver bead, freshwater pearl, carved new jade (serpentine), Czech glass, carved sodalite, banded grey agate, another lampwork bead, onyx, feldspath, faux Cinnabar, sodalite, lemon chrysoprase, and kuprite.”
It’s like a wee bit of art, right there on your wrist.
Disparity mixed bead bracelet, Etsy, $83.00.
No reason a girl can’t buy HERSELF a ring
A ring is an easy way to dress up any outfit. This year, I am all about the big ring for everyday, something that makes a statement without being too over-the-top. Wear it on your index or second finger for the most impact.
Rings are great because all day long, while you’re sitting in an endless meeting or playing your four hundredth game of Candy Land or just biding your time on the long commute home, you can look down and see just how pretty your ring is! Which makes your day a little brighter. Just remember to manicure your nails, because with a lovely ring like this one, you won’t be the only one looking at your hands.
Glass and silver Caribbean Dream Ring, $16.00.
Oh I am so in love with this necklace.
I have two sons, who have a variety of nicknames; we called my oldest son Peapod when he was a baby (no I do not know why) and my little son is still Pea, or PeaPea. So when I saw this necklace, at Etsy, I fell COMPLETELY in love.
Hand crafted from sterling silver with turquoise beads; the My Sweet Peas tag is hand stamped. And there is a lovely little story about how the piece came to be, involving the artist and her two-year-old daughter.
Perfect for moms and best girlfriends and yourself, of course.
My Sweet Peas necklace, $46.00. And take a moment to check out modern mama’s other pieces — I swear if she had a brick-and-mortar store near me, I would go there EVERY DAY.
It’s Etsy week!
I’m not a big fan of mass-market jewelry; I prefer hand-crafted, one-of-a-kind pieces. And I love Etsy, because it’s a terrific resource for hand-crafted pieces that don’t cost a fortune.
So this week, we’re all Etsy! Woo!
These simple green glass earrings are perfect for day or night. Pair them with your favorite white tee or your little black dress. They are subtle and delicate but still incredibly beautiful.
Simple translucent green earrings, $12.00 at Etsy.