Pile It On… You Won’t Regret It!

I was contemplating necklaces to go with a new top and was basically too lazy to take each one off, so I kept piling them on in hopes of finding the perfect match. Somewhere between necklace four and five, I realized they looked kind of cool layered all together!
While I settled on wearing three of the necklaces together, it inspired me to mix and match my necklaces to create new looks. And all this time I had been wearing them solo – how did I live like that!?

:: Layering works great with re-inventing dainty necklaces — by putting a few together you create a unique and hip look. I always admired them in fashion magazines, but thought you had to buy them all together. I didn’t realize I had a treasure chest in my own jewelry box! Try mixing up necklace size and length. It doesn’t have to be so match-y, either – I think it actually looks cooler when the necklaces are a little mis-matched.

Look in your jewelry box to see what you can create!

We Heart Purple!

So, my friend Tamara and I had a crafty day — where we made jewelry together. I was surprised when she said she really loved purple, because she doesn’t seem like a purple lovin’ type of gal. But, Tamara inspired me to take a closer look at the rich, jewel-tone color — and I love what I see!

:: Deep purple goes great with any neutral from white to beige to gray and even black (I basically just described my entire closet). It can add a punch of color in an instant and it works with any skin tone! *Bonus: Purple has been associated with royalty and spirituality.

:: A popular purple stone is Amethyst – it’s February’s birthstone. If you have any Feb birthdays coming up think of precious or semi-precious Amethyst as a thoughtful gift. Another great option is a rich purple or plum Swarovski Crystal – they have the same jewel-tone color but with the glossy shine of the Crystal.

:: No matter what bead or stone you choose, you’ll heart purple too!

Happy New Year! Be bold in 2009!

:: Hope you all have recovered from your NYE celebration – or part way through the process of doing so… For 2009, it’s all about statement necklaces. Something bold and stylish to show the New Year who’s boss!

I created multi-strand necklaces that really stand out due to the beauty of the semi-precious stones used. One strand is already pretty (but delicate looking), so why not pile on a few more strands for dramatic effect!?

These multi-strand necklaces can be worn with jeans or with a great dress. The versatile design makes a statement with any type of outfit! Be bold!

Sometimes (or, a lot of the time) when I’m feeling lazy, I’ll throw on my go-to outfit, that requires no thought – jeans and a white cotton sleeveless top. Then I just change up the bold necklace and it looks like I actually tried!

I don’t even have to comb my hair, and I have friends asking how I can be so put together after a very late night. Ah, the magic of a great necklace! :: I’m not kidding – you should try it!
If you are crafty and want to create your own multi-strand necklace, make sure you re-string the strands you buy on to flex wire, silk thread, or whatever you like. The string the strands come on from the manufacturer is only for temporary use, and not meant for the finished product!

:: No matter if you buy or make your bold necklace, have a great time wearing it! Happy New Year!

Simply Natural Agate

:: I was recently inspired by a trip to Scottsdale, AZ to visit a dear friend and her family. The beautiful earthy colors and desert landscape reminded me of natural Agate stones.

Each piece of natural Agate has it’s own unique design and personality. I simply strung them on a Sterling Silver chain to create a necklace with a clean design.

Agate can come in different forms that are perfect for jewelry making.

:: A slice of Agate has a more dramatic effect and has natural texture around the outside of the piece. For an added twist I used a Toggle Clasp that closes in the front. The Agate slice pendant hangs off the circle.

Because each piece of Agate has a unique pattern, a simple design really makes it’s natural properties stand out.

Where My Girls At?

:: Ok, so my last post was for work and family holiday events, where you want to look stylish, but tasteful. Well, we’re over it – so where my party girls at!? Time to bust the bling!

For lots of sparkles, go for Swarovski Crystals – they are cut with tons of facets that reflect light off of each one! Swarovski Crystals are world famous and known to be highest quality crystal. They do this with special polishing, perfect cuts and precise angles.

I like to choose either a pair of earrings or a necklace to focus on, so there’s not too much going on in one area. Wear your hair back for a more dramatic effect.

:: And, don’t forget about adorning your wrist – show off your shimmer as you hold your champagne or waving off all the male admirers (life is so hard)!

Turkey and a side of Labradorite?!

:: Ahhh, Thanksgiving dinner. The meal that keeps on giving… and giving for many days after! So, when you wake up from the Thanksgiving food coma, we all have to face the facts: it’s time to prepare for the Holidays. Yeah, you heard me right.

For all the season’s family and work events I like to add a little sparkle with Labradorite. The semi-precious stone has an grey, iridescent glow about it that works with almost any outfit color and skin tone. The versatile, neutral stone can go from day to night, and perfect for your trusty little black dress.

Labradorite is said to be the stone of spiritual awakening – it’s shimmer is a flash of light in the darkness. That’s just what a girl needs to get through the holidays!

:: Now, time for a second helping of mashed potatoes & gravy (wake me up later – zzzz)!

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