Sometimes I style an outfit around a top, sometimes around a pair of shoes and sometimes around a specific piece of jewelry. And while I love the look of expensive jewelry, I never want to pay designer prices. I always seem to lose earrings and I don’t often wear most of my necklaces and bracelets more than a few times, so I can’t justify the expense sometimes.
That’s where retailers like Berricle come in clutch. According to their site, “BERRICLE.com is an online jewelry purveyor founded in 2006 with the mission to become the premier web-based destination for shoppers seeking attainable yet elegant sterling silver, gold and Cubic Zirconia jewelry of the highest craftsmanship and outstanding customer service.”
Elegant yet attainable jewelry? Who doesn’t want that? Take for example, this sapphire pendant necklace they generously gifted me. It is classical sophisticated and only $29.99. To an untrained eye, the pendant looks like stones look real, even though they are CZ. I’ve been wearing it a lot lately and have received tons of compliments, which is always the true test. People are always surprised when I tell them it costs less than $30.
As if their style and price point isn’t enough, every Friday Berricle hosts Friday Happy Hour where the give away one piece of jewelry to a lucky winner. This week, they’re giving away a pair of Swarovski halo stud earrings. Now excuse me while I enter and test my luck. Come to momma, beauties!
What is your favorite piece of jewelry from Berricle?
Our Stella & Dot stylist shows off the engravable collection
While Stella & Dot has been a fave for years with other writers here at beautyXposé, I’ve never personally experienced the brand’s jewelry (though I’ve always lusted after the pieces online). So when my friend, Lyssa, invited me to a Stella & Dot jewelry party, I was the first person on the list to RSVP.
Attending a party in person really made a big difference when it came to understanding all the cool details about the jewelry brand.
First, you have a personal stylist there to help guide you through all the pieces of jewelry, which can be overwhelming if you’re like me and want to order everything in sight. Our stylist, Andrine Coleman, helped each attendee assess her own personal style and then offered jewelry suggestions that match their tastes — whether they’re trendy or more traditional.
The layered look is big for bracelets this summer.
And a stylist can also help push you out of your comfort zone. I never would have chosen this silver Elodie Necklace ($89) for myself, but it actually looked pretty good once I tried it on.
I never would have gravitated toward this piece, but once I tried it on, I liked it a lot!
Second, you can really see the versatility of the products first-hand. A lot of Stella & Dot jewelry pieces are convertible so you can wear them many different ways.
Take the Sutton Necklace for example. While it’s definitely steeper in price than other pieces (retails at $178), it’s really like getting at least eight necklaces in one.
Lyssa tries on the Sutton Necklace with all strands on the clasp.
You can wear it short with all the strands in place, or you can remove the fold-over clasp and loop up any of the seven single strands around your neck to wear the rest of the strands a tad longer.
Lyssa marvels at the Sutton Necklace once the clasp is removed and one of the strands loops up around her neck, creating a whole new look.
And the “shark teeth” strand is removable as well, so you can wear that alone or layer it if you’d like. The possibilities are endless, I tell you!
Andrine converts the Sutton Necklace on Lyssa by removing the “teeth” chain.This beautiful red necklace has a removable pendant.This earring is convertible too! It can be worn as a double chandelier, single chandelier or a stud.
Many of us at the party are allergic to products containing nickel, so it was a treat to learn that Stella & Dot jewelry is lead and nickel safe. Score!
So what did I end up buying? After a lot of head scratching and hard decision-making (#firstworldproblems), I decided to go with the Coral Cay Necklace.
The Stella & Dot Coral Cay Necklace
I can’t wait for my necklace to arrive in the mail!
Of course, one of the best reasons to attend a Stella & Dot jewelry party is if you have an awesome host like Lyssa, who plies you with cupcakes.
Mmmmmm….buttercream frosting.
While it really sucks that Lyssa didn’t invite you to her party, you can still shop her boutique online from now until July 12 here: www.stelladot.com/ts/qw2z5. Or get in the action yourself and host your own party, or become a stylist!
I’m sucker for a statement necklace and a good sale, so I couldn’t help but snag this fan fringe necklace from ILY Couture the other week when I saw an offer for it on J’s Everyday Fashion Facebook page. The hardest part of the decision was choosing between all of the fabulous colors. After a quick inventory of all of my other statement necklaces, I realized that I was majorly missing a lime green one from my collection. I mean, who doesn’t need a lime green statement necklace?
I’ve had to actively try to NOT wear this necklace every day since it arrived. While I was able to get it on sale for $16, I would definitely reinvest in another color at full price ($42), which is saying a lot since I’m a big bargain shopper. If you’re in the market for a new statement necklace or just have a little extra money you need to get rid of, you should snag up one (or five) of these beauties!
How would you rock this fabulous fan fringe necklace?
Even though I had not heard of Modern Design prior to trying out one of their designs, I was more than excited to open that little plush box when it showed up at my door. In fact, I’ve been wearing my new ring every day since! I generally tend to keep my jewelry pretty understated, until it comes to my rings. I’m basically known for the many, many ridiculous rings that I own – mesh, flowers, huge pearls, you get the picture.
But, this time I decided to go with a little bit of a “classier” look, while still staying true to my own (sometimes crazy) preferences. So, I chose to test out a black tungsten carbide ring, and I absolutely love it. Confession: I’m used to wearing cheap rings from stores like Aldo and Forever 21 that turn my fingers green, so you can imagine how happy I was to wear a “real” ring.
Okay, back to this new black ring of mine – not only is the design super fun, the quality is also fantastic. No green fingers, no bending sides, no scratches, it’s great. Plus, these rings don’t cost a small fortune, so check them out for yourself and let us know what you think!
Love the small detailing
Though the ring is fairly small, the quality is great. I love all the small details it features instead of a simple flat black surface.
Simple and sophisticated
I went with a black ring, but Modern Design has a ton of other styles at completely reasonable prices
What do you think? Tempted to try out a piece by Modern Design yet?
September 13, 2012 will always be a special day for me, as this was the day I lost my Etsy virginity. I’ve spent hours perusing all of the handcrafted beauty that is Etsy, yet I had never sealed the deal with a purchase. Well, that all changed about a week ago. I had some money in my PayPal account, and I was ready to throw it away. I spent an hour looking at pictures of gorgeous necklaces, blinging bracelets and dainty earrings. However, none of them were calling my name.
Then, everything changed when I stumbled upon a set of three stacking rings from Autumn Equinox. One ring was knotted, one was twisted and the other was hammered. The description told me that I could mix metals – one per ring – and I was sold! I selected my size (a 7 on my middle finger, in case you ever want to buy me a ring. I won’t object!), indicated I wanted to spice things up with mixed metals and emptied out my PayPal account … of a whole $40. Hey big spender!
The only downside to this purchase? I had to wait a whole week for the package to arrive on my doorstep. While the wait was excruciating, it was definitely worth it. When the USPS tracker finally indicated that the package had been delivered, I danced in my seat all day at work, dying to get home. Once I hopped off the train that night, I raced home, ripped open the package and squealed with joy when I saw the lovelies in person.
Good things really do come in small packagesLove is in the air!
I can’t stop looking at my finger now that I’m sporting these pretties. I can’t wait to make my next Autumn Equinox and general Etsy jewelry purchases.
What is your proudest Etsy purchase? Do you recommend any Etsy stores?
Though I’ve always been a fan of the girly, frilly, pearled-out, ribbon-entwined jewelry look, this gold spiked jewelry collection by Stella & Dot has totally sparked the inner rebel in me. What I love is that even though I would be rocking spiked jewelry, the pieces are still totally pretty! They’re not harsh and definitely still very easy on the eyes – perfect to pair with pretty gold link bracelets or even for mixing metals if you’re feeling brave.
These fun pieces would pair well with your bright summer neons, your pastel colored jeans, or even your little black dress. Plus, there’s no need to purchase the whole set – try out adding the ring to your colorful arm party or the necklace as an accent piece. Try spicing up your summer jewelry collection a bit!
Renegade Mini Cluster Hoops
These Renegade Mini Cluster Hoops feature a mini hoop with small dangling gold spikes. At $23, these babies are a steal!
Renegade Cluster Ring
This Renegade Cluster Ring ($35) is perfect for you ladies who enjoy fun, semi-crazy jewelry, like me. The spikes sit atop an adjustable band – so don’t fret if it doesn’t fit at first!
Renegade Cluster Bracelet
I’m totally loving this Renegade Cluster Bracelet ($59). The spikes and the black diamond pave beads mesh perfectly to create this adorable piece.
Renegade Cluster Necklace
The Renegade Cluster Necklace ($59) is the perfect statement piece for any outfit. The gold plated spikes sit on a pretty gold plated brass chain – great for any neckline!
As a girl who’s half Irish and lives in the city of Boston, there’s no way that I can’t love St. Patrick’s Day. Every year I work on creating the cutest outfit to show off my Irish pride in the city that knows how to celebrate this holiday right. However, as I’ve talked about it past posts, putting together a holiday outfit without looking cliché can take skill and time.
Lucky for me I was introduced the adorable Lucky Coin Necklace by Isabelle Grace Jewelry. This festive necklace is the perfect way to accent a St. Patrick’s Day outfit in an untraditional way. The necklace features a freshwater coin pearl along with a gold vermeil or sterling silver disk as the “lucky coin” to bring all your luck this holiday. Top off your necklace by choosing your own semi-precious stone.
Isabelle Grace
I was lucky enough to be sent my own Lucky Coin Necklace in sterling silver to try out for myself. From the minute I opened the charming packaging, I knew I’d found my pot of gold (or pot of silver should I say?). It is the perfect size and will compliment not only the outfit I choose to wear on St. Patrick’s Day, but also any other outfit!
I couldn’t wait until the St. Patrick’s Day to wear it, so I cheated and wore it one day to work last week with this sparkly woven top. The compliments were endless!
A close up of the necklaceMy own personal pot o' gold
Available in 16”, 18”, and 20” and in silver or gold, this is a universal necklace that is a must-buy for any classy lady. It is retailed at $45 (plus $5 extra each chain size) and can be bought at http://www.isabellegracejewelry.com/.
If you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, what fun and Irish-friendly outfit are you planning to wear?
Photos: Kristina Crowley/BeautyXpose and Isabelle Grace; Disclosure
Whether you bow to brands or simply stalk celebs to score their styles, we’ve got you covered in Who Wore What (WWW).
In today’s edition of Who Wore What, we scope out the jewelry celebrities wore recently to star-studded events. And even if we can’t run right out and buy these brilliant baubles now, we can live vicariously through our celeb friends.
Dripping in Jewels
Actress Brittany Snow showed her flower power with a gorgeous chocolate diamond ring by Le Vian ($5,998) at WWE and Creative Coalition’s “be A STAR” Summer Event in West Hollywood.
Brittany Snow wears a chocolate diamond Le Vian ringLe Vian flower ring: $5,998
Olivia Wilde (who will always be “13” in my eyes) has been looking a little out of this world lately. She continues her futuristic streak at the “Cowboys & Aliens” premier in Berlin, accessorizing with a bracelet and ring by Carrera y Carrera.
Olivia Wilde goes back to the future in Berlin.
A little Gaga-esque?Carrera y Carrera Pasodoble Collection 18 K Yellow Gold Bracelet: $17,175Carrera y Carrera Bestiario Collection 18 K Yellow Gold Tiger Ring with Smoked Quartz: $9,800
Rose McGowen was a tropical dream at the 10th Annual InStyle Summer Soiree in West Hollywood, with tangerine dress paired with an aqua statement necklace by Adeler.
Rose McGowan knows how to work two stand-out colorsA fitting look for a summer soireeAdeler 14 K Yellow Gold and Aqua Chalcedony Necklace: $23,685
Jennifer Morrison (another “House” favorite of mine) blinged out her lobes with pave ball earrings and encircled her wrist with a coral reef cuff — both courtesy of M.C.L. by Matthew Campbell Laurenza.
Jennifer Morrison shows her good side at the Disney ABC Television Group's "TCA 2001 Summer Press Tour" in Beverly HillsCheck out those studs!A cool coral cuff.M.C.L. by Matthew Campbell Laurenza Large Pave Full Ball Stud Earrings: $1,245M.C.L. by Matthew Campbell Laurenza Coral Reef Cuff: $2,545
At the same Disney event, “Modern Family” star Sarah Hyland proved she was a Diamond in the Rough, wearing cluster earrings, bracelets and a ring by the brand.
Sarah Hyland likes cluster earrings by Diamond in the Rough.A real Diamond in the Rough!Diamond in the Rough "Champagne Bubbles" Rough Diamond Cluster EarringsDiamond in the Rough "Astra" Rough Diamond BanglesDiamond in the Rough "Iceberg" Ring
Photos: Le Vian; Carrera y Carrera; Adeler; Jennifer Morrison – Jesse Grant/WireImage courtesy of M.C.L. by Matthew Campbell Laurenza; Diamond in the Rough
Everyone can appreciate the beauty of flowers, but Marie-Lise Lachapelle Jewelry takes that adoration to a whole new level. The jewelry brand immortalizes actual blooms by lacquering them or preserving them in gold, transforming them into wearable works of art. Now, you have the chance to win one of these gorgeous creations.
Enter to win a Marie-Lise Lachapelle “Edith” necklace ($195 value), made with a genuine dark purple orchid, lacquered and trimmed in gold on gold filled chain with black onyx.
How to Enter
1. Take the quiz at the end of this post to find out what type of flower best fits your personality.
2. Leave a comment telling us your flower type and if you agree with it.
3. Imagine the Edith necklace adorning your collarbone!
On Sunday, May 23, at 8:00 p.m. ET, one winner will be chosen at random and notified via e-mail.
To be eligible, registrants must be U.S. residents at least 18 years old. The giveaway is open nationwide, and eligibility is at the discretion of BeautyXposé. One winner will be chosen at random on Sunday, May 23, 2010, at 8 p.m. ET and notified via email. Contest sponsored by Marie-Lise Lachapelle Jewelry. Dates, times, and other contest specifications are subject to change at any time. BeautyXposé reserves the right to cancel the contest for any reason at any time.
Wish wisdom was as common as pocket change? Veteran jewelry designer Alisa Michelle’s latest line just made pinching pennies inspiring and super chic.
Each piece (necklace and bracelets included) is made from a coin that was saved from being melted down, then handcrafted and adorned with thought provoking one-liners and the occasional charm or gemstone. A gold coin with “Keep Calm and Carry On,” a copper coin with “Do It” on one side and “For You” on the other and a silver coin with “I am Green” accompanied by a silver leaf are only a few of the nearly 100 one of a kind designs.
Wear them with the text facing outward to share your inspiration with others, or turn the coin around for an exceptionally personal piece. All the designs are perfect for a casual look with a vintage tee or jeans and can be layered for an edgy twist (bonus points for mixing metals and chain lengths).
But if nothing in Alisa Michelle’s Pocket Change collection quite speaks to you, feel free to personalize your own piece. For $80, pick the metal (copper, silver or gold), the chain and an original message of your choice. You can add a gemstone like pearl, quartz or red coral or a heart or strawberry charm for just $8-$12 more.
Alisa Michelle’s Pocket Change collection and other Alisa Michelle designs are $45- $145 and can be purchased at alisamichelle.com.
Photos: Lauren DiLello/BeautyXpose
Disclaimer: Products furnished complimentary for review
