jewelry

fall fantasy wish-list

by Lara on August 26, 2010

in beauty,decor,fashion

I used to keep a journal full of cut out pictures of things I saw in magazines and I’ve shared a ton with you in the past. So, what does a grown woman do on a Wednesday night? Well this grown ass woman sat with her September issues spread out, a pair of scissors, a glue stick, paper and a pen. In all the magazines, I honestly didn’t see too many things that I fell in love with. I enjoyed concepts and styling ideas but not many individual items, except for these.

Oh, and I totally ordered the DKNY Pure perfume. I rubbed every last microbe of scent on my wrist off that magazine strip and couldn’t stop smelling myself. So cozy and comforting and sexy. The bf loves it. Part of the profit goes to a microfinance program for vanilla farmers in Uganda as well. I haven’t given up on my beloved Kenzo Amour… it just needs a little rest.

PS- I can’t spell Gabbana obviously

Click for the large version:

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Review: the jewelry of NOVICA

by Lara on August 25, 2010

in fashion

NOVICA is associated with National Geographic and for ten years, they have helped artisans from all over the world get exposure. The asked if I would be interested in reviewing some of their products. What impressed me the most was their new microfinance program. These small loans help promote entrepreneurship among poverty-stricken people who have the skills to create beautiful things but little collateral to get their business up and running. They can also help people take their business to the next level, being able to purchase supplies in bulk. A few US dollars go a long way in these regions.

Lately, small zero-interest loans have been getting more press. In fact, 2005 was declared it the International Year of Microcredit by the UN.

A press release from the UN states:

A small loan, a savings account, an affordable way to send a pay cheque home can make all the difference to a poor or low-income family. With access to microfinance, they can earn more, build up assets, and better protect themselves against unexpected setbacks and losses. They can move beyond day-to-day survival towards planning for the future. They can invest in better nutrition, housing, health, and education for their children. In short, they can break the vicious circle of poverty.

So, back to products NOVICA offers… they have clothing, home decor items, paintings, fun gifts… but I was asked to check out their handmade jewelry. There are thousands of things for both women and men. My mom and I sat for an hour perusing and didn’t even see half of it. It’s all neatly organized and the site is easy to maneuver. Rather than clicking on all the sub-categories though, I would’ve liked a “view all” feature to see all of the rings, or all of the bracelets, etc. There are also many different price points. The regional focus was bit narrow but each country had many different artists with various tribal and cultural techniques represented. You can pick from rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings…

Most of the items are sterling silver with a few gold vermeil pieces. There are also plenty of beaded items and some leather, wood, bone, horn, shell and ceramic. There are tons of gemstones and intricately carved pieces, both casual and formal. Each item has the artist’s profile where you can learn more about their story, their passion, and the meaning behind their pieces. You also get a card with the artist’s story along with each piece. This definitely gives a more personal touch to each item, something I really like.

I was allowed to pick out a few pieces. I wish I could have grabbed up each one of these:

Citrine Cocktail Ring – $42.49 – Bali

Amazonian palm bracelet – $32.95 – Brasil

Sterling cuff bracelet – $77.99 – Thailand

Bull horn long necklace – $84.95 – Peru

Sterling silver drop earrings – $28.99 – Thailand

Sterling silver and enhanced obsidian ring – $99.95 – Indonesia (also in green)

Carved gourd earrings – $29.99 – Peru

Sterling ring – $57.95 – Peru

Turquoise and peridot necklace – $124.95 – Thailand

Sterling cuff links (a great wedding or groomsman gift!) – $49.99 – Mexico

Pair of mango wood cuff bracelets – $21.49 – Thailand

Silver cuff bracelet – $101.66 – India

Huichol beaded necklace – $76.46 – Mexico

Sterling and water buffalo horn ring – $77.95 – Indonesia

Resin preserved and gold plated rose petal earrings – $37.95 – Thailand

Gold vermeil citrine ring – $53.96 – India

Leather bracelet – $19.95 – Indonesia

Pearl cuff bracelet – $319.95 – Indonesia

So, what did I get? Well, I put my order in and on August 19th, I was notified that they would be shipping directly from Bali/Java. I was really surprised when the package showed up so quickly, just 5 days later via Fed Ex!

Each item came in it’s own adorable gift box with tiny booklets for each. The invoice was in a little envelope with a hand-signed card from Bali. Everything was presented in such a special personal way, it truly felt like you were receiving a gift from a far-away land.

I got the the sterling/citrine/bone ring and it’s gorgeous. I haven’t worn it out yet but I know people will ask about it since it’s so unusual. There’s so much personality and every detail of it is perfect.

I also picked out this pale leather adjustable bracelet. My wrists are teeny and this fits just right at the tightest of three settings. I may have to cut off the excess on the strap. It will take a bit for it to soften and conform to my wrist since it’s really thick but, I’m going to wear this constantly.

Well, this was a ton of fun! Love love love the pieces I received! Hope you’ve enjoyed checking out all these unusual items from around the globe. Find more at NOVICA.

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geodes

by Lara on August 18, 2010

in fashion

Geode candle holders made of amethyst are all over the discount home stores lately and geodes are also popping up in jewelry. The super bright ones are dyed. I’m kinda digging this look, especially after getting my sweet rock shirt. (I collected rocks as a kid. Such a dork.)

TONS and TONS of stuff on etsy!

$68

$67

$52.99 (more rings here)

$49.90

$88

$24.99 (tons more here)

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costume jewelry

by Lara on August 2, 2010

in fashion

Who doesn’t love junk jewelry? My collection has grown to mammoth proportions. I recently sold my jewelry armoire because it didn’t go with our decor (and was quite heavy and cumbersome) so, I had to empty and sort everything out. Thank god for those Sephora drawstring gift bags. I have a small box with daily things (overflowing) and a big bag full of little bags shoved on a shelf in my closet.

One major problem I have with cheap costume jewelry is how it doesn’t stand up to wear and time. Tarnishing is the worst offender. I’ve tried the jewelry cleaning solutions but it works most effectively on precious metals. Even if I’m only spending $5 on a bracelet, I don’t want to end up having to toss if after it’s become a staple in my wardrobe. Of course there are different levels of costume jewelry with longer lasting finishes but, I can’t bring myself to spend $100 on a cuff so, I’m just going to focus on the super cheap thrills in this post.

My strategy for the past few years has been to carefully avoid the shiny stuff. Shiny silver and gold finishes inevitably get this funky haze on it that nothing can get rid of (unless you know of a miracle cleaner out there, let me know).

I try to stick with wood, painted/enameled pieces (they chip though), antiqued finishes, beads, lucite, matte, and darker finishes. Pendant chains can easily be replaced if they start getting nastay. This bracelet here, I would totally avoid.

Also, junk jewelry with imbedded rhinestones and pearls aren’t going to last long either. I don’t know how many things I’ve bought that soon had missing stones before I learned my lesson about daily wear. This type of jewelry is off my radar now as well, unless I only wear it on special occassions.

This necklace from Charlotte Russe has a dark metal finish that won’t get compromised by age. I just bought this and love it!

This cuff, also from CR, has a dull antiqued finish that shouldn’t get that haze.

This enameled cuff is so much fun, but it has the shiny edges. I save those moisture-absorbing desiccant pouches that come in shoe boxes and keep them with my jewelry. There may be hope for this but I still didn’t get it. Also, no one sees the insides of bracelets.

What’s your favorite costume jewelry piece? Do you simply have to get the shiny and just toss after they start feeling the funk?

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+ & -

by Lara on June 8, 2010

in + & -

I was such a sourpuss last time – only plusses this week!

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  • Weekend before last, we roasted ourselves in 90 degree heat and battled the hills of Maymont Park. While I think we were near death, it was pretty.

  • I love open-toed ankle booties but, this is so right on:

  • I love it when the checkout lady gives you a deeper discount by accident and doesn’t correct it!! I have been searching high and low for decent yet inexpensive frames for my pie cat and Tara prints. The least expensive (and horribly rated) frame for pie cat was going to run me $40 on Amazon. I just couldn’t do it. So the prints have sat in their mailing tubes in my hallway waiting for a bargain and it broke my heart. Yesterday, I scored BIG TIME! I went to Ben Franklin to get some tiny thing to redo on the necklaces I had made that I was dissatisfied with and found a corner stash of frames at 60% off! The lady messed up and didn’t even correct it when I was honest (because 60% off was kick ass enough as it was). I got a $38 and $28 frame both for $16!!!!! Here are my crappy phone pics:

Pie cat in my kitchen!!!

Tara in the bedroom! I received #476 out of 500 signed prints! Barely got it!

  • This set of two eyeshadow brushes are the best I have yet to find for a smokey eye and they’re dirt cheap. The smaller brush deposits a concentrated amount of color (great for the lash line) and the larger is good for your crease and blending.
  • This past weekend, the bf had to go visit his family in Northern VA for the annual festival in his parents’ town. His sister and fiance and son were coming all the way down from Jersey as well. It’s a pretty big deal for his family and I wasn’t going to go. I needed to take my friend out for a very belated b-day dinner and I wanted some girl time. I was also planning to go to Broad Appetit and meet some Richmond blogger chicks. Well, I got the guilt trip from the bf’s sister, who I really really like and have only met once in over 1.5 years. I had to do the right thing and go to nova. I ended up having a blast! I ate waaaay too much terrible food, had wonderful conversations, helped with gardening and drank a wee bit! The bf’s mom even refered to me as her daughter-in-law. Too cute! It was a lovely weekend.

here’s the bf and I looking creepy at dusk

delicious meat on a stick!

  •  How cute is this anchor necklace? It comes in both gold and silver finishes and it’s less than $6!

{ 3 comments }

beads

by Lara on June 4, 2010

in crafty,fashion

Definitely for the more mature and sophisticated woman with a lot of cash to play with, Mrs. Lilien’s blog is still full of great styling tips and decadent gems. A few days ago I saw this neckace by Elva Fields and was immediately smitten. I’m not usually a necklace person. No, I take that back. I used to always wear a bold necklace of some sort, mainly in the summer. For some reason, I’ve forgotten how much much fun it is to wear statement jewelry.

This necklace is not my style. Not. One. Bit.  And… I’m completely in love with it! It’s one-of-a-kind and sold out, along with most of the others offered on the site. The few that remain are all around $200. The vintage brooch is 4″ across and contrasts in the most pleasing way with the muted African beads. I think this would be so much fun with a simple white tank, jeans and heels.

So what does a girl do when she sees something she loves, it’s no longer available, and would be out of her price range even if it was? DIY of course!

I’ve made my fair share of necklaces in the past so, this wasn’t a daunting task. Finding the right colors and sizes of beads was a whole different story and required a frustrating adventure to 3 different stores. Jewelry making is a huge business right now. The bead sections in craft stores are getting larger. Beads are getting more interesting and definitely more expensive. Bangles & Beads here in Richmond is my absolute favorite place but soooo pricey. I decided on smaller sized glass beads because the cost was going to be ridiculous.

I had some loops and the pliers already and had to get silver-finish toggle clasps, some clamp connectors to secure the coated stainless wire used. They attach to the loops which then attach to the clasp. Here are all of my supplies:

Last night, I strung over 20 feet of beads. I just kept going and going to see if I could possibly make 2 out of everything I bought. One to keep and one to either give away or sell. I had enough to make two 4-strand necklaces with a bit more length. Here’s my busy/handiwork:

 

I also checked out brooches at some discount stores but nothing was panning out so, I’ve found a few online that are a bit smaller but will totally work on this smaller scale version. I will probably order one this weekend once I make up my mind.

So, after dividing everything that I strung up and getting it all put together, here are the two base necklaces, waiting for some bling:

 

 Part of me wants to wear them both together! It’s so heavy! I may just sport them out this weekend!

 

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congrats!

by Lara on June 1, 2010

in fashion

I’ve been meaning to formally congratulate lovely blogger/gorgeous jewelry designer  Wendy Brandes for the inclusion of her gold and diamond Cleopatra earrings, worn by Kim Cattrall in Sex and the City 2! It’s a crazy big deal and I can’t think of a more deserving lady to get recognized for her style and talent.

also available in silver

When I first starting reading blogs and decided to start my own almost 2 years ago, she was one of the first fashion bloggers I started reading. I don’t remember how I stumbled across her but I loved her instantly. She’s hilarious, knows her way around finance and politics, has bold fashion sense, knows her vintage, has an enviable social life, and loves Family Guy! ;) Her motto is “wear what you want” and I have to admire her for being so open to individual fashion freedom, when I’m hardly as forgiving.

She’s also incredibly kind. She has consistently left little comments on my modest blog and we tweet occasionally. I’m always tickled that such a busy successful woman has found some time for lil ole me! She’s a classy broad and I hope to meet her IRL one of these days!

Congrats Wendy! I sure hope you find that damned leopard dress! You deserve it! ;)

Oh, and one day, I WILL have your oh-so-romantic Cleves ring (in platinum, of course!).

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+ & -

by Lara on May 6, 2010

in + & -

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  • Andrea from Toronto is one of my new favorite bloggers. She just participated in Cupcake Camp! I want to go!
  • Tretorn is a sneaker brand from Sweden that you don’t really think of very often, in the sea of huge sneaker companies. How cute are these slip-ons though? The Reva Nylons are pretty sweet too!

 

  • Art blogs are the best sources of inspiration for me. I’ve mentioned one of my favorites before – My Love for You is a Stampede of Horses. It’s modern, descriptive, interactive and just plain friendly. My other favorite is But Does it Float. I discovered it by accident and mentioned it in this post a while back and have been a faithful follower ever since. From to the titles of the posts to the images selected, it haunts me. All of the images are vastly different but they all strike a chord in me… something deep… dreadful and magical all at the same time. Check it out.
  • If you can somehow get your hands on some sweet stuffed Korean pancake mix (Hoddeok) give it a shot, or try a from-scratch version. They’re really easy and sooooo flippin’ good! Bad pic and I didn’t get a shot of gooey center. Oh well.

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  • Trying to sell something on Craigslist is the worst. People are such flakes! I recently listed a big jewelry armoire that I’m not moving from my parents’ house. It’s been collecting dust and I figured I might as well get some money for it. I got a ton of interest and then when I responded to let the people know how flexible I was for a pick-up, no one got back with me to set up a time to come get it. Finally a super nice girl and I made a deal but I feel like a lot of my time was wasted by people who just like to waste time.
  • Mail-in rebates. I’ve heard a lot of statistics about how many people forget about them and the company ends up keeping the money that was owed to you through whatever deal you participated in. Well, I’m not one of those forgetful people. Sprint has been jerking me around for almost 2 months making B.S. excuses to not send me the $100 they owe me. From what I’ve heard from multiple people who have worked in the same industry… this type of behaviour is pretty much the standard. You really have to keep up on it. It’s finally in the mail now.

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+ & -

by Lara on April 8, 2010

in + & -

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  • This post of closets belonging to some serious divas gives me major envy issues.
  • Spring pictures from The Big Picture
  • Our nice neighbor (there are some real assholes in my building) has made me his official kitten sitter since he travels a lot for work! This pleases me to no end! Meet Buddy!

  • Making money off of expensive shoes I’m selling on eBay so that I can get my own pair for free. Find out what’s hot, what’s not being sold overseas, offer international shipping based on location, make a short term investment for a nice return.
  • White bedding. I have always wanted an all white bed. Stores like TJ Maxx are selling these great thin cotton quilted comforters for around $40 right now. They’re great for warm weather and they come in a ton of designs, and a lot of them have reversible patterns. I scooped up a white one quilted in a leaf pattern. You can kinda get the idea from this picture.

  • Are you reading Tweetbaggery yet? oh man.
  • Whenever I see a last name ending in “vic” I always go “Yay! A Serbian!” and I’m eager to see what one of my fellow Slavs is up to. I love this Ventricle Vessel by Eva Milinkovic of Tsunami Glassworks.

  • I wrote about Miette last year. Love their jewelry soooo much. They have a bunch of new designs out now. These “golden bubble earings” are big but light and fun!

 

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  • For those you who follow me on Twitter, I’m sure you’re tired of me complaining about being sick ad nauseam. Well, I’m sick of being sick as well. 2 weeks of this crap with no end in sight. First it was an ear infection with antibiotics that messed my system up like whoa, then the bf got allergies from all this damn pollen. I got him a neti pot and I have never seen someone so determined to get the pestilence out of his sinuses. That which has been seen cannot be unseen but I sure wish I could unsee the stuff that came out of that poor boy’s head. Then the allergies hit me but the neti pot didn’t work so great for my issues in the long run. I actually got a fever and swollen glands and now it’s settled in my chest. I haven’t had a restful night of sleep in over a week. You should see the things I’m coughing up. So. Over. It.  
  • I wear a lot of white in Spring and Summer. With that damned painting I just finished and the super saturated blue/black hair dye I use (sweating from my fever has left little blue dots all over the necklines of my tops and brand new white pillow cases)… I have ruined pretty much all of my white tees and tanks in one week. Ridiculous.

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thanks eassa bunneh!

by Lara on March 5, 2010

in photo friday

I like Easter. I’m not religious but I sure like chocolate, bunnies, any excuse to wear bunny ears, and ham.

(photo credit unknown)

The bunny suit my mom made me.

Easter falls a bit early this year on April 4th so, if you want a cute little inexpensive treat to get you feeling festive, check out this adorable ring at F21-

 

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