WHIMSY

Even though we’d rather camp out at the beach and enjoy every last minute of the summer sun, fall is fast approaching. Luckily for fashionistas the world over, there’s plenty of fall fashion to look forward to (hello, boots and blazers!), even if we’re not huge fans of the cooler weather to come.

To celebrate the unofficial last week of summer before Labor Day hits, and it’s no longer kosher to wear white (though I hear breaking fashion rules is a new fashion rule…) we here at Style on a WHIM wanted to offer up a HUGE package to ONE reader that’s simply BURSTING with cool products we’ve had a chance to review over the past three sultry months!

Included in the package:

Berry Ball
Tt Collection teal t-shirt
Sunglass Warehouse oversized sunglasses
Absolutely Audrey shoe clips
Crochet Couture Necklace
OKA b. flip flops
KattFive Creations beaded hair tie
WHIMSY ring with Eastern Trading Murano glass bead
Rumba Time watches in light blue and white
Shondra Leigh Repeating Squares metal mesh cuff
Kushyfoot toe cushions
Kushyfoot lace foot covers
Strappys decorative bra straps

The total retail value of all the goodies is approximately $575!! You’re crazy if you don’t enter to win this great box of stylish summer fun!

Here are the rules:

1. MANDATORY COMMENT – Please visit the links above, then come back here and leave a comment below about which item is your fave. (1 entry) Please note: the Absolutely Audrey shoe clips haven’t been reviewed yet, but you can still comment about them — the link is to their website!

2. Subscribe to Style on a WHIM via our brand new Google Friends Connect option, 5 entries (please leave a separate comment for each of the five to let us know)

3. “Like” us on Facebook (5 entries, please leave a comment to let us know)

4. Follow us on Twitter (5 entries, please leave a comment to let us know)

Hurry!! The contest ends Sept. 15 — winner will be announced Sept. 16!!

Already a follower?  Just leave us a comment that you follow. Good Luck!

Also — don’t forget to enter the other Style on a WHIM contests that are running right now!
Shondra Leigh “lace” earrings contest (ends 9/8)
New Standard T-shirt contest (ends 9/3)

-Keri

One of my favorite trends that’s really gaining ground this fall is a style of delicate jewelry that mimics lace. A romantic at heart, I adore whimsical jewelry and these openwork pieces feel fresh for fall.

And apparently, I’m not alone! InStyle (September 2010) recently featured some amazing pieces from some of the most recognized names in the industry. Spectacular earrings from Pomalleto, 18K white gold sparklers from Penny Preville and some dramatic drops from Cynthia Bach. Unfortunately, I don’t have an extra $26,475 for the Loree Rodkin “chandelier” earrings (but they are available at Neiman Marcus, just in case you do!). So, I began to search for the same look, but with a price tag that’s slightly more palatable.

My solution? Metal mesh jewelry from Shondra Leigh! The line incorporates a great openwork feel and is crafted of sterling silver and goldfill. My top three picks can be worn alone or together and complement both weekend casual wear and office ensembles.

First, I love the Mixed Metal “Crocheted” Square and Pearl Necklace, pictured. Many of the Shondra Leigh pieces have clever allusions to other mediums – from crochet to plaiting to braiding. The necklace is crafted of 14 goldfill squares on a blackened silver chain and is adorned with white nugget pearls. 32” long, this would be a spectacular necklace against a crisp white blouse this fall. Retail $262.00

Next, I adore the Repeating Squares Cuff. The cuff shown is created using sterling silver with goldfill accent squares and features an easy-to-use tube clasp. Measuring 7.5 inches long x 1.5 inches wide, this cuff is wonderfully lightweight and comfortable to wear (unlike some cuffs I’ve tried recently). The blackened silver looks especially lovely paired with the fall season’s bright jewel tones. Retail $210.00

Finally, my top pick is a pair of Square Earrings. These great openwork earrings allow you to rock the lace trend and still keep you bank account intact! Using the “crochet” method, Shondra Leigh has created a beautiful pair of earrings that will undoubtedly become your go-to faves. Retail $60.00

The Shondra Leigh line is available at boutiques and fine jewelry stores across the country. For a store locator, visit Shondra Leigh Jewelry or shop online.

Better yet, win a gorgeous pair of square earrings (pictured) from Shondra Leigh. Retail $60. It’s easy, so get started!

1. MANDATORY COMMENT – Please visit Shondra Leigh and let us know which piece is your fave. (1 entry)

2 Subscribe to the Shondra Leigh newsletter (Please leave us a separate comment for each of the five here to let us know, 5 entries)

3. Subscribe to Style on a WHIM via our brand new Google Friends Connect option, 5 entries (please leave a separate comment for each of the five to let us know)

4. “Like” us on Facebook (5 entries, please leave a comment to let us know)

5. Follow us on Twitter (5 entries, please leave a comment to let us know)

Already a follower?  Just leave us a comment that you follow. Good Luck!

Susan McNeill is a wife, mother, author, entrepreneur and social activist. In addition toStyle on a WHIM Susan also writes for It’s how you play the game! , Success Won’t Wait! and Susan Said What?!

Photos courtesy of Shondra Leigh Jewelry.

In case you haven’t heard yet, today is Global Forgiveness Day. The holiday originated in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada and was started in 1992 as a time to forgive and to be forgiven. This is now an international event and I think we all agree that a little more forgiveness will help make the world a better place!

To celebrate this special day I found the String-Ring™. This clever ring is not only a beautiful piece of jewelry, it’s also a constant visual reminder. The ring is designed to be threaded with a colored string, each of which is coded to remind you of a particular act of kindness. For example, blue represents tranquility and reminds you to be patient. Orange represents energy and enthusiasm and reminds you to laugh as often as possible. And silver represents wisdom and reminds you to forgive!

Each String-Ring is crafted from the highest quality silver and comes with 20 replaceable colored strings, a jute bag, and polishing cloth, as well as a list of color meanings. The String-Ring is available in sizes 4 -10 and will adjust up or down to ensure the perfect fit. Retail: $28.95

The String-Ring is the brainchild of artist Tina Mansfield who in 1996 set about to create a kindness program in her son’s classroom. It seemed to Tina that everywhere she looked she came across rude behavior. She decided to find a way to teach the children to be kind and compassionate when aggressive behavior is exhibited everywhere you look. Since tying a string around your finger is an age old visual cue, the symbolism resonated with Tina and the String-Ring concept began to take shape.

So celebrate Global Forgiveness Day in style. You can easily order online for a very thoughtful gift, but you’ll be tempted to keep if for yourself (I’ll forgive you if you do!).

Susan McNeill is a wife, mother, author, entrepreneur and social activist. In addition toStyle on a WHIM Susan also writes for It’s how you play the game! , Success Won’t Wait! and Susan Said What?!

It seems that statement necklaces are here to stay… at least through fall! A quick flip through my new InStyle Magazine confirmed that huge, multi-strand necklaces are still a “fashion do.” From some of my favorite stores like bebe, White House Black Market and Express, with necklaces, it appears that bigger is better!

Much as I love a fabulous necklace, sometime they’re a pain in the neck – literally. Several of my chunkiest, multi-strand necklaces are so heavy that I need to take them off mid-day.

If you “feel my pain” never fear, I recently found a solution that is both smart and beautiful – from Elizabeth Green’s Couture Crochet. These eye-catching necklaces are actually made of colorful and (most importantly!) lightweight ribbon. Plus, the clever design allows you to easily adjust the length to work with any neckline.

My favorite color combination for fall are the brilliant reds, oranges and yellows showcased in the Firefly necklace, pictured. This stunning necklace looks effortless, whether it’s paired with jeans and a tee or a work ensemble.

These great pieces are also quite affordable. The Firefly necklace retails for only $16.00 and all of Elizabeth Green’s lovely pieces are available online at Couture Crochet.

Want to win your own? Contest ends 9/1. To enter:

1. MANDATORY COMMENT – Please visit Couture Crochet and choose your favorite piece. Leave a comment here (1 entry)

2. Subscribe to Style on a WHIM via our brand new Google Friends Connect option, (5 entries)

3. “Like” us on Facebook, 5 entries (please leave a comment to let us know)

4. Follow us on Twitter, 5 entries (please leave a comment to let us know)

Already a follower?  Just leave us a comment that you follow.

Susan McNeill is a wife, mother, author, entrepreneur and social activist. In addition toStyle on a WHIM Susan also writes for It’s how you play the game! , Success Won’t Wait! and Susan Said What?!

I’m sure if you’re an avid reader of Style on a WHIM, you’ve noticed that I get excited about fashion pretty easily…well it’s hard not to when I hear about companies like ShoeDazzle!

For $39.95 per month, the celebrity stylists from ShoeDazzle will select FIVE shoe, handbag and jewelry options for you to choose from, and they’ll send your #1 pick to you, at no additional shipping cost. Got your attention yet?

Let’s run over this again…you fill out a “Style Profile” that takes just a few minutes to complete. This helps the ShoeDazzle stylists get to know your style, your likes and dislikes. Then, they pick out FIVE hot shoe, handbag and jewelry looks for you every month. You choose which one you can’t live without, and it’s sent right to your door!

Say, for instance, money is tight one month — no problem — you’re given the option to “opt out” of a month’s selection with the click of a button, and you won’t be charged! As if that’s not cool enough, the website says, “You can even ask for new options if nothing in your showroom strikes you. Our stylists will gladly tailor you a second collection at your request.”

And in case you’re wondering who these mystery “celebrity stylists” are, simply head to the website and learn more about them. The first stylist listed is Kim Kardashian…

Need I say more?

Miss Kardashian is a style icon, and she is the chief fashion stylist and co-founder of ShoeDazzle. She has final say in which shoes make it to the computer screens of members. Amazing! So you could even convince yourself that she’s your own personal stylist if you like! And I don’t mean to say that the rest of the stylists aren’t just as fantastic as well — they all have a TON of fashion experience in styling celebs. I did the Style Profile quiz just now, and it really is quick and easy — I breezed through it in just a few short minutes.

Right away, it showed me 10 options that I could choose from right away for a one-time offer of 50% off! Then I got an email that said their “Hollywood stylists will create your personalized selection of shoes, handbags and jewelry you’ll love and look gorgeous in.” I’m anxious to see what they’ll come up with for me!

P.S. “Like” their Facebook page and see photos of other members in their ShoeDazzle picks!
(all photos used with permission, from ShoeDazzle.com)

-Keri

This week my daughter and I have been wrapping up end-of-summer-going-to-college details. From sports physicals, to shopping for a coffee maker, to actually packing, the process of helping our little bird leave the nest has been overwhelming!

But in the flurry of shopping and packing, I found a really special way to connect with her as she takes this first, big step on her own. Yesterday I gave her a beautiful “I am Enough” bracelet from Loved Unconditionally so that she has a constant reminder of what an exceptional young woman she has become.

It seems like yesterday (or maybe last week!) that I left for college myself. I remember second guessing myself at every turn. The limitless options – which clubs to join, which sorority to pledge, which girls on my dorm floor could be trusted – were so different from my tiny, insular high school. I was often bewildered and occasionally seriously homesick.

I hope that my daughter is able to banish these feelings and truly enjoy her first year at college. The “I am Enough” bracelet is a sort of talisman to remind her that she has inner strength and beauty, brains and courage, and of course, is very loved.

The bracelets are the brainchild of Jan Thomas and were born from a simple idea — to create powerful, concrete support between mothers and daughters. The bracelets, however, are not only a gift from the heart, they are also extremely fashionable — my daughter immediately paired hers with a dozen or so bead bracelets!

Made of soft leather in a huge range of color choices — from matte black, to rock star pink, to Adriatic blue — the leather is rolled and reinforced in the center with nylon to avoid stretching. The “charm” is actually a hand cast pewter plate.

These bracelets are available in two sizes. The small/medium size fits wrists between 5 and 7 inches. The medium/large is just 1/2″ longer. Retail just $24.95!

You can shop online or win one today!

To enter:

1. MANDATORY COMMENT – Please visit Loved Unconditionally and tell us what color bracelet is your top choice. 1 entry

2. Subscribe to Style on a WHIM, 1 entry (please leave a comment to let us know)

3. “Like” us on Facebook, 1 entry (please leave a comment to let us know)

4. Follow us on Twitter, 1 entry (please leave a comment to let us know)

5. Click on and read another Style on a WHIM post, 1 entry (please leave a comment HERE to let us know)

Already a follower?  Just leave us a comment that you follow.

Contest is open until midnight on August 27 and the winner will be notified August 30. Good Luck!

Susan McNeill is a wife, mother, author, entrepreneur and social activist. In addition toStyle on a WHIM Susan also writes for It’s how you play the game! , Success Won’t Wait! and Susan Said What?!

Photo courtesy of Loved Unconditionally.

UPDATE 8-30-2010: Congratulations to “the Redhead Riter” — the winner of this gorgeous bracelet!

I’m a woman and I love jewelry, so yes, I love Tiffany & Co. (Who doesn’t?!?!) Normally, I don’t check their website very often because I end up pining over most of their pieces, wishing I could afford their amazing rose gold and diamond-encrusted pendants.

But…look at their newest pendants:
(pardon the not-so-great quality of the photo — it was taken from a screenshot of the Tiffany homepage!)

I WANT ONE.

In case you didn’t notice…the seven petal-shaped sections spell out “TIFFANY,” which makes these even cooler. I LOVE the sterling silver and rose gold pendant, but I would most definitely adore either option. The all-sterling pendant sells for $200 (not bad, Tiff!), and the rose gold and sterling pendant sells for $575.

I also LOVE this one (no pun intended), which sells for just $150.

I’m digging this cute anchor, too. It’s $175.

And, I had to visit one of my favorites that’s been around for a while. I can’t help it — some may call it cheesy or cliché, but I love this ring, for $115:

Tiffany’s has some great options at prices that reflect what most people can spend right now. For special occasions, a little blue Tiffany’s box is a stunner and it doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Their $200 & Under section has five pages, meaning there’s something for every woman’s taste. So celebrate a new job, a career change, a new pregnancy, a new relationship, or just say “thanks” to your best friend who’s been there for you through everything.

And the best part about Tiffany’s jewelry: it matches every outfit in your closet!

I was lucky enough to receive the pair of beautiful sterling silver and amethyst earrings (pictured) from Etsy seller Martini Jewels that I wrote about in my A Purplicious Summer post, and they are GORGEOUS! Totally worthy of caps lock! So, of course, I posted a photo all over my Facebook profile so all my friends could see how fantastic they are, and I rubbed it in to all my coworkers (I know — I’m so nice!) that I received them and would be proudly wearing them this weekend. (There were definite hints of jealousy )

After receiving such a wonderful gift, I figured I better get my butt back over to Martini Jewel’s Etsy site and see what’s new! The very first necklace (also pictured) listed in her store immediately caught my eye — it’s called the “Life’s Journey®” and I love that it represents the “ups and downs” of life in a beautiful way!

Each necklace is handmade, meaning you’ll have a piece of jewelry just as unique as your own “life journey.” Even the clasp is handmade and mirrors the design of the necklace. It’s 16″ long, so it’ll lay nicely between your collarbones, as Lori, the artist, explains. You can choose whether you want it to have a shiny finish or a matte finish, making it even more personalizable.

Lori has so many other great pieces at such great prices (most are $16 - $36!) that it’s tough to choose a favorite. She has bow-shaped pendants, chic dangle and hoop earrings, and even beautiful beaded bracelets. You can really tell she puts a lot of time and love into her pieces because the finish is top-notch!

Check out her Etsy shop and suggest to friends, relatives and coworkers! Her pieces are affordable and truly stunning — great for bridesmaids’ gifts, Mother’s Day gifts, birthday gifts and gifts to yourself!!
(photos used with permission)

-Keri

You may have heard us talk about Scenario Jewelry before (here and here), and since we’re such good friends with them, we love writing more about their pretty bracelets!

They’ve come out with new slides for their bangles that incorporate more bright, colorful gemstones. If you think they look great in the photos, you should see them in person! I’m a big fan of the bracelet above because it reminds me of confetti, but you don’t have to encrust your whole bracelet. A more affordable option is pictured below.

The new slides range in price from $55 to $120, and the bracelets come in five different sizes, all priced at $175.

They’re great as a gift for your best friend who just became a new mom, your bridesmaids or yourself!

For a retailer near you, click here.

-Keri

We’ve raved about glass beads before, but there’s more to glass than just beads. Glassblowing is a fascinating art that transforms a liquid-like solid into nearly any shape imaginable. Glass has the distinct property of reflecting light like no other material, so why wouldn’t we want to surround ourselves with such beautiful incandescence?

The history of glass in jewelry dates back to 3500 BC in Egypt and Mesopotamia, where it was used in place of precious gemstones because it was easier to carve and shape. (And now we can wear glass jewelry because it’s more affordable than gemstones and just as colorful!)

Glass is made from sand, lime (as in limestone, not the citrus fruit!) and sodium carbonate (or soda ash).  Basically, these three ingredients are heated up to an extremely high temperature (about 750C-1000C), and then cooled quickly, so it hardens. To make objects out of glass, the glassblower has to keep heating it and shaping it to make sure it fuses together as one solid piece.

Jen Pitts, of The Velvet Box, creates works of art in her Ohio studio that celebrate the beauty of glass. She makes beads, pendants and sculptural pieces that are truly stunning.

The pieces from her newest collection (pictured) are completely unique and incorporate many different glass-shaping techniques, which give them different textures and totally different looks!

Jen and her team of artists were recently recognized for their talents at the Arts Business and Innovation Awards, held in Cleveland, OH. The ceremony honors winners in the following four categories: Individual Artist, Arts and Culture Community Champion, Young Arts Entrepreneur and, the category in which The Velvet Box won, Arts Business. What makes the Arts Business and Innovation Awards different from other arts awards is that it recognizes not only the artist ,but the business owner as well, and the unique relationship between them­, which we fully support!

Check out all of The Velvet Box’s designs at www.VelvetBoxArt.com.

-Keri