WHIMSY

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.

Never suffer through another bad hair day again? Sounds like a dream, but it’s now a reality with these gorgeous hair accessories from KattFive Creations. They are the perfect antidote to oversleeping… or those hectic Monday mornings!

Whether your style is romantic, vintage or classic, there are great accessories to save you from the agonies of a bad hair day.

KattFive offers embellished bobby pins to tame recalcitrant bangs, trendy floral pins to add a dash of whimsy or — my personal favorite — adorable beaded ponytail holders for a stunning, classic ponytail at the nape. And no one will guess you got ready in five minutes!

These pieces from KattFive are also incredibly affordable. Combs start at just $7.00, bobby pins at $5.00 and pony tail holders are an amazing $3.50!

Get the look for yourself with a full set of five KattFive’s unique, embelissed pony tail holders, Retail $17.50

Contest ends 8/31. To enter:

1. MANDATORY COMMENT – Please visit KattFive and tell us which other piece you’d love to own. (1 entry)

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, 3 entries (please leave a comment to let us know)

4. Follow us on Twitter, 3 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!

It seems that every newspaper I open and every television commercial I see lately is touting “back to school” necessities. Not sure about you, but I’m just not ready for back to school yet!

Although I hate to say goodbye to summer, I know I need to at least get started. And this year, back to school for our family means sending our oldest off to – gasp – college. Along with extra long dorm sheets, a coffee maker and a dozen blue books, my daughter needs what every girls needs. Shoes!

Not any shoes will do, however. She has very definite tastes and preferences, so one way we can always agree is to head to Payless Shoe Source. She gets the style she craves and I get a price that I can live with!

Since the University of Delaware has a sprawling campus, she’ll need lots of flats. Stylish, but practical, our top three choices are flats that would be perfect with a short skirt, long skirt, capris, jeans … really just about anything.

First, we both adore the Audrey Knot Flat. This is a fabulous little flat from American Eagle that has a bold, knotted detail. American Eagle flats are really comfortable and have a round toe and padded insole. Pictured here in a soft dove grey the Audrey Knot Flat is also available in black. Regularly $19.99, these are now on sale for only $12.99!

Next, we agreed that the Bloom Flat is the cutest shoe we’ve seen in a long while. This is another flat from American Eagle and features a soft jersey upper and a whimsical fabric flower detail. These are super lightweight and have a flexible outsole — perfect for walking to class. In addition to the choice of black, pictured, the Bloom Flat is also available in lilac. The Bloom Flat is now on sale for only $12.99 (regularly $19.99), so we might just have to pick up both colors!

Finally, the Brice flat is is a slightly dressier flat for sorority mixers and other campus events. This spunky plaid flat by American Eagle has a sturdy canvas upper and a cute strap detail. The Brice flat is available is the purple and blue pattern pictured, and would make the perfect pair of shoes for the transition from summer to fall. Retail $19.99

With so many choices, she might need a bigger closet!

Are you a Payless fan? Now you can win a trip for two to New York City and an All Fashion Pass for a runway show and a personalized tour of Christian Siriano’s design studio in the VIP in NYC Sweepstakes courtesy of Payless ShoeSource.

Enter Once. Some restrictions apply. US only (void AK, HI) 18+. Contest ends 8/15/10, so enter today!

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 Payless Shoe Source.

I’m on my way out the door for a weekend of fun in the sun, but I couldn’t leave without letting you all know about a truly fantastic sale!

Through this weekend, you can get 40% OFF any Butler Bag for you, your friends, and family.  Plus, order 2 bags and get FREE SHIPPING, as well.

Visit Butler Bag to see the latest styles that will help you stay organized (or at least try)! Have a great weekend!

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?!

Keri recently introduced me to the two:peas® jewelry company. two:peas has a line of amazing jewelry in sterling, accented with gemstones—now I have some serious additions to my ongoing Wish List!

One of the best pieces in the line is the Juliet Bankle. This is a sexy ankle bracelet with a trendy bangle look. The Juliet is accented with three dangling garnets and is beautiful on a well-tanned ankle for summer. But the Juliet also has a sterling silver chain extender, so you can wear it over a stylish boot when cooler temperatures arrive! Retail $315

Now, you can win one of these gorgeous pieces:

1. MANDATORY COMMENT – Where will you wear your Juliet Bankle? 1 entry

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

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

4. Follow Style on a WHIM 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 13 and the winner will be notified August 16. Good Luck!

UPDATE 8/16. Deine from Illinois is the winner of the lovely Juliet Bankle from two:peas. Congratulations to Deine!

A little black dress is an absolute necessity for every stylish girl’s closet. There’s just nothing like a grab-and-go outfit that will always look smashing and appropriate. And if you’re lucky, you have several favorites from which to choose!

But honestly, an LBD can get just the tiniest bit boring. I mean, there’s only so much you can do with jewelry. So, I was thrilled to find Witt Gypsy Studios, an amazing company makes the most gorgeous, unique evening bags, guaranteed to breathe new life into any LBD.

Each bag is painstakingly crafted by hand, beginning with building the birch “cigar box” bodies. Then the bags are not only hand painted, they are actually woodburned first to give the animals texture and detail — they almost look like they have fur, feathers and wings. Woodburning is basically the equivalent of sculpting on a flat surface – this gives just an inkling as to how detailed these bags are.

The bags are also hand lined with matching fabrics. My bag, the snow leopard, is lined with faux fur, for a bag that is as breathtaking inside and it is outside! And many of the bags have beaded handles, gold or silver fixtures, and swarovski crystal embellishments, as well.

Granted, these bags are petite, but they definitely have room for all of the essentials. What else does a girl need but keys, a cell, a credit card and a fabulous lipstick? Retail $450

In addition to the animal series, Witt Gypsy evening bags come in a huge range of styles – each more beautiful than the last. Birds, whimsical dragonflies, mysterious geishas and more adorn these intriguing, miniature pieces of art.

Alas, I can’t carry an evening bag every day. Lucky for me, Witt Gypsy has also created a full line of clutches, regular sized handbags and now – handpainted canvas totes! Prices range – clutches start at $55, handpainted totes at $55 and full sized handbags start at $325. Shop online at Witt Gypsy.

Whatever style you choose, these beautiful bags from Witt Gypsy are truly “art you can carry.”

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

Back-to-school shopping time is here and amid groans from my kids, we went on a marathon shopping expedition to the mall for all of those can’t-live-without items. You know, Converse All Stars, Aeropostale polo shirts and anything from Icing!

Since I knew we’d be gone for hours (and hours!) I took my new tote filled to the brim with all the debris necessary for three kids – snacks, water bottles, you name it and I’ve got it in my bag. This often proves hard to handle – literally. My tote sometime weighs so much that I lumber around with it, switching shoulders and generally suffering from an aching back.

So, I was amazed with the way this new tote “Changer” Tote from Meray Arnett changed my experience. The bag is stylish – in satin nylon with a contrasting leather strap – but it’s the functionality that I love! Although it’s sturdy and has a really supportive bottom, the bag itself is so lightweight the extra “gear” wasn’t a problem at all!

Plus, the bag features a slide-thru strap so that you can wear it as a shoulder bag or (later in the day) as a crossbody bag. Sometimes I feel like I look like a pack mule with a crossbody or messenger bag, but this one is so cute (mine is candy apple red with silvertone hardware) that it was just adorable!

In addition to the red, the bags are available in a sweet lavender, sensible grey, brown, or beige, classic black or navy, and a really lovely icy, light blue. They are also available in two sizes. The large (if you have three kids like me!) is perfect (Retail $185), or the smaller (Retail $165), which has the same features, high quality construction and functionality.

All of the bags are fully lined, have a great zipper closure (no more spilled contents) and a zipper on the back (no more lost keys). There is also an interior has zipper pocket, card holder and two phone pockets to help keep you organized.

This is just the perfect bag — for a shopping trip or for everyday. A very chic, functional alternative to a canvas tote or a — horrors! — backpack (Yes, Carrie Bradshaw would be appalled that I even thought it).

You can find a store near you at Meray Arnett or shop online.

Susan McNeill is a wife, mother, author, entrepreneur and social activist. In addition to Style 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 every magazine I pick up this summer has a piece on adding a little rocker chic to your wardrobe. More than just leather, chains, and heavy liner, rocker chic is all about attitude.

But how do you add that confident vibe without ending up looking like Adam Lambert? (no offense Adam!) It’s tricky I admit, but not impossible. Adding one or two edgy pieces should do it — any more and the look becomes entirely too costume-y.

I’ve scoured the new offerings from some of my favorite designers and have come up with three easy ways to add a rock and roll attitude to your weekend wardrobe.

First, my top choice is a fabulous, strapless dress by Miami designer ClaudiaE from the brand new Fall 2010 Collection. This little dress is perfect in black with a subtle animal pattern that adds sass. Short enough to be eye catching — without making you worry all night!

Photo courtesy of ClaudiaE.

Next, a great way to add a dash of rocker brash is through some feisty shoes. I am a serious shoe collector – a firm believer that you can never have too many. So when I discovered the Twilite from Two Lips Shoes I was instantly hooked! These fun platforms have beads and rhinestones on an embossed upper. And the addition of some nice padding means that these 4” heels are actually comfortable enough to wear all night.

In addition to these great shoes, Two Lips has a huge selection of boots, flats, wedges, platforms, and dress shoes — all with a modern edge.

Photo courtesy of Two Lips Shoes.

Finally, accessories are often a relatively inexpensive and easy way to add a fresh look to any outfit. One of my favorite new designers is Purple Cloud Studio. Best known for spectacular glass pieces, Purple Cloud also has a new line called the “Used & Abused” series.

Designer Michele Palenik says that the line was born out of the idea that what we all have in common is the capacity to love and be loved. The process is cruel, and sometimes unusual. Every lover leaves a lingering effect, every friend a memory.

There are several different, unique styles to the line. Visit Purple Cloud to find the one just right for you.

Photo courtesy of Purple Cloud Studio.

Look like a rocker this weekend — proficiency at Guitar Hero not necessary!