Now, newcomer WHIMSY Worldwide has added a new twist to the bead craze with a series of gorgeous Swarovski crystal encrusted beads in a rainbow of colors. Best known for their interchangeable bead rings (known as Whimsy rings) the firm now offers the crystal beads as a delightful complement to the popular Murano glass and sterling silver beads. They add a dash of (what else?) whimsy to any necklace, bracelet or ring.

The beads retail for $30 and are only available online at WHIMSY Worldwide.

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 WHIMSY Worldwide.

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

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?!

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?!

We’re giving away another beautiful, sterling silver WHIMSY™ ring!

This time, we’re giving away The Sophia, which is crafted using eco-friendly, reclaimed sterling silver and features a feminine rose-shaped endcap. It’s one of WHIMSY’s top sellers!

The Sophia offers timeless beauty inspired by screen siren Sophia Loren. The ring’s threaded center post is easy to use, adjustable and accommodates a range of bead widths.

The Sophia is pictured here with a bead made by Chamilia™, however, posts accommodate beads from most major bead companies including Trollbeads, Pandora™ and more.

Along with the ring, the winner will receive a bead from Eastern Trading Company, for a total retail value of $150!

5 easy ways to win:

1. Leave a comment with this post, 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, 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, 1X (please leave a comment to let us know)

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

Contest is open until midnight on August 16 and the winner will be notified August 17!

UPDATE 8/18. Scott from Illinois is the winner of the lovely Sophia ring from WHIMSY. Congratulations to Scott!

WHIMSY designs are a favorite in the pageant world and have been seen on numerous winners — from opera diva, television personality and Miss America 1981 the amazing Susan Powell, to Miss America 2009, the lovely and talented Katie Stam!

This year, our state representative to the Miss America Pageant is the lovely Kayla Martell, pictured here with Craig and Cindy just after she was crowned. Maybe the WHIMSY tradition will help her become the next Miss America? I sure hope so!

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?!

With the economy still in a slump (sigh), I’ve had to reevaluate some of my more impulsive fashion choices. And now, more than ever, basics like tanks and t’s need to wash well, wear well, and last (at least a full season!).

Lucky for me, I discovered the Tt Collection. In addition to a spectacular line of dresses, tops, leggings, skirts, and even cashmere pieces, Tt has a line of “luxury basics.”  The line is a favorite in Hollywood and has been spotted on some of Tinsel Town’s most stylish celebrities – from Keke Palmer, to Lauren Conrad, Kate Hudson and even Angelina Jolie.

My top three favorites? First, a girl can never have too many tanks in her closet. Alone, with a Henley, or under a sweater or jacket, the Tt Triple Tank is super soft, luxurious, and available in a rainbow of colors. Incredibly well made, the neckline is finished with the Tt signature triple-binding. Retail $60.00

Next, it doesn’t get any more basic than a t-shirt. But just because it’s basic, doesn’t mean that you have to skimp on style. The Tt Triple Scoop Neck T-Shirt offers incredibly flattering styling, and is perfect with everything from a smart suit to your favorite pair of skinny jeans. Made right in Los Angeles, the crafting is superb, and like the TT tank, the t-shirt is finished with the firm’s signature triple-binding. Retail $64.00

Finally, much as I hate to admit it, cooler temperatures are just around the corner. So, it’s time to stock up on Tt Triple Scoop Long-Sleeved T-Shirts. The dramatic scoop neck is the ideal foil for a funky necklace or casual cotton scarf. The long-sleeved t-shirt is also beautifully made and finished with the Tt signature triple-binding. Retail $84.00

So, who’s responsible for these amazing basics? Tt designer Tiffany Saidnia, an LA native, began her fashion career catering to high profile clients of notorious celebrity stylist Jessica Pastor. Later, Tiffany decided to create her own line that has the construction, fabrication, and design quality of a designer brand, but at a contemporary price point.

The essence of her collection is comfortable yet elegant, with timeless appeal—like her luxury basics. Using elements from her background in denim and leather, Tiffany takes an unconventional approach to fashion pieces and everyday knit items.

The result? Tt is classic, functional, and unique – a taste of haute couture for everyday.

The entire line is available online or find a store near you.

The Tt Collection goes beyond basics!

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 Tt Collection.

Recently, I added the most perfect shoes to my summer wardrobe — just right for Saturday night on the town! These “Basket” wedges from Two Lips Shoes are ideal for everything from dinner at a café on the waterfront, to early evening strolling down Philly’s famed South Street, to a summery outdoor concert.

The 4” heels (plus platform) give me a little extra height (A huge bonus since I’ve always lamented my paltry 5’5”) and are simply gorgeous. The upper is vegan-friendly faux leather and is covered with brightly colored sequins and gemstones. The shoes have a flattering ankle strap and a trendy, strappy look. The cork wedge is ultra light and the shoes are well padded, so they really are wonderfully comfortable. Retail $79.99

Two Lips Shoes designs a whole range of chic and comfortable footwear for women. Whether you’re looking for dress shoes, flats wedges, or boots, the Two Lips look is easily recognizable — fashionable, edgy, and most of all – fun!

The line has already been discovered by great stylists everywhere and shoes from Two Lips can be seen featured in major fashion, style and women’s magazines – from Regard, to Glamour, to Southern Bride.

Want to get your own? Two Lips Shoes can be found at retail stores, online stores, fine department stores and specialty stores — including a great range of choices at one of my favorite retailers, DSW Shoes. Or you can see the entire selection at the Two Lips online store .

Now, I just need to convince hubby to take me dancing this Saturday!

Photo courtesy of Two Lips Shoes.

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?!

Lucky for me, I found the perfect summer go-everywhere dress from Mata Traders. Pictured here in mint green, the Cadeau dress is a knit tank dress with a perky polka dot skirt. The fabric is not only adorable, it also contains a history and preserves an art.  Hand block printed with eco-friendly vegetable dyes, this is an artisan based textile tradition existing in India for centuries.

Ultra flattering, the top has a razor back and the skirt hits just at the knee. I love that this dress does double or even triple duty. Wear it for a fun barbeque or outdoor party, as a quick beach cover-up, or even with a cardi and slides for dress down Friday at work! Retail $52.00

Mata Traders is my new secret style weapon against the ongoing sluggish economy because it’s such a great resource for all sorts of wonderful, fashionable pieces that won’t break the bank. From accessories, to bags, to all types of clothing and even fun jewelry you’ll find it there.

But Mata Traders offers more than just great style. The company actually empowers women around the globe because Mata Traders works with organizations that educate and employ women.

Mata products are original designs handmade in India by women’s cooperatives and artisan groups that practice fair trade principles. This means that their producers are paid a livable wage in safe and fair conditions, and do their work at home and in small workshops rather than factories.  Services like on-site day-care, medical check-ups, and even over-time pay are offered!

Mata also uses fair trade certified cottons, which means that they support small family farms that are paid a fair price for their cotton and follow environmental standards that restrict the use of agrochemicals and encourage sustainability.

For a store near you, visit Mata Traders or see they entire line of beautiful items in the online Mata catalog.

Summertime and the livin’ is easy …

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?!

Today, we had a photo shoot with Carlos, our fantastic photographer who took all the images you see on the WHIMSY™ website. We were particularly excited this time around because our new station necklace and matching earrings were the subjects, and we LOVE them! (Although we’re a little biased…)

As you can see in the photo I took, our model, Barbie, continues to help us create beautiful shots that Carlos makes even better with his creative vision.

These two pieces will be the next release from WHIMSY, so stay tuned for the professional photos from the shoot today so you can get an up-close look of what’s new and upcoming!

-Keri