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!

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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.

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

My absolute favorite color to wear when I’m going out (other than black) is purple! I love wearing deep shades of purple anytime of the year—the trick is to keep with eggplant-y purples in fall and brighter purples in summer.

Purple is just such a fantastic color that avoids being overtly girly. Since I tend to stick with black dresses and shirts, I like to accessorize with purple. I have purple shoes, a purple clutch and various purple pieces of jewelry—though I would never wear ALL of them at once!

My latest obsessions in the beautiful hue, are this adorable multi-strand faux-pearl bracelet from Candie’s. Available at Kohl’s, it’s affordable and looks great on my wrist! I also love the hematite and enamel bow because I can either wear it on the top of my wrist or underneath, depending on whether I want to show it off or not. It’s a stretchy bracelet, which usually makes me nervous (I’m always afraid the cord will fray and break) but this one felt pretty sturdy and seems like it’ll definitely last for all the nights at the bar I’ll end up putting it through! Retail: $13.40 on sale! (photo from Kohls.com)

Also on my list of must-have purpliciousness is a clutch like the studded handle pleated wristlet from Express. This particular one looks a lot like the one I own, but feels a lot more genuine, even though it’s not real leather. It’s definitely large enough to fit all my essentials, including a camera for those crazier nights out on the town… Retail: $22.95 (photo from Express.com)

And as just about anyone can tell you, I won’t leave the house without a pair of dangly, sparkly earrings hanging from my ears. In my opinion, it’s the easiest way to dress up any outfit—from a summer dress to a basic v-neck tee. This particular pair of cascading gemstone earrings is handmade by Etsy seller, MartiniJewels, and is the perfect shade of purple. The beads are wrapped in sterling silver wire, so no worries about them bothering your ears! And, of course, you can be sure that no other fashionista on your block has them! Retail: $30

-Keri

Every once and a while I stumble upon an artist or company that produces work that is so beautiful, so original that I know I’ve just made a tremendous discovery. That’s exactly how I felt when I first saw American Estate Jewelry. This company offers absolutely exquisite sterling silver jewelry using old world, artisanal techniques. Every heirloom quality piece is clearly destined to be handed down from generation to generation.

American Estate Jewelry was founded by Carolyn O’Keefe and was created in honor of Carolyn’s mother Sally, who wore one special heirloom sterling cuff every day. After seeking something similar to leave to her own two daughters, Carolyn realized that many American traditions in silver making were being lost forever!

In her research Carolyn also discovered the American silver company Galmer Silversmiths and its founder, renowned silver master Michael Galmer. Michael is perhaps best known for his dedication to preserving the tradition of the repousse craft and is one of the only artisans who still employs those techniques today. In addition to his new designs for American Estate Jewelry, Michael’s well known work for Tiffany & Co. and private collectors is nothing short of spectacular.

Galmer’s trademark, repousse, is a detailed and difficult process which has endured over centuries because of its magnificent results. This is a metal working technique in which a malleable metal is first formed with a specially created three-dimensional mold and then ornamented by precise hammering from the reverse side, “pushed from the back.” Metal is worked on the front to refine and define repousse images, with groves, indentation and channeling.

American Estate Jewelry’s debut collection of sterling cuffs utilizes the repousee technique and includes a series of seven distinctive sterling silver cuffs, each lined in gold. Hand-chased from the finest sterling silver in lavish sculptural detail, these are truly cuffs of distinction. Prices range from $550-$695.

The cuffs are available in fine jewelers and boutiques and is also available directly from American Estate Jewelry.

The hardest part is choosing a favorite. The Magnolia? No, the Peony? Maybe the Sunflower… oh dear, I love them all!

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?!

I have thing for vampires… It all started with the series Angel where gorgeous and hard-to-resist vampire played by David Boreanaz is cursed with a soul and spends his time helping people — all the while searching for his own redemption. Lately, like every woman under 100, the delicious collection of vampire guys from the Twilight series makes my heart beat just a little faster. And of course, the new season of the vampire series True Blood begins on June 13.

If you haven’t seen True Blood yet — where have you been?! In this great series from HBO vampires really do walk among us… based on the work of novelist Charlaine Harris, this is the perfect weekly dose of the supernatural for those of us who are, shall we say, vampire-obsessed.

To celebrate the show’s return, I wanted to showcase some fabulous jewelry guaranteed to inspire True Blood fans. First, from the Simmons Jewelry Co. the cross necklace (pictured) is crafted of stainless steel and black rubber for a very contemporary feel. The cross also has unique stainless steel beads with a round diamond accent. The pendant is suspended from a cool 30″ ball chain. Available at Kay Jewelers, the cross retails for $195.00.

I also love this stainless steel and black rubber bracelet, again from the Simmons Jewelry Co. This funky 8″ bracelet features Maltese cross links for a sophisticated look, a round diamond accent and snap lock clasp for added security. Available at Kay Jewelers, the bracelet retails for $450.00

Do crosses keep vampires at bay? I certainly hope not!

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?!

Celebrity-inspired design? Sometimes it works and sometimes (shades of Lindsay Lohan!) it’s a disaster. So initially, when I was contacted about the Hard Rock Artist Spotlight Bracelet by Shakira, I admit I was a little skeptical.

That all changed when I saw this great piece, which was inspired by the legendary performer. This limited-edition bracelet features Chakira beads with custom clasps and retails for only $12.Best of all, not only will this gorgeous piece add a serious wow factor to your summer wardrobe, the proceeds from the Artist Spotlight Bracelet will benefit Fundacin Pies Descalzos  (The Barefoot Foundation).

The Barefoot Foundation is a U.S. non-profit, non-governmental organization founded in 1997 by Shakira herself. As a result of her humanitarian efforts, Shakira was even appointed UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador – the youngest world representative of this organization!

The Barefoot Foundation is devoted to ensuring that every child can exercise his or her basic right to a quality education.  The organization’s aim is to improve the education and quality of life for the millions of boys and girls denied the chance to fulfill their potential. Sales of bracelet will help make this possible, so you can look good and do good at the same time!

In addition to the Shakira bracelet, the Hard Rock Artist Spotlight program features the work of many other noted artists and performers and contributes to global and humanitarian causes worldwide. Since it was established in 1971, Hard Rock  has been committed to a wide variety of philanthropic causes and activities around the world.

Just another reason to love Shakira!

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?!

Who wouldn’t like a kiss that lasts forever? This Valentine’s Day your sweetheart can give you one heck of a kiss — a lovely Hershey’s Kiss bracelet that is!

This gorgeous bracelet is part of the Hershey’s Kiss jewelry line which was introduced at the JCK Las Vegas show just this past June. The Hershey’s Kiss line, which includes bracelets, pendants and earrings, is fast becoming a symbol of love and a replacement for tired, traditional heart motifs.  

The bracelet is crafted in sterling silver with Rhodium plating for extra shine and includes a 7.5 inch Rolo link chain with a toggle closure, also plated in Rhodium. The Kiss itself measures 10mm by height and 9mm at the base. Just the right size for my wrist and at only $99.99, just right for the wallet, too!

In addition to trendy sterling, there are also Hershey’s products in gold, gold and diamond, and silver and diamond. And a little birdie told me that soon to arrive in the Hershey’s family of products are even more affordable options like silver with Cubic Zirconia and base metal jewelry items. These variations ensure that there are Hershey products to satisfy every consumer!

The Hershey’s Kiss bracelet is available online at Overstock, Anything Goes, Days Jewelers, Diamonds International, Ephraim Doumato, Gary Jewelers, Generous Gems, Jewelbasket, Kranich’s Fine Jewelers, Neves, Jewelers, and Zales.

XOXOXO

Pearls are treasures from nature, and jewelry designer Wendy Mahr takes full advantage of their luminous beauty in her contemporary pearl pieces. From stunning necklaces and bracelets, to chandelier earrings, to modern, chunky rings, her designs are sure to be a big hit this Christmas!

A Miami native, Wendy is a self-taught jewelry designer and has spent the last eight years putting her training and experience to use, growing her own business. Wendy’s designs are sold in fine boutiques and exclusive galleries across the country, which is why I was so pleasantly surprised to find that her designs are not only beautiful, they are also extremely affordable!

Her trademark silver wire and stone rings start at only $55 for a single pearl and run up to $120 for an amazing ring embellished with an extra large crystal. Earrings are even more affordable, with a simple pearl dangle – perfect for every occasion – setting you back a mere $28. More complex chandelier earrings are slightly more expensive at $72 for the most intricate designs.

My favorite pieces, however, are the chunky bracelets and necklaces, which are right on trend for the holiday season. The chunky pearl bracelet, shown, is $85 and the lovely freshwater pearl necklace is only $210. (Both are on my personal Wish List!)

One of the best things about Wendy Mahr’s jewelry, though, is that these are not mass-produced (the kind of thing that I call “mall jewelry”). Designs each retain a little bit of the personality of the designer and the natural materials she utilizes make each piece unique. And the word is spreading! Wendy’s Mahr Jewelry has been featured in Family Circle Magazine, Glamour Magazine’s blog, The Miami Herald and more.

In additional to beautiful freshwater pearls in a rainbow of hues, other pieces contain crystal quartz, colorful amethyst and Chalcedony, faceted glass, coral and even shell. Wendy’s complete line of jewelry is also available online at Wendy Mahr Jewelry.