One of the biggest trends right now is flower-adorned accessories — shoes, handbags, shirts, belts, headbands, etc. Here at Style on a WHIM, we’re always looking for new and upcoming companies featuring this trend because it helps transition any work outfit to a date-night outfit in a snap!

Recently, we came across IslandBelle, a shop on Etsy that features handmade hair accessories, brooches and more, featuring adorable rosettes in a bunch of different great colors for fall.

We received the Laura Headband (pictured, $10), which is probably one of my favorites in the shop because it features a muted light pink organza rosette on a plum-y linen fabric — both of these colors are on-trend this season. It’s soft and feminine, with slightly frayed edges. I’d probably hit it with fray-stopping adhesive, like Fray Block™, to preserve the gentle fray while preventing it from fraying further. Headbands are an easy way to instantly dress up any outfit, whether you’re wearing a cute sheath dress or a plain dress shirt and dress pants. And they’re so chic!

IslandBelle brooches are even more adorable (and affordable at just $8 each!), and would look great pinned on your work blazer or a denim jacket for after work. We received the Aqua and Brown Fabric Rosette Brooch, which one of our coworkers immediately fell in love with, since she wears something very similar on her dress shirts.

My favorite piece from IslandBelle is the Fabric Rosette Necklace because it’s big, bold and makes a statement over a neutral colored top! It’s a little pricier at $25, but that’s a total steal for something so beautifully handmade. Plus, it beats your typical costume jewelry because it’s so unique!

In fact, all of IslandBelle’s pieces are made with care and give that “little-something-extra” to your favorite fall ensemble.

That’s why we’re excited to offer Style on a WHIM readers a 20% off coupon code at IslandBelle and the chance to win a $20 gift certificate!

To get your 20% off discount, simply enter “WHIM” into the comments box when you place an order at IslandBelle before the end of September. Krista, the artist behind IslandBelle, will apply the discount to your order — and it can be used toward ANYTHING in the store!

To enter to win a $20 gift certificate on IslandBelle:

1. MANDATORY COMMENT – Please visit IslandBelle and let us know which handmade piece is your favorite. (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 (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 — contest ends 9/21. Winner is announced 9/22!

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

Oh, and don’t forget to enter these other Style on a WHIM contests:
End of Summer Giveaway – package of goods worth $575 (ends 9/15)
Absolutely Audrey shoe clips (ends 9/20)

-Keri

But what to do with all of those solid colored flats you’ve already got in your closet? No problem! My solution is a collection of easy-to-use shoe clips from Absolutely Audrey.  These clips add serious style to any plain shoe. In fact, they are the perfect way to dress up not only flats but also pumps, sling backs or stilettos — and stay right on trend.

Inspired by Audrey Hepburn, a fashion icon of elegant style, Absolutely Audrey is a unique accessories design company that marries the elegance of vintage-inspired shoe clips with the latest fashion trends. The firm offers over 65 incredible styles in rhinestone, enamel, leather, pearl, satin fabric, grosgrain fabric, and more. You can shop for vintage styles, casual pieces, evening accessories and even spectacular bridal clips.

Of all the great styles offered by Absolutely Audrey, I had a hard time narrowing it down to just three must-haves, but I think that my favorite are the Sabrina clips pictured above. Inspired by one of Hepburn’s most famous characters, these  add instant elegance to any outfit. The clips are made from grosgrain fabric in black and are accented with delicate rhinestones. Retail $14.99

A beautiful look for evening (or a wedding) are the Audrey clips, inspired by the legendary actress herself.  These stylish rhinestone flowers, pictured at right, have faux pearl “petals” in a light cream hue. Retail $19.99

Finally, a pair of Ellie clips are a fabulous update for fall flats. These multi-colored clips, below, look perfect with everything from jeans to a mini.  Retail $19.99

But, I’ve saved the best for last. The price range for the entire line of shoe clips from Absolutely Audrey is a mere $10.00 to $25.00 — infinitely more cost-effective than an entire new collection of shoes (my husband will be so happy!).

Now you can win your own choice of gorgeous shoe clips from Absolutely Audrey. It’s easy, so get started!

1. MANDATORY COMMENT – Please visit Absolutely Audrey and let us know which pair of shoes clips — sassy, sophisticated or simple — are your favorites. (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 (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. 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 Absolutely Audrey.

Also — don’t forget to enter the other Style on a WHIM contests that are running right now!

Shondra Leigh silver “lace” earrings contest Valued at $60. (ends 9/8)

Say Goodbye to Summer Super Fashion Swag – Valued at over $575! (ends 9/15)

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.

The CheapChica’s Guide to Style

Mossimo/Xhilaration Motorcycle Jackets at Target: $30-$34.99

Click it/Skip it: Click it! Click them all!

I love a great motorcycle jacket anytime of the year, but especially at this time of year! They can transition from day to night and they work no matter what your style!

I just checked out Target’s large selection of moto jackets and I was not disappointed…and you won’t be either.  This is the one that lured me in–simply because this color is so hard to find at a budget friendly pricepoint and when I saw it, it just looked so expensive!

Fit: All of the jackets fit very true to size. Motorcycle jackets do tend to come cropped and that might be the only thing I didn’t love about this jacket.  I’m taller, so it hit a little shorter than I would have liked –right above my waist–but that shrunken look is very in so I’m going to go with it!

Shopper’s Notes: Pleather can look really cheap, but the faux leather used for these jackets looks and feels really expensive!

The one thing I do want to advise is that you skip the “crinkled” options. These are meant to look worn in and vintage-y but IMO they just look rather cheap (in the bad way!).  Stick with the cleaner options like the one pictured above for a more luxurious look!

BTW: If I had a budget for two, this one would be my 2nd choice! Very Rick Owens, minus the $3000 price tag!

-Lilliana Vazquez
Lilliana is a nationally known style expert and television host.  You’ve seen her work on NBC, ABC, The Style Network, and We TV.  She is also the editor of The CheapChica’s Guide to Style, the go-to destination for fashionistas on a budget, and a contributor to Philadelphia Magazine.
(all photos courtesy of Lilliana and The CheapChica’s Guide to Style)

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.

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?!

Not only are tees by New Standard adorable, the company also has an unusual business model — buy a shirt, support the artist. Their tees are brought to life by a global collective of both established and up-and-coming artists.

Two tees that will be heading off to the University this year include a turquoise one designed by Gemma Correll from England. Pugs Not Drugs, pictured, is a perfect example of what New Standard is all about. Quirky and eye catching, the illustrative style is (according to Gemma) inspired by everything from the world around her, to animals, to coffee, and to sugary breakfast cereals! This tee is a V-neck made of pre-shrunk 100% combed cotton jersey. It’s available in sizes extra small through extra large. Retail $28.

A little edgier, the This is Why I Sing tee in white is designed by Concrete Rocket for New Standard. This graphic artist, based in Singapore, gives the tee a bold, modern edge with a stark black and white color palette, but also a retro vibe by using an image of vinyl. Like Pugs Not Drugs, This is Why I Sing is made of pre-shrunk 100% combed cotton jersey. It’s also available in sizes extra small through extra large. Retail $28.

Not only does New Standard make great tees for juniors, they also have a complete men’s line, a detail that celebrity stylists everywhere have already discovered. In fact, you may have seen some of their designs throughout last season’s American Idol series. They were often sported by Idol winner (and my pick from Day One) Lee Dewyze!

So, now that you’re hooked, I know you’re wondering where you can find your own. Well, New Standard tees are available at stores just about everywhere — from PacSun, to Deliahs, to Urban Outfitters, plus so many more. For a complete list you can visit the New Standard retail stores. Or, if you’d rather shop online, browse through the entire line of both women’s tees and men’s tees at the New Standard Clothing online store. New Standard even offers free shipping on all orders over $75!

Best yet, New Standard has offered to host a giveaway for one lucky Style on a WHIM reader. The giveaway ends Friday, September 3 and there are loads of ways to enter, so get started!

1. MANDATORY COMMENT – Please visit New Standard and let us know which tee is your fave. (1 entry)

2 Like New Standard on Facebook. Leave a comment here and don’t forget to show them some love on Facebook, too! (5 entries)

3. Follow New Standard on Twitter. Be sure to leave your Twitter handle in your comment (5 entries)

4. 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)

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

6. 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 to Style on a WHIM Susan also writes for It’s how you play the game! , Success Won’t Wait! and Susan Said What?!

The CheapChica’s Guide to Style

Basically, if you want instant style advice you can get it at Polyvore from the web’s largest community of fashionistas. So, if you’re not sure how to wear a tricky trend, need help personalizing an outfit for a special occasion, or just want to know if animal prints are really here to stay, Polyvore is the go-to resource!

You can also shop the site for the hottest trends around. Search by category, search by style or search by your favorite designer — Polyvore has only the best up-to-the-minute trends out there.

And, according to Polyvore’s founders, the site also helps fashion-loving users become empowered to discover their own unique, personal style, plus set trends around the world. The site boasts 6 million unique visitors and 140 million page views a month, and Polyvore’s global community has created over 20 million fashion sets like the one shown.

Best yet, Polyvore collaborates with prominent brands like Calvin Klein, Diane Von Furstenberg, Lancôme, Net-a-Porter, Gap and Coach and its user-generated fashion campaigns have been judged by Lady Gaga, Katy Perry and today, our own Katharine Polk!

Want to learn more? Just visit Polyvore and I guarantee, you’ll be hooked, too!

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?!