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.

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?!

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

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!

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!

What’s a Bankle, you ask? It a bangle for your ankle! Each Bankle is comprised of high quality sterling silver “bar” sections connected by chain links that lend a bangle-like look. There are four different styles that include gemstone dangles and one without dangles. The Juliet Bankle, which is the one Susan and I received, has one section with three little red garnet dangles, as you can see in the photo. It’s super shiny and feels almost fluid thanks to a beautiful polished finish. And I loved the little star-shaped dangle at the clasp!

Now, as if the Bankle isn’t cute enough in itself, the two:peas® website shows a bunch of different ways you can wear them. Separate chain extenders are available and can make your Bankle into a boot anklet, a lariat necklace, a draped chain statement necklace, and more! Pretty neat. If I was to wear it as an anklet, my favorite is the simpler Cyd Bankle. And if I was wearing one around my neck, I’d opt for the Ginger, which features 18 white gemstone dangles, paired with several of the longer necklace extenders.

The Juliet is rather out of my price range at $315, but the Cyd is more affordable at $190. They would make pretty and thoughtful bridesmaids gifts!
(photos courtesy of twopeasjewelry.com)

-Keri

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!

The Five Accessories mission is to create income generating programs for individuals in five different countries, donate a large portion of sales to worthy charitable causes and foster the use of sustainable material in fashion. So, in the “spirit of Five,” I’ve chosen my five favorites from the firm.

First is the Wood and Pearl Bracelet from Bali. Oval-shaped wood sections are united with small beads in between and finished with a circular shaped pearl overlay. This bracelet is from the Bali Collection and I love the natural materials and chunky feel. Retail $10.00

Next is the Half Moon Clutch. This clutch has a distinctive shape, cute flower accent, and is constructed out of eco-friendly bamboo and wood. Fully lined, the bag also has an inside pocket, and metal clasp closure. You can even custom order special flowers to match an existing outfit!  Was $45.00 NOW ON SALE! $35.00

Another fave is the naturally beautiful Kuta Wood Necklace. This fair trade bead necklace is handmade near Kuta, Bali of 1/2 inch round wooden balls. I love the simplicity of the design. This necklace would make a nice transition piece as fall approaches! Was $20.00 NOW ON SALE! $15.00

When I saw the Brown Coconut Bag, I knew I’d found something really special. This beautiful coconut shell clutch has a satin lining, pocket and metal clasp. Best yet, $5.00 from each sale goes to support schoolchildren in Bali! The bag is available in three sizes:

Small: 8″ wide by 6″ tall, Was $40.00 NOW ON SALE $35.00
Medium: 10″ wide by 6″ tall, Was $45.00 NOW ON SALE $40.00
Large: 12″ wide by 6″ tall, Was $50.00 NOW ON SALE $45.00

Finally, the Brown Shell Bracelet is one of the newest fair trade pieces from Five Accessories. Crafted of brown and white shell the bracelet is handmade by artisans in Bali following fair trade practices. Was $15.00 NOW ON SALE $10.00

Of course, these are just my favorites. To see more gorgeous pieces — from necklaces to beads, bags to bangles, rings and more — visit Five Accessories.

Feel good? Look great? It’s a WIN-WIN!

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?!

Photos courtesy of Five Accessories.