WHIMSY

EXCITING STUFF!!!

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

I’m not particularly what I call a “girly girl” when it comes to fashion—I tend to stick to solid colors and run far away from complicated prints. I’ve always felt that loud prints are too jarring to the eye, whereas solid colors allow the shape, detail and fit of the clothing to truly shine. However, during the summer months, I like to jazz up my ensemble by adding a colorful accessory that incorporates a bold, graphic floral print—it’s the easiest way to add attention-grabbing pizzazz to any outfit! And choosing a floral accessory that suits you is the most important part. 

Handbags
If you aren’t choosing a different floral print bag to carry every day, then you need to get your hands on something that will match just about anything in your wardrobe.

Luckily, there’s a wealth of options out there, especially on Etsy.com. You could spend hours on their website perusing the handbag category, and you’d probably find more than a handful of floral bags that you love.

AllyBu, an Etsy seller since early 2009, offers over 100 different handbags to choose from, including hobo bags, totes and even wristlets. And almost all of them are made with floral print fabric. She uses a lot of bold prints from IKEA, and they definitely don’t look like upholstery!

One of my favorites is a slouchy hobo bag in a brown, gold and pink floral paisley pattern. It’s big enough to fit your favorite book or fashion magazine on trips to the pool, and it would be great with just about any summery outfit, except black, which you shouldn’t be wearing during hot summer days anyway! There are a couple nifty pockets on the inside of the bag, so it’s easier to stay organized within such a large bag. Right now, it’s on sale for $34 and shipping inside the U.S. is only $6.

Another of my favorites is the granny hobo bag in brown, turquoise, pink and green. The shape of the bag is fantastic, and the floral print is SO cute and girly. The pleats on the side add a little extra detail, and this one also has organizational pockets on the inside. It sells for $40.
(photos from AllyBu)

Jewelry
Another way to incorporate a shock of floral fancy is to wear a flowery piece of jewelry. ModCloth always has a handful of adorable floral necklaces to suit your style, including “The Pop-lar Pendant,” which I thought was enameled until I got a closer look—it’s actually made out of leather! Much lighter than metal (I hate wearing heavy jewelry in the summer), the leather “petals” are shaped to make them look more realistic. And at just $13.99, it’s definitely an affordable accessory!

As if I don’t have enough big flowery cocktail rings in my jewelry box, this one from ModCloth is much different than any one I have—it’s like a miniature bouquet of flowers in all different colors and shapes. Each flower even has a little colored rhinestone center for some glitz. So cute! And just $22.99!
(photos from ModCloth.com)

-Keri

Jamison Rae Designs
I’d been lusting after these cute little sterling silver and 14k gold filled stacking rings I found on Etsy a while ago, so when I found out that the designer, Jamison Rae, actually sent a stack of six to us, I was giddy with excitement! What a coincidence!

I love the idea of being able to wear one or a whole bunch of anything, and it’s even better that these adorable rings are handmade by an inspired independent artist, making them even more unique. They’re lightly hammered for texture, with a satin finish for a little shine that really brings out the gold color. Wear one, wear them all, wear just silver, or wear the gold rings—it’s totally up to you!

Jamison Rae also sells a variety of other jewelry, including necklaces and earrings. Her prices range from $20 to $62 and include elegant, minimalist designs with gemstones such as labrodorite, moonstone and druzy.
(Photo courtesy of Jamison Rae)

WHIMSY Jewelry
Another way I can update my look everyday is to simply change the beads in my WHIMSY™ interchangeable bead jewelry. They sell beautiful little “Elizabeth” earrings that unscrew to accommodate Murano glass beads from Trollbeads, Chamilia™ and many other glass bead companies. I have plenty of beads to choose from, so I like to change them according to what outfit I have on. Today it’s bright pink!

All of their jewelry is crafted using recycled materials, which is pretty neat. The earrings retail for $125, so they were a bit of an investment for me, but it was well worth it because it’s like getting a thousand different pairs of earrings in one!

What I like best about them is how well they showcase the beads I’m wearing—it really is all about the color and depth of each tiny little bead! And it only takes a few seconds to change the beads in them, meaning I have no excuse not to have cute, coordinating jewelry.

There are TONS of options out there for interchangeable, mix-and-matchable jewelry–leave a comment with a link to your favorite piece!!

-Keri

Susan has written before about the beautiful interchangeable bead jewelry from WHIMSY™ — we’re huge advocates for the versatility of their pieces! From absolutely stunning rings to beautiful sterling silver earrings, WHIMSY has interchangeable jewelry that’s just your style.

Now you can win your very own pair of sterling silver Elizabeth earrings and two matching beads from Eastern Trading. The Elizabeth earrings are casual enough to be worn with jeans and fancy enough to be worn with a LBD for a night out on the town! And of course you can change the beads for a new look every day!

This prize package of a pair of Elizabeth earrings and two Murano glass beads by Eastern Trading is valued at $150, so enter today!

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 June 30 and the winner will be notified July 1!

-Keri

Photo courtesy of WHIMSY Worldwide.

UPDATE 7-1-2010: Katie is the winner of the earrings by WHIMSY and Murano glass beads from Eastern Trading Company. Congratulations!

This weekend I saw the fabulous movie Coco before Chanel starring  Audrey Tautou. I’ve been dying to see it since it was released last year — and it did not disappoint!

If you haven’t seen the film yet, this is the truly inspirational story of the very early years of Gabrielle (Coco) Chanel. Of course, I was expecting to see the invention of the LBD and the use of ropes of pearls, but some of her other innovations really surprised me.

One of my favorites was her incorporation of nautical blue and white stripes, taken directly from while watching fishermen on a seaside holiday (Adrienne Tautou pictured). Nautical tradition in fashion is so commonplace today, that it is hard to reconcile that in Chanel’s day this styling was nothing short of revolutionary.

Since today is the official start of summer (no school!) I wanted to showcase an easy way to add Chanel’s whimsical, nautical style to your summer wardrobe without looking like the Gorton’ Fisherman! And Shiraleah has the perfect tote – sporting preppy, nautical style and created using renewable natural resources, reclaimed materials, plus environmentally friendly technologies.

The sturdy blue and white Shiraleah canvas tote (pictured here in blue, also available in raspberry) has silver metallic, vegan “leather” straps and trim, fun anchor and wheel charms, and is lined in bright pink. Secure zipper top, interior pockets for a phone, keys, and more. Perfect for the beach or boating, this tote will remind you of the shore, even when you’re landlocked! Retail $63.00

Shiraleah’s fabulous designs are available at Inspired Living, Bossa, and Ebags.

Now let’s hit the beach!

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’ve written before about the beautiful interchangeable bead jewelry from WHIMSY™ — definitely one of my favorites! From absolutely stunning rings to beautiful sterling silver earrings, WHIMSY has interchangeable jewelry that’s just your style.

Now you can win you very own sterling silver Juliet pendant and a wardrobe of three gorgeous beads from Eastern Trading. The Juliet pendant can be worn with a sterling chain, a ribbon, or black cording for a variety of looks. And of course you can change the bead for a new look every day!

This prize package of a striking Juliet pendant (chain not included) and three different Murano glass beads by Eastern Trading is valued at $150, so enter today!

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 June 16 and the winner will be notified June 17!

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

6-17-2010 UPDATE: The winner of our contest is Alicia O. Congratulations

I love having kids! When they were very small, I had the world’s best excuse to buy Barbie clothes by the  closetful, countless Matchbox cars, and games that I really wanted to play (if you have kids, admit it – you’ve done this, too!).

Now that they are older, I am still sometimes the indirect beneficiary of their purchases. I mean, how else would I have discovered YoYo lip gloss or BedHead hair products? My latest and greatest “steal” from their beauty arsenal is the Good for you Girls skin care line.

The Good for you Girls Complete Kit has everything you need to put your best face forward. A simple, three-step process of cleansing, toning and moisturizing is great training for the young girls, but these products work so well that I use them, too! The kit contains a cleaner, toner and moisturizer – everything to effectively clean away impurities, balance pH, and help to protect skin from the elements.

Best yet, Good for you Girls products are filled with good-for-the-skin ingredients that pamper and protect but are totally free of parabens, sulfates, petrochemicals, dyes or synthetic fragrances. (very important for young and older skin alike!)

The Complete Kit contains a 2 oz. Gel Cleanser, a 2 oz. Refreshing Toner, and a 2 oz. Oil-Free Moisturizer. According to Good for you Girls, the products in kit should last approximately 4-6 months. Retail $19.99.

In fact, the products have been so well received (by kids and parents alike) that Good for you Girls recently received the Parent Tested Parent Approved Award! 

To try this fabulous skin care line out for yourself, visit the Store Locator  or shop online.

All natural. All healthy. All beautiful.

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?!

This week I’ve been trying to mentally prepare myself for the shopping frenzy that will occur on Friday. My holiday list is long and sadly, my budget is small, so I am getting extra creative!

Each year, I search for interesting, unusual and useful gifts that will please the recipient and not break the bank. This year I’ve found some fabulous, stylish pieces that are guaranteed to please the people on my list, and I hope yours, too!

My list started with my oh-so-chic mother. Although I aspired to a Hermes scarf in an equestrian pattern, with price tags of approximately $375, I needed to find a more reasonable alternative. At Travel Smith I found a fabulous silk scarf in a beautiful pattern that I know she will just adore. Same look, and for only $45!

Next, my sister in law in Boston is only person I know who owns a larger collection of accessories than I do! One of this season’s oversized necklaces was just the thing. A quick trip to www.Overstock.com and I found this gorgeous Maddy Emerson necklace made of genuine freshwater pearls with gemstones like red agate, agate, and tear shaped quartz at the incredible price of only $39.99 (down from $160.91 – a savings of 80%!).

For my BFF, a die-hard Vera Bradley collector, I found a Jewelry Box, perfect for traveling at a budget-friendly $35.

Finally, my hard-to-buy-for aunt. (You probably have one, too.) She really needs nothing, has no room for any home-related gifts, and is always on a diet! My solution is this elegant Galleria Auto Super-Mini Umbrella with a scene from Paris. Weighing only 1 lb., 3 oz. this is a convenient and lovely gift. I found this all over the Internet, from $24.

Now that my shopping is done, would anyone care for some eggnog?

Susan McNeill is a wife, mother, author, fashion blogger

 and sales manager for the WHIMSY jewelry line. Susan

also writes for http://mcneilldesigns.wordpress.com and

http://successwontwaitinc.wordpress.com

Christina Applegate has come a long way from her big-haired, short-skirt-wearing, red-lipstick-loving character Kelly Bundy on Married With Children—needless to say (but I’m going to say it anyway), her style has changed from 80s Wild Child to Timeless Beauty.

When attending red carpet events, Christina wears beautiful gowns in classic silhouettes, creating a signature look that is polished, sophisticated and utterly timeless. Her style is never edgy, but always feminine and classy.

In the above image taken at the Golden Globes, Christina wears a pale yellow Roberto Cavalli gown with a sweetheart neckline and keeps things fresh with an eye-catching necklace featuring beautiful cascading flowers. To finish the look, a pair of simple drop earrings–a great choice so nothing competes with her statement necklace. The real star of the show is the Lorraine Schwartz necklace, for sure!

In the image to the left, Christina opts for big, sexy curls and an ultra-feminine beige lace-top dress with cap sleeves. The sleeves give her a little extra coverage and balance the low cut of the front. She keeps her makeup demure but fresh and goddess-esque with black eyeliner and blush in just the right shade to match her skin tone. Her tan lines are a little distracting with the cut of the dress, but hey–we all battle tan lines sometimes!

At the 2009 Emmys, Christina donned a beautiful navy gown with a draped asymmetrical neckline and lace inset by Basil Soda. She looked very fashion forward and tres chic!

Ann Taylor is one of my favorite places to shop. I realize that this says a little bit about my personal style, but hey, when I need another great pair of black pants or the perfect charcoal gray pencil skirt, I know I’m in the right place!

Since I usually stick to the basics there, I took a quick swing by the jewelry section, just to see what they were showing. Much to my surprise I was blinded by the bling! The “New Ann Taylor” (as they are calling the chain these days) had a boatload of great accessories. And their tagline –“Sparkle or shine – a girl’s best friend” was exactly what I wanted to hear!

This season’s accessories – ropes or pearls, armfuls of gem encrusted bangles and enormous cocktail rings – are all about luxury. Perhaps this says something about the state of the economy – if you can’t be rich, you can at least look rich? Whatever the reason, traditional pieces like pearls, diamond bracelets and oversized, vintage-inspired brooches take on a really edgy look when paired with trendy ensemble – leggings, thigh high boots – even bleach-dyed jeans.

Some of my favorites from Ann Taylor include a four row rhinestone bracelet. This beauty would look equally at home dressed up for cocktail party (think Marilyn Monroe) or dressed way down (a la Madonna). Only $65.

Another fabulous find from Ann Taylor is super trendy bib necklace with heaps of sparkling, multifaceted crystals. This is an online exclusive, and at only $55 probably won’t last long!

At Talbots (another favorite stop), I found a striking purple and black cabochon brooch with a serious 1950’s vintage vibe. I love a brooch used to anchor a scarf securely on the shoulder or randomly placed on a sweater  (never on a lapel!). A real bargain at just $39.

Chicos has a pearletta necklace – a double strand of oversized irregular beads that look freshwater pearls. The choker is definitely the look of the season and this particular necklace would work with almost anything in my closet. Plus, it’s on sale down from $49 to only $42!

My last great find, and my absolute favorite, is a faceted dome ring by Ariella at Nordstrom’s for only $78. Plated in14-karat gold, the ring comes in several options including black, turquoise, cat’s eye or white jade.

It’s payday. Time to go shopping!

Susan McNeill is a wife, mother, author, fashion blogger

 and sales manager for the WHIMSY jewelry line. Susan

also writes for http://mcneilldesigns.wordpress.com and

http://successwontwaitinc