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.

As part of a longstanding tradition, WHIMSY’s lead designer Craig Whitten and his wife Cynthia were on hand at the annual Miss Delaware Pageant to congratulate the new winner and of course, gift her with some of Craig’s beautiful new designs!

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?!

It seems that every magazine I pick up this summer has a piece on adding a little rocker chic to your wardrobe. More than just leather, chains, and heavy liner, rocker chic is all about attitude.

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 warehouse sale you’ve been waiting for is the Kate Boggiano’s Early Bird Sale. You can save big and look fabulous all summer long!

Saturday, July 24th, 8am-4pm, Kate Boggiano is having their semi-annual Warehouse Sale out of their Pilsen Studio: 2150 S. Canalport Ave., 3rd Floor, Chicago, IL 60608.

60% off, 8:00 am – 9:00 am

50% off, 10:00 am – 11:00 am

40% off, 11:00 am – 12:00 noon

30% off, 12:00 noon – 4:00 pm

Shop early for the best savings and best selection of signature ruffle blouses, tops, dresses, and more. This sale includes: current season, past seasons, clearance, and the famous seamless collection of tanks and leggings! Also, get an exclusive first look at Kate Boggiano’s Fall 2010 line, plus 20% off all Fall 2010 purchases!

Photo courtesy of Kate Boggiano.

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?!

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

Close your eyes and imagine turquoise. What comes to mind? The sun glinting off of the inviting waters of St. Tropez. A cloudless sky in Hawaii. Or maybe the flash of a tropical bird in St. Thomas. Whatever you envision, turquoise is without question, the color for summer.

Ever since Pantone named turquoise the color of the year for 2010, Keri and I have rhapsodized about this gorgeous shade. Turquoise is one of those perfect colors that just makes everyone look more beautiful. And, it’s so easy to incorporate into your wardrobe – whether it’s a snuggly sweater, breezy scarf or a new belt, the addition of turquoise is an instant update.

I love turquoise throughout the year, but I think it’s absolutely essential for summer. Against bronzed skin, paired with crisp white, or used as an accent, turquoise tops my list of summer must-haves. And of course, I have three of my favorite ways to add turquoise into the mix for you this summer!

First, is a sexy bikini from Voda Swim. This bikini is called the Envy Push Up Aqua Splash String Bikini and is a glorious shade of turquoise. Because this particular color by Voda Swim is also available in several other styles, it was a hard choice. But the simple design of this top will withstand beachside activity a little more strenuous than just sunbathing — from to surfing to volleyball! Retail $110.00

Voda Swim also has a secret!  The magic is in a new patent pending Envy Push Up bikini top which was created by international model Yulia.

The bikini top has a soft enhancer that gives a full, rounded contour with a natural bouncy movement. The Envy Push Up top visually increases bust size by up to two cup sizes and provides great support with a natural lift and flawless cleavage.

The push up pads are made of high density polyester foam which absorbs a very small amount of water. They keep their shape and form when immersed in water, and – best of all – no sagging!

Voda Swim has been discovered by celebs all over the world, and now the rest of us can look that wonderful, too. Check out this month’s magazine covers – from Seventeen to Glamour and see if you don’t agree!

Photo courtesy of Voda Swim.

Next, I absolutely love this wrap watch from La Mer in turquoise. The ultimate summer accessory, this one is appropriately called Turquoise – Gold Seaside and has an extra-long soft leather strap topped with a double chain, plus adorable nautical charms.

All of the La Mer Collections contain classic watch faces designed exclusively by Martine Ilana. These are paired with beautiful leather straps, each of which is hand assembled in the United States. The watches have a Seiko watch movement and are nickel free. Retail $110.00

La Mer was established in 2001 when fonder Martine rummaged through her jewelry drawer and could not find a simple, stylish and feminine watch to wear. Combining her passion for design, love of quality materials and simple beauty, La Mer Collections was born.

Martine’s inspiration is drawn from her journeys: South Africa’s colorful markets, Bali’s lush flowers, Italy’s gorgeous leathers and Thailand’s clear blue ocean. Each season La Mer’s color palette is chosen from these bright and colorful experiences. And, lucky for us, this year’s collection includes stylish turquoise!

Photo courtesy of La Mer.

Finally, my handbag addiction has reared its ugly head once more, because I don’t have a – gasp – turquoise handbag! I found the perfect solution at Rue de Chic. The Turquoise “Eva”" Clutch is sophisticated handbag that I can pair with work ensembles, weekend wear — even a casual sundress! Retail $40.00

Rue de Chic is one of my newest, favorite shopping haunts. For the unique and unexpected with a distinctive European flair, this site is a must-see. In addition to this fab turquoise clutch, Rue de Chic offers a huge array of fashions, accessories, trendy jewelry – just about everything you’ll need to enjoy your summer in style!

Photo courtesy of Rue de Chic.

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?!

“A fashionista without any effort.” That’s how actress Reshma Shetty describes her character Divya Katdare on USA Network’s summer smash series Royal Pains and I agree!

Divya, the practical, efficient physician’s assistant for HankMed is also always impeccably dressed in elegant, simple silhouettes. She accentuates these classic choices with an incredible wardrobe of jewelry that frequently pays homage to her Indian heritage. Large scale beaded necklaces, armfuls of bangles and spectacular, shoulder-dusting earrings are all part of her unique style.

I absolutely love her look and to incorporate it into my own summer wardrobe, I started searching for some Bollywood-esque earrings of my own. And although I was only looking for earrings, what I found was a whole selection of incredible, must-have beaded bracelets, necklaces and earrings from The Bead Dreamer.

Charlene (the dreamer herself) has been creating beautiful jewelry all of her life. Her unique, handcrafted designs are truly spectacular. Through her travels, she searches for unusual beads and materials to incorporate into her striking designs. Her inspiration is found in every aspect of the world — whether it’s the shape of a leaf, a door or window with architectural interest, or the color of the sky at a particular moment.

Charlene’s LuLu earrings (pictured) would fit perfectly in Divya’s jewelry box (and mine!). A turquoise glass bead and delicate yellow crystals hang from a gold-plated, ethnic style finding, creating a design that is equally appropriate for dressy outfits or casual jeans.  The earrings are 2 ¼” long and have gold-filled French ear wires. And, they retail at only $18.99!

Want some of Divya’s style of your own? The Bead Dreamer’s beautiful pieces are sold in fine boutiques and shops everywhere. To find a store near you, simply visit The Bead Dreamer. You can also shop online, but I will warn you… you’ll want everything in her shop!

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?!

Photo courtesy of The Bead Dreamer.

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

I spend a lot of time at the pool every summer – swimming, sunning and having a blast with a huge group of my friends. Our pool is often quite the fashion show and each year I love to pick out some of the season’s cutest suits, cover ups and sunglasses. Problem is … I’m not always completely swimsuit-ready when the season kicks off!

One of my personal tricks to getting ready to don that suit and keep the sugar cravings at bay is to have a supply of Jolly Ranchers on hand. You get a nice, sweet treat and almost no calories. Jolly Ranchers were my candy of choice until I discovered Couture Pops from The Sugar Factory this Christmas.

This fabulous lollipop has a striking design with a contemporary fashion edge, in a deliciously sweet pop. Plus it’s wonderfully portable. But best yet, there are only 112 calories per pop!

Celebs everywhere have already discovered these great lollis. Britney Spears, Anna Lynn McCord (pictured) The Pussycat Dolls, Kim Kardashian, Lauren Conrad, and many more all love Couture Lollipops!

Not only do they taste fantastic, the bejeweled, custom handles can be paired with a rainbow of yummy lollipop flavors. I love that you can match your mood, outfit, or special occasion with these tasty pops. The flavors and color combinations are almost limitless.

Throwing caution (and calories!) to the wind? In addition to Couture Pops, The Sugar Factory has deliciously sweet treats — from a vast array of candies, to scrumptious chocolate, to special occasion baskets and even adorable candy-inspired fashion items!

Sugar Factory currently has two stores located in Las Vegas – one inside The Mirage, and one inside the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. A third Sugar Factory location will be opening up at Paris Las Vegas this fall. Not planning a trip? All of Sugar Factory’s products are also available online.

These pops are truly delicious, but fitting into the new swimsuit that arrived yesterday – now that’s sweet!

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?!

All photos courtesy of The Sugar Factory.

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