Hiss, Meow, Hoot, Growl: Statement Jewelry That Speaks To You

Statement jewelry has abounded this season.  You can’t shop without finding a great, big piece of fabulous jewelry to add to your collection.

One of the trends that I’ve been fascinated with this year is animal jewelry.  From snakes, to cats, to zebras, the list goes on.

After digging through my jewelry armoire I also found some great vintage pieces that I inherited from my mom.

Here are some that I have in my collection:

5 at once

 

Betsey Johnson Tiger Ring

Noir Snake Ring

Beyond Rings Tiger

Beyond Rings Double Zebra

Baby Phat Cuff

Rhinestone Snake Cuff

 

Vintage Silver Starfish

Vintage Gold Snake

70's Butterfly Ring

Vintage Silver Owl Necklace

A Butterfly & A Dragonfly

What “statements” have you made this season?  Have you roared with your jewelry lately?

 

© 2011  J. H-M and CultureChoc2010

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I Have A Heart On For You

Saint Valentine’s Day is always so commercial.  I plead with my husband NOT to buy me roses but he always does.  This year I finally got through to him… he bought me some great flowers anyway.

My mom will be gone six years now and I miss her little Valentine’s Day presents she used to give me every year.  I miss my Easter baskets too!

In any case, here are my heart ons and where I have them (I can have them anywhere)…  Glad I can post them in public!

I hope you enjoyed your Valentine’s Day!

On The Floor

On My Feet

In My Hand

On The Dresser

In The Bathroom

 

© 2011 J. H-M and CultureChoc2010

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A Couple More Splurges

The shopaholic strikes again!  It’s always such a treat when I forget that I ordered something online and FedEx or UPS come knocking at my door.  The rush is incredible and I never pay full price when I order from my wonderful sample sales.

Here are my latest – retail price listed:

 

BCBG Max Azria $148

 

 

Jessica Simpson $118

 

 

Jax $168

 

 

Tom Ford $525

 

 

Vintage 66 Alex & Ani $68

 

 

Nicole Miller $420

 

 

Mafia $no clue

 

 

B. Smith $125

 

 

Marc by Marc Jacobs $350

 

 

Until my next shopping breakdown….  I still need a coat!

© 2010 J. H-M and CultureChoc2010.

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Here Comes The Snake…

Animal jewelry has become a must-have in every woman’s wardrobe.

Snakes

I love my new snake pieces pictured above – especially my new serpent ring by NOIR.

Here are a few of my favorite pieces….

Fig The Flying Pig

Goldie The Elephant

Phillipe The Parrot

Betsy Johnson Jungle Cat Bracelet

Have a little fun and enjoy!

© 2010 J. H-M and CultureChoc2010.

Back To School / Work Shopping: The Initial Purchases – Part One

September always reminds me of back to school shopping even though I’m no longer a student, I am a teacher.  Before my mom passed away she took me clothes shopping every year when I was a student (1972 – 2007 with a short break in there of 3 years) and when I became a teacher.

I looked forward to it every year and cried like a baby the first few years after she was gone.  I still get melancholy to date.  Maybe that’s why I use my credit cards as weapons, never able to get the safety back on.

Here are some things that made it into my Fall 2010 Collection:

Warning:  Some items are not work-friendly but I’m sure I’ll find a use for them!

Jewelry…

Adia Kibur Earrings

Just Cavalli Ring

Leslie Danzis Ring

Miriam Salat Resin Ring

Chamak by Priya Kakkar

Accessories…

Valentino Sunglasses

Dior

Elemento by Monserat De Lucca

BCBGMAXAZRIA Beaded Metal Clutch

Junior Drake "Lorri" Leather Satchel

Etienne Aigner

Blue Steve Madden

Clothes…

Ravon Convertible Dress

The Reformation Black Lace Dress

Vivienne Tam

Casual Couture

Jessica Simpson

Shoes…

Miss Sixty

Oh… Did I mention that I love labels?  On my clothes anyway.  Happy Shopping!

© 2010 J. H-M and CultureChoc2010.

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What’s HOT For Fall…

Fashion has a tendency to repeat itself with new updates that make the trend more modern.  This year’s Fall Collections are no exception.

Scouring sample sales, fashion magazines and any online fashionista jabber I focused in on a few trends that I like for Fall 2010.  Most of these are in a normal fashionista’s price range except for my Military pick – but I couldn’t resist.

• Boots:  Thigh-high boots seem to be making a comeback.  They appeared on the fashion scene a few years ago but the runways are loaded with them this Fall.  Must have:  Report Winston
  

  Miriam Salat*

• Statement Jewelry:  This jewelry takes bling to a new level.  Classy and fun pieces will round out your wardrobe.  Must-have:  Try a piece by Miriam Salat or Alex & Ani.
  
• Thigh-High Socks:  Last seen in the movie Clueless, these retro-modern “leg-warmers” are a hot pick for fall.   Must-have:  Knee socks – but read this first.
  
• 70’s Inspired:  Silks, neutral accessories and an oversized pair of sunglasses rounds out seventies style.  Must-have:  a nude shoe  – my fave L.A.M.B. Gale.
• Fur:  Not very politically correct but always HOT.  Whether it real or
  

  Elemento*

  faux – go for it!  Must-have:  Pick any accessory fur or faux.

• Chains:  Edgy metal on handbags, clothes or jewelry are in vogue maintenant.  Must-have: Elemento by Monserat De Lucca.
• Military Inspired:  No!  It’s not your 80’s military jacket – it’s more modern and more wearable.  Must-have:  Balmain navy silk blend tweed military jacket. Totally out of my price range but if you can find a knock-off, let me know!
• Lace:  Lace truly never goes out of style.  Must-have:  Loretta Tunic Dress*.  Great for a night out.
• Pops of GOLD:  Whether you’re flaunting a gold sequin mini, elegant cocktail dress or brilliant baubles, gold is IN.  Must-have:  Kenneth Cole Gold Cuff Bracelet.
• Platform Stilettos:  Who knew when platforms appeared on the scene so long ago that they would constantly be reinvented in more modern pieces again and again.  Must-have:  Kira Peep Toe Pump by Marciano.

These finds combine multiple trends:

• 70’s Neutral & Chains.
• Lace & Platform Stiletto.
• Gold & Statement Jewelry.
  

  Leslie Danzis

The most important thing in fashion is to HAVE FUN.  If you love what you’re wearing you will exude confidence and strength and others will notice.  I love creating my own looks.  It’s an art.  Putting together just the right pieces – perfect harmony.

Shop smart at sample sales, Marshall’s or TJ Maxx.  It’s better to buy better, cheaper than to buy JUST cheap.  You DO get what you pay for – trust me.

© 2010 J. H-M and CultureChoc2010.

* In my closet.

Online Sample Sales: I ♡ Them!

I love shopping as many women do.  It’s addicting, thrilling and satisfying on every level – until you get the credit card statement.

Alex & Ani

Shopaholic or not (definitely the former) I try not to overindulge or spend money foolishly.  Although I can never that I haven’t committed these “wallet” crimes, I do try to shop for designer clothes and accessories at discount stores when at all possible.

Some time ago I discovered online sample sales and have been enjoying them ever since.  The pricing is great but quantities are limited.  You can go crazy, so be smart.  The keys to these sales are SPEED, NEED, HEED.

• SPEED:  Grab it before anyone else does – but realize there is a cart time-limit.
• NEED:  Do you need it or really, really want it?
• HEED:  Pay attention to return policies, shipping costs and research your purchases prior to making them.

Feel free to use the links and invites below so you can start shopping SMART.

• Rue La La
• Swirl
• Gilt
• Beyond the Rack
• Billion Dollar Babes
• Ideeli
• Editor’s Closet
• Modnique
• Hautelook

Try them out and let me know what you think.  The photos are items I’ve recently purchased at Gilt.

Happy Shopping!

© 2010 J. H-M and CultureChoc2010.

Monserat De Lucca

Miriam Salat

© 2010 J. H-M and CultureChoc2010.

Online Sample Sales: I ♡ Them!

I love shopping as many women do.  It’s addicting, thrilling and satisfying on every level – until you get the credit card statement.

Alex & Ani

Shopaholic or not (definitely the former) I try not to overindulge or spend money foolishly.  Although I can never that I haven’t committed these “wallet” crimes, I do try to shop for designer clothes and accessories at discount stores when at all possible.

Some time ago I discovered online sample sales and have been enjoying them ever since.  The pricing is great but quantities are limited.  You can go crazy, so be smart.  The keys to these sales are SPEED, NEED, HEED.

• SPEED:  Grab it before anyone else does – but realize there is a cart time-limit.
• NEED:  Do you need it or really, really want it?
• HEED:  Pay attention to return policies, shipping costs and research your purchases prior to making them.

Feel free to use the links and invites below so you can start shopping SMART.

• Rue La La
• Swirl
• Gilt
• Beyond the Rack
• Billion Dollar Babes
• Ideeli
• Editor’s Closet
• Modnique
• Hautelook

Try them out and let me know what you think.  The photos are items I’ve recently purchased at Gilt.

Happy Shopping!

© 2010 J. H-M and CultureChoc2010.

Monserat De Lucca

Miriam Salat

© 2010 J. H-M and CultureChoc2010.

The Pearl Necklace

After watching Julie and Julia for the 100th time, I started thinking about pearl necklaces.  No!  NOT that kind of pearl necklace!  I’m surrounded by pervs.

Anyway, I was thinking that I have several colliers but not one of them are the real deal.  It’s never been important to me – probably because in my 43 years I have worn traditional pearls only once or twice.

The pearl necklace is the epitome of elegance and class.  It’s a shame that when you Google it the first entry is from the Urban Dictionary and you know where that’s going.  Do you know that Wikipedia even has a photo or two on their site.  Insane.  In any case, Pearls are incredible.

• The pearl was my mother’s birthstone.
• Pearl (Janis Joplin) was one of my favorite singers.
• Pearls come from oysters – and I love to eat oysters!
• Pearls are jewelry and baubles are good.

Pearls are like people:

• There are different types of pearls:  Akoya, Freshwater, South Sea, Tahitian.
• They come in different colors:  white, white rosé, black, silver, gold, pink.
• They come in various shapes:  round, off-round, oval, teardrop, semi-baroque.
• They come in different sizes:  5 to 13.
• Some are natural and some are cultured.
• They come in different lengths.
• You have to take care of your pearls so they will stay beautiful.

We find Pearls in art:

• Girl With The Pearl Earring
• Woman With A Pearl Necklace
• Portrait of Marie Antoinette

We also find pearls in scripture.  They have a history.  So next time you see the QUEEN of jewels around someone’s neck, admire them and treasure them and remember where they come from.

Pearls are like people and so much more.