WHIMSY

This month’s InStyle arrived the other day and I was thrilled to see one of my favorite colors – purple – throughout! Not only were there great purple accents like bags and pumps, but whole glorious dresses and even gowns.

One reason that I am so drawn to this vibrant color is that purple an amazing attention-getter – truly hard to overlook! Another is that it looks great on almost everyone – from raven haired Megan Fox, to blond beauty Reese Witherspoon, to glorious redhead Debra Messing, this is a color that flatters just about everyone.

Wondering if purple was truly the “it” color of the season, I started to look for some confirmation. Guess what I found? Yes, it’s everywhere! Some of the best:

The Glam Guide recently featured some amazing $525 Miu Miu Suede platform pumps (available at Net-a-Porter), but you can rock the same look for under $100 with the Bukana Pumps by Guess shown here. Nice with a gray pencil skirt for work or skinny jeans and a leather jacket on the weekend.

The Bag Snob showcased a drool-worthy classic quilted Chanel bag in purple, available at Neiman Marcus. Alas, with a price tag of $1,895, reasonable by Chanel standards, it is seriously out of my fall budget. I did find the Nordstrom’s Quilted Mini Bag. Made of luxe Italian leather for Nordstrom’s this bag is a major deal at only $128.

For those brisk fall days Ann Taylor has a beautiful cashmere turtleneck sweater in deep grape just under $175. A slightly more affordable alternative shown here is by Cece, available at Bluefly on sale for only $116 – definitely a great investment.

Finally, I found a piece at Cool Spotters that doesn’t even invite comparison – my favorite piece of all – a flowing chiffon gown by J.Mendel from the Fall 2009 Collection. Lindsay Price was spotted in this beauty at the 2009 Emmy Awards. Shown here as it appeared on the runway.

The color purple for fall? I say yes!

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

Ok, so besides the fact that I was completely enamored by The O.C. for at least the first two seasons, I’ve been a fan of Rachel Bilson’s style since the first time I saw her dressed as her and not as Summer Roberts. I’m sure some of her personal style spilled over onto the small screen, but nothing beats the paparazzi photos of her looking fabulous in her every day life.

In the photos above, she rocked the black skinny jeans/leggings look three different ways and made it look fresh every single time. Her ability to pair feminine colors and styles with edgy leather and loose, flowy styles with tight silhouettes is very admirable, and I’d like to believe she does it with little to no help from a stylist. From what I’ve heard, she frequents fashion events, so I assume I’m correct in my belief.

Rachel attended an O.C. premiere in the outfit to the left, keeping things simple in all black, but switching up textures with lacey ruffles and sheer fabrics paired with shiny leather. This look is great with her dark hair, which she pulled back to keep things playful.

In the look to the right, Rachel nixed short shorts for jean shorts with a little extra coverage. A great choice, considering her high heels, which enlongate her legs well enough on their own. A simple white tank and off-white boyfriend cardigan keeps the overall look relaxed, while the long chains around her neck balance the laid-back style.

The great thing about Rachel’s style is how easy it is to recreate it. What she wears always looks expensive (and it probably is), but she pairs one expensive-looking, trendy piece–a pair of shoes, a jacket, statement jewelry–with something timeless and classic. I can almost always find something in my closet that’s reminiscent of her more classic styles, which makes it so much easier to update an outfit with the purchase of one trendy new piece.

(All Internet photos)

-Keri

Keri is a 24-year-old aunt, blogger, editor,

wanna-be fashionista and marketing chick

who loves M&Ms way too much and reads

(real) books.

Favorite

Fashion Picks

Oct. 23-25

I will be in Atlantic City tomorrow, celebrating the birthday of someone special, and in honor of all things gaudy and outrageous, I’ve gathered together a mini collection of fashions that remind me of those crazy, loud casinos. From glitter and sequins to bright colors and statement pieces—there’s a little piece of flashy Atlantic City style in all of us.

Tina Turner dress.

I saw this blue sequined dress in Express last time I was at the mall searching for my AC outfit, and I really really loved it—definitely something I would find a reason to wear. You can either wear it with or without leggings underneath for different options and different looks. I suggest pairing it with a more demure blazer or go all out and wear a military-style or motorcycle jacket.

 High, high (hooker?) boots. 

 Found these amazing zippered booties at DSW for a semi-reasonable price. They’re not something you will find on any other gambler/partier at AC because they’re unique statement fashion at its best. Dare to wear them as you strut around the casinos—they received great comfort ratings on DSW.com, so your feet will love you for treating them right and making them look fantastic.

 A crazy crystal ring.

 I realize it’s a bit of a splurge, but I couldn’t help but mention this Swarovski crystal abstract flower ring. It’s huge and chaotic and crazy—just like the casinos at good ol’ AC. Plus, it’ll distract the other card sharks at the poker table from your less-than-perfect poker face.

 Feather hairpin.

 I have a (not-so) secret obsession with feather hairpins, and there’s literally two places I would have the guts to wear one—New York City and Atlantic City. Some of them can run up quite a tab—especially if they’re handmade by an independent artist like most are—but I managed to find a ton of affordable options just by searching on eBay. I would post a link to the one I found that I liked, but it only has a day of bidding left. It’s a circular cluster of short, bright turquoise feathers with longer iridescent black peacock feathers, and it’s huge at 7.5 inches in diameter. Order one in a shocking color and feel like a sassy showgirl.

 Ruffly purple clutch.

 Try a Steve Madden ruffled clutch to add texture to your AC outfit. The studs keep it light on the girly side of things, and the price won’t cut into your gambling fund. Should you choose to wear all of the fashions I’ve mentioned here, you’ll look like a fantastic mess of Atlantic City gaudy-fashion.

-Keri

Keri is a 24-year-old aunt, blogger, editor,

wanna-be fashionista and marketing chick

who loves M&Ms way too much and reads

(real) books.

Here I am with Jane, director of Faithful Friends, and Miracle, with a WHIMSY ring we donated to the Furry Fall Festival's silent auction.

Faithful Friends Director Jane came to visit us here at WHIMSY recently, and she brought Miracle, a 10-year-old dog who was abused before she was rescued by Faithful Friends. Miracle was an absolute sweetheart and even rolled over for Susan to rub her belly!

Jane and Miracle stopped by because we donated a beautiful WHIMSY ring and Chamilia bead for the Faithful Friends silent auction at the Furry Fall Festival on Oct. 24 from 12-4 p.m.

The Festival will be held at Twin Lakes Farm and Brewery in Greenville, Delaware, and will include wine and beer tastings, food, doggie games, a doggie costume contest and activities for kids!

Founded in 2000, Faithful Friends is a Delaware-based organization committed to finding safe, caring homes for pets that would otherwise be euthanized. According to its website, “Currently, about 25,000 pets become homeless in Delaware and over 15,000 are destroyed in Delaware’s publicly funded shelters. The vast majority of these pets are destroyed because there are no homes for them immediately available.” Faithful Friends works to rescue pets and run adoption programs to ensure that they’ll live happy lives with loving owners–a cause we absolutely support and hold dear to our hearts!

It’s an absolute honor to be part of such a wonderful cause, and we look forward to working with Faithful Friends in the future!!

-Keri

Keri is a 24-year-old aunt, blogger, editor,

wanna-be fashionista and marketing chick

who loves M&Ms way too much and reads

(real) books.

Favorite

Fashion Picks

Oct. 16-18

If you don’t like Halloween, you’re crazy. Who doesn’t love a chance to wear a crazy outfit and pretend to be someone else for a night?! And uh…I don’t think I even have to mention the candy and treats you get to eat!

In honor of my favorite holiday, I gathered together a short—but fantastic—list of Halloween-inspired jewelry from Etsy made by independent artists. I listed the artists’ names, too, so you can check out what other goodies they have to offer.

Raven earrings.

 Two simple black birds hang from oxidized sterling silver wire. Simple and not too Halloween-y that you couldn’t wear them all year long. Listed by Etsy user joyfulmoon.

 Skeleton cameo ring. 

The Halloween cocktail ring done right. It’s very reminiscent of Guns ‘N’ Roses, in my opinion, so I pretty much love it. I would be tempted to wear it regardless of the holiday because it would be a great conversation-starter. Listed by user ivcreations55.

 Pumpkin earrings.

If you’d rather stay away from the “scarier” jewelry options, these pumpkin earrings are super cute and kosher right up until Thanksgiving. Pair them with a cozy sweater at a family get-together. Also listed by user ivcreations55.

Rose ring.

I absolutely love this silver rose ring because it’s definitely not Halloween-specific and would look so chic with a little black dress. It’s actually made out of clay, which surprised me because it looks like brushed sterling silver. It would look great with a witch costume! Listed by user Morado.

 Good Witch necklace.

 Speaking of witches, this “Good Witch” necklace is cute and very tongue-in-cheek. Let everyone know (or trick everyone into thinking) that you’re the good witch this Halloween! Listed by user LittleGreenRoom.

DISCLAIMER: No samples were received for any of the reviews above. Photos are from each individual Etsy user.

-Keri

Keri is a 24-year-old aunt, blogger, editor,

wanna-be fashionista and marketing chick

who loves M&Ms way too much and reads

(real) books.

My husband Don and Mary Alice at Charm City Cakes. Mary Alice is wearing her brand new Audrey ring by WHIMSY!

On Wednesday we had a completely surreal experience. We took a short drive down to Baltimore to talk to the folks at Charm City Cakes about creating a special cake. If the name Charm City Cakes doesn’t ring a bell, perhaps you know the staff better as the cast of Food Network’s hilarious reality show Ace of Cakes. Led by the infamous Chef Duff, this is one crazy group of cake decorators! My family regularly watches their antics, as well as their creation of some of the most amazing cakes imaginable.

So, when we were greeted at the door by none other than Mary Alice, we were floored to say the least. In the back of my mind, I kind of thought we’d be shuffled to the side to meet with some random intern. Apparently, that’s not how they do things at Charm City Cakes! We sat smack dab in the middle of the bakery amidst the fantastic prop cakes we see each week on TV… like I said, it was surreal.

The meeting itself is hard to describe. Mary Alice is so incredibly nice and hilariously funny — by the end of the meeting, we had talked about everything from jewelry, to our last family vacation, to Charm City Cake’s new book and I felt like we’d made a real friend.

Plus I was able to give her one of the brand new Audrey rings by WHIMSY™. She absolutely loved it, especially the fact that the bead turns and she can “worry” it (yes, MA, those quotation marks are especially for you!). She chose a Red Energy bead by Chamilia, which was a perfect match for her upbeat personality.

When we got home, we had a fabulous cake tasting – the slices never made even it to a plate, we ate straight from the box — beyond delicious!

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

This weekend is the Atlanta In-Time Jewelry Show and the pre-show excitement is definitely taking over our office. Coincidentally, WHIMSY™ is releasing its Fall 2009 Collection “just in time” for the show!

Like the original WHIMSY series of interchangeable bead rings, the Fall 2009 Collection is an exciting new way to showcase the hottest jewelry trend of the year — collectible Murano glass beads.

The four striking new designs were inspired by the elegance of legendary style icons Hepburn, Loren, Onassis and Kelly; and like all pieces created by WHIMSY™, the Collection is beautifully crafted using eco-friendly, reclaimed sterling silver, reclaimed 14-karat gold and diamonds.

The Collection’s completely redesigned new mechanics make it easier than ever to change your bead and change your style. A double-threaded center post is so easy to use; you simply unscrew the end cap to release the bead. End caps incorporate incised details to allow a firm grip.

The double-threaded center post is also ultra secure. Beads are almost impossible to lose because the thread runs not only through the front end cap, but the back one as well!

Plus, the rings are so adjustable that they can accommodate an even wider range of bead widths. The rings from the Fall 2009 Collection are even compatible with many one-of-a-kind art beads by lampwork artists.

The Audrey, a sterling silver ring with a contemporary flair, retails for $125. The Sophia, crafted of sterling silver with a sterling rose design also retails for $125. For those who love yellow gold, there’s The Jackie, a sterling silver ring with 14k gold rose accents which retails for $249. Finally, The Grace, incorporates sterling silver and14k gold, has delicate rose accents, plus sparkles with .06 carat in diamonds and retails for $299.

Remember, the holidays are coming and, of course, WHIMSY™ is “just in time!”

WHIMSY™ rings are pictured here with beads by Trollbeads and Chamilia™, however the line accommodates bead from many other manufacturers. Photo is meant to for illustrative purposes only. WHIMSY™ is not associated with Trollbeads or Chamilia™.

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

Favorite

Fashion Picks

Oct. 9-11

For the past two years, the wide belt has both intrigued and confused me—why wear a belt over my shirt? Why wear a belt that doesn’t hold my pants up? Why wear a belt that huge?! But I finally get it. The wide belt is an accessory that serves a purpose—it creates that sexy hourglass figure that every woman craves. And with all the cute, sexy and stylish wide belts out there, it’s way too hard to choose one—so here are my 5 favorites.

Asymmetrical.

 This first pick was intimidating at first, but in a good way—it’s a bit outside-the-box, and I love it. It’s Express’s mixed media belt with a snakeskin texture and self-tie. It’s pictured on a gray shirt, but I would try it with purple or bright pink for a striking, bold overall look.

 Girly girl. 

I was out shopping with a friend when I spotted this cream-colored, rose buckle belt at Wet Seal on one of their mannequins. The mannequin was wearing a purple and black dress, which looked like a tank top and skirt combo. The cream color was such a surprising addition, in my opinion, but I loved it.

 Bright color.

I’m a fan of multiple-buckle belts, but this one from New York & Company caught my eye because of its surprising hue—bright blue! If you have blue eyes, it’s a must-have. Even if you don’t have blue eyes, it’s so eye-catching and unexpected that I would dig through my closet for hours to find as many outfits as possible that match it!

Studded.

I’m convinced that I was a biker in a past life because as much as I pretend not to like overly studded accessories, sometimes I just can’t not like them. This multi-tone studded belt adds instant edge to any outfit. I’m not crazy about the number on the price tag, so I’ll be waiting for it to go on sale—or for it to appear on the racks at my local Guess outlet!

 Equestrian.

 New York & Company also offers a wide belt with Western-inspired flair. The brushed gold buckle and cut-out detail will add that little-something-extra to your plaid button-down tunic. Guaranteed to make you look fantastic on or off your trusty horse.

-Keri

Keri is a 24-year-old aunt, blogger, editor,

wanna-be fashionista and marketing chick

who loves M&Ms way too much and reads

(real) books.