I’ve been reading a lot recently that the wristwatch is “dead.” Those 25 and under simply don’t wear watches, but rely on cell phones to tell time proclaim these articles. The one thing these pieces don’t mention (and to be honest, I am referring to semi-nerdy publications like Computerworld and IT Professional) is that a wristwatch is a serious vehicle for showcasing personal style.

I am old enough to remember when Swatch watches were the rage (my grandmother brought me back one from Switzerland and I was in transports of joy since the style wasn’t available in the US!). Up until then, watches fell into two categories: dressy and casual. I had the requisite “dress watches” in yellow and white gold, as well as a men’s Timex on a grosgrain band for everyday. Suddenly the way we saw the wristwatch was completely changed – watches were sporty, colorful, fun!

So, when I first saw the new Jelly Watch from TOYWATCH I knew we were on the threshold of yet another revolution in wristwatches.

Jellies are adorable. Simply pick a watch color from among 10 choices and then the real fun begins. You can choose from a selection of straps the include kicky brights like electric green, Pepto Bismol pink, lemon, and fire engine red. Or opt for a more staid black, white, or grey. There are 110 combinations!

The Jelly Watch has a Plasteramic case/bezel and a rubber strap with an ultra soft matte finish. At 40 mm (1.60 inch) they are substantial enough to make a statement on your wrist (especially when you’ve chosen a jailbird orange watch with a bright teal strap!)

Each watch comes with a matching strap. Watch Retail $175. Then, you can choose from a rainbow of strap colors. Simply pop and swap for a totally different look. Additional Strap Retail $65.

The TOYWATCH phenomenon includes not only the amazing Jelly Watches, but a tremendous selection of other styles like the Ceramic Watch Collection, a Plasteramic Watch Collection, the Heavy Metal Watch Collection, and more. Timepieces from TOYWATCH have been featured in every major style publication from Instyle, to Vogue, to Lucky.

Plus, the firm’s watches have adorned the wrists of dozens (and dozens!) of celebrities – everyone from Dakota Fanning, to Katie Holmes, to Oprah Winfrey loves this brand.

Watches from TOYWATCH are available in more than 300 fine stores, including Barney’s, Henri Bendel, Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Bloomingdales. A  store locator is available on the firm’s website or you can even shop online at TOYWATCH.

I’d say “the time is ripe” for a fab new watch by TOYWATCH! What do you think?

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 TOYWATCH.

We’ve just returned from a weekend at the amazing JA Jewelry Show in New York. Industry trade shows are terrific for inspiration – there are so many incredibly talented designers out there. Plus, it’s fun to get an insider’s sneak peak into what my favorite shops will be showing in their jewelry cases for 2011!

One thing that we really noticed this year was the creativity of various designers in their choice of materials. Reclaimed and recycled pieces are still hot, but we also noticed many, many “alternative” materials.”

With precious metals prices continuing to skyrocket, it’s not surprising that designers are switching gears. What was surprising was the luxurious look and feel of these pieces!

One designer that I’ve recently discovered is a perfect example of this out-of-the-box thinking. Ariane Arazi comes from a long line of exceptional jewelry designers. Her

late grandfather, Isaac Hasbani, founded Hasbani Gioelli in Milan, Italy — over 50 years ago!

Her own line, Ariane Arazi Jewelry, is inspired by the latest fashion trends and colors. And, in keeping with her family’s tradition, each piece – from delicate earrings, to statement necklaces, to stunning rings, and unique bracelets — is handcrafted by Ariane herself.

Her satin bracelets, pictured, are a particular favorite of mine. These have a luxe look (and feel!) and are handcrafted from satin, embellished with a sterling silver buckle. These bracelets work with everything from casual weekend wear to dressier date clothes and are available at Haute Look, Beyond the Rack and Enviius.Retail $130.

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?!

My husband often laments that I can’t make up my mind. And sadly, sometimes it’s true! Whether it’s changing my outfit or rearranging the furniture, I often second guess myself. So, it’s lucky for me that WHIMSY Worldwide knows that “a woman’s entitled to change her mind” and has created some spectacular jewelry with just that thought in mind!

To celebrate the release of the company’s fourth collection, the Goddess Collection, WHIMSY Worldwide is sponsoring a giveaway of its best selling piece, the Audrey Ring, plus one of its brand new Glimmer Beads.

The Audrey, pictured, is a stunning ring that was inspired by the classic beauty of style icon Audrey Hepburn. The ring showcases striking Murano glass, crystal and silver beads and accommodates a variety of beads from many of the most popular bead manufacturers including WHIMSY, Pandora, Trollbeads and more.

The ring is actually interchangeable — the center post is cleverly threaded, so you simply unscrew the post to change the bead. Viola! A new look every day! This ring is perfect with everything from jeans and a tee to office wear. Retail $125.

The new Glimmer Beads are nothing short of spectacular. They are created using Swarovski crystals in a whole rainbow of beautiful colors. I’ve shown “Island” a sassy turquoise, but other options include Ice, Plum, Tiger Lily and more. Whether you use these as an accent on a personality bead bracelet, necklace, or alone on a WHIMSY ring, these beads are real show stoppers! Retail $30.

The WHIMSY giveaway is open to readers 18+, USA only. The odds of winning are dependent open the number of entries received.

Contest ends at midnight on November 9 and the winner will be notified by email on November 10. Good Luck!

1. MANDATORY. Visit WHIMSY Worldwide to choose a favorite WHIMSY Glimmer Bead and leave a comment here (1 entry).

2. Follow WHIMSY Worldwide on Twitter (3 entries, please leave three separate comments here).

3. Tweet about the giveaway (pasting a link to the product) and confirm you’ve done so by leaving a comment here (1 tweet per day, 1 additional entry per day).

4. “Like” WHIMSY Worldwide on Facebook (3 entries, please leave three separate comments here).

5. Follow Style on a WHIM via Google Friends Connect (3 entries, please leave three separate comments here).

Photo courtesy of WHIMSY Worldwide.

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?!

Plus, don’t forget to enter some of our other fabulous contests!

3 LUCKY WINNERS! Zen necklace giveaway. ENDS 10-27

OH SO CHIC! Womens-Hats.com sponsored winter hat giveaway! ENDS 11-1

UPDATE: Congratulations to Melissa P. from Parkville, MD the winner of the WHIMSY ring and new glimmer bead!

I went to my old high school’s Homecoming game this year. After a month of dieting I bought a great pair of Calvin Klein jeans (a whole size smaller!) and a gorgeous DKNY flyaway cardigan. With a new haircut, I thought I was all set… until I opened the mailbox and saw my new Suma ring from Paoo Jewelry!

The ring (pictured) is simply gorgeous and made all the difference in my carefully chosen ensemble. Handmade-to-order, the gold plated, silver ring features semi-precious stones like onxy, red jasper and (my favorite) drusy! I can’t tell you how many compliments I received during the day (if I’d known that the ring was destined to be the showstopper, I just might have just skipped the diet!). Retail $64

Not only does Paoo Jewelry make a whole host of stunning rings, the firm also offers spectacular necklaces, bracelets and earrings. One of my favorites is the Tale necklace, shown. You can wear this beautiful piece as a single chain or looped to create a completely different look. Like the Suma ring, the Tale necklace is handmade-to-order and is studded with semi-precious stones. Retail $225

Since bracelets are a weakness of mine, I also took a peek at the bracelet section of the Paoo Jewelry website and found the Nubia bracelet! This stunner is truly a piece of wearable art. In gold plated brass and onyx this bracelet will steal the show. Retail $225

Clearly, Paoo Jewelry is for the confident woman who is not afraid to get noticed! In fact, pieces from the line have been spotted on celebs like Demi Moore, Juliana Ranci, Joanna Krupa and have been featured in White Collar, The Joneses, Curb Your Enthusiasm and more… pieces from the line even appeared on the red carpet at the Emmys!

And if that’s not enough of a recommendation, Paoo Jewelry also gives back by partnering with charities that empower and support women and children. Examples include Hasana, Women for Women Int’l, Clothes Off Our Back, Eating Disorder Alliance, the Children Miracle Network and more.

You can see the entire line of striking pieces at Paoo Jewelry. Make sure to visit the Paoo blog and follow on Facebook, and Twitter for insider information, offers and (best of all!) contests.

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! andSusan Said What?!

Don’t forget to enter some of our fabulous contests!

• Zen necklace giveaway. Three lucky winners! ENDS 10-27
• Womens-Hats.com sponsored winter hat giveaway! ENDS 11-1
• Fall Fashion Super Giveaway. Valued at over $500! ENDS 10-25

Of course, I’d heard of cinnabar. But, much as I hate to admit it, I’d never actually seen a piece of the highly desirable, traditional Chinese jewelry until I found the fabulous zen jewelz company.

Cinnabar gets its name from the red mineral cinnabar (mercury sulfide) that was once used to give the distinctive red color to the lacquer used in the jewelry making process. Today, cinnabar jewelry is created using a dyed red resin, and the result is simply stunning.

My cinnabar bracelet from zen jewelz is absolutely gorgeous. A deep crimson red, the exquisitely carved beads are housed on a classic stretch bracelet. Nestled amongst the intricate beads is a “karma tag.” Mine says “balance,” but other options include “harmony,” “acceptance” and more. Retail $125

According to the firm, various gemstones are not simply used for adornment, but actually provide specific types of support — such as amethyst for intuition and turquoise for health. The zen jewelz site even has a useful gem index that fully explains the helpful principles of each gem.

My cinnabar bracelet “attracts abundance, increases assertiveness in one’s endeavors without inciting aggression, connects to the acceptance of everything being perfect exactly as it is and releases energy blockages and aligns the energy centers!”

In addition to a serious selection of classic stretch bracelets, the zen jewelz line also offers so much more. Using gems from aquamarine, to carnelian, to black spinel, the line is simply filled with spectacular necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. You are sure to find just the right look. Or, you can even make your own, with custom hoopz and sliders earrings!

Although zen jewelz is already a favorite among Hollywood A-listers, the line has recently gained a boost with the general public The firm’s designs made headlines on the Real Housewives of New Jersey reality show last season when show personality Jacqueline became pregnant after wearing a zen jewelz fertility bracelet.

An online shop is available for new products, limited edition items, one of a kind pieces and even closeout jewelry!

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! andSusan Said What?!

Don’t forget to enter some of our fabulous contests!

• Zen necklace giveaway. Three lucky winners!
• Womens-Hats.com sponsored winter hat giveaway!
• Fall Fashion Super Giveaway. Valued at over $500!

What is that old saying… you can never be too rich or too thin? I must add that you can never have too much jewelry, either!

I was recently introduced to the Little Purple Cow jewelry company and although my jewelry box is already filled to overflowing, I am lusting after their unusual, whimsical pieces!

Little Purple Cow’s sterling silver jewelry collections uniquely blend the avant-garde with the traditional. Named for designer Nicole Joy Leibman’s childhood love of collecting purple cows, each unique piece draws from nostalgic artifacts to evoke the most personal of associations.

One of my favorite collections is the quirky “Silverware” collection. I just received the Helen “spoon ring” which I wore over the weekend to rave reviews from family and friends. The ring is cast in solid sterling silver and a delicate butterfly, perched on a vine, is the centerpiece of the elaborate design. The ring actually takes its shape from an early twentieth century teaspoon! Retail $85

Another outstanding collection is the “Storybook Ring” collection featuring images from traditional, favorite childhood tales like Little Red Riding Hood, Mary Poppins and more.

This collection has already gained a celebrity following. In fact, Kristen Stewart of the Twilight series was recently spotting wearing her very own storybook ring from Little Purple Cow! Retail $90.

But Little Purple Cow has more than just a dazzling array of rings. The firm offers truly spectacular sterling necklaces and cuff bracelets including the Lara,  pictured. The pattern reflects an old world elegance and like all sterling pieces by Little Purple Cow, the cuffs are finished with an antique or high gloss Rhodium shine. A true statement piece! Retail $320

To find a store near you, visit the Little Purple Cow store locator or shop online at Little Purple Cow.

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! andSusan Said What?!

Don’t forget to enter some of our fabulous contests!

• Zen necklace giveaway. Three lucky winners!
• Womens-Hats.com sponsored winter hat giveaway!
• Fall Fashion Super Giveaway. Valued at over $500!

I just got a haircut the other day (and a semi-dramatic one at that!). It’s still in that delightful stage where is doesn’t know exactly which way to go and has been driving me crazy, falling in my face all day!

I’ve never been one for headbands (usually too little-girl for me), but when I found these leather headbands from Di Manno Designs , I knew I’d found a stylish answer to my dilemma!

Di Manno Designs creates alluring lifestyle hair accessories that spice up any wardrobe and can be worn both day to night. These headbands were inspired by the quality leathers of Rome and are functional, chic and sexy.

They are also available in a wide variety of looks. I love the sleek and simple black leather headband, pictured. At only $35, it’s also very budget-friendly.

Di Manno also offers a trendy, textured snakeskin version ($50), leather headbands studded in brass or silver ($40), or even headbands adorned with sparkling crystals ($99)!

The firm is the brainchild of designer Stefany Di Manno.  The daughter of a seamstress, as a young girl she frequently spent time with her mother at work and was intrigued by different fabrics and textures used to create fashion-savvy trends. At an early age, Stefany started to design accessories that were so unique that she began to receive requests to purchase them!

As an adult, Stefany’s entrepreneurial spirit found its outlet in Di Manno Designs. Tired of wearing a plain elastic band every time she wore her hair back, Stefany decided to make truly chic hair accessories.

Today, Di Manno Designs hair accessories have been featured in many of the top national women’s magazines like Glamour, InStyle and Seventeen. To find a store near you, use the convenient store locator, or you can even shop online.

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?!

Don’t forget to enter some of our fabulous contests!

• Zen necklace giveaway. Three lucky winners!
• Womens-Hats.com sponsored winter hat giveaway!
• Fall Fashion Super Giveaway. Valued at over $500!