WHIMSY

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?!

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

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!

Attainable luxury. Given the state of today’s economy, you might lament that this is an oxymoron. But when I found MISHI jewelry, I realized I could have it all!

The firm may be new (founded in 2009) but MISHI designers seem to have easily captured the essence of classic, centuries old beauty and luxury in their glamorous collections. This is jewelry that offers the fashion-conscious consumer a luxe look without the luxe cost!

MISHI has many collections – from spectacular necklaces and bracelets to earrings and ankle bracelets in a variety of stunning styles. The Have Heart, Lucky You, Mimi and Pearls collection each have a unique style, but all offer the same exquisite craftsmanship.

My favorite collection is, without a doubt, the Zen collection of necklaces. These delicate beauties incorporate the use of gorgeous materials like pearls, crystals and semi-precious stones, all suspended on silk cord.

My top choice is the simple and sweet Zen Blue Swarovski Drop Crystal and Freshwater Pearl Necklace, pictured. An effervescent blue Austrian Swarovski crystal hangs between freshwater pearls and handcrafted silver beads. According to MISHI the power of the pearls is enhanced by the crystal and the wearer will be lucky in the romance department! Retail $25

I also love the Zen Swarovski Drop and Amethyst Necklace. I have lifelong addiction to amethyst jewelry and this beautiful necklace is a stunning piece that can be worn for almost any occasion. Along a deep purple silk thread are small Swarovski crystals, amethysts and handcrafted silver beads accenting a larger, luminescent green Austrian Swarovski teardrop crystal. This necklace is said to bring the wearer good health and strength! Retail $25

Last, the Zen Opal Drop and Coral Necklace is simply striking. An opal drop is suspended on a salmon pink silk thread between six coral beads, alternating between light pink and red, and accented with handcrafted silver beads. This necklace will bring good fortune, good health, love and strength to its wearer! Retail $25

The Zen collection is available online at The MISHI Shop but now, three lucky Style on a WHIM readers can each win one of these spectacular necklaces!

This contest is open to those readers who are 18+ and US residents. The contest ends October 27, 2010. Odds of winning are determined by the number of entries received.

1. MANDATORY COMMENT – Please visit MISHI, learn one new thing about the firm and comment here. (1 entry)

2. Follow MISHI on Twitter (3 entries, please leave a separate comment here for each entry)

3. Like MISHI on Facebook (3 entries, please leave a separate comment here for each entry)

4. “Like” Style on a WHIM on Facebook (3 entries, please leave a separate comment for each entry)

5. Follow us on Twitter (3 entries, please leave a separate comment for each entry)

6. Subscribe to Style on a WHIM via our brand new Google Friends Connect option (3 entries, please leave a separate comment here for each entry)

Already a follower?  Just leave us a comment that you follow. Good Luck!

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?!

Photos courtesy of MISHI.

WHIMSY™ recently unveiled the GODDESS COLLECTION of interchangeable bead jewelry for Holiday 2010. This is a highly anticipated release and the first new collection for the firm since February!

The new designs were inspired by the intrigues of Greek mythology and the changeable temperaments of the many goddesses that populated ancient Olympus. The designs are compatible with the majority of the Murano glass and crystal beads made by major bead manufacturers including Trollbeads, Pandora™ and more.

The mechanics of pieces by WHIMSY™ make it easy to change your bead and change your style. A threaded center post is so easy to use; you simply unscrew the end cap to release the bead. The threaded center post is also ultra secure, plus, the center posts are so adjustable that they can accommodate an even wider range of bead widths. The necklace and earrings from the GODDESS COLLECTION are even compatible with many one-of-a-kind art beads by lampwork artists!

Like all pieces by WHIMSY™, the GODDESS COLLECTION is beautifully crafted using eco-friendly, reclaimed sterling silver, and each piece is hand-finished.

The exciting Cynthia necklace is the focus of the collection. This “station” necklace, pictured, allows the wearer to showcase many of their favorite beads. The Cynthia is sold as an 18″ length (5 sections) and retails for $275.

To add even more variation, additional 3″ sections are available, so the possibilities or endless. Additional 3″ sections Retail: $55.

You can even purchase three 3″ sections and create a spectacular ankle bracelet — the only one I’ve ever seen that incorporates interchangeable Murano beads!

The Chloe earrings, shown, are a companion to the Cynthia necklace, but are striking enough to wear alone. The beads dangle from delicate chains for a truly eye-catching look.

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?!

Photos courtesy of Whimsy Worldwide.

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!

Pearls are fascinating. Just think, a small sea creature creates a beautiful work of art in response to a tiny grain of sand? It’s one of the many miracles of our natural world!

In addition to their intriguing formation, pearls are also simply gorgeous. I admit to owning both freshwater and South Sea strands, bracelets, earrings … and more! But I’ve never seen pearls used in such an unusual and successful way as the Shondra Leigh Jewelry leather and pearls collection.

Shondra Leigh Jewelry collections each have a unique and distinctive personality. From “crocheted metals” to raw silk “chains” to this fabulous leather and pearl collection – Shondra Leigh has incredible vision for creating jewelry that pushes the boundaries in terms of materials and construction.

I especially adore the leather cuff with pearl charms, pictured. This trendy cuff looks just right with fall’s hottest looks and earthy colors. The 10-strand deerskin suede cuff is embellished with a variety of freshwater pearl charms in muted shades of salmon, coral and gray. The cuff features an easy-to-use blackened silver tube clasp and measures 7″ long x 2.5″ wide. Retail: $230.00

Also on my wish list is the Shondra Leigh Jewelry leather and pearl lariat necklace shown. Incredibly versatile, this 55” necklace can be worn long as a necklace, wrapped a few times and used as a choker, or wrapped multiple times around the wrist for a fabulous bracelet. The necklace is also made of deerskin suede and features freshwater pearl drop charms in classic gray. Retail: $105.00

Shondra Leigh Jewelry’s stunning designs are available to purchase online or at fine boutiques and jewelry stores across the US and in Canada.

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?!

Photos courtesy of Shondra Leigh Jewelry.

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!

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!

1. MANDATORY COMMENT – Please visit Shondra Leigh and let us know which piece is your fave. (1 entry)

2 Subscribe to the Shondra Leigh newsletter (Please leave us a separate comment for each of the five here to let us know, 5 entries)

3. Subscribe to Style on a WHIM via our brand new Google Friends Connect option, 5 entries (please leave a separate comment for each of the five to let us know)

4. “Like” us on Facebook (5 entries, please leave a comment to let us know)

5. Follow us on Twitter (5 entries, please leave a comment to let us know)

Already a follower?  Just leave us a comment that you follow. Good Luck!

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.