BEDKNOBS & BAUBLES

Spring 2013 Jewelry Trends

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I’m not ready to pack away candy-colored rhinestones just yet, but spring’s jewelry trends certainly are persuasive. Here are three trends to keep an eye on in the coming months:

Bauble of the Week

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I really want to purchase a pair of Bounkit earrings in 2013. I’ve long admired their colorful array of gumdrop-size gems, but the price tag is a bit prohibitive for an impulsive purchase. You can imagine my excitement when I discovered that some of their earrings can actually be worn in multiple ways, like the pair above. Four styles in a single pair help justify the $430 investment.

Review: Alilang Jewelry

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The holidays are the perfect excuse to pile on the baubles (also my M.O. for the Christmas tree) and purchase new gems. I try to stick to a single new standout piece each season, but I’m easily tempted along the way – especially when it comes to affordable ways to upgrade a look. Alilang is a must-visit resource for jewelry that won’t blow your December budget.

Shopping at Alilang can be a little overwhelming; there are a lot of options to choose from. The time it takes to sift through everything is worthwhile, though. I’m very happy with the quality of the items Alilang sent over for me to try (above). Unlike some other ultra-affordable retailers, the rhinestones are secure and the pieces are free of that telltale metallic smell of a cheap piece. Of the items I tried, the crystal cluster necklace is my favorite. It’s versatile and looks more expensive than $25.

Have you tried anything from Alilang? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Shop It: Bow Ring // Crystal Necklace // Floral Necklace // Owl Ornament

P.S. Head over to La vie…J’aime today to see what I’d like to find in my stocking! 

Outfitted

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Usually anything that shimmers or glitters tops my list of sartorial standouts, but this pair of “Joanna” heels from ShoeMint have the added perk of being versatile. (That’s not an adjective you’d expect for metallic, bow-topped shoes, right?) They effortlessly polish a cocktail dress or elevate a pair of worn-in jeans.

They’re also my first experience with ShoeMint. If you’re unfamiliar with ShoeMint, here’s the overview: ShoeMint is basically a subscription-based shoe store. When you sign up, you’ll take a style quiz to identify the options best suited to you. After you make your first purchase, you’ll receive a monthly credit for $79.98 (one pair of shoes). However, there’s no obligation to make a monthly purchase and you can cancel at any time. (Bonus: new members receive a 20% discount.)

Even with the opt-out option, I was still hesitant to give it a whirl without seeing the quality first-hand. The ShoeMint team graciously sent over a pair for me to try and you know what? I had nothing to worry about. These shoes are absolutely gorgeous. I suspect a second pair will be on their way soon enough.

(You can also see the “Joanna” pumps at Christine in Color in teal.)

P.S. You’ll have a chance to win a pair of shoes from ShoeMint during the 12 Days of Holiday Giveaways!

Sartorial Summary
Coat: LOFT // Skirt: J.Crew Factory // Tights: Hue // Shoes: c/o ShoeMint // Earrings: J.Crew

Holiday Gift Guide: The Colorful One

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Shop It: Pink Peacoat // Statement Necklace // Recycled Leather Notebook // Skinny Belt // Jewel Door Knob // Tart Server // Cupcake Mix // Leather Gloves // Gold Foil Napkins // Rollerball Pen

The holidays are so much brighter with new baubles! Enter to win an item of your choice from Outfit Additions. The accessory store is my latest go-to shop for affordable gems (read my review here). Everything online is under $60 with free shipping – and they have a killer Cyber Monday sale going on. 

To enter, just visit Outfit Additions and let me know which item you’d like. Please remember that the item you specify in the entry form will be the one you will receive, so review the site carefully!

(If you can’t resist their online sale and you’re the winner of the giveaway, Outfit Additions will give you a refund of the purchase price of the item.)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This giveaway is open to U.S. readers!