Rock This with That: 5 Ways to Accessorize 2012 Summer Dresses

 Hello out there, and welcome to the very first installment of “Rock This with That.”  Feel free to join me on a little vicarious shopping spree for this season’s of the moment fashion, paired with my favorite Monsieur Pamplemousse jewelry. So with no further ado, let’s get started.

I would rock this seriously cute tangerine orange dress with...

  

…this pair of 14k gold filled “Chili Pepper” Monsieur Pamplemousse earrings. The deep orange tone of the faceted carnelians add a simple elegance to this outfit, while complementing the dress’ lighter hue. Most importantly, the unexpected chili pepper shape mirrors the dress’ soft cut and flow.  

I would definitely rock this very sexy little black dress with…

…this three-ring mixed metal Monsieur Pamplemousse necklace. The gold tone, oxidized silver, and gunmetal rings on a silver rolo chain add the needed length for the dress’ plunging neckline. After all, a dress that hot deserves a necklace that is equally intriguing, with just enough edge.

I would rock this very sweet, yet deceptively sheer crème de menthe dress with…

…this Monsieur Pamplemousse  necklace with a gold tone oval pendant. The genuine emerald rondelles would simply pop against the dress’ minty green color. The vintage brass chain’s muted finish is a nice contrast with the necklace’s pretty details. I’m really loving the overall look and feel of this piece. It merges classic details and fresh new style effortlessly.

Okay, so this is technically not a dress, but it sure is pretty. I really love the yellow floral print, red shoes, and the matching lips. If you’re rocking the kind of outfit that makes a statement as soon as your feet hit the floor, than pair it with…

…this Monsieur Pamplemousse signature necklace. I love this piece for its length and clean lines. The rounded edges are reminiscent of feminine form, while the wire wrapped fresh water pearl adds just a touch of pretty. And if pearls are not your thing, this piece can be made to order. In other words, Monsieur Pamplemousse can make this necklace match your outfit.

 Last but certainly not least, this lovely lady is doing just fine rocking this gorgeous cut-out maxi dress. The color combination makes me think of creamsicles on a hot summer day.  And do you know what would make this ensemble absolute perfection…?

…This Monsieur Pamplemousse signature bracelet of course. What’s not to love? The floating caramel brown pearls look good enough to eat, while the waxed cotton double strand cuff adds an unexpected twist that makes this piece so “rough couture”. And did I mention that Monsieur Pamplemousse can also customize this piece to match your style? I told you. You know you love it.

           

Now it’s your turn to show off your Monsieur Pamplemousse style. Please send us pictures of you and your  girls all dressed up in your favorite frocks accessorized with Monsieur Pamplemousse jewelry to hadiyabrown@mpbijoux.com.  You just might be featured here in one of our blog posts. Until then, keep on doing your thing, and rocking your style.

~Hadiya B.

 F.Y.I.  If you’re just dying to make one of the pieces featured above your very own, please feel free to give me a call at (773) 961-6959. I can help you find a store that carries what you’re looking for, or we can schedule a personal shopping session. Appointments are available at times and locations that are convenient for you. Think jewelry shopping on your lunch break at the office. Pretty sweet don’t you think?

Images from Karmaloop.com

Mix and Match Your Jewelry

A jewelry wardrobe should be diverse and full of pieces you love.  There's nothing wrong with slipping some fun, inexpensive pieces from Forever 21 in with your classically, well made pieces from your favorite jewelry or Monsieur Pamplemousse (of course!).  Mixing your jewelry together, be it bracelets or necklaces, is a great way to freshen up your jewelry routine.

Here are some of our favorite mixes:

~Pair gold and silver together, it's no longer a "don't"

~Mix pearl with crystal

~ Cluster a chunky piece with a more delicate one (like in the photo above)

What's your favorite way to mix and match your jewelry?

How to Take Care of Your Jewelry

Photo by Tania Rodamilans

So you just found the perfect piece of jewelry!  Now how do you take care of it?  It's actually pretty easy if you follow these five tips.  Take care of your jewelry properly and it will last for a long time!  Here are my five tips for keeping your jewelry looking as fabulous as when you purchased it.


1) Don't wear it in the shower!  Moisture can tarnish the surface of some costume jewelry, so always take it off when you're in the shower or bath.  Ditto for the pool and when washing dishes.  Especially rings - you wouldn't want them to slip off and get washed away.

2) Store it properly.  When you're not wearing your pieces, keep them stored in soft bags, sachets, or in the boxes they came in.  This will limit the jewelry's exposure to oxidation, which tarnish metal over time.  Proper storage will also help keep everything free of scratches and tangles too.

3) Put it on last.  Hairspray, lotions, and perfumes are not your jewelry's friend.  Keep everything free of sticky residue by making sure jewelry is the last thing you put on in the morning.  If you do happen to get something on your jewelry, wipe it off asap.

4) Make it shine.  If you notice your silver colored jewelry looking less than fabulous, take a soft buff cloth to it to buff away tarnish. 

5) Take it to the doctor.  If you notice loose stones, clasps, or prongs, take your jewelry to a jeweler to be repaired.  Having that stone reset now will prevent you from having to get it replaced later.  Alex gladly does repairs too!  Just contact him.


How do you take care of your jewelry?
~Kirsten


This piece was adapted from a piece that originally appeared on Everything But The Dress.

What to Wear: Bridal Events

Photo from: Creamy Life

Summer usually finds lots of young women attending their fair share of bridal parties...engagement parties, showers, weddings, etc.  Everyone always thinks about shopping for jewelry for the day of the wedding, but don't forget about all the other events.  Whether you're the bride or just a fabulous friend, you'll want to make sure you arrive in style with jewelry for all your outfits.  Here are some of my favorite ideas for the top four wedding related events.

The Engagement Party - Classic and sophisticated pearls are always in style.  They're a classic wedding style (check out our blog on the meaning of pearls for more info)  If you're the bride jazz it up, make sure everyone knows who they should be toasting!

The Bridal Shower - Light, fun, and with a touch of sophistication should be the name of the game at a bridal shower.  Think drape-y necklaces and layered looks - bright colors can help you celebrate in style while silver, gold, or copper goes with almost anything.  If you're rocking out a sleeveless or strapless dresssmall clustered bracelets lend a modern feel.  I like this pretty peach moonstone piece from Alex's Mistura collection.

The Bachelorette Party - Let out your inner vixen with sultry, dark colors to match your smokey eyes perfectly.  This is the perfect occasion for  chunky, layered jewelry and lots of black and silver.

The Morning After Brunch - This occasion calls for something that screams "congrats to the happy couple" or "I'm now a Mrs."  A perfect blend of sass and sophistication goes from morning after to the honeymoon - like this Labradorite necklace.  It would be perfectly at home in a penthouse or a beach side resort. 


No matter how you choose to accessorize, have fun and remember the spirit of the occasion!
~Kirsten

Summer Chic Bracelets

Want to look instantly chic and totally appropriate at your next summer soirée, backyard bbq, or beach get together?  Try bracelets!  Allure Magazine interviewed Sarah Easley, co-owner of a NYC Boutique and frequent beach house party thrower and this is what she had to say about looking effortlessly chic:

Skip Fine Jewelry: A mess of costume jewelry bangles on both arms looks sexy.  Pick a theme like wood and gold, or lepord and fushia.  Or do colorful tassel earrings - I adore folksy beading right now.

We couldn't agree more!  Check out some of my favorite Monsieur Pamplemousse bracelets for stacking above (photo by Tania Rodamilans) and below.

What's your favorite way to wear bracelets in the summer?

~Kirsten

June Birthstone: Moonstone

Happy Birthday to all our June readers!

The Moonstone is one of your birthstones!  According to American Gem Society, your three birthstones are Pearl, Alexadrite, and Moonstone.  Did you know Moonstone is considered a sacred stone in India?  Let's learn a little more about this pretty gemstone from the American Gem Society:

It was given its name by the Roman natural historian Pliny, who wrote that moonstone's appearance altered with the phases of the moon — a belief that held until well after the sixteenth century.  Moonstones show a floating play of light (called adularescence) and sometimes show either a multirayed star or a cat's eye. Considered a sacred stone in India, moonstones often are displayed on a background of yellow (a sacred color) and are believed to encapsulate within the stone a spirit whose purpose is to bring good fortune.  

Of course Monsieur Pamplemousse makes a birthstone necklace for you!  Check out this beauty: made of Moonstone, Labradorite, and 14k gold fill.  Want to buy it for yourself or as a rock star birthday gift for your favorite June girl?  Contact Alex via email alexagudo@mpbijoux.com or on our facebook page, but hurry, this piece is one of a kind!

~Kirsten

What to Wear: The Perfect Jewelry for a Baby Shower

Welcome to the second of our What to Wear posts.  Last week we gave you 5 Tips for Accessorizing a Swim Suit  (read it here if you missed it).  Today, we're helping you with the Baby Shower!  When a friend or family member has a baby shower, it's a joyous occasion and time for celebration.  Showers are your chance to channel your inner Jackie O.  It's a time for classic, simple looks filled with sophistication.

Here are a few simple things to keep in mind:

• Since Grandma to be, and possibly even Great Grandma to be, will be in attendance, it's best to keep your look sophisticated and tasteful.  Skip plunging necklines in favor of boat neck, scoop necks, and moderate hemlines.  Look to sophisticated ladies First Lady Michelle Obama for ideas. 
• If you know the shower could have babies on the guest list, opt for shorter earrings and necklaces that won't scream for little hands to tug on them.  Studs are a perfect choice.
• Pastels are always in style at a baby shower.  You can't go wrong with shades of baby blue, mint green, yellow, or pale pink.  Want to take it one step further?  Wear the gender color of the baby to be.  Is your friend having a girl?  Break out the pink pearls!

Our Jewelry Picks:

Clockwise from top left: Rose Quartz adorned with a single rose pearl, Fresh water coin pearls and a drop of pale jade, Lilac Czech glass, leather, and silk, and Peach moonstone in gold tone rings.

Top Photos from: Rentthe Runway.com, FashionList.wordpress.com, More 4 Kids, Rose Quartz and Leather Bracelets from Monsieur Pamplemousse.

You're sure to be the best accessorized person at the shower!
~Kirsten