The Anti-Bride: Non-Traditional Wedding Jewelry

Looking for jewelry for your late summer or fall wedding but don't want the traditional over the top sparklely piece that are for sale at most bridal boutiques?  Check out these gorgeous pieces, all hand made and 100% brilliant, but pieces you'll be able to wear again and again long after you say "I Do."

Pink has become a increasingly popular color for bridesmaids and brides alike.  We love the sweet, feminine nature of these pretty in pink pieces when paired with an all pink gown.  5 pink topazes create the Kirsten Necklace while the milky pink crystal and hammered gold Tyra Earrings bring an edgy femininity.  Dress from Celebrity Bride Guide.

Wearing a traditional dress but want less than traditional jewelry?  Opt for a simple, crystal bracelet that will not only look gorgeous with your wedding gown, but also with your little black dress, honeymoon outfits, or even your jeans like Clarismo, and the Crystal Clear Necklace. Photo from MyWedding.com

Need something blue?  This necklace is perfect!  Dill has two layers one of clear crystal and one of blue  amazonite or pop on these pretty bright Blue Chalcedony gold tear drops.  Now all you need is something old, new, and borrowed!  Photo from TheKnot.com

What type of jewelry are you planning to wear to your wedding?
~Kirsten

Vintage Inspired Jewelry

Want to channel your inner 1950s housewife?  Swath yourself in pretty pastels and vintage inspired creations.  All the colors of these pretty pieces remind me of poodle skirts, petite hats, gloves (like the cute ones above from Jess James Jake on etsy), and homemade icebox cake.  Go ahead, pick your favorite.

Peach Moonstone from the Mistura collection

Princesa del Boaque 

Miami in yellow jade

Miami in faceted milky green jade.

Sonho de Lavanda - Lavendar chalcedony

~Kirsten

Classic Combos: Jewelry for Dressy Occassions

Have a dressy cocktail party coming up?  A baptism, anniversary, or chic day out on the town?  This pretty Monsieur Pamplemousse pieces (all available on etsy) will look fabulous with your dressed up attire, but aren't so dressy you can't wear them everyday!

The Little Black Dress

Just about everything goes with a little black dress!  We love the look of black on black and these three pieces look ravishing when paired with a simple black frock.  The Moooy Bonito Necklace, wear it long or short, it measure 36",  La Nuit C'est Magnifuque which translates to "a wonderdul night" means these earrings are perfect for your LBD (little black dress), and Blue Fire Stretch Bracelet, wear one for an elegant look or a stack for something more contemporary and casual.  All of these pieces would look fabulous with this dress we saw in Fitness Magazine.

Cocktail Party

Cocktail parties are a time to embrace your fabulousness!  Echo the rocks in your cocktail with these petite Clarismo earrings created with crystal quartz and this cuff bracelet, Argent, which adds a bit of steam punk to an otherwise girly outfit.  Another way to look fabulous?  Add a pop of bright color with the Miami necklace.  Pair the poppy yellow with a contrasting blue or pink for the most cheer like this dress from Mod Cloth.

Summer Wedding

It's all about love and accessories at a summer wedding.  Don't be afraid to go bold, a statement necklace goes a long way and can jazz up an ensemble.  This pretty in purple Ametrine bracelet adds a pop of color but will let your amazing Laboridite and Chain Statement Necklace stand out.  Don't forget your wedding classic: pearls with these petite Beyond the Sea earrings.  Dress from Polyvore.

What's your favorite pairing?

~Kirsten

The Healing Power of Gemstones

Labradorite and multiple chain necklace  

Gemstones throughout folklore and history have always been said to have healing powers.  So while you pick out jewelry because it looks pretty or you're drawn to it, you may be getting some extra benefits in return.  Check out this great list from American Gem Society of the different healing powers gemstones are said to have:

Amber - Thought to aid memory loss, purify the body, alleviate headaches, and bone and heart problems, Amber is known for its stress relieving and calming properties.

Amethyst - Aids in the reduction of insomnia, arthritis, pain relief, and circulatory issues. Amethyst is considered the gemstone of meditation, peace, balance, courage, and inner strength.

Aquamarine - Aids the liver, throat, stomach, jaw, teeth, eyes, and ears. Aquamarine is also known for releasing fear, calming nerves, and bringing mental clarity.

Citrine - Considered the gemstone to provide greater or increased hearing, Citrine also promotes success, abundance, and clear thinking.

Garnet - Aids blood, heart, and lungs and is known to promote romantic love, passion, sensuality, and intimacy.

Lapis - Thought to aid in the alleviation of insomnia and depression, Lapis is also known for creating openness, truthfulness, and creativity.

Onyx - Associated with the root chakra, Onyx brings spiritual inspiration, and control over emotions.

Pearl - Known for its calming properties, the Pearl is said to aid purity, charity, integrity, truth, and loyalty in its wearer.

Peridot - Healing stress in relationships, lessening anger and jealousy, and slowing aging, the Peridot promotes abundance and prosperity.

Ruby - Aiding the emotions is the Ruby's calling card. Also known to increase integrity, devotion, and happiness.

Sapphire - The gemstone of creative expression and inner peace and meditation, the Sapphire also aids in personal expression and the alleviation of pain.

Topaz - One of the most powerful gemstones, Topaz facilitates the balance of emotions and provides protection from greed.

Turquoise - A gemstone steeped in lore and tradition, Turquoise is a healing and balancing stone.

Ladies Who Lunch: Jewelry before noon

Photo from Advanced Style

One of my favorite blogs to look at for inspiration is Advanced Style, a blog that photographs fabulous older women on the street.  Every time I see it, I always think of "ladies who lunch," fabulous women with all the time in the world to sip and chat at chic restaurants like Ralph Lauren and Spiaggia shopping bags in hand from Saks and Nordstrom.  So what should you wear if you want to channel your inner lady who lunches?  Here are three things to keep in mind:

1.  Look for jewelry that accentuates what you're wearing, but doesn't blend in.  Take the beauty wearing the vintage Channel suit, she stays in the same buttery color scheme, but creates a focal point with a chunky statement necklace.  Follow her look for earrings too, if you're wearing a large necklace pair it with simpler earrings.

2.  Stay classic.  If you're dinning in a structured, classic ensemble, you'll want jewelry that stays in simple shapes. Think stud or tear drop earrings, round necklaces, or a simple pendant necklace.  The ladies who lunch crowd don't usually go for unusual shapes.  Classic shapes won't go out of style.

3.  Wear well fitting bracelets.  If you're going to be sipping a glass of champagne, you don't want bracelets sliding back and forth on your arm.  Luckily for you, Alex can make them made to measure!

Now that you have those three tips in mind, check out some pieces that I think would look divine at your next lunch hour.

This pretty Czech Glass and Brass necklace gives you the chunky statement necklace feel with a structured feel.

Pearls are always classic and timeless, but if you want to step out of the box a little, try a necklace like this, the space between the pearls is refreshing while their amorphous shape gives them a contemporary feeling.  I can just see it peeking out from underneath a crisp, white, dress shirt.

These simple earrings are bound to go with almost anything!  Their light color makes them perfect for blending in with neutrals or pastels or standing out when paired with a chic, black turtle neck.

Are you a lady who lunches?

~Kirsten

Designer Q&A: Learn more about Alex Agudo

Being a lover of Alex's jewelry designs, I wanted to dig a little deeper into his process and inspirations for designing.  So I sat down for a little Q&A with Alex in one of his fellow artist's glass jewelry studio on a hot day in June in Chicago's Bridgeport neighborhood.  Here's what he had to say all about his jewelry designing process.

What's your design process like?

Whatever mood it is.  For example, the Mistura collection was inspired from dancing.  All the dancers from my Samba Class at the Old Town School of Music are different nationalities and personalities, but when dancing, we all come together as one.  Just like the metals, I like to mix metals and see them in harmony.

When did you start designing?

2002.  I started as a hobby/extracurricular activity when I wanted to give my friend a bracelet and couldn't find anything I liked in my price range.  Then I found Caravan Beads.

What are your favorite pieces to design?

Necklaces.  You don't have to do too much and you can be creative and bold or tiny tiny and someone is going to like it.  Earrings have to be just so and really light and bracelets are hard because the wrist is so discriminating size wise.  The necklace just has more versatility.

Where do you source your materials from?

Lots of places, Caravan Beads, Afgan Travel Arts, Ebrima Shilah in Chicago as well as my travels: Equador, Peru, Colombia.

You always use pearls in every piece?  As a signature?

Yes.  It's an homage to my mother, I try to include a pearl in almost everything.  Everything starts like a grain of sand, like a baby in the womb.  I include a pearl as we're all unique and are all priceless, just like a jewelry.

What are your favorite stones?

Moonstone, Jade, Emerald

What jewelry buying tips do you have?

*Make sure jewelry flows, it should have mobility and movement and is not stiff.

*Get a piece that goes with everything, like a pendant necklace with a plain chain.

*Buy handmade - support local artists.

"Life's too short to be wearing department store jewelry!"

What do you think of the "take off one piece of jewelry before leaving the house" rule?
That does not apply to me!

Have a question for Alex?  Leave it in the comments and I'll make sure he answers it!

~Kirsten

Color Trends: Ocean Blue

Need a way to cool down in the hot summer sun? Pop on some ocean blue jewelry.  Why blue?  The color blue is considered to be beneficial to the body and mind.  Light blue is associated with health, healing, tranquility, understanding, and softness.  Not to mention, it reminds us of the openness, coolness, and calmness of ocean waters.  So if you're feeling the heat, pop on some ocean blue jewelry and channel your inner cool.

Here are some of my favorite ocean inspired blue pieces designed by Alex.  See one you like?  Make sure to snap it up, they're all one of a kind!

Which blue piece is your favorite?

~Kirsten

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