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

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

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

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

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

What to Wear: 5 Tips for Wearing Jewelry with Swimsuits

Welcome to the first of a new series - What to Wear?  We'll take common accessorizing conundrums and help you through them.  First up - the swim suit!

Photo from Agendamag.com

Swim suits don't have to be bare!  If you're planning a day at the beach, a backyard pool party, or sipping cocktails poolside at a resort, throw on some jewelry with that swim suit!  You think about your sunglasses and footwear, so why not continue to accessorize.  Here are our top five tips for selecting your beach wear jewelry:

1.  Look for jewelry that is low maintenance and matches the feeling of your swim suit.  If your suit is all black class it up with something gold like this yellow/white fire agate necklace from Alex's new Mistura Collection.  Something with a little length is nice because it gives you the versatility to wear it long or short.

2.  Bracelets are a girl's, or a boy's, best friend.  Stacked bracelets that you can stash in your bag when its time to get your swim on are a must.  Stack them in odd numbers for the best look, 3, 5, or even 7 if they're small enough.  Choose contrasting colors to your suit for extra pop.  Above, orange and black acai berry seeds and turquoise beads on waxed cotton string with pave crystal balls.

3.  Make a layered statement.  If you want jewelry you can wear in the pool, opt for short pendant necklaces.  You can even wear two or three at a time if the lengths are complimentary.  Above, a simple silver chain holds an oxidized silver ring, currently available at Embellish Boutique.

4.  Keep the earrings simple.  The carefree feeling of beach season demands simple, unfussy earrings.  Leave the chandeliers for the after dinner party and put on a pair of short, simple stunners.  Studs are universally flattering, but drop earrings under 2" also look good.  I think these Chrosphase and hammered gold disks are perfect!

5.  Pick one or two, not all three.  Since you want to keep it casual don't wear earrings, necklaces, AND bracelets.  Just pick one or two and skip the third.  Bracelet stacks and a necklace, a long necklace and simple studs, or even just a pile of necklaces.  The possibilities are endless.  Above, two leather and fresh water pearl bracelets.

Don't forget to put sunscreen on at home (out of the sun application is most effective anyway) and let it dry before you add on your jewelry.  If you plan on doing serious swimming, it's best to take your jewelry off so the chlorine in pools doesn't tarnish your pieces.  Stash them in a cute jewelry roll in your beach bag.  Most important?  Just remember to have fun - it is supposed to be a day at the beach after all.

~Kirsten

Mistura: New "Mix" Collection

Alex created a new collection of simple, subtle, yet still stunning jewelry yet again.  The collection: Mistura.  Meaning mixture is Portuguese, it's a collection of mixed metals and stones and it's perfect for summer!  Pop on a long necklace with a bikini and sarong or wear one dangling at your collar bones for a backyard bbq.  Your summer jewelry should be like summer itself: easy and breezy.  See what Alex said about his new jewelry collection:

"I had so much fun creating this collection. Mistura is Portuguese for mix, which I think it's appropriate for this collection. I mixed different metal, stones and techniques. I hope you enjoy this collection. Obrigado!"

See some of my favorite pieces from the collection and then check out more photos on our facebook page.  I love how the mixed metals will make these pieces transition gracefully from spring in to summer and summer into fall.  My favorite new necklace?  This sweet blue stoned piece (shown above), created with Gunmetal ring, Blue Chalcedony Briolettes, on Silver Chain.

I love this piece for its versatile possibilities: it could just be fun rings or even a perfect present for a new mom - push present anyone?  It's ingredients: Oxidized Silver, Gold tone, and gunmetal rings interlocked to each other. On silver rolo chain.

I'm a sucker for any clear crystals that catch the light so it's no wonder I love these pink topaz and gold hoop earrings.  I also love the subtle mix of silver attaching the hoops to the hooks.  

These earrings?  Simple and will go with everything!  I can just see them sipping cocktails one day and planting some basil in a pot the next.

Which are your favorite from the new Mistura collection?

~Kirsten

5 Earrings Every Woman Should Own

Multistone Earrings
Moonstone, Whiskey Quartz, Pink Opal, Labradorite,
Blue Chalcedony, Peridot, and Carnelian.

Have you ever had trouble finding the right pair of earrings at complete your outfit?  Building a complete jewelry wardrobe is a must for every woman.   It takes time - but there's no more rewarding feeling than knowing no matter what outfit you put on, you'll be able to accent it with the perfect jewels.  Let's start with earrings.  Almost every outfit can benefit from a pair of earrings, even wearing tiny studs to the gym can brighten up your appearance.

Real or fake, there are five types of earrings that every woman should have in her jewelry wardrobe:

1.  Studs - these can be tiny genuine diamond studs, vintage gold balls, faux crystal ones, colored daisies, anything.  You'll find yourself reaching for studs as a go to when you're not sure what else to wear or as an accent to a killer statement necklace or when you're all wrapped up in a scarf.

2.  Pearls - the classic, the Jackie O. look, pearls have been thought to bring good luck and are often a choice gift for brides to be.  Pearls are the perfect earring of choice when attending formal functions, or anytime you want to look put together and polished.  They can be studs, small drops, or big and bold.  Try them in different colors for a fun twist or look for a vintage pair. These Fresh Water Coin Pearls and Pale Jade fit the bill for a contemporary look.

3.  Small Drop Earrings - For days when you want to wear a little more than studs but not a full on drop earring, small drops are the perfect choice.  Look for something that hangs just off the ear or on a hook up to .5" long like these Fuchsia Pearl and Chrysophase.

4.  Casual and Fun - This is where you can let your imagination run wild.  Pick a pair that matches the colors you like to wear.  The only rule, just make sure they're not too sparkling, you don't want to overwhelm your jeans, like the Carnelian and Silver Links above.  

5.  Show Off Statement - a pair of splashy, fun statement earrings are a must.  These will dress up a little black dress in seconds or add the perfect touch to a cocktail outfit.  We suggest you grab a few pairs of statement earrings to match a slew of different outfits.  These Pyrite and Sterling Silver drop earrings are perfect for dressing up or down.

Bright & Big Stone Statement Jewelry

Real Simple has declared bright and baubley, vibrant stone sparklers to be the latest jewelry trend.  Big, showy jewelry is a perfect match for the spring and summer seasons florals and bright colors.  Mix these baubles with a casual day look for extra sophistication, a pop of color with a little black dress, or as a fun touch to a beach side look.  Check out our favorite big stoned jewelry from Alex's latest collection.

Shown above, a focal bead bracelet - Alex says this of his poppy orange bracelet: "This piece is very special to me. The focal bead is my first bead that I made. I want to say thank you to Dobrilla Pintar for being a wonderful and patient teacher."

Orange Acai Berry Seeds on Waxed Cotton w/ a pave crystal bead, Turquoise Beads on Waxed Cotton w/ pave crystal ball, and Black Acai Berry Seed on waxed cotton w/ pave crystal bead.  Wear them stacked together or one by one.

Carnelian and Blue Chalcedony Earrings

Labradorite and oxidized silver necklace

Will you take Real Simple Magazine's advice and "put on a pair and expect major outfit fireworks?" We agree when they says wearing statement jewelry makes even your plain tank top seem special.  Which one is your favorite?
~Kirsten

Ballet Pink Jewelry

The girl with the twirling ballerina jewelry box is all grown up, and so are her tastes, but that doesn't mean she can't still swath herself in pretty pinks and delicate jewels.  Think sweet pale pinks with silver accents to channel pointe shoes and tutus like the simple silver, copper, and Peruvian pink opal of the necklace shown above.  Here are some other pretty in pink pieces...

Crystal and Pink Pearl Cluster Earrings

Pink Opal Earrings 

32" Pearl, Crystal, and Silk Tassel Necklace

Pretty pastel pink conjures up days of dance classes, pink rock candy, and sweet romantic youth.  Pink gemstones have long been carried to represent love, self-worth, order, and protection while a pink carnation means, "I will never forget you."  That makes pink jewels a perfect gift for that special someone (Mother's day is in 12 days!) or as a gift to yourself for a special milestone.  Plus, pink jewelry is perfect for spring!

Love these pieces?  Want to snap them up for yourself?  Contact Alex ( alexagudo@mpbijoux.com or by phone: 773.677.7984) and he'll put them aside for you - but hurry, they're all one of a kind!

~Kirsten