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

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?

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

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