On Ideeli Today: Majorica

Despite the fact that they’re my birthstone, it took me a long time to get into pearls.  They just didn’t suit my personal style.  Over the past few years, though, my style has evolved and I have gotten into them in a big way.  These days, I wear my pearl studs at least three days a week, and I recently acquired a triple-strand of Majorica pearls that I get a zillion compliments on whenever I wear it.

So what’s the story with Majorica pearls?  Basically, they’re man-made as opposed to forming in an oyster.  Creating them in a factory eliminates most of the quality control issues that come with traditional pearl farming.  It also cuts down on the cost– making it possible to get great-looking, oversized pearls for much less than the thousands a cultured strand will cost.  As an added bonus, man-made pearls resolve the animal cruelty issues some have with pearls that are formed in mollusks.

And guess what?  They look amazing!  Whether you wear them with timeless sheath dresses a la Jackie O or pile them on with a black turtleneck and jeans, they are effortlessly chic.

For all these reasons, I highly recommend you check out the Majorica boutique at Ideeli.com today.  More details below:

Pearls may be the holiest stones we can think of-—the gorgeous orbs are mentioned with reverence inHindu, Jewish, Christian, and Muslim sacred texts alike. Take one look at the pieces by Majorica–made of organic, man-made pearls–and you can see why. For more than a century, the Spanish jeweler has been crafting necklaces, bracelets, and earrings of timeless elegance and delicate beauty. That’s not to say they’re not absolutely contemporary, too. These aren’t your grandmother’s strands. Dress up a pair of jeans with one of Majorica’s statement charms on a subtle chain, or go all-out for evening with a velvet-and-pearl choker. What’s old is new again.

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Making Old Jewelry New- Experiment #1

Lately, visions of sparkling new jewels have been dancing through my head.  Since I’m Sensible Sally, I don’t feel right treating myself unless I’m fully utilizing the pieces I already own.  So I went rummaging through my jewelry box in search of items that I’m not currently wearing enough.  

I stumbled upon this Roberto Coin Circle of Life necklace ($520 at Nordstrom.com). 

Back in my 20s, I wore this all the time.  As my style has evolved, though, I’ve reached for it less and less.  It’s been woefully neglected of late, and it’s just wrong to treat diamonds (even teensy ones) like that.

And guess what else I found in my jewelry box?  Diamond cross earrings I received as a gift ages ago.  I wore them often until I dropped one down the drain.  Because they had sentimental value, I was especially upset about it.  I tucked the remaining earring away, intending to have it matched at some point… but I never did.

So when I saw it sitting around all lonely, I decided it was the perfect way to give my Circle of Life necklace some added oomph.  I took the two pieces to my jeweler and Voila:

   

This turned out to be a cheap and quick adjustment.  My jeweler even gave me scrap value for the earring’s gold post, so I barely paid anything at all! 

I now feel like I have a totally new necklace.  Since charm jewelry is so hot right now, I love layering it with other pendants for an eclectic effect.  (a la the Alice in Wonderland collection for Disney Couture by Tom Binns). 

Crossing my fingers that my next jewelry makeover is as successful!   

Lucie Amberg is also  a contributor to Powder Room Graffiti.

 

Affordable Birthday Presents & Gifts Under $15

On a tight budget but want to get your friend something cute and trendy for her birthday? Got a niece that loves fashion, but you don’t want to spend a fortune encouraging her stylish tendencies? Here are some fab little gifts for under $15 that won’t break your budget and put a smile on someone’s face!

Fuchsia Chain Strap Cross Body Bag – $10.99

Multi Bead Stretch Bracelets – $6.99

Diva girl Perfume – $10.99

Wing,Heart,Key Charm Necklace – $8.99

Black Ruffle Front Cross Body Satchel – $10.99

Find more affordable gifts at fashionsforless.net and use coupon code 20percent to get a whopping 20% off your order, free shipping on all orders with no minimum purchase required! They are also giving away a free wallet with every online purchase while supplies last!

Belts are a Must-Have Summer Accessory

I’ve noticed a serious lacking of belts in most women’s wardrobes. My friends and family are always asking me for fashion advice and they’ll show me a top they just bought or a dress in their closet and give me the same story – “I just don’t know how to wear it!” Almost every time, it just needs a belt.

How many of you are out there with a closet full of gorgeous clothes you love and yet you don’t wear them because you don’t know how? You put them on and they just don’t look right. They looked great in the store! They look cute on the hanger! But then you put it on and it’s just blah… It hangs funny or it’s too big or it just looks like it’s missing something. Well that “something” is a BELT!

There was an amazing use of belts in Sex And The City 2 (which I just saw last Saturday with my dear friend Jaclyn.) Patricia Field was the costume designer for the movie and I think she’s a freaking genius.

Miranda’s character wore several ensembles made fabulous by the use of a cool belt. I also love the belt with Charlotte’s adorable red striped dress.

If you lose weight and a dress you love looks loose and baggy now, try a belt! If you have a blousey top that is super cute but makes you looks pregnant, try a belt! Bored with the same old t shirt and jeans? Tuck in that shirt and throw on a belt!

Here are some cute belts that are super affordable:

Black Stretch Belt with Metal Rose Closure – $6.99

Black Stretch Belt with Black Closure – $5.99

Search for more Belts at Fashionsforless.net and use coupon code 20PERCENT to get 20% off your order! Plus you can get free shipping on all orders with no minimum purchase required, and they are also giving away free wallets with every online purchase while supplies last.

Affordable Jewelry & Earrings from Fashionsforless.net

If you can’t afford to get a bunch of new clothes for summer, no worries! You can create a whole new look to your wardrobe by spicing it up with some affordable accessories like jewelry!

Fashionsforless.net was kind enough to send me some things from their store to review and I have to say, I’m pretty impressed! I don’t know how they are able to offer such nice items at such amazingly low prices. They are better than Wal Mart!

I’m absolutely loving these…

Boho Charm Dangle Hoop Earrings – $5.99

They are super cute, really interesting and despite all those dangling charms, they are surprisingly light weight too. They would look great with summer dresses, shorts and tanks and even your bathing suit. And can you believe the price? Only $5.99!

I’m also loving this pair…

Antique Silver Wing Earrings – $4.99

Super trendy and perfect for all seasons. They are light weight and priced at only $4.99. You just can’t find earrings that cheap any place else! You’d probably pay $20-$30 for something similar in Kohls or Macys.

Check out their selection of Earrings and let me know which ones you like best!

Don’t forget to use coupon code 20PERCENT to get 20% off your order! Plus you can get free shipping on all orders with no minimum purchase required, and they are also giving away free wallets with every online purchase while supplies last.

Jullaria – As Seen In Bergdorf Goodman and Cosmo Magazine!

Jullaria is the fashion-child of three fashion-loving friends who combined their passion for unique accessories and design one night over a bottle of red wine.

When free-spirited meets refined, it’s a match made in jewelry and accessory heaven with pieces that are modern and refreshing, yet have a polished look for elegant femininity. Wearing a Jullaria wrap translates into luxury that is accessible and desirable. Using stunning stones, fun charms and deliciously luxurious leather, Jullaria creates timeless, versatile, and irresistible pieces. Most Jullaria pieces can each be worn as bracelets, necklaces, belts—even hair wraps—for a more versatile and chic look!

Enjoy 20% off your purchase and Free Shipping at www.jullaria.com using code “SPRINGFEVER” at checkout.

* Sponsored Post

Coach Accessories on Beyond the Rack

I’m so, SO excited about this sale, guys! I think you’ll all feel the same way I do, because you’ll be able to get your hands on Coach at deep, DEEP discounts!

Recognized around the world and desired by many a fashionista for its luxe line of premium quality handbags and accessories, Coach represents the epitome of understated elegance. Every season, the celebrated brand finds ways of renewing its signature styles and patterns with fresh color combinations and chic designs. In this long-awaited event, look for classic satchels, clutches, wallets, belts, and key chains. Indulge in that timeless piece you simply cannot live without.

If you’re a huge coach fan, this is a fantastic way to get that piece you’ve been dying for (I know that I desperately need a new wristlet… mine is starting to look quite dingy!) from Beyond the Rack at an amazing price!

Click here to go to Beyond the Rack now!