I have been absent from this blog for an unacceptably long time - I am aware.  Unfortunately, my health has been...not good over the last month.  But I am hoping to have an upswing soon.  Today I was inspired by a black and white polka dotted dress I saw in Boden's daily e-mail advertisement - reminding me of my favorite pattern and one of my favorite dress shapes, the belted sheath.  I am also a fan of this particular neckline, which allows you to wear either statement jewelry *or* a pendant - but still maintains a mostly modest high neckline (especially for those smaller of chest.)
Now - having found such a terrific dress - I thought I'd go about styling it three ways.  One for pure fun, one for a more "sexy" date night or night out with the girls, and one for work.  But we'll go in reverse order - most demure to least demure.  ;-)

Styling it for work

BP Moveover Pointed Toe Flat at Nordstroms ($49.95 - red is so often the color of choice with black polka dots ... and don't worry, it'll make an appearance down flow, but for work I was thinking about keeping things a bit sleeker with patent, pointed toe black flats.)  Franco Sarto Instinct at 6PM ($47.99 - Recommended for those more interested in heels - I think the Mary Jane cut gives it a dash of vintage, but the pointed toe and angled block heel keeps it firmly rooted in the present - and comfortable for work at that.)
Fornash Enamel Bumble Bee Bangle Bracelet in black and gold at SimplySoles ($25 - again going a bit against expectations here - I like using a simple palette of black and gold to keep the outfit relatively neutral - while adding a bit of a wink with the bumble bee motif on the bracelet to acknowledge that the outfit is still fun and youthful.)
Studio Silver 18k Gold enamel Carnelian Pyramid Pendant from Macy's ($37.50 on-sale - finally, I've added a bit of color to the outfit, but again - I think - not in the way people expect.  When wearing polka-dots, most expect colors to be bright and bold, but I think tempering that and bringing it in a bit in a more controlled way gives the outfit a more refined look.  I really like these three items together for a work accessories plan for this dress.)
K. Amato Fan Teardrop Earrings in black and gold at Designs by Stephene ($47.50 - a perfect match for the bumble bee bangle, but also incredibly reusable in their own right - I like these earrings a lot as a basic workhorse for any wardrobe - or at least a workhorse with some edge to them.) 
Giani Bernini 24k Gold over Sterling Silver Diamond-Cut Teardrop Leverback Earrings from Macy's ($110 - honestly probably a bit much for this particular outfit, but so pretty I couldn't resist recommending them.  They'd certainly keep the outfit in the really focused black and gold world.  I love them just as they are, as single pieces of jewelry.)

Styling it for a night out with the girls - bright/vintage fun

Faceted white bead vintage necklace from etsy seller Bonnie's Vintage Attic ($29.95) or again for those preferring a more mainstream retailer Panacea Epoxy Flower Necklace, White at Cusp by Neiman Marcus ($45 - I *like* a white necklace for this [to be honest, its inspired by a vintage white chunky necklace I inherited from my aunt - it gives the look a vintage fun feel for summer without relying on many of the tropes that people frequently do with black and white dots.  White, other than pearls, is really an underutilized color in our jewelry lexicon and I think it would look great with this outfit.)
Ceramic Studs - yellow lemon dots - by etsy seller Hermoosa ($24.95) or for those who prefer more mainstream retailers Kate Spade New York stud earrings in yellow and white at Nordstroms ($34.80 - now 40% off - I love the bright vintage lemon yellow and white with black and white polka dots in the summer.  And I personally prefer studs - though there are lots of fun chandelier or teardrop options out there too.)  Now, if based on these earring suggestions you really wanted a yellow necklace idea, you might consider this one from Dillard's - though I'm not convinced about the starfish accents.  
Bruno Premi in emerald green at Yoox ($59 - I know that a green shoe is a bit different here - though not totally out of nowhere since green and yellow go so well together - but I love these sandals [the block heel would be good for dancing and walking but they still have that sexy look] and I think adding a kick of green at the bottom of the outfit would be just what the outfit needed.  Though for those of you who prefer a wedge - and are a lucky size 9 - these Butter wedges might be just the thing for you.  If, however, you were worried about the shoes being the only green in the outfit, you could consider something like this vintage bangle I found on Etsy (pictured above) that works in both green and yellow - as well as a few other colors - and would be a great way to work the shoes and the rest of the jewelry together into a cohesive whole ($5 used at Sissy's Touch of Grey.)

Styling it for a sexy date - finally - here's the red!

As way of introduction - I feel like you can either go with reds or cobalt blue here as a theme for your accessories (if you decide not to go straight black ... which you can but would overlap too much with my above posts so....).  So For each of the items I'm suggesting to style for date night, I'll recommend something in fire engine red and cobalt blue.  Pro-tip though, I wouldn't wear ALL blue or red, I'd wear say red shoes and red earrings - but maybe a silver or gold necklace, just to mix the color up, but I'll leave the mix up to you!  And whichever color you pick, make sure to bring it on the bright red lip!
Louise Et Cie 'Scorpio' Peep Toe Pump at Vince Camuto ($69.99 - there are as many red peep-toe pumps as there are people in the world, but this one is different and special while still looks like it would be comfortable.  It is a textured fish-scale leather in a bright red and the heel and toe accents are dipped in gold enamel.  It is under 4" in height.  I love that its an elegant and different take on the classic red pump.)  If you're interested in close-toed shoes, consider the Adrienne Vittadini Cecilia Pump in Red at Belk.
Kamalikulture Zaylie Sling Backs in Cobalt Blue at Zappos ($69.99 - definitely hot looking - the reviews are mixed with some concern about the strength of the sling though. I think it would be okay for a sometime shoe maybe?  If you're looking for a more traditional cobalt pump though - perhaps consider the Guess Rolene pumps on sale at 6PM right now - they look pretty good.)  
Gold Wing Earrings found on Shoptiques from Langford Market, Texas ($12.90 - okay - the shipping on these is absurd because, well, they ship from a little boutique in Texas - but I feel I would be remiss if I did not share these awesome earrings with my dear readers!  So here I am, sharing.  They also come in a green and gold that is cool too.)
Orion Teardrop Earrings at Nordstroms ($15 - I may or may not have done this whole red or blue thing just because of these earrings. I love these earrings. God. Earrings like these make me wish I could pierce my ears.)
Akuamarina Silver Leaf and Murano Gold Round Pendant Necklace at Forzieri ($70.40 - I know I said I'd stick with red, but this gold murano glass pendant goes so beautifully with this look that I couldn't help it.  Seriously, I love this necklace.  If you do want red - this version of it is red and this other murano glass necklace from the same company is a beautiful, fun red and yellow necklace (might go great with the look above this one as well).  
House of Harlow 1960 Plectra Pendant Necklace in blue on Zappos ($60 - so this is designed to be opera length, but I think you can make it shorter to be worn around the neckline of this dress.  And I love the color and the way it would go with these earrings.  Its pretty cool!)

Okay - since this post is already getting out of control a bit, I'm going to leave it there - though I think if I WERE putting together a date look with these pieces, I might add a bracelet or possibly a different belt than the one that comes with the dress.  But...for now I hope these items lend some inspiration. 

So one dress, three looks.  What do we think dear readers?  Are you happy to have me back?  Have I lost my touch?  How would you style it?  Leave a note in the comment section below!
P.S.  Do you have trouble remembering the names of necklines?  Look at this amazing resource I found when looking for the name of this neckline!  Its great (though it doesn't include this specific neckline - which I'm still not sure what to call).
 
So...Kanye East (of everywhere fame) has an amazing Etsy store that I've featured on this blog before.  This evening she posted this lovely rough diamond multi chain necklace with silver and gold chains.  I like it a lot (as per usual with items from the Gewgaws store) but it also got me thinking about mixed metal jewelry.  Sometimes its great.  Sometimes its good.  Sometimes its okay.  And sometimes its just awful. But I find it super useful in my jewelry collection - I mean I can pair it with either my silver OR my gold jewelry - that's extremely useful!  So I thought I'd find and recommend some nice mixed metal jewelry tonight.  But first, here's Kanye's lovely creation (on-sale now for $94 though she offers a Corporette discount....which I probably should have checked if I should post that here.  
Picture
I know many people worry aout service and quality on Etsy. If you do not read the 'rette or are not familiar with Kanye or her store - I have bought two items from her and am aware of many others who have shopped there as well. Her service is excellent and prompt and her quality is top of the line, professional level. She also does custom orders and actually worked with me to custom-make both of the necklaces I bought from her. Anyway - now that I've internet flirted with Kanye enough (she's awesome an amazing human being lets get down to business.)
So - one of the keys for me with mixed metal jewelry is that you have to balance my desire for the metals to look as real as possible while still blending somewhat - a balance well struck by the rustic metals Kanye used above.  Hammered metals also often work well as good.  Sometimes the really bright metallics don't work as well, in my opinion.  I also REALLY love when there are other metals involved, like copper, bronze, tungsten, whatever - anyway- now that I've written an ode - lets get to the shopping.
Mixed Metal Brass Handmade Earrings at AshanteCulture on Esty ($27.50 - the price is great for cool looking earrings, ships from the US, and the artist has an interesting afrocentric theme to her jewelry.)
Metal Mixed Wrist Wrap bracelet from Fossil ($54 - I like that it mixes several metals AND has some sparkle.  Would be fun for casual or work, I think.  Fossil is actually rolling in bracelets right now - like this one or this one.
House of Harlow Two tone Engraved Stud Earrings at Nordstroms ($38 - I find that I often post dangle earrings - but I know many people like studs and these are GREAT studs.) 
Dogeared Mixed-Metal Sparkle Karma Necklace from Cusp at Neiman Marcus ($75 - this necklace is kind of fun - its a pretty pendant on a long chain that hits mid boob area - for lack of a better descriptor.  This would be a great addition to a simple black or gray or other monotoned sheath dress when you want something discrete but not boring.
Caravelle by Bulova two tone mixed metal bracelet watch at Macy's ($79.99 - watches are a great way to mix metals - since many people wear them everyday its especially helpful if they match all of your jewelry - or at least more of your jewelry.  I'm oddly drawn to this watch, maybe because the floral pattern separates it just a bit from the other watches?)
Blu Bijou Mixed Metal Geometric Necklace made of textured silver and gunmetal plate at Max & Chloe ($52.50 on sale - I think this necklace is pretty and would be a nice introduction to mixed metals for those who don't love gold.  I also really like textured or hammered silver/gunmetal a lot. I could see this as a serious work basic.)
Vanessa Mooney Classic Mixed Metal Teardrop Earrings at Beauty.com ($42.50 - a classic teardrop earring like this can be such a jewelry basic but I like the mixed metal twist. I don't know anything about Beauty.com - but Vanessa Mooney has a bunch of similar items on her direct sales page - but not these particular ones - though there are mixed metal hoop earrings.)
Hammered metal copper and aluminum swirled pendant necklace from Designami on Etsy ($20 - this is a very cool looking pendant.  I might get it restrung onto a chain with something like the small beads on the karma necklace above.)
TopShop V-link Collar Necklace at Nordstroms ($35 - I think this would be an amazing necklace for dressing up a LBD with either a deeper v-neck or strapless or a deep scoop neck.  The one review says it shines brightly but I still think it looks like the mixed metals work great and look classic yet contemporary.  And the price is right in my book.
Argento Vivo 'Prism' Double Drop Earrings at Nordstroms ($128 - generally I don't like dropping a ton of money on jewelry, but these sort of earrings are the type of thing that make me consider an exception.  First, they make a statement - they could, on their own, be the centerpiece of a formal outfit or a cocktail party or even just a night out with the girls.  Second, they are unique enough and intricately enough designed, I don't think I'll find the same thing at Target or online the next day for way cheaper.  I could be wrong of course, but these are really beautiful and seem special.  So I thought I'd share.)
Lauren by Ralph Lauren Mixed Metal Button Drop Earrings at Lord & Taylor ($26 - now THESE are a great work basic.  Subtle, elegant, and they mix the metals smoothly.  And they look like they'd shine beautifully.  I'm all in.)
Mixed Metal Patterned Copper and Sterling Silver Ring by moonkistdesigns at Etsy ($70 - this is pretty and I like the patterned copper - there are actually matching earrings and necklaces available as well. Also, if you would like a smaller ring, check this one out [I like it a bit better but the picture didn't post well!])
Hive & Honey Two Tone Knotted Chain Torsade Necklace from Piperlime ($42 - not mixed metals [instead pink and gold] but I love this take on the knotted necklace trend.  On the "person" on the web, it looks like the prefect length.  A great option for a summery statement necklace.)
So - that's all she wrote (literally) today folks.  Sorry the post was a bit late; I was having a *day* and just was super grumpy.  But then Kanye posted the perfect necklace and gave me IDEAS!  Hope you like the outcome.  Do you mix metals?  What's your favorite piece of mixed metal jewelry and how do you wear it?  Leave a comment below!

Editor's Note: Did you all notice I started a twitter for this blog?  I have no idea what to do with it (or how to use it for that matter) but you should follow me if you read this blog - I might post occasional other items I see that I like ... and also I like followers.  They give my life meaning.  (Kidding - sort of.  ;-)  You can get to my Twitter by clicking the icon on the top of the page, the envelope allows you to email me directly if you have comments or questions, the Yahoo! icon actually leads to my Tumblr (there isn't a Tumblr icon and I thought it was ironic since Yahoo just bought Tumblr) and the YouTube brings you to, well, my Youtube channel which has one video and no near term plans to increase that number.  OKAY - social media update complete.


Thanks for reading - I hope this post was fun and inspired you to adventure you into the fun wild world of mixed metals (also - shoes are another place where metals can be mixed with great pizazz.)  Happy shopping and may the sales be ever in your favor.
 
So I saw this necklace on ModCloth, called the Statement of the Art Peacock Necklace (which is unfortunately not available anymore), and it reminded me how much I LOVE peacock patterns.  So I thought I'd do a post with a bunch of peacock items - just because I can.  Do you all like peacock as much as I do?
Peacock Feather Serving Bowl at jeansclaystudio on Etsy ($45)
Edible Cake Topper, 30 Peacock Flowers, at LittleHopeCakes on Etsy ($24)
Peacock Feather Etched Red Wine Glasses at daydreemdesigns on Etsy ($64.50)

So - there you go!  Just a few peacock items to wet your palette.  Readers, do you have a favorite peacock item?  Do you wear it on clothes or just as accessories?  Let me know in the comments!
 
I was yet again inspired by an item I saw on Etsy to do a post on a genre of jewelry, in this case - rustic* jewelry.  The item in question was this "wearable art euro cuff" beaded rustic bracelet by Fishbaysunsets out of Washington State. ($45)  It is a pretty bracelet with fabulous colors and metalwork, glass beads, and natural stone beads.  Very pretty.  But of course, I couldn't rest with just one.  So what follows are my selection of rustic jewelry items off Etsy.
Hammered Copper Cuff by Seventh Willow in Arizona ($59 - more depth and texture than commercial versions.)
Yellow Jade and Copper Hoop Earrings by JensBeadBox in Texas ($22 - so pretty!)
Mixed Natural Amber Necklace by Karuba in Poland ($161 - expensive yes, but she has good reviews, and I'm a sucker for natural amber.)
*Some might notice that my take on rustic is a bit particular.  I tend to identify rustic with the following elements: darker metals (think coppers, brasses, rhodiums, pewters, etc.), leathers, natural stones, natural gemstones, and glass beads in darker colors.  Impressive metal work is always good.  
  • On the other hand I tend *not* to associate rustic with jewlery meant to evoke tribal or foreign elements of a particular culture.  Both because I frequently find that they are poorly executed but also because I would not want to be seen as appropriating symbols of cultures of which I am not a member.  So I tend to avoid things that clearly do so.
  • I also don't consider "steampunk" stuff under the heading of rustic.  Now I actually love steampunk accessories and would be happy to do an entire post on steampunk stuff - I just think that their purposefully affected take on a particular era isn't really "rustic" in any traditional sense.

And I have now explained my reasoning behind a post WAY MORE than I ever have before.  This is what happens when its 4 AM and you have insomnia.  But have fun!  


Do you like these rustic options?  Do you wear rustic jewelry?  Do you have any other suggestions on what I should add to my ideas about the "rustic look"?  Leave some texty text in the comments and let me know!
 
Hi TCFKAG! I'm a new BigLaw associate and got my ears pierced a few months ago. It is now time to move beyond the starter studs and buy some earrings. For now, I'm looking for workhorse earrings I can wear over and over (my goal is to make it until Christmas on a handful of pairs, then let the relatives do the rest), but that aren't just plain studs. Here are a few ideas I had: JC Penney Love Knot Earrings Sterling Silver EarringsJC Penney Sterling Silver Hoop Earrings, and Love Knot Dangle Earrings on Etsy.  But I bet you can do better. I'm open to any design and any metal. I'd like to stay under $50 per pair. -- A Blog Admirer


Hey!  Thanks for the question - and those are all really cute.  I'll try to find some similar options for you.  I might throw in a couple ones with some pretty, neutral gemstones (just in case you're interested.)  For those shopping along at home - here are the three that Reader E likes (I think the love knot dangles are my favorite.)
These are all so cute!  The love knots are super nice (I never knew that design was called that) - and of course a little huggie silver hoop is a nice basic.  So these are great options.  But lets see what other options I can find for you.  
Faux Pearl Stud Earrings in silver at Lord & Taylors ($20 - a basic but pretty workhorse, nice option.)
Lauren by Ralph Lauren Braided Knot Earrings at Bloomingdales ($32 - an interesting take on the knot stud.)
Anne Klein Button Stud Earrings in blue at Nordstroms ($20 - I love this blue/gray color - it would be a lovely neutral in a wardrobe but still add some nice color around the face.  These earrings also come in two shades of white and a turquoise...a really nice basic for anyone I think.)
Sterling Silver Cluster Stud Earrings in silver at Lord & Taylor ($20 - great deal and so pretty but a little different.)
Hammered Metal Square Studs at Forever 21 ($1.80 - yes...that price is right.  Still have to pay shipping but there are TONS of earrings on final sales for $1.80 right now at F21.)
Tina Tang Small Disc Earrings at ShopGoldyn ($42 - these are pretty and a bit more rustic - I like them.)

Quilted Square Stud Earrings at Gorjana & Griffin ($40 - also comes in a BEAUTIFUL rose gold.)
Silver-Tone & Glass Pearl Earrings at Lord & Taylor ($24 - pretty and simple dangle earrings.)
Kate Spade Dot to Dot Stud Earrings at Bloomingdales ($48 - I know these are a bit different then what you wanted but they're so pretty I thought I'd point them out.)

Okay - thats a bunch of different options for you.  Let me know which of them you like best and I can always find you more.  :-)  Happy shopping!  I'm sure any of them will look lovely on you.  Come see me when you want coordinating necklaces.  ;-)
 
On the weekends I like to work a little rustic* charm into my wardrobe, especially in my jewelry.  And I was inspired by this beautiful Wearable Art Beaded "Eurocuff" Bracelet from Etsy seller fish bay sunsets ($45) to look for other beaded bracelets and necklaces for the weekends that give off this chunky, rustic vibe.  What do you think readers?  Am I coo-coo for cocoa puffs with these?
Orange Agate and Brass Necklace by Jewelryaccessible in LA ($65 - I adore the colors of this necklace.  ADORE.)
Agate Dangle Earrings in Green and Tan by CopperNichols in Ohio ($14 - neutral enough for daily wear.)
Hammered Copper Cuff by SeventhWillow in Arizona ($59 - I like this, it has more depth and texture than commercially available hammered cuffs.)
Yellow Jade with copper hoop earrings by JensBeadBox in Texas ($22 - these are gorgeous.  Jesus.)Natural Amber Necklace with several amber types by Karuba in Poland ($161 - a bit expensive and the pictures aren't great - but it does look lovely and I'm a total sucer for natural amber - plus the seller has good reviews.)
Rustic linen necklace with robins egg blue beads from Boorashka in Ukraine ($22 - a more delicate take on rustic, but still very pretty - 219 positive user reviews.)
Beer quartz faceted earrings on a copper floral medallion by JensBeadBox in Texas ($18 - love the design, might switch out the color of the quartz.)
*So, you may notice that rustic might mean something different to me than it means to me.  To me it means the use of natural stones or glass beads that approximate the look of natural stones with traditional metals or materials - especially copper or brass or hammered silver or pewter or rhodium - basically your darker metals are all good.)  I tend to not like things that go for the tribal or exotic look - partially because I think they are frequently a pale (and sometimes unfortunate) imitation and partially because I don't want to be seen as appropriating a culture I am not a member of.  I also don't really consider Steampunk hipster - I would LOVE to do a whole steampunk post - and probably will in the future, but I think that's its own aesthetic viewpoint that's separate from what I was doing here.  So..yeah.  Lots of words meaning basically nothing.  :-)

What do you think rustic means?  Did I get it right?  Leave a texty text in the comments!
 
I'm in love.  Seriously.  I happened across this gold and chalcedony drop pendant necklace by Athena at Max and Chloe today and I fell head over heels.  I had never heard of chalcedony stones (obviously I've seen them, but I never identified them by name).  So here's a post about my new favorite thing ever (plus more gift ideas for the procrastinators amongst us.)
Urban Post Lilly Green Chalcedony Gold Earrings at Max & Chloe ($70)
Necklace with octagon grass green chalcedony with three types of quartz from Bouvier Jewelry on Etsy ($220)
Wanetta Green Chalcedony Bracelet from Last Call by Neiman Marcus ($63)

What do you all think?  Does anyone own any chalcedony jewelry or got any good tips on styling it?  Leave your thoughts and queries in the comments.  
 
What mother, sister, friend...okay really...anyone doesn't like jewelry as a present.  So as some of us seek out presents for the moms in our lives, I thought I'd do a post with a variety of jewelry in what I imagine would probably be the price range for many of your present buying needs.  Not looking for Mom's Day presents?  Well....as Destiny's Child says....we buy our own diamonds and we buy our own rings.  (For the purposes of this post, I'm trying to stick with stores that can probably ship to you by Sunday...for reasons.)  
Gabriella Rocha Big Circle Bracelet in mint at Zappos ($28 - variety of colors)
Kendra Scott Madina Earring in silver at Zappos ($50)
Kate Spade New York Small Square Stud Earrings at Zappos Couture ($38 - variety of colors)
Lucky Brand Turquoise Coast Necklace at Zappos ($49 - opera length, if not clear from this picture.)
Grotto Stone Pendant Necklace in frosty spruce at Nordstroms ($38 - variety of colors.)
Topshop Flat Chain Necklace in silver at Nordstroms ($25 - simple but pretty I think.)
Carole Paddle Earrings in coral at Nordstroms ($12)
Tasha Stone Chandelier Earrings at Nordstroms ($28 - comes in a variety of colors.)
Kate Spade New York Unwanted Visitors Hinged Bangle at Nordstroms ($95 - quirky but so fun.)

So!  There's a bunch of ideas.  I hope there's something here you like.  Now, normally I really like shopping for jewelry on Etsy more than anywhere else - but not all sellers there can guarantee delivery by Sunday.  So I'm focusing on these sellers who probably can.  I'll have to do an Etsy only post soon.
 
When I find jewelry I like, I also like to shop around on Etsy for interesting alternatives.  I like these Nyla Star Samantha Gold and Black Pave CZ Stud Earrings at Max and Chloe - so I decided I would look for others like them at Etsy.  

Nyla Star Samantha Gold and Black Pave CZ Stud Earrings at Max and Chloe
Gold Black Agate Druzy Stud Earrings - Round Gemstone Studs from OhKuol
Handmade Stingray Skin Jet Black Shagreen Gold Stud Earrings from dirty rice designs