Last Day to Enter the BLUEPRINT FOR STYLE Giveaway!

HURRY! 

Today is the last day to enter the Blueprint for Style giveaway. 

We are dropping over $1000 in jewels and you could be one of the lucky winners!!

Enter here.  And tell your friends!!!

Trend Thursdays- boxy blouse

As warm weather starts to descend on New York, more and more of the tailored, clean, minimalist looks are appearing in real life.  The most wearable of these looks is the boxy blouse. 

Diane von Furstenberg and Doo Ri

Wear this loosely fitting blouse with skinny pants or a fitted skirt for a classic big-over-small look.  Also, a long pendant necklace goes great with this look- and is right on the '70's trend!

Dress for Less

Today's "Dress for Less is taken from the pages of UK InStyle. 

Notice Rosamund Pike's stunning black resin and gold necklace in the photo to the left.  It's a perfect example of the geometric shapes seen on runways for Spring.

Get your very own interpretation of this neck at Monet.com for only $88. 

Our Gift to you- FREE SHIPPING

Spring is coming!!!  So, to celebrate, we are offering FREE SHIPPING on all orders over $50 from now until March 21st. 

Just enter code SPRINGFS at checkout to redeem the gift!  Happy shopping!!



Paula Echevarria hearts Monet

Paula Echevarria.  Her name is synonymous with sexy.  She is a wife, mother and one of the most famous Spanish actresses of her time.  

Her fame increased after her she started dating famous Spanish singer David Bustamante, whom she married on July 22 of 2006.  They had a daughter in 2008, Daniella. 

Paula has a regular blog for Spanish Elle, in which she posts her outfits, pictures from events she attends and fashion tips.
 

Paula in her Monet necklace

In her latest post, Paula gives tips on dressing for a casual Saturday.  

She says, "Wear your skinny black pants with smart Chanel flats.  Mix it with Chloe bag and Louis Vuitton scarf.  Add a Monet necklace and you have the perfect look!"

Paula wore a Monet vintage inspired pin to ring in 2011, and looked stunning.  And again, she perfects mixing high-end pieces with everyday jewelry to complete her ensemble! 

Now, we can't help you buy the Chanel or Louis Vuitton, but get your own Monet necklace for just $42 here.

Paula Echevarria

Tim Gunn Talks: Color

Trend Thursdays- Collarless coats

While the Boyfriend Blazer is still king, the latest coat spotted on runways is collarless.

In tailored and looser fitting versions, the collarless coat somehow feels more elegant, as compared to the boyfriend blazer’s casual sophistication. When wearing a collarless jacket, keep it simple - pair it with a top with a standard neckline.  

Photo Credit: Style.comCollarless Coats at Proenza Schouler, Vena Cava, and Oscar de la Renta.

But, the best thing about these styles- its looks GREAT when you piling on the jewelry. Now’s the time to break out your statement necklaces! (Get them here!!!)

Dress for Less

When I browse different magazines in hopes of being inspired for tomorrow's outfit idea, I often run across very expensive pieces of jewelry that I would love to have in my wardrobe. 

But, since I am more of the sensible type, (at least it looks good in writing) I like to look for the DEALS. 

In this post, which I will try to offer weekly, I will show you 2 photos.  An expensive piece of jewelry and ours, the inexpensive version! 

French Elle highlights a Roger Vivier ring for $403

While Monet offers our Skyscraper ring for $38! Can you tell the difference??

Happy International Women's Day!

Phenomenal Woman

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size
But when I start to tell them,
They think I'm telling lies.
I say,
It's in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees.
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees.
I say,
It's the fire in my eyes,
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I'm a woman.
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me.
They try so much
But they can't touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them
They say they still can't see.
I say,
It's in the arch of my back,
The sun of my smile,
The ride of my breasts,
The grace of my style.
I'm a woman

Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.
Now you understand
Just why my head's not bowed.
I don't shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
It's in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair,
the palm of my hand,
The need of my care,
'Cause I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

-Maya Angelou

Trend Thursdays - fur (faux or real) and feathers

One of my favorite fashion writers from the New York Times, Cathy Horyn, is blogging live from Milan. 

She noticed the 70's trend at Gucci continuing for the Fall- so I had to share!  She explains, "so comprehensibly ’70s were Frida Giannini’s fur-covered shoulders, tie-at-the-neck blouses and chic gaucho trousers in flannel or suede with boots or platforms. The palette was all violet, wine, rust, emerald green, teal and a bit of cherry. Ms. Giannini also offered those lady-ish full-sleeved dresses with tiny belts that figure so prominently in memories and archives of the ’70s, along with fedoras and feathers."

Looks from the fall 2011 Gucci show

The colors, the textures, the silhouettes!!  And whether you prefer real or faux fur... its up to you.  But, everything is to die for! 

Oscar Style

If your office is anything like ours, the water cooler buzz today is not so much "Who won best picture?"  But, "Who was best dressed!?"

Everyone has an opinion and most do NOT agree. But, the below women were some of our universal favorites. What did you think?

Gwyneth Paltrow in Calvin Klein



Cate Blanchett in Givenchy Couture



Halle Berry looked magnificent in Marchesa



Mila Kunis in lavender Elie Saab

And did you notice the earrings!?  Gwyneth, Reese, Marisa Tomei!?  Big earrings are still all the rage!!

Trend Thursdays- Bohemian Bourgeois

Bohemian Bourgeois, or as I like to call it: BoBo- is a never dying trend.  This look takes lace details and a peasantry feel and adds a dash of flowy transparency and layers of embroidery.


Spring 2011 antique and tablecloth lace from the runways of Dolce and Gabbana, Ralph Lauren, Andrew Gn, Anna Sui, Collette Dinnigan, Luisa Beccaria and Just Cavalli

Try matching the look with a wide brimmed hat and platform sandals. 

This season, the winners are Cavalli, Anna Sui and Emilio Pucci. 

Belk Engagement Party was a BLAST!!!

Last Thursday, February 17th, Belk Department Stores held their semi annual "engagement party."  The party was held in the home section, so future brides and grooms (and mothers of the bride and fathers of the bride and bridesmaids...) could create their registery. 


Below are a few pictures snapped at the events.  Overall it was a HUGE success.  We were really able to connect with the brides and let them know we are THE place to come for their bridal, bridal party and mother of the bride jewelry. 




Some of the other vendors at the Engagement Party



Belk Haywood: GREENVILLE, SC

Franklin, Tennessee

Greensboro, NC

Tim Gunn Talks: Vintage

We love Tim Gunn.  We especially love when he discusses all things jewelry... and especially when it's Monet Jewelry! 

Watch below as Tim discusses how to wear vintage jewelry, paired with new or old fashions!

And shop vontage inspired Monet here.

Tim Gunn Talks: Vintage from Monet Jewelry on Vimeo.

Happy Valentine's Day

Every February 14th, across the United States and in other places around the world, candy, flowers and jewelry are exchanged, all in the name of St. Valentine.

But who is this mysterious saint, you ask?

Well, no one really knows... but legend has it, that he was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. At that time, Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, so he outlawed marriage for young men.

Valentine, realizing the injustice, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.  He is thus remembered in time for being an outlaw, and a romantic!

There are many, many other stories surrounding the history of Saint Valentine, but the most important thing to remember is that today, and everyday, you are loved.

Happy Valentine's Day from all of us at Monet!

Favorite Fridays

I usually dont like the be on band wagons.  But, when something is so so good, most often, I want to share it, no, I need to share it!

For those of you who dont know, Gwyneth Paltrow has a blog that goes by the lovely name, Goop.  Goop is a newsletter that will usually come once a week. And in it, Gwyneth shares "recipes, travel notes, advice, and so much more."

It's usually an interesting read about things like; some tips on meditation, latest fashion, and Gwennie's favorite "must see" travel destinations.  But this latest newsletter introduced you to one of her favorite blogs, "you are the river."

Faye's blog is a collection of things that inspire her, and in turn, inspire Gywneth.  So, I checked it out, and, lo and behold, it was also a very real inspiration for me, too.  The photos are fresh and new and offer different perspectives on things such as decorating, art and food. 

Google Reader add!

Trend Thursdays- Classic

Well, New York Fashion week is upon us!  So, in honor of the fashionable people to hit NYC this week, today's trend is classic, timeless and feminine. 

Dolce & Gabbana Women Spring/Summer 2011 (Full Show)

And, as you can see in the Dolce and Gabbana runway show, eyelet, lace and white, white, white; it just screams classic and sweet.  Which, if you've ever seen a D&G runway show before, you expect leopard, red, and corsets, all in one outfit!  So this is a huge shift for them.  But, they pull it off by showing a more delicate side of themselves. 

Congratulations on year 26 Domenico and Stefano!!  We love you!

Belk Engagement Parties

On Thursday, Feb. 17th, from 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Belk stores will host their annual “Engagement Party,” located in the Belk Home section.

Like Belk's Engagement Expos, the Engagement Parties are a way for couples to take full advantage of what Belk has to offer them, and Monet is one of the proud co-sponsors.

The event will feature free food, entertainment, beverages and prizes. 

Bridal consultants will also be on hand to give advice and help couples determine what items they need for their new life together; from china to bedding and even a new grill... Belk has it all! 

Engaged couples will receive a Wedding Registry Planner, and those who create a Belk wedding registry or add items to an existing registry will be eligible for a $25 gift card.

In addition, special displays will be set up throughout the store with vendors offering prizes and giveaways.

But the biggest giveaway of all comes from creating a qualified registering (or adding to one) with Belk.  You will be entered to win one of these great prizes:

1. $1,000 worth of Monet Jewelry for the bride and bridal party!!
2. $500 worth of Monet Jewelry
3. $1,200 gift certificate to an airline or cruise line4. $1,000 in cash
5. $1,000 Belk gift cards
6. Two nights at the Biltmore Inn in Asheville, N.C. ($1,400 value)
Check with your local Belk stores to see who is participating and good luck!!!

 

New Must Have: Coffee table book

To celebrate Dolce & Gabbana Men’s 20th anniversary, the Italian designers have released a coffee table book titled Uomini, which is the Italian word for men, which is what the book beautiful photographs depict, which is why we are blogging about it. 

Well, that's not the ONLY reason we are blogging about it... a portion of the proceeds from the book will go to a charity to help Florence’s Uffizi Gallery. 

We might just by this for the office…it’s for a good cause after all.

Available at Amazon and Dolce and Gabbana retailers world wide today.

Dylan's Candy Bar

Introducing the latest addition to Dylan's Candy Bar, M&M'S jewelry by Monet.

Dylan's Candy Bar was started by Dylan Lauren, daughter of famed designer Ralph Lauren.  

Dylan's started as a small movie candy destination for Upper East siders in 2001, and now her multi-store empire has grown to have world wide recognition.  Dylan's is not only a tourist "must-see," but a local Manhattanite's secret as well. 

M&M's jewelry by Monet was launched in the Fall of 2010 nationwide, and has been flying off the shelves.  We believed that there couldn't be a better partner for this brand than Dylan's Candy Bar, and they thought so, too!

You can find the fixture downstairs in the "M&M corner" right next to the cash wrap. We won't be hard to find, as we are the only Jewelry Brand on the floor!

Get there and tell us what you think!!!

Happy shopping candy-ophiles!

Favorite Fridays- Cupcakes and Cashmere

Today's favorite blog wins due to popularity.  We recently polled our Facebook fans as who their favorite fashion blogs were, and Emily's blog, Cupcakes and Cashmere, was among the top for everyone!  And ever since YOU told us about her,  she has been popping up everywhere...

I love her because she is real.  She is beautiful.  She is fashionable.  She is fun.  Reading her blog makes me want to be her friend.  And, she inspires me to be more creative.  Plus, she is engaged, and we at Monet just love a blushing bride to be!! 

Emily, call us for some jewels!!

And, obviously Monet has something for everyone- get your very own cupcake keepsake for $25 here!

**thanks for the reminder, Ang!!! 

Trend Thursdays- 1970s

If you haven't noticed over the past few months, fashion trends have been taking cues from prior decades.  High waisted pants, pendant necks, bright Southern California chic stripes, and maxi-length dresses; you could say that the 1970s are back in full force.


Marc Jacobs, Jason Wu, Thakoon, and Rodarte.

Derek Lam, Marc Jacobs, and Marc by Marc Jacobs

Monet's new arrivals are also inspired by our 1970 archives.  From gold goose neck necklaces to white resin pendant charms, we have been hit by the bug! Shop Monet.com for styles.

We (still) Love Earrings!!!!

Good morning!!  Extended by popular demand, our buy one get one FREE earring promotion!!!

From the Golden Globes to Sunday night's SAG Awards, earrings are taking Hollywood by storm.  So, we decided to help you look your best Hollywood glam with this promotion.  Check it out on Monet.com.

Betty White in Monet

To say that Betty White has had a comeback would be an understatement. 

From her 2010 Super Bowl Snickers commercial to hosting her hilarious Saturday Night Live episode last year, Betty has been on fire. 

So, when we got word that she wore Monet in her latest movie, "The Lost Valentine," we were ecstatic! 

Betty with Jennifer Love Hewitt on her Gold Poppy Pin

Betty wore our Monet Gold Swirl Clips and the Monet Orange Flower Boxed Pin.  

Jennifer and Betty in her gold clips earrings

Her jewels

Looking good, Betty!  

Here comes Summer!

Today marks the first day of our February Market.  This market covers June, July and August product.  We had SO much fun creating the new showroom, (although, I was very sad to tear down the 70's!!)

Check out a sneak peek!

Hanging the sail

Hanging our "authentic" net

Anne caught a mermaid!

Chiney to the resuce

Props!