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!

Favorite Fridays- She Saved

Today's Favorite Friday's edition also features a giveaway. 

Meet Keri Lyn from SheSaved!



We are a big fan of Keri Lyn, (and not only because she is a fan and supporter of us!)

Keri With her son

Keri is a self subscribed "quirky artist chic who loves to shop, save and share ideas."  But, most of all, Keri Lyn is an "obsessed saver of money, seeker of deals, and finder of freebies."  Which is why her blog, SheSaved, attracts parents who like a good deal.  You can always count on her for giveaways, coupons, and great deals! 

Like we said, Keri is also a Monet fan.  She says, "I felt very “polished” in my lovely Monet set when I got to wear it out last weekend, and that is something that this mom of two doesn’t really feel that often, lol!"

Now, you can feel polished,too.  Enter to win one of these charm bracelets and Valentine keepsakes on her site. 

But, don;t take our word for it.  Keri describes, "I was so impressed with the jewelry that I was able to enjoy for this review. I love that while it is very classy and elegant, it has a very affordable price point. I love how one piece of jewelry (or a set, for that matter) can complete the look of an outfit, and make you feel polished."

Enter now! 

Trend Thursdays- Geometry

Academy of Art University Fashion Show

No no no... not that kind of geometry.  Think more "architectural construction," if you will, how different types of geometric shapes fit into fashion.

This season, bold geometric shapes and architectural construction ruled the runways. 

Neat, precisely cut drapes and folds mimicked some of the most famous buildings, as you can see in the following pictures. 

 Staying true to form, minimalist like Narciso Rodriguez and Calvin Klein perfected the look, while newcomers like Diane Von Furstenberg joined suit. 

Narciso Rodriguez, Diane von Furstenberg, and Calvin Klein

How to wear them?  Omiru Blog says, "let these architectural beauties stand alone as the focus of your outfit; our favorite way to wear them is to let them shine with shoes and accessories that focus the eye on the construction itself."



GIVEAWAY ALERT!!!

Valentine Giveaway Alert!!!  

This giveaway is part of the Grateful Giveaways Event being hosted by 12 bloggers. You can be entered to win one of the beautiful pave heart bracelets and one of our Valentine Keepsakes! 

Increase your chances of winning this prize by visiting each blog for different entries.

The contest will be open for five full days.

EACH of the 12 participating blogs has their own prizes to give away so make sure to enter on each blog for the best chances to win!

 

* Wild for Wags

* Coupon Dad

* Totally Target

* Hip 2 Save

* Hoosier Homemade

* IGoBOGO

* I Heart Publix

* Koupon Karen

* Nicole’s Nickels

* She Saved

* Penny Pinchin’ Mom

* “Cents”able Momma

We Heart Free Shipping

Glamour Espana Featuring Monet

This month, Monet was heavily featured in Glamour: Espana edition. 


The Spanish magazine favors Monet and typically features a few of our pieces in each month's issue.  But this month is special because Monet has a 5 page spread!!!


We start off with a few shots from the Premio Top Glamour Women of the Year Awards that Monet co-sponsored. 


As you can see in Glamour's photos, celebrities, fashion and fun were the theme of the evening, as women from all over the world were presented top achievement awards.  Our Madrid office attended the awards as did our Director of Design, Tiffany Bausch and Director of Merchandising, Minjoo Chung.

And finally, the last 2 pages from the Glamour Espana issue were editorial features on Monet.  The first picture shows our On the Rocks drama necklace...

 And the second features a sterling pendant...

Thanks for all of the press, Glamour!!

Speaking of our Director of Design, the magazine featured a spread on Tiffany Bausch. The article described her design goals and a little history of the company (I think...)

Favorite Fridays

I can say that I have been a follower of Tavi's since the beginning.  Before she ever dyed her hair, before the bow that rocked fashion, before she interviewed Gwen Stefani... even before she was in 6th grade. 

Style Rookie graces the Favorite Friday's issue today because if you don't know about her, you need to.

Tavi Gevenson lives in a town outside of Chicago, goes to middle school every day, has homework, is obsessed with the 90's cult MTV show Daria and definitely marches to her own drum.

The last sentence is clearly why she has become a fashion sensation. Tavi has a style personality all her own.  Her blog often shows photos of her daily outfits, inspired by the likes of Courtney Love, the movie Virgin Suicides and Bjork. 

My favorite Tavi Photo

To say her blog is fun to read is an understatement.  She is not just tapped into fashion, she creates fashion.  And you have to admire it.




<>

Tavi reading her interview with Gwen Stefani



Tavi-Warhol

***all photos courtesy of Tavi

Trend Thursdays- Color

On the heels of Monday's "Color of the Year- Honeysuckle" post, today's trend is color.

Color Blocking ruled the runway for Spring, as you can see in the above Lacoste, Prabal Gurung and Missoni runway shows.

Last season we tried mixing different prints, but this season, don't be afraid to mix a ton of colors!!  Try it!

Gucci Runway

Jill Sander Runway

Don't Miss this GREAT Promotion

As everyone seemed to notice on the Golden Globes red carpet, earrings are BACK in a BIG way! From simple studs to huge chandeliers, any earring style is currently en vogue.

A recent article from JA New York states:

"From gowns in a rainbow of pinks to emerald green, one-shoulder sheaths to full-length sleeves, the fashions on display at Sunday night's 68th Golden Globe Awards revealed a number of key trends. For jewelry, it seemed that most stylists and their stars received a similar style memo: choose either simple earlobe-hugging earrings or large, nearly shoulder-grazing pairs"

So, we decided to do a Golden Globes promotion.

Duchess of Soho earrings on promo

Buy any earring, get the second pair free!!* This promotion requires no code, just go to the site and SHOP!!!!

Happy Shopping!!!

*second pair must be of equal or lesser value!My favorites right now are from Duchess of Soho

Tim Gunn Talks

Tim Gunn, Chief Creative Officer for Liz Claiborne Inc., is an international fashion consultant and style icon. 


Monet is fortunate to have Tim on our team to provide wisdom and fashion advice to our customers and fans.  If you aren't on our email list, you're missing out on his monthly fashion videos that we post on the site.  So, sign up for emails, and in the mean time, check out his most recent video about jet colored jewelry:

 Time Gunn Talks: Jet Jewelry

Color of the Year

Each year, the popular colorist for designers, Pantone, choose what they believe to be the color of the year.  If you can't already tell by the color of these words, this years winner was the color "honeysuckle."


According to Pantone reps, honeysuckle is:

"Courageous. Confident. Vital. A brave new color, for a brave new world. Let the bold spirit of Honeysuckle infuse you, lift you and carry you through the year. It’s a color for every day – with nothing “everyday” about it."

Although, some disagree with the colorist choice, especially if you watched the Golden Globes last night.  Everyone from Angelina to Catherine Zeta-Jones were donning the emerald hue.  


And the first to call this NEW color of the year was one of my go to interior design blogs, Habitually Chic, by Heather Clawson. She says she is seeing green this year.   

"The color that keeps catching my attention in both fashion and design is green.  It ranges from peacock to emerald but looks elegant and interesting in every shade.  I already bought a satin envelope clutch from J.Crew (sold out online) to add a little color to my wardrobe and it seems every designer sent green down their runway.  Green is definitely good!" 

Habitually Chic has some solid evidence to on her blog showing the hues of green in the fashion and design world already this year, note just 2 photos from her post.

The January 2011 Cover of Elle Magazine

The January 2011 cover of Town and Country

Whether your color is honeysuckle or emerald, the message is clear.  Try color in your wardrobe for 2011!!  

Favorite Fridays

Jackie Weppner was born to be a writer and in fashion, which is why her blog, Merci New York, is an esteemed member of our Favorite Friday's. 

Merci New York is well known in the industry.  Last summer she won Aisle Dash's award for BEST WEDDING BLOG, last fall, the New York Times' feature on wedding bloggers named Jacqueline as a selected guest for Martha Stewart Weddings' private runway fashion shoot, and Jackie was one of a few select bloggers invited to attend the Martha Stewart Bloggers Night Out Event last August. 

See photo below from the event:


Great times with fellow bloggers and the Martha Stewart Weddings team. Top row, from left: Shira from Martha Stewart Weddings; Jillian from 100 Layer Cake; Darcy Miller, Editorial Director of Martha Stewart Weddings; me; Jenn, Martha Stewart Weddings' online editor. Bottom row, from left: Justine Ungaro, and Maria from Ritzy Bee.

images courtesy Martha Stewart

We asked Jackie a few questions about jewelry, her answers below:

What’s your jewelry philosophy?

I am a big believer in bold, statement pieces that showcase your personal style. I tend to gravitate toward wearing one big vintage (or vintage-inspired) piece that catches the eye in a fun and unique way. I adore glam cocktail rings, chandelier earrings and any piece that has a chic, polished and decidedly-vintage look.

What piece of jewelry are you most thankful for?I remain eternally thankful for my wedding band. It's beyond special to look down at my left hand each day and know that I have the most wonderful marriage with the love of my life.


Silver or gold?
Silver for every day, gold to glam it up on special occasions

Pearls or gems?
How about pearls paired with gems? Is that allowed? ;-)
Chandeliers or hoops?Chandeliers. Oh so glam and chic!!

Thanks, Jackie!!!

Trend Thursdays

If you don't already know, Saturday, January 15th is National Hat Day.  If this isn't a perfect post for a Trend Thursday's, well I dont know what is!

So, don your favorite hat like the girls from Dior, Hermes and Sonia Rykiel, and hit the town.  Dont forget to send pictures!!!

Belk Engagement Expos

Throughout 2011, Monet will be one of the of co-sponsors of the famous and successful Belk engagement parties and expos. 

The expos are intended to educate brides throughout the entire engagement process.  Belk provides tips for the bride and groom such as wedding time lines, registry ideas, and classic, affordable jewelry for the bride, bridesmaids and mothers.  Belk has it all.  And boy is there a lot of traffic at these events!

Monet's most popular bridal pieces at these events are usually the crystal items.  Are you more of a pearl or crystal gal? 

Our big crystal stretch bracelet and vintage style chandelier earrings always take the cake!

Don't miss the expos coming up in your area!!!

1/16 Southern Bridal Show Birmingham, AL
1/22 WZYP Huntsville, AL
1/23 Bridal Showcase, Charlotte, NC

1/29 Carolina Weddings Winston Salem, NC

2/5 Wedding Festivals, Greenville SC
2/5 Carolina Wedding Show, Greensboro, NC

2/27 Georgia Bridal Show, Savanna GA

If you go, send your photos to: weddings@monet.com

And, congratulations!!!

¡FELIZ AÑO NUEVO!

We asked you, dear readers, to send pictures of your New Years Eve outfits to us, especially if you wore Monet jewelry to ring in 2011.

Well, we got a few great photos, but none as surprising as this blog post from Spanish actress Paula Echevarria.

Paula is married to famous pop singer David Bustamante, with whom she has one daughter.

But, it sure doesn't look like she sat at home New Year's Eve... Paula and David got all dressed up for a gala dinner with friends and family.
She posted these pictures on her blog, and says about the evening:

"I hope all you had a memorable year-end, in my case has been so. In a beautiful place, a delicious dinner, with the best company (my husband, my daughter and our friends Jose and Olga with their kids), what more could you want?"

Sounds wonderful. 

As you can see, Paula looked beautiful and classic in a long, crimson dress by Spanish designer Kina Fernandez.  Paula says "the vivid red dress was sober, closed front, with low back, a little tail and puffed sleeves."

She also carried a Swarovski studded clutch.

But, by far, the best piece of her outfit, was her Monet brooch she wore pinned to the nape of her low backed dress.   

The pin is part of our vintage pin collection and similar styles can be found here.

Paula, thanks for wearing Monet, you looked stunning!  Here is to a happy, healthy and fun 2011!!!

Modern Mom and Monet Sweepstakes

Modern Mom ROCKS!

GRAND PRIZE INCLUDES:

• Round trip airline tickets for you and a friend to New York City
• 1 night hotel stay
• $500 Monet E-gift certificate for http://www.monet.com/
• Style Consultation and Lunch with Director of Design, Tiffany Bausch

Enter here.

Favorite Fridays

Today's edition of Favorite Friday's is a shout out to one of the most organized bloggers I know, Kimmie Smith of Kitten Lounge. 

Kimmie is connected.  I know that's a silly thing to say about a BLOGGER, but she is truly tapped into other bloggers, fashion houses and html code...

We also hosted a giveaway with Kimmie in November and asked her the following questions about life, living in the big apple, and fashion!

When did you start blogging?
I started blogging in 2004 with a personal blog, then moved on to writing an Accessories only blog which was named Best Accessories Blog 2006 and then created Kitten Lounge in 2007.

What’s the best thing about being a blogger?
As a blogger, it has allowed me to have a distinctive voice and to showcase items that work for my audience. It has also allowed me to be an Accessories Expert which is my focus and to create design collaborations with large brands that will come out in Fall 11 and Spring 12. Ultimately, it allows me to combine all of my fashion knowledge to present how one can live a fashionable lifestyle as a whole.

Why do accessories interest you?
As an Accessories Expert, I love showing how people can create a simple look, a tee and a pair of jeans and yet that it can be enhanced with a number of accessories! It's an easy way to present your personality and to also differentiate yourself from others. I love that accessories are also a great way to invest as you can wear it multiple times without looking like you're wearing the same thing.

What’s your jewelry philosophy?
I believe that you have to have a signature focus and it doesn't have to be just one. I love wearing cuffs and large bracelets and large rings. My necklaces sometimes are small or can be layered and I almost never wear earrings. I love showcasing my neck, hands and wrists. Others may really love to highlight their ears and de-emphasize their wrists. It's all about what is comfortable for you!

What makes an accessory fabulous?A fab accessory is one that becomes your go to piece! You know it always works, you get a lot of compliments on it and it's something you always gravitate towards. At this point it becomes more than a piece bu apart of your signature look and it carries a story with it which adds to your heritage.

Funniest NYC moment?
I don't know if I have an NYC moment that is funny but I do have many that are inspirational. I am always inspired by meeting new designers, watching them make their art and being able to understand their process as a creative person! I have had the honor of talking with Carlos Falchi in his studio while watching them hand sew their bags or to see jewelry designers such as Siman Tu creating pieces in front of me.

Silver or Gold: Silver
Pearls or Gems? Gems
Hoops or Chandeliers? Chandeliers

Trend Thursdays- feathers

Feathers are a trend that never dies. And the F/W 2010 designers showed that fine feathers make fine frocks. Using marabou plumes, ostrich feathers, the creations were versatile. Being dressed in full feathers stands for a certain glamourous allure.

I would definitely rock the feather top, like the Gucci, Givenchy and Rebecca Taylor.  It would be a perfect day to night ensemble. 

Taking the trend a step further Marchesa, Giambattista and Tory Burch show a little leg with feather skirts. 

If youre a bolder type, try the feather jacket.  Pucci, Azzaro and Lanvin offer an array of styles that are stunning for the girl who can pull these off.  Is it you?

In case you do not like to ruffle your feathers, try a feather print or just a little detail like the ostrich-trimmed satin bag by Lanvin.

And good news is, the feather trend is here to stay. So those pieces are definitely great investments.  Here is to flying high in 2011!