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.