Sale Alert! Gorjana End-of-Summer Sale

It's no secret that I love Gorjana's delicate jewelry, which is why I'm thrilled to share news of their end-of-summer sale.

pictured above:

• Large Tusk Pendant, now $58.50
• Mesh Globe Pendant, now $19.50
• Neon Studded Leather Wrap, now $38.50
• Merced Stud Earrings, now $15

Giveaway Notice!

Head over to Bedknobs & Baubles and enter to win a $100 Shopbop gift card!

5 Luxe Earrings under $100

 A pair of decadent earring doesn't have to break the bank. Here are five of my favorites for $100 or less.

1. Journalier Earrings, Juliet & Company, $50
2. Jade Tassel Earrings, Kenneth Jay Lane, $100
3. Agate and Silk Earrings, Isabel Marant, $80
4. Crystal Earrings, Kate Spade, $98
5. Marigold Studs, J.Crew, $65

On Bedknobs & Baubles: a new painting, sunglasses with quirky frames, weekend snapshots, and my must-have list for pre-fall.

Favorite Four: Delicate Bracelets

Lately I've been enamored with ultra thin bracelets. They're delicate, feminine and perfect for layering.

1. Lapis Bracelet, ONE by Native Gem, $145
2. Aphrodite Bracelet, Gorjana, $55
3. Hammered Double Bracelet, Melinda Maria, $52.50
4. Triple Square Bangle Bracelets, Dean Davidson, $165

Outfitted

A peplum top is an easy way to look polished. Visit Bedknobs & Baubles for detailed photos!

{ Sartorial Summary: Top - Anthropologie; Pants - Express (hemmed to ankle-length); Shoes - Kate Spade; Necklaces - Vintage, c/o JewelMint; Purse - c/o OASAP; Ring - c/o OASAP }

Tuesday Treat Under $25

Mixing chunky gold chains with friendship bracelets shouldn't work, but these baubles from Alexandra Jade are all kinds of fantastic - and only $25 each. Add one to your stack of bracelets and reminisce about summers at camp (if only it had been this chic).

Reminder! Enter to win a new pair of sunglasses from Fantas-Eyes! 

April Showers

I'm not one for rainy days, but April showers are welcome in the form of teardrop-shaped earrings.

umbrella by Dav ($30), earrings from left:

• Teardrop Earrings, Tiffany & Co., $800
• Faceted Teardrop Earrings, Forever21, $5.80
• Knotted Chain Earrings, The Limited, $22.90 $13.74
• "Dust" Teardrop Earrings, Alexis Bittar, $125
• Long Teardrop Earrings, Kenneth Jay Lane, $75
• Teardrop Stone Earrings, Lipsy, $17.91 $10.74
  

{ trend spotting }

1. Kissing Fish Bracelet, Betsey Johnson, $65
2. Snake Bracelet, Kenneth Jay Lane, $425
3. Enameled Ram Bracelet, J.Crew, $98
4. Alligator Bracelet, Kenneth Jay Lane, $90
5. Elephant Bracelet, Kenneth Jay Lane, $170
   

{ win it } Taylor Kenney Jewelry Necklace

I've been a fan of Tiffany's work for awhile now and when she asked if we could host a holiday giveaway, I jumped at the chance to offer one of my favorites: the Anjali Necklace. I know that all of you will love her work as much as I do, but don't take my word for it. Visit Taylor Kenney Jewelry and find out for yourself. Your wish list will thank me.

Mandatory entry:

1. Visit Taylor Kenney Jewelry and let me know which items you love!
   

Note: Leave a separate comment for each additional entry for it to be eligible.

1. Become a follower of Style Obsession - new followers always welcome! Sign up at the right via Google Friend Connect, Bloglovin', or by RSS. Just let me know how you follow.
   
   
2. Become an official follower of my new blog, Bedknobs & Baubles at www.BedknobsandBaubles.com and let me know how you follow (either RSS or via Tumblr).
   
   
3. Follow @TKenneyJewelry and tweet about this giveaway and leave the URL in your comment.
   
   
4. Like Taylor Kenney Jewelry on Facebook and let me know you did.
   

The Fine Print: Giveaway open to ALL readers. The giveaway period will run through Sunday, December 11, 2011. The winner will be announced the following day. Be sure to leave a blog URL or e-mail address so I can contact you! Good luck!

{ introducing } Anjolee

Why stop at one ring when you can layer on the jewels? Sometimes the best part of fashion is reveling in excess, especially when you're stacking rings from our latest sponsor, Anjolee. Outfitted with gemstones, an anniversary ring is a beautiful addition to a stack of layered rings. A few of my favorite anniversary rings are featured above, but an ultra-indulgent diamond anniversary ring is an enticing option too.

{images via 1, 2, 3}
{ post sponsored by Anjolee, but opinions within are not influenced }

{ introducing } Kranich's Jewelers

I certainly haven't tired of cocktail attire and sparkling baubles. This weekend, I picked up a pair of oversize rhinestone earrings, promising Dave that I'd wear them to holiday soirees. And now that Kranich's Jewelers came on board as our newest sponsor, I think it's safe to say I won't be retiring glittering stones to the jewelery box until well after the last bottle of champagne empties on New Year's Eve. Besides, how could you resist these yellow diamond pieces from Ritani and those tucked away under the Cushion Cut Diamond Engagement Rings section?

1. Fancy Yellow Diamond Ring
2. Ritani Masterwork Yellow Diamond Earrings
3. Ritani Masterwork Yellow Diamond Ring

{images via 1, 2, 3}
{ post sponsored by Kranich's Jewelers, but opinions within are not influenced }

{ outfitted }

During my commute on Tuesday afternoon, Dave called with a reminder to check the mail. Nestled in the mailbox wasn't a bill or stack of magazines, it was a single note proclaiming that it was the first clue to a scavenger hunt throughout our apartment. Clue after clue led me to an unexpected surprise: the Diane von Furstenberg bracelet I featured last month. Best boyfriend ever.

Outfit Notes: Sweater - J.Crew; Shoes - Kate Spade; Pants - Express; Bracelet - Diane von Furstenberg; Necklace - JewelMint

{ wishlisted } Bauble Bar

I'm a little late to the party on this one, but I'm happy to say I just signed up for Bauble Bar. It's basically the Web equivalent of a well-stocked jewelry box with everything from fanciful rhinestones to sleek cuffs. I'm crushing on that tortoise shell bracelet above.

{ tribal bracelets }

I was flipping through an old issue of Harper's Bazaar when I spotted an Isabel Marant bracelet that looked just like one I already own. I'm sure the Isabel Marant version is beautiful (especially for over $200), but I prefer the rough-hewn elegance of the buffalo bone and stone bracelets by Bougainvillea Boutique. The boutique offers dozens of color combinations to choose from and each bracelet is only $55.

{ reviewed } JewelMint

By now, you've probably heard of JewelMint.com, a members-only site that features a jewelry collection designed by Kate Bosworth and Cher Coulter. The best part? Each piece is only $29.99. But if you're anything like me, you're wary of another members-only site. Fortunately, this one is refreshingly different.

When you join, there's a style quiz to complete which will populate a personalized showroom with items that suited to your tastes. My quiz results were right: I do prefer classic clothing silhouettes, yet I'm not overly keen on simple, classic jewelry. When this happens, you can peruse the rest of the available jewelry and add additional styles to your showroom.

JewelMint.com offered to send an item for review. I chose a bold, sculptural necklace to add interest to my weekend uniform: a tee shirt, jeans and loafers. While the necklace is impressive on its own - and seems much more expensive than $29.99 - the thoughtful packaging won me over. The piece is presented in a velvet-lined box with a description of the item affixed to the lid.

Have you purchased anything from JewelMint.com? What are your thoughts?

Take 50% off your first purchase at JewelMint.com by using the following link and discount code:

http://jmnt.co/qUm5Un
Code: StyleObsession50

Expires: 9/14/11

{ wish listed } Diane von Furstenberg Bangles

Behold, my kind of bracelet: bold, sculptural, vintage-inspired and reminiscent of faraway lands. I'm leaning toward turquoise, what's your favorite?

Bracelets: $145 each by Diane von Furstenberg

{ giveaway } Towne & Reese

Mandatory entry:

1. Visit Towne & Reese and let me know which item you'd like to add to your jewelry box!
   

Note: Leave a separate comment for each additional entry for it to be eligible.

1. Become an official follower of Style Obsession - new followers always welcome! Sign up at the right via Google Friend Connect, Bloglovin', or by RSS. Just let me know how you follow.
   
   
2. Become a fan of Towne & Reese on Facebook.
   
   
3. Blog about this giveaway and leave the URL in your comment.
   
   
4. Tweet about this giveaway and leave the URL in your comment.
   

The Fine Print: Giveaway open to readers in the United States. The giveaway period will run through Sunday, June 19, 2011. The winner will be announced the following day. Be sure to leave a blog URL or e-mail address so I can contact you!

Can't wait to see if you win? Take 15% off your purchase with coupon code STYLEOBSESSION15. It expires on Saturday, June 18.

{reviewed} Towne & Reese

I have a not-so-secret life goal of owning an enviable collection of costume jewelry (real gems also accepted, but financially unrealistic), so when a new company springs up with lust-worthy designs, you know I'm on board. Last year Christi Pack and Jessica Stanfield launched Towne & Reese, a jewelry line featuring on-trend designs, each under $50. When the ladies over at Towne & Reese offered to send over a couple of items for review, I couldn't resist - especially when the baubles remind me of two summer loves.

As if you're not already cooing, let me add to the cuteness. The company was named after Christi's daughter, Towne, and Jessica's daughter, Reese. Even the jewelry selections share the sentiment with monikers honoring a daughter of a friend. Adorable, right?

Okay, back to the task at hand: fantastically well-made and trendy. I'll be the first to admit that the size of the coral Elise Necklace intimidated me at first, but it has all of the spring essentials: orange and boldly color blocked. It's growing on me quite a bit. As for the Ella earrings, I think there's the promise of an elegant patio dress in their future - especially when they're light enough to wear all evening without aching earlobes.

Stay tuned for a giveaway announcement in a couple of days!

{ giveaway } Third Culture Jewelry Gift Certificate

On Wednesday, I introduced you to my latest jewelry fixation: Third Culture Jewelry. Kate, the talented mastermind behind the brand, has generously offered to give one reader a chance to add a bauble to her own jewelry box. The winner will choose between a $50 gift certificate or 50% off one item.

Mandatory entry: Complete the two steps below. This counts as one entry.

1. This giveaway is open to Style Obsession followers - new followers welcome! Sign up at the right via Google Friend Connect, Bloglovin', or by RSS. Just let me know how you follow.
   
   
2. Visit the Third Culture Jewelry site and let me know which item you'd love to add to your jewelry collection. (This step is required!)

Note: Leave a separate comment for each additional entry for it to be eligible.

1. Tweet about this giveaway with the following: Win a @Shop3CJ item from @style_obsession! Enter here: http://tinyurl.com/5to86v5
   
   
2. Follow @Shop3CJ on Twitter.
   
   
3. "Like" Third Culture Jewelry on Facebook.
   
   
4. Blog about this giveaway and leave the URL in your comment.
   

The Fine Print: Giveaway open to readers in the United States. The giveaway period will run through Sunday, March 27, 2011. The winner will be announced the following day. Be sure to leave a blog URL or e-mail address so I can contact you!

{ meet the brand } Third Culture Jewelry

I can't pinpoint a favorite item in my jewelry box, but I can tell you that it has all been neglected since receiving the Chinatown Necklace from Kate at Third Culture Jewelry. In fact, my fixation with the silver and gold lariat hasn't waned since its arrival a couple of weeks ago.

Kate Gray is the talented designer behind the emerging jewelry line - and she has a penchant for oversize statement jewelry. In short, she's a girl after my own heart. I was inextricably drawn to the Chinatown Necklace for its versatility. I've worn it with a simple black turtleneck and with a striped sailor tee as seen here. The necklace can be tied once, twice or looped around the neck.

Like all of Kate's creations, it's a wearable piece of art, illustrating her handiwork and attention to detail. A tassel cascades from the beads at the end of the necklace, creating incredible movement when worn - a testament to her thoughtfulness. Read on to learn more about the lovely lady behind Third Culture Jewelry.

{ Tell us a little bit about yourself and your line. }

I grew up in seven different countries and always considered myself a world traveler. My background explains my eclectic personal style, which comes out loud and clear in my jewelry. I have always been super creative, working with fabrics, clay, knitting, embroidery, you name it! My grandfather was a jeweler, and I got my love for metal and statement jewelry from him. I basically grew up watching him set stones and melting old sterling silver spoons to make stunning cuff bracelets. Seriously! He was the original recycler.

{ What inspires your work? }

Travel and my past experiences play a huge part in my creative process. When it comes to a seasonal collection, I like to pick a theme. San Francisco is the first place that feels like home, so my first collection, SF Love, was inspired by places and buildings in the city. The new Spring/Summer Collection was inspired by the places where I grew up.

The creative process behind my one of a kind pieces is completely different. This will sound silly, but all of the found objects, vintage brooches and chains speak to me. I look at an antique piece and immediately know how to bring it back to life. I feel like a kid at a candy store when going to flea markets and antique stores. Find a new treasure is the most exciting thing ever.

{ What types of materials do you work with? }

Vintage chains, brooches, clips, found objects, antique pocket watch keys, old watch chains make unique jewelry that tells stories and starts conversations. Most of the chains I use are brass or plated, mainly because to keep a statement jewelry piece affordable you have to stay away from precious materials. A statement piece can make your whole outfit. Jeans and a white tee are transformed when you add a large turquoise necklace. I am also embracing color with large semi-precious stones and still keeping all pieces reasonably priced.

{How has your work evolved? What's next? }

I am learning to think more about my customer and not just creating for myself. It’s challenging to not get wrapped up in your own personal style and be critical of your work.

I am loving large and colorful gem pieces, so you will be seeing a lot more of that. I am also working on a line of bridal jewelry, reworking vintage brooches into statement pieces for brides and the bridal party.

{ What's your favorite piece? The most popular? }

My favorite piece is the Avila Necklace (below), and funny enough it’s the most popular.

Love Kate's designs?
Giveaway announcement soon!