A Black Strapless Tube Pant Suit from Express

Black heels

A faux diamond necklace

A pair of silver teardrop  earrings from Nice Jewelry

The look was completed by Celebrity Makeup Artist Terri Apanasewicz. What do you think?

Photo Credit: Erika Kerekes

Speaking of accessories…and jewelry…I had a chance to speak with Brooke Burke, Carson Kressley and Molly Sims, who made some red carpet predictions and gave us some tips for ordinary women seeking to create a  glamorous look.  One of the best tips provided was to accessorize…with jewelry…and shoes!

Speaking of jewelry, I didn’t hesitate when considering what I would wear to the party. I tried on the two pairs of earrings I received from Nice Jewelry a few weeks ago and decided to borrow the  teardrop dangling earrings I recently gave to my mother.  I LOVED the way they looked with the black pant suit and faux diamond necklace. Looks like I’ll be ordering another pair for myself.

A few weeks ago, I reviewed 3 pairs of earrings from the Mexican-based company that specializes in jewelry and accessories.  I gifted my mom with the pair I wore today and kept the hoops and pearl dangling earrings. I was so impressed by the beauty, quality, and affordability of the earrings and when approached with the opportunity of introducing the line to a few close friends, I agreed.

After enjoying dinner, we perused the catalog and my friends  tried on some of the earrings (including the pair I borrowed for Oscar weekend).  Here is what they picked out:

I think the gals made great choices and I’m excited to see how each of them look!  Here are some photos of our evening together:

You can check out my review of Nice here. And for more information, just visit their website.

This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias. #CBias

I recently had an opportunity to preview some pieces from Nice, a Mexican-based company specializing in jewelry and accessories.  The company offers a catalog-based shopping experience and currently has a website in development to view their collection.  I had not previously heard of the company and was very interested in learning more, as the company has Latin origins.  I was also intrigued about the catalog shopping experience since in many ways, there seems to be a trend back towards this type of shopping (remember my recent post about Thirty-One Gifts?).

Valentine’s Day, and subsequently Mother’s Day, are approaching and thanks to Nice, I was able to select a few items for both myself and my mother.  I’ve never shopped from a catalog for jewelry but I actually found the experience quite pleasant.  I viewed the catalog online but would have preferred to look at a hard copy in retrospect because the company’s physical catalog is gorgeous.

Both my mother and I prefer silver and white gold, so I perused several pages dedicated to those types of metals. We also prefer earrings and necklaces so I stuck to those two types of jewelry.  Here are a few pieces I debated selecting for myself:

I started by perusing all of the sections dedicated to white gold/silver. I would have loved the catalog to sort jewelry this way to make it a bit easier to find what I was looking for.

I really like this set which includes a necklace and a pair of earrings. It might look nice for more formal occasions.

I was immediately drawn to the color of these earrings…gorgeous!

I finally settled on these hoops which retail for just $42. They will compliment a casual or a more upscale outfit.

I also selected these teardrop earrings, which retail for just $19.

My mother is more conservative with regards to jewelry but I found several earrings she would look fabulous in:

I really like these hoops, however, I think they’re a bit too ornate for her

While I’m certain my mother would wear these pearl earrings, I wanted to get her something unique..something she doesn’t already have.

I really like these hoops and went back and forth as to whether or not I should get them for her.

I finally decided on these simple, but elegant earrings which retail for just $16.

I actually enjoyed shopping from the catalog more than I thought I would and, as I mentioned above, would have enjoyed it more had I been able to view the catalog in person.  I don’t quite understand how the catalog is set up but it might be helpful to organize by category or style.  The prices are very reasonable, particularly given the quality of the items.

Once I selected the pieces for my mother and myself, they arrived a few days later in pretty cardboard jewelry boxes.

For my mom

The pieces are definitely more beautiful in person and I was quite impressed with the quality.

I would love to see the company put at least some of their most popular pieces online for display.

While their English website is under construction, you can visit their Spanish website to learn more about NICE Jewelry.

This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias. #CBias

I actually find it quite difficult to shop for quality jewelry (hence the reason I rarely do so) and commend those men who gift diamonds and pearls during the holidays.  Enter Ice, a jewelry store turned digital which offers fine jewelry at affordable prices. With their “in-the-know” fine jewelry experts and money-back guarantee, Ice is the place to find that special piece for you or your loved one.

With regards to trends, I like to be “in-the-know” and on top of what’s hip and “up and coming.” I’m not afraid to try something new or bold.  I found a couple of pieces on the site that really capture my somewhat adventurous personality.

Rather than wearing diamond studs, which is traditional, why not opt for something a bit more vibrant?  These 1 carat Tanzanite 14K white gold stud earrings are absolutely gorgeous. As a newer gemstone, they offer color and elegance and can be worn both casually and formally.

To compliment the earrings, I found a stunning 4 carat Tanzanite sterling silver heart bracelet.  The only thing I would have liked is the option of  ordering it in white gold.

Right now, Ice has two amazing offers running concurrently.  To celebrate the fact that they’ve reached 500,000 fans on Facebook, Ice is offering $50 to spend on any purchase over $175 or more at Ice.  To take advantage of this offer, you must either use the code F500K or shop from this link.  Additionally, you can save up to 30% on all black diamond jewelry through December 19th with the code FBLDD or through this link. Lastly, you can save 20% off jewelry with the code FBBOC or through this link (not valid on sale/clearance items, engagement rings, watches, or the Persona Charms collection).

No compensation was received for this post. Gift certificate provided.

I’ve never thought to shop online for real jewelry.   How would I be assured of the quality and authenticity of the piece?  How would I know that I had purchased at a fair price? What if I purchased something that didn’t fit or I didn’t like once I received it?  Since you likely have similar questions, I agreed to give my honest feedback about a new site called DiamondEarrings.org.  If you were to visit the site right now, you would not see much.  However, remembering that it’s still in development, check out the earrings that were sent to me for review.

Just so we’re clear, the earrings are simulated (aka cubic zirconia).  DiamondEarrings.org is a very new website striving to get the word out by giving away free earrings.   To be honest, when I visited the site I was a bit hesitant because there isn’t much that’s free these days.  And speaking of the site, it’s still very much in development.  However, the earrings they sent were packed in a pretty heart-shaped box and look great for what they are.

For a limited time, you can get a pair of simulated diamond earrings for the cost of shipping ($3.77) and a mention on your blog, Facebook, or Twitter page. Eventually the company is planning on increasing their inventory of earrings.

The princess cut simulated diamond earrings are large enough to be noticed but not so large that they’re overtly fake. While I do think it’s a good deal, I might hesitate because of the look of the site.

No compensation was received for this post.  A product sample was provided via Family Review Network to facilitate this review.

I recently told you about LilyMe’s European-inspired charm bracelets and necklaces.  Their satin bracelets are complimented by sterling silver and gold plated charms which can be engraved with the name of a significant loved one or a personalized message.  I just adore personalized gifts and chose their Hanging Circle Charm Bracelet in plated gold.  The satin cord is available in 15 different colors (I chose navy) and available in 5 adjustable sizes. The gold plated charm can be engraved with up to 9 letters.  The bracelet is very dainty and feminine and can be worn with both casual and more upscale/formal attire.

If you’re a mom, you may choose a bracelet with several charms and include the names of your children on each.  Bracelets vary in price.  The Hanging Circle Charm Bracelet retails for $38.  For more information, just visit their website.

No compensation was received for this post.  A product sample was provided by the company via Family Review Network to facilitate this review.

Waves of Gratitude was created by two women who founded the company with the believe that everyone should have the opportunity to wear symbols of gratitude with style and meaning.  Their goal was to inspire people to remember the importance of expressing gratitude through their jewelry and apparel.  The company offers solid sterling silver jewelry, including four bracelet styles and three necklace options.  The jewelry showcases their Branches of Hope pendants with a variety of Swarovski crystal color accents.  I received this incredibly gorgeous and meaningful necklace (entitled The Health Wave Necklace with a Diamond Cut Rope Chain) from the company:

The Health Wave Necklace is elegantly designed with a solid sterling silver pendant.  It was designed to remind all of us to express gratitude for our health.  As a nurse, I thought it was the most fitting.  I didn’t choose this design and I really appreciated the fact that the company took a little of what they knew about me to send me a piece that really fit me and my personality.  As you can see in the picture I took, the company added to pendants to this necklace…The Serenity Wave and The Nature Wave.  As you can see, a number of pendants can be added together to create a personal necklace that is meaningful to the recipient.

Apart from the special significance of meaning of these pieces, the quality of the jewelry is impressive.  It took several weeks to receive this (and well worth the time) because the jewelry is made to order.  The company uses quality sterling silver in all of their pieces.

Waves of Gratitude also designs Stylish Signature Tops in the Inspired Apparel collection.  The Hope Top that I received is flattering and features a unique emerald jewel-tone design that elegantly spells out the word “Hope.”  The shirt is very flattering and looks great with a pair of jeans (and my necklace!).  The tops are available in the concepts of hope, love, legacy, creativity, optimism, inspiration, confidence and awakening.

Beyond the inspiration that is this company, Waves of Gratitude committed to giving back 10% of it’s profits last year to the Susan G. Komen For the Cure.

For more information, just visit their site or follow them on Twitter.

I did not receive compensation for this post.  Product samples were provided to facilitate this review.

Pearls, when made well, are one of the most beautiful stones.  I don’t own a lot of “real” jewelry except for my wedding rings, a necklace my husband bought for Mother’s Day, and a bracelet my Father bought when I graduated college.  However, I have my “list” of pieces I’d love to own some day.  Jewelry is a very personalized purchase but definitely something I enjoy receiving as a gift.

I’ve never actually owned a set of “real” pearls.  My good friend gifted me with a high end costume set which included a pearl necklace, pearl bracelet, and pair of pearl earrings for her wedding many years ago.  And unfortunately, after many years,  it’s evident that the pearls were not real.

I recently learned that pearls vary in type and quality and are often graded.  Pearl Paradise sent me a gorgeous pair of 14kt White Gold Cultured Freshwater Pearl earrings (size 7.5-8.0 mm).  Because I didn’t know much about Freshwater Pearls (and maybe you don’t either), here is a bit of information from the site:

Freshwater pearls are quite possibly the most versatile variety of pearls produced today. They grow in nearly every conceivable shape, the widest range of sizes, and exhibit a palate of pastel colors ranging from dark purple, to light pink and white. Freshwater pearls grow predominately in China, and to a much lesser extent in Japan. While the most commonly produced shapes are baroque, a very small percentage, less than 2% of total production, are considered round or very near round. Our primary focus is that top 2%, selecting only the roundest, cleanest, most lustrous product available on the market today to offer our customers.

Other types of pearls available include Akoya Pearls, Tahitian Pearls, Kamoka Pearls, and more.  When you visit the site, I feel like the company knows pearls.  Pearl Paradise offers information about Pearl Quality, Grading, Types, History, and Care.  In other words, you’ll find everything you ever wanted to know about pearls on the site.  The company is “the world’s largest online pearl company, specializing in providing affordable, high-quality, classic, elegant and stylish pearl jewelry designs at up to 80 percent below retail prices.”

When I opened the box, I was very impressed with their appearance.  They’re large enough to be seen when worn, but not so large that they’re gawdy. Pearls come in a variety of sizes from 6.0 mm to 10.0 mm, so the earrings I received are right in the middle.  Freshwater pearls come in a variety of colors including classic white, natural-color lavender, and pink.  I think I was most impressed with the earrings when I read the Certified Appraisal I received from the company.  The earrings I received retail for $46 on Pearl Paradise.  However, they were appraised at $215.00.  They were given the highest grading with regards to Luster, appraised to be 95% blemish free, and were given an overall rating of AAA.  So my eyes did not deceive me…they are gorgeous!

Along with the earrings (which were nicely displayed in a jewelry box) came a pearl care kit which includes two pearl sachets and a microfibre pearl cloth.  It also includes instructions on how to care for pearls.

There is so much more I could tell you about the company and their pearls.  But honestly you must visit the site.  I used to think that I couldn’t afford a nice set of pearls.  But honestly, you can find pearls for as little as $50 (earrings) to upwards of $10,000 (necklaces).  If you’re looking for a Valentine’s Day gift, I highly recommend checking out Pearl Paradise!

Win It! One of you will win a set of pearl earrings (similar to the ones I received).  Simply leave me a comment with something you liked or learned on the site (other than what was mentioned in my review).  Comments will close on February 7, 2010 at 10 PM PST.  One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one.

Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

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Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!

I did not receive compensation for this post.  I did receive a product, courtesy of the company, in order to facilitate my review.

We just barely took our Christmas tree down and now I’m talking about Valentine’s Day!  I am a hopeless romantic who adores chocolate, roses, and jewlery.  My husband does so much to let me know daily that he loves me, but every once and a while, it’s nice to get an actual gift from him.

Alex and Ani offers eco-friendly jewelry and is well known for their expandable bangles adorned with personal charms.  The founder named the company after her first two daughters (which I think is just lovely).  The entire line is created from recycled materials and most of the pieces are expandable (and therefore adjustable), which means they’ll fit most people.  The company uses a sliding mechanism as opposed to a traditional clasp.

I received the Crazy Love Expandable Wire Bangle, courtesy of the company.  I wasn’t sure how it would fit, given the expandable design.  You can “open” it to get it on and then it closes back down so it fits properly.   I like the fact that this isn’t particularly visible and doesn’t take away from the beauty of the bracelet.  This particular bracelet is available in Russian Silver or Rusian Gold (which I received).  You can wear it as a single bracelet or add additional bangles for a different look.

The site offers rings, necklaces, and earrings (many of which I’d LOVE to have hubby…ahem!), however, I am particularly fond of their bracelets.  The designs are unique and I think the quality warrants the prices on the site.

Alex and Ani also offer a Bangle Bar, which allows you to customize your own bracelet.  You can design a piece in any budget and include birthstones, initials, personal and sacred charms, and colorful vintage beads.  I know that Mother’s Day is far away, but I actually think this is a great gift idea for moms.

Pricing varies tremendously, however, you can find gorgeous pieces in a variety of price ranges to fit your needs.

*Update*  Right now you’ll save 10% off your order with the code “IC2010″ (case-sensitive, no quotes).

Win It! One of you will win a Love Expandable Wire Bangle Set (RV $108).  Simply leave me a comment with another piece from the site you’d like to have.  Comments will close on January 21, 2010 at 10 PM PST.  One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one.

Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!

I did not receive compensation for this post.  I did receive a product, courtesy of the company, in order to faciliate my review.

I was recently introduced to a gorgeous, fair-trade, sustainable, hand-made line of jewelry by Rebekah Green.  The line was “inspired by her love of clean, sophisticated design and features hundreds of variations on six unique design types of the highest quality offered at the most economical price points.”  Each piece is hand-cast, hand-set, and hand-polished.  Rebekah’s line features six unique earring design types including studs, leverback drops, dangling leverbacks, hoops, chandeliers, and children’s studs.

I received a pair of gorgeous yellow gold hoops with cubic zirconia and blue gemstone accents and a pair of kid’s Blue Belly Spider 14 K Yellow Gold studs.  Both pairs are elegant, dainty, and feminine (which is exactly how I like earrings) and they look great with casual and more formal attire. Versatility is key since jewelry is expensive and I don’t have a lot of it! I can’t wear heavy earrings for very long and I appreciate how lightweight they are.  I also like that they don’t detract away from other jewelry (i.e. necklaces, etc.).

I don’t wear a lot of “costume” jewelry because my skin is very sensitive and tends to react during wear time.  Because she uses gold, I found that my skin didn’t react while wearing the earrings (which is more common when I wear “fake” jewelry).

Rebekah Green uses 100 percent recycled 14K and 18K gold and fair trade gemstones throughout the entire line.  All of her designs are delicate and lightweight to ensure responsible use of natural resources.  She even goes so far as to ensure that product labeling is instantly biodegradable and plantable (now that’s green!).

Rebekah Green’s line of earrings include hoops, studs, chandeliers, and drops.  She even has a line for children.  You can customize the type of gold you’d like (white, yellow, rose), specify whether you’d like 14 or 18 K gold, and choose the size of the stones (cubic zirconia and fair trade gemstones).  Earrings are sold exclusively online and prices range from $20 to $200 (and up).

Right now, Rebekah Green is holding a voter-based jewelry design competition that will allow customers to upload their own design sketches for a chance to win the real thing. The designer whose design receives the most votes within a two-week period will win a free pair of his or her earring creations, and the winning design will be made available for purchase online (two winners will be named per month). Look for details on the site.

If you’re looking for a romantic, sustainable gift that will accent the beauty within you, check out Rebekah Green’s designs.

For more fabulous Holiday Gift Ideas, visit The Mommy-Files

We (meaning all three 0f us) were very blessed not to have suffered a lot when my son was teething.  He was such a happy, even-tempered baby that most of the time he just gnawed on his hand or a toy and drooled a ton.  For some babies, teething can cause a lot of misery.  I have heard my friends tell me stories of fevers and sleep disturbances and crying…lots and lots of crying.

I tried very hard not to let my son “teethe” on anything that wasn’t safe.  But you know how it is.  You’re out and about and you left the teether in the car… So anything and everything is fair game when you’re trying to make it to an appointment or finish grocery shopping.  Have you ever allowed your child to “teethe” on a bracelet or necklace?  I haven’t but I know that babies love playing with mommy’s jewelry and I think that teething jewelry is an innovative way to help ease the discomfort of teething.  Had I known about Smart Mom Jewelry I’d have made sure to have a piece on me when my son was going through the teething stage.  Here is a little more information about Smart Mom’s teething jewelry from the site:

Made from the same material as many teething toys, Teething Bling looks great on Moms, Grandmas, Aunts and Caregivers but is safe for curious babies to handle and chew. Teething Bling products are non-toxic, phthalate, BPA, PVC and lead free and all pendants come with a breakaway clasp.

We received a couple of pendants to preview, courtesy of the company.  They’re flexible and colorful, and I imagine babies would very much be drawn to them.  They each come with a breakaway clasp so when (not if) your baby tugs on it, it won’t break or choke you. While I completely understand the need for the necklaces to be larger (so as not to pose a choking hazard), the jewelry is a little bigger than I am accustomed to wearing.  It’s a nice alternative to either not wearing any jewelry at all or risk having my child teethe on something unsafe.  It’s not to say that I wouldn’t or won’t wear it because I plan on using this with baby number 2. It’s just a thought I had, particularly since I’m a small person who tends not to wear larger pieces of jewelry.  I definitely plan on sharing more of my thoughts once we’ve had a chance to try this out with baby number 2.

My son is way beyond the teething stage, so we’re saving these for baby number 2.  The company also sells coordinating bangles and key chains.  I actually would love to buy a key chain since my son was fascinated with my keys.  Now that was something I had to make sure he didn’t try to teethe on.  Even today he likes to play with mommy and daddy’s keys.

Pendants retail for approximately $19 and can be purchased on the site.  They’re available in a multitude of colors and patterns.

Win It! One of you will win a teething pendant.  Simply head on over to the site and take a look around.  Come back and leave me a comment with the color or pattern you’d choose.  Comments will close on August 22, 2009 at 10 PM PST. One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one.

Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Place my button on your site. If you have difficulty, please let me know.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!