For the longest time I refused to wear a necklace that was shorter than 18 inches. I have a short thick neck so any necklace that hung around the collar-bone felt restricting and tight on me. And I thought that it made my neck look even thicker whenever I would try one on. So it was long styles for me until I became intrigued by this new collar trend. I loved the look of having a piece of metal around the neck, almost like a neck cuff. Again I was afraid to try the trend until I came across a vintage Napier necklace in a Memphis Goodwill. The collar was gold-plated and when I tried it on did not feel restricted but rather elegant. it could be worn dressed down or dressed up and I loved how simple the piece was. When I found out that it was only 79 cents I was sold. Since moving to Austin I have come across many vintage collar necklaces from the 50′s that have all been signed which makes them even better. I will be showing you some of my favorites later in the week from my own collection. Until then, below are some of my favorite modern neck cuffs. Click on my pinterest page to see some other lovelies that did not make the list below but are still special.

1. Lauren Ralph Lauren Metal Collar
2. Vintage YSL Choker
3. Maison Martin Margiela spiral choker
4. Kenneth Jay Lane Snake Chain

1. Belle Noel 14kt Plated Multi Tube and Beaded Necklace
2. Kenneth Jay Lane Chain Bar
3. Sequin Gold Plate Necklace
4. Vintage Chanel Chain Link Necklace
Lauren
I recently discovered Erin Jane Jewelry on Etsy and love her designs. She uses alot of beautiful gemstones which is always a favorite of mine and sets the stones in a really modern way. She also only uses recycled metals which is nice and sustainable. Below are some of my favorites.
lapis, gold, and silver

tourmalated quartz, silver, and gold

columbian emerald. I love this green, reminds me of sea glass

umba sapphire and aquamarine

gold and silver stackable rings

prehnite and silver

blue tourmaline and white sapphire. This greenish blue color is amazing

green tourmaline and gold

Lauren
When I think about the jewelry of designers Lizzie Fortunato Jewels and Dannijo color is the thought that comes to mind. These girls are not afraid to work with color and they do it so well. Their jewelry styles are very cheerful and happy and that is why I love it. jewelry is meant to be fun and make you feel good and these gals sure know their craft by now. Dannijo has a vintage vibe to their designs. I love how they work with rhinestones and crystals which is very reminiscent of the 1950′s but they make it more modern by adding alot of metal. LFJ has a crafty more fashion vibe because they not only work with jewelry but also incorporate other elements in their designs such as fabric. When I look through their work all i want to do is try and recreate the jewelry and throw a DIY jewelry party. It is so great to find fellow designers out there who truly inspire me to keep on designing and trying new things. Below are some of my favorites from their collections.
Lizzie Fortunato Jewels





Dannijo





Lauren
I discovered jewelry company Rejoice The Hands while browsing the blog jewelry whore. I am a big fan of native american style jewelry, especially when I can find them vintage but they are usually crazy expensive. RTH jewelry style is just up my alley and the prices are great. Not too expensive. My favorites below.










I am seriously blown away by this line. The jewelry is well made, beautiful, and so unbelievably priced. I want it all and would wear proudly.
Lauren
I love jewelry that uses vintage elements, brass, and has a pop of color. I see all of those qualities in Nomoikoru Jewelry and that is why I am such a fan. The designer lives in Finland too so it is nice to support independent designers from all around the world. Her jewelry has a geometric quality as well and would mix well with both modern and vintage jewelry, perfect to add to anyones jewelry collections. Here are some of my favorites.
vintage glass stone set on a vintage brass ring. Love how modern this ring looks

vintage on vintage. and the prices are so reasonable. Only 18 dollars

love how cloudy the glass stone is

vintage brass element and vintage chain. Love how the bracelet has a hanging tassel

intense vintage blue glass stone

looks like a crystal ball

vintage bangle with vintage glass stones

love how oversized the vintage glass stones are

the perfect every day cuff

like how the vintage stone is relatively small compared to the large brass ring

The prices are so low I seriously want to buy it all, just love it. Especially since it is all reworked vintage!
Lauren
Hi All,
So I have really been loving this arm party trend lately. Where you mix a ton of bracelets and bangles on one arm or both with your watch. It has such a fun eclectic feel to it. Like more is more and I definitely like to wear all my jewelry at once. In the past I was not much of a bangle wearer. I do wear a special gold and diamond bangle that my Dad gave to me for my 19th birthday every day. That bracelet is just about the only item of jewelry that I own that never ever comes off. I have slowly been building my bracelet collection through the years though and I must admit I really do love them. I have a few vintage bakelite, vintage chinoiserie, vintage gold tone snake cuffs, and then some faux gold cheapies that I found in the wholesale jewelry district. I am pretty picky at choosing wholesale though. They must look modern and classic, nothing trendy. I love to mix all of these bracelets with my watches and will def be taking some pictures soon to show you my own personal collection. In the mean time I found some inspiration on the web that shows how to achieve the look. And also some jewelry that I would love to add to my wrists. Click on my pinterest for links and information!
inspiration
love the mix of tiny with oversized

like the touches of pastel mixed with gold

chunky but minimal

My findings
interesting shape

for one wrist a major statement

love the native american vibe

amazingness

love the rich color of these froggies

nice and chunky will always love rose gold

love the color combo of these stones

would definitely be wearing these stacked with my Michael Kors runway watch

love how this looks like a bunch of bracelets but it is only one

major color

snake style. reminds me of bulgari

belt it

Lauren
The only thing I really wanted for Christmas was a Michael Kors watch and I am so happy I was able to get one. Ever since I bought a rose gold one in October I have been dying to add a yellow gold to my collection. I now have three total and love putting them on every morning. The first I bought last January while on vacation in Puerto Rico at an outlet mall. It is a two toned gold and silver and is one of my favorites. Now for the embarrassing part. I was so indecisive when choosing my christmas present that I ended up buying and exchanging it three times. I am happy to report though that I am finally happy with my decision and bought the yellow gold tone oversized runway watch. It is the perfect everyday watch and a true classic. I did a little digging on line to show you some of my favorite MK watches. He seriously designs so many good ones it is really hard to choose favorites. For information on each watch click on my pinterest board.

1. I just got the gold one for X mas
2. love the combo of tortoise and yellow gold, nice and bold
3. This is the watch I really wanted for Christmas but couldn’t find it in yellow gold
4. never realized how amazing silver and rose gold look together. Such a nice classic and modern feel
5. definitely an unexpected color for a watch. I like how the crystals make it a little more fem
6. Love the black on black
7. This watch was crazy looking in person. Was huge and very shiny and blingy
8. Similar to the watch I bought in P.R. I think that two tone yellow and white gold have a nice 70′s feel
Do you own an MK watch? What is your favorite?
Lauren
Happy New Years Eve,
For my last faux NYE I am going back to the 80′s the year I was born. As a child I remember how jealous I was of my parents who always went dinner and dancing. My mom would get dressed up in some over styled 80′s gown, full on make up and hair while my Dad wore a tux. They would take formal pictures in our fancy living room before jetting off to their party. I so wanted to get dressed up and go to a party of my own but I was stuck at home watching T.V. with my younger brother. Its funny how now all I want to do is stay home NYE. We are venturing out though for a mexican dinner with friends so that is a start.
My style inspiration for my 80′s NYE are the ladies from Dynasty. Those ladies were overly styled in the best possible way. Lots of hair, makeup, and of course sparkly 80′s outfits. Shoulder pads, sequins, tons of jewelry, I want to wear it all at my party. Click on my pinterest board for links to the vintage and modern jewelry and accessories I used below. What I love about the 80′s is just the excess of everything. Tons of color, poofy sleeves, bows, glitter, jewels. Even though there were many fashion don’ts it must have been so much fun to get all dolled up for New Years.






Please click to see my 20′s and 60′s NYE parties and have a great holiday. Hope these posts inspire you to get glamorous and have fun when dressing
Lauren