I’ve never been much of a gold girl myself.  Much like Carrie on Sex and the City, I have been known to wear “ghetto gold for fun,” but never made it a mainstay in my jewelry collection…until now.  

Inspired by YouTube beauty and style gurus, along with my friends, and fashion magazines, I’ve grown to love bright yellow gold (“gold” really).  Jumping on the “arm candy” bandwagon, I picked up some shiny baubles recently at H & M and Francesca’s.

Gold on the wrist suits summer so well, accentuating a tan without making you look too much like a Guido wearing gold chains on a hairy, exposed chest.  Instead I feel like I should be on a yacht ordering fresh sangria.  If jewelry can evoke that feeling, I think it’s doing the trick!

The most fun part about the gold arm candy trend is the stacking and layering that has become not only acceptable, but almost expected!  I feel comfortable rocking a gold watch with multiple bracelets on top.  It’s super fun, and it gives you an extra little “jingle jangle” whenever you move. 

Happy summer!    

Yes, I realize it's still only "pre-Friday," but I couldn't wait to write this post! :)

JewelMint is a new(ish) website that features affordable jewelry designed by actress Kate Bosworth and her stylist Cher Coulter.  It’s the same concept and parent company (BeachMint) as Mary-Kate and Ashley Olson’s StyleMint, Rachel Bilson’s ShoeMint, Jessica Simpson’s BeautyMint, and the upcoming HomeMint by Justin Timberlake (yes, Justin Timberlake).  

Here’s how JewelMint works.  After filling out a style profile, you’re show a  personalized jewelry showroom, which changes each month.  Pieces are $29.99 and include free shipping.  However, JewelMint emails promo codes periodically with discounts.  So my first piece was just $8.99 with free shipping, which is a good deal, especially because I got a set with earrings and a necklace.

I’ve always been a bang-for-your-buck kind of gal, so I was drawn to the Rebel Rules Set, which included a earrings and a necklace.  I also really like the whole “preppy girls wearing ironic and skull jewelry” style, so I was drawn to the necklace especially.

Just a few days after placing my order online, I received this cute little box in the mail.  The packaging probably cost a few dollars and is very impressive.  I’ll definitely use this little jewelry box for storing these baubles permanently.

It also came with a note, from Kate and Cher, explaining the “Rebel Rules Set” style.  Cute to the max. 

The actual jewelry strikes me as pretty darn good.  The charms are just as I expected and the earrings are basic but nice looking.  The necklace is quite short, so I’ll need an extender for sure because I don’t like tight necklaces.  But other than that, I’m please with this set, especially for the discounted price.  I will definitely try JewelMint again and would recommend JewelMint. 

Here’s a link to sign up for a free JewelMint account:  http://jmnt.me/IrOmSF  You can earn credits by referring friends, which is also pretty cool. 

Have a Fun Fashion Friday, friends!

And what a fabulous Friday it is!  Friday the 13th, to be precise, but there are no tricks or superstition here.  Welcome to the first of my weekly Fun Fashion Friday installments.  Check back on Fridays for more good times and F alliteration!

Every once in awhile, I’m told that I look like, or remind people of, a character from Mad Men.  Sometimes, it’s not any specific character, other times it’s Joan.  I’m okay with that, and I take it as a compliment.  Joan is one of my style icons, really.  A curvy Marilyn Redux.  I’m overjoyed that 60’s hair/makeup/fashion is hot right now and embrace the “everything old is new again” mantra with open arms.  Though I don’t smoke or have a full wet bar in my office, I’ve been rocking the retro style for some time now.  Here’s how:

Hair
Teasing.  Lots of teasing.  And hairspray.  Avoid any hairstyle that could be naturally-occurring.  Feel free to take some help in the height, length, and volume department.  I’ve been known to sport some, ahem, “enhancements” from time to time.    
 
Makeup
Think liquid eyeliner, tons of mascara (or better yet, falsies!), and red lips!  I’m currently loving Revlon Lip Butter in Red Velvet.  It’s a perfect wearable red without being too harsh.  Plus, it’s super moisturizing, which is an added bonus.

Nails
Round, pointy nails are pretty very hot right now (or hot enough for me to think they’re hot).  Betty Draper would never be caught dead with short, square nails.  Long and pink!  I’m not talking “I have my own show on TLC” long, but just long enough to enhance the femininity of your fingers.  If you’re like me and can’t grow long nails, give some glue-ons a shot. 

Jewels
Pearls!  Or, better yet, diamonds.  And enamel.  And yellow gold.  That’s all.

Clothes
Figure-flattering dresses.  Small prints, and/or bold colors.    

Accessories
Scarves, low heels, long jackets…  Panty hose - women of my generation seem to have forgotten about these little dandies, but unless it’s 85 degrees outside, I consider them a necessity.  Librarian/hipster/dork glasses.  Must have thick, black, plastic frames.  I got mine at my eye doctor’s office, but I had to ask to have regular prescription lenses put in sunglasses frames.  They were about $30, and they definitely up my overall cool quotient a few points.   

Hopefully you’ve enjoyed the first episode of Fun Fashion Friday!  Tune in next week for more!