J.Crew’s Double Crystal Brulee Necklace

When J.Crew debuted their Crystal Brulee necklace & bracelet in their jewelry collection last fall, it sold out so quickly. And it’s no wonder; the round-cut, gleaming glass stones of the necklace and bracelet were so sparkly and attention-grabbing. It truly was one of those pieces that looked like it cost a lot more than it actually did. And then it sold out, and everyone was bummed. Aside from a few listings on eBay (for much higher than the original price), if you didn’t get it, you were out of luck.

Until now. J.Crew has unveiled a new iteration of the classic style with the Double Crystal Brulee Necklace ($98). If you didn’t get the Brulee piece you wanted the first time around, now is your chance! It features two rows of the same round-cut stones, with one large gem stacked atop a smaller one. I can’t describe how much prettier this looks in person; when the light hits it, it absolutely glitters. Like it? Gets yours now before it disappears (again).Images via J.Crew

Coachella 101

Are you going to Coachella this year? It’s not in the cards this year for me to fly across the country to beautiful Indio, CA…although with a lineup including Feist, The Black Keys, Florence & the Machine, Beirut, Neon Indian, Fanfarlo, I sure wish I was going. (Same story every year…one of these years, I will get there!)

If you are going, 1) I’m jealous! and 2) you may be wondering what the hell to wear to a music festival in the desert. It’s not exactly the easiest thing to dress for (especially if you’re not used to desert weather), but the laidback vibe of Coachella allows you some wiggle room. Stick with a boho aesthetic, and you’ll be set: think relaxed pieces, easygoing hair, and carefree, effortless makeup.

1. Charlie Jade “Nalina” dress ($174) 2. Topshop Neon Ombre Rhinestone Headband ($25) 3. Urban Outfitters Friendship Headwrap ($16 for 2) 4. House of Harlow Sunburst Pendant ($65) 5. Aqua 1,000 Cranes Ribbon Strap Tank ($78) 6. Fiona Paxton Mareli earrings ($198) 7. Free People Denim Cut-off Shorts ($68) 8. Free People “Native Sun” dress ($108);

As for the hair, go au naturale, whatever that is: wavy, straight, curly; whatever your hair is, go with it! If you have long hair that you want off of your face, try a fishtail braid swept to the side. Or just throw on a big floppy hat and call it a day.

Coachella isn’t the time to get fancy with makeup, which is great, cause you can travel light. In your makeup bag, all you’ll need is sunscreen, sheer tinted moisturizer, a mini mascara, lip balm, bronzer, a portable cream blush, and an eyelash curler.

On My List for Spring

It’s been awhile since I really shopped. Recently, I’ve been hitting the stores to add a few carefully-selected pieces to build up my spring wardrobe. Here’s what I’m buying — and coveting — for spring.

These newly-purchased pieces have created a color explosion in my closet.

1. J.Crew Factory Double-Serge Pencil Skirt in Neon Rose ($70): I thought this bright pinky-coral skirt would be limiting, but this wardrobe staple is surprisingly versatile. So far, I’ve paired it with a neon yellow cardigan, a navy-and-white striped cardigan, and a leopard button-down. And the pencil-skirt fit is slimming and flattering. (Image via J.Crew Factory)

2. Lilly Pulitzer Resort Chic Metallic Leopard wedges (no longer available): I picked these up at Lilly’s December warehouse sale, and don’t remember the price. All I know is that I was drooling over them in the store a month earlier, and there they were! With the warm weather we’ve been having lately in Philly, I’ve already worn these quite a few times, and adore them. Despite their heel height, the wedge makes them really easy to walk in. (Image via Lilly Pulitzer)

3. J.Crew Factory Enamel Square Bracelet ($26.50): I couldn’t resist a pop of color on the wrist, courtesy of these mango-colored stones. (Image via J.Crew Factory)

4. LOFT colorblock shift dress (no longer available): I saw Maria Menuonos wearing this on Extra, and had to have it. It’s so perfect; I mean, is there anything easier than a shift dress? Just throw a denim jacket or cardigan on top if needed. And as the weather warms, this staple will look great both in the office and out on hot summer nights. (Image via LOFT)

5. Old Navy Rockstar Colored Super Skinny Jeans ($34.94): During Old Navy’s sale, I may have purchased these in pink and green. 2 for the price of 1…how could I resist?!

6. Sperry Topsider “Angelfish” in gold python: With my closet full of bejeweled and patterned ballet flats, I desperately needed a casual, comfy shoe I could knock around in on weekends. But of course, I wanted them to be a little glam! I scored these beauties at DSW, and they couldn’t be cushier or comfier…and there’s no fear of ruining them, as they’re water- and stain-resistant. (Image via Von Maur)

7. Lilly Pulitzer Somserset dress ($108): The moment I saw it and felt its soft jersey knit, I knew this Lilly dress would be one of those transitional pieces that I live in this spring. The comfy fabric and the fact that it fits like a glove makes it my easy spring go-to dress. (Image via Lilly Pulitzer)

…And some pieces I’m coveting for spring.

1. YSL Arty Ring ($250): The more I see this on Pinterest and fashion blogs, the more I have to have it. Obsessed is not the word! (Image via Pinterest)

2. LOFT Eyelet Miniskirt ($59.50): Punchy pink with feminine, modern eyelet cutouts. So pretty. (Image via LOFT)

3. J.Crew Maritime-Stripe Blazer ($118): A laidback striped cotton takes blazers down to a comfortable, casual level that’s perfect for spring nights, and summer days at the office. (Image via J.Crew)

4. Mint jeans! (Image via Pinterest)

5. A classic nautical long-sleeved T under a blazer is great transition wear for when the mornings are still chilly. (Image via Pink Peonies)

6. I’m obsessed with LOFT’s Crosshatch Dot Print Tiered Dress ($79.50)…so perfect! Dress it up, dress it down, it’s always cute with the fun black & white polka dot print. (Image via LOFT)

7. J.Crew Crystal Cupcake Necklace ($118): The mint craze extends to jewelry…and it’s pretty and polished. (Image via J.Crew)

What are you coveting for spring??

Bird & Branch Shop Announcement!

Get your holiday shopping done from the comfort of your own home and avoid the Black Friday madness! At Bird & Branch, my online jewelry shop, I’m offering 15% off your entire purchase as a pre-holiday treat. Enter code “THANKSGIVING15″ at checkout, and the discount will be automatically applied.

This discount is good until Tuesday, Nov. 29…the day after Cyber Monday! Keep an eye out for more discounts in December.

Thanks for shopping, and happy early holidays!

Love List

Here are some things I’m loving this (late) Friday. Clockwise from top left: Essie nailpolish in Merino Cool; Anastasia Brow Wiz in Ash Blonde; my J.Crew Ice Cube Bracelet paired with my Michael Kors watch; lightning bolt nails I saw on Pinterest; getting lovely home decor inspiration from Pinterest; and Class Actress‘s debut album, Rapprocher.

Lilly Pulitzer Resort 2012 – and Happy Birthday!

In honor of Lilly Pulitzer’s birthday (she turns 80 today), I thought I’d give you a little peek at Lilly’s latest collection. As an unabashed lover of all things Lilly, the brand is a modern-preppy a wardrobe staple for me, so you can imagine my excitement when the label’s Resort 2012 collection, Jungle Glam, recently launched. It hit just as we got a freak October snowstorm in Philly on Halloween…could the timing be any more perfect? Lilly has me escaping to tropical paradise with their fun, vibrant prints and patterns.First up, the dresses. They are to die for. There are bursts of color on everything from wrap dresses, shifts, tunics, and flirty, feminine strapless numbers. Lilly is having a moment with one-sleeved dresses like the Whitaker, and she’s totally killing it. (The black Naomi dress has been a special-occasion staple for me this season.) Clockwise from top left: Pipster dress ($198), Sherry dress ($298), Whitaker dress ($258); and Bellanna dress ($268).

And we didn’t even get to the jewlery yet! Click through to take a peek and get details on Lilly’s birthday party!

Fall Favorites

Now that the weather has officially shifted into chillier temps and the leaves are turning vibrant shades and falling from their branches, I find myself turning to things that are quintessentially autumnal.

My Digby & Iona Stag Ring feels so right for autumn. (The manicure is OPI Axxium gel in Malaga Wine.)

One of my favorite Halloween decorations that I pull out year after year: a glittering devil that holds a tiny tealight for eerie illumination.

I did something a little different with my lantern this year, adding faux leaves and a spooky little black cat.

I signed up to receive a sample of Burberry’s new fragrance, Body, on Facebook. I received it a few weeks ago and have been spritzing this tiny vial on almost daily.

What are your fall favorites?

Fashionable Ways to Support Breast Cancer Awareness

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month in the U.S. Since I posted earlier on all the beautiful products you can purchase to support this important cause, I wanted to do a similar post, this time focusing on fashion and accessories that benefit breast cancer-related organizations.

Image via LOFT

LOFT launched LOFT Cares, a collection of apparel and accessories dedicated to raising awareness about breast cancer. Two limited-edition collections of t-shirts and jewelry that support the cause. Each of their 3 Ts show a different design symbolizing the courage and help it takes to battle — and win — breast cancer: strength, inspiration, and support. For each t-shirt you buy, LOFT will donate $5 to Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF).

For their 3-piece jewelry collection, they teamed up with jewelry designers Roxanne Assoulin and Rachel Leigh, and blogger Jessica Quirk of What I Wore. Assoulin and Quirk each designed a statement bracelet, while Leigh opted for a simple, sweet gold-plated bow ring. They’ll donate $5 to BCRF for each piece of jewelry you buy, too.

Image via Lilly Pulitzer

Proceeds of sales from Lilly Pulitzer’s “Full of Hope” charm bracelet ($48) benefit Breast Cancer Charities of America (BCAA). This chic little metallic gold bracelet is not only adorably Lilly-fied, but each charm is a symbol of hope and strength. It’s charitable kindness with Lilly’s signature touch.

Image via Betsey Johnson

Designer and survivor Betsey Johnson designed a modern-day take on a classic icon, featuring her own face on her Riveter tank ($98). Proceeds from the tank benefit CFDA’s Fashion Targets Breast Cancer.

Image via Charles Albert

Agate jewelry is huge this season, and designer Charles Albert has two pink agate rings that will help in the fight against breast cancer. For each ring ($170) sold, 25% will be donated to the Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization.

With all the buzz on breast cancer awareness in the news this month, now is a great time for a self-check. Early detection drastically increases chances of survival, so check once a month — regardless of your age or family history. Here are instructions on how to do a proper self-exam, courtesy of the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Summer Essentials

With summer in full swing and a holiday weekend on the horizon, there are many things to celebrate. Make sure you look great doing it! Here, a compilation of items that will become your summer go-tos.

1. BeneFit Cha Cha Tint ($29): The newest in BeneFit’s tint line, this mango-colored liquid will put a pretty flush in your cheeks and add color to your lips. Sweep bronzer over it for a just-spent-a-day-at-the-beach look.

2. Pureology Hydrate Shampoo & Hydracure: This organic color-preserving system will not only keep your color & natural highlights bright all season, it’ll replenish moisture lost from the sun, sand, waves, and dry heat.

3. Coral Crush necklace by Bird & Branch ($23): This necklace combines the prettiest elements — and colors — of the summer.

4. Goody Spin Pin ($7): Stash this small coil in your purse for a quick on-the-go bun that’s vitually foolproof. Perfect for those afternoons when you want your hair off your neck in the heat. They come in blonde and brunette to blend into your locks.

5. Bobbi Brown High Shimmer Lip Gloss ($23): Because nothing says summer like a shimmery, glossy pout.

6. The quintessential summer mani requires fun, bright colors. A few of my faves (from left), by Essie (all $7): Pink Lemonade, Clambake, Turquoise & Caicos, Forget Me Nots, Cute As a Button.

7. CoverGirl LashBlast Volume Waterproof Mascara ($8): This mascara gives you mile-long, thick lashes and never strays, smears, streaks, or runs, even on the hottest summer days.

8. Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray ($23): For beachy waves, even if you’re landlocked.

9. Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil ($18) in (from top) Zero, Lust, Electric, and Covet, give eyes a well-deserved jolt of summery color (or go with basic black for sultry summer nights).

Bird & Branch GIVEAWAY on Sifting Thoughts (Closed)

Want to deck yourself out in new jewels…for free? Leah of the awesome blog Sifting Thoughts is hosting a Bird & Branch giveaway. The winner gets one piece of their choice from my Bird & Branch jewelry line. Check it out and enter now!