Dear Girlfriends:

Go for black & gold accessories and no not because my hometown New Orleans Saints won their first Super Bowl ever … go for black and gold because gilded accents keep your fall/winter neutrals from fading into the background of fashion.

Let’s look at some winning combinations of black and gold accessories ….  use these styles as options for your look and shop around for bargains and frugalista finds today and this weekend!

These distressed suede sandals feature antiqued studs. 2 buckled straps at side. 1.5″ leather-covered platform and 4.75″ leather-covered wedge heel.

Ash Lovely Suede Wedge Sandals

Luxury with a bohemian flair, this suede handbag features black and gold chain and suede fringe at the front and a logo plate at the back. Seam detail at top. Gold hardware. Studs at double handles and magnetic-snap closure at main compartment. Lined interior features zip and 2 patch pockets.

Rich Hippie Tote

This 24k gold-plated ring features snake-embossed leather detail at the domed disc. 1.25″ wide.

Stamped Python Ring

This leather bracelet features gold-plated cone studs. Ring-and-toggle clasp. 1.5″ wide. 7.25″ long.

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang Cuff

This pebbled leather handbag features an oversized logo medallion at the front flap. Zip pocket under flap. Gold hardware. Detachable resin chain strap.

Bijou Clutch

These electroplated 22k gold earrings feature Swarovski crystals and resin cabochons at the teardrop details. Post closure. 2.75″ long.

Kenneth Lane Black Cabochon Earrings

This 4-strand necklace features metallic wooden beads. Contrast grosgrain tie closure. 28″ long.

Gold Wood Bead Necklace

Girlfriends, remember to go for GOLD … that is black and gold!

Until the next style adventure,

Monica

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Dear Girlfriends -

With Thanksgiving around the corner, we are officially in what I call “sparkle territory.” It starts to seem like we have some party, event or function every other day…family gatherings, holiday parties, fundraisers, New Year’s Eve celebrations, and more.

And for each of those, we always want to feel a little extra festive, a little more “dressed,” and be a little over-the-top with our sparkly jewelry.  It’s easy to get caught up in doing one of two things (or even both!) without intending to.

Girlfriends, oversize earrings add instant glamour to any party dress. Get noticed this season by trading your daintier chandeliers for strong sparkly hoops for a bold and modern look.  Statement chandelier earring feature pearl, disc, and bead drop detail. Earring falls 5 inches from hook closure.

WA Studios Silver Treasure

Pearl Drop Chandelier Earrings

Statement cuff features multi rhinestone front and metal cast hinged back.  Short mesh bib necklace features sequin, bead, and stone detail. Necklace falls 17 inches from adjustable clasp closure.

Embellished Hinged Cuff

Embellished Mesh Bib Necklace

Multicolor resin stones are bold and dramatic adorning the front of this goldtone statement necklace. 17″ long, with toggle closure.

NY Damiana Statement Necklace

We’ve been known to go overboard in decorating. Take, for instance, the holiday bow. More than just a topper to the perfect present, it’s a delightful decoration we’re wearing everywhere. Case in point, this statement necklace, featuring three tiers of brilliant bows, anchored together with shiny gold-plated hardware.

Bow Triple Strand Necklace

Girlfriends, we heart this statement ring. Large acrylic and metal flower ring with rhinestones at center.  The perfect statement cocktail ring for the winter. The light weight acrylic glass is coated with an ebony effect. Glittering multi-coloured crystals set using the Pointiage® technique create an eye-catching contrast.

Ginseng Ebony Ring

Swell Heart Ring

I have of course compiled some ideas as “do’s” for your holiday jewelry purchases. These also make spectacular gifts that’s a lot of sparkle for very little money. So check out these bracelets, earrings, necklaces and rings…and a few styling tips to go with them!

Until the next style adventure,

Monica

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Dear Girlfriends -

Nowadays we all want to wear an accessory that stands out – and one such accessory is an ornate bracelet or bangle.

Bangles are making a comeback and are fierce!  I’m seeing them everywhere – from my favorite little boutiques to big department stores. They are easy and simple to wear, but make a style statement.

Girlfriends, there are tips on how to choose and wear bangles, en vogue:  Bangles are a fantastic way to inject color into your outfit. Wearing a simple black shift and heels? Slip on a vivid bangle such and a boring outfit will immediately be brought to life!

A sizable chunk of faceted smoky quartz has been polished for a fantastic shine. The smoky quartz, which measures 1 inch wide on your wrist, is wire wrapped to a slender silver bracelet. The bracelet opens on one side of the stone for easy application to your wrist. Unique slatted cuff bracelet embellished with large jewel beads.

Max and Chloe Bracelet

Jeweled Slatted Bracelet

Fashion pearls and Swarovski crsytal floral design cuff. Vintage silver toned optic.  Girls I love this one!  Gold toned bracelet with leaf detailing and stone cuffs. Textured surface. Double flex hinges. Pink rectangle stone stretch wristwear by Freedom at Topshop 100% Metal.

Jeweled Leaf Bracelet

Jeweled Flower Cuff

Rectangle Stretch Bracelet

Girlfriends and fashionistas around, this is a must-have for your accessory wardrobe.  A chilled glass jewels frost your wrist.

Bits of Ice Bracelet

Hammered rose gold and antique silver faceted bangle with braided gold detailing throughout. This metallic faux leather bracelet features crystal and bead details. Elastic insets and adjustable 2-snap closure at ends. 7.5″ long. 2″ wide.

Faceted Bangle

Leather Cuff

Being fabulous with an ornate bracelet is simple.  Girlfriends we can make it our personal quest to create the perfect pair of flattering and fabulous.

Until the next style adventure,

Monica

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Dear Girlfriends -

Fancy Cut Ring

Gumball Ring

Leather & Crystal Cocktail Ring

Juicy Couture

Blu Bijoux Oblong Ring

With a fabulous zesty colour and a vintage vibe, no cocktail party should be frequented without this ring.  Vintage metals, gorgeous stones. A classic cocktail ring from Allison Daniel Designs.

Enamel Cocktail Ring

Swirly Ring in Gold

Girlfriends, with so many rings to choose from, ranging from the bold and the beautiful, to bling-worthy conversation starters, knowing what to look for in your favorite evening babble is key.

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Dear Girlfriends ~

My girlfriend is going to a “Cocktails in the Courtyard” event this weekend and called me awhile ago asking “what to wear?” and “what to rock on her finger?” 

Well as some of you who know me … I’m all about cocktail rings!  They can be for work, for play or just because.  The cocktail ring is the ultimate accessory.

The cocktail ring is an important eye-popping statement to make with your cocktail attire. Whether you’re wearing a colorful whimsical dress or a basic black number, adding a cocktail ring adds a splash of drama and glamour to your ensemble. With so many rings to choose from, ranging from the bold and the beautiful, to bling-worthy conversation starters, knowing what to look for in your favorite evening babble is key.

Cocktail ring features textured front and faceted oval center stone ($18.00).  By Juicy Couture a chunky cocktail ring glitters with sparkling stone inlays ($98.00).  Blu Bijoux cocktail ring is a stand out ring. Silver ring has a large black stone surrounded by turquoise cabochon stones ($28.00).  With a vintage air, this looks fabulous with one of this season’s lace pieces ($189.75).

Oval Stone Cocktail Ring

Juicy Couture Cocktail Ring

Oversized Cocktail Ring

Black Onyx Ring

Look!  Kennedy Jay Lane lapis dream cocktail ring is the ring of the season!  A lapis colored German glass stone set in a 18k gold plated ring dotted with turquoise resin beads ($165.00).  Blu Bijoux green oblong cocktail ring is fabulously fashionable. Set in a gold plated frame, the large green resin stone on this magnificent ring makes a statement ($15.00).

A dazzling vintage cocktail ring by Monica Macha, this piece features a medium blue faceted stone surrounded by a cloudburst of luminous rhinestones and accented with a small gold charm ($110.00).   A show-stopping ring that’ so very Kenneth Jay Lane.  Electroplated 18k gold ring with resin cabochon and Swarovski crystal detail. Size adjuster inset. 1.5″ wide ($172.00).  Anna Beck Sumba gold plated cocktail ring will make a splash at any event. Wear this ring with formal attire or to spice up a casual outfit ($190.00).

Oblong Cocktail Ring

Rhinestone Ring

Sumba Gold Plated Cocktail Ring

Turquoise Dream Cocktail Ring

Girlfriends, the cocktail ring has been around for centuries. And, one thing has stayed true – the unforgettable large size of the ring.   A cocktail ring is the perfect accessory to make an outfit feel new and fresh, not to mention glamorous.

So my girl has a lot to choose from and she borrowed most of them from me!  I will get them back … I know where she lives!

Until the next style adventure,

Monica

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Dear Girlfriends:

An instant style look for the season are piled-on necklaces.  From fashionistas to celebrities are getting their pile on to make instant outfit-makers! 

Fashionistas, the newest take on the statement necklace is a dream – an attention-grabbing strands of fabulousness!  Don’t be afraid to pair ropes of pearls or gold long necklaces together with a floral choker.  You can also do a tangle of chains with a simple or structured dress.

Here are a few options to consider when piling on the necklaces.  This multi-strand, mixed-metal necklace features placed faux pearls for a fresh, modern twist on ladylike style. Features cable and curb-link chains. Faux pearls measure 6-12 mm. Necklace measures 33 inches. Lobster clasp with 3 inch extender chain. (Sale $2.99).  Long necklace features multi layers of pearl strands and removable asymmetrical chiffon rosette. Necklace falls 20 inches from adjustable clasp closure ($28.00 final sale).

City Style Multi-Strand Necklace

Chiffon Rosette Necklace

This necklace has length!  A black long necklace featuring small beads, wraps around multiple times and is 112″ long ($10.50).  Look fashion savvy with this posh long beaded necklace from Catherine Stein, featuring allover clear faceted beads in ascending varieted sizes on a black ribbon necklace ($35.00).

Black Long Strand Bead Necklace

Clear Bauble Necklace

Girlfriends, go for bold!

Gold tone long necklace with orange beaded embellishment throughout. Kenneth Jay Lane necklace has a hook fastening and logo-embossed plaque at back of neck ($65.00).  Rachel Reinhardt designs jewelry for the woman who fancies glamour every day, not just on special occasions ($118.00 sale).

A long pearl chain fleur de lis necklace can only be described as phenomenal. This beautiful piece features a 60 inch yellow gold plated chain. Tiny, dainty white pearls are spaced along the entire length of the necklace. A yellow fleur de lis pendant dangles from the bottom to make it extra trendy.

Rachel Reinhardt Resin Necklace

Kenneth Jay Lane

Dereon Fleur de Lis Necklace

No matter what mood you are in, pile on some necklaces (short and long) and it will take you from drab to fab in less than five seconds!

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So me and a few of the original fashionistas decided to spend a relaxing, chic and fun evening after a long day at work at Shecky’s – Girls Night Outon Wednesday night in the nation’s capital!. We all arrived via metro, police car haha! (Angie) or SUV! We hung out in front of Constitution Hall for a few minutes, while we got our badges and checked in — ready for some fun! It was so much stuff; from chic clothing and accessories boutiques like even a foot jewelry boutique to raspberry mojito from TGIF’s kiosk; and even the cheese appetizers from Cabot were good – considering we were hungry and that’s the only food that was available! Maybe the Shecky’s planning committee could get some food vendor for next year! Melfi picked up a few cute pieces, bracelets and ring, while Angie scored a fierce animal print handbag! Me on the other hand came out empty handed, except for the packed Goodie Bag – great job on the Goodie Bags; it was fun going through the bag that night, like a kid opening birthday presents. Anyway all-in-all we had a fabulous time!

Until the next adventure,
Monica the Urbanista

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So me and a few of the original fashionistas decided to spend a relaxing, chic and fun evening after a long day at work at Shecky’s – Girls Night Outon Wednesday night in the nation’s capital!. We all arrived via metro, police car haha! (Angie) or SUV! We hung out in front of Constitution Hall for a few minutes, while we got our badges and checked in — ready for some fun! It was so much stuff; from chic clothing and accessories boutiques like even a foot jewelry boutique to raspberry mojito from TGIF’s kiosk; and even the cheese appetizers from Cabot were good – considering we were hungry and that’s the only food that was available! Maybe the Shecky’s planning committee could get some food vendor for next year! Melfi picked up a few cute pieces, bracelets and ring, while Angie scored a fierce animal print handbag! Me on the other hand came out empty handed, except for the packed Goodie Bag – great job on the Goodie Bags; it was fun going through the bag that night, like a kid opening birthday presents. Anyway all-in-all we had a fabulous time!

Until the next adventure,
Monica the Urbanista

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