designer of the day: peggy li jewelry

for all of the time that i spend shopping (and trust me, it's a lot), i rarely come across a jewelry designer that gets me really excited. i see a lot of "oh, isn't that cute," or "if only i could afford that", but it's rare for me to really fall hard for a jewelry line. so when i find a designer whose pieces are stylish, well-made, unique, gorgeous, and affordable...well, i have to sing their praises.

the lovely peggy li is my latest find, and i couldn't be happier. all of her designs are delicate, stylish, impeccably made, and impossibly affordable.


i've been wearing her gorgeous 'diamonds in the rough' necklace nonstop since it arrived, and people literally stop me on the street when i'm wearing it. i adore the organic shape of those raw diamond beads, and their unusual chocolate brown color. and the chain is this impossibly lacy, delicate link chain...details i would expect from a truly high end designer. in a million years, you'd never guess it was only $65.


another piece i just love is her rudilated quartz spy pendant. it just looks like something you got in some fabulously overpriced antique store, or better yet, in the jewelry department at barney's. the chain has fabulous detailing, and the stone on that pendant...it's just such a fantastic statement piece. oh, and did i mention you can order her necklaces in a range of lengths? just makes me love her even more!


and i was just coveting a pair of earrings almost exactly like these brushed gold ovals for an entire episode of gossip girl - how exciting to find them on peggy's site...for under $50! once again, the detail on these is what makes them really special. that gorgeous brushed gold detail, the wire wrap at the top to add texture - they're just perfect.

best of all, the designer is just about as sweet as can be - and i always love buying from designers that are still as involved in their product as she is. every piece is still made by hand, by her...and it shows.

head over to peggy's website, and i think you'll enjoy getting lost in her world as much i did!

etsy search of the day: "anemone"

since i love both the flower and the spiny sea creatures, i decided to see what would happen if i just searched for "anemone" on etsy...


anemone photo pendant, $35, adornjewelry


"an enemy or an anemone?" original photograph, $40, janeofalltrades.


not exactly an anemone, but so cool nonetheless. "charming creatures 12", $100, by lisa congdon.


and now i'm just completely digressing...because these are sea urchins, of course. this is what etsy does to you. sea urchin stationery, $9, by pixelimpress.


i sort of can't believe this amazingly detailed piece of glass is only 2" across. anemone gazing orb II, $95, by zenartglass

what i want today: studded bangles

aren't these just lovely?? bangles really are all the rage this year, as are punk-inspired studs. but, in both cases, most of the styles out there are a little too predictably trendy for me.

so i was thrilled to find these lovely bangles from gorjana. they manage to incorporate both trends seamlessly...and tastefully. naturally, i couldn't resist - and it's all worked out beautifully. these have been a near-perfect addition to my jewelry wardrobe this season - i've worn them constantly since they arrived. individually, the style is delicate enough for everyday. but combined, the differing size and shape of the stud accents make these the perfect statement piece.

pick them up (separately, here and here) at gorjana's website - i love the yellow gold vermeil, but they're also available in silver. you're sure to get a lot of mileage out of either.

what i want today: cascade ring by christa reiners

now this is the ultimate right-hand ring, for those of us that aren't in the diamond-buying phase of our lives. i love the amazing impact it has, but i also love the incredible detail when you look at it closely. plus, it'll give me something to fiddle with when i'm at the office! and, it's actually affordable in sterling, at 330 euros (not so affordable in yellow gold, at 2800 euros, but hey, my wedding ring is platinum anyway).

pick it up from the very talented christa reiners, who will ship you anything you like from her studio in brussels via fedex, at no charge. while you're there, take a look around - every piece really is incredibly unique and gorgeous. i even love the (amazingly expensive) keychains!

what i want today: prismera jewelry

isn't that just stunning? i came across the artist, laura su, via decor8 (holly, the author of that fantastic site, is so my hero!), and as soon as i saw laura's work, i knew i had to share.

laura draws each piece herself, has them cut into the metal (stainless steel, because of its durability and eco-friendly status), then finishes each piece by hand. in this day and age of everything being mass-produced, it makes me so happy to buy something that's almost entirely handmade (hence the etsy obsession...).


my favorite is her 'flora and folium' collection, which she has just released in yellow gold (it was previously only available in sterling). her dogwood earrings are exactly what i've been searching for - the perfect daytime gold earring. i love the organic detail, and the size is just perfect to make them noticeable without being over the top. and at $50 (or $40 for stainless steel), they're all but impossible to pass up.


if you're looking for more of a statement piece, don't miss her mimosa earrings, which would be absolutely stunning for a night out.

laura even offers custom work, so if there's a flower that's particularly special to you (maybe those cherry blossoms from your wedding bouquet), drop her a line, and she can create something perfect. how amazing would a gift that special be?


oh and, as long as you're browsing, don't miss the gorgeous 'gilded flora' collection - laura just marked the entire collection 45% off! that means you can score that gorgeous beauty above for less than $50! most pieces from this collection are one of a kind, though, so move quickly, ladies!

what i want today: menswear-inspired wrist watch

i don't normally go for the menswear-style watches...at least not for myself. love them on others, but i always feel the styling is off for me. but i ran into this max bill version over at velocity art and design, and it was love at first sight. the size is right for that menswear look, but the styling is so understated that it could easily be interpreted as feminine. plus, it has just the right touch of antique detailing - it looks exactly like something you picked up from your grandfather's dresser. i do so love to see classic pieces done exactly right, and this is a perfect example.

$580 at velocity, but lucky magazine was kind enough to score a 25% off coupon, sitewide (which, i'll be honest, i'm going a little crazy with). use code luckybreaks11 at checkout.

what i want today: alexis bittar necklace

this necklace by alexis bittar would be a fantastic addition to just about any jewelry box. i'm hard-pressed to think of any work wardrobe that wouldn't be beautifully accented by this piece. it would work with nearly any neckline, and every ensemble from a suit to a gorgeous wrap dress.

the colors are perfect - a great mix of neutral tones, with just enough color to stand out. best of all, it's a pretty remarkable deal, especially considering that it's sold by saks. pick it up for $185, or check out my other favorite, another steal under $200. both are just dripping with style and attention to detail. and while you're at it, check out the rest of alexis bittar's designs, particularly her lucite pieces - they're all gorgeous, unique, and impossibly stylish.

what i want today: new goodies from dejarnette nola

i am positively addicted to dejarnette's goods - everything she makes has that quirky, antique-but-chic look i just adore.

this darling little sausage dog ($44) would be such a cute statement piece to accent an otherwise-average ensemble.


i'm normally of the opinion that shoe accents are a little cheesy, and rarely stylish, but i have to admit these vintage embroidered poppies ($28/set) would be pretty darling on my white canvas ballet flats...especially in that lovely yellow color.


this emerald quartz necklace ($60) is a gorgeous alternative to turquoise, which can be a little too hippie chic for my taste. my mom's birthday is drawing near, and i'm thinking she'd adore this. and i'd have something fabulous to borrow...talk about a win/win!

ooh, and in celebration of the site's second birthday, they're running a fantastic promotion. through the end of the month, buy any two pieces, and the third piece is free (fine print: equal or lesser value, of course, and the refund for item #3 will come back to you through paypal, no code required)! check out all of the goods from dejarnette - you're sure to find something perfect for mom...or for you!

what our guest wants today: bangles!

(i'm so excited to present the lovely editor of the daily obsession as your guest writer on this fabulous friday - let's all give her a great big virtual high five, shall we?)

Bangles are making a comeback! (Were they out? At least for me, they were...but they're definitely back in for the season, though.) 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. Here are my 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 as this resin version by Lee Angel - and a boring outfit will immediately be brought to life!

* If you're into no-muss, no-fuss dressing, then more than likely, you feel the same way about your jewelry. No problem! Many designers offer bangle sets such as this bold red set by Blu. You won't have to think twice about looking fabulous.

* If you are fond of more delicate adornments, I suggest layering 2-3 tiny, thin bangles on a wrist. This is also a great way to find experiment and wear various designers altogether! Try these from Giles & Brother, ginette_ny and Poupette. If you prefer not to search for complementary bangles, you can always buy a set like these by Iosselliani. Either way, they'll add a subtly elegant touch to your outfit.

* This is also a perfect opportunity to test out more artsy looks and venture out of your comfort zone, so take advantage. It's just on your wrist, so you can wear something unexpected without it taking center stage. This beautiful abstract knotted bangle set by Jennifer Rose is exactly what I mean. You'll add an instant dose of flair and style!

* Believe it or not, but you can also add pattern to an outfit with bangles as well! J. Crew offers some ideal options every season for this purpose. This
enamel bracelet is topped off with a chic zebra print; the gorgeous summer shades help make it a soft introduction of pattern.

* Along the same lines, why not add some texture or sparkle? Glam it up by choosing a bangle with embedded stones. Try this dazzling version by J. Crew. Czech crystals are combined with colored resin cabochons - this just says vintage resort to me!

Do you have any tips to add? We'd love to hear about it!

asked and answered: the gold watch

yay, reader mail!

Dear SMC,
Sometimes I like to wear gold jewelry for fun (like Carrie said on Sex in the City). While I don't want a gold engagement ring, I like to play with the gold trends. Problem is, my watches are all silver toned. Can you recommend a gold toned watch that a. won't break the bank and more importantly b. won't make me look like an extra on Snoop Dog's tv show.
Thanks!
xoxo
The girl without a matching watch

wow. didn't even know snoop dog had a TV show, so that shows you where i'm coming from. but i digress.

the gold watch is a little tricky, but i think it can be done very tastefully (ie, in a way that does not make you scream with terror, like this D&G watch did when i spotted it).

the easiest way, of course, is a leather band on a watch with gold trim. it's probably wrong to start with my favorite pick, but this one's it. this version is incredibly classic, incredibly chic, and looks infinitely more expensive than its $170 pricetag. i can completely envision audrey hepburn sporting this beauty. (a little tip: this has a reversible face, but i'd just ignore that feature - the white face is so much more feminine!)

a variation on that theme would be this lovely tortoise version by michael kors. the gold trim on the face is just enough to tie it in with your yellow gold jewelry, and if you like your watches oversized, this is a great way to pull off that look in style. if the color is too dark for you, check out this horn version, which is equally gorgeous.

i normally run screaming from two-tone jewelry, but somehow, i think it works on this juicy couture watch. the fact that the gold band is leather softens the look, and the silver-tone face will make you feel better about mixing white and yellow gold jewelry.

last, but not least, if you're set on a gold bracelet for your watch, just make sure you keep it delicate. you want it to look like a piece of jewelry, not necessarily a timepiece. so, look at the band that way - would you wear it as a bracelet? if so, go for it...if it's too big/bold/bright, just say no.

one trick with yellow gold is to look for vintage pieces (or at least, vintage styles). the older styles seem to soften the overall look, and keep it from being too "bling". on this version by bulova, i also love the slight rose tint this piece has - you'll have no trouble mixing white gold with this one, if you want to.

this bulova is pretty without being overly girly, and has just a hint of art deco style to make the yellow gold really work. plus, the shape stays slim enough that the gold doesn't take over your look.

ditto for this gorgeous burberry version - though it's definitely the priciest of the bunch, it has amazing style potential. i love the pocket watch styling, and the subtle check print on the face is just the right amount of brand ID.

i hope this gives you some fantastic ideas - let us know what you end up with!

what i want today: sample sale goodness

for the local san francisco readers, i'm thrilled that i can finally announce a sample sale in our 'hood. they're few and far between, but this one was definitely worth waiting for - and it's tonight!

melissa joy manning's jewelry (by far one of my faves) and give design's flawless handbags and travel goods are teaming up to offer you one night of pure bliss. 80% off some of my favorite designers' wares, and free champagne?? count me in! oh, and did i mention that 10% of all proceeds from the sale go to girls for a change? so, if you think about it, by shopping, you're doing good things...really, you have to spend more!

check it out for mom's day gift options galore, or just to find yourself a little something - either way, there are deals aplenty to be had.

WHAT: Sample Sale featuring Melissa Joy Manning jewelry and Give
travel accessories and handbags

WHEN: Thurs, May 1st, 5:00-9:00pm

WHERE: 300 Brannan St., Suite 504, San Francisco

WHY: - Enjoy fantastic deals - up to 80% off retail
- Shop for mom, stock up on gifts, splurge for yourself
- Support a great cause, 10% of proceeds will be donated to Girls for a Change

what i want today: eco-friendly glass jewelry

two eco posts in one day...you'd think it was earth day or something!

i noticed these gorgeous glass necklaces ($60) in the uncommon goods catalog that hit my mailbox a few days ago, and loved them. made by designer kathleen plate, they are the perfect blend of understated but still notable. and the colors are just right to make this piece truly unique.

so, when i found out they were made of recycled glass, i naturally thought to myself "well great! now i have an excuse to spend, and we know how i love those!".

pick one up at uncommon goods, but not before you check out the rest of their lovely recycled jewelry. who knew saving the planet could be this pretty?

cheap thrills: forever 21 jewelry

just found myself stuck on forever 21's jewelry page. granted, the sheer quantity of options can be overwhelming, but how can you not love a collection of hip, fun jewelry when every single piece is under $10?? here are a few of my favorites (listed clockwise from top left).

this feather lucite bangle ($6) has such a modern vibe - it's sure to add polish and fun to a basic jeans-and-tee ensemble.

this cute little cubist heart necklace ($7) is so subtle, but stylish - no one would ever guess the price. and i just love this little owl necklace ($8) - he's sure to be a conversation piece.

enamel bangles are everywhere this spring. at less than $8 for this gorgeous graphic version, you just can't miss.

this art deco pendant ($7) would make any ensemble chic, bold and bright. i'd replace the 18" chain with something much longer, to offset the chunky style of this piece.

speaking of chunky and bold, this graphic necklace ($8) just screams 1982, but in a good way. it's just the thing to jazz up an all-black or all-white ensemble.

studio 54, anyone? i love the retro '70s vibe of these chain mail earrings ($4)...they'd be fab with a white minidress and heels.

fill your cart today - if you can manage to spend $75, the shipping's free.

what i want today: gorjana's new fine jewelry collection

gorjana is always one of my go-to designers when i'm looking for affordable, gorgeous, and on-trend jewelry. so when i saw that they'd released a fine jewelry collection, i couldn't resist a peek.

true to form, the pieces are delicate and detailed - and for 18K gold and precious gems, quite reasonably priced.

my absolute favorite is this trio of grey diamond briolettes on a simple yellow gold chain ($370, above). the grey is so unexpected, and i love that the style is so understated. at first glance, you might not even realize they're gemstomes at all.

also, be sure to check out the petal ring ($370), which would be absolutely gorgeous stacked as a trio, and the hand-sculpted gold bangle ($650), which feels more like a work of art than a piece of jewelry.

check out the entire line here, and let me know what else you find to love!

what i want today: liza shtromberg jewelry

(this post is especially for JB, who i knew would love these gorgeous pieces as soon as i spied them.)

liza shtromberg's jewelry just reminds me of being somewhere warm, relaxing and tropical - and really, isn't that a feeling we could all stand to have a daily reminder of?


her 'flowers' collection is my favorite - this baby blue flower pendant, made of amazonite and carnelian, would be gorgeous on someone with dark hair and ultra-tan skin (told you this was for you, J). and at $75, it's a gift that's easy to give. i also love this carnelian flower ring, which is such a fabulously casual take on the mega-cocktail ring trend that's so hot right now.


for something a little less tropical, but no less gorgeous, i adore this peridot and apatite necklace - it would be just lovely with my green eyes.


these super simple "ringlet" earrings are so organic and lovely - they'll go with anything and everything, which is fabulous when you consider they're under $50.

enjoy checking out the rest of her pieces. i'd particularly recommend the sterling silver collection, the gold collection and the flowers collection.

what i want today: abigail percy's jewelry

i've been wanting to write about abigail percy's gorgeous jewelry for some time, but when i saw her anemone necklace show up on 3191 (an absolutely gorgeous online art project - highly recommended), i knew it was a sign.

i absolutely love abigail's style, and the way in which she mixes nature with modernism. my favorite is that anemone necklace, above, but i also love the hollyhock and the sweet horse chestnut. when i first saw her pieces, i assumed they were laser cut, because they're so intricate. but when i dropped her an email to ask, turns out they're all made by hand! she told me:

All my designs are actually hand fabricated...so absolutely no casting or lazer cutting involved. I hand-saw each piece out of sheet sterling silver...and will then file and sand them to a lovely finish, before soldering on any findings needed, before finally finishing them to a chalky matt, attaching the chain and the hand-made clasp and plating with 18ct yellow gold (which I also do myself so I can get the colour just the right shade of ochre!)....

The hand-made nature of the work ensures each piece will be ever so slightly different from the next, thus totally unique...plus, I have always found that people really enjoy knowing that each piece has been made entirely from scratch, by me, rather than on a production line! So, when it comes to making multiples of items in my catalogue - there is no more to it that hours (and hours!) at the bench :)

Equally - all the ivory pieces are hand-carved by me too...(from ivory substitute) and I then stain the carvings to age them. All the necklaces are hand strung as well.

wow. now i know why i didn't become an artist. no way do i have that kind of patience.

anyway, check out all of abigail's stunning work at her website - happy hunting!

making me happy today: hippos

no idea why, but on a day that isn't leaving much to smile about, i'm really enjoying hippos. random, i know.

hippo charm necklace ($60) by j.crew.

geometric stoneware hippo ($250) by jonathan adler.

hippo cosmetic bag ($18) by simbiosisbyjulia at etsy.

what i want today: more bracelets...

okay, okay - last bracelet post for a while, i promise. i just can't seem to resist them lately.

i've been wanting to show you all this completely wonderful barbed wire bangle by luc kieffer for a while now. i love its potential to add the perfect dash of hip edginess to any casual outfit.


if you love the spirit of the barbed wire, but aren't sure what your boss would say, these leather stud wrap bracelets by cc skye are a chic middle ground. my absolute favorite is the white - i can see it working with everything from a floral summer dress that needs a little edge to adding the perfect finishing touch to a basic sweater & jeans.


and if you're just not feeling the hard core vibe at all (don't you love that my idea of hard core is a bangle?), these darling floral bangles by leila will add color and style to even the most basic ensemble.


and last but not least, while i don't love the current designs as much as i loved last summer's, i'm still pretty obsessed with most of the bracelets over at j.crew. i love this kaleidoscope version, this gorgeous diamond pattern, and even this completely over-the-top stone mosaic cuff - i have no idea what i'd do with it, but it falls squarely in the category of 'so pretty i don't have to have a reason'.

just a little valentine brag...

i've been wanting to do a little piece about this designer, and my valentine gave me the perfect excuse...


...isn't it just lovely!?

sigh. so anyway, the designer. his name is marco bicego, and his pieces have only been available in the united states for a year or two, but they're finally starting to take off. you can find his wares at several of my favorite stores, including shreve & co, saks, and my friendly neighborhood jeweler (who i love for offering me champagne while i shop...i do so love being sucked up to!).

anyway. every piece is handmade, all of the gems are hand cut, and all of the metals are hand-etched. i just love almost everything this designer has to say - his pieces are unique without being too heavy or ornate, and they're distinctive without screaming designer (david yurman and judith ripka, for example, make me crazy). much as i love my designer goods normally, i do sometimes enjoy keeping people guessing.

there are loads of lovely pieces to choose from, but my faves are the bracelet above (naturally) and the fabulous ring i included in the valentine's day gift guide last week. ooh, and this gorgeous gold necklace, and....you get the idea.

i strongly suggest checking out the designer's website for some lovely eye candy. and keep your eyes peeled...i suspect you'll be seeing much, much more from him in the near future.

what i want today: ema takahashi jewelry

i was doing my morning web wander, trying to decide what to show today, and got stuck on these gorgeous handmade pieces by ema takahashi. my favorite is the peony necklace (above) - i think it's fabulously abstract, but when you put it on (see pic here), it transforms and the 'flower' design really comes out. also, i love that it comes on your choice of a 16" chain with a 1.25" flower or a 29" adjustable length chain with a 1.75" flower, which is the version i'd choose.

i'm also particularly loving her violet earrings and gold green drop earrings, both of which would be fabulous additions to my jewelry box.

snag them all, and check out the rest of ema's stunning work, at the fabulous stars and infinite darkness. just be careful...their site always manages to lure me in completely!

ooh, and some excellent news: the kind folks over at stars and infinite darkness have offered up an exclusive 10% discount for shoppingsmycardio readers through feb. 10! just use code shoppingsmycardio (clever, aren't we?) at checkout. have fun!