Crystal Crush

Looking for an authentic, meaningful and stylish Christmas gift for a special lady in your life? Read on...

One of my recent curiosities: crystals. I am drawn to crystals due to their varied colors, textures and healing attributes.

Needless to say, I was ecstatic to discover JaxKelly's handmade crystal quartz and gem stone jewelry line during a recent visit to Therapy, a gift shop in Berkeley. A few of my favorite designs, which can also be found at her Etsy shop, include:

Gold Dipped Rose Quartz Studs - Rose Quartz has a faint pink hue and is known as the "love stone."

Silver Druzy Quartz Studs - This sparkly gem is attributed to stabilizing inner energy and enhancing creativity.

Gold Dipped Turquoise Stud Earrings - Turquoise, one of the oldest stones in the crystal/gem stone family, is associated with friendship and truth.

As featured in the above images, JaxKelly's motto is: "these studs are handpicked to compliment each other. They are sisters, not twins."

Rock on, JaxKelly.

Pantone Color of 2015: Marsala

Last week Pantone, the global color leader, announced "the" hue of 2015: Marsala. This brownish red hue reminds me of a dark red wine. As Leatrice Eiseman, the executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, stated, Marsala "has an organic and a sophisticated air." There have also been comments that it evokes both an earthy feel and a vintage vibe.

I didn't have to look to far to find a coveted accessory in the Marsala color family. As always, Madewell is on top of their game and updated their tried and true Transport Tote in Pantone's color of the year (personalization available, as pictured here, for an additional $10).

Madewell Transport Tote:

https://www.madewell.com/newarrivals/bags/PRDOVR~B2427/B2427.jsp

Article about Pantone's Color of 2015:
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/pantone-has-spoken-2015-color-of-year-is-marsala-2014-12-05

Mantra Magic

After a hiatus, I am back and ready to share more eye candy with you! So, let's get this (arm) party started...

As many of you know, I am a sucker for a motivating quote, comforting prayer or inspiring word. When a certain message moves me, you will be sure to find it displayed in my apartment or included in one of my social media posts. 

That being said, you can only imagine how amazed I was when my cousin and fellow accessory fan, Kate, recently posted this photo on Instagram....

Two of my most favorite things: jewelry + meaningful words = magic. Hello, MantraBands!

MantraBands are gold, silver and rose gold bracelets inscribed with uplifting messages, as pictured below... a literal fashion statement ;) They serve as gentle reminders, such as "this too shall pass", "blessed", and "smile, breathe and go slowly", just to name a few.

The icing on the cake is that MantraBands' designs are "made with love" as stated on their website. Heartfelt through and through.

Choose your Mantra here:

http://www.mantraband.com/products/inspirational-bracelets

The Sweaty Band Solution

Ok, ladies. Has your hair fallen into your face during a workout as your headband slips and slides? Not fun. Not cute. The solution? Sweaty Bands. 

A few months ago at the Big Sur Half Marathon Expo, I came across a Sweaty Bands booth. The stall of headbands was a feast for my eyes: a variety of sparkle, colors, prints and patterns. I was intrigued by the unique designs, but also by their tag line "OMG...they don't slip!" 

After wearing my silver sparkle Sweaty Band in that race (pictured above), as well as during both high and low impact classes (i.e. kickboxing, yoga), I can honestly say "OMG...it doesn't slip!" The velvet-like fabric on the backside of the headband stabilizes the accessory comfortably on my head. 

Functionality is the key component of Sweaty Bands. But you can express yourself with their vast assortment which includes bling, seasonal, dots, stripes, sports teams and sororities. Below is a photo from their website, showcasing their stars and stripes collection in honor of the 2014 Winter Olympics. 

You can be sweaty - but still stylish!

Visit Sweaty Bands here:

http://www.sweatybands.com/