to shop / pearl earrings

I really like the aesthetics of Sophie Bille Brahe. Even if I could save a little bit from shopping from European sites, the prices are still too high for a trendy style I’m not guaranteed to love and the SBB earring prices are for a single earring.

Enter Pinterest which shows your similar images and reminded me that affordable alternatives were feasible. I first found a Korean brand (CRANNE), but the prices were still a bit high and it’s hard to make a return to Korea. Eventually I found Ross-Simons and these pearl crawlers (3-6.5mm cultured pearls and 14k backing) for less than 10% of the SBB earrings. (I almost bought these on Etsy but prefer shopping within the US + return policy.) This is my second pair of crawlers — the first pair I got in a Shanghai boutique eventually broke, another reason not to spend too much on crawlers.

Some of my pearl earring collection…

 

(Left) I got the Chanel earrings as a birthday gift to myself at duty-free years ago and slightly regret not getting something bigger.

(Right) This pair is also from Ross-Simons. I like the front-back look and this pair makes it very easy to put on. You can easily wear the top pearl on its own if you have extra backings. Overall they are much bigger and I wouldn’t mind finding a daintier version in cultured pearls.

(Background) I’m also a big fan of the Muji acrylic storage and velour inserts, which has helped immensely with organizing and centralizing my jewelry.

to shop / madewell hinge bracelet review, memebox, and more

Quick reviews and current sales:

• Anthropologie cardholders: Check your e-mail. 20% off this weekend! And if you’re not a cardholder, what are you waiting for? It’s free and you can still signup for the discount.
• Madewell. 20% to 30% off almost everything through Monday.
  • Wraparound hinge bracelet vs. catch hinge bracelet (pictured above). Both are solid, well made, and have a classy shimmery sheen. I do not have a super small wrist, but it is on the smaller spectrum and the bracelets fit perfectly. I prefer the look of the wraparound bracelet.

to shop / madewell brass hinge bracelets

While I’m waiting for J.Crew to turnaround, I’m loving these Madewell brass hinge bracelets (and the first is on sale/free ship this weekend).

catch hinge bracelet

wraparound hinge bracelet

Image source: Madewell

to decorate / {deal alert} canvas home dauville at madewell

Image source (for the last photo): Canvas Home

I didn’t expect to find Canvas (the home store) items at Madewell, but then, J.Crew and Madewell have been beefing up their home sections. I came across their Dauville collection last year – it’s delightful for those who fancy gold or silver! I have a small bowl and pebble dish which I use to hold baubles or lip products on the bathroom counter.

Madewell has three items on sale: the gold bud vase, gold small pebble dish, and silver medium pebble dish. All are under $16 and ship free with code SALEONSALE through Monday night. You can find more Dauville at Bloomies (which is also running a promotion).

If you fancy more Madewell and have an Amex, get another $20 statement credit for a purchase over $125 through the end of March. This does work on giftcards!

to shop / {high & low} gold choker, leopard print jeans, embroidered top, fringe leather skirt

The Gold Choker

Are chokers making a comeback? I have flashbacks from the late 90s with Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

COS Matte Gold Choker (€29) vs. Forever 21 Graduated Choker ($5.80)

When I was at COS in Paris, I picked up this matte gold choker. I used to go crazy with their accessories but have learned to tone it down a bit. Overall, I’ve significantly toned down my shopping on this trip to the point where I have no VAT tax to claim back. The “splurge” was the pharmacy goods. You can find a similar graduated choker at Forever 21 in gold or rose gold for much less. If you’re worried about tarnishing, swipe the underside with a coat of clear nail polish.

The Dark Leopard Print Jean

As mentioned here.

Joe’s Jeans Leopard Print Ankle Legging Jean ($75.60 on sale) vs. Old Navy Rockstar Animal-Print Jeans ($22, before additional discounts)

The delicate embroidered blouse

Dolce Vita Deirdra Lace Top ($198, also known as the Sagiso on Anthropologie and currently available in mint for $168) vs. Forever 21 Eyelet Embroidered Top ($27.80, in cream – selling out quickly – and blue) (Update: The F21 top quality is extremely lacking — they used crochet for the detail…)

If you like the look, Dolce Vita also has a dress under the style name Valentina that has made its way around the blogosphere. Find it here and here (in sale colors).

The Leather Fringe Skirt

When I went to Giverny this summer to visit Monet’s gardens, there was a woman in her 50s who was tastefully dolled up in a black leather fringe skirt, long beaded necklaces, tights, and a leather jacket. Since she is French, she pulled it off very well.

Chan Luu Leather Fringe Skirt ($91.60 from $298) vs. Forever 21 Faux Leather Fringe Skirt ($24.80)