Chain Linked

So, I pinned this image from the BaubleBar blog about five weeks ago. I love the piled-up, chunky, chain-ey bracelets. It's been repinned nearly 40 times. I think other people like the piled-up, chunky, chain-ey bracelets, too.

This chain-link trend is taking off left and right. It's popping up in all forms of accessories, from bracelets to necklaces, from pricey to DIY. I love it. What about you? Do you like this look, or hate it? And if you like it, would you splurge on the goods, find a good knock-off version, or attempt to make your own?

Here are a few other linkey-like items along this trend line that I've pinned or pined over recently (and check out my Accessorizing board on Pinterest for other finds):

(via this blog)

(Via Nordstrom.com)

(via Piperlime)

(BaubleBar: 1, 2, 3 (and even more chain link love over at BB))

(Some Forever21 options: 1, 2, 3)

And how about some DIY tutorials:

(Necklace tutorial via Everybody, Everywear)

(Nut bracelet tutorial via Honestly... WTF)

Making Things

I know my posts have been a bit scattered lately, and inconsistent. My apologies. Feeling a bit all over the place and just trying to get my feet back to firmly set on the ground. To that end, I am committing to some creative productivity. I need to indulge my creative side, as well as my need to grasp onto some semblance of control and accomplishment. So, in addition to a chandelier makeover I've been imagining in my home, I'm also going to take on two small, and easily completable DIY creative jobs.

1. Mason Jar Soap Dispenser
I saw this on Pinterest recently and totally loved it, and therefore pinned it onto my "Do This" board. There's a great little shop of vintage homey goods and random salvaged bits nearby where we live. It's called Roost. One of their big ever-growing collections is original blue-glass Ball jars, so I decided I had to give this a try. I went over a couple weekends ago and scoured the collection for a good one with a top in good shape. If I succeed, it'll go in our second/guest/public bathroom and I'll go back and get another one and make one for the kitchen. Tutorial from Blissfully Content:

2. Earring-to-Necklace
Don't you hate when you lose one earring without realizing it? Just out and about during your day? Or one breaks and then who knows what to do with the other? This has happened to me too many times to count, and sadly, it's almost always a pair that carries some meaning that gets separated. Last week I was running out to grab a bite at lunch and saw this guy on the ground. I picked it up and tucked it away and I am thinking of getting a cool chain and making a necklace out of i. The front is interesting - not stunning at all, but interesting:

I actually like the back-side better, though:

So I'm thinking about doing something over the "front" to make it white all over, and then featuring the current "back" as the charm in my make-over piece. Hopefully whoever has this guy's partner isn't too sad over her missing bauble... I'll put it to good use, or at least try to.

Any creative projects on your agenda?

Bangles (the accessory, not the girl band)

I'm a jewelry-wearer. I don't know about you, but every outfit for me can be enhanced by the right earrings, a great necklace, a simple bracelet or ring or all of the above. I inherited this from my mother (and I'm pretty sure that anyone reading this who knows my mother might be giggling right now because to say that my mom accessorizes her outfits with jewelry (among other accessories) is easily among the greatest understatements ever uttered...), who can accessorize with such unique her-only perfection, that you couldn't grow up a girl in her home without at least trying to work it a little every once in a while. That lady has style.

Anyway. I love these beautiful bangles by Frosted Willow on Etsy...

I could add images forever (well, not forever, there are only so many items for sale in the shop, but you know what I mean)... these are just wrist-perfection if you ask me. LOVE.EVERY.SINGLE.ONE.

Aren't they just so beautiful?! One alone is perfect. A whole bunch stacked together - also perfect. Delicate and chic and, well, just divine.

Baubles

These are so fun...

by Kristina Klarin

In Honor of Design Necklace in Action

Remember how I loved this necklace and couldn't decide whether or not to buy it? Well, A helped me pull the trigger and I ordered it. And it arrived super fast (which reminds me I need to leave some feedback on her Etsy shop), and I love it! I also just loved the way that photo was styled so much...

that I'm trying to recreate the pieces in my own wardrobe.

But in the meantime, I had a coworker take some quick (kinda dorky) shots of me modeling my new accessory so I could share it. Here it is in action:

("worky" with my cardigan on...)

(and... well, whatever.)

So glad I decided to buy this. It's great. And actually really versatile. I feel like it'll be just as fun when I dress up a casual jeans look with it as it was with worky-attire.

I definitely recommend Anna's shop. A graphic designer and jewelry designer by trade, she has a really great collection of accessories for sale - all of which is really just lovely, simple, and fun. Not to mention beyond reasonable. I'll be purchasing again. She has an eye for the little details that bring it all together. She has a great blog, which is how I discovered her shop.

So happy I did!

Pergamondo Necklace

Really loving this striking necklace by Greek (Etsy) artist Pergamondo.

(via ( Indie ) Pretty Projects)

More beautiful things here. I promise I'll get off Etsy for a bit.