MadeByStella is a gorgeous (and affordable!) jewelry line from San Francisco-based designer Stella Hwang. Stella makes all her pieces by hand, paying meticulous attention to the littlest details and embellishments, making her jewelry both unique and fun. She began designing as a hobby, but realized she wanted to pursue jewelry design even more after designing pieces for her bridesmaids to wear at her wedding to rave reviews. Luckily for us, now her designs are available in a complete collection of necklaces and earrings.

Some of my favorite MadeByStella pieces are pictured above. First from left is the Cindy necklace ($40), a long gold necklace dangling with a coin-shaped pearl. I love that the chain is anything but plain, embellished with gold stardust beads and rings. Pictured center is the Round of Champagne earrings ($40), with intertwined gold and a pear-shaped champagne citrine stone. I love how delicate the intertwined gold rings seem, combined with the gorgeous champagne-hued stones. Third is the aptly-named Moon River necklace ($28). This design was inspired by a recent trip Stella took to Austria where she saw a clear, blue lake in the town of Hallstatt. With a pretty silver chain and two light blue chalcedony stones, it’s definitely a stunner.

There are so many more beautiful pieces that you can drool over–without costing you an arm and a leg. Check them all out at Stella’s Etsy shop via madebystella.com.

When I first saw pieces from Lindsay Colbus‘ eponymous jewelry line, I found her unique perspective on accessories design completely refreshing. It is bold, imaginative and simply fun! While working in advertising/ marketing for the now defunt SHOP Etc. magazine, Lindsay found herself searching for a more creative outlet and began making herself different types of jewelry to wear to work. Before she knew it, her colleagues were ordering pieces - and telling friends, who told their friends, etc.; soon enough, she had a jewelry business on her hands.  I can totally see why! Here are just two favorites:

If you are still in a summery mood, I highly recommend ordering this fabulous Sea Catcher bracelet, which is part of her Under the Sea collection. Completely handmade, “the perimeter is wrapped in dyed abaca string and adorned with with natural, real shells,” says Lindsay. “It’s bold, vibrant and makes you look twice…and that’s what the line is all about!” I adore the pale seafoam green paired with the antique gold chain…very delicate, yet simultaneously strong!  It’s truly unlike any other piece of jewelry I’ve seen on the market today.

I also can’t get over how perfect this Chain Gang necklace ($48) would be for fall! Appropriately from her Free Fallin’ Collection, this is the necklace that launched Lindsay’s line. The faux tortoise shell finish is so classic, especially when balanced with the dainty gold-fill chain necklace. However, with the chunky chain links, it is transformed into a truly statement-making piece. (Lindsay also offers a white version.)  All I can say is…love it, love it, love it!

I can’t say enough good things about Lindsay’s line and strongly urge you to check out her collections at www.lindsaycolbus.com. Then order as many pieces as you can afford!

I’ll be the first to admit that I am not the biggest fan of heart pendants.  I find most of them so cliche, boring and a little cheesy.  However, when I came across the Lace Heart Necklace from ByJeannie’s current collection, I had to reconsider.

First of all,  the creaminess of the bone heart must look so good against all skin tones. I rarely see pendants made of this material and the carvings add a beautiful and feminine touch.  Second, I love the rope chain.  The thick texture offsets the delicacy of the pendant.  The option to knot the chain is brilliant and makes all the difference for me between love and blah.  Needless to say, this may be a new addition to my jewelry box soon.  More of ByJeannie’s designs can be viewed on her website.

The past month has been full of non-stop activity, so I’m glad to be able to take a day and bum around this weekend. However, that doesn’t mean I’m going to look slumpy either. I think these days are the perfect time to take out dressed up basics and add a few accessories to elevate a casual, comfortable look.

I’d first start with Soni & Cindy’s Chloe Tank ($95). Perfectly versatile to wear year-round (esp. if you live on the West Coast), this is a luxurious, feminine take on your traditional boy beater. Made from a blend of supima cotton and micro modal, the ruffle bust makes this seem really airy and light. Since it’s still quite warm, I’d wear it by itself right now; but when the weather cools down, this would look fantastic under a shrunken blazer. This is really taking a basic and making it girly, fun and special to wear.

Next up, I’d toss on a decadent chain necklace like the Samurai Necklace by JJ Singh Jewelry ($298). The top part is made from a tough silver chain, while the bottom features triple strands of tiny pearls. There’s also a beautiful intricately carved pendant hooked onto the left side of the necklace. Feminine, yet tough! Along the same lines, you can always custom-order a piece from Katharine Sise, who’s famous for her edgy, yet girly multi-chain necklaces. Either way, it will totally dress up the look.

To finish, I’d throw on your favorite pair of jeans for a very relaxed look. Or you can try a knit pencil skirt like this Urban Outfitters version. It’ll be really easy to move in because it’s stretchy, but still will help you look polished. Pair with bauble-encrusted sandals (love these from Old Navy!) and you’ll be all set.

Who doesn’t want to look like a million bucks?  Of course, most of us can’t actually afford a million dollars worth of clothing and accessories.  That’s why we adore Kenneth Jay Lane.  The designer is a total genius when it comes to making costume jewelry look like it’s worth about 100x more than what you paid for it.

Take these stunning Branch Earrings, which are made of Swarovski crystals and 22K electroplated silver. Aside from the fact that they sparkle glamorously, I love how the design is cut! The curves and the length of the branch limbs are just right. Moreover, the crystal distribution make them seem quite weighty, which I think adds another level of luxury to this piece. Of course, the best part is that they retail for $165…but they look like they cost so much more!  

Available at Vivre.com.

ONE. Katharine Sise Key & Lock Necklace – I love Katharine Sise’s gorgeous designs and this pretty necklace is quickly becoming one of my favorites. I love the delicate look of the lock and key, offset by a citrine stone. It just has a very sweet, romantic feel, and I’m ever so close to reneging on my self-imposed shopping ban to scoop up this necklace! - ninabee

TWO. Tocca Candle in Bali — Amazingly fragrant and lush, this candle is one to covet. The scent is derived from champaca flowers, which are sweet, smooth and rich. At $36, it’s not exactly cheap for a candle…but it’s well worth the mini-splurge since it makes me feel like I’m relaxing on white sandy beaches instead of stuck in my office. - thedailyobsession

THREE. Marc Jacobs Starburst Stam Bag — I’ve yet to own a Marc Jacobs bag, and this would be the perfect one to start with. It’s a classic Marc Jacobs style with a fresh twist, and the charcoal color is different, but still neutral enough to wear every day. Now if only it didn’t cost $1,395… - productwhore

FOUR. Kate Spade Georgia Open Toe Patent Croc Pump — I’m having something of a love/hate with Kate Spade. Ever since she sold out to Liz Claiborne, I just have a hard time justifying the price tag on her goods. But these beautiful faux croc peeptoe platforms are forcing me to reconsider. Exotics are incredibly hot this fall, and that platform heel will keep me comfy and stylish all at once. Just add a pair of jewel-tone tights, a black sheath, and you’re instantly chic! - shoppingsmycardio

FIVE. Tara & Sons Dancing Diamond Necklace – At a preview for jeweler Tara & Sons, I spotted this beautiful necklace as part of their Dancing Diamonds collection. The collection is called such because the diamonds are actually loose, adding an additional lively dimension to the already beautiful sparklers. This picture hardly does it justice and I can’t wait to see it on a celebrity. Priced well into the five figures, it’s safe to say this piece may stay on my lust list for a long time. - perfumed

I’ve been on a bit of a jewelry kick lately, so I’m super excited to tell you about Emily Elizabeth Jewelry.   New York-based designer Emily Elizabeth Kolins has produced a truly beautiful collection of pieces that you’ll keep in your jewelry box forever - and at fabulous price points.  She primarily uses the following materials in her designs: brass, gold plate, 14k gold fill charms, vermeil charms, chains, semi-precious stones, and freshwater pearls.  She designs based on her mood of the moment - so you’ll see a nice range of simply and shy pieces to bold and splashy.  ”When I am in a flirty, easy mood, I design my simple, feminine pieces. As for when I am in a confident mood, I design one of my more complicated ‘look-at-me’ pieces,” says Emily.

What drew me into the line was the Brass Fern Leaf Bangle for its glamorous grecian look. It’s super simple to slip onto the wrist and makes for a sophisticated accent to your everyday look.  I know that a few of my friends are going to flip over these Green Chrysoprase Stone and Leaf Charm Earrings. Truly show-stopping in its own elegance and would make the perfect finishing element for a simple LBD and heels!  I also must mention the Golden Saltine necklace as well. It’s so whimsical, playful and unexpected that I’m declaring it as a must-have. The texture is quite interesting and if you didn’t know the inspiration came from a Saltine cracker…well, you would never know!

You probably want to know what a few of the designer’s personal picks are, too. Emily adores the Lucky Four Leaf Clover Lariat, which is one of the line’s bestsellers. Very sweet and charming, don’t you think? The Feather Leaf Earrings and the Leaf Pendant necklace are two other favorites. Overall, they both have a very natural, earthy look that are very delicate and feminine.

Stop by the Emily Elizabeth Jewelry website to view the full collection or to make a purchase.

I recently discovered a jewelry line called Eclectic Eccentricity and have become enchanted by its romantic charm. Launched by UK designer Lucy Averill, the line’s tagline is “jewelry with inspired kookiness.” Naturally, each piece is created out of Lucy’s love of knick knacks with stories to tell. “I always strive to create pieces that are unique, charming and of course, a bit kooky,” notes Lucy. (more…)

As I get older, I’m finding myself increasingly drawn to nostalgic pieces that remind me of my childhood. Let’s take the Ballet Collection by Dejarnette New Orleans. Designed by Katherine Babin, this is a frilly collection of jewelry that will take you straight back to being five years old, prancing around in tutu at dance class (or maybe just pretending to be).

Looks like Katherine felt the same way, because when I asked why she designed this collection, she said, “My inspiration behind the Ballet Collection comes from my short stint with ballet class. I felt so beautiful every time I went to class. I wore a black leotard, pink tights, ballet slippers and my hair was pulled tightly into a perfect bun (with the help of Aquanet and bobby pins of course). My Mom would put blush on my cheeks and nose before class. The farthest thing from my mind was looking in the mirror for flaws or imperfections. I looked into the mirrored wall and felt so pretty. I thought, how could I translate this feeling I had into a jewelry collection? Soft pink, nudes, organza, ruffles, pleats and rhinestones!” (more…)

Lately, I’m obsessed with organic-inspired jewelry. I don’t know if it’s the warm weather or just a trend, but I can’t get enough of pieces with flowers, leaves and other natural details.

Prismera Design is my latest favorite - designer Laura Su has concocted a whole garden of goodies so pretty, I hardly know where to start. I just can’t get enough of her lovely Dogwood earrings (a steal at $40!).  They’re absolutely the perfect size for daily wear, but they’ll make an impact with any ensemble. For going out, her Mimosa earrings ($70) are absolutely perfect - elegant and streamlined, but unique and gorgeous.

And, of course I have to mention the sale goods. The designer recently marked her gorgeous Gilded Flora collection down by 45%, which means you can score delectable goodies like this chunky chrysanthemum necklace on a strand of pyrite beads for about $75.

Check out all of the collections at Prismera’s website…and don’t forget to let us know what pieces you couldn’t live without!