Copious Style Blogger Meetup

During New York Fashion Week, the lovely people of Copious.com invited me to their Style Blogger Meetup at Elk Studios. I know I don't make it into New York too often, but since I knew one of my Twitter buddies, Suma, from The Fashion Beauty Junkie was going to be there, I had to go.

Suma is an absolute doll, and we clicked automatically. We become fast friends, and it doesn't hurt that Suma's obsession with Hello Kitty and Sanrio characters is just as big as mine. Plus, I chatted with some other bloggers visiting New York for the Lucky Fabb Conference, too.

I think it's so important to have a blogging buddy whose friendship transcends beyond the blog and Twittersphere, and that's something I've felt for a long time I didn't have. Being that I live in New Jersey, I don't run into too many fashion bloggers that I can connect with. But when I do, it's peaches. And I can say because of blogging, I've met a plethora of fabulous ladies who have a passion for blogging.

It's exciting to be a part of a community where you can have friends across the country. While I wouldn't say that I'm Captain Social, I'm working on it. = )

I think the mustaches definitely helped... 

Thanks to Emma over at Copious.com and elk studios for the photos!

Arm Party - Bloggers Do It Better Assignment

I've heard good things about Kristina of PrettyShinySparkly's Bloggers Do It Better assignments, and so I hope this goes over perfectly for my inaugural BDIB post.

I love the look of stacked jewelry - especially mixing metals of like with various textures and finishes. When picking jewelry, I try to choose pieces that I know will work with the majority of my wardrobe, but have a uniqueness to them. And many have significance to me...

Like the Norma bracelet I purchased during a Bust Craftacular from Erica Weiner. She had nameplate bracelets at a bargain, but didn't have my name. I loved the delicateness of the bracelets, so I figured I'd choose the most awkward name I could find. And that's how Norma and I ended up together...

Starting from the top:

Braided sterling cuff - Gift from my mother

DIY Braided friendship bracelet

Norma nameplate bracelet - Erica Weiner

Adjustable sterling stone bracelet  - Bought on a trip to Cape May, NJ

Leather and turquoise bracelet - Bought on a trip to Cape Code

My grandmother is a huge source of fashion inspiration. She was always adorned in some type of lavish costume jewelry. Diamonds, faux gemstones, chunky bangles - I used to sit on her lap and play with her jewelry... And I think her keenness for accessorizing stuck with me. The dainty silver watch I'm wearing doesn't work, but it was hers...

Sorta feels like wearing a bit of history when I look down at my wrists.

Lotus and Leather Bracelet courtesy of J.Rudy Lewis

Vintage watch - My grandmother's

Jade bangle - Bought in Chinatown

Zebra  cuff - Urban Outfitters

DIY - Friendship Bracelets Are Back!

I'm always on the lookout for accessories that I can wear all the time - and by that I mean become my wardrobe staples, no matter what I'm wearing. I have rings that I don everyday (such as my wedding rings, a oxidized wave ring I wear on my thumb and a Baby Vamps fang ring I purchased from Bittersweets NYC), but I'm constantly seeking new pieces of jewelry to add to my daily collection. And as of late, I'm on a bracelet kick... mostly, braided and friendship ones.

While the traditional thread type are still popular, many are now made of leather, rhinestones or both, which appeals to an older audience. I'm loving these because they are super lightweight, don't break the bank and can be worn stacked!

 $7.80 Forever21.com

 $36.00 Jcrew.com

$10.00 Madwell.com

However, as much as I love that these bracelets are making a revival, I figured I can be a bit more thrifty and do them myself. No need to go overboard buying a plethora of bracelets that will probably end up sitting in a jewelry box... and then feel guilty for not wearing them. Besides, I'm more prone to wear something I made because effort was involved...

I used to make the old school friendship bracelet kind as a kid, so I headed to the craft store and bought a bunch of skeins for a little DIY project... Youtube has a gaggle of tutorials if you're feeling crafty. The videos I watched and used as a guide are here and here.

Bare in mind, I haven't made these in more than 15 years, so they may look a bit... homemade. The two on the far left were a la me. Thee braided purple one is my new fav, which I bought at Madewell during my trip to Philly. Can't wait to throw on some neon nail polish and rock some more!