Natural Wonders: Jewelry Inspired by Nature

Although the neon jewelry trend is one of my favorites, I love nature-inspired jewelry. Whether it's drawing elements of Native American culture, glamming up agates and druzy, or taking the colors found in summer and using their beauty to create boho chic accessories, I'm all in favor! Plus, if it helps out a good cause, even better (see below for details of about the FEED Kenya bracelets).

Check out my pics for favorite baubles to rock this summer in celebration of Mother Nature!

Inspired by Mother Nature by houseofjeffers featuring brass jewelry

FEED Kenya Bracelet*
$35 - feedprojects.com

Yellow gold necklace
$24 - threadsence.com

Brass jewelry
$16 - threadsence.com

Necklace
$31 - shopsosie.com

Ring
$150 - sorrelli.com

Ring
$68 - baublebar.com

Architectural Delight Druzy Cuff Pink
$28 - preebrulee.com

*The FEED Kenya Bracelets from FeedProjects.com are one-of-a-kind bracelets, hand-crafted by artisans in Kenya. As you may or may not know, the food and famine crisis in Kenya is extremely serious. If you purchase a bracelet, it contributes 5 school meals to someone in need. Think about it: You pay about $35 for dinner for two people. But you could be helping feed someone who truly needs it.  They are not only beautiful bracelets, but they go toward a worthy cause!

Totally Geeked Out

What I'm Wearing

Coral Tank - Forever 21

Grey Jersey Maxi Skirt - Artizia

Black Patent Leather Ballet Flats - Target

Blue Swarovski Crystal Necklace - ShySiren via Etsy.com

Fleur Open Bangle  - c/o Emily Elizabeth Jewelry

Geek glasses. Although I own a pair, I'm on the fence about em. 

These are blatantly nerdy, and didn't cost me more than $5. I think a great pair of non-prescription glasses adds instant personality to any outfit. I haven't made an investment in them yet, but Warby Parker makes perfectly geek chic frames that I'd rock. 

My theory on ordinary outfits, like the one I wore to buy plants (aka adult activity shopping), is that accessories bring life to plain Jane looks. I'm all for being casual cute, and honestly, I don't go casual too often, but when I do, I like to wear jewelry and accessories that compensate for my laziness. 

My fleur de leis bangle from Emily Elizabeth Jewelry is the kind of piece that adds flair to any outfit. Its elegant, dainty and just stinking sassy. It's the kind of jewelry that you wear everyday.

Fresh Cuts

Here's a not-so-secret secret: I don't cut my bangs myself. While I'm fully capable of using a pair of scissors, and know how to cut a straight line, I'm not taking a risk with my hair. One bad snip, or a crooked line across my forehead and it looks obvious that I DIY-ed my own bangs. Not a good look. So every three weeks or so, I get them trimmed professionally.

What I'm Wearing:

Basic Jersey High-Low Dress - Forever 21

Ecote T-Strap Wood Wedges - Urban Outfitters - $9 in-store, currently $59 online!

 Happiness Investment!

Rainbow Swarovski Crystal Necklace - Shy Siren via Etsy.com

Turquoise Bracelet - vintage, my grandmothers

Double Chain Bangles - Forever 21 (came as a set of 4)

Black Onyx Statement Ring - Forever 21

And when cut em', I feel reguvenated. A tiny cut makes all the difference. Fresh cut grass. Freshly cut flowers. Fresh shoes that cost $9 (love Urban Outfitters' sales. Ridiculous savings on these shoes I'm wearing). And high-low hems. Like how I threw that in, don't cha? 

The high low hem, or mullet hem (whichever you're preference) is a cut I'm crushing. I think it gives basic skirts and dresses a little extra "BAM". Plus, it doesn't block my view of Harley when I walk him. 

Gone With The Wind

I feel like life is on the up swing for me lately. Evidently, so was my skirt as I shot these photos during a looming thunderstorm.

And who would have thunk it: mid-calf skirts on short people actually work. Living proof right here, folks.

Outfit Details:

Madison Tee - StyleMint.com

Scarlet Swing Skirt - Forever 21

Suedette Animal Print Satchel - Forever 21

Leather Peep Toe Wedges - Nine West

Gold Buckle Bracelet - thrift store find / Studded Bracelet - Gap / Spiked Bracelet - Forever 21

I know summer is the season to show some leg, and I'm all for a skirt. But you can't wear a mini skirt everywhere. Besides, pick the wrong skirt length for the wrong occasion and people look at you and think "Where's she going?" 

This little "impulse buy" from Forever 21 will be on heavy rotation this summer. I'd been looking for more livelier options to rock my StyleMint Madison tee with, and I knew I could pull the scarlet in the skirt and match it against the pink stripes in the top. I've never met a stripe I didn't like, and the Madison tee is not only right on que with brights for summer, but it's ridiculously versatile as it can be worn with rainbow denim, shorts and as you can see, skirts. 

Nerdy secretary meets hipster bookworm. Or something like that.

Oh, and don't forget: Today is the last day you can use my Lulus.com coupon code: JEFFERS for 15% off your order!

Lulus.com Coupon Code: JEFFERS for 15% OFF Your Order!

I love a good bargain, and I'm betting that you probably do, too! 

But remember these fantastical glitter pumps I boasted about?

And my recent neon yellow dress from my Fantastically Spastic post? Both I purchased on Lulu's.com, one of my absolute favorite sites that I stalk shop frequently!

And I'm so excited I get to share my love of Lulu's.com with all of you!

Lulus.com is offering House Of Jeffers readers a 15% discount off your order from Monday, June 4, 2012 to Wednesday, June 6, 2012 (ends midnight)! 

Just enter coupon code JEFFERS at checkout!

Coupon code is for U.S. and Canada residents, valid site-wide.

Coupon is case sensitive; enter JEFFERS (all caps) for coupon.

Happy shopping!