Really, who isn’t a jewelry guide for? Anything sparkly is the perfect gift for moms, sisters, friends – and, of course, feel free to send a link to your significant other, as he’s almost certainly in the market for hints this time of year.

1. These pretty druzy crystals would be the perfect go-to pairing with denim – if I don’t snag them first. Druzy earrings (and similar), Iris Jewelry Designs, $82 (take 10% off sitewide with code HOLIDAY10)
2. If you can’t buy her the Crown Jewels, this might be the next best thing – she can ogle to her heart’s content. Boucheron: The Secret Archives, by Vincent Meylan, $60
3. A locket always feels like a special gift to me. This one packs all the sentimental punch but with a style that’s not so precious. Ball locket necklace, Hayden-Harnett, $55
4. Those pale rectangles of recycled glass give you a hint of bold color that’s still completely wearable. Mountains necklace, Sword+Fern, $72
5. It’s hard to go wrong with anything from Grayling, but I love that these earrings are statement-worthy but still wearable for everyday. Tail Arc earrings, Grayling Jewelry, $88
6. Call me old-school, but there’s nothing I love quite as much as a classic cameo. Cameo necklace, Kessler, $165
7. I am forever setting my rings down in ill-advised locations (above the kitchen sink, for example), but I like to think this little squirrel would save me from yet another near-disastrous misplacing. Squirrel ring box, Jonathan Adler, $125
8. Remember all that arm party fun I’ve been having? This gives you all the style, with absolutely none of the carefully-orchestrated effort. Pearl & disc bracelet, Gerard Yosca, $60
9. Simple and classic, these are the perfect studs, but with a stylish update. Etoile pavé studs, Kira Kira, $250
10. If there’s a mom on your list, look no further. Use this kit to send off a fingerprint from her darling munchkin, and she’ll get a sterling charm as one-of-a-kind as her little one. Custom fingerprint charm, Priceless Prints, $65
11. I’m such a fan of Tiffany & Co.’s new Locks collection, and this bangle is at the top of my list. Besides, what’s a jewelry gift guide without a splurge or two? Vintage lock bangle, Tiffany & Co., $1,850

You know how I’ve been telling you all week that I had the solution to your holiday shopping woes? About how I had teamed up with a favorite designer of mine to come up with a gift that would work for absolutely every girl on your list, from your mom to your sister to your BFF? And how it was going to actually be affordable besides?

Well look, just look, at what the incomparable Kara Ackerman cooked up for you all:

I can’t tell you how much I love these bangles – I wear mine almost daily. Buy a handful, and you’ll instantly check off a stack of gifts on your holiday list (and, hopefully, a couple of extras for yourself). Or, make your significant other’s gifting significantly easier, and let him know these are up for grabs.

Hmm. Now that I think about it, I might need to add the lapis to my growing collection. And the turquoise. I’m sure Santa won’t mind a little help.

I spend most of the winter months bundled up like a sherpa on Everest: wearing coats and gloves indoors, huddled under blankets, crouched next to space heaters…it’s sad, really. I’ll do just about anything to get a bit of cozy this time of year. Of all my cold-weather obsessions, scarves are hands-down my first love. They add color to a neutral outfit, they can be worn a thousand different ways, and they do wonders for my core temperature.

Like all my serious obsessions, I’m incredibly picky about my scarf finds. They have to meet some pretty high standards to really qualify as a love. But friends, when I found Shepherd England, it was like kismet! The fashion heavens opened up, and in an instant, I knew I’d found my holy scarf grail.

Amazing, right? They’re a little on the splurge-y side of things, so I did what any good writer has to do – got one for myself, purely for research purposes. Short version? I haven’t taken this beauty off since.

The color is called Titian Blue…doesn’t that just make you love it even more?

Long version: Well, first, it is long – it hangs down to my knees, in fact. Which I absolutely love, as it means maximum tying versatility, extra warmth, and an extremely high cozy factor. Second, it is just so, so well made, which is increasingly hard to find. Every piece is handmade in England from superfine Geelong lambswool (which I had to Google, but I can tell you is softer and more luxe than any wool I’ve ever felt…even softer than most of my cashmere, in fact). Third, the colors and patterns are so unique, modern and fun, I get excited every time I put it on. I have literally not left the house in this scarf without getting compliments. Not once.

These beautiful scarves are a bit of a splurge, especially since the GBP just went up a bit (they’re about $265 right now). But it’s not such a splurge that you couldn’t save up for it. And friends, you should. I wear a scarf every single day, so for me, it’s every bit as worth investing in as a coat or great boots. Plus, you need a really beautiful, makes-you-smile-whenever-you-wear-it, feels-like-a-big-bear-hug scarf in your life. Truly, on those days when the snow and rain are just too much to take, and I can’t bear the thought of one more day wearing snow boots, putting on a scarf I really love improves my mood like nothing else.

Of course, all those compliments don’t hurt either.

First, a couple of fun announcements:

* If you happen to be one of my Portland readers, my sweet aesthetician at Portland Spa and Boutique is offering my readers a huge 40% off laser hair removal packages! That’s as good as a Groupon, but at the spa you actually want to go to (and without the mad rush of people). To get the deal, just call and mention Shopping’s My Cardio – they’ll hook you right up.

* Have you signed up for the iVillage “Get Organized For The Holidays” challenge yet? Today’s the kickoff – be there or be square! I’m telling you, my tips (well, everyone‘s tips, really) are pretty darned awesome…you won’t want to miss out.

* I’m working away like a busy little elf on Shopping’s My Cardio’s legendary holiday gift guides this week. They’ll be here the week after Thanksgiving (what can I say, I’m a purist), and I can’t wait for you to see them! In the meantime, though, it means I’m getting by with a little help from my friends, so you’ll see some guest posters here this week. This is a crop of seriously stylish ladies – I know you’re going to love each and every one! And I’ll still be around…you know I can’t stay away long.

Because you were good enough to suffer through the minutiae, I think it’s only fair you should be rewarded with something pretty:

I’m 100% obsessed with these beautiful (and reversible!) new clutches from Hammocks & High Tea. Each one is more gorgeous than the last. They’re simply the perfect rendering of the folded clutch trend you see absolutely everywhere right now – I’m so glad I held out! The size (11×7) is just right, the leather is sumptuous, and the pattern on the reverse is classic H&HT loveliness. I was lucky enough to nab the cobalt blue, since you know I can’t resist that color. Plus, how perfect for holiday travel?! Store your lingerie inside for the trip, and when you get there, you have two different clutches in one, that work for day or evening. Genius, I tell you.

Have fun with my guests this week, friends…give them a warm welcome, won’t you?

Do you know about the “arm party” phenom? Of course you do…stacked bangles haven’t been this big since Madonna. But I’m a little too, um, something, to rock the full arm of plastic bracelets like I did when I was 12. Plus, most of us have jobs now, that necessitate both typing and not looking like we just came from an all-night dance club, which means the full-fledged arm party just isn’t practical for most of us.

But that doesn’t mean you have to sit this one out. No, I’ve honed my arm party to a carefully-calculated science, friends – it’s the perfect balance between fashion and practicality, and I promise – totally, utterly wearable.

Here’s my formula:

{First my feet, now my arm…what’s next? Full body shot? Imagine!}

Yep, that’s my very own arm. See? It’s like arm-party-lite. It still makes the statement, while keeping your wrist free to conduct business as usual. Want the details on all that beautiful bling? Of course you do.

Those delicious gem-studded bangles are from Kara Ackerman – the green prehnite at the top is my favorite, with the rose quartz running a very close second. If you love them, you are going to loooooove the party Kara and I have cooked up for Black Friday (that’s what we like to call a “teaser.” You’re on the edge of your seat, right?).

The studded bangles, and that gorgeous rose gold leather wrap bracelet are all from Gorjana, a perennial favorite of mine for making luxe, on-trend pieces you can actually afford. That leather wrap is especially wonderful because it fits trim to your wrist. Layer it closest to your hand, and it will keep everything else from sliding down (and from banging on the desk while you type).

There are a few vintage bangles mixed in there, which you can find for about $1 at just about any thrift shop. And the sparkly crystal ones are from J.Crew, though I don’t recommend them as they’ve snagged about 800 of my sweaters.

Last but not least is the big chunky watch. Mine was my grandfather’s, so you can’t possibly get that cool, I think. But Michael Kors makes my absolute favorite menswear-inspired watches – if you don’t already have one, it’s a must. The big watch really anchors this look, and takes it from Material Girl to Thoroughly Modern Millie. Or something like that. Just make sure you put fitted bracelets on either side of the watch to protect it, or the watch will clunk around and end up getting scratched. Lesson learned the hard way, friends.

What do you think about the arm party? Are you ready to give it a try? Be bold, my friends…and mighty bracelets will come to your aid.

{EDITOR’S NOTE: You wise, wise judges have spoken…Christmas lights it is! I can’t wait to see it in person, and will – of course – let you see it the moment it arrives. Thanks for all of your help!}

Friends, I am having a serious crisis of indecision, and I need help! I’ve been obsessed with trying out Hayden-Harnett’s Bespoke Scarf service for the longest time, and I’m finally ready to take the plunge. But, as is usually the case, I’m paralyzed by indecision. So many amazing choices! I’ve narrowed it down to three, but I simply can’t go any further. And so, I’m leaving it to you stylish people to help me pick.

Option One: my adorable dog’s nose. Sentimental for sure, but I’m not sure how this one will look when worn…could go either way.

Option Two: a fun, graphic photo of our Christmas tree last year. Sentimental because it reminds me of a wonderful holiday, and I think the pattern will look so pretty as a scarf – like polka dots, but better.

Option Three: a beach photo from a vacation to Mexico. Still a bit sentimental, and I absolutely love the colors in this – I think it would be a great “mental vacation” scarf to wear on gloomy days.

So, friends – what do you say? Opinions in the comments section, please!

Happy Friday, friends! I wish I could say the weekend held rest and relaxation for me, but no – it holds deadline-busting piles of work. All amazing opportunities, mind you…but work, nonetheless.

So, I’m more than ready for a little Friday Finds distraction to take me away from all that 9-to-5. How about you?

My scarf obsession is nothing new, but I’ve had the image of this beautiful Suno scarf open on my desktop all week. Give me a tissue-thin expanse of wool or a cloud print, and I’m yours. Combine the two, and I’m speechless. This beauty has made it to the top of my holiday wish list…if I don’t cave and buy it for myself first.

I’ve been watching Pan Am this season, and have only recently warmed to it (does anyone else think it was a slow starter?). But now, I’m hooked…by the fashions, naturally. I spotted someone wearing a cocktail ring over gloves the other night, and was smitten with the look. Imagine my surprise when Kate Spade had the same idea.

I’m feeling the value of simple, classic totes these days…I can’t explain it, but there we are. And so, I offer you a splurge (from Il Bisonte, whose bags are unbelievably well crafted):

…and a (sort-of) steal (from IB&B, who I don’t know, but lambskin is always a good thing):

I just discovered a little shop called Curator, carrying a few well-selected lines and some gorgeous house-designed pieces as well. This dramatic wool a-line coat is my current favorite – it’s a great nod to the cape trend without being as bulky and shapeless as capes tend to be. It’s also on sale, which never hurts. I wish I were snuggling in this right this second.

And last, but definitely not least, this list needs some color, don’t you think? Designer Jonathan Saunders recently collaborated with stationery legend Smythson to create a group of gorgeous new diary planners. Doesn’t it make you wish you still kept a paper calendar?

Have a wonderful weekend, friends…and if you’re out shopping the Nordstrom Half-Yearly sale, be sure to stop by the café for the best Caramel Apple Cider on the planet.

See you back here next week!

Happy Friday, everyone…what a week it’s been! I’ve hardly had time to breathe, let alone blog, but that hasn’t stopped me from amassing quite a list of Friday Finds. Even when I’m swimming in things to do, I always manage to find time to covet.

First, I’ve found a new love: BeautyAddicts’ “Double Deception” concealer. The right half is lighter and creamier, so it’s perfect for under the eyes, and the left side works wonders for the rest of your face. It’s all very Alice in Wonderland/magic caterpillar mushroom, but the results are flawless.

I’m obsessing a little over wanting a new pair of ankle boots for the fall. While I’m terrified of light-colored suede for a number of reasons (rain in Portland + denim = blue stripes all over my boots. Not cool.), these are calling to me. And, at $120, I can actually afford to listen.

Have you seen the latest goodies at J.Crew? I’m obsessed with a couple of things: specifically, this tweed jacket and that sequined top. Truthfully, I dream of being able to pull off sequins for day, and I’m thinking if ever there was a reasonable candidate, it’s this one.

And speaking of glitz and glam, I am fascinated by this ring. I can’t exactly figure out how it would look on, but how wrong could it be? I’m smitten.

Even though I’m mad as hell at Target over my whole Missoni debacle, I have to show you this Sonia Kashuk brush set. The brushes are great, the metallic tweed clutch is adorable (and actually cute enough to be carried as a clutch), and the whole thing is $25. I’d have bought the clutch alone for that price, so consider the brushes a highly useful bonus.

Have a wonderful weekend, friends. I’m hoping to spend a couple of hours with my husband and George Clooney…and I’ll see you back here next week!

Every so often, I get a wild hair about a DIY project. I see something ( it’s usually jewelry), and I say to myself, “Self, you have to have that! But it’s $200/$400/$1,000,000!” Then comes the scary part. You know what’s coming…say it along with me. “You know, I could totally make that!”

We’ve all said it at some point, no? And then it goes into our mental DIY file, the place we put all those projects we plan to do, never to be seen or heard from again.

But, for once in my life, I actually finished one of these little DIY dreams. Can you imagine? And so, blatantly plagarized for your enjoyment, the Etten Eller necklace I couldn’t live without:

And my version:

What do you think, friends? Not quite as wonderful as the original, but it’s not bad for $50 in beads, I think. I do have some residual guilt about knocking off a designer piece, but the I-did-it-myself pride is doing a good job of mitigating that for me. Of course, if you factor in the 15 hours I spent hemming and hawing, finding suppliers, actually deciding to order the goods, and the relatively minor 45 minutes it took me to make the necklace once I had everything, I’m not sure I actually saved any money. But if you’re more decisive than I am, it’s definitely worth the effort!

On the off chance you get a wild hair about doing the same thing, I’ll give you a list of materials and tips after the jump. Read the rest of this entry »

You are going to absolutely flip for our newest sponsor, friends – I’ve been a fan of hers for ages, and am so thrilled to welcome her to the fold at SMC!

Grayling Jewelry just launched its fall collection – Northern Lights – and the pieces are maybe my favorite she’s ever done. Full of bold, faceted stones and rich, decadent chain, these are pieces that make a statement, but still manage to be incredibly wearable.

When I told Katy Kippen, the uber-talented designer behind Grayling, that I’d be writing up a little something on her line, she suggested that I pick one piece to feature. It’s like choosing one piece of candy in a store, friends…I’d never be able to choose between the cinnamon bears and the marshmallows. And so it is with Katy…but I’ve managed to narrow it down:

{Clockwise from top left: Tail Arc earring, $88; Magnetism necklace, $315;
Cassini bracelet, $145;  Pytheas necklace (it’s reversible!), $295.}

So many pretties! And one of my favorite things about Katy is that she’s always thinking about versatility – so many of her designs are reversible or variable in a few different ways. Which brings me to one of my top two pieces:

Yes, that’s one piece, friends. One long necklace you can wear dozens of different ways – in fact, it converts to a lariat-style drop pendant too. No wonder it’s called the Variability necklace.

Yep, I think that’s my favorite. Well, except for this:

How could I possibly choose? Sure, the Northern Lights can’t be rearranged in a thousand different configuations, but there’s something about those champagne-colored crystals and drapes of chain that I just know I’d want to wear every chance I got (as evidenced by the fact that, when I borrowed it for a photo shoot recently, I kept it much longer than was at all appropriate).

Go check out all of the stunning eye candy over at Grayling Jewelry and show them some SMC love, won’t you?