I am so excited this morning, friends…I have a Valentine for you! And trust me, it’s much better than candy hearts and overpriced flowers. But before we get to the swag, I’d like you to meet the crazy-talented Bevin Designs. Beware…coveting is likely to ensue:

How could you not fall for pieces that pretty? I am so in love with this collection – the designs are so substantial and statement-making, but still utterly wearable. Plus, every piece is hand-forged from bronze, sterling or copper – no fillers, thank you – so they’re sure to last forever. I was lucky enough to snag that beautiful faceted necklace above (though I picked the ring version…and talk about a massive rock on my finger!). Truly, as gorgeous as these photos are, they don’t do her designs justice. I’ve been wearing it nonstop since it arrived.

Designer Colleen Smith crafts each and every one of these beauties entirely by hand, right here in Portland. No molds here…she’s an actual metalsmith! How bad-ass is that?

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, Colleen and I thought it was the perfect time to give the gift of jewelry to you, friends. That’s right, Bevin Designs wants to be your valentine! See that beautiful bronze cuff up there? Wait…let me give you a closer look:

It doesn’t get more classic, or more perfect, than a bronze cuff. This one is hefty and has the most beautiful patina that carries it effortlessly from casual to dress without missing a beat. It’s a jewelry staple if ever there was one. And Bevin wants it to be all yours.

This is a Facebook contest, friends…so, to win, all you have do is “like” Bevin Design on Facebook (while you’re at it, “like” me too if you want, but no pressure – that part’s optional). Then leave a quick comment letting me know, and you’ll be entered to win! And, since I’m feeling extra generous, you can have a bonus entry if you let your friends on Twitter know about the contest as well (just come back and leave a second comment letting me know).

One entry + one bonus entry per person. The contest closes Sunday night (2/5) and we’ll announce a winner Monday morning (2/6). Good luck, friends!

I spotted these beautiful watches in the February issue of Lucky, and have been obsessing ever since.

These are by Unearthen (their entire site has some fantastically edgy pieces), and I particularly love that each piece is one of a kind – I think they start out as vintage specimens. As always, the rose gold is my favorite, but they’re all beautiful, and perfectly nail that pretty/edgy balance I’m always striving for. I love my menswear watch for everyday wear (it was actually my grandfather’s, so it gets bonus points for sentimentality), but this would make such a fantastic counterpoint, particularly for dressier days.

If you love it too, you can score 35% off (taking it from $500 to $325) with code LUCKY7 (which I’ll probably get in trouble for telling you, but hey, it’s called good journalism, people).

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned since starting this blog (longer ago than I care to mention) is that it may be the clothes that make the man, but it’s the accessories that make the outfit.

Think of it this way: take a classic white shirt and a pair of straight-leg jeans. Add a pearl necklace and a patent skinny belt, and you’re one person. Change it up for a big, bright statement necklace and a rock-and-roll ankle boot, and you’re entirely another. Add nothing at all, and you’re….well, unless you’re Kate Middleton, you’re blahs-ville.

Doing my usual obsessive online browsing sale shopping yesterday, I came across so many gorgeous accessories on amazing sales (DANNIJO on sale? Never!), I could hardly believe my luck. Since I can’t buy them all, I’m having a little virtual shopping spree with you…hoping some of you will reap the rewards.

And then there’s the matter of the Epice scarves I found marked way, way down at Yoox, a phenomenon so extraordinary, it almost certainly deserves its own post. This is probably less fantasy and more reality, as I let this pretty one on the left out of my clutches a year ago, and have regretted it ever since.

The very sweet Alexa Leigh sent me an email recently, asking me to take a look at her wares. I was woefully unprepared for how hard I fell for them.

Pendant necklaces are easy to come by, but extraordinary, unique versions are a rare breed. I absolutely love this dual pendant idea – unbelievably clever, but so simple. Wear one long and low, with the second pendant tucked up against your neck. And when summer arrives, think of how amazing this would be dangling down the back of a strapless dress or tank top.

Best of all, you can customize these beauties to your heart’s content. Any charms, any metal, diamonds or not (though, really, who says no to diamonds?). I’m imagining a yellow gold moon on a rose gold chain with a pretty pink heart on the other end, to remind me of my grandmother. And I have a dear friend who could use that pavé Om charm, paired with a star, to remind her that she’s a star in her own right.

Which would you choose?

Santa’s sleigh is revving up, friends…are you ready?

Neither am I.

If all of the gift guides this month weren’t enough to rouse you from your procrastinating ways, chances are you’re in a bit of a pickle right about now. For the most part, overnight shipping is done, and it’s time to get something under the tree or risk the wrath of your loved ones.

Step away from the Starbucks gift cards, friends – I have options! Behold, a few of my favorite last-minute tips to check every name off your holiday list:

• A certificate for a bespoke Hayden-Harnett scarf, paired with a copy of the photo you’d like to use, would be a wonderful (and incredibly thoughtful) gesture for anyone.
• If she’s a fashion-forward girl who knows exactly what she wants, gift her the chance to design her own custom jewels at GemKitty. Or you can take it a step further – design the piece for her on their awesome website, print out a picture, and package her gift card with the design you have in mind. She can take your suggestion or change it out, without having to stand in a returns line on the 26th.
• It’s hard to go wrong with a spa gift card. If you don’t know her favorite spot, pick yours. (Or if you’re local, pick mine – Portland Spa every time.) With price points from a manicure to a full day of bliss, this is a perfect fit for any budget and just about any girl. Plus, many local spas are running holiday package specials right now to help you out. Portland Spa, for example? 50% off any laser hair removal package for the holidays. Nothing says “Merry Christmas” like a lifetime without shaving.
• If you must go with a retail gift card, steer clear of the mega-mart options (Target gift cards are so not festive) and for heaven’s sake, shop local. Head to their favorite boutique (or a store you know they’d love), and ask them to wrap the gift card up in a box, not an envelope – it feels more gift-y that way. A chic clothing boutique, a wine store or local distillery, even a video game arcade are all great ways to gift outside the box. If you’re in another city, enlist a messenger service (they’re everywhere) – the gift will be at their door today, probably for under $20.

Are there any last-minute finds you’ve given with wild success in years past? Or ideas you’re planning to test this year?

Hi, friends! It feels like forever since we’ve talked…all that gift guide madness sort of took over the place (it sure was a fun takeover, though, wasn’t it?).

Now that we’re back to business as usual, the first thing on my list is to introduce you to our newest sponsor (the owner of which also happens to be a dear friend and an outstanding human being): Gemkitty. The site is pretty phenomenal, in fact – it’s like DIY jewelry-making that you get to delegate. Talk about the best of both worlds! No wonder Martha Stewart and Glamour magazine are such huge fans.

Gemkitty has come up with dozens of different styles, all of which are totally customizable with your choice of gems, color combos, metal preference – absolutely anything you can dream up. Your design is then made by hand, with love, and sent right to your door – all without your having to step foot into a bead store or learning to use those teeny tiny pliers.

For me, it’s a perfect solution, since I often have big dreams of creating something myself, but I lack any actual creativity (hence my recurrent jewelry plagiarism). This way, some genius artistic person (my friend Arrs, actually) has come up with the design, and all I have to do is pick the details I love.

I can’t help thinking it’s a perfect solution for that holiday dress you need to accessorize. It would also be a great way to wrap up your holiday shopping for a group of girlfriends – make them each their own pair of custom earrings!

Or just, you know, when you’re sitting around watching Martha Stewart and have a sudden itch to be a crafty girl – you’ll get your DIY fix with a bare minimum of effort. Genius!

Take a peek at Gemkitty’s site – trust me, you’ll get sucked into all the fun.

(Also known as the “under $30″ guide). Because most of us have the highest of ambitions but the lowest of budgets, my list of cheap thrills for the holidays is here to help you keep that holiday credit card balance in check. Turns out, it actually is possible to give a thrill-inducing gift and stay under budget – who knew?

1. Totally invigorating in the morning, and not the least bit girly. Anthony Logistics eucalyptus + mint shower gel for men, $18
2. Who can’t use another tote? This one has the added bonus of a cross-body strap and a stylish, not-too-sweet graphic. And it’s made by a dear friend of mine! Chrysanthemum tote, Westmama Designs, $29
3. West Elm has a bevy of beautiful throws this season, but this one’s cuddly soft and comes in a rainbow of hues. Add your favorite paperback of the year, and give her an excuse to snuggle up. “Favorite” throw, West Elm, $29 (on sale for $19!)
   
4. I never seem to have enough cosmetic bags to throw into handbags, carry-ons and totes. This one reminds me of Chanel, but won’t make me cry when my lip gloss leaks. LeSportSac “Kevyn” cosmetic case, $25
5. If there’s a teen or tween girl on your list, I promise you, this is the gift to get her. Absolutely every color under the sun…so you can prove to her there’s more to makeup than piles of black eyeliner. Expert Mega Palette, Avon, $30
6. Bargain gifts for men are hard to come by, but this watch is infinitely more handsome than its pricetag allows for – I especially love the webbed strap, which gives it an urban edge. Military style canvas strap watch, Avon, $15
7. I’m basically obsessed with this stuff – it’s become my savior during these dry, windy winter days. Trust me, she’ll be addicted too. Blood orange body balm, McEvoy Ranch, $22
8. Chocolates are always a great bargain go-to, and these have a fun twist. Each flavor is modeled after a bigger, badder (much more caloric) dessert. Red velvet cake truffle, anyone? Ultimate Dessert Truffles, Godiva, $25
9. A classic holiday scent that’s festive, but not cloying. And I always love the packaging from Linnea’s Lights! Pumpkin soy candle, Linnea’s Lights, $21
10. Okay, this one’s a smidge over budget. But you get six single-glass bottles of wine for that price, custom grouped by region or selected by master chefs. For a budding oenophile, it doesn’t get any better. Mario Batali Selection 6-bottle wine sampler, Tasting Room, $33 (looks like you save $10 by signing up for their mailing list!)
    

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.

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.