Stuff Parents Need

Easing the chaos in the nest, one find at a time.

How to Wear a Pearl Bracelet: PurePearls.com GIVEAWAY!!!

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Am I the only one out there who tends to think of “ladies who lunch” when they thinking of pearl jewelry? Pearls are definitely a classic, but they can also get a reputation as being old-fashioned or perhaps even outdated, especially when you think about the variety of jewelry options available on the market today. Bold colors, big designs and unique looks can leave a strand of pearls feeling a bit behind-the-times.

But I want to encourage you to NOT banish your pearl bracelets or pearl necklaces to the back of your jewelry armoire. There’s a place for these beauties of the sea, to be sure!

Today I want to showcase a beautiful pearl bracelet from PurePearls.com. First and foremost, this bracelet isn’t white or cream in color. These pearls are a glossy black, and depending on what I’m wearing, they can look purple or even a bit green. They are extremely versatile and their nontraditional look makes them absolutely perfect for today’s jewelry trend, which is bold and colorful.

This toggle bracelet is from the PureHearts collection. Look at that adorable heart-shaped toggle! This helps the bracelet feel a bit more young and fun, and less stuffy, which I also really like. The design also makes it easy to put on the bracelet all by yourself!

Here’s how I’m wearing my fabulous black pearl bracelet:

I’ve got my lovely pearls paired with a sterling sliver Tiffany&Co. bracelet that I’ve owned for several years, and I also paired it with a bracelet I purchased from an antique shop. It’s costume jewelry from the 1950s. What a fun combination these 3 pieces make! I find this combination to be very “me.” It’s funky and fun, but is definitely still sophisticated. That’s the way I like to wear my jewelry.

What about you? How are you using your pearl bracelets these days? I’d love to hear if your pearls (earrings, bracelets or necklaces) are currently in rotation for you, or if you are having any trouble figuring out how to wear them in this current “bigger is better” jewelry season.

Win it!: Just in time for the holidays, one lucky Stuff Parents Need reader is going to win the same pearl bracelet I reviewed! Yay!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Be sure to enter my other current giveaways, found on the sidebar of my page.

I received a complimentary product for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

 

 

Pure Pearls Necklace Review and GIVEAWAY!!! (ARV $101!)

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I have to say, I have a pretty wonderful collection of pearl jewelry. I was gifted a long strand of gorgeous pearls from my mom when I earned my master’s degree. I have a short pearl necklace and matching bracelet that my sister-in-law brought back for me after a trip she took to China. And I have these really beautiful pearl studs from Pure Pearls (they are the PERFECT size…I wear them weekly!).

All of these pearl pieces are lovely. They are also all white. But did you know that you can get pearls in other colors, as well? It’s true! PurePearls.com has a great selection of pearl necklaces in white (of course), but you can also find pink pearls, lavender pearls, and even adorable multi-colored pearls. These are all colors of pearls that are found in nature.

You can also get black pearls, and these, my friends, are SPECTACULAR! I recently received a black pearl necklace. I was a little nervous about it…how does one pull off black pearls, exactly? Well, they happen to look AMAZING with purple, which is one of my very favorite colors to wear! This necklace is 18 inches long, which is known as Princess length. It is a very versatile size, and goes with most any cut top I pair it with! I also appreciate knowing that every pearl has been double-knotted on silk thread, so there’s no need to worry about re-stringing your pearls for several years. The clasp is 14K gold filigree, which you can get in white or yellow gold, whichever you prefer!

Now let’s talk about the price. This necklace (and the same necklace in the other colors mentioned) is offered for $101.00. It comes in a beautiful velvet necklace box, as well. Want to hear what it appraises for? $495.00! It comes with an official letter of appraisal (getting one of these costs you $40 at my local jewelry store, so it is AWESOME that it already comes with one!). This necklace is an excellent value, my friends!

Win it!: One lucky Stuff Parents Need reader will win Freshwater Pearls in your choice of white, pink, lavender or multi-color! 

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Maternity Week: A Piece That Always Fits! Pure Pearls Review and GIVEAWAY!!!

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With my first pregnancy, I started showing at 11 weeks…on the early side. With this pregnancy, I’ve been showing since I was 7 weeks along. It has been really tough to keep this bump under wraps while we got through the first trimester. Getting dressed every morning has been a real chore. Finally around week 9 I just gave in completely and began wearing maternity clothes full-time. While in some ways it is easier to get dressed every day with this wardrobe (far fewer choices means I’ll pick faster), I can’t really say that I enjoy it. Fall and winter are the seasons I love the most as far as the clothes go, and I’m bummed to not be able to wear my beloved sweaters this season.

Because I do not have the easiest pregnancies (lots of morning sickness, lack of energy, etc.), I feel very aware of the physical sacrifices that I have to make in order to bring a child into the world. Being pregnant takes a whole lot of giving, and you never do get a break from being pregnant, not even for 5 minutes!

So, I’m of the school of thought that in the midst of this very selfless act, its ok to treat yourself to something extra special. While that means a trip to Taco Bell for some of you (those bean burritos seem to be a popular pregnancy craving!), I’m thinking of something a bit more luxurious.

Oh yes, I’m thinking of jewelry. As my waist line expands and my wardrobe options shrink, I’ve got something on hand to wear that will ALWAYS fit and that will ALWAYS help me look fabulous. Mama’s got a new pair of pearl earrings from PurePearls.com, and they are GORGEOUS! These are White Freshwater pearl stud earrings measuring 7-8mm with 14K White Gold posts and backs. They are the real deal, friends. PurePearls.com has their pearl jewelry priced at an absolute steal, with this set currently available for $55.00! If you have been paying attention to how high the price of gold is now, you’ll know that this is a great buy.

Wanna know something even more exciting? Your pearl jewelrypurchase comes with an official letter of appraisal (something you will need if you ever lose your jewelry or have it stolen in order for your insurance to replace it). These earrings appraise for MUCH higher than what you paid for them ($295.00!). That’s not what you could expect to sell them for, but it does show the fair market value for the item should they need to be replaced. I’ve had jewelry appraised recently, and it costs $40 to have one piece done, so the fact that this company sends along an appraisal adds even more to the overall value you receive.

I perk up a bit when I put my pearls in, because they do give me a much more polished look. It’s also great to have a piece of jewelry that will remind me of this special (hard though it may be) time in my life, and I will look forward to passing them on to Darah or to the new baby if it’s a girl later in life.

I’m actually thinking about getting some additional freshwater pearls so that I can have a coordinating set to pass on later. This starlight pendant is super pretty and would be perfect, I think!

Win it!: In celebration of my little pearl, here’s a chance for you to win the gorgeous set of earrings I featured above. SQUEAL!!!!

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Using Gold and Pearl Earrings to Transition Your Wardrobe to Spring

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Earlier last week we had snow on the ground here in Tennessee, and more snow was getting ready to fall. Old Man Winter was definitely still calling the shots. And yet, this weekend temperatures were hitting the very high 50s, and I noticed that the daffodils in our backyard were getting ready to bloom. This brought me so much joy, because those flowers are one of the very first signs in my world that spring is definitely on the way. In the 9 years I have lived here, we have NEVER had as much snow as we got this year, so those daffodils were an especially welcome sight.

Do you find that when the seasons shift making clothing choices can be a little bit tricky? What do you wear when it is 38 degrees in the morning by 62 degrees by the late afternoon, for example? I always find that to be a challenge. Lucky for you, gold and pearl earrings from lulu by leah I have been given the opportunity to give away some jewelry that can help you out right about now. Let me show you the Frances earring, a delicate, yet not unnoticeable gold and pearl earrings piece handcrafted by Lulu by Leah. According to Leah, “This piece is a great versatile earring as we move from winter into spring. It incorporates gold, white and peach which flatters many skin tones.” I couldn’t agree more. I am really struck by the overall quality of this set. Notice the intricate looping on the hooks; such great detail, and yet, still so simple! The freshwater pearls are absolutely beautiful in these shades, too.

Lulu by Leah is a company that I would call a major find for women who want pieces that will go the distance for them. They are classic, but have an updated feel. I personally find that I prefer to wear jewelry that is quality and that is very versatile, as it simply isn’t in my budget to have tons and tons of pieces. I also need my jewelry to look good in many different settings, so things that are cheap and trendy just aren’t for me. Leah goes on to say that the Frances earring, “can really dress up an otherwise simple top and has a great gatsby-esque look when worn with hair up for evening.” Perfect!

There are several other things that I really like about this company. One is that it is relatively small, which means that you won’t find these pieces in every mall in America. I really love owning jewelry that is a little bit different. I also love that Lulu by Leah is a company that has been launched by an enterprising Southern mom, as Leah has two children and resides in Louisville, KY. I can see the influence of the South in her designs, but she takes that standard strand of pearls and makes something much fresher out of them! I also love that her pieces are affordable, especially considering that they are built to last. Finally, I really love that you can shop online. As a working mom, I have very little time to go to brick and mortar stores looking for jewelry. Lulu by Leah gives me the opportunity to get the perfect pieces right from my computer.

It seems I’m not the only one who has noticed how fabulous Lulu by Leah is. The Lucy necklace was featured in the December issue of Southern Living. That is some seriously high praise to receive, and it impresses me a great deal!

Buy It: If your wardrobe needs some updating, consider buying some jewelry that will not go out of style any time soon! Lulu by Leah is certain to have something that will suit you! She has options for every budget, with pieces ranging from $16 to $78.

Edit: This giveaway is now CLOSED.

Win It: I bet you are still thinking about those gorgeous gold and pearl Frances earrings, aren’t you? Well here’s your chance to win a pair! One lucky Stuff Parents Need reader is going to win a set of her very own. The contest will run until Monday, March 8th at 7:59pm CST. A winner will be randomly selected and emailed, and will have 48 hours to claim their prize. Open to residents of the United States.

How To Enter:

Mandatory Entry: Tell me the piece you love the very most from the classic collection by Lulu by Leah, and let me know where you would wear it if you owned it.

Additional Entries:
1. Subscribe to my blog via RSS or email
2. Follow me through Google connect (2 entries, so leave 2 comments)
3. Put my button on your blog and leave a url where I can find it (2 entries, so leave 2 comments)
4. Subscribe to the Lulu by Leah mailing list
5. Become a fan of Lulu by Leah on Facebook
6. Follow Stuff Parents Need on Twitter (leave your TwitterID)
7. Enter any other currently open giveaway on my site (one extra entry per giveaway that you enter)

Disclosure: I received a pair of Frances earrings in order to facilitate my review. The opinions listed above are strictly my own.