Redress

Confession time: four years ago, I was 60 pounds heavier. With a little help from Weight Watchers, I slimmed down to a healthy size 6. Of course the change was great for my health, but I was a little bummed about losing the wardrobe I had accumulated over the years. This dress from Banana Republic was one of my favorites. When it became too large, I vowed to find a size small on eBay someday. No luck. Recently, I pulled it out of storage and decided to go another direction. A simple knot on the inside of the dress creates a draped effect around the torso, making it wearable again.

Outfit Notes: Banana Republic Dress; Diane von Furstenberg Sandals; Forever21 and Banana Republic Bracelets; Necklaces from J.Crew, LOFT, NVme Fashions, Wendy Mink Jewelry

Layer It On

I've had an affinity for baubles created by independent artisans ever since working at a small jewelry store in Bayfield, Wis. There's a level of quality and care - both about the jewelry and about the client - that goes into these pieces that you'll never find in a mass-marketed product. When I was contacted by Wendy Mink Jewelry, I knew I was going to fall hard for her work. Each piece is uniquely gorgeous - and each is handmade in her Tribeca studio by Tibetan artisans.

I now have an ever-expanding wish list of her work, but one piece that I kept clicking back to was the Crystal Gold Links necklace. With layers of gold-filled links and crystals from vintage stock, is it any surprise this one was right up my alley?

Wendy Mink's inspiration seems to come from a mix of organic features, Indian influences and vintage touches - all perfectly encompassed in this necklace. It's well-made and sturdy, yet weighs less than I expected. In fact, it's so comfortable that I've been wearing it every day since it arrived last Wednesday!

What I admire most about her line is the variety of price points. Most items seem to run around $200, but there are plenty of low-investment options like this sweet Lilypad necklace for $35.

Free shipping for Style Obsession readers: As an added bonus, Wendy Mink Jewelry has generously offered to extend free shipping to each of you! Just write "Style Obsession" in the "checkout notes" section and your shipping costs will be refunded.

Members-only access: You'll notice a "Members" section on the site. This is typically reserved for long-term customers of Wendy Mink, but you can shop the exclusive section with the following information: username: wendyminkexclusive; password: minkmember.

Love the Crystal Gold Links necklace? Come back Tuesday for details on how to win one of your own!

Outfit Notes: Max Studio Maxi Dress; Banana Republic Bracelet; Yves Saint Laurent Arty Ovale Ring; Wendy Mink Jewelry Crystal Gold Links Necklace; Nine West Sandals

FTC-Required Disclaimer: Wendy Mink Jewelry provided product free of charge for editorial review. All opinions stated within are my own and are not influenced in any way.

Window Shopping

I feel like a broken record lately: summer just can't come soon enough. While I not-so-patiently wait for the mercury to rise, I'm daydreaming about these vintage-inspired items from this month's sponsors. Each piece reminds me of grainy 1950s vacation photos - in the very best way possible.

1. Floral Dress via The 1727, a soon-to-launch online boutique. If you sign up for their e-mail list, you'll be entered to win $500. You must do this before May 6, 2011. Worth a shot, right?
2. White Bone Bird Earrings, Wendy Mink Jewelry, $65
3. Hummingbird Necklace, Third Culture Jewelry, $115
4. Brown Vintage Frames, GlassesUSA, $85

As always, don't forget to check the left sidebar periodically for exclusive coupon codes!

Window Shopping

With my Florida vacation a tantalizing 10 days, 10 hours, 49 minutes and 26 seconds away (not like I'm counting down or anything), I've been craving new warm-weather staples: bright colors, chunky jewelry and statement sunglasses. Who else is ready to shed winter's woolen layers?

1. Orange Top and Lace Shorts, Kendall K., inquire for details
2. African Bead Necklace, Wendy Mink Jewelry, $320
   
3. Altea Cuff, Third Culture Jewelry, $135
4. Sunglasses, GlassesUSA, $89
   

A huge thank you to this month's Style Obsession sponsors! And, ladies, don't forget to check the left column for coupon codes!

Reminder!
Enter to win a Kendall K. coat!

Window Shopping

I'm happy to say that I've finished my Christmas shopping with a few days to spare. This year was exceptionally easy: I took it to the Internet and dodged the Christmas crowds. If you're still in need of a special gift, may I suggest a few drool-worthy items from our sponsors? (Don't forget to check the sidebar to see what discount codes are available!)

(pictured clockwise, starting from upper left)
KM2 Shoes, Stella Pumps, $250
Wendy Mink Jewelry, Diamond Lapis Cluster Earrings, $195 $165.75 with code
GlassesUSA, Romeo Gigli 1017 Frames, $89 $75.65 with code

{ outfitted } Little Leo

Open-toe shoes and white after Labor Day?! It seems I'm balking at Mother Nature's insistence that it's autumn. She executed her revenge remarkably well yesterday. I had a Marilyn Monroe moment when the high winds whipped my skirt up outside of Walgreens. Well played, Mother Nature, well played. Pants it is.

Outfit Notes: Jacket - Banana Republic; Shirt - H&M; Jeans - Joe's Jeans; Shoes - Guess; Clutch - Hayden-Harnett for Target; Necklace - vintage Trifari pendant; Earrings - courtesy of Wendy Mink Jewelry

Window Shopping

A dreary Sunday is good for two things: a cup of strong coffee and online shopping. And what better way to shop than with a discount code? Some of our incredible sponsors and collaborators have extended a discount to Style Obsession readers. You can always check the latest codes on the right side, under the sponsor ads. Eager to treat yourself? Here are my picks:

(pictured clockwise, starting from upper left)
Wendy Mink Jewelry, Gold Smokey Disc Chain, $90 $72 with code
Wendy Mink Jewelry, Filigree Teardrops, $170 $136 with code*
Acanthus Jewelry, Gemma Earring in Iolite, $60 $48 with code
Mimi Boutique, Andreana Hobo Bag, $62
Gorjana, Tress Square Ring, $30 $15 with code

* To purchase, e-mail the boutique at retail@wendyminkjewelry.com

G.I. Jane

An unexpected - albeit welcome - side effect of this blog has been pinpointing personal style trends. In fact, it wasn't until after snapping photos did I realize that today's outfit is essentially the dressier version of the one I posted last Tuesday. It seems that this year's go-to outfit includes army green, topped by black, and adorned with a statement necklace. What's your uniform of choice this fall?

Outfit Notes: Sweater - Gap; Necklaces - J.Crew, Wendy Mink; Skirt - Target (on sale for only $8 in the store); Purse - Banana Republic; Ring - Forever21; Shoes - Nine West

2011 is in the Pink

You'll be viewing 2011 through rose-colored, er, honeysuckle-colored glasses, according to the design industry's color authority. Pantone's color of the year claims to "embolden us to face everyday troubles with verve and vigor." I'm not so sure about that, but the hue's cheerful disposition can't hurt. Are you thinking pink?

1. Bow-Embellished Sweater, Tibi, $248 $124
2. Lip Gloss, Stila, $22
3. Silk Taffeta Mika Dress, J.Crew, $250
4. Metallic Belt, Banana Republic, $39.50
5. Peep-Toe Pumps, Sergio Rossi, $560 $252
6. Ruby Earrings, Wendy Mink Jewelry, $205
7. Lincoln Road Remy Wallet, Kate Spade, $195 $136

Window Shopping

No one can deny the elegance of saturated green gemstones - and this month's sponsors make it far too easy to indulge. Wendy Mink's Malachite Beaded Tassel necklace ($150) is a standout in my jewelry box that receives a bevvy of compliments whenever I wear it. If you'd rather make a subtle statement, consider Wendy Mink's Green Adventurine necklace ($59) or Acanthus' Gemma Green Onyx Earrings ($60).