Monogram Bliss

With Valentine's Day fast approaching, I am predisposed to start obsessing with jewellery. I am very fortunate to have an attentive and generous hubby (love you DEC!), who spoils me rotten in the jewellery department.
To give him some ideas *customized items take longer to arrive, nudge nudge, hint hint*, here are some of my current favorite blingies, which are dying to make it into my jewellery box.

Top of my wish list this year is a gold monogram necklace.

Gold lace monogram necklace <via>

 

Fortunately they are readily available online at virtually every price point, from 18k gold plated, to gold filled, to different price points for the 14k solid gold (steep, cheaper and cheapest). The most difficult decision would be whether to choose classic yellow gold, which goes with everything or rose gold, which is less common. I particularly luuuurve the ones on super dainty ultra thin chains, so the monogram looks like it's hovering on a nearly invisible gold filament. *Sigh*

Although I shouldn't admit this, I am also quite partial to engraved monogram disk necklaces spotted on many celebs. Perhaps those are best suited as commemorative necklaces for new mothers (engraved with their baby's monogram)?

Of course, in settings where a monogram necklace might attract too much attention, an elegant and understated pair of monogram earrings would be a suitable alternative!

Monogram lace earrings <via>

Again, there are silver versions (studs or danglies) and gold versions (lace posts) to suit each Valentine's beau's budget.

Swell Caroline Triple Letter earrings

For a more every day jewellery wardrobe, I am currently lusting after Swell Caroline's monogram earrings in fun color combos, like pink with green, navy with orange or turquoise with green. I can see me wearing these to run errands, hit the gym or even to complement my Lilly P wardrobe in the summer.

KJP Drift Knots earrings

I also love silk knot or silk button earrings, of which KJP has a very nice selection. The nostalgic and nautical packaging certainly ups the dahling factor.

Angela Moore bracelets

Last, but not least are Angela Moore bracelets. I love love love these! They are hand painted beaded bracelets with the cutest subjects, from ladybugs (on sale!!) to lighthouses, nautical or classic pink and green. Hmmmm, decisions, decisions! So far, their $17 international shipping has put me off and I haven't stopped crying ..a bracelet can't weigh that much, can it?
 
Kindness to DEC for taking note of my ever-changing and expanding wish list and for *fingers crossed* adding to my stash of pretties...

Sunday Blues

Every Sunday, at some point, I run out of chores I want to do. I trawl the blog world for entertaining updates, only to find depressingly few new posts. So here is my vow: Every Sunday, I shall post an update to my blog of three things that are currently on my mind.

1. Nautical stripes in clothing
LL Bean French sailor 3/4 sleeve top

LL Bean have really stepped up to the nautical plate. I ordered the french sailor turtleneck for winter and was pleasantly surprised by the weight and quality of it. One wash down and it still looks brand new. So I ordered the 3/4 sleeve version in white/navy and it's equally nice. For Christmas I received two Petit Bateau nautical stripe tops and although they are softer on the inside than the LLBean version, the PB is slightly more fitted at the shoulder, which means if you size up you end up with very long sleeves and a slightly longer than ideal overall length. LL Bean offers 15% off your entire purchase right now using code JSK5165.

2. Chai

Starbucks Chai tea concentrate

I lurrrves me some Chai. A friend of mine back in the college days introduced me to it at Whole Foods, and I've been hooked since. I buy the concentrate since I refuse to spend shopping money on $5 lattes and would easily drink these all day, if they weren't so calorific and caffeinated. The clove, nutmeg and vanilla all meld together for a wonderfully peppery and warming beverage. It tastes surprisingly delicious "on the rocks" in the summer too!

3. Jersey Shore

Yes, that's right. JERSEY SHORE. There, I said it.
I refused to watch it. I balked at those who knew the names of the cast. I cringed when I saw pictures of them drunk on a beach at 11am in the morning. Now, I am one of them.
I can't wait for the next episode, to see if Deena manages to stay upright for 24 hours, to decide if Mike "The Situation" was better as a man wh*re with a soft side or a snitch with a crush on Snooki, to comment for the millionth time how Pauly D looks like Bart Simpson from the side and to inspect from all angles JWoww's plastic surgery results. Ronnie and Sammi can go away. Please. Leave the Ron Ron juice.

Thank you DEC for lowering my IQ in such an enjoyable way.