Black is the new White

Confession:  I *heart* jewelry.  Really, what girl doesn't?  My jewels du jour vary by mood.  Sometimes I am a minimalist, with a tiny silver chain and studs or hoops, and sometimes I like to go a little more bold, with larger pendants and chunky cuffs.  Some of my all time fave jewelry comes from my step mom's jewelry biz - Ridgeline Artisans.

Julie and my Dad started out on an amazing adventure a few years ago, to Bali, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia and Sri Lanka breathing in the many flavors of the culture and collecting amazing works of jewelry art from little artisans around the globe.  I was completely jealous of their trip and selflessly offered to become a "buyer" and if I had to travel to exotic locations I would definitely take one for the team...I am a good daughter.

These are my two FAVE necklaces (though I could spend hours sifting through their collection and finding a million more faves).

I'm completely infatuated with black pearls (if you can't tell).  There's something so "sassy Jackie O" about these little gems of the sea.  Which describes me to a tee - "sassy" and if Jackie O ever donned a wife beater, I'd be sure she was my long lost twin.


Go to Ridgeline Artisans today and show my step-mama, Julie, some love.  Like what you see here?  Email Julie for the 5-Strand Black Pearls from Thailand by emailing Julie direct.  Or get the Chandelier Necklace here

The best part? Use the code: monkey-toes at checkout and you'll get 20% off your purchase.  YIPPEE!

I'd love to know two things... 1) What's your favorite jewelry find?  (And you can't just say "Etsy", give me a link!)  2) What adjective describes your personality? 

(disclaimer:  I was not compensated for this review, I am family, AND I love their fabulous exotic finds.  My review is my opinion.  I was given these necklaces for my birthday as gifts. WOOT! WOOT! LUCKY ME!)

(FFF) My secret (fashion) weapon

You ever get the nerve up to purchase an article of clothing that is uber expensive, proudly wear it a few times and within the next month or two it's sooooo two-thousand and late? (thanks Fergie for the quote)  I'm gonna spill the beans on a site I truly love. Mainly because I really don't like paying retail for things, especially clothing that is trendy.  All I gotta say, is you better not steal the stuff I want...15 Dollar Store is one of my fave online shopping sites.  They actually carry brands that I've heard of - Rampage (adore), Romeo & Juliet Couture (Love) and Chinese Laundry (can't live without) - and yes, you guessed it, it's all $15 each (hence the 15 Dollar Store name, duh).

I recently wore an adorable strapless hot pink, black and silver bubble dress I purchased online (yep, for 15 bucks, have I hit that home yet?) to a wedding.  Got so many compliments on it and I will be thrilled to wear it again.  I've also purchased a fun top for a night on the town...tons of compliments on that one too.  Whether you're looking for stuff to lounge around in, go to work in or head out for a little GNO - this is your place. You can browse daily because it's constantly being updated.

Some recent finds that I'm eying are this Romeo & Juliet Silk Peasant Blouse

And oh my, this Double Breasted Gingham Jacket *SWOON*

I swear every time I am on this site I find more and more obsessions! And seriously, if you find something you like - BUY IT! It may not be there again when you return.

(I will warn you, I believe these sizes run a little smaller, so order larger.  I bought a pair of skinny jeans online and will be waiting to lose the extra baby weight before I can sausage my butt into them.)

I've shared my secret (fashion) weapon...What's yours?

(FFF) In case you were wondering

The crazy thing about hair is it can make or break you...your mood that is.  I know that if I've just had my hair done, I don't want to go home because it will seem like a waste.  I try to schedule more to do afterward to show off the lovely locks - lunch with a friend, dinner out, etc.  I love a good hair product and I've been wondering about the new line of goodies from, yes, Goody (@GoodyHair).

So I did it, I made a last minute decision to run to Target to check out the Goody selection, with mainly one item on my hair (ok, mind) - the Spin Pins.  I was thinking that a cute, messy, loose, up-do would be adorable with the dress I was planning to wear. 

Two words - loved them!  I've got fairly fine hair, but lots of it, so it took some hairspray and teasing (Texas style) to get the pins stuck into my hair in a way that I wouldn't be fidgiting with them all night.  But it was SUPER easy.  I even threw a braid in for a little more dimension.   



All in all, I am thrilled with my $6 purchase and will be using them again...just in case you were wondering about these...