Mother’s Day Jewellery Gift Guide

Although I am jet lagged from my trip around Asia, I made it back in time for Mother’s Day! My sister and I have an exciting evening planned for our mom including a scrumptious dinner followed by a Parisian themed paint night and lots of fruity cocktails.

If you’re having trouble deciding what to get the special ladies in your life, jewellery is always beautiful, tasteful and classic. Today I’m sharing a few fabulous finds that are colorful, trendy and affordable.

Stackable rings and bracelets are eye-catching and multidimensional like this colorful 3 piece Pop of Red Ring Set from Avon for just $11.99. The rings are different sizes and shapes but they fit together a variety of ways. They also look great when worn individually and the blue tones are perfect for summer.

Speaking of warm weather, why not give mom some bright spring jewellery that she can wear to brunch with the girls. This cute Flower Market Necklace and Earring Set ($11.99 at avon.ca) features pretty multicolored petals that sparkle in the sun. The matching conjoined flower ring ($9.99) completes the look and makes a stylish statement piece on its own.

Pandora has released a gorgeous Mother’s Day Collection that is simple, unique and elegant. The Brilliant Bow design includes a feminine sterling silver bracelet ($70.00) with a half bangle - half chain band offset by a dainty bow and shimmering stones. I recommend pairing it with the adorable bow ring ($70.00) which also has a ribbon of clear stones. The matching earrings are available for $70.00 to complete the set. Don't forget to check out Pandora's new gold plated Shine Collection - you can find more info HERE.

I love the contrast of purple tones in Avon’s Flower Market Bracelet ($14.99) and the setting reminds me of regal peacock feathers. This open bangle is sure to style-up your summer wardrobe and it works for both casual events and formal occasions.

Another purple beauty you might want to get your hands on is Avon’ Purple Peace Genuine Amethyst Necklace ($15.00). 10% of the sales price is donated to domestic violence fundraising and the delicate silver extender chain looks stunning against the skin.

If you'd like to contribute to another great cause, the ladies in your family will love the Pink Hope Rose Quartz Beaded Bracelet ($14.00). Avon donates 10% of the proceeds to breast cancer fundraising and the soft pink beads look ravishing on women of all ages.

While browsing avon.ca I also found this amazing Bejewelled Mirror Compact ($10.99) which comes with a bag to protect the stones. Since every woman needs a mirror for touch-ups, it may as well be glamorous!

This cute little fox ring was a gift to myself. I found it while browsing the market in Shanghai’s old town and couldn’t resist the way it wrapped around my finger. You might not be able to find this particular piece (unless you’re in China) but I just had to share!

A few other pieces I found in Asia include these ravishing coral earrings that just happen to match my stackable Avon ring (I love when things work out).

I also picked up these large blue-green earrings that remind me of whimsical dream catchers.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Summer Accessories & Jewelry

Every summer I spruce-up my wardrobe and donate the clothes I no longer wear. I also look for trendy new accessories to compliment my outfits and this year I found some cute pieces!

My Pandora charm bracelet holds some beautiful keepsake pendants that remind me of special events and exotic trips around the world but for everyday wear or formal events I prefer bangles. The Radiant Hearts of Pandora in bright pink ($95.00) is reversible and features sparkling stones on one side and a solid pink band on the other. These bracelets are great for stacking and creating pretty multicolored combos to show-off your personal style.

The Open Bangle ($140) with cubic zirconium end caps is simple yet elegant and comes with 2 stoppers if you’d like to add your favorite charms. To see more beautiful jewelry from Pandora visit the website by clicking HERE.

While browsing the shops on Clifton Hill in Niagara Falls Canada this summer, I picked up these beautiful Native Indian style earrings - fashioned after Dream Catchers. The turquoise stones and multicolored, woven fabric looks stunning against the skin. I also like that they aren't identical.

The Mark Street Party Bangle ($28.00) caught my eye because of its unique design. The gold colored cuff is thick and beautifully embellished with delicate, royal blue fabric entwined with sparking glass stones. The eye-catching chains that dangle from the wrist give this piece an edgy look which contrasts nicely with the glittering jewels.

The Leaf You Alone 3 Piece Set ($19.00) from Avon comes with an antique gold tone necklace, bracelet and matching earrings. I love how intricate and feminine the bracelet looks on the wrist and the necklace comes with an extender if you’d like more length.

The Enchanting Tear Drop Bracelet ($14.99) is available in gold and silver but they look even more glamorous together and the pretty stones shimmer radiantly in the light.

Owls have been very popular recently and this antiqued gold tone necklace stands out beautifully when placed over solid colors like black, pink, or green. You can also wear the pendant as a broach! It retails for $19.99.

 Avon is available at avon.ca or through independent consultants

Shopping in Paris: Mini Haul!!!

I didn't do much shopping while in Paris even though it is one of the world's shopping capitals. You would think I would have gone crazy in all the wonderful shops but I just didn't have the time. With all the walking, monuments, museums and beautiful sights to see shopping wasn't a top priority. That being said I did get a few things during my trip and I learned a bit more about some of the good shopping areas in Paris.

Champ de Mars

Right along a side street close to the apartment I rented in Paris was a street called Champ de Mars. There was an outdoor market with tents set up on the way to the train station and I decided to stop by because I saw a good sale.

I purchased this black wallet with zipper detailing for just 5 euros! It is a great size for all my essentials and if I only want to carry my wallet instead of a purse it still looks stylish enough.

I also purchased this large black bag with sparkle detailing. This bag reminds me of a doctor's style bag. I like that it is large enough to travel with and the material is good quality. I got this for just 15 euros.

The last item I purchased from this outdoor shop was this beige studded clutch. I thought it would come in handy when I don't want to carry a large purse and I like the color.

At another shop running parallel to Champ de Mars I bought this beautiful print of a painting of Paris. I plan to frame it and hang it in my bedroom or office. Paintings and prints can range in prices but I got this one for just 4 euros.

You can find these outdoor markets on many busy streets in Paris. It is not unusual to randomly come across vendor's tents set up on the sidewalks.

Champs Elysees 

Champs Elysees is the most popular street in the world! it is a great place to browse the shops both mainstream and high end. It leads right up to the famous Arc de Triomphe. 

I didn't do much shopping on this street because my feet were killing me from all the walking and I was literally hobbling along in agony, but I did buy a vibrant orange scarf at H & M; scarfs are quite popular in Paris and so are ankle boots. I thought this one would be perfect for the Fall season.

The largest Sephora in the world!!

Also on this street is the largest Sephora in the world! I was in makeup heaven! Sephora is a French company owned by Louis Vuitton so the flagship store is on Champs Elysees. This Sephora was massive and there was even a MAC counter in it! It was makeup as far as the eye could see.

Galleria Lafayette on Boulevard Haussmann (shopping mall)

This shopping center is another great shopping area and it is close by the breathtaking Paris Opera House. here are some photos from inside of the shopping center. 

 This mall is gorgeous inside.

There are many high end stores here such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Dior Prada and Gucci.

While in this mall I purchased a charm for my Pandora bracelet, a small replica of the Eiffel Tower to commemorate my trip.

I also made another trip to H & M and purchased this cute printed knit skirt. This skirt was about 15 euros. H & M is a very popular store in Paris and although we have H & M in Toronto I found that the Paris stores have a better selection.

Tally Weijl 

Further down the street and on the opposite side of Galleria Lafayette is a store called Tally Weijl. I have never been in this store before but the prices were very affordable and I saw a lot of trendy pieces. I purchased this long maxi, mint green pleated skirt. I also bought a cute black cardigan for Fall. This skirt was 25 euros.

The Latin Quarter

Etam

While browsing in the Latin Quarter I discovered a trendy shop called Etam. They sell clothes and accessories and I managed to pick up these white sunglasses for just 5 euros before the shop closed for the night.

Souvenirs in the Latin Quarter

No trip for me is complete without getting some great keepsakes from my trip. The Latin Quarter overall had the best prices and the largest variety of souvenirs I saw while in Paris. 

I usually buy a tote or beach bag from almost all of the places I travel to. 

 Paris coasters, you always need somewhere to rest your drink

 Mini Eiffel Tower 

 Key chain

Makeup mirror

There was also a big outdoor flea market that I wanted to go to but we didn't get the time. Shopping in Paris is great but I didn't notice any mainstream trends that were very different than what I see here in Toronto.

At the shops at the base of the Eiffel Tower I purchased this cute purple watch with rhinestones around the face. The design on the inside of the face is actually the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe