Eye for an I Heart

I traveled to Turkey in 2004 and of course, visited the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul while I was there. Aside from the knock-off perfumes, watches and the yelling salesmen, there is a certain type of mysterious allure in the Bazaar, which I personally think rings true throughout most middle eastern countries and culture.  While walking through with my traveling buddies, I was instantly drawn to the numerous jewelry merchants and was dead set on leaving with at least one awesome piece of jewelry.  Being away for two months, one piece was really all I had room for. Admittedly, I did leave with more than just one. As well as some scarves. And tea. Also spices.

One thing that did stand out for me at the time was the abundance of eyeballs staring at me. Not just by other people either. As every culture in the world has their own superstitions and good luck charms, the Turkish (along with many other Middle Eastern people) use the evil eye as a symbol to ward off evil. 

I have to admit, I wasn't instantly drawn to the look of these beads 6 years ago, but now, I'm seeing them everywhere and they have become the universal symbol for "evil eye".  Combined with the "Hamsa" (a similar token used in Judaism), accessory lovers are hyped over this new spiritual/good karma/superstitious trend!

Kim Kardashian is sporting her Evil Eyes...

And of course, my fave gal Madonna wearing her hamsa bling...

So as I am kicking myself for not picking up some genuine evil eyes while I was in Turkey...6 years later, I find myself carrying the trend in my very own boutique.

These cool little bracelets start at $14. 

If you ask me, we could all use a little more good karma. Why not attract it with some cute and trendy wrist decor?

xoxo
With Heart,

Natalie

Piling on the Bling

While many fashionistas have mastered the art of layering clothing by now, many are still shying away from doing the same with jewelry. I personally have fallen in love with layering my baubles, and have made it a point to mention it to customers when they are looking to complete their outfits.  I say, if you want to wear your whole accessories collection at once, go for it. Madonna did.

But before I give ALL the credit to the Material Girl, Take a look at this beauty: Louise Brooks, a Flapper Girl/Actress from the 1920s. 

Yeah, this was all forever ago, but...how hot are these very same looks right now?  Some modern interpretations can be found below with Sarah Jessica Parker, Mischa Barton, Sandra Bullock and Nicole Richie.

 

At I Heart Accessories, we've got everything you need to help you achieve this look.  Pair up one of our gorgeous statement pieces with one of our new long and lean chains by iWEAR...do you?

Or throw on all of your statement rings and bangles with these new wrap-around leather bracelets from Fixation.

Dress it up, tone it down or add some pizazz. Piling on the bling is a fab way to freshen up your look while staying right on trend.

xoxo
With Heart,

Natalie

Confessions of an Accessorholic

I have a confession to make.  Up until last week, all of my accessories lay in boxes in my closet.  There, I've said it. I've come clean. My professional life was not neatly reflected in my personal life. I'm sorry. I really am, because for a year since I moved into my current place, I had not seen or heard from MANY of my accessories. I was lacking all the goodies that I could have been wearing all this time. I mean..I did OBVIOUSLY add to my collection over the past year, but was I ever missing out. I decided enough was enough. I needed everything on display where I could see it while getting dressed, instead of getting dressed and then trying to think of what accessories would go with my outfit. Pulling out boxes and searching for that one thing was getting a bit rediculous.

When we first opened the boutique, we were being asked for the stands that our jewelry was being displayed on. A woman actually came in and asked me to name a price for our necklace busts as she could not find them anywhere. Clearly, there is a demand for accessory organization in the world...so we decided to bring in some stands that we not only use for display, but can sell as well. Our customer's biggest complaints were that they couldn't see all of their accessories when it's hidden in a jewelry box, and needed something that looks nice, and will serve a purpose. SO, I am happy to say that I Heart Accessories now carries solutions for your accessory organizing needs.

My own pieces hang on a necklace and earring stand like this, with a separate one for bracelets (this one is sporting our new initial necklaces by iWear...do you?).  The man in my life isn't completely crazy about seeing my bling in all it's coordinated glory, but hey, I've been staring at his guitar stand for years.

Available in a variety of styles and finishes...get your lovelies in order. You'll be so happy you can finally see them!

XOXO
With Heart,

Natalie