Valentine’s Day Bling to Buy for Yourself!

The way I look at Valentine’s Day, or basically any other holiday, is that it’s the perfect opportunity to buy yourself a lovely gift! Pricey, inexpensive, it doesn’t really matter — just do it! (You know I’m a strong proponent of self-gifting!)

As I’m strolling around the internet this morning, I’m coming across quite a few lovelies that would be the perfect gift. I thought I’d share some of my finds and hopefully inspire you to go look for yourself.

1. Check out this stunning labradorite ring by Armenta. It’s an investment, but it would look to-die-for with a necklace I already own.

Armenta labradorite ring

2. Since I’m always in search of gorgeous stud earrings, these rose gold druzy studs by Dara Ettinger might be just the ticket. (Love that they’re under $100 too!)

dara ettinger druzy studs

3. I can always find some fabulous, ethnic jewelry at Maison K in Montecito, CA. This rhinestone and turquoise necklace from Istanbul would be amazing with an all-white linen outfit and gold sandals…with a drink in my hand…

maison k turquoise and rhinestone necklace

4. I own these Jennifer Meyer hoops in yellow gold, and I’m surprised I haven’t worn them out yet. Perhaps I need a pair in white gold as well? Decisions, decisions….

jennifer meyer white gold and diamond hoops

5. A statement necklace makes the simplest of tops look like you came right from Fifth Avenue. This neutral druzy necklace by Isharya would pair beautifully with jeans, a white tee and a camel cardigan. Yum!

Isharya lunar druzy white necklace

6. I’ve tried this bracelet on twice at J.Crew recently. My wrists are tiny, and it actually fits perfectly. Layered with some of my bangles, I think it could be a very inspired combination.

J.crew rhinestone bracelet

Oh, the choices I have… And who’s to say I won’t come across something else while I’m out shopping today? And the bonus, is that this treat is calorie free, unlike those giant chocolate-filled heart boxes. So go treat yourself and enjoy Valentine’s Day! Feel free to share any of your great finds — I’d love to see them.

Self-Gifting: What’s Your Opinion?

The post I recently put up about my “boyfriend gift” is creating quite a buzz, both in the comment section and with people I know. It turns out that there really is a wide range of emotions and stigma associated with a woman buying herself jewelry.

I started seeing this phenomenon early in my career as a personal shopper, when some of my clients were either very hesitant or would downright refuse to buy themselves jewelry. There wasn’t quite as big of an issue with less expensive, costume jewelry…but heck, throw a little diamond or ruby in there and suddenly it was a whole different ballgame.

Some women felt that all their “good” jewelry should come from their husbands or significant other. Another client stated that her husband would actually be upset if he saw her wearing something that he didn’t buy her. Really?! In the days where we can be the CEO of a company, run for office or single-handedly raise children, isn’t it OK to buy oneself something you love?

I would go as far as saying that buying yourself jewelry can actually be empowering. This is not to diminish the delight when receiving jewelry as a gift, of course, but it’s just totally different. I feel that being self-sufficient is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself. Knowing that you can pay your rent, put food on the table, and even buy yourself some diamond hoops if you want them are all part of building one’s self-worth.

Ladies, I believe in you! And if you want to go buy yourself something sparkly, I applaud you!

How do you feel about self-gifting?