Bracelets Inside Bangles

Check out these snazzy wrist adornments.

The Juicy Couture Thin Resin & Chain Bangle Bracelet (left) and the Internal Bangle merge basic chains with resin or acrylic for a fresh new take on bracelets AND bangles.

These simple pieces are perfect for stacking (which is pretty neat because usually it's not so easy to stack chain bracelets on your arm).

Giveaway Reminder

Don't forget to enter the first ever Giveaway! Up for grabs is a $75 gift certificate to Manhattanite!

Click here for details!

Braided Tank

This breezy Matty M Braided Jersey Tank Top has a stunning neckline.

This is the kind of tank that is the kind that can be dressed up or down, but it won't look too over or under dressed.

Just an easygoing, pretty summer tank.

Extra 20% Off Sale @ J.Crew

Picks from the J.Crew sale section (which is an extra 20% off through May 17th, 9:59pm ET).

Left to Right:

Byzantine-Print Merino Cardigan (J.Crew print cardigans are always so pretty),

Wavy Double-Link Bracelet (a unique take on a basic piece),

Kaleidoscope Bracelet (as seen in this previous post),

Enameled Tile Necklace (perfect for sprucing up boring neutral tops or dresses).

Darling Peep Toe Flats

These Daffodil Satin Flats are adorable.

The description (a green floral print satin peep toe flat with yellow leather cutout detail on the vamp) portrays a very busy shoe, but it all comes together and looks so cute.

Botkier Clutches on Sale

The Nicole Clutch (now $226.90, was $325) has some cool hardware like a chain strap woven with leather and a chunky metal zipper.

Mixing textures is a great way to create interest with the same color, like the Cairo Clutch (now $199, was $495) with it's lambskin and ponyhair combo.

Canvas Tote for Summer Essentials

I love the oversized bow on the side of this Cross-Body Tote.

This is the perfect toss-in-everything-and-go type of bag for when you're heading out to enjoy the warm weather.

Floral Skirts

Normally when thinking about floral skirts, I think flowing, light fabrics and dainty prints. These straight, cotton skirts with boldly colored florals are feminine but definitely not prissy.

Left: Pleated Floral Skirt

Right: Flower Paisley Medallion Print Skirt

These geometric floral prints in this structured silhouette are definitely a great way to do florals at work.

Printed Canvas Totes

These canvas totes are fun versions of a simple work bag.

For something with a design that's not too crazy, check out the Rampage Print Canvas Tote Bag. The colors are not too bright, but there's still a cool print that makes a basic tote less basic.

If you prefer bright and eclectic, the Rampage Abstract Printed Canvas Tote Bag might be more your speed. The red, purple, and grey swirl print has a groovy 70's vibe.

Giveaway!

Manhattanite and shopaphilia are proud to team up together to present the FIRST GIVEAWAY on shopaphilia!

The Prize: A $75 Manhattanite gift certificate (which can be used in conjunction with the 20% off promo code "Spring2008" - this means it's really a $93.75 gift certificate!)

How to Enter: Go to Manhattanite and select your favorite item.

Either email (shopaphilia [at] eabx [dot] org) or post a comment with the link to your favorite item and a short explanation of why it's your pick.

If you opt to post a comment, please make sure you include your contact information (either by logging in to Google/Blogger, OpenID, or by providing your name and URL/email). Without a method for us to contact you, you cannot win.

You can enter from now until June 10th, 2008 at 11:59pm EDT. The winner will be selected at random, and contacted the day after the sweepstakes close.

Good luck, everyone!

BirkaScandinavian Jewelry

Left to Right:
Flower Earrings, Amber Ring (available in sizes 2 - 15), Midsummer Bracelet

Etsy is a fantastic outpost for anything handmade. One of our favorites is BirkaScandinavian, a store that strives to create "elegant designs at affordable prices." The quality of the jewelry is outstanding, and the designs strike the perfect balance between classic and modern.

We simply love the stacking rings that come in a plethora of colors AND sizes, which allows for mixing-and-matching on all fingers. Simple basics that are perfect for all occasions and outfits.

Recently, we caught up with Marie Maciel, the designer behind BirkaScandinavian.

shopaphilia: Can you tell us about your biggest inspirations for your designs?

Marie Maciel: Being from Sweden I grew up with Scandinavian design. Being homesick makes me appreciate it even more. I want to make functional jewelry with Scandinavian simplicity and clean lines.

shopaphilia: What got you started with creating your own line of jewelry?

MM: I started making jewelry in Sweden. My mother was an avid knitter and it was natural to fall into jewelry chain-making since it is very similar to knitting. I then got deeper into silver smithing and developed the skills I needed to express the ideas I was having at the time. When I moved to the US six years ago, I expanded my business. I began selling my jewelry to Scandinavian stores in the US. The business grew and developed into what it is today.

shopaphilia: You've lived in Sweden and studied as an archaeologist - how has this exciting background influenced you as a jewelry designer?

MM: I try to have a historical perspective when designing. I’m drawn to old artifacts and I try to incorporate these ancient influences into my designs as much as I can. When I design, I seek to remain grounded in the classic at all times while I explore the modern. This keeps me from creating anything too crazy, but I always try to remember that the new and modern is what I am truly after. It is a push and pull, and a little knowledge of the past is always a great help!

shopaphilia: Marie, thanks so much! We look forward to exploring any new designs you come up with at BirkaScandinavian!