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).

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).

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!

Still Loving Arm Candy

A simple chunky chain, the Rollo Link Bracelet offers easy elegance, but the cool, oversized clasp keeps it interesting.

The Sculpted Enamel Cuff looks so artistic. The randomly arranged enamel rectangles congregated at your wrist make it look like some sort of weird (but chic) Tetris.

Cute Kohl's Stuff

Check out these adorable and affordable finds from Kohls.com!

With short-sleeves and made of cotton, the Simply Vera Vera Wang Ribbed Cardigan is an easy layering option. The slight gathering at the cuff of the sleeve is great and the 'Ruset Clay' color is so lovely.

The AB Studio Cardigan looks like it came from J.Crew, but at a fraction of the price.

Pretty, flowing skirts and warm weather go together so well. The apt. 9® Leaf & Flowers Yoked Skirt has a lovely border print.

These daisy fuentes® Sleek Flats in gold or silver have a charming braided rope-looking bow. The pointy toe helps to keep you looking long and lean.

Perfect for everyday, but not lacking in style, the multi-strandness of the apt. 9® Rectangle French Ironwork Bracelet gives this bracelet some added interest.

A chunky chain and fairly substantial sized stone makes the Sterling Silver Green Amethyst & Quartz Necklace a stand-out piece that is easy to wear.

Baring Your Arms? Don a Cuff

Cuff bracelets are great, especially now when long sleeves are being put away and are being replaced with 3/4 length, short, and sleeveless tops.

At left is the lovely Gold and Silver Swirl Cuff. This adjustable cuff features both gold-tone and silver-tone metals and has a nice antique-y feel to it.

This Metal Cuff in Gold is hammered which gives it depth and texture. Simple, yet stunning.

These bold, statement cuffs would be the perfect final touches to any outfit and not very costly either!

Enamel Bangles

Fun arm adornments are huge for spring and the best ones are of course, the most eye-catching.

A bold geometric pattern and bright green enamel come together in this lovely Green Honeycomb Bangle at left.

The Enamel Chain Link Bangle also features an awesome pattern and has several pretty colors.

It's nice to ditch the necklace and just wear bracelets and/or rings to shift the focus of attention once in a while.

Fun Bright Baubles

If you're looking to add pops of great color, try some brightly colored jewelry.

This Frannie Necklace in green/yellow (shown at left) would be perfect with a basic black crewneck sweater. Different necklaces and lots of different shapes make this piece so interesting. And it also comes in black/white and blue/purple.

A plain t-shirt or tank would quickly become best friends with the Kaleidoscope Bracelet. An eclectic mix of colors in a solid bracelet makes this one standout, eyecatching piece.

A Litte Bit Mod

Left to right:

Avant Necklace,
Square Window Cuff,
Mod Stick Silver and 18k Gold Earrings,
Mod Cup Ring

A friend mentioned that the kinda-mod-looking Collage Ring that I posted about recently looked like a pretty little piece of art.

Feeling inspired, I went to check out other mod-inspired jewelry that's been popping up here and there because who wouldn't enjoy being a walking piece of art?