Archive: Clam Shell

7.30.2009


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Again with the pearls! I just can't get enough of them.

I think that is what is most appealing to me about this charm -- the sweet little white surprise hidden inside, marked with Juicy Couture across the front. I'm not sure that I've ever seen a clam so pretty in real life; they're usually more of gray and blue tones. But the milky white is quite striking against the fiery coral color. Gold line detail creates ridges that stand out very well, making the shell look almost like a fan. A small row of pave crystals adds some nice flare near the hinge.

I'm not big on clams. I giggle a little bit at the thought of a clam, not an oyster, having a pearl inside. Why did Juicy go with calling it a clam? We will never know. But this clam must be special, since it came embedded with bling and the little pearl that I love so much.

If you're looking to pick one up you don't have to look very hard. Most websites and stores probably still have these in stock, and at a discounted sale price. If you have to resort to the secondary market you probably won't even have to pay original retail.

Price: 52.00
Box: Brown/Pink
Code: YJRU2544

Archive: Octopus

7.25.2009


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Before I get wrapped up in gushing about how much I LOVE THIS CHARM, let me say this: the beach scene pictures came out really cute but I'm not sure I'd repeat the trouble again to do another set. Why? First, the discomfort I felt carrying around the substantial worth of 4 charms. Second, I took them sans boxes which meant they were all wrapped up in a small towel -- but this still didn't prevent me from fretting over scratches and missing stones. Three -- the fretting over scratches and missing stones! Last but not least, fine grain sand is a real pain to get rid of. It finds every little crevice you never knew existed and hangs on for dear life. Since I'm utterly opposed to putting them in water the best solution is to have canned air on hand to air dust them with.

Now, on with Mr. Octopus. When he was first released last year there was a great deal of debate over the shape of his head. It is alien-like, sure, but not so unlike that of a real octopus. He seemed to be one of those charms where you either went head-over-heels or threw out a cold shoulder. Me? Obviously I was smitten.

I love the ocean and have a great deal of respect for the creatures dwelling in it. They're all equally fascinating and I especially love the way that an octopus can move. Just this summer I watched one sprawl himself back and forth over a glass window at the Dallas World Aquarium. I think it's something about the way the tentacles move so fluidly. Juicy picked up on this quite well, as you can see the bright detail that lurks beneath this little guy. His "suckers" have been replaced with crystals that stand out amazingly against the peppy blue hue of his body. Wispy gold detailing between each tentacle and around the head give a sleek glow all over, and lend a nice pop! to the dark black eyes.

He didn't sell out immediately but definitely became one of those "once it's gone it's GONE" charms. When you can find him for resale you better prepare yourself to pay at least full original retail, if not significantly above.

Price: 52.00
Box: Brown/Pink
Code: YJRU2662

Discount Code Showdown: The Battle Begins!

The economy has been pinching everyone, myself not excluded. So it's no surprise that many of us are on the hunt for a bargain, whether it comes in the form of cash back, rewards points, free shipping, discounts, or even freebies with your purchase. Lately many of us have become accustomed to scores of deals as retailers try to boost sales with a wide range of incentives. But are some ready to scale back?

It looks like Juicy is putting the squeeze on retailers. After unsuccessfully trying to redeem a code at RevolveClothing.com and then inquiring about it, I got this e-mail:

Hi there,

Thank you for your inquiry. I do apologize for the inconvenience this has caused you. Unfortunately, a number of designers have been added to our list of restricted brands earlier this year, including Juicy Couture, J Brand, Kicking Mule, Alexander Wang, and Preen. I am very sorry for the inconvenience but due to a manufacturer's request, we are not allow to apply any discounts/coupons on any of our restricted brands. If we would like to continue doing business with these designers, we must abide by their policies. We are very sorry for any confusion. We truly appreciate your patience and understanding in this matter. Please feel free to contact us if there is anything else I may further assist you with. Thank you for your interest in Revolve Clothing. We appreciate your business!

Regards,
Customer Service
RevolveClothing.com

Could this be a lame attempt by Juicy to boost sales at their own boutiques, which rarely ever offer a discount? Even the sales that they put out are lukewarm -- you're lucky if you find 5 pieces of jewelry on sale at any given time. Whatever the reason, it looks like the list of places where you can get charms at a discount has narrowed by 1.

Are Juicy Couture charms worth $50 a pop? Rarely, and the ones that are are often priced higher than that! I'm disappointed, and Revolve is in danger of losing more customers with every brand that is cut from their discount list.

So where can you still redeem discount codes? ShirleyAndCompany.com, ShopBellaBeach.com, MeringueBoutique.com, and ShopRapunzels.com. Bookmark RetailMeNot.com -- that's the best site to find discount codes if you don't have the time to ask around.

Diversion: Open Heart Rope Bracelet

7.20.2009


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I wrote about these some time ago, and did pick them up at the boutique right after they'd been released. I passed on the black version but the small percentage of me with OCD is wishing that I hadn't.

I love, love, love the pink one! It's the most feminine shade of pink there is and makes for a sweet, flirty piece when combined with the open gold heart. The white isn't white so much as it is a very light cream or beige -- it's hard to tell from the pictures, but it definitely should not be described as white. For that reason alone I was a little disappointed with it, but got it anyway. The logo detail on the side is very subtle and small; you really can't see it unless you're specifically looking for it.

One thing to note is that, even when opened fully, these bracelets are fairly small. If you can wear the average sized bangle you shouldn't have a problem getting one of these on, and can cinch it up as much or as little as you need to. I wear mine as fitted as I can since I think they look quite odd when left all the way pulled open.

Pink
Price:
35.00
Box: None -- they come in small plastic bags
Code: YJRU3001

White
Price:
35.00
Box: None -- they come in small plastic bags
Code: YJRU3003

Archive: Script Pearl


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I love pearls. Something about the pure and clean look they retain makes me swoon. So here's my love for Juicy, as they took the traditional large pearl and dolled it up a bit with three rows of fancy script.

The top and bottom lines are the same; it reads Juicy Couture all the way around. The middle text reminds us why we collect charms: For Nice Girls Who Like Stuff. The color scheme is simplistic and fantastic -- you can't get much more classic than black and white.

This charm is still available in most regular retail stores, but be sure to check it very carefully before purchasing. Mine has a very small nick above the word "who" and while it isn't glaringly obvious it's enough that I know it's there. I guess I could be even more impressed that Juicy's fake pearls mimic the blemishes of a real pearl. ;)

Price: 38.00
Box: Brown/Pink
Code: YJRU2658

Archive: Tennis Ball

7.19.2009


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Another underrated charm that I do so adore! When this charm first came out I was on the fence about it. I play tennis occasionally and have never really had an interest in watching the professionals play, so it's not like I was wild for the sport to begin with.

My mind changed when I got my hands on it. Why? If you can see it in the third photo, the material exactly replicates that of a fuzzy yellow tennis ball! How amazing is that? Maybe I'm just impressed with simple things, but I love that one of the most important traits of a tennis ball wasn't overlooked. It could have been plain enamel like it was on the tennis racquet charm, but it feels like Juicy took the extra step to make it feel more authentic. I also love the interpretation of the traditional white stripe into a sparkling circle of crystals.

This charm was later reproduced in a pink Limited Edition version, which is equally cute and fuzzy. The pink one is slightly harder to find than the yellow, but neither one goes for sky-high prices when you can find them for resale.

Price: 42.00
Box: Brown/Pink
Code: YJRU1529

On The Horizon: Lipstick

Again, another re-release dipped in a different color.. but with a slightly different twist!

What's new? The actual lipstick color, for one. Juicy switched it up from a typical girly-girl pink to a hot fuchsia. Next? Gone is the boxy lower half, replaced by a wavy circular tube topped off with a row of crystals. The crown logo has been removed from the bottom and in its place is a patch of pave crystals.

The tube part has me curious, but I'm going to wait until I can see it in person. It's not a must-have for me yet and, once again, the price is a little steep for my liking.

$: 48.00
Where: Pre-order from JuicyCouture.com
Buyin' or Eyein'?: Eyein' for now, but probably buyin' further down the road.
Plus One?: Nope
Misc.: late Summer 09 - listed ship date is 08/05.

On The Horizon: Chain Purse

Finally! Something completely unexpected that has me very intrigued. I have always loved the chain detail Juicy uses to mimic different things - hair, tails, and now fringe!

I'm dying to see this in person, because I'm very curious to know what it looks like beneath the fringe. Is it just a curtain of metal, or does an actual purse shape lurk beneath? I must know. I'm also loving the handles -- this handbag charm looks pretty different from any other one they've done before. Excited!!

$: 52.00
Where: Pre-order from JuicyCouture.com
Buyin' or Eyein'?: Buyin'!!!
Plus One?: Nope
Misc.: late Summer 09 - listed ship date is 08/12.

On The Horizon: Chinese Takeout

I'll keep this short and simple, since this charm is pretty much a re-release in a different color. It's adorable, compact, and ohmygosh how sweet is the little fortune cookie inside?

Despite already owning the gold version I fully intend to pick up a silver one as well. Many dinners have come in those iconic little white takeout boxes and I'm looking forward to having both versions. It's available for pre-order on Juicy's website but has already hit stores and other retail sites so don't hesitate if you're after it!

$: 48.00
Where: Pre-order from JuicyCouture.com
Buyin' or Eyein'?: Buyin'!!!
Plus One?: Nope
Misc.: late Summer 09 - listed ship date is 08/03.

On The Horizon: Double Decker Bus

Oh. YES. I rode these both times I was in London, and it was always a different experience. The first time it was pretty warm and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The second time I thought I was going to freeze to death, but still got a pretty awesome view of all the sites from the top deck.

I'm over the moon about this one, so I can't wait to check it out in person and grab one. At this point it'd be fairly easy to assemble an entire British themed bracelet; between the boot, bus, phone booth, and the previously released teacup and teapot you're more than halfway there.

$: 52.00
Where: Pre-order from JuicyCouture.com
Buyin' or Eyein'?: Buyin'!!
Plus One?: It really all depends on how much I love it when I see it, but maybe.
Misc.: late Summer 09 - listed ship date is 08/12.

On The Horizon: English Wellie Charm

I'm pretty excited that Juicy kept with an entire theme for longer than two charms. The second of three in the British bonanza is the Wellie Boot.

I have no personal connection to this cutie, and I don't typically buy the shoe charms. I love the clasps and flag detail, though. The boot looks as if it might be rather small (in comparison to the lobster clasp - one looks to be just slightly bigger than the other), which would be a plus for me. I also think I spy ridge detail on the bottom, and that would be a great new addition for a shoe charm (most are just flat and smooth).

Still, I find myself wavering on the new ones in an effort to prepare myself for what I can only hope will be a total charm blitz come holiday season. This one is staying off my list for now, only because the price is high and I'm just not.. gasp.. a shoe girl!

$: 52.00
Where: Pre-order from JuicyCouture.com
Buyin' or Eyein'?: Eyein'
Plus One?: Nope
Misc.: late Summer 09 - listed ship date is 08/12.

On The Horizon: London Phone Booth

7.17.2009

Finally! A piece from the Jet Set bracelet has made its way into the world of individual charms. Meet the little red London phone booth that I am already head over heels for.

I've had the extreme fortune to go to London twice, and actually used the iconic red phone booth a few times. It's cheery like the city itself and I absolutely love the punchy red color.

There's not much else to say about this charm -- after all, it is just a phone booth. Still I'm in love and suddenly find myself yearning to be back traversing the streets of lovely London.

$: 48.00
Where: Pre-order from JuicyCouture.com
Buyin' or Eyein'?: Buyin'!!!
Plus One?: Nope
Misc.: late Summer 09 - listed ship date is 08/12.

On The Horizon: Unicorn

7.16.2009

I am sure that at least 90% of us went through that mythical phase as children where we drew unicorns and fairies and castles with princesses drawn in our image. I read all of Bruce Coville's books that took me to worlds where such things existed, so I'll admit that my inner child shrieked a bit when I saw this on Juicy's website.

I will wait to see this one in person, though. I kind of wish it were an entire unicorn rather than just a head and I'm not sure if I like the silver hair mixed with the gold horn and nose/mouth/eye detail. I'm also not wild about the price at all. The hair looks ornate but everything else seems to be lacking that "wow" factor so trying to justify the $52 tag will be hard.

$: 52.00
Where: Pre-order from JuicyCouture.com
Buyin' or Eyein'?: Buyin'!
Plus One?: Nope
Misc.: late Summer 09 - listed ship date is 08/12.

On The Horizon: Trophy

Although I won't be picking up this charm, I give a huge BRAVO! to Juicy for making a trophy for a non-specific reason. Is it a racing trophy? It surely will be for Nicole! Is it a riding trophy? Most definitely for you equestrians. The number one trophy for the world's best Scrabble player? Sure! Even though there's a horseshoe on the front, I think you could definitely get away with making it relate to whatever you want.

The only thing I don't quite understand is why Juicy decided to make it silver. Gold is traditionally the color reserved for first place or the winner, while second is usually second place. What gives? Cross your fingers and hope for a gold re-release sometime in the future, I guess!

$: 48.00
Where: Pre-order from JuicyCouture.com
Buyin' or Eyein'?: Eyein'
Plus One?: Nope
Misc.: late Summer 09 - listed ship date is 08/12.

On The Horizon: Silver Shield

Holy crackerjacks Batman, I'm alive! My sincerest apologies for being gone so long - I tend to totally disconnect whenever I go on vacation or I'm out of town. I had a great time though, and it feels good to be home now. Enough neglecting - on with the good stuff!!

Debuting in under a month is Juicy's rather pretty silver shield. That means a little something, given that I traditionally am not a fan of the shield charms at all. I think they'd be perfect for a Juicy employee to wear, or maybe for a die hard fanatic of the brand. I am neither and often pass on them. But there's something about this one that has piqued my interest. Is it the contrasting pink and silver? Possibly. Is it the sweet little banner that wraps around the middle and gives it some dimension? Could be. The shield keeps it cute and simple and would look great on a small handbag or clutch.

$: 48.00
Where: Pre-order from JuicyCouture.com
Buyin' or Eyein'?: Eyein' for now, unless the price drops by quite a bit
Plus One?: Nope
Misc.: late Summer 09 - listed ship date is 08/12.

Yikes!

7.06.2009

Hey everyone! Sorry for the sudden stop in posting - I left for a two week vacation on July 1st and haven't been near a computer or my charms since then. Prior to that I was pretty busy so the blog had to take a backseat. :( I apologize! I am heading out to the Juicy outlet in Houston today, and will hopefully return with a great charm score. If the store has anything worth reporting I will add it to this post later on, along with their address and phone number. I hope everyone had a great July 4th!

Update: Nothing good at the outlet, unfortunately. Your standard array of outlet charms - the pave pear (though marked down to 19.99), suitcase, black evening shoe, purple heart, engagement ring, crown, key, chocolate covered strawberry, and a few others that weren't memorable. I was disappointed, but I wasn't expecting too much. The store has been open less than 2 years and has had the same stuff both times I've gone (and a year apart at that!).
 
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