Diversion: Gummy Bear Bracelet

It's okay if you want to squeal a little bit. After all, gummy bear jewelry is very hard to come by.

A few weeks ago I was in Claire's, searching for a birthday gift for my 9 year-old cousin (Little E!). I hardly ever buy anything for myself from Claire's, apart from nail polish. The store is geared to the younger age range, while its sister store The Icing aims for teens and young adults. Truth be told, I'm probably too old to be looking for something in either store, but whatever.

Anyway! There they were, hanging around near the front. Gummy bear bracelets, necklaces, and small plastic bags. I was instantly enamored. They're bright, colorful, and just so cute! How could anyone not love them?

I passed on the necklace because it was kind of awkward; the same amount of Gummy bears, strung evenly across the front. I don't think it's something that anyone over the age of 10 could pull off well. The bags didn't really get my attention either, because they just felt so cheaply made.

The red, orange, and yellow bears all seem to be extremely similar in color under low-lighting situations. But with a good amount of light you can definitely see the difference -- I just love the whole rainbow effect you get when the colors are ordered like that!

Sure, this bracelet isn't pure silver and gemstones but for the price (under $10) it's perfect. I wore it in celebration of all things whimsical when I went to see Alice in Wonderland (the 3-D version is amazing!) and got compliments on it left and right. I stopped in at Claire's again this past Friday, to see about picking one or two more up for friends. Not surprisingly, they had sold out of the bracelets. So you better hurry up and nab one before they're all gone! Gummy bears don't last forever, you know. ;)

Diversion: Leather Buckle Bracelets

Don't worry. I haven't jumped off the Juicy charm wagon or anything like that. I had some other stuff lined up that I wanted to talk about and now that I have some time (it's so good to see you again, Spring Break) I will!

I found these really cute little leather wrap bracelets at Target. I believe they're from the Hollywood Intuition line and run around $11 for a set of four. I only saw the one color scheme, but I'd be ecstatic if they came in a wider variety of colors.

These are very basic bracelets that can be mixed and matched to suit almost any outfit you have. The snap/buckle closure can be a little stiff but it's no big deal. The brown bracelet at the top is turned so you can see the snap and holes to adjust to your own size. I'd say that on the last snap these bracelets are easily 8", if not 8 1/2 - 9.

I really love the faux pearl detail all the way around. The blue and brown bracelets are especially stunning. I love to scour Target for all kinds of things, but jewelry isn't usually one of them. I was very pleasantly surprised to see these, and hope they come out with more.

A Juicy Exclusive

It isn't too often that Juicy produces pieces that are exclusive to their boutiques or website. It's even less often that they send out e-mails about it!

This is the only charm-related piece from their new exclusives.. other items include tracksuits and handbags, so you may want to check out all of their exclusives here.

I've never been wild about the engagement ring charms, despite my deep and undying love for diamonds. I won't be getting this bracelet but it's a really cute concept for those of you who are into the ring charms. The stone colors don't vary at all; they're all clear with the exception of one ring that has pearls. The cuts don't change much, either.. everything is pretty round. The band styles are somewhat similar, as well. The only really unique piece I see on the bracelet is the "flat" engagement ring on the right.

At $118 I would have expected a lot more detail and variety! The bracelet is available now at JuicyCouture.com.

Diversion: Open Heart Rope Bracelet

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

Diversion: Bow Bracelet

This popped up on the New Arrivals page at Neiman Marcus. I was intrigued, but to tell you the truth it looks better from far away (or, in this case, I guess smaller)

The colors -- or lack thereof -- are rather dull and the textures of the ribbon leave something to be desired. Still, I'm intrigued and wonder what this will look like in person and on the wrist.

Asking price is $78, which I find to be rather ridiculous. Even starter bracelets don't cost that much and have a more versatile purpose. If I do end up liking this when I see it in person I'll be searching for it at a sizable discount.

Diversion: Garden Party Ring

If you're new to the world of Juicy, you might not know what a feat it was to get your hands on a piece from the Garden Party line last year. My sweet friend Lulu shares my pain, as several e-mails flew back and forth between us whenever we found the pieces online. Even as they were being sold in stores, pieces on eBay were going for twice the MSRP! I passed on the bracelet, which I occasionally regret, but did grab the ring when it was available on the Neiman Marcus website.

Even though this ring is HUGE and busy, I really do love it. It reminds me of the flower scenes in Alice in Wonderland, where the area is packed with color and cheer (well, up until a certain point anyway). I especially love the one lone pearl thrown in at the bottom - you would think that it would seem out of place but it fits in smoothly with the white coloring that takes up a big portion of the ring.

My only complaint about this ring is that it's so chunky and flashy that it's definitely not an everyday ring. You really need to have a coordinating outfit or look to wear it, otherwise it appears really out of place. Unless you have the matching bracelet, you also will want to avoid other jewelry when you've got this on, or risk looking too accessorized (yes, I believe there is such a thing!).

I do have bad news for you if you're hunting for this ring: the average price on eBay hovers consistently in the $130 range. Unfortunately there's really no chance of finding this at outlets, since it sold out almost immediately when it was brand new.

Price: 88.00
Box: Pink/Brown
Code: YJRU1859

Diversion: Open-Heart Rope Bracelet

I have something to confess: I'm not exclusive to Juicy charms. Some of you are, many of us aren't and I have a great love for most of Juicy's merchandise, despite how frilly and high-maintenance their stuff can feel some times. I digress.

This bracelet is going on my summer list of "musts" for several reasons. One? Pink. Two? Heart! Three? Well, just look at it. It also comes in white, and I think they'd both make a sweet little bonus detail for any outfit and any occasion. The heart also happens to match a pearl necklace that I just received, so that may have something to do with my fanfare. I'm also excited about the simplicity of the detail - no little baubles and beads hanging off the rope, and the rope itself is quite orderly (which I so appreciate). The price ($35) is reasonable enough that I may just have to get it in both colors.

What do you think?