It’s the perfect length for layering with other necklaces and has no clasp to fuss with - you just slip it on over your head and walk out the door!
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Chain necklaces are my go-to because of their simplicity. They look amazing with almost any other necklace!
I’ve found that combining my delicate necklaces can actually make the details in each one stand out more than if they were worn by themselves.
Mixing necklaces of different colors, shapes, and sizes can be a ton of fun!
Sometimes I even like to layer multiple statement pieces. I suggest keeping your other jewelry minimal if you decide to do this, but that’s just me. You do what feels best for you!
How do you like to layer your necklaces? I’d love to see! Tag @heyrosakilgore on Facebook or Instagram.
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We challenge you. Don’t wait for life to happen to you. Celebrate the small things and start living every day as if it were the most special day you will ever experience.
Use your great grandma’s china for every meal, burn the expensive candles, and pop open that bottle of aged wine. What are you saving it for? Wear your finest jewelry while you're out getting coffee and stop saving it for a “special occasion”. Today is that special occasion.
This is one of the reasons why creating jewelry is our passion. We want you to have pieces that you love. Pieces that you can effortlessly wear every day and pass down to future generations as a reminder that every day is special.
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But it didn't happen right away. Growing up here, it didn't feel quite as magical to me as it does now. But after living in several other states and even another country, my heart was undeniably drawn back to this place.
Much of my childhood was spent in my grandparents’ trading posts in the heart of Navajo and Hopi country. I remember seeing the older Native women and falling in love with the way they freely expressed themselves through their jewelry.
Many of them wore vintage silver and turquoise pieces with a texture that, when combined with their velvet blouses and skirts, represented the heart of their culture in an artful and glamorous way. The confidence that radiated from these women inspires me to express myself, and to create designs that help you do the same.
My grandmother, Margaret Kilgore (left) with Navajo artist Mary Beshlakaii, was a Native American art dealer.
Pictured below is her trading post that will always hold a special place in my heart.
I feel honored to wear heirloom pieces that have been passed down through generations of strong, creative women. They inspire me to stay true to myself and tell my story to the world.
My mom (what a babe), a full time sculptor and painter - rocking her old Navajo bracelet - which has now been passed down to me as an heirloom. This piece is so inspiring, and I just love the way our jewelry designs compliment old favorites.
My pop, John Farnsworth, a full time southwestern painter of over 50 years, has been cool for a really long time. Look at that great concho belt, which he still has by the way!
Growing up in the open deserts of the Southwest, in a family full of passionate and enthusiastic artists, collectors, and dealers, gave me a deep appreciation for self expression and timeless beauty. John and I have blended these influences into our own style and use them to design modern pieces that feel like old favorites.
]]>The first thing that caught my eye was this cute, roadside honey stand.
Located in one of the oldest buildings in town, they sell some of the best raw honey and also have jam, salsa, and butter!
If you drive to Pine in the morning, The Randall House is a great place to stop for Breakfast. They have some amazing, blueberry multigrain pancakes and a wide variety of drinks that you can order for there or to go. Summer is the best time to visit so you can enjoy eating on the peaceful patio.
Hungry later in the day? I highly recommend checking out Old County Inn! They have delicious woodfire pizzas and the most amazing green chile beer cheese dip. While you're waiting for your table you can order drinks from the taproom and play cornhole, or just sit and enjoy the view.
The Pine/Strawberry Farmers Market currently happens on Fridays and Saturdays and is definitely worth the stop! It's always fun to see what products are available.
And of course, you can't spend time in Pine without visiting the lavender farm! It's absolutely beautiful and worth your time. They even have a cute store where you can buy all kinds of lavender products - even a lavender cappuccino mix!
So, are you ready to hit the road and embrace your southwest spirit? On your way to Pine, stop by Rosa’s jewelry shop in Payson, AZ to get all the southwestern jewelry you need!
]]>The town and surrounding areas are full of hidden gems, but I made a list of my top 5 things to do in Payson, so whether you're visiting for a few days or just passing through, you can make the most of your experience.
1. Duza's Kitchen. Located on Main St., this is my absolute favorite place to go for brunch! They use locally sourced ingredients to make the most creative and tasty meals, and their coffee and mimosas are delicious as well. They have beautiful, cozy decor and a pet-friendly patio - which is always a plus!
2. Main St is full of thrift stores and fun shops, all in walking distance of each other. My personal favorite is the Main St Mercantile. They are a real antiques store with some really cool furniture and southwestern items. My most recent find there were some beautiful Navajo rugs.
3. Cypress/BouldersTrail. Only a 10-minute drive from Main St, this is a 5-mile, pet-friendly loop and fun way to get outside without taking up the whole day! There are actually a few different hiking and mountain bike trails at this location.
4. The Rim Country Museum and Zayne Grey Cabin are side by side and so interesting to visit! They have a cute gift shop and are located right next to Green Valley Park walking trail.
5. Common Grounds Coffee House is the perfect place to relax or get coffee to go. They have cozy indoor seating, a pet-friendly patio, and a walkup window! Their coffee beans are locally roasted, and they offer a wide range of drink options -including kid's drinks and Italian sodas (my personal favorite!).
Bonus
While you're in town, come visit Rosa's and shop for genuine, southwestern jewelry. My brand new, by appointment only shop is only a few minutes away from each of my top 5 things to do in Payson. Just make sure to text ahead to schedule your visit! 928-421-1102
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These cutie pie, cross earrings are wardrobe essentials and will inspire you to stay true to your style and show the world who you really are - all day, every day.
They feature a rugged hand-hammered texture inspired by the wild mountains of the southwest. The feminine crosses are sweet and lightweight so that you can express every side of your personality and not be confined to fit a style stereotype.
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These earrings are available in two different metals - ancient bronze or sterling silver. Both are metals that blend with the southwestern deserts and will make you feel connected to their enchanting beauty.
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They can be mixed and matched with earrings of all shapes and sizes and worn with every outfit you own. They really will become the pair that you wear "All Day, Every Day."
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Each piece is designed to go with all of your favorite outfits, so you can wear them year-round, regardless of the weather. Need some inspiration? Here are some different ways that I like to style my favorite pieces during the different seasons.
One piece that I like to wear every day is this simple cuff bracelet:
In the cooler months, I like to wear one bracelet by itself. This adds to my longer sleeve outfits without taking over and becoming too much. In the warmer months when more of my arm is exposed, I like to layer my bracelets to create a more eye-catching look. Sometimes I'll have fun and mix metals to make the bracelets really stand out.
Another one of my go-to pieces is this southwestern rosary-style necklace: The freshwater pearls look so refreshing with lighter, summer clothes, and at the same time, add a nice pop of color under my favorite jackets.
These are just two of the pieces that I like to wear year-round. What about you? I'd love to see how you style your Rosa Kilgore jewelry for the different seasons! You can send an email to me at contact@rosakilgore.com or inspire others by leaving a photo review on my website and receive a code for 15% off your next order!
]]>Rustic, gold-tone jewelry does an excellent job of capturing the beauty of the southwest. It’s both rugged and enchanting, but unfortunately, it can be difficult to find. Unlike sterling silver, from gold to gold fill, there simply aren’t as many options to be found.
Traditionally, when you think of southwestern jewelry, sterling silver has been the go-to. Most Fred Harvey era jewelry is made with sterling silver and American turquoise. Likewise, nearly all old pawn jewelry that you’ll find, from Navajo to Zuni to Hopi are primarily made with sterling silver or fine silver. Occasionally you’ll find a piece of Native American jewelry made with 14k gold, or even 18k gold. But this is the exception rather than the rule. Legends like Charles Loloma and (my darling uncle) Jesse Monongya have created stunning masterpieces with high karat gold and semi precious stones like coral, lapis lazuli, opal and more. But again, these are the exception.
While I love sterling silver, and would probably have to say that it’s my personal favorite, many women simply look better in gold tones. And the richness of Kingman turquoise set in gold toned ancient bronze is so delicious and unusual.
The higher copper content of ancient bronze gives it a lovely and subtle rose gold tone. I love the way that the varying blues and greens of Kingman turquoise, in particular, are set off by the unusual pairing with ancient bronze. Combine that with our signature freshwater pearls or faceted pyrite or other semi-precious stones and it’s a look you just can’t find anywhere else.
Because all of our lapidary, or stone cutting, is done in-house by John, we are able to then choose whether each stone will be wrapped in sterling silver or ancient bronze. Every Heritage piece is designed for the specific stone. Every aspect of the creation, from choosing and cutting the rough turquoise (or sometimes petrified wood or Arizona black jade) to creating the setting in wax and then casting it in sterling silver or ancient bronze, to setting the stone and stringing the necklace, is done by us, for you.
Mixed metals are another great way to create a stand out style. Mixing and matching sterling silver and ancient bronze frees you to wear different pieces together. I think mixing metals is glamorous and shows confidence in your style.
Rosa Kilgore is modern jewelry for your southwest soul, and for some of you, that means gold and turquoise jewelry. We all have our favorites and nobody likes to feel confined. You deserve the freedom to wear what you want. That’s why we make jewelry using Ancient Bronze. I want you to have an option for rustic, gold-tone jewelry that stands out - jewelry that blends with the earth and connects you to the wild beauty of the southwest.
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Sizing your cuff bracelet is easy! Give it a gentle squeeze to make it smaller or slowly pull it open to make it larger. The gap of the cuff should be able to fit over the narrowest part of your forearm. Gentleness is key!
Now that the gap fits over the narrowest part of your wrist, follow these steps when putting on/removing your cuff so you don’t have to resize it every time you wear it.
It’s that easy! If you follow these instructions and are gentle when resizing your bracelet, it will be a piece that you can enjoy for years, and one that you can pass down to future generations!
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Mix and match Rosa Kilgore jewelry to create a look that’s truly your own. Be the woman who gets noticed and recognized for her individual style.
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Whenever I hear this song I can’t help but think of the beautiful monsoon rains that we get here in the southwest. During the late summer, out of nowhere, dark clouds will roll in, covering the sun and turning the scorching air into a comforting warmth. Then, just as suddenly as they appear, the rain and clouds vanish, leaving behind an earthy, fresh scent and puddles of water as the only clues of their brief presence.
Monsoon season brings new life to the desert mountains that we call home. The land turns from a barren brown to a vibrant green. Snails appear, worms emerge from the damp ground, and birds sing and chirp with excitement.
My happy place is sitting on the porch with my sweetheart, soaking up the warmth while watching the lightning off in the distance. Then, as the clouds move closer, moving indoors and listening to the bold rumbling of the thunder and the heavy drops of rain falling on our old tin roof.
These summer storms are one of the many reasons that my heart belongs to the southwest.
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Your jewelry is more than something pretty to wear - it's a way to tell your story and show the world your own true spirit.
Rosa Kilgore jewelry is designed for women who are bold enough to break free from the crowd - the kind of women who don't feel compelled to follow trends, because they know and love their own style.
]]>If you make sure to keep these 9 essential pieces in your jewelry collection, you'll never find yourself lacking that "perfect piece".
1. Hoop Earrings. Hoop earrings are a chic way to frame your face and I love that they come in all styles and sizes! They can be bold or dainty, feminine or edgy, classic or unique. Hoops go with everything and it's easy to find a pair that shows who YOU are.
2. A Strand of Pearls. Elegant and feminine, pearls are a great way to turn any outfit into an eye-catcher without going too far. There's no need to stick with the traditional look though - find a strand of pearls that reflects your own unique style!
3. A Long Chain Necklace. Chain necklaces are great because you can use them to create several different looks. Their length and simplicity make them easy to layer with shorter necklaces, but they also look great on their own when you're going for a more subtle vibe.
4. Post Earrings. Do you ever have an outfit that seems like it's missing something but everything you add seems to be too much? Post earrings may be what you're looking for. They're simple and barely noticeable but do wonders in tying an outfit together.
5. Cocktail Ring. Cocktail rings are oversized rings designed to make a statement. They are bold and eye-catching, and one of the easiest ways to show the world your own true spirit. Perfect for a night out or all day, every day!
6. Simple Bracelets. Bracelets are are the perfect finishing touch to any outfit! I suggest finding a simple bracelet that you love. One that can be your "go-to" so you can effortlessly create a look you feel your best in.
7. A Statement Necklace. Statement necklaces are so much fun! They don't have to be huge if that's not your style, but you should have at least one necklace that really stands out. It will make any outfit look stylish and is perfect for days when you need something effortless.
8. Statement Earrings. Just like statement necklaces, statement earrings are an effortless way to look amazing! They come in all shapes and sizes and are a great way to turn a simple outfit into one that expresses your true style.
9. Something FUN. In my opinion, this is the most important piece you can own! Something that may not be practical or go with everything, but something YOU LOVE. A piece that makes you feel happy and true to yourself. This is when you'll feel most confident and look your best!
]]>See how Collector and painter Carrie Clayden shows her true spirit with this rosary style southwestern cross necklace.
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1. Add a piece (or pieces) of jewelry to your cart by clicking on the "add to cart" button at the bottom of the product description.
2. Click on the "cart" button at the top of the page.
3. Review the items in your cart and then click on the "check out" button at the bottom of the page.
4. Enter your discount in the box that says, "Gift card or discount code" (located on the right side of the page.)
5. Click the "Apply" button.
That's it! If a valid discount code was entered, you will see the discount reflected in your total. All that's left to do is complete the rest of the checkout process!
]]>The November gift guide features items handmade by local artists - my jewelry included!
I thought it would be fitting to use my prickly pear rosary and earrings. ( shown below on the far right.) I made them using sparkling pyrite and sterling silver!
I'm grateful for the opportunity to use my jewelry to represent the state that I love so much. I truly enjoy designing and making jewelry, and I had a ton of fun making these pieces for Arizona Highways!
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Necklace extenders give you the freedom to add length to almost any necklace - allowing you to layer your necklaces without them being too close or too far apart. They also make it easy to wear your favorite pieces with any neckline.
I now offer two sizes of removable extenders that can be worn with most necklaces. Click here to check them out!
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Rosa Kilgore jewelry is a shared passion with my sweetheart and husband, multi-talented artist John Mettier. We started working together in 2019 and wouldn't have it any other way.
If we're not on a road trip, my sweetheart and I are likely to be found in our historic home beneath the breathtaking Mogollon Rim, where we spend most of our time creating in the studio or hiking in the forest.
When he’s not in the studio or exploring the forest, Dude is often creating something delicious in the kitchen. When I say Dude, I'm of course referring to my husband and best friend, John Mettier.
Dude has been an artist his whole life, always inspired by working with his hands. He grew up on the Central Coast of California, and thankfully relocated to Arizona where we met in 2011. With a background in carpentry and tile contracting, there's nothing he can't build or fix.
Possessing an eye for the arts, he's got a natural gift for working with wax and metals. The first piece of jewelry he ever made was a skull ring, carved out of wax, then cast into sterling silver. Thanks to my background, I already knew how to cast and had some of the equipment, the rest we purchased - some new and some used. His skills have only grown from there.
Excitingly, Dude became a lapidary artist beginning in 2019. That development was the catalyst for our ongoing collaborative collection, Heritage. By combining our talents and embracing our love for timeless jewelry, the Heritage collection has become one of our most beloved collections.
Living and working together is a dream come true! I wouldn't want to spend my time any other way.
You can find Dude on Instagram here and Facebook here.
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Silver is a metal that oxidizes when exposed to air and humidity, even reacting to certain compounds like sulfur (found in mayonnaise, hard boiled eggs, rubber bands and hot springs if you’re lucky!)
So if you leave your silver piece hanging on a jewelry holder, or out on your vanity exposed to the elements of your home, there’s a good chance you’ll have to polish that piece at some point. It’s just nature doing its thing!
Silver jewelry can easily be reverted back to its original glory with a simple polishing cloth. That’s why with every jewelry order, I include one (the same exact kind that I use!)
Polishing your jewelry helps you pause, breathe, and act with intention - encouraging slow living and thoughtful actions.
Before and after shot of these silver earrings: the earring on the left is still tarnished, while the earring on the right is post-polish.
Here are the earrings after they're both polished! I love keeping a little patina for the texture and dimension.
Question: Should I use a silver cleaning solution?
Answer: It’s a free country, but I don’t recommend any using cleaning solutions on Rosa Kilgore jewelry. Those kind of solutions are *not* formulated for gemstones like turquoise, pearls, and lapis lazuli, which are often featured in my jewelry. Plus, I purposely add a little patina and texture to my silver pieces. Dipping the entire piece into a cleaning solution removes the southwest antique look.
Question: What’s the best way to store jewelry to avoid tarnishing?
Answer: Plastic or cloth baggies! The more airtight, the better. It’s not the most Pinterest-friendly answer, but it works. When I’m traveling with my jewelry or setting up a pop up, I have loads of baggies within bags.
Question: I barely wore this silver piece before it tarnished, what gives?
Answer: The more you handle + wear a sterling silver piece, getting your oils/sweat on it, the shinier the silver will be! Weird right?
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Sterling silver is a beautiful, ever changing compound that I LOVE working with. Polishing my pieces is a fabulous ritual that helps me get to know my jewelry better + practice gratitude for the pieces I own and love.
]]>Every order from Rosa Kilgore Jewelry arrives ready for gifting, with care instructions and a polishing cloth so they can enjoy the jewelry for years to come.
Customer testimonial:
Every purchase from Rosa Kilgore Jewelry is backed by 14-day return policy!
Shop with confidence knowing that they can easily return any piece of jewelry from me. I try to make the process as easy + simple as possible.
I am happy to offer refunds and exchanges - you just have to pay for the return postage!
Your options are:
A) send it back to me for a full refund
B) send it back to me to exchange it for different piece currently in my store (and pay any difference)
C) send it back in exchange for online store credit to be used at a later date - like a gift card! I am frequently updating my site with new pieces, so you never know what's around the corner.
TO SEND IT BACK:
Shoot me a message on Facebook, or send me an email letting me know that you're interested in returning or exchanging.
Package up the jewelry securely, and take it to your local post office or mailing station for the most accurate postage.
Remember - it must be within 14 days from when the item was delivered and the jewelry must be in the original condition.
Make sure they get exactly what they want! Give the gift of handmade jewelry, crafted and packaged with care in Flagstaff, Arizona.
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"Ever since I was a child, I've been drawn to fashion and the decorative arts -- furniture, textiles and jewelry, in particular," explained Ley. "Though I've never had skills as an artist myself, I have great reverence for creative people, especially those whose creativity is inspired by the land and history in which they live."
These passions led her to earn a degree in art history. Her first position was with the Los Angeles County Museum of Art in the Decorative Arts department, then she worked with the Museum of Decorative & Propaganda Arts in Miami.
From 1992-2002, she lived a romantic life in Vicenza, Italy working as a translator and copywriter for the gold jewelry industry (and exploring any artisan bottega she could find).
After moving back to the US after her adventures abroad, Sandra earned a Master's in Library & Information Science, circling back to her passions and accepting a position as an academic Fashion & Visual Arts Librarian. Her new location? Tucson, Arizona. And she didn't know what to think.
"I thought this dry, dusty place was the end everything that was beautiful about my life in Italy. It took a while for me to stop feeling sorry for myself, until I finally set out to discover the beauty of the Southwest," said Ley. "And did I ever!"
After spending time in this beautiful part of the world, Sandra Ley discovered the vibrant, cultural wellspring that is the southwest United States. The colors, textures, fashion, history, cuisine, and biodiversity spoke to her and became an unexpected source of inspiration.
Ley, the ever-evolving cultural librarian and fashion academic, started a blog named Wilder Southwest, the "grown up guide" to southwest life and style.
"The Southwest aesthetic, at its best, reflects an indomitable spirit — a wild, rugged, sparse beauty. Seeking out what is still wild in the Southwest, and the creativity she has inspired, have become something of an obsession for me," explained Ley. "Wilder Southwest my way to share everything beautiful I've found with the whole world -- Fashion, jewelry, travel, cuisine, shopping, interior design, film, music and literature. And I'm only getting started!"
I highly recommend keeping up with this awesome blog - Sandra Ley is a fabulous writer, photographer, and is so talented at capturing the desert's magic! Last year she was kind enough to spotlight Rosa Kilgore Jewelry.
Check out her blog HERE and follow her gorgeous Instagram HERE!
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The Heritage Collection is an evolving, collaborative collection crafted by me, with my husband, John Mettier. Featuring bold pieces of turquoise, lapis lazuli, coral, sterling silver + ancient bronze, this collection reflects our western roots and blended artistic perspective.
I'm so lucky that I share a passion for metalsmithing with John. He began working with metal in 2014, concentrating on rugged sterling silver rings. More recently, he has expanded his skill set to include lapidary, or stone cutting. Now, he works almost exclusively with locally sourced stones, including petrified wood, Arizona black jade and turquoise from Kingman.
Both of us find so much fulfillment working with our hands: carving, hammering, smoothing, polishing. Our shared studio space in Payson, AZ is a never-ending source of inspiration + peace.
In 2019, we finally melded our two southwest styles to create the first Heritage Collection. John handles the lapidary work: cuts, smoothes, and polishes. Then we place the stone in a beautiful setting so it can be worn with confidence and become part of someone's personal story.
Blending my love for textured metals and John's love for stunning stone work, we find harmony between masculine / feminine + gritty / graceful. Now, I don't know where his influence starts and where mine begins!
To us, the southwest is one of the most romantic places out there. The ever-evolving Heritage Collection is a product of the love we share for the wild,wild west, our home.
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Your jewelry is much more than something pretty to wear - it’s a way to tell your unique story and show the world your own true spirit. When you decide to purchase Rosa Kilgore Jewelry, it’s a BIG DEAL.
It means that you care about handmade, timeless jewelry that says, "I'm not here to follow the crowd." Authentic jewelry that expresses who you are and can be passed down to future generations.
We are honored when people purchase our work. It's why we care so much about how it arrives when you place an order!
Each order arrives ready to gift in eye-catching, black packaging. We include care and cleaning instructions as well a polishing cloth, so that you can keep your jewelry looking brand new for years to come!
Cheers to stepping into your voice + building a collection that reflects your unique perspective.
xo,
Rosa
Meet the southwest sweethearts with impeccable style + artisan accessories: Chad Isham and Zuzanna Isham. They live + create on a 100 year old farmhouse in Texas; crafting gorgeous garments, bags, and reviving beautiful vintage pieces.
Chad is an artist specializing in leatherwork, while Slavic-born Zuzanna is the resident fashionista + writer/editor.
I'm pretty much obsessed with everything they post + all their products (I drool over the Chiapas bag especially) - their online shop is a curated mix of vintage clothing, antiques, and fresh takes on southwest fashion.
If you like the wild wild west - you should definitely follow these two! Who do you follow on social media that inspires you? Send me a message and let me know!
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]]>There are so many reasons to get outdoors in these months, but often the weather can be fickle. The easiest solution? Layers!
Grab a fuzzy vest to add volume and texture to your look - plus it's perfect for adding a new element to older outfits.
Springtime is basically denim jacket season! I love the indigo color of denim, it's ideal for adding a little color while staying neutral. You really can't go wrong with a quality jean jacket and chic jewelry.
Another springtime must-have: a scarf. I enjoy big scarves that can almost double as a blanket if needed. Plus, if you're feeling like an outfit is a little lackluster, pop on an interesting scarf and call it good!
I'm also a big proponent of layering jewelry too! My charm necklaces are perfect for mixing + matching.
Other spring time must-haves: SUNGLASSES! There are so many fun frames to try out and express your style.
The springtime wind can be wild! I always carry lip moisturizer with me + I love using badger balm for keeping my hands soft. Oh - and it's worthwhile to have a cute hat to help with windswept hair!
As for jewelry, every woman NEEDS some fun, flirty hoop earrings in their arsenal, especially as we're approaching the season of sundresses and flowing blouses.
These are some of my favorites - what about you? Let me know some of your springtime must-haves on Instagram or Facebook!
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