Top Pearl Posts of 2011. Did You Miss Any?

I started this blog in April. Since then I have published 150 posts which I can't believe. I decided to see which were my top PEARL posts for the year by pageviews. Here they are (click on the link):

Top 11 #Pearl Posts

11. Pearls and Polo

 

10. I Love To Stack

 

9. P&P Please Do: Sanaa Lathan

8. Midday Moscato: ATL FAB Perla Tisha Deshields

7. Pearls for Mother's Day- Gifts under $100 

 

6. Yeah, Men Can Wear Pearls Too- Pearls for Father's Day

5. Liv and Kelly in Pearls

 

4. My New Pearls from the Bombshell Boutique
It's crazy to see those pics and how much my hair has grown since then. That was my last big cut- 100% natural now! It wasn't hard to do the cut but being patient for my hair to get back to the length it was (midback) wow- its TORTURE!

3. Chanel Iman Wears Pearls

 

2. Midday Moscato: Raven Symone- P&P Please Do or Don't??

1. Be Inspired- The Evolution of the Pearl

Here's to shining in 2012!

Did you see these?

Top Polish Posts for 2011
Need Some Motivation for 2012
P&P's Top Polish Picks for 2011


See you next year!...Besos, P&P.

Wrist Candy

I am always on the hunt for different types of pearl jewelry. I must admit that I have so much of the expected that I was getting a bit bored of pearls (horrors, I know). That has really been the reason that my pearl posts have been few and far between.

I came across these two bracelets which have re-ignited my spark for pearls.

This is a bracelet made from rare freshwater Keishi pearls. Keep in mind, perlas, that you don't always have to stick to the usual round or semi round pearls. Different- I like.

Source: Bijouler.com

Pearls and Polo

This post is going to be short and sweet. The fact that I love pearls goes without saying.  I happen to currently be obsessed with this photo...

Chanel Iman Wears Pearls

I came across some great shots of model Chanel Iman rocking pearls.

I love this pic! The two strand black pearls look fabulous with the fuchsia belted jacket. The drop earrings add just enough not to take away from the hat. (You betta rock that hat, girl!)...and we cannot forget the GLOVES! Sexy!

DP #43: Real Talk from Drew Barrymore

God knows Drew Barrymore has been through a lot in her life. She has experienced trials and tribulations right along with success from a very young age. This may not be the most lady-like quote in the world but I like Drew. And I understand where she's coming from...

Liv and Kelly in Pearls

I absolutely love to see celebrities rock pearls. Honestly, it's not often that you see celebs that are on the younger side wear pearls unless you see them in pics going to a funeral. I came across a few great photos of Liv Tyler and Kelly Rowland wearing pearls.

Liv's photo is gorgeous even though it was obviously staged for a photo. The multi-strand choker and the bracelet stack are beautiful. Definitely takes me back to Audrey Hepburn....(and what about her eyelashes OMG!)

DP #41: Great Excerpt from "White Oleander" on Pearls

"The pearls weren’t really white, they were a warm oyster beige, with little knots in between so if they broke, you only lost one. I wished my life could be like that. Knotted up so that even if something broke, the whole thing wouldn’t come apart."

-Excerpt from "White Oleander" by Janet Fitch

Choosing the Right Pearl Necklace Length

This requires a video...

And this is a pic of my new bracelet that you see in the video:

CUTE, right!!...Besos, P&P.

Yeah, Men Can Wear Pearls Too- Pearls for Father's Day

I must admit, I never put any thought to it- the idea of men wearing pearls.  I, honestly, don't think I have every seen a guy with pearls on.  Have you?  But as Father's Day is fast approaching, I started to think of an appropriate post for the blog.  Since the Mother's Day posts (click here or here) were so popular, I decided to do a search on pearls for men. 

Surprisingly enough, I did come up with a few options that I think my husband would actually wear. 

Pearl Picks from The Bombshell Boutique

I've been racking my brain trying to figure out how I came across The Bombshell Boutique (or how she found me) but I can't remember for the life of me. Anyway, this online store has some really hot faux pearl pieces that are reasonably priced- with FREE shipping, I might add. Here are a few pieces that I thought you might want to see.

For those of you who have been reading my blog since the beginning, you know that I LOVE pearls and gold (click here to see post). Check this out!

Hot, right???...Or this three strand set...

She has a lot of options...

And this is Shelly, she's the owner- you betta rock your pearls, lady!!

The Bombshell Boutique also sells maxi dresses, handbags and all types of other jewelry and accessories. Really cute stuff, ladies! Click here to check her out!...Besos, P&P.

My Pearl Picks (and Pics) for Today

So today was my mom's birthday. Yep, just four days after mine. We went to Kiku at Camp Creek (my daughter's choice) for dinner. I had on dark jeans with a dressy cream-colored silk tank. Of course, I had to accessorize with some pearls. 

I wore my old school, clip-on (yes, I said clip-on) pearl earrings. I love them! They actually used to be my mother's. I always feel so lady-like with these earrings on- mostly because they have clips (so freakin' old school fly to me). I don't know why but these earrings just exude class to me. They have a vintage, classic feel to them. Check 'em out.

Of course, I wanted to rock some pearl bracelets with my outfit. I actually had a stack of bracelets that went perfectly with my silk shirt. I love to wear pearl bracelets stacked on top of each other to make a real statement. In fact, I have them in pink pearl, black and white pearl, white pearl, and more. I LOVE to stack. These particular bracelets are a combination of faux pearls and crystals. What do you think? Perfect match, right??

Did you wear any pearls today?...Besos, P&P.

Sally Hansen "Salon Effects" and My New Ring

Hi perlas! I hope you are all having a fabulous and relaxing Memorial Day. If you saw my video from last week, you know that I purchased Sally Hansen's Salon Effects at CVS. For those of you who don't know, those are the nail polish strips that you stick onto your nails. Check out my video review...and my new two-finger pearl ring (yay!)

Here are some photos of my nails with the Salon Effects in Laced Up:

 And here is a pic of my new fab ring from Macy's- it makes me smile (teehee).

 ...Besos, P&P.

Daily Pearl #26: JLo on Beauty

“Beauty is only skin deep. I think what's really important is finding a balance of mind, body and spirit. Somebody said to me not too long ago, 'Until you're twenty, you have the face you are born with, and after that you have the face you deserve', and I really loved that - the idea that you wear who you are on your face.”

- Jennifer Lopez

Do you see the EARRINGS???? OMG! Don't worry, I'm trying to find them so we can have a pair also...at least something similar LOL...Besos, P&P.

Midday Moscato: Mastoloni Pearls

Lawd have mercy!!! These stopped me dead in my tracks when I stumbled upon them. These earrings are so hard and hot at the same time, its ridiculous!.. Power and Poise. Strong and Sexy. I see all of that in these earrings....Hint, hint. If you know my husband, please direct him to this post. (No, he doesn't read my blog...It's probably for the best considering all of the nail polish LOL.)

Anyway, look at these earrings from Mastoloni Pearls new releases:

I just shake my head when I look at them... Damn, those are fly... I must have them!!

They even have a pendant to go with it so your neck can be just as fabulous as your ears...

So who is Mastoloni Pearls? Well, for more than 80 years and three generations, Mastoloni Pearls has been the leading American importer and manufacturer of fine quality cultured pearl jewelry and necklaces. Mastoloni Pearls specializes in the exquisite Akoya and freshwater cultured pearls from both Japan and China and also offers the exotic beauty of South Sea and Tahitian pearls.They are only available at select retailers. Click here to find out where you can find them near you.

What do you think???...It's a definite P&P Must Have for me...Besos, P&P.

Pearl Parade

Yay! I got some new pearl pieces and wanted to share them with you. 

The first one is a two strand freshwater pearl necklace. This is the princess length at 18in (a princess length can also be 17in). This length sits at or right below the collarbone. I already had a single strand princess but wanted a two strand classic to add to my collection. This length has great versatility and is well suited for a variety of women's attire from v-neck shirts to button down blouses to tank tops. Check it out!

 

 And I also got a new pair of dangle pearl earrings. What I really love about these is that the pearls are a great size. They don't get lost in the hair- you can see these earrings! The pearls are about 9mm. So elegant and simple!

Great staples for the collection, don't you think?

...Besos, P&P.

Pearls for Mother's Day- Gifts under $100

Mother's Day is in less than two weeks. I wanted to provide you with some pearl gift ideas for your mother, grandmother, aunt or for you to send to whomever is responsible for getting you a gift LOL.

All of these options are under $100 and are real pearls.

EARRINGS

Pearlsofjoy.com is having an awesome sale for Mother's Day. If earrings are what you are looking for, don't look any further. They have a great selection of freshwater pearl earrings in black, white, pink/peach and lavender in a variety of sizes. These prices are for AA grade which is a decent grade (found in most department stores- nothing wrong with AA) but not one that you would find in a fine jewelry store. In addition, the pearls may not be perfectly round at this grade. I have included the price to upgrade to AAA and, in most cases, it is inexpensive.

 White in 6.0-7mm  $46.75 (Add $5 to upgrade to AAA)

 Black in 7.0-8mm  $50.15 (Add $10 to upgrade to AAA)

 Lavender in 8.0-9mm  $58.65 (Add $10 to upgrade to AAA)

 Pink/Peach in 9.5-10mm  $72.25 (Add $69 to upgrade to AAA)

 BRACELETS

I found a freshwater bracelet, 6.5-7mm, AAA quality at www.premiumpearl.com for $90. The bracelet is 7in. This is a great price for a bracelet with AAA quality which means the pearls will be round and it will have high luster/shine. It is available in white.

Pearls of Joy also has a variety of AA freshwater pearl bracelets in black, white, multi-color, pink/peach and lavender. The cost depends on the size of the pearls themselves. .

They have two sizes under $100:
1) 6.0-7mm- $63.65, add $34 to upgrade to AAA or
2) 7.0-8mm- $84.15, add $39 to upgrade to AAA


NECKLACES
Laguna Pearl has a 7-8mm white freshwater pearl necklace on clearance for $99! It is 17" long and AA grade. This length typically falls right about the collarbone and is great for v-neck shirts and button-down blouses. You can find it here.

PENDANT

I also found this beautiful pendant at www.premiumpearl.com. This would be a fabulous gift!  It is a Japanese Akoya cultured pearl, 7.0-7.5mm, AAA grade (excellent quality) with 14k white gold mounting. This pendant has super luster and shine! The sale price is $90. Unfortunately, you will have to buy the chain separately...

As always, it is my goal to provide quality yet affordable options to mis perlas. Every woman should have pearls and it doesn't have to cost a million dollars to build up your collection. Stay tuned for my next post- "More Pearls for Mother's Day- Gifts under $250," for those who want to step it up a notch...Besos, P&P.

Midday Moscato: ATL FAB PERLA Tisha DeShields

So I was perusing Facebook and ran across some fabulous photos of Ms. Tisha DeShields wearing some beautiful pearls. If you don't know her, she is a phenomenal woman, mother and entrepreneur. She is the Founder and Creator of an awesome company called Original Belly Works which sells belly casting kits for expectant mothers. Isn't that a phenomenal product? Original Belly Work kits can be ordered to create a lifelike mold of an expectant mom's chest and belly. And you can decorate it with flowers, paint it, whatever, to create a work of art that can last a lifetime. Please go to her website for more information- www.originalbellyworks.com.

Ok but back to the FAB PERLA Tisha, check out these pics of this smart, beautiful and powerful woman rocking her pearls:

Doesn't she look gorgeous?! Check out the multi-strand pearl necklace and double strands on her wrist. Perfect!

My fav pic! Work it!...Love the drop pearl earrings! 

Beautiful!

I love, love, love the large stud with the multistrand!

Just wanted to feature a FAB PERLA doing phenomenal things while wearing her pearls. Get it, Tisha!...Besos, P&P.

***Do you know a FAB PERLA who should be featured during "Midday Moscato?" Is she a phenomenal women rocking her pearls and polish? Please send a few pics and a quick blurb on who they are, where they live and what they do to gotpearlsandpolish@gmail.com.***

Something Round For Easter? And I Don't Mean Eggs!

Easter is fast approaching this Sunday. It really crept up on me actually. Now that I think about it, it crept up on me last year as well. I need to get on my Easter game!!...Anyway, I know many perlas are preparing for church and big family dinners while outfitting their little girls with new fabulously feminine Easter dresses. Well, pearls are the perfect complement to any Easter ensemble for little girls.


It is never too early to start your perlita's collection. So instead of a basket full of eggs and candy (can you say boring?), why not celebrate with pearls? I have pulled together a selection of affordable yet quality children's jewelry for you to consider for the little princess in your life...Please keep in mind that my blog is not sponsored by any company so any recommendations that I make are my own. These are items that I would personally purchase for the little girls in my life (Shout out to mis perlitas, Summer and Amara).

Any perlita's collection should start with a simple pair of earrings- just some classic studs. I found two very affordable options at www.myprettypearls.com- both for $25. The first is a white AAA cultured Akoya saltwater pearl stud that is 4mm. The second option is a white AAA cultured freshwater pearl stud that is a little bit larger at 4.5mm. The Akoya saltwater pearl is the better quality pearl so if the difference in size does not matter to you, I would go with that one.

Or what about this adorable variation of the basic stud that I found at www.zales.com. Does your perlita love pink flowers? Check out these pink enamel flowers with a freshwater pearl stud in the middle. And they are screwbacks! I don't know about you but my daughter is the worst about losing one earring! They are reasonably priced at $44.99.

 pink pearl flower

Or does your perlita like color, like mine does? Perhaps you should consider this awesome set of four multicolored pearl studs by Fresh by Honora which I found on www.macys.com. These cultured freshwater pearls are crafted in sterling silver and come in pale blue, pink, green and lavender pairs. This set is $150- yes, all four pair of pearl earrings. I love these!

Multicolor earrings

OK now let's talk about bracelets! I found a 6in cultured freshwater pearl toggle bracelet with a heart (OMG- love it!) at www.overstock.com of all places. This must-have bracelet is only $29.99!!!

Pearl Toggle Bracelet

Or if you prefer the traditional style, I found a cultured freshwater pearl strand bracelet at Zales.com for the same price of $29.99. It's 5.5 in. And guess what? If you buy two items from Zales, the second one is half off! (Remember the pink flower earrings!!???)

Zales pearl strand bracelet

But if you have a perlita who is divalicious, you might want to consider these. Macy's has a great set of three cultured freshwater pearl bracelets with multicolored accent pearls for $150. So girly fab, right?

And lastly, every young lady needs her own strand of pearls. No, not one that you let her borrow but one of her very own. You can get a white cultured Akoya pearl necklace for $85 at My Pretty Pearls but I don't know what the length is- important stuff to include on a website, don't you think?? Anyway, here is a pic:.

 I also found an adorable pearl necklace at Macy's that is a cultured freshwater pearl strand set in 14k gold with gold accent beads between every three pearls. It is approximately 14 inches long. It's a little more pricey at $150 but it's really cute!

 Macy's strand w/gold beads   

Feeling extra specially generous and giving? Why not get a set? After all, the perlita will definitely need earrings, a bracelet and a necklace to really begin her collection. I found this ridiculously cute set by Fresh by Honora (again at Macys.com). It is a pastel multicolor cultured freshwater pearl (5-6mm) set that includes a pearl strand necklace (approximately 15in.), a pearl strand bracelet (approximately 6in.) and a pair of earrings with three pearls. So freakin' CUTE! Not to mention such Easter colors! The cost is $260.

Honora Set

So go ahead and start that special girl's pearl collection for Easter. Many of us stress the pretty, feminine dresses for our daughters, nieces, goddaughters, granddaughters, and baby cousins. Shouldn't she have the perfect accessories to match?...Besos, P&P.