on diamonds

Diamonds get a lot of attention. Are they the prettiest of all gems? Both answers to that question are valid. I used to resent just how much swoon-worthy attention diamonds got, but after working with the icy-sparkly stones for the past month I understand their allure. Here's a fun analysis of why it's drilled into our heads we recognize that diamonds are a girl's best friend. Thank you, Marilyn, but a woman's best friend is a positive can-do attitude, imho.

Nevertheless, a few of these babies on your ears wouldn't be so terrible. I've been wearing a white quartz pair nonstop - it makes me feel fancy... and fancy's just fine with me! For the month of September use code LOVEDIAMONDS to enjoy 10% off the new Marissa B. pave diamond collection (nope, it's not too early to think about holiday shopping)!

you're invited!

Stop by Shake The Tree in Boston's North End for cocktails, apps and Mother's Day gifts! I'll be there from 7-9pm with the Love Letters collection of personalized charm necklaces. Make Mom proud that you planned ahead and place your order in time for the big day. Choose a story necklace for mom, sister, yourself, your bff...  See you tonight!

pop-up jewelry show

My absolute favorite store in Boston is hosting Marissa B. for a showing of the popular Love Letters collection. Shake The Tree is one of the very first stores I sold my line to (some nine years ago)! I love this store and it's talented owner! As soon as you walk in, you are greeted with the scents of candles, lotions and lip balms (like violet, birthday cake and mimosa). Pristine glass cases await with their glittering contents of jewelry and the most adorable, unique clothing selections hang proudly and beautifully organized. Shake The Tree is the only place I need to know of to get that perfect card, gift or little treasure for myself.

So, if you find yourself in Boston's North End (get a cannoli at Modern Pastry - trust me) stop by for a cocktail, some mini-bites from a local restaurant and check out my personalized jewelry collection at special pricing only during the event.

When: Thursday, April 24th 7:00-9:00pm
Where: Shake The Tree, 67 Salem Street, Boston
Why: Get the perfect Mother's Day gift while enjoying complimentary cocktails and apps!

stripes and skirts

I've been seeing a lot of combinations of striped tops and sold skirts lately. The look is effortlessly chic and offers a million ways to layer in accessories. I'll be adding a nude sandal, a bright over-sized bag and, of course, some Marissa B. jewelry!


one | two | three | four

it's a sign

Actually, it's your sign! The Cosmic Collection of hand stamped zodiac charms are now available on marissab.com. You can get them in sterling silver, gold fill or solid 14k gold and in all the astral signs. I can already tell I'll be wearing a necklace with charms of the four signs in our family. And, if you're really into astrology wouldn't it be nifty to make a necklace composed of your sun sign, moon sign and rising sign. Oh, the possibilities...

wordless wednesdays

dress | stones | agate bracelet | window

love me do

I am thrilled to report that the latest Marissa B. jewelry collection, Love Letters, is being very well received by customers! The Little Sparrow necklace (now available in 14k gold) is swiftly becoming popular as a mommy necklace and the Secret Admirer necklace (also available in 14k gold) is a concept that's catching on fast. One even sold as a best friend necklace. Personally, I wear mine with my initial facing out and Hero Hubby's initial closest to my heart... awwwww. Seriously, though - the best part is I get to know the story behind every order - each initial represents someone special in my customers' lives and I'm thrilled that my product is being chosen to reflect their happiness. I'm grateful that I can provide something that brings joy to its wearers!

Sale on at marissab.com

Don't stress about what to give your special someone this Valentines Day. Shop early and enjoy 20% off just for being so on-the-ball. We've curated an array of baubles and trinkets that celebrate love (even if it's simply the love of jewelry). From tiny heart necklaces to red hot earrings, you'll find a fun assortment for all your valentines!

handmade jewelry at marissab.com

and the winner is...

Joanne! A pair of sky blue bonbon Earrings is headed your way. Thanks for participating in the give-away!

Today I was awakened by the gleeful cries of a toddler who wakes up to see the first winter snowfall. "We need a sled... make a snowman... MAMA... DADA... QUICK!" It was the nicest sounding alarm clock, but then I realized I couldn't hit "snooze" and sleep for ten more minutes. So, I sit here typing a post while Violet is picking out which pair of snow boots to wear and Laela is happily chewing on something soft (a blanket? a stuffed animal? I can't tell... don't have my glasses on - a pair of little hands snapped them last week). If you are gearing up to tumble through the snow today, I wish you good luck, warmth and lots of coffee, tea, hot chocolate or whatever warms you (bourbon? I won't judge) at the end of a winter adventure.


image via gabbysworld

oh, wear! winter neutrals

The snow forecast for this weekend has me thinking about the put-together elegance of neutrals. I particularly like these boots - they look like they will hold up well in all sorts of weather and they are stylish to boot (pun intended). Do you like the newest pearl earring design? It just would not feel right to be all bundled up without some kind of trinket hiding beneath those fuzzy ear-muffs.

sweater | pants | coat | boots | mittens | ear muffs | pearl earrings

pressed for cookie ideas?

I absolutely adore anything font, letterpress, type and paper related. When I saw these cookie cutters, my inner type-nerd sang out in harmonious joy along with my sweet tooth. Letterpress cookies - genius. I have to have these... plus, they'll be a fun way to teach Violet all about spelling (she's got her alphabet down pat and now she's interested in spelling words). Can you spell, SWOON?!

p.s. Don't forget to enter the give-away!


image via perpetualkid.com

how to win these earrings!

What better way to start the new year than with a pair of Marissa B. earrings? Bonbon Earrings in sky blue quartz, to be exact. These are *spanking* new from the spring collection and I know you'll look just lovely in them. Here's how to win:

• Visit our Facebok page, like Marissa B. and share this post (url: http://sideofsparkle.blogspot.com/2012/01/how-to-win-these-earrings.html )
• Tweet about our Rue La La promotion, word for word: Love gorgeous jewelry? @MarissaBjewelry is offering a $25 for $50 deal on @RueLaLa: http://www.ruelala.com/product/detail/eventId/43577/styleNum/4112791740/viewAll/0

Then, just post a comment on this post letting me know about your tweet/FB share. One winer will be chosen this Saturday, 1/14. Feel free to enter more than once. Thanks for participating!

spring preview

Happy Friday, Dear Readers! My fingernails have been worked down to nothing after a week of prepping the spring line. Enjoy this little preview. I'm off to catch some sunshine outside and take the girls for a walk (hello 49 degrees in January)!

spring dreamin'

Even though the temperature outside is reading 9 degrees, I am keeping up a warmer climes state of mind as I finalize the spring 2012 collection for marissab.com. I'm loving the colors seen spilling down the runways (hello pistachio!) and can't wait to see some of those same colors spilling out of my closet in the next several months. Who can resist a powdery blue called "ballgown?" Here's a look at what's in store for spring color 2012.

and the winner is...

Sara of Newburyport, MA! Thanks to everyone for participating in the Facebook "Share This" contest. I'll be hosting more like this one in the future, so stay tuned and have a wonderful weekend!

contest extended!

The contest from Monday's post is being extended until Thursday night! Become a fan of Marissa B. and share the post about this contest to enter. Good luck!

how to win this necklace:

1. Get on Facebook and become a fan of Marissa B. {link located right here}
2. Share the post about our current Rue La La deal
3. Wait until Wednesday morning to find out if you've won!

One lucky gal (or guy) will receive the crystal pompom necklace pictured above for sharing the news about the Marissa B. deal on Rue La La. What's this deal I speak of? Well, it's a $25 for $50 marissab.com voucher and the deal's only up until 12/17 in the Chicago City deals section. You need to be a member of Rue La La (which I highly suggest you do) to view this and other fabulous deals. Better hurry to enter - this contest closes at midnight on Tuesday, 12/13!

oh, wear! winterize

The temperature is swiftly heading south for the winter around my part of the world. Though I dream of warmer climes, I am always happy to break out my winter boots, hat and gloves. This happy feeling usually only lasts until 1. It gets so cold out that I can't feel my toes, 2. My car gets stuck in the snow, 3. I have to shovel the snow and/or 4. I can't feel my toes while shoveling the snow.

In a perfect winter-wonder-world, I would be wearing this while I experienced all of the above.

scarf | coat | boot | gloves | hat | red crystal earrings

exciting things at Marissa B.

Aside from all of us having the sniffles and managing the constant low-level chaos of taking care of my two children, marissab.com is going full steam ahead this holiday season. That's no excuse for not posting as regularly, but I hope you'll forgive me when you check out the site and see the great deals being offered on lots of fun and fashionable handmade jewelry! Have a wonderful weekend!

p.s. I almost forgot - use code SB1211 to get 10% off just for being fabulous and reading a Side of Sparkle. Happy holiday shopping!

Mo Pie, Please: A Giveaway + Sponsor Love :: Marissa B

Mo-Pie, Please is a seriously fun blog and Meagan is graciously hosting a give-away of these Marissa B. crystal earrings. Visit Mo-Pie, Please and leave a comment to enter. If you win, yay! If not, please don't weep - just visit marissab.com to guarantee your sparkle needs. 

Check out the give-away here!