colorful – Shine & Starfire

Let’s talk about statement pieces. To be honest, I don’t own any statement pieces simply because I do not feel like I can rock it. Lionette by Noa Sade is NYC based and creates beautiful statement pieces. I found them via famous popular fashion style blogger Chriselle Lim a few years ago and I just love their pieces. Each piece is so unique and definite statement pieces. You can wear bracelets and necklaces stacked up or by themselves- either way draw attention to the pieces.

Now while I love love love these statement pieces, I doubt I will ever purchase from them via sheer price alone. Lionette NY’s popularity is definitely real and present. (Trust me I’ve seen the prices rise along the years). The prices are (in my honest opinion) utterly ridiculous. I don’t mean to bash them, but their pieces are made of plated brass and simulated semi precious stones like turquoise or opals etc. Let me say that again, plated brass and simulated stones. Why are you charging $400+ for brass and fake stones? I just can’t wrap my head around it. Oh and the designs however beautiful and ingenious can most definitely be replicated via materials from your local craft store (maybe not the cone shaped stones but you know what I mean).

Long story short, while I absolutely love Lionette NY’s designs and pieces (because they truly are gorgeous) I would not buy them because honestly you can get a 14k gold ring plus a tiny diamond for that price. Call me cheap but its simply not worth it. – unless you are filthy rich and do not care.

And while I was lusting after their Sinead bracelet for quite some time, I wouldn’t purchase because my wrists are sooooooo tiny and I doubt they will adjust one for my size (must I mention the fear that they might charge more for an adjusted one? not to mention charge the full price for materials?).

I have a thing for bracelets. Not so much for rings or necklaces but most definitely bracelets. You know those string bracelets? The ones when you were younger and braided and knotted with all the pretty colors and wore religiously on your wrists? Thats right, they were called friendship bracelets. Well James Barts kind of reminds me of them, with a nautical spin of course.

Side bar- I recently discovered this Swedish brand while looking for alternative right wrist accessories. I cut my gorgeous locks for an angled bob and what usually keeps my right wrist bare is no longer needed (the infamous black/ colored scrunchie!)
Anyways, back to the topic at hand. James Barts creates bracelets made of real nautical rope- is that even what you call them?– handmade from the best quality direct from Stockholm! (Who doesn’t love handmade items?)

Needless to say, I recently ordered a bracelet. They have several designs (not including all sorts of different colored cords) including the Octavia, Octavia Half Cuff, Deckhander collections. My favorite by far is the Octavia collection where simple nautical rope meets refined metals. The creators have taken there designs and have elevated them a step further by creating the octavia half cuff further extending its sleekness.

On cost: their inventory is vast and the cost is reasonable in my opinion. Their website is extremely user friendly including many language options. For any out of EU buyer, you will be happy to see that the actual cost on website is not what you pay for. I ordered one bracelet for $45 and was ultimately charged $36 (they took off 20% for EU Vat Tax!).

Word has it, they have a new watch collection coming out soon. I believe it will be close in design to the recently popular Daniel Wellington watches, but we shall see….