Monthly Archives

August 2016

Designer spotlight

August 25, 2016

We can’t get enough of our newest designer Carolyn Colby’s signature ear pieces. Offering a modernized feminine aesthetic, each of Carolyn Colby’s designs offer a fresh take on polished structural elements. Featuring a select collection of the designer’s favorite pieces, our collaboration is an exciting venture and we can’t to share a bit more about this amazing up-and-coming designer.  We recently asked the designer to share a few details about what inspires her. Read below for more:

CARLY+LEACH+CAROLYN+COLBY

Carly Leach // Designer & Owner of Carolyn Colby

 

What inspires you when working on a new collection?

Living in NYC I find inspiration around me constantly; architecture, art and fashion all influence me. I’m constantly snapping pictures, roughly sketching ideas, collecting stone and crystal samples for color references. At the beginning of each season I sort through everything and see what remains most intriguing to me and go from there.

 

What is your favorite new jewelry trend, and what trend are you over?

I’m obsessed with earrings so I’m loving the trend of embellishing the entire ear; crawlers, cuffs, jackets, big statement earrings, I love it all. Bibs – I think bib necklaces can take a pause.

 

What materials do you love working with?

I love stones and crystals – anything that will catch light and shine!

 

What is your favorite piece you’ve designed?

Right now favorite piece is the palm leaf inspired ear crawlers. I wear them all the time. I love the soft curvature and the sharp lines of the leaflets.

carolyn colby palm ear crawlers

Carolyn Colby // Palm Ear Crawlers // $165

 

What was the first piece you designed?

The first piece I designed was the triple shield necklace. I actually made the very first one many years ago before I moved to NYC when jewelry was just a hobby. I’ve just always loved the necklace so when I launched Carolyn Colby I knew I had to include the piece in my first collection and it’s remained a classic ever since.

 

What do you consider a must have piece that every girl should own?

I think every girl should own a great pair of studs. They can be your every day staple or add a polished touch to a sophisticated evening look. You can’t go wrong.

 

Most meaningful piece in your jewelry box?

Every day I wear a combo of 2 rings; 1 is a delicate gold signet ring that my dad gave my mom as a first anniversary gift (they’ve been married for 42 years!) and a few years ago I swiped it from my mom’s jewelry box and it’s never left my finger since. I wear that with my Carolyn Colby shooting star ring which has 2 diamonds pointing towards each other with a small amount of negative space in between. It was one of the first pieces I designed for my fine jewelry collection and it sits right next to my moms ring and just makes me happy.

 

Which piece is an investment piece worth splurging on?

Statement earrings! Just do it!

 

Check out the entire ear collection here.

 

Fall 2016 Launches

New! Lisi Lerch Fall 2016

August 25, 2016

Who doesn’t love a Lisi Lerch earring? We can’t pass up the goodness that is a gorgeous pair of tassels by Lisi Lerch or her other iconic beaded gems, so we certainly jumped at the chance to feature Lisi’s awesome new pieces for Fall 2016. We love how the new colors are a bit off the beaten path for a fall/winter look and feature fresh and vibrant pinks, champagnes and grays. These new colors aptly titled Cotton Candy (pink), Champagne, and Disco (gray), are available for some of Lisi’s iconic pieces including the best-selling tassel earrings, the Margo and the Kate. See below for more:

lisi lerch tassel earrings

Kate Earrings in Champagne // Post or Clip On // $68

lisi lerch kate earrings in cotton candy

Kate Earrings in Cotton Candy // Available in Post or Clip On // $68

Lisi lerch Margo Earrings in Champagne

Margo Earrings in Champagne // Available in Post or Clip On // $78

Lisi lerch margo earrings in Cotton Candy

Margo Earrings in Cotton Candy // Available in Post or Clip On // $78

lisi lerch tassel earrings in champagne

Tassel Earrings in Champagne // Available in Post or Clip On //$98

Lisi lerch Tassel earrings in cotton candy

Tassel Earrings in Cotton Candy // Available in Post and Clip On // $98

Lisi Lerch Tassel Earrings in Disco

Tassel Earrings in Disco // Available in Post or Clip On // $98

Lisi Lerch tassel necklace in disco 2

Beaded Tassel Necklace in Disco // $150

Giveaway

Mid-Summer Giveaway! Win this Box of Summer Goodies

August 2, 2016

The summer is almost over! But we’re not ready to let go the summer vibes quite yet so we are giving away a generous box of summer favorites! One lucky reader will enter and win a box of our favorite summer staples including hair products, makeup and of course jewelry!

 

DSC_5482

 

 

THE DETAILS:

One winner will get:

  1. tarte Lights, Camera, Splashes Waterproof Mascara (.24 OZ)
  2. Bumble and Bumble Wavy Windswept Hair Surf Travel Set (includes 2 OZ Prep Primer, 1.7 OZ Surf Spray, 0.5 Pre-a-powder)
  3. NARS Illuminator in Orgasm (1.1 OZ)
  4. NAILS INC. Coconut Brights Gel Effect Nail polish in Portobello Terrace
  5. ROSANNA Hello Beautiful Jewelry Tray 
  6. Vanessa Mooney Black Velvet 1/2″ Basic Choker 
  7. Loren Hope Octavia Cuff

 

 

Approximate retail value: $220

giveaway

 

One winner will be selected at random and contacted via Instagram on 8/15/2016 at 4 PM or via email if entered using our email entry form below.

HOW TO ENTER:

1, Follow us on Instagram @shoptheloupe

2. Show us some love by reposting the contest photo with the hastag #wintheloupe so we can find you

3. Tag two of your best friends to let them in on the contest

OR

4. Enter your email below

The Loupe Mid-Summer Giveaway

* indicates required



 

TERMS & CONDITIONS

The Rules: The Loupe Instagram Giveaway T&C’s: One winner will be selected at complete re-grammed and correctly tagged entries or entered via www.shoptheloupe.com and will be contacted via Instagram or email on 8/14/2016 at 4 pm. open to USA and Canada only. Products included may not be substituted. The Loupe reserves the right to end this promotion early. Per Instagram rules, we must mentions this is no way sponsored, administered or associated with Instagram, Inc,

Eligibility: Open to all US and Canada residents 18 years of age or older at time of entry.  By entering, entrants confirm they are are 18+ years of age, release Instagram of any all responsibility and agree to Instagram’s term of use.

Selection of Winners: One winner will be selected within 16 hours after the close of the event from among all eligible entries received during the giveaway. Winner will be determined at random by The Loupe, LLC using Random.org. Winner will be publicly announced on the site, via Instagram and contacted by The Loupe via email. Winners will have 48 hours to claim their prize or a new winner will be selected.  The Loupe, LLC is not responsible for electronic transmission errors resulting in omission, interruption, deletion, defect, delay in operations or transmission or alterations of entry materials, or for technical, network, telephone equipment, electronic, computer, hardware or software malfunctions or limitations of any kind, or inaccurate transmissions of or failure to receive winner’s emailed information on account of technical problems or traffic congestion on the Internet, email being inadvertently flagged as junk or other email form,  or at any website or any combination thereof.    Every reasonable attempt will be exhausted prior to prize forfeiture and a new winner being selected, including, but not limited to review of all sub-folders and accounts where emails may inadvertently be directed.

Prizes & Retail Value: Prize value is listed on each individual giveaway. Odds of winning prize is dependent upon the total number of eligible entries received.  Only one winner will be selected.

Additional terms: Subject to all federal, state and local laws/regulations. The Loupe, LLC will not have any liability whatsoever for any injuries, losses or damages of any kind caused by any prize or resulting from acceptance, possession, use and/or misuse of any prize or participation in these promotions. Acceptance of a prize shall be construed as and signify the winner’s agreement and consent that The Loupe, LLC may use the winner’s name, voice, likeness and/or prize information, without limitation, for promotional purposes without further consideration, review, approval or payment, where allowed by law. By participating in this promotion, entrants agree to be bound by the Official Rules and the decisions of the The Loupe, LLC, which are final and binding in all respects.

The Loupe, LLC reserves the right in its sole discretion, to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the giveaway and select the winners by random drawing from among all eligible entries received from all methods combined up to the point of the action taken by The Loupe, LLC.

Prize Fulfillment:  In the event the prize has not been received by the winner within 30 days, is to email the The Loupe, LLC for follow up info@shoptheloupe.com.

 

Designer spotlight

Meet Rachael Ryen Jewelry

August 1, 2016

 


Introducing our newest love…. Rachael Ryen Jewelry

Inspired by a lifelong love of jewelry, Boston designer Rachael Byers created Rachael Ryen Jewelry in 2011.  While searching for pieces to fill her own jewelry box, Rachael discovered there were very few options in between expensive fine jewelry and costume jewelry.  To fill that void, Rachael began designing her own pieces, creating what she calls “colorful, modern jewelry with a dainty, delicate feel”. Her collection of gorgeous gems has quickly become one of our favorites, with a mix of unique modern pieces and fresh new staples.

Find out more about Rachael, what inspires her, and what are must haves for every girl.

What inspires you when working on a new collection?
I look at my line as a story and each collection a chapter. In other words, all my designs are created deliberately, wrapping in shapes and looks from past seasons. I want my customers to be able to build on what they already have. My husband and I also get to travel quite a bit due to his job, so I’m always keeping my eyes open for new shapes, textures and elements from overseas travels that I can incorporate.

What was the first piece you designed?
The first piece I designed was a necklace for a friend. I was out searching for a birthday gift for her and didn’t really find anything that was quite right. On my way home I passed a bead store, went in and picked out a few materials. The necklace was a long beaded piece that she still has and loves.
What is your favorite piece you’ve designed?
The Duchess Earrings have a special place in my heart since I wore them for my own wedding this past fall. The petal ear jackets and 3 stone bar necklace are two basics that not only do my customers love, but also go with me everywhere. When you create a versatile, classic piece that stands out, it’s a great feeling.
What materials do you love working with?

I just started using doublets which is a technique where stones are layered onto one another to create these beautiful, rich colors. The abalone pieces this season are a doublet and I love the blue hues that come through. Moonstone and Labradorite are also favorites. All our pieces are sterling silver based which means the quality is higher, but because it’s softer than brass or gold, it can be tricky at times.
What is your favorite new jewelry trend, and what trend are you over?

Ear jackets and climbers. I’m obsessed with these looks and hope these stick around for quite some time. I have a fairly petite frame, so statement necklaces have and always will be a bit of a challenge for me. Shifting away from the chunkier pieces back to basics is refreshing.

What do you consider a must have piece that every girl should own?
A simple, dainty every day necklace like our 3 stone mini bar or petal bar necklace. Something you can wear alone or stack, and it goes with anything. I’m also a huge fan of studs, so a great pair of basics with a splash of color is a must. I love our Caitlin studs for this.

Rachael Ryen 3 Mini Stone Bar Necklace

 

 

Rachael Ryen Petal Bar Necklace

 

Rachel Ryen Caitlin Studs

Most meaningful piece in your jewelry box?
An opal necklace from my great grandmother
Which piece is an investment piece worth splurging on?

Definitely a beautiful, classic watch.

It was a pleasure getting to hang with our girl Rachael, now head on over here to check out the rest of her collection.

Editor's Picks

Mother’s Day Gift Guide – Baby Friendly Jewelry

August 1, 2016

Every new mom quickly learns that babies and jewelry don’t always mix.  Those tiny, adorable, little hands love to grab onto anything and everything in sight, particularly if it is colorful and shiny.  Statement earrings and long layered necklaces – not so much.  We’ve picked some easy, go to pieces for your favorite mama to add some style to any outfit (except mom jeans).

 

 

1. Alex Mika – Criss Cross Ring in Gold

One of our faves, Alex Mika’s Criss Cross Ring goes with everything

2. Rachael Ryen  – Trillion Pave Earrings

Perfect for everyday, to add a little sparkle

3. Gina Cueto – Anya Choker

Chokers and Collars are everywhere this season, the Anya choker has a soft suede cord and bonus, can double as a bracelet

4. Loren Hope — Eden Studs

5. Melanie Auld – Standard Cuff in Gold

Layer cuffs and bangles for an effortless chic look

6.Loren Hope – Clara Mini Bracelet

Snag free, this bracelet won’t scratch or snag your little one

 

 

 

 

Editor's Picks, Uncategorized

Editor’s Top Picks: February edition

August 1, 2016

 

 

 

February marks a month to remember–with all of the crazy weather we have been experiencing, it’s no surprise that I’ve been dreaming of Spring. Here in Miami, it’s been unseasonably hot, rainy and surprisingly cold. I’m officially over it, and to ail my weather troubles I’ve been eyeing the following goodies for my Spring “refresh” collection:

1. Our Gina Cueto Kiss Emoji Necklace: Seriously, how much more cheerful can you get!? These sweet necklaces will make you happy every time you look at them. Dainty and quirky you’ll definitely get all kinds of comments from friends and family…the good kind!

2. SK-II Facial Treatement Essence: I don’t know about you, but this weather is driving my poor skin insane. It’s a mess right now and I’ve been searching high and low for a really good moisturizing cream. Enter the famed SK-II treatment that promises to “moisturize the skin and support skin cell renewal”.

3. Our Lisi Lerch Tassel Earrings: These tassel earrings are just amazing. Seriously. They are incredibly light weight, super fun and they come in so many different colors! These are the perfect statement earrings for the upcoming Spring season.

4. West Elm Metal Frame Upholstered Chair: I’m always on the hunt for furniture which happens to be a second obsession of mine. I’ve been eyeing this metal frame chair because of it’s clean lines and honestly because…it’s pink–so feminine and elegant yet refreshingly modern at the same time. In love!

5. Chiara Ferragni Flirting iPhone Cover: You’ve probably seen this cover all over Instagram–with good reason. The blogging sensation offers these adorable covers in 5 different colors from red, to pink to silver.

6. BB Dakota Drape Front Jacket: This is the perfect Spring jacket, super easy to throw on with just about anything. Best yet, it’s under $100!

7. DV+ Target Paige Ballet Flats: I’m absolutely loving the collaboration between shoe maven DV and Target. There are lots of booties, sandals and flats to choose front but I couldn’t say no to these adorable (and comfy) ballet flats.

8. Reformation Anderson Jumpsuit: Who doesn’t love a good jumpsuit? Especially one as cleverly designed as this one, which (tastefully) hugs and shows off all the right places.

9. Charlotte Olympia Big Kiss Clutch: Quirky and fun this clutch is perfect for a fun night out.

 

Giveaway

Giveaway! Enter and Win The Jules Smith XO Necklace

August 1, 2016

 

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and to celebrate, we are giving away this Jules Smith XO Necklace to 3 lucky winners! Contest closes on 2/10/16 at 12 AM. Winners will be announced on 2/11 via e-mail, our blog, Facebook and Instagram. To enter just follow the instructions in the Rafflecopter below. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Rules:

  • Must be 18 years+ of age
  • Open Internationally
  • Must have a valid email
  • Rules can be changed at any time without any notice
Designer spotlight

Interview with Style Maven Melanie Auld

August 1, 2016
Melanie Auld Jewelry has quickly become a hot commodity among our customers ever since we introduced her line to The Loupe in late November. With her focus on basic, classic pieces that are well-tailored, luxurious and stylish, it’s no wonder she’s quickly becoming one of our favorite jewelry lines. We absolutely love her Spring ’14 collection and are so excited to be one of the few online retailers to carry it this early into the spring season.
Melanie was born in Thunder Bay, a small town in Northwestern Ontario. At 19 she left home to study fashion and was quickly drawn to creating jewelry. As her husband was living his dream of playing hockey professionally she easily embraced all the amazing cities they were so fortunate to live in: Vancouver, South Florida, Boston, Ottawa, Dallas, Montreal and Salzburg. Melanie and her husband now call Vancouver home along with their children Ella and Sam.
Now that she’s back in Vancouver, Melanie Auld is out to set the designer jewelry world ablaze–and we have no doubt she is well on her way. Read on to find out more about this amazing designer.
TL: What inspires your jewelry line?
MA: I am inspired by travel, fashion, everything. Sometimes its even just a feeling you get from being in a certain place at a certain time. Life is inspiring!
TL: What materials are you most drawn to?
MA: I am very drawn to stones as I am sure is quite apparent in my collections. I am always looking for interesting ways to pair stones together or different color combinations.
TL: Tell us a bit about your Spring ’14 collection–what was your inspiration?
MA: Spring was definitely inspired by travel to far off exotic locations. The colors are so saturated and the perfect addition to a tan and a smile! I just brought the whole collection to Mexico with me and had the most impossible time choosing with pieces to wear.
TL: What are some of your favorite Melanie Auld pieces on The Loupe?
MA: The Double Stone earrings in Cream Druzy are one of my absolute favorite pieces from the collection. They were a last minute addition that I am so glad popped into my head. Also the 3 tier triangle necklace in labradorite. It’s so versatile and is easily worn now or in the middle of summer.
TL: You were recently named one of Elle Canada’s “One to Watch” designers–can you tell us a little more about that distinction?
MA: I was so honored to be named as “one to watch” by Elle Canada. It’s so nice to have the reassurance that people are starting to notice my line and really appreciate the kind of jewelry I am making.
TL: What’s your favorite accessory–what can’t you live without?
MA: I can’t pick just one! My Chanel bags and all my jewels, haha.
TL: What are some other things you are passionate about, beside your jewelry?
MA: My children and husband are the most important things in my life, when I am not working I am doing my best to spend as much time with them as possible. To really be present. In this day and age it’s almost impossible to just shut off everything, but relationships are so so important. A human connection. I am passionate about people not forgetting that!
TL: What can we look forward to from Melanie Auld in the rest of 2014?
MA: Fall samples are already being made! I am super excited to try out some new cuff ideas that you haven’t seen from me before. Lots of Malachite, Lapis, Labradorite and my favorite White Howlite! Also introducing a little more silver!
Thank you Melanie! We can’t wait to see what’s in store for Melanie Auld in 2014!