Be jeweled.

Most of the time, I'll tell ya straight to your pretty lil' face that there's nothing better than buying shoes. Obviously this would be my advice, given that I have a shoe blog and all, right? But coming in a close 2nd on my love-to-shop-for shortlist is accessories! Yep, it's the lovely jewels that I could continue to buy, buy, buy (and not in the NSync sorta way). So to share my love for the sparkly things in life, Holly in Heels is pairin' up with nationally recognized jewelry-creator, mimi & lu, in this super-chic giveaway! Get to know mimi & lu a bit, and then ENTER TO WIN some of their best in dainty gems...


1) Tell us about mimi & lu and how you got started:
mimi & lu's original name was 'Moushart'. In 2004, I was living in Boston working a summer position in the wardrobe department of Cirque Du Soliel and making jewelry has a hobby. Some of the cirque performers noticed my jewelry and purchased a few of my pieces right off of me. This was the spark that would eventually lead to the launch of my business in 2006! It took some time to really develop my style and who I am as a designer, so in 2009 I renamed, re-branded and relaunched as mimi & lu--which are the first 2 initials of my name, my husband's name, and the name of our 135-lb Great Dane! Michelle, Michael & Lucca = Mimi & Lu.


2) What or who inspires you?
I get this question a lot, and I wish I had a magical, wonderful answer but the truth is it's simply the materials themselves. I might start with a shape or a stone or a new material and I just start playing around with the pieces. From there, it really becomes about the process. There's a lot of trial and error, twisting and untwisting before a design comes together that just clicks.


3) Give us a few tips on how we can accessorize better each & every day:
Don't over-accessorize. If you have hoops, a necklace and a chunky ring on, each piece is going to get lost in a sea of accessories instead of shining as a distinct and special piece. Also, mix metals! It creates depth and keeps it interesting. Try to avoid matchy-matchy pieces: if you're earrings are teardrops with blue stones, don't get the necklace that's the same teardrop with blue stones. Think of having pieces that talk to each other verses match. So pair those blue stone teardrop earrings with a dainty chain necklace that somehow incorporates the blue stones. These are just a few suggestions, but at the end of the day you have to do whatever makes sense and feels comfortable for you!





TO WIN mimi & lu's signature Jane Earrings (in silver OR gold!):
1. Be a 'follower' of Holly in Heels blog.
2. Comment on this post with your fave mimi & lu item, and leave your email address so I can tell you if you've won!





For additional entries, increasing your chances to win:
1. Follow the mimi & lu blog {1 entry}
2. “Like” Holly in Heels on Facebook {1 entry}
3. “Like” mimi & lu on Facebook {1 entry}
4. Follow Holly in Heels on Twitter {1 entry}
5. Follow mimi & lu on Twitter {1 entry}
6. Join the mimi & lu mailing list {2 entries}
7. Tweet about this giveaway mentioning @hollyinheels {2 entries}
8. Blog about this giveaway {3 entries}

The wonderful winner will be announced November 22nd! Good luck.
Must be 18 or older to enter, and ONLY available to U.S. residents.

xoxo,
holly in heels