Alex and Ani - The Perfect Company in Today's Climate of Conscious Consumption

Alex and Ani is spreading like wildfire.

The company is young enough that you may not have heard of them. However, chances are you will notice them soon enough as they are turning out to be a mighty powerhouse with a big vision. With their $2 million dollar Superbowl commercial that aired earlier this year, they show no signs of slowing down any time soon.

Incorporating 'green' or eco-friendly purchasing decisions into our daily lives has become increasingly effortless and convenient. From starting your morning with a brew of organic, free-trade coffee to driving a hybrid car, an increasing number of eco-friendly and 'green' options have surged into the marketplace. Whether this 'going green' phenomenon is a trend or not doesn't matter. The fact is, there is clearly a market for it and the availability of these options benefit not only our personal health, but also the ecological footprint we leave on the environment.

The rapid rise in technology coupled with usage and engagement of social media helps too - I can't even tell you how many healthy and nutritious recipes and fitness inspiration I conveniently pick up from apps like Instagram. There is clearly a community of consumers out there with the desire to attain a healthy, pure and green lifestyle.

In unison, another popular movement taking the marketplace by storm is the act of giving. Philanthropy isn't a new concept--just like going green isn't--but again, an increasing number of disruptive and unconventional start-ups have incorporated this mandate into their business model. These companies are doing better than ever. Think TOMS and their one-for-one business model. TOMS became a multi-million dollar company just from selling simple, inexpensive, not particularly stylish canvas shoes and donating a pair to a needy child for each pair sold.

In this climate of eco-friendly consumption and benevolent behavior, it's about time a company like Alex and Ani burst onto the scene. Adding purpose and meaning to their brand ultimately sets them apart from the competition.

Launched in 2004, Alex and Ani offers eco-friendly constume jewelry. And at under $30 a pop for their signature bangles, no wonder ladies of all ages love stacking handfuls of these cute accessories up their wrists. Naturally, their product offering has expanded over time, but they have a core selection of bangles with cute dangling charms each with a different symbol or meaning. The brand promotes good, positive energy amongst their wares.

The branding team behind Alex and Ani have done a great job because I truly feel good when I purchase from this brand.I know that the product I am buying is made from an eco-friendly, recycled material. Furthermore, I know it's made in America (with love). How awesome. Above all however, the most important thing about the Alex and Ani beast is that they actively support charities and make philanthropy a large part of their identity. Visit their website to see a list of all the charities they support.

Sure their products are cute and fashionable, but looking at their incredible growth in under 10 years of existence proves that incorporating eco-friendly, recycled materials with charity has given their brand the upper hand. Competing jewelry brands should take note.

If you know of any companies that incorporate eco-friendly products with charitable initiatives, leave it in a comment below so I can check them out!

Listening to my vision.

It's been a long time since my last blog post. Too long.

Reading through my old blog posts reminded me how much I truly enjoy writing. Albeit, it also reminded me about how much I enjoy the exciting world of jewelry and branding.

Work has been quite consuming; oftentimes, I forget to keep these little aspects of my life active and current. I have decided I need to be strict and really make the effort to continue blogging. It will be good for me! It will help my creative juices flow into the Internet and hopefully into the minds of other people who enjoy the same topics!

I have so many ideas and insight and I want to share it with you guys. Even though I don't have many readers at this point, it will mean so much to me if anyone out there can learn or take something from my ideas and thoughts.

With that said, stay tuned for there is more to come on this mighty little blog!

The Pandora Effect

Today, we talk about Pandora. Yes, Pandora. The fad that was supposed to fizzle out after a couple of years. Unfortunately, Pandora is still around and it turned out to be the unwanted cousin of the jewelry industry who overstayed its welcome.

The jewelry industry was fine until the day Pandora knocked on its door. It's the cousin that we thought would disappear after its fifteen minutes. Luxury jewellers were polite to this new cousin, giving this brand a home in their shops despite the fact that it isn't even jewelry; it's merely an accessory.

Fast forward years later and Pandora is still here, opening more and more retail shops worldwide.

Pandora helped many retailers stay afloat during the tough economy facing the luxury industry in recent years. For that, I can appreciate the arrival of Pandora and the role it played in saving the future of many independent, family-owned retail operations.

What's sad about the role Pandora plays in the realm of the jewelry industry is that consumers are have accepted this accessory in replacement of a finely crafted piece of jewelry. Is this the future of jewelry? Fine jewellers are now finding themselves selling beads and charms.

I wrote a blog post about Pandora a couple years back not knowing it would be stronger than ever years later.

Bright Gems and a Bigger City...

What do you get when you cross one of the world's greatest cities with the beauty and craftsmanship of one of the world's finest jewelry companies?

Harry Winston's New York Collection.

I first came across this brilliant collection quite some time ago, while flipping through a magazine (can't remember which, at the moment). I was in immediate awe at the sheer brilliance of the concept of having an entire jewelry line inspired by New York City. It's such a perfect marriage that you'd wonder why it wasn't done before. I mean, how could you go wrong when fusing the bright lights and sweeping views of the Empire State with brilliant diamonds and impeccable design?

I have to say, the line is extremely well done and very tasteful--something probably only Harry Winston could pull off. Being quite familiar with New York, I really appreciate the fine details that the designers have incorporated into each piece. I'd definitely like to see more pieces added to the New York Collection.

Those who understand and appreciate the essence of New York will definitely love this line. And for those who don't, it's still undeniably beautiful jewelry.

For more information & more pieces, visit the Harry Winston website.

The Chrysler Building

The Guggenheim Museum

I know this is a rip-off, but I'll buy it anyway...

Ever find yourself making a purchase that you don’t really need? It happens all the time. We convince ourselves that our impulsive “wants” are actually essential “needs” and that's exactly how we ultimately justify our purchases.

I’d like to think I’m pretty good at limiting my expenses as I currently live on a student budget. I try not to buy too much on impulse when there is no steady income in my bank account. Nevertheless, as I was in Montreal this past weekend, I found myself at Simons, walking out with a $54 purchase. Twenty minutes after I left the store, I realized that I had just paid all of that money for a simple bracelet made of one thin piece of black string. Value for money? Not too sure. I thought maybe I should go back and return the bracelet, but I decided to keep it.

Looking back, what made me justify my purchase was its style. I often encounter many things whose style and design I enjoy and appreciate, but I don’t go ahead and buy everything I like. I have always appreciated design and style and if the item is something that really speaks to me, then I’ll keep a copy handy for future reference. (Sure, I enjoy the design of the entire Audi lineup, but as those vehicles are a bit out of my budget, I simply keep their pamphlets and brochures nearby instead).

I guess I consider this Gag & Lou bracelet a piece that I can use for future inspiration. In reality, I didn't need a new bracelet, as I have more than my wrists can handle. However, I bought it because its style and unique packaging spoke to me. Creators have a need to be surrounded by creative things that offer inspiration in order to spark their own creativity and imagination. (Or, maybe I just use that excuse to justify my unnecessary purchase!)

It’s clear that I definitely paid significantly more in comparison to the materials used on the bracelet; nevertheless, this product is handmade in France and this is exactly how independent companies survive and make their mark on the industry. Gag & Lou offered something unique, creative and different, and that's what had me sold.

(Image Source: http://www.picturespop.fr/bracelet/images/gag&lou.jpg)

Ding-Dong, The Watch is Dead

I love watches. I love clocks. They've held a special place in my heart since childhood, and to this day, they are still that one special accessory that brings me great nostalgia.

I always enjoy looking at people's wristwatches. If something looks interesting, I'll ask about it. Recently however--and much to my disappointment-- I see a lack of wristwatches amongst my peers.

Here in North America, our daily life is surrounded by time. We wake up at a certain time, catch the bus or leave for work at a certain time, go to class at a certain time, and return home by a certain time. We constantly need to keep track of time, in order to run our days smoothly.

With that said, why do barely any of my peers wear a watch?

The answer is quite simple. As we live in a digital age, we are constanly surrounded by technology. If, for example, I forget my watch at home one day, I can find out the time by looking either at my cell phone, my laptop, my iPod or the numerous plasma screens in the school hallway. Essentially, these technologies are eliminating the need for a watch.

These days are all about convenience. If your cell phone tells you the time, why bother wearing a watch? My concern here however, is not about finding out what time it is--it's about the art of the watch. Will the wristwatch die with the advent of these convenient technologies? I sure hope not.

People should look at watches as a fashion accessory that completes their wardrobe--not simply as a tool for keeping time. Just as there is always the need for a nice handbag, a stylish scarf or a great pair of shoes, so too is there the need for a trendy watch.

Do not make the fashion mistake of referring to your digital devices for the time; invest in a watch!

Friendship Bracelets: New Spin on an Old Foe

Ever sit down to make a friendship bracelet for your dearest friend as a young child? At one point, they were pretty popular. I remember having friends who would constantly exchange friendship bracelets.

A lot of work went into making these bracelets--first, you need to take some time to learn how to actually weave the thread. This step requires much patience and is often a process of trial-and-error. Next, once the bracelet weaving began, most of the day would be consumed since it's such a time-consuming activity. These friendship bracelets were a true sign of thought and effort.

Links of London has released a beautiful new twist on this old foe. They've designed a charming bracelet that plays upon the traditional friendship bracelet. This new rendition of a frienship bracelet consists of bars of sterling silver wrapped in different colours of thread.

These friendship bracelets come in different shades and colours. You can either choose a full standard colour or, as a custom option, you could add your own spin to it and choose up to four different colours of thread. For example, if your best friend likes purple, black, yellow and pink, then thats the combination she can get!

Links offers their friendship bracelets for a price of about $210 CAD. It's definitely more costly than a traditional friendship bracelet, but it's definitely a charming piece that is sure to satisfy your closest friends.