Everything That Glitters: Melinda Maria

After a gloomy Saturday it was time to liven things up a little and get back into the game.  I awoke on Sunday to the sun shining through my bedroom window and remembered I had been invited to a fabulous jewelry showing by none other than Melinda Maria.

                            Here she is with Hayden P (image via Strong Heart Fellowship)

Have you seen her pieces?  Are you a proud owner?  I would not be one bit surprised if you are.  About a year ago my eye kept catching Vanessa Hudgens sporting this little ring all around town:

Like a woman obsessed I began tracking it high and low.  You know how that can be, right?  With a little research I discovered that it was the Vanessa Pod Ring, and that it was in my price range.  Score!

The first time I put the ring on was a heart swooning moment, and the beginning of my quest to own more of Melinda's pieces.  I learned that she was based in LA and her studio was right in the Chef's neighborhood.  Talk about a sign!  The first time we met was the day after the Chef (kind heart that he is) had almost gotten his car towed from in front of the building whilst picking me up a treat, so Melinda knew exactly who I was!  We chatted like old friends and I immediately understood why she is so good at what she does:  her passion for creating jewelry stems from her love for and understanding of people.  She is a salt of the earth, warmhearted soul, and there really is something for every woman in every collection she designs.

You can imagine how excited I was to be invited to see some of her new collection (and gather more of the current) this past Sunday!!  It's not often that a boyfriend or husband encourages you to shop it up, but the Chef was all about me going to visit Melinda.  He's a huge fan too.  There's the fabulous Sophie and Holly (left to right) in the picture above.  They are little lethal weapons of style and helped me select some wonderful finds.  Thanks ladies!

Here's just a little of what I got to see...

And a little more....

And a little more.  You have got to get on her website and see these pieces up close and personal because my camera does not do them justice in these pictures.  The images on the site are outstanding and the pieces are even better in person.

Pardon my Addams-family like hand here - I wanted to give you an idea of the diversity you will find in Melinda's creations.  Look at that circle ring!!  I haven't taken it off in 2 days!  Sigh.  Being a girl is tough work.

Melinda Maria has something for everyone in every price range and she designs with the idea that you build your personal collection as her offerings grow from season to season.  This is a picture of the pieces I've been able to collect so far...slowly but surely my friends, slowly but surely.  I even mix her bangles with leather wrap bracelets to create more of an edgy vibe.  Whenever I'm looking to add just that little extra to an outfit I always turn to her jewelry.

Anyway, I hope I've left you with enough to get your wheels turning because coming up tomorrow will be a super special GIVEAWAY!  In the meantime, please enjoy :)