Currently Loving...

Gold jewelry...

Bolder, edgier and brighter than its silver counterpart, gold (or faux gold in this case) is being mixed into my wardrobe a lot these days. It's also a good contrast with how much grey/black/dark brown we start wearing once the cooler months roll around.

Where to find it? eBay (use search term "gold costume jewelry") and local thrift stores are good (and affordable) places to start.

Charm necklace from some thrift store in Goleta, California (near Santa Barbara) for $3. Crystal and faux gold pendant neclace from eBay for about $10.

Hurs Jewelry Mart Revisted (I Think Elizabeth's in Love)

Just before Christmas, I blogged about the fabulousness that is Hurs Wholesale Jewelry Mart(just inside 285 on Buford Highway*).

It's both a good and bad thing that I've stayed away.

The prices are so affordable that you can buy a boatload of stuff. And unfortunately, being inside this place makes me want to buy a boatload of stuff! I mean, when you walk in, you almost hear chimes and trumpets of celebration!

I wanted to introduce my colleague Elizabeth to the many treasures (brooches, rings, handbags, headbands, necklaces, earrings, etc.) that fill the aisles of Hurs store. Once we entered the magical doors, Elizabeth knew what I meant when I said I could spend hours in this store (which is the size of a small grocery store inside).

(Click any image to enlarge. Many photos include price tags.)

tahh-dahhh!

(Our colleague Edie asked that we look at faux engagement rings while we were there. Upon returning to the office, we gladly reported that Hurs offers faux engagement rings ranging from $10 to $10, depending on the band material.)

These were the $40 variety.

Had to try one on!

Fun, summery and flirty cream necklace ($5). They also carry this in chocolate brown and black.

Bam! Love these dramatic statement and bib necklaces. And ooooh the fun bangles! (Mostly $7 to $14).

I fondly referred to this aisle as "very rock and roll." Mirabelle, are some of these necklaces not totally calling your name? Chains, metal and glam galore.

This one didn't make it home with Elizabeth, but it sure looked good on her.

Rrrrrar! ($10 necklaces, including matching earrings.)

Adorned headbands for $14.

Young Hur, the very nice owner. (We also enjoyed KC, an energetic and friendly employee/cashier.)

The goods spread out back at the office.

What I brought home:

$5.

$10 (incl. earrings).

$5 (incl. earrings, which I will probably wear separately).

Simple, sterling studs for $4 (bringing my total to a whopping $24!!!).

And for Elizabeth:

Brooch with luminescent purple stones. $10.

Sterling snowflake pieces ($16 for the earrings, $12 for the necklace pendant).

Oversized crystal pendant on long chain ($5). Total for Elizabeth: about $43.

Best lunch break ever!

Had to bust out one of my new necklaces for a friend's Saturday night birthday party. :)

*Some of you may be nervous to hit up Buford Highway. Yes, it is a grab bag of shops, restaurants, cash-n-carries, etc., some of which are run by shop owners who don't speak English. Please know Hurs will not take you out of your comfort zone. Not to mention you may be in such a good mood you decide to take a gamble on one of the neat restaurants nearby. My faves: C'om Vietnamese Grill, Mini Hot Pot (which is BYOB, BTW) and Cafe 101.

Hurs Wholesale Mart

5316 Buford Hwy NE
Atlanta, GA 30340-1108
(770) 936-0948

Web site here. (You can also shop from the comfort of your own casa.)

Guess What I'm Wearing Today...

I'll give you a hint.


It starts with "b"...



end ends with "ird necklace."


I've been working here since September — but today's the first day the bird has shown her fowl little face. So far, I've received one compliment ("cool necklace!") and some stares. I asked one of the starers, a guy named Scott, if he was captivated by necklace. His only response: yeah... I was looking at your necklace. I suppose his stopping there was his way of staying neutral?

My boss said the necklace is "interesting" and that it almost looks like two birds. She also asked, "Um... what's the significance?" (I think she wanted to know why I would don such a bizarre piece of jewelry). I told her it was a flea market victory.

See what happened when Megan and Julia each wore the necklace here and here. If you're a friend of mine and you want to borrow the necklace, let me know. It adds a little variety to the work day -- that's for sure.

Reader Question: Vintage Jewelry

This week, Becca e-mailed me a question. I had so much fun answering it!

Hey, I stumbled upon your blog through other people's blogs. I just wanted to say I really love reading your blogs and your findings. I was just wondering, which thrift stores do you hit to find vintage jewelry. I live in the atlanta area also. Any information would be great. Thank you so much.

Sincerely, Becca

And my response:

Hi Becca!

I'm so flattered you enjoy my blog and reached out to me! While they don't have hoards of jewelry, I have found many affordable and unique vintage jewelry pieces at Kudzu Antique Market (http://kudzuantiques.com/) in Decatur. Not to mention they have great sales (sign up for their e-mail newsletters).

Another great place to look is My Sister's Closet: http://www.mysistersclosetonline.com/.

I haven't been there, but I've heard great things about Back by Popular Demand in Lilburn: http://bbpdconsignment.com/.

And don't be scared to check out the new and vintage styles at Hurs Jewelry Mart. They have SOOO much stuff! http://www.hursmart.com/store/default.asp

But the best advice I can give is to swing by the jewerly counter whenever you're in the vicinity of a Goodwill, Salvation Army or other consignment shop. Most of the best -- and most affordable -- items are found by chance. My fave Goodwills are the ones on LaVista (by Northlake Mall in Tucker) and on Buford Highway near the intersection of Clairmont Road -- it's where all the Buckhead people donate. :)

Katy
http://www.lifefulfilledatlanta.blogspot.com/

p.s. I wouldn't have known about Back by Popular Demand if it weren't for the lovely Danielle from Fell4Fashion. Thanks, Danielle!

Hurs: Fab Place for Jewelry and Accessories

I wish I could remember who originally pointed me to Hurs Wholesale Mart (5316 Buford Highway NE; Atlanta)... because I need to thank them.

Hurs is a megastore of jewelry (costume and sterling), brooches, hats, scarves, handbags and other fun accessories. While you have to peruse the aisles rather carefully to sort out the kitsch from the fashionable, Hurs is a place you shouldn't pass up. Their offerings are perfect for birthday treats, Christmas gifts, bridesmaid "thank yous"... and of course, beefing up your own accessories collection.

First off, almost everything in the just ITP store is under $10 (save the sterling jewelry, tiaras, scepters and oversized bags, which really aren't my thing anyway). And the variety is incredible! If your style is retro, funky, conservative, preppy, trendy, punk rock or whatever, this place has something for you.

Some photos from our visit (note: I took more photos of the funky items, but there were plenty of fashion-forward and conservative items, too).

One of the first things I spotted - a red, leather purse IDENTICAL to mine (except $18 less expensive).

Wall to wall costume jewelry and other goodies.

More.

Those bib necklaces that are all the rage (I think these were $10/each).

Awesome or sketch? You decide.

Hair accessories.

Felt hats: $20.

Yeah, I'm not sure either...

These necklaces have wacky grandma or freaky kindergarten teacher (or Julia?) written all over them.

All in all, I spent a grand total of $103 but came home with the following:

• Vintage-y looking brooch for my potential New Year's Eve outfit
• Two pairs of knit gloves (gifts)
• An owl pendant necklace (gift)
• Two knit headbands with fun knit flowers sewn on (one for me, one for a gift); I'll have to post an outfit wearing this later -- it's so fun!
• A jeweled evening bag/small purse (gift)
• Two scarves (gifts)
• Two white elephant gifts for a holiday party (guests of Ben and Becca's annual Ugly Sweater Party, watch out)
• A holly berry scarf to don for aforementioned holiday party
• A colorful costume necklace (gift)

Not bad, eh?

Now that you all know where you're going for your Atlanta costume jewelry and affordable fashion accessory needs, I know we can all sleep better tonight. :)

- Katy

Thank you, Miz Megan, for joining me for this field trip. I hope Mike likes his dapper gift.

Great Weekend for Blog Content

This weekend has been a great weekend for A Life Fulfilled: Atlanta. 

Today alone = two thrift/secondhand shops + lunch on BuHi (translation for non-Atlantans: Buford Highway is the Atlanta mecca for international food, mostly Asian, South and Central American). 

Here are a few teaser pics from the weekend (full posts to come):

Funky Jewelry Love (eBay Seller Recommendation)

It was destined to happen. 

I started a little early Christmas shopping for my husband, four parents, 11 in-laws, four brothers, one sister, three step-brothers, three stepsisters and friends. Despite the big task at hand, I became distracted by wonderfully awesome eBay items that I want for myself!

I just bid on this delicious lot of FIVE vintage necklaces (current bid: $14.99 with free shipping!!!). 

(By the way, I'll reach through my computer and warmly smack any of you readers who may try and outbid me. She has plenty of other options — many with free shipping — so you shouldn't need to bid on the necklaces I'm eyeing.)

Here are just a few other intriguing items being offered by PowerSeller 44brendee (note: this seller has 100% positive feedback).

Glam charm bracelet: $8

Lot of four fab costume necklaces: $14.99

10 assorted pierced earrings (dangly, hoop, etc.) for $14.99

I'm reminded all over again why I heart eBay. Happy shopping, friends!