The Price IS Right

Ladies: Are you in need of a little retail therapy? Would you like to purchase a "me" gift?

Fellas: Would you like to treat that special someone? Do you owe your sister or mother a little thank you present?

WHATEVER your scenario, Ex-cessories.com is here to help! We have amazing jewelry in all price ranges!!!

Check out our great vintage cuffs and costume jewelry under $50! For that price... you just can't say no!!!

MIX & MATCH

We LOVE Old Navy Swimwear- you can mix & match styles, sizes, and colors while managing to spare your wallet much harm! Separates are priced between $9-$15 and are ADORABLE, AFFORDABLE, & ATTRACTIVE....what are you waiting for? Visit your local store or visit www.oldnavy.com! We promise your friends will be jealous!

* Holy BLING *

The famous auction house, Christie's, auctioned off a 101.27-carat colorless diamond (about the size of a ping pong ball) in Hong Kong on May 28th. The diamond sold for $6.22 million and was the largest colorless stone to appear on the auction market in 18 years!

Little is known about the seller and the buyer was a 1st time buyer who placed their bid over the phone. The new owner will have the right to name the diamond. What would you name a 101.27-carat diamond?!?!

Cats & Dogs

Introducing Lucy from North Carolina, Max from Louisiana, and Beau from Florida...

*Thank you to all of the Ex-cessories members who sent in pictures of their pets*

GREEN TIP * SAVE $$$

It's no surprise that we are all feeling the impact of rising gas prices on our wallets...so we thought we'd share with you some of our GREEN coping mechanisms to save $$$ and the environment:

- CARPOOL- splitting the bill vs. footing the bill
- SLOW DOWN- following the speed limit saves fuel
- FIRST FUEL BANK- a Minnesota company where you can lock in your price
- ALTERNATIVE VACATION- take advantage of the hotels in your downtown area

Following these tips will have a positive impact on our environment and your bank account- who doesn't enjoy a few extra dollars to spend on that perfect dress or piece of JEWELRY*

Cats & Dogs

We LOVE our animals more than anything and we know many of our Ex-cessories members are major animal lovers as well!

Take a look at our little ones below ~ Sophie, Salem, and Bailey.

Send us pictures (e-mail info@excessories.com) of YOUR cats and dogs and we will post them on our blog... show them a little love and appreciation for all of the happiness they bring us!

Serve It Up This Weekend*

Summer is here and so is the perfect time to play hostess! Invite some of your friends over after work tonight or this weekend and serve this easy and delicious Guacamole with blue chips, soy chips, or even sliced veggies! Don't forget to grab a bottle of wine (or two) at the store!

6 avocados, ripened, cut, and smashed, 1 tomato, diced, 1/2 sweet white onion, finely chopped, Cumin- A LOT (best ingredient~makes the whole dish), Cilantro, Chili pepper, Lime juice, Sea salt & Pepper

Simply mix all ingredients together, adding enough of each seasoning to your liking. Tasting throughout the process is the fun part, and I promise, you WILL keep adding more Cumin...enjoy*

SEX AND THE CITY IS BACK!

Last night I had the opportunity to see a pre-screening of the new Sex and the City movie...my opinion?

* FANTASTIC * HILARIOUS * STYLISH *

Between following each girl's relationship, clothing and ex-cessories, and falling in love with Charlotte's new daughter Lily, I lost track of time, hardly realizing the movie was 2 1/2 hours!! Make sure to see it this weekend, and let us know how you felt about it: Overwhelmingly satisfied? Thought it was cute? Did not live up to your expectations? We want to hear YOUR critique... Oh, and don't forget to take note of the auction scene...sound a bit familiar?

DO-IT-YOURSELF

MAKE YOUR OWN ART!
1. Go to your local stationary/paper store (we recommend Sam Flax if you live in the New York, Atlanta, or Orlando area) and pick out a piece of wrapping paper or handmade paper that appeals to your style/taste.
2. Purchase a picture frame or canvas.
3. Frame the piece of paper or wrap the paper around a piece of canvas.
4. Voila ~ ART
For example: the pink heart paper wraps around a blank canvas and hangs in my bathroom and the other picture is wrapping paper in a clear frame, that I have made, for my sister's new apartment. It is so easy, inexpensive, and fun! Enjoy*

Best vs. Worst

The Ex-cessories gals would love to know the BEST and WORST gifts that you have ever received from an EX.

Enjoy our BEST and WORST, listed below, and post your answers under "comments". We would love to hear from you!

Allison: Best- pearl and diamond pendant on a gold chain. Worst- a hot pink, furry, kleenex box!

Elizabeth: Best- a diamond heart necklace. Worst- a $5 gift certificate to Taco Bell!

MUSICIAN ALERT * TAJ MAHAL

While many of you are probably already familiar, we wanted to tell the rest of you that Ex-cessories is loving TAJ MAHAL ~ a legendary musician who has essentially created his own brand: Caribbean, Latin, & soul blues all wrapped into one distinctive medley. Check out Lovin' in My Baby's Eyes and My Girl Josephine (a Tribute to Fat's Domino), both found on iTunes, and enjoy*

Rain Rain Go Away...

Spring/Summer showers can often put a damper on your day and your style. BUT, the Ex-cessories gals have the answer! Step out into the rain in style with a pair of "Hunter" rain boots! The original "Hunter Wellington" rain boot comes in amazing colors ~ silver, pink, yellow, green, black, and more! Pick up your pair, for $98, at shopbop.com or zappos.com.

GOT MILK?

JELL-O has come out with the new "DO-IT-YOURSELF DELICIOUS" instant chocolate or vanilla JELL-O Singles. All you need is a little non-fat milk mixed with the JELL-O singles and you have a yummie 80 calorie, sugar free, snack! This is great for all women on the go*

Make-Outs Galore

Who saw the Grey's Season Finale last night? We sure did...and were shocked by the ending! Lots of lip action between some pretty surprising cast members! Post your comments here, and your predictions for what's to come between Meredith & McDreamy* xoxo

* FOX35 NEWS ORLANDO *

Ex-cessories.com was on Fox35 News Orlando last night!!! Check it out by clicking on myfoxorlando.com, on the right hand side, under "our links."
Enjoy*

* NIP/TUCK *

Ex-cessories.com has had a little work done!

Please refresh each page to view our new updates and ENJOY!

BUY, SELL, MELT, and BLOG!

* PARTY *

Party it up wherever you are this holiday weekend...you deserve it. If you happen to be down in Disney World, here's what we suggest:

WHO: THE RUNNERS

WHAT: The MEMORIAL DAY BASH-Chris Kirkpatrick (former NSYNC member) Presents PURE
WHEN: Saturday, May 24th
WHERE: VOYAGE (located on the corner of Pine St. and Orange Ave.), Downtown Orlando, Florida
WHY: Open bar for everyone until 12am, 2-4-1 bottles until 12am

*For VIP call COLD FRONT ENTERTAINMENT @ 407.408.8482*

Crackdown on Fraud

April 14th, 2008- Gucci wins a lawsuit in Shanghai protecting its trademark. Senda group to pay Gucci $26,000 for using the Gucci symbol on its sandals and selling them as knockoffs.

What does that mean for you? Beware of fraudulent items on the streets, in the stores, and on the net. Shop in credible stores and on trustworthy websites, and help designers end the long battle of bringing down the copycats!

Dress For Succes in NOLA

Dress For Success reopens in New Orleans today, 2 1/2 years after Hurricane Katrina ravaged the program...the grand event will take place today from 9-2, and the Style Network will be there giving free make-overs from the pink Beauty Bus!!

Since we all know how important first impressions can be, do your part by donating to your local chapter. Or, send to ours...we all know New Orleans needs it! Call (504) 248-2604 for more information and if you're local, check out today's event!

The Ex-cessories Gals Are Here For YOU!

Have a story?

Need advice?

Comment below and we will help!

OMFG * Gossip Girl Season Finale * TONIGHT

Will Serena expose her past to Dan? What happened between Dan and Georgina? Please tell us that Lily chooses Rufus over Chuck's Dad! We have no idea, but we're counting down the minutes until tonight's episode...post your thoughts and predictions under comments...but only the OMFG ones*

* Bling Alert *

Check out our new diamonds!!!

*Beautiful stones at great prices*

*Hot Gossip*

Its OFFICIAL!!!

Ashlee Simpson and Pete Wentz were married yesterday afternoon at their parents house in Encino, CA. Guests in attendance-Tony Romo (ahh awkwardness since he DUMPED Jessica Simpson over a week ago), Nicole Richie, Joel Madden, and many more. The reception was Alice and Wonderland themed.

For the FELLAS

*Calling all guys*

Ex-cessories.com has amazing brand name jewelry at great prices; David Yurman, Tiffany & Co., John Hardy, Chanel, Dior, and many more!!!

SO come on guys...buy that special person in your life a little something that will make them smile, but won't hurt your wallet!!!

The Ex-cessories gals are always willing to help out, so if you need any shopping tips or have any questions, e-mail us at info@excessories.com or post your questions under "comments."

Buy LOCAL

Sure, grocery stores are big, convenient, one-stop shops, but are they the best decision for you, your friends/family, & the environment? Why not spruce up your weekend dinner party with some more natural ingredients?

This weekend, Ex-cessories.com is encouraging you to buy local, which means heading down to your local Famer's Market to pick from the freshest berries, ripest avocados, and yummiest veggies across the board. When you buy local, your food tastes better, provides better nutrients, is GMO-free (who wants all those chemicals!), and best of all, supports local farmer's, families, the environment, and YOUR community.

Live in New Orleans? Head on down to the Crescent City Farmer's Market in the Warehouse district this morning. Live somewhere else? Google it- I know you'll find one in a matter of seconds! For more information, visit www.crescentcityfarmersmarket.org...and happy shopping!

* Great Fashion Find *

Yummie Tummie tank tops are one of this season's hottest must haves! They are perfect for EVERYONE and give you the best of both worlds-they are stylish and slimming at the same time!

*You can find these amazing tanks on www.yummietummie.com or www.vibetheboutique.com (enter code "jessica" at check out for 10% off)*

*Calling all Shoe Lovers*

www.tgeorgianos.com is a great shoe site that carries over 20 different designers, including their own line! You can shop online or visit their store in Sarasota, Florida, where they offer customers private shopping, shoe parties, exclusive trunk shows, and more! Check out T. Georgiano's, which has been a luxury shoe emporium since 1985, and enjoy! For additional questions you can contact the store at (941) 870-3727. Happy shopping*

*CASH FOR GOLD*

Ok so we know we told you, but we just wanted to remind you until we finish our site updates:

Send us your GOLD, we'll send you $$$...

The same goes for platinum- so come on, if you haven't worn it in the last year, you probably never will!

The Ex-cessories Gals have already joined the cause- some ex-tra spending money is way more fun then outdated jewelry!

*Protect Yourself*

The sun is getting stronger and it is a MUST to protect yourself! Don't worry...the Ex-cessories gals have great tips to help you cover up IN STYLE*
1. Sport a pair of cute and colorful shades-we recommend, the oldy but goody, Ray-Ban classic wayfarer sunglasses (found at Saks.com or shopbop.com).
2. ALWAYS wear sunscreen- Neutrogena makes a great color boosting sunblock, so you can protect yourself and add color to your skin at the same time (can be found at most drugstores and supermarkets) !
3. Make sure that your lip gloss or chapstick contains SPF- Trish McEvoy luxe moisture balm (Saks.com) and ChapStick Ultra are both great.
4. Wear a hat- I know that makes me sound like your mother...BUT a straw fedora or vintage baseball cap, can spruce up any outfit! (www.urbanoutfitters.com)

Scarves and other ACcessories at FORVER 21*

Who doesn't love a new pashmina? The Ex-cessories Gals surely do- always looking for the latest color or fabric. That's why I was delighted to buy this one yesterday at....drum roll please...Forever 21 at the New Orleans Lakeside Mall. Looks like $100, COSTS less than $10!!! Run, don't skip, to your nearest store or www.forever21.com.

Drama Drama Drama

Did you all watch the season finale of The Hills?!?!
Post your thoughts under comments...we want to know what you're thinking!

TREND ALERT: GO WILD

This season, blouses, bags, dresses, scarves, and jewelry have all gone wild!

~African inspired prints and animals are everywhere~

Capitalize on this trend with the snake like bracelet or bee pin, featured below, which can be found on Ex-cessories.com!

OUT WITH THE OLD...IN WITH THE NEW!

Last week, we helped one woman shed her past while another found a bargain...all in the name of an engagement ring! That's right...our first appraised diamond sold for $3,521 and it's time for another lucky shopper to score such a deal!

View our latest 1.5 carat stone under "Rings"- and like the saying goes, one person's trash is another's treasure*

Hermes Loves NOLA

Hermes has just announced the reissue of their classic and beautiful "New Orleans" scarf. Hermes will DONATE 10% of every scarf sold to help rebuild New Orleans City Park (Historical Society for the New Orleans City Park Carousel Gardens Restoration project).

Available in Hermes stores, (800) 441-4488 and www.hermes.com

*Thank you to Hermes, for their support of New Orleans.

*Happy Mother's Day*

The Ex-cessories Gals would like to wish everyone a very happy Mother's Day!
We would also like to give an ex-tra special shout out to our fabulous Moms.
~ Thank you for all of your love and support. We couldn't have done it without you! ~

GREAT DEALS-LOWER PRICES

You guys made offers, and we heard you! Certain sellers have agreed to lower their asking price, so check out some of our items that are now even better bargains than they were before...retail prices are so last week!

~Diamond Huggies and Gold and Diamond "X" Ring just to name a few~

Yours truly, the Ex-cessories Gals

~Mother's Day Prep~

We love our moms, so we're planning some special treats for tomorrow~ give her flowers to die for, make her breakfast in bed...there are so many ways to say thanks without breaking the bank!

Our flower trick? Picking out a few dozen, exotic bouquets from our local discount warehouse (Sam's or Cosco), where flowers are about $10/dozen! Trim stems and leaves so buds peak out of top of vase. Whether you have a short square vase or a porcelain Chinese take-out box, packing in a glamorous array of colors is sure to make her day!

We posted one of our latest creations, and we want to know what you come up with! Post away under the comments section and have a great Saturday* xoxo

INVENTORY UPDATE

We wanted to inform you all that we just got in tons of new pieces that will be up later today! In the mean time, please check out the Mignon Faget Cuff Bracelet~ all proceeds to go to Make It Right, Brad Pitt's organization dedicated to rebuilding New Orleans!

"I want it I'll have it"

The Hermes "Kelly" bag is coveted, timeless, and near impossible to get. Now, the bag you thought was only in your dreams... has become a reality!

Go to www.hermes.com and click on "travel the world of Hermes." Wait for the image of the white Kelly bag that says, "I want it I'll have it" to appear and click. Choose, download, print, color, cut, fold, glue, and Voila~ you have a Kelly bag! Enjoy*

If you create your own Kelly bag, take a picture and post it under "comments" so everyone can see your results!

Anniversary

~Today Ex-cessories.com is a month old and we wanted to thank each and every person (bloggers, buyers, sellers, friends, family, professors, and mentors) for their support~

SEND US YOUR GOLD...MAKE SOME $$$

Ex-cessories.com is proud to announce our newest service- melt your gold or platinum and we'll send you what it's worth!

Perfect for our clients wanting to make some quick cash, or who simply want to NEVER see that item again!

E-mail info@excessories.com for more details until we figure out where this service will live on our site*

99 Days and Counting...

The Sex and the City movie is 99 days away and we can't wait!!!

We were wondering what Sex and the City character you were? Are you a Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte, or Miranda?

Copy and paste the link below to your browser and take a Sex and the City quiz! Have fun and let us know which character you are most like by posting your results on our "comments" section. We were a "Carrie"*

http://www.quibblo.com/quiz/prDH_/Which-Sex-in-the-City
-Character-are-you?view_quiz=1