Summer Bangles

A few weeks ago, my husband returned from a business trip to NY with a 'surprise' for me! As you might imagine I was very excited, as this almost never happens.

I was delighted upon opening the small jewelry box to find a set of bangle bracelets, all customized by him, for me. Cool, right?

The bracelets are from a designer that I have now familiarized myself with, called Alex and Ani.


Alex and Ani is by a designer based here in the United States, Carolyn Rafaelian. Carolyn's design philosophy for Alex and Ani (named after her first 2 daughters) is to create products of unparalleled quality and beauty that promote consciousness and unity. All of her designs are made in the United States and made of recycled materials - again cool, right?


Joe couldn't have known that he was giving me this bracelet at precisely the right time of year - spring and summer are the best time to wear bangles! There is no sleeve to cover up the bracelets or push them down; it's all about dressing up your plain tank or tee or whatever with accessories! He visited the 'bangle bar' which by far is the most fun part of their website. If you go to the site, click on this icon to 'build your own.' I just did, it allowed me to personalize the bangle with colored beads, different metals, initials (I used G for Griffin), and my astrological sign! There are so many options to indulge your creative side. Now I want another set.

I also took a picture of the bracelet Joe made for me so you can see how well he did!

Of course, if you are not the creative type, you can always shop their bangle sets that are already put together for you. Here are a few of my favorites for spring/summer 2010:

Nile Beaded Expandable Wire Bangle Set, $158

Bohemian Sea Bead Expandable Wire Bangle Set, $118

Driftwood Expandable Wire Bangle Set, $98

Finally, the best part about the Alex and Ani collection is that you can buy as much or as little as you want. If all you want is one bangle with an initial on it, go for it! Or if you want to get spendy and have bangles all the way up your forearm, you can do that too.

So design away on Alex and Ani, and if you do, post a picture and let me know what you came up with! Or, send my blog to your hubby or BF so he can make one for you. ;-)