Sponsored Post: Thomas Laine’s Statement-Making Jewelry
This post is sponsored by Thomas Laine, but written by your usual friendly blogger, Kat Griffin.
I met the entrepreneur behind Thomas Laine — a woman named Eimear Thomas — a few months ago at a networking event, shortly before the jewelry site launched. I was interested, but it wasn't until I attended a December trunk show that my interest really piqued. Looking through Eimear's well-curated jewelry, I was struck by how interesting the pieces were, and how each one made a bit of a different statement. I'm excited to work with her on this post! (Oh, and do note that they offer free shipping (in really lux packaging) for the moment if you sign up for the newsletter.)
The first thing about the Thomas Laine collection that stood out were the bold, fun pieces, to be honest. Particularly for working women, where you may have about 5 minutes to “change” as you run from desk to dinner, jewelry can be a lifesaver.
| A simple black sheath dress can go from ho-hum to za-zing when you have a bold necklace to change into for the evening. The multiple metals in this necklace (black, gunmetal, gold) make it a versatile piece, but the sparkly crystals add a lot to even the most simple of outfits. It's $855 at Thomas Laine. Erickson Beamon – Chain Gang Necklace |
| I'm generally against dangly earrings for the office, but after work — these are fabulous. I love the art deco look to these (and the flattering coral color). I'd “refresh” an office outfit of a black sweater, trousers, and simple earrings by switching into jeans and heels (and, fine, perhaps by removing a camisole or adding a push-up bra) and then pulling up my hair to make these earrings pop. Perfect for a night out on the town. These earrings are $119 at Thomas Laine. Kenneth Jay Lane – Silver and Black Coral Crystal Deco Earring |
| I attended a conference for fashion bloggers yesterday, and one of the things I noticed was that the “arm full of bracelets” trend is alive and well. (Joan Rivers spoke around lunchtime, and, after being asked by an audience member how many bangles she had on, claimed “I just put on all of the ones that I could find this morning.”) The look is fashionable and fun, particularly for after-work hours — I like the look of these 5 gemstone bangles from Kara by Kara Ross. I particularly like that the gemstones are all different. Was $295, now $206.50 at Thomas Laine. Kara by Kara Ross – Wave Gemstone Bangle |
The other thing that struck me about the Thomas Laine collection was how many pieces were great for adding a bit of personality to your regular office wardrobe. We all own the basic pieces — the blouses, the blazers, the sheath dresses — but jewelry is one of the primary ways to personalize your look.
| For example, this necklace isn't quite as blingy as the Erickson Beamon necklace above — but it leaves a fashionable impression. Worn with a simple crewneck sweater or even a white button-down, it's a rich look that translates well to the office. This necklace is $588 at Thomas Laine. Janis Savitt – Rose Triple Strand Knot Necklace |
| I have one friend who always wears pearl button earrings (no matter what!) and I like the slightly different take that Gerald Yosca takes on them here. They're still ladylike and delicate, but the oxidized brass gives them a vintage look, while the crystal gives them just a hint of bling. They're $73.50 (were $105) at Thomas Laine. Gerard Yosca – Pearl and Crystal Button earring |
| Like I said, I'm not a big fan of dangle earrings for the office — but hoops are the only possible exception to that because they're fairly static, so they don't distract when they move. These gunmetal and crystal earrings strike me as a great way to add a bit of “edge” to your office look — I particularly love the way the crystals point in different directions, as well as the vintage look to them. They're $119 at Thomas Laine. Kenneth Jay Lane – Medium Gunmetal and Crystal Earring |
Readers, what kind of statement pieces do you like to wear to the office? How do you determine whether a statement piece is “acceptable for the office” or “only for evenings”?
This is the first sponsored post I really, really liked. There are some interesting pieces there that I could see myself wearing. Nice!
Love the coral earrings. I wonder if I can convince the BF they’d make a good valentine’s day gift…
I really liked all of the pieces here. But they are all really expensive, in my eyes. Particularly given that most are fairly trendy, and I’m not sure how much staying power those have.
Very well said. There are a couple of pieces I would pick up. Well those pearl earrings aren’t too expensive. But a $600 necklace for work? Nah. I’d rather buy a couple of suits for that money.
This was my reaction as well. Especially since I find I can pick up statement type costume jewelry at department store outlets or on deep discounts. For this type of accessory, while I like quality that won’t fall to pieces, I don’t feel real stones are important since the pieces will be outdated in relatively short order.
I agree completely. I’m just not going to spend that kind of money on jewelry that is that distinctive. I’d rather save it toward the classic, timeless pieces. My “fun” jewelry budget would let me buy these pieces only if they were at least an order of magnitude cheaper.
Yup, pretty but expensive. But I agree, my favorite sponsored post so far :)
Very pretty stuff though I agree that it’s a bit much for costume jewelry. [Also, on an aside: I thought this would be someone’s new line, not a website of other people’s stuff but whatever . . . ]
Question: Do folks really think that the coral art-deco earrings are really less appropriate at the office than the chunky crystal hoops?? I know all offices are different, blah, blah, but I feel like I could wear the coral without anyone raising an eyebrow, whereas the hoops are a little “night in the club” for even an informal friday outfit…. Am I totally off?
I would wear the coral to the office, no problem. I would definitely not wear those hoops to the office because they seem “busy” and because the crystals are a little gaudy for me.
Nope, my judgment is exactly the same. The hoops might be non-party if they were very small, but it says they are 1.5″. Meanwhile the coral rectangle ones look all business to me! I’d wear them with a white or black button-down.
Yeah, I was really surprised by the coral earrings comment. I get that shoulder-dusters don’t work at most offices, but those seem pretty office-appropriate anywhere (and more office appropriate than a lot of the clothes I see recommended here).
I’d wear the coral to the office. I think the straight lines make them seem more “serious”.
I’ll chime in and agree the coral earrings seem appropriate for the office and the crystal hoops I’d have to see in person to determine if they are too sparkly for work. But then, I don’t have a problem with wearing dangle earrings in the office as long as they aren’t too “night in the club” as you put it.
Also, while I don’t necessarily think a lot of bangles are inappropriate for the office, I do think they can be distracting if they jangle a lot. I’ve been guilty of wearing loud jewelry to work and regret it when I realize I’m announcing my presence by walking down the hall. Also, whenever I wear bracelets they end up on my desk as soon as I have to do any work because they are distracting.
I absolutely love both of the featured necklaces. Wish they were in my budget!
How do you determine whether a statement piece is “acceptable for the office”…
If it doesn’t have legs and becomes the focus of attention. Jewelry is supposed to enhance, not distract. If is it the right size for my proportions and colors for my personal pallet. And it must not look like something a tween would wear.
…or “only for evenings”?
If it is very sparkly; lLoads of crystals and reflective surfaces scream nightlife to me.
Hi Ladies,
Thank you very much for all of your feedback on both the selected pieces and your thoughts on “jewelry at work” in general. We really value the feedback and will take it on board when we’re buying in the future.
There is a varied selection of styles and price-points so I would be really interested to get your thoughts on which collections have the best work appropriate pieces, or would be ideal to put on before going straight to a party after work?
What would you like to see more of?
I look forward to hearing from you, and thank you in advance for taking the time to respond.
Eimear Thomas
Founder of ThomasLaine.com
I really like the coral earrings!