When I try describing exactly where I am from:

about 5 hours South of Chicago; about 2 hours North of St. Louis; near Hannibal, Mo - you know, Mark Twain's books, Tom Sawyer & Huckleberry Finn...

nothing-ness, eyes glaze over, no geographical clue to my references.

Can you remember the name of your first crush? Pretty sure mine was a boy named Kyle in 8th grade. My memories of crushing on him now seem embarrassing and obsessive  in the most ridiculous teenage ways possible. Scribbling his name in combination with mine all over my notebook, like it would summon him into my loving clutches.

My Missouri childhood inspired the newest Mini-State collection, so a blog about the Show Me state seemed fitting. 

The proud owner of divorced parents, I called Soularde, Spanish Lake, Wentzville & Florissant all home at some point.

There are a few different birthstones that represent December; tanzanite, zircon and turquoise. One thing they all share is their vibrant blue hues. Including one of these beautiful blues in your winter wardrobe is definitely a must.

Alice & Chains Jewelry prides itself in making one-of-a-kind jewelry. Whether a fashion or fine piece, there is an irreplaceable value and amazing story in working with a client to create a unique design that no one else will be wearing.

Topaz is also a soothing stone. It has been said to calm tempers, cure madness and eliminate nightmares. Topaz ranges in color, from beautiful blues, to brownish yellow to orange, but the most prized color is Imperial Topaz, featuring a vibrant orange hue with pink undertones.

Top 3 reasons you should wear a choker:

1. Chokers literally go with everything...
2. They're flattering - slimming the neck, accentuating the jaw, drawing the eye upwards from your outfit, and who doesn't like that?
3. They're cheap! Ours are $15 & Alice & Chains Jewelry will be at the Dobbs Ferry Holiday Pop Up helping you create your own choker for $10 :-)

Comments overheard from attendees:

• "This is the best Halloween event - ever!"
• "Everyone helping is soo creative!"
• "Whoa! I thought those legs (see below) were real!"