Ring it on

The Armed and Readi Blog

[armedandreadi-blog]

Share a photo of you rocking your A&R and tag @armedandreadi and your photo will be featured on www.armedandreadi.com! #instafamous #shareyourpics #selfienation #readiformycloseup

[armedandreadi-blog]

have a monogram moment! @alyson_haley has become obsessed with our modern monogram! Get yours today at armedandreadi.com #repost #monogrammoment #makeityours #cobalt #simple #ootd #wiw #blogger #fashionblogger

[armedandreadi-blog]

A little snow can't hold us back! See you at 12:30 Washington & Lee! We can't wait for a great afternoon!

[armedandreadi-blog]

Steal The Style:  The Bachelor’s Clare Crowley

 The 32 year-old hairstylist turned Bachelor star, Clare Crowley, may have been dubbed as this season’s “nut,” but one thing is for sure, we are just as crazy about her gold bar necklace as she is!  While jetting around the world in hope of winning Juan Pablo’s heart, Clare has made sure to pack her favorite accessory for every leg of the journey.

Could a Neil Lane “rock” complete Clare’s gold bar look at the final rose ceremony?  Only time will tell, but be sure to tune in March 10 on ABC at 8 p.m. EST to see the drama unfold.

  Hoping to steal her style for a deal?  Check out these perfect spring break pieces:

 Dress: AQ/AQ Tatianna Maxi Dress by Revolve Clothing

Shoes: Hamil Sandals by Steve Madden

Bag: Selma large textured-leather tote by Michael Kors

Necklace: Gold Bar Necklace by Armed & Readi

Earrings: Forget Me Knot Earrings in Gold by Armed & Readi

By: Kim Anastos

[armedandreadi-blog]

We hate Mondays! but at least it's filled with bright baubles #spring #colors #necklaces

[armedandreadi-blog]

Good Reads: How to Look Expensive by Andrea Pomerantz Lustig

  When your required reading for school starts to pile up, it is natural to feel like you don’t have the time to savor a good book and hot cup of tea. Don’t fall into this trap! You can make the time, and you should! How to Look Expensive by Andrea Pomerantz Lustig is the best of my “Good Reads” for this month, so get your cup of tea ready and find your favorite reading spot because it is high time you treat yourself!

  How to Look Expensive is the holy grail for tips on how to get the best hair cut, what beauty products work best and even how to get the best, natural looking self-tan. Written by Andrea Pomerantz Lustig, former Cosmopolitan beauty editor and Glamour beauty advice columnist, you can rest assured that the tips you’re getting are the real deal.

  My favorite section is when she identifies several different haircuts and how to describe them to your stylist so you get that perfect cut you were hoping for. I can’t wait to take my book into Aveda and get a new do!

  Happy reading!

  Xx Christe

[armedandreadi-blog]

One week from today A&R will be at Rutgers! Get readi! #rutgers #sale #jewelry #campustour (at Rutgers University)

[armedandreadi-blog]

The Art of Thanks

 Something that is important to learn early on in your college career is the value of a good, old-fashioned ‘thank you’ note. These babies are my secret weapon. After I go on a job interview I always send a ‘thank you’ note and it works every single time. Or if a friend sends a gift to you, a snail-mail ‘thank you’ card will mean so much more than the quick Facebook thank you they would normally get. Remembering to say thank you is rare these days, so let yourself stand out by exercising your elegance with a classy and thoughtful ‘thank you’ note.

  Tips for a good thank you note:

 1. Invest in some nice cards: This is so critical! Never write on a card so ugly you wouldn’t want to receive it yourself. If it’s so cute that you don’t want to send it, that’s a good sign. My favorite places to pick up cute and unique cards are TJ Maxx, Ross and Marshalls. They always have tons of notecard sets. I love anything with my initial on it, but they also typically have cute patterned ones as well.

 2. Think first, write second: Don’t ruin a perfectly good card by diving in too soon. Think about what you’re going to say first. I usually say the thank you aloud to myself before I write it down. This way it sounds natural and sincere.

 3. Choose your weapon: Pick a good pen and stick with it. If your pen dies halfway through the card and you have to switch writing implements, it’s going to look awful. Make sure you choose something that will go the distance.

 4. Mind the details: I recently invested in an embosser so that I can emboss my own envelopes with my monogram. I got it from Barnes & Noble for around $40 and it is, hands down, the coolest thing I own. Also, if you go on Vistaprint.com you can make your own envelope seals. Of course, mine are my monogram on top of a Lilly print. But they offer templates if you aren’t feeling as creative.

 Writing ‘thank you’ notes is not only a good way to strengthen relationships, but it is the sign of a classy, considerate and poised young woman. Happy writing!

 xx Christe

[armedandreadi-blog]

5 Pieces Every Closet Needs

With winter taking its toll on many wardrobes, accessorizing can seem like a distant summer memory. The girls at Armed & Readi disagree. Don’t let the cold wind keep you from adding a gorgeous necklace to your weekend outfit. Today, the A&R gals have compiled 5 pieces for every closet this winter. Each piece is versatile and the perfect addition to layered looks this February.

1. No Strings Attached for a Night on the Town

          Nothing is more cozy in the winter than a romantic dinner with that special someone. Put on your favorite black dress, black tights, and a killer pair of heels. To top it all off, add the No Strings Attached necklace for an elegant flair that will make jaws drop. Add a sultry red lip to complete the look.

2. Into the Blue For An Afternoon Shopping with the Girlfriends 

          Shopping with girlfriends is the perfect way to combat the cold. Pair the Into the Blue bracelet with boyfriend jeans, flats, a cute top, and a cozy sweater. This pop of color will brighten a dreary winter day.

3. Leather Love Bracelet When Getting Coffee on Sunday

          Every Armed&Readi girl loves a coffee drink on a cozy Sunday morning. Pair this affirmation bracelet with a cute sweater dress, leggings, and your favorite knee-high boots. This look is perfect for any casual outing.

4. Anchors Away Earrings for Lunch with Parents

          Nothing tops catching up with mom and dad over lunch. Pair the Anchors Away Earrings with a striped tee, blazer, and jeans for a nautical look. This fun outfit will take the mind off of the not-so-fun temperate outside.

5.Bow Knuckle Ring for an Important Meeting at Work

          A busy, working girl always looks better with a few accessories. Add the Bow Knuckle Ring to a chic pant suit for meetings or a day at the office. The extra sparkle will complete the look.

          Remember, no matter the weather – an accessory can brighten any day. Sometimes all a girl needs is a cute necklace to make her smile a little brighter. Go out and take on the world, ladies! Show them you are Armed & Readi!

[armedandreadi-blog]

Happy Valentine's Day from @bygracelee ! Wearing our favorite, the bombshell! #love #vday #bombshell

[armedandreadi-blog]

Sending some snow day love! Featuring @letstalktwenties amazing A&R ring ensemble and amazing @Essie penny talk mani #mani #snowday #rings

[armedandreadi-blog]

Steal The Style:  Miranda Kerr

  Watch out Gisele – the newly single Miranda Kerr seems to be vying to be the world’s next Most Powerful Model.  The 30 year-old Australia-native made waves this week when it was announced she will replace Gisele Bundchen as the face of H&M in the company’s Spring 2014 campaign. 

  Just days before the announcement, the brunette beauty stepped out in New York City donning a polished, monochrome ensemble. 

  Looking to snag Kerr’s subtle, sexy style?  Here are a few pieces to point you in the right direction:

  Shirt: Black Rihanna knot front crop top by River Island

Skirt: Black High Waisted Pencil Nz Lambskin Leather Skirt – Savannah by VIPARO

Coat: Classic Lambswool Peacoat by L.L.Bean

Shoes: High Heels by Gianna Mellani

Bag: Two Park Avenue Beau Shopper by Kate Spade

Ring: Gold Bar Ring by Armed & Readi

Lipstick: Red Door Red by Elizabeth Arden

[armedandreadi-blog]

Valentine's Day jewelry sale with @letstalktwenties #vday #jewelry #sale (at NYC)

[armedandreadi-blog]

Welcome to my World

  Hi, my name is Christe Thompson, and I am not your typical college student. I do a lot of typical things like binge eat queso dip, stay out too late, hold the occasional red solo cup and rock a North Face fleece, but my life is anything but typical. Today marks the very first day that my entire to-do list has actually fit neatly in the square of my Lilly Pulitzer planner. It is a miracle! Before I started sharing my college know-how with you, I wanted to give you an idea of where I’m coming from.

  First of all, I go to Drexel University. It’s located in Philadelphia: probably the ugliest and most beautiful city all at the same time. I am in my fifth and final year, but I am still pulling all-nighters and juggling a grad class with a full 18-credit course load. Fun fact: I was also just crowned Homecoming Queen! If you didn’t know before, you are probably starting to see it now. I am a varsity student.

  Now that you understand the extent to which I put myself into living life, I think you’ll have an even better appreciation for all of the things I want to share with you! I hope my experience works to your benefit… Happy reading!

[armedandreadi-blog]

With Valentine's Day right around the corner, make sure you have the essentials! A killer mani, chocolates and of course, the bombshell! #vday #jewelry #chocolate #mani

[armedandreadi-blog]

Come shop with us today at conn college! From 11 til 5! (at Crozier-Williams College Center)

[armedandreadi-blog]

Such a great event today with @QWMBA ! Thanks for having us, we hope you all love your jewels #fundraiser #jewelry (at Hamden, CT)