Winner: Lyndsay Skeegan Pearl Ring

While I'm sad to be parting with it, I'm even more thrilled to announce the winner of our one-of-a-kind Lyndsay Skeegan ring: Kristin from Tampa!

She gets the ring you see me modeling (worst photo ever, sorry gals!). It's gorgeous, as are the rest of the Lyndsay's pieces. I hope you'll check out her site. She's offering all fans of The Average Girl's Guide free, 2-day shipping with any purchase (a $12 value), which means if you order today you should get it by Friday. Fingers crossed! Her stunning pieces are ones you'll be creating outfits around they're so wonderful.

Congrats again to Kristin! Contact me with your mailing address.

Spotlight on NYC Jewelry Designer, And Giveaway!

HOT JEWELRY DESIGNER ALERT!

I love to highlight up-and-coming fashion and jewelry designers... especially when they'll offer to donate one of their pieces to my fabulous followers! Woohoo! The latest? Lyndsay Skeegan. I discovered her gorgeous, modern and sophisticated pieces -- made from glass and and freshwater pearls -- on Facebook, and then immediately found myself on her web site for Lyndsay Skeegan Designs for at least an hour mesmerized by all her necklaces, bracelets and stunning, over-sized cocktail rings. No joke.

Inspired by 1940s black and white photos by Irving Penn and treats she found in her grandmother's jewelry box, each piece is handcrafted by Lyndsay in Manhattan. Isn't there something so magical and wonderful when you're wearing a piece of jewelry and you know just who made it and where it came from? Those are the pieces you'll have forever and share with family.

And, Lyndsay's are ones you'd want to share... eventually! Plan on years of quality use. All the pearls are hand knotted on silk thread, and the jewelry is embellished with vintage box clasps and velvet or lace bows. Plus, you'll receive her jewelry in a gorgeous packaging, complete with faux pearl strings that I kinda want to wear as a bracelet!

Lyndsay's designs hover around the $100-$125 mark, so it's super affordable to get quality, classic pieces for a very reasonable price. Boutiques charge the same or more for fake looks!

In the holiday spirit, Lyndsay has been generous enough to do two things:

1. She's giving away a gorgeous petite L'Emmanuelle ring, which retails for $70.  It is completely handwoven (as opposed to being glued) so each one is totally unique. It takes hours to make just one ring! Looks just like the one to the left, except more of a creamy rose color. (it's my personal fav... even in the petite size, it's just perfect. I tested it; I'd rock it with everything from jeans and a cute blouse to a full-out black gown. It's seriously that versatile).

2. Get free, 2-day shipping with any purchase from her site! That's a $12 value, and guarantees that even if you wait until almost the last minute, you'll get it in time for Christmas (tell the hubs or boyfriend now!).

So, you want to win the absolutely gorge-ous ring? Here you go:
CONTEST SCOOP:
Required: simply head to Lyndsay's site, pick your favorite item and tell us on this comment section. Winner will be selected randomly so pick whichever your heart desires! Contest ends Thursday, Dec. 16 at midnight.

Additional entries:
- "Like" The Average Girl's Guide on Facebook.
- "Like Lyndsay Skeegan Designs on Facebook.

It's that easy! Hope you love this young, yet super talented designer, as much as I do. Grab her pieces now.