My sister is in town this week introducing her Spring line to the Dallas FIG (Fashion Industry Gallery) market. So I thought it would be a great time to write a post about her company and why a piece of her jewelry can make such a fabulous gift for someone special in your life.
Neely has always been the creative sister. And the more trendy one. (In high school we got in many arguments whenever she discovered I had borrowed some treasured piece of clothing without asking!) But I have always looked up to my big sister, and seeing her follow her dreams, while putting her family first, has been inspirational to me.
Neely went to SMU here in Dallas where she started her making handbags on the side. After college, she worked as an accessories buyer for a top department store where she learned the ins and outs of jewelry and metals and stones and all that necessary stuff for the jewelry business!
I admire Neely so much because when she had her first baby she decided to leave the corporate world to spend more time with her children. But her entrepreneurial self figured out how to still do what she loved while working from home. Soon she started her own Neely Phelan jewelry line, specializing in making exquisite accessories using vintage pieces from all over the world.
At first she just sold to local stores in Little Rock, Arkansas, where she lives with her husband and three boys, but through her website she now sells to people all over the world. Her jewelry has been featured in magazines and on red carpets. In fact, last January she was asked to be a part of celebrity gift suite during the Grammy’s weekend. I got to go with her and, wow, what an experience! I was so proud of her for introducing her jewelry to a whole new set of fans. Men and women alike!
Because I do some part-time work for her on occasion I get to see where all the fabulous vintage pieces come from. She has used crosses that were made in Europe at the turn of the last century. And shoe buckles that were made in New York in the 1920s. The brass chains and lockets she uses all have a background and a story. I love giving gifts that have a meaning and a past!
Some of Neely’s jewelry is knock-out gorgeous and on the “splurge” end of accessories. So they obviously would make a great gift for husbands/boyfriends to give to their special someones. In this picture from my cousin’s wedding last weekend, I have two of her cross necklaces layered for a “WOW” effect. (Having a knock-out necklace like this makes my $39 Nordstrom rack dress look all the more fabulous, doesn’t it?!).
But a lot of her accessories are priced in a range that’s perfect for friend/sister/mother gifts. These are some of my favorites – all between $30-40!:
Neely shares my love of gifting and particularly gifting something that is wrapped beautifully. We discuss often how disappointing it is when you buy something nice online and it is arrives anti-climatically in a brown mailer with no fanfare. She recently revamped all of her packaging so that when you order something for yourself or for someone else, it will arrive packaged in modern and beautiful wrapping that screams special and thoughtful. (Like every gift should!).
Update: Neely Phelan is giving away a $150 Pink Druzy Statement Ring as part of my “Gift” Giveaway this week (total value $850!).
Enter below (just your email address is required!) and be sure you are following her on Instagram to see who all is wearing her jewelry!
Happy Giving!
Sources:
Floral/Black Dress: Target ($24.99)
Green and Black Dress: Nordstrom Rack ($39.99)
Shoes: Nine West at Marshall’s
Bag: Clare Vivier
Jewelry: Neely Phelan
Love her jewelry- so talented! Class and style definitely run in your family. 🙂
Oh you’re so sweet! Thank you!
LOVE Neely and her jewelry! I had so much fun wearing it and getting compliments (and thus, her name out a bit!) while we lived in the Bay area. We have just moved back to Little Rock, and I look forward to connecting with her soon. She is precious, and I am just learning on this post that y’all are sisters! I’m not even sure how I found you (“Dosaygive”)–maybe on Instagram? Your blog is so creative and great fun to follow! Great to know the connection between you and Neely!
Merry Christmas~
Lea Lundy
Oh you’re so sweet Lea! So glad you found my blog and her jewelry! My husband and I are actually from Little Rock. We attended Fellowship when Tim was there! My husband still listens to his sermons! Exciting about the move back to Little Rock – thanks so much for the sweet encouragement!!