My First Alex and Ani Bracelet

Have you guys heard of Alex and Ani? I know my lovely Rhode Island blogger friends have, but the rest of you? I had seen their name in local jewelry stores, but never paid much attention to it. Boy was that a mistake on my part. I really learned about them when my friend Melissa wrote about them on her blog.

Alex and Ani is a Rhode Island-based company that makes and sells eco-friendly, positive energy jewelry all right here in the USA. In fact, they purchase recycled scrap metal from local mills to make their inspiring jewelry. I believe the company is named after the founders two daughters.

In addition to all of this goodness, Alex and Ani has a line of expandable (read: it will fit you, I promise!) bangle bracelets called Charity by Design. The owner works closely with organizations to create a design to embody the message of their charity and donates a portion of all proceeds to said organization. There are about 20 different wire bracelets to chose from in this collection right now.

Seriously, a company that supports local economy, is eco-friendly, believes in the beauty and empowerment of women and donates to charity?! I pretty much think they are my favorite company, ever.

So, today I worked out of my company's Rhode Island Office and as I was driving in I saw a beautiful stone building with the words 'Alex and Ani World Headquarters' on the side. I was pretty sure that meant that I would own my own bracelet before the day was over. I headed straight over as soon as I got out of work!

The store was a madhouse, but it was organized chaos. I felt excited and energized as I walked through the doors.

I knew my struggle was going to be finding one bracelet to start my collection. I had already scoped out the Charity by Design collection quite a bit and there are multiple bracelets I want to have but hoped to narrow it down to the Cupcake or Paw Prints.

The Cupcake is special to me. According to the website:

A rush of sugar can provide bliss and harmony on the most challenging of days. Cupcakes symbolize the importance of celebrating life's little moments and the joys of all things decadent. Adorn yourself with the Cupcake Charm to embrace an optimistic outlook that leads to a peaceful existence.  

20% of all sales, with a minimum donation of $10,000, will go directly to the Nancy Davis Foundation that is dedicated to the treatment and ultimate cure of Multiple Sclerosis.

In April of 2011 my Aunt passed away after a long and courageous battle with Multiple Sclerosis. I've also had a very close friend of mine who had MS pass away at a very young age, and know countless others whose lives have been affected by this devastating disease. They had it in stock and the Paw Print wasn't out in the store while I was there so it was an easier decision than I thought. They key was NOT walking around the store until after I made my purchase, because let me tell you I wanted to buy just about every single thing I saw.

So here it is! My very first Alex and Ani Bracelet that signifies sweetness, divinity and optimism. I am helping to find a cure through my purchase and honoring the memory of loved ones by wearing it. What do you think?

And some good news for you! I've teamed up with a group of bloggers and we are going to be giving away TWO Alex and Ani bracelets from the Charity by Design collection - winners can choose from the selection of bracelets! How awesome is that? Enter here through June 22nd!

I can't write about the company as eloquently as they do on their site, so please click on over and check it out. Read their messages and become inspired.

I am in no way affiliated with Alex and Ani. I was not provided compensation in the form of money or product in exchange for this review. All opinions written are entirely my own.