Now a bit about the brand...
whatnotz was founded on the idea that jewelry should be more than just an accessory. Our jewelry is created to be an extension of the beautiful people wearing it. I believe It should be timeless, affordable, and ethical.
More than just basics, whatnotz is a minimal, timeless take on souvenir jewelry as well as our new everyday essentials that complement each and every piece. Tell your story from many corners of the world with our signature map collections. Featuring our Geo Bim Necklace, Mini Disc Necklace and the I ❤️ Bim Choker all in 18K Gold Vermeil.
Each collection is designed for the modern woman and man in mind as easy to wear everyday pieces. Each piece is a labour of love meant to enhance your glow. The everyday essentials collection launched in 2020 has grown since to include necklaces and earrings that are classic & timeless.
I do believe environmental and social responsibility is the way forward. So being a more ethical brand is important to me as a designer and I'm proud to say that over 40% of our production is now made using recycled silver as our base metal, same quality but less harm to our planet 🌎
Our packaging is also environmentally friendly - I get asked all the time why I don't use boxes and the answer is always the same... because I'd rather use materials that are good for our planet while sticking with our accessible price 💚 I'll also be launching the new packaging soon, so stay tuned for this👀
Although each piece comes in a plastic bag, which is actually meant to be used and not tossed... please keep your whatnotz pieces in them when not being worn to prolong the plating properties. All our pieces can be cleaned with warm water and mild soap- we love effortless jewelry around here 😉
We also give you a 100% cotton pouch which is unbleached to keep your jewelry in, not only is it super cute, it's a good travel essential to have. Also for our repeat whatnotz customers, if you have too many (yes, that's a thing🙈) and you wish to have your order delivered without it, just let us know when you place your order in the notes section.
It all starts by opening up the conversation, looking at what needs to change and starting by being the most responsible we can be with ourselves and within our brand. It's a journey I have decided to embark on and I'm counting on you to join along the way to become better every day.
Connections made from a keepsake of your favourite place 🖤
Everyday I pour my heart and soul into whatnotz to make it as awesome as possible, all this wouldn't be possible without you guys! I hope you enjoyed this little intro blogpost and as always, if you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out and chat ✨
-Steph xo.
Welcome back to the blog, it's been a minute!
For those of you who are like me & love a brand story or you're someone simply now getting to know the brand - whatnotz is an island inspired jewelry brand that carries a sense of nostalgia and belonging; a classic keepsake with a modern twist; creating an impermanent sense of home in each piece.
This timeless brand was created on the shores of Barbados, a small island in The Caribbean.
I sat with Stephanie, the founder of whatnotz to chat in detail about the inspiration & design process of her second collection, the Trinidad series.
So let's dive right into it!
Why did you choose Trinidad as your second collection?
It was the next obvious choice for expanding the brand in The Caribbean, having a big Trini community in Barbados already & my best friend who's Trini.
It was fun designing the T&T collection, I love that the map shape looks like a big E, the challenge was to incorporate the little Tobago cut-out inside the bigger island, it turned out really well. I was really pleased with how the pieces turned out.
What is each piece made from?
I only use .925 sterling silver as my base, then either plate with rhodium, which makes it more scratch resistant and durable. The gold vermeil is a thick layer of 18k yellow gold onto the silver.
How long did it take to make the collection?
From sketch to first sample the process can take up to 8 weeks & then another 4 weeks for production, each signature bracelet is hand finished by one person and corded by hand, the same goes with the necklace, all polishing is done by hand and they are all engraved at the back with I love T&T and the whatnotz brand name. There is a lot of love & time that goes into each piece.
Have you travelled to Trinidad?
I have been once, I wanted to go to carnival in 2020 but with the start of Covid-19 I thought I might postpone it to 2021.
What is your favorite dish from Trinidad?
Easy! It would have to be doubles.
Which piece is your favorite from the collection?
The gold vermeil necklace, I'm more of a yellow gold girl than silver.
Are you going to be launching any other Caribbean islands soon?
Most probably, but will keep it hush hush until we are close to launching. Stay tuned! 👀
Where can people find the Trinidad Collection to shop?
You can purchase the T&T collection online, shipping takes approx 3 business days and cost is $15usd. I made the order processing super easy and seamless for my customers, but if you have any issues, feel free to reach out via email or dm and ask a question! I'm more than happy to help!
This collection is absolutely stunning. I love the fact that you can see the amount of time it took to create these pieces from start to finish.
Made with love, created to be treasured, whatnotz.
Be sure to let us know which piece is your favorite🖤
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We were hard at work this year and thrilled to launch all of our new and unique styles and collections this year which quickly became our bestsellers, including:
The Bim Out Bracelet, modern and timeless.
Bim & TNT Signature Friendship Bracelets.
Geo Bim - Gold Vermeil Necklace, shop here!
Diamond Bim Bracelet, effortlessly elegant yet simple.
We’re ending this year with a bang! Our newest collection, Bar Bracelet with Coordinates, is now available for a limited time only! The perfect piece to wear alone, or pair with your favourite Whatnotz; a must-have for the new year!
It wouldn't be a proper send off for 2019 without giving our lovely friends, family, customers and supporters a little sneak peak of what's to come:
The "Limited Edition" Coordinates Disc; available in Rose & Yellow Gold vermeil.
It’s the end of the year, and the end of the decade! How exciting! Now’s the time sit back, relax and take stock of the last decade, and set your goals and intentions for the new year. What are you most grateful for? What lessons did you learn? What do you want to accomplish next year?
We are so excited for what 2020 has in store! We are big believers in growth and here’s a little secret we've been waiting to share: we’re launching a brand new Spring Collection, new markets and new styles! See you in the new year!
Made with love and worn with pride!
xox
Stay connected with us on social media or subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to know about new collections, markets, and launches!
Facebook: @Whatnotz
Instagram: @what.notz
It’s been a while, and a lot has happened since the beginning of the year. I cannot believe we are already in March, and today marks our one year insta-versary on Instagram (and almost 1K followers that we connect with on a weekly basis!). I cannot thank you all enough for the trust and loyalty you have shown me over the last year. I am so happy to see the Whatnotz family constantly growing.
As you might have seen, I have been traveling back and forth between Barbados and Montreal to softly launch the Whatnotz collection in the city. I’m really proud to announce that Whatnotz will be sold at the Museum Of Fine Arts Of Montreal's boutique this spring 2019.
I’m also very proud of my French Canadian roots, as well as the bond I have to this beautiful island that has been my home for the past 13 years. It makes me who I am as a global citizen and with that in my mind, I design every piece with my heart. Jewelry is a very personal thing, it should tell a story about the person wearing it, and that’s exactly what I created Whatnotz for!
Behind the scenes, a lot goes into the creative process - between the sampling, finding the perfect shape, size, and having each plating done perfectly. Our integrity for quality, the creativity and the story behind each piece is what sets us apart, and defines the core values of the brand itself.
From a background in design, and a hunger to explore all corners of the world, I have created something that allows you to bring a piece of your home, no matter where you are in the world. Whatnotz represents who I am and what I love to do most. It brings me home, to my roots and values, every day and keeps me connected to my passion, as I hope it does for you too!
Whatnoterz all have something in common - Pride, love and style, for each piece and each of our homes, whether that be Barbados, Montreal or Trinidad! Please stay connected to see where Whatnotz is going next by following us on our social platforms.
Shop HERE for the gold and HERE for the silver.
Shop here: Geo Bim Gold Vermeil Necklace
Keep In Touch With Us!
Instagram: @what.notz
Facebook: @whatnotz
Well that’s all for now!
Chat Soon,
Stephanie xo
All Whatnotz products are made of precious metals with a sterling silver foundation, even our gold vermeil items because if you don’t know already, gold vermeil is a thick layer of 18K gold on top of a sterling silver base. We also play with solid gold pieces from time to time.
Practice Proper Storage
I suggest storing all of your jewellery in either the Whatnotz cotton bag that it comes in or an airtight container. Jewellery is exposed to dust, cosmetics, and perfumes which quickly dulls the surface of both gold vermeil and sterling silver so storage is extremely important!
Pictured above: Silver Brushed Barbados friendship bracelet. Click here to shop.
Proper Care
To clean gold vermeil and sterling silver, use a soft and dry 100% cotton cloth and buff the pieces very gently. Chemical cleaners are a BIG NO. This strips gold vermeil very easily.
General Precautions
I recommend taking your jewellery off before going into pools and the ocean but however, myself and other clients keep ours on simply because we don’t like taking it off and on all the time. Although each piece ages more from this, It seems to add a unique character to it.
I keep my Geo Bim necklace on all the time and it still looks brand new!
Pictured above: Geo Bim in gold vermeil necklace. Click here to shop
Dry silver please! - Hot tubs have even more chlorine than swimming pools and the heat is notorious for damaging sterling silver.
Avoid keeping your jewellery on when using lotions and perfumes - Put your lotions and perfumes on, let them dry and then add your jewellery. Chemicals and jewellery don’t go well together.
Final Thoughts
STERLING SILVER - Sensitive to water, however oils in your skin keep it from oxidizing so wear them forever!
GOLD VERMEIL - Only wear if you won’t be sweating excessively or getting your hands wet.
Featured Product: Montreal Friendship Bracelet Polished Gold.
Check out the Montreal friendship bracelet here - Restocking cords in all colours soon! I have been wearing this friendship bracelet everyday, being here in the cold Montreal weather!
I hope this information was helpful and that you can apply these tips whenever you purchase a Whatnotz piece!
Chat Soon,
Stephanie x
It makes me think back to where I started this year. "Wow" is what I have to say!
As a business, and myself as an artist, we have come so far. It is so amazing when you take a minute to recognize your accomplishments and finally see everything paying off.
I launched whatnotz, an island-inspired jewelry brand in March 2018 to offer locals, tourists and anyone having a connection with this beautiful island to #CarryAPieceOfBarbados wherever they go. I first came out with the “Signature Barbados Friendship Bracelet" in both sterling silver and gold vermeil, available in a polished and brushed finish. I then followed with the "I love Bim Necklace" also in sterling silver and gold vermeil. Be on the lookout for many more styles to come in 2019!
Soon after, the obvious was to launch the Montreal collection in the shape of my hometown. It was very special to me to combine both my love for Montreal to my most recent home Barbados. All of our pieces are made of precious metals and it is very important to me to offer timeless, high quality jewelry that people will cherish and wear close to your heart.
So now that we have a Barbados inspired bracelet, a Barbados necklace, and a Montreal bracelet...I will just let you guess what is coming next, first thing in 2019..
I have learned so much about myself this year - how far my limits can go and how good it is to make time for yourself, even on your busiest of days. I have also come to realize how important it is to have a personalized service with clients.
Here are my Top 5 Resolutions For 2019
Here are my favorite skincare products that I use in my everyday routine!
Pictured above: Tom Ford Soleil Blanc Body Spray, Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment, Sunday Riley Auto Correct, Sunday Riley Night Oil, Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue
I would like to thank all of you for your support this year - And thank you to everyone behind the scenes, you all know who you are. I can't wait to show each of you all the new, exciting things to come for 2019. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Lots Of Love,
Stephanie
]]>As I put up my Christmas tree this week, it was very clear to me that the Christmas season was in full swing, and I realized that finding a special gift for someone really is becoming harder and harder every year! Luckily for me, I have the perfect solution for you because if this isn't a great idea as an original, one of a kind gift, then I'm not too sure what else is.
What makes Whatnotz different from other Jewelry being gifted for Christmas? Well, they have a stunning selection of fine jewelry to match any style or personality and to me, matching a personality to jewelry is the biggest hurdle to cross when picking the right piece!
About The Whatnotz Jewelry Elements
Gold vermeil and Rhodium Plating are the secrets behind the stunning quality of Whatnotz jewelry. Gold Vermeil is a thick layer of 18 karat gold on a sterling silver base. The benefits are endless - from lasting longer, being hypoallergenic because it doesn’t contain any other metals, and not being as expensive as pure gold. Rhodium Plating is derived from Rhodium, a precious metal and gives jewelry a scratch-resistant surface with a white reflective appearance.
Pictured here is the BARBADOS FRIENDSHIP BRACELET SILVER BRUSHED
Don't forget we have a POP-UP shop tomorrow at The Loft Spa and Blow-dry Bar and this will be the perfect chance for you to pick out your favorite Whatnotz pieces! If you miss it, no worries, heres where you can buy:
Always Summer Lime Grove
Bougainvillea Barbados
Butterfly Boutique
Cobblers Cove Hotel
Sandy Lane Hotel - The Boutique
Suga Apple Swim
Tenika Tang Hair Studio (Accra Hotel and spa)
Walkers World - Millhouse
1.11 east Beach Bar
ECO Lifestyle Lodge
Barbados: Order online and get it delivered to you just for an extra USD$7.50
International Flat Rate: USD$20.00
Canada: Standard (USD $10.00) , Express (USD$18.00)
We also have available our lovely Montreal Friendship Bracelet which can be shopped at here
We look forward to seeing our beautifully handmade pieces on you wherever you are in the world, showing pride in where you come from, in a beautiful, minimal way.
From all of us at Whatnotz, Happy Holidays!
With love,
Olivia
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Welcome to 48 hours in Barbados. On Saturday morning I woke up to a crisp, November morning, no wind, no clouds, but pure sunshine. I knew I only had 48 hours until my departure so I had to make it count… I mean how can you not get outdoors and explore this incredible island with weather like this?!
I slowly got myself ready to head out on a coastal adventure. I wrapped my new Whatnotz bracelet on, a summer dress and kicked on my pumas because this adventure was about to get real. I got in the car and turned on my Chill house playlist, wound the windows down and headed straight to my favorite spot on the East Coast for a cup of coffee - ECO Lifestyle And Lodge. Their laidback style is so relaxing, and not to mention their coffee with home-made almond milk was delicious! A slight breeze was present but everything sparkled a little more today.
“Views for dayz” - buy the silver barbados whatnotz bracelet that I am wearing here
There was no better way to spend my day on the east coast than having a swim in the tide pools, and relaxing with my toes in the sand, so that I did. What an amazing day this was.
Continuing my day, I headed over to the West Coast to one of my favorite restaurants for local seafood - “The Fish Pot”. Their Smoked salmon cheesecake and calamari is to die for!
I ate to my heart's content, witnessed yet another beautiful sunset in Barbados and called that a day. See you tomorrow!
Day 2:
Another hot, cloudless day - that means it's beach day! Where to head to: 1.11 East. They have a great lounging area, beach beds, SUP rentals and an incredible rum punch. This Chic Beach style combines simplicity yet modern meeting the Caribbean.
1.11's "Punchy af" Rum Punch is a must-have!
Make sure you meet Charlie, the star of 1.11…He loves to meet new friends.
After a long day in the sun, head over to "Drift" for cocktails and wind down with the sun to chill music and the sound of the ocean.
And so the sun went down, and my 48 hours were coming to an end so I will leave you here. I highly suggest that you try these great, unique places out! You won't be disappointed!
Thats all for now,
Olivia
Whatnotz Product Featured:
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