It's during these stretches of cold, gray day, after cold, gray day, after rainy, cold, gray day, that we all long to be somewhere under the equator. As we dig through the semi-broken $5 umbrellas that have amassed in our closets, we dream of lying on a beach, or exploring the rainforest, or traveling through the desert under the hot sun, and of course looking fabulous in a chic blend of luxury and local accoutrements.

For a taste of warmer climates, I recommend Pangea Collection. Pangea Collection was created by Patricia Pinkney to bring you exquisite and unusual jewelry and accessories from exotic countries all over the world, as well as Canada. Wait, Canada? Yeah, all right, I'll leave that alone.

A lot of these pieces, for example the African Lily Necklace ($62.70) at right are made with bold, bright colors, perfect for that Retro Princess: White and Bright look over which I've been drooling.

Patricia says: "Many of the collections are from Fair Trade organisations. Shipping to the USA and Canada is Free."

Good enough for me. Check out the great Travel Stories section, too. We all need to dream.

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