Classic, but hardly old fashioned, monograms can evoke pure femininity or a touch of androgynous style. In recent years, labels and retailers have been adding the monogram option to everything from cardigans and jewelry to a host of home and activity accessories — anything that has the surface can be stamped, inked or sewn with your set of initials. Thanks to shops like Etsy and J.Crew, the personal touch has gone from an expensive extra to affordable chic. Here are some of our fave pieces online now for you to either drool over or gift yourself.
Monogram It!
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Classic Chambray
J.Crew has an entire monogram shop, offering dozens of options for monogramming their wares. This is a favorite, classic twist on the chambray shirt: have it monogrammed in the shop, so everyone knows whose style it belongs to. Alternatively, wouldn't your boyfriend's monogram be an easier way to say you're his girl than a tattoo? We think so.
$75, $85 with Monogram, at J.Crew.
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Androgynous Case
It's likely you've collected a couple of men's watches or timepieces inspired by them in the last few years. They've become a daytime staple for more than a few fashionistas. Why not display them in style? This "men's" watch case is chic and we love the plaque for monogramming on its front.
$69.95 at Red Envelope.
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The Gift Set
Here's another "men's" monogrammed accessory. Who says the boys get to have the fun? The next time you pull out a wad of cash held together with a money clip, see if you don't also get some serious androgyny style cred points too.
$32 at Etsy.
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Mirror Mirror
For something pretty and unmistakably feminine, here's a chance to display your daily jewelry or favorite statement pieces in personalized style.
$29-$49 at Pottery Barn.
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The Travel Bag
It's a fantasy piece, but one that's worth saving up for. Louis Vuitton's Mon Monogram collection lets you choose the stripe placement, the colors and, of course, the initials for a bag that's truly all your own.
$1,160 at Louis Vuitton.
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Simple Letter
This delicate bracelet is just begging to be stacked with other bangles or left on its own as one of your go-to everyday pieces. The one-letter-per-bracelet deal also provides the option of picking up more than one to rep all three of your initials, your name or letters that call to mind the name of loved ones.
$32 at Etsy.
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Signet
"Signet" comes from Latin, meaning "sign." Signet rings date back to ancient Egypt and were a way for monarchs in medieval times to seal personal letters with their "sign" to prove the letter was written by them. A convenient method when so few people knew how to read and write. Modern signet rings today are metal like this one and are engraved with your monogram rather than your family coat of arms.
$44.95 at Etsy.
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Your Personal Stamp
Speaking of sealing letters, why not pick up some stationary and a monogrammed personal stamp for your thank you notes? You don't do thank you notes? You should!
$27.95 at Etsy.
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Your Mini Tab(let)
I mean, if you're going to shell out the cash for an iPad mini, you can shell out another $65 for this adorable case, right? Classic and modern at the same, you'll never have to worry about mixing up your mini with another person's at the coffee shop.
$65 at Etsy.
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Your Yoga Mat
Here's another item that's actually useful to monogram. Yoga mats can get mixed up at the gym. If yours is personalized, you never have to worry about someone accidentally snagging it by mistake.
$20 at Mrs. Monogram.
