Jewellery wardrobing is the new Accessory buzz phrase.
Designers consider almost any material is worth
experimenting with to make novel items that keep attracting new
customers.
Modern jewellery can be made from the most precious of metals and
gemstones, as well as lesser materials. This lovely bangle
left
is 11/4 inches wide. It's open-ended to fit 7" wrists
and studded with 2.16 carat weight of diamonds. Simply beautiful.
Santa keep me in mind please.
The jewellery cuffs can
of course be cheap and cheerful high street
items, or even wear it once showstoppers.
In 2007 you need a jewellery wardrobe just as much as a bag
cupboard, or a shoe closet. Jewellery is the easiest
accessory to carry with you, to change your looks from office to
evening and according to your mood. So get jewel
wardrobing, and start with this season's must-have jewellery -
the bangle cuff, or opt for a charm bracelet.
Jewellery Wardrobe Tip - Jewellery wardrobing is the new Accessory buzz phrase.
The wrist is a prominent area of focus for jewellery. The
hands and wrist have been of interest ever since three quarter
and elbow length sleeves became popular a couple of years ago.
Bangles and cuffs have gained a fashionista following in the
past year. Choose from narrow bangles to wide deep cuffs. Massed stacked fine bangle pieces also
create their own look, as do bangles in metals such as wood and
enamel. The three images below are courtesy of Plumo and
the items are available from their website. Prices centre and right £15,
£95.
Stack your jewelled, Perspex or wooden bangles up your forearm.
Alternatively, wear one exquisite statement bangle above your elbow high on your upper arm.
This year
Vogue magazine has shown more than one model wearing deep wide
cuffs set high on the upper arm. Whilst this may well
serve the practical purpose of allowing the bangle cuff to sit
well on a model's skinny anorexic arm, this is how a style trend
can easily start.
Right -New Look Autumn/Winter 07/08 Collection of Cuffs -
Legend (big flower) cuff £15/21. Oak leaf cuff £8/11, Fan cuffs £12/17.
Images courtesy of IFTF and New Look.
Jewellery Wardrobe Tip - Get a bangle mix and stack the
bangles
This
season the Freedom at TopShop jewellery collections scream
directional design and cutting edge sass. Freedoms collections
are all about catwalk-inspired coolness, and on the A/W 07
runways, it was all about big bold jewellery and plenty of it.
Left is a Cuff £8 from the Medieval Freedom range at Topshop.
80s excess and gig girls inspired the Freedom Velvet Goldmine
collection. The element of dressed down glamour is all around,
with jewel and sequin highlights. Cluster pendants and Perspex
charms work well together with rocky layered studded bracelets. Giant
jewelled bracelets are worn with scruffy backcombed hair and
acres of eyeliner.
Right - Large stone stretch metal bracelets - £10 each from the
Velvet Goldmine/Freedom at Topshop collection.
The
Topshop Freedom range is an inexpensive take on these catwalk pieces.
Freedom has once again created collections that are sure to be the
stylish keystone to any outfit.
Medieval
from Freedom at TopShop is a jewellery collection showing strong silhouettes and vivid
gothic imagery.
Chain-mail effects are seen on necklaces, and
beaten armour influences gem-encrusted neck plates.
Rivets and
high-shine leathers feature on bangles, and giant Queenly
gemstone rings.
If you are seeking a real silver or gold cuff then look no
further than Sarah Bond's UK company Saretta.
Her latest design for Autumn 2007 is this lovely handmade gold
cuff right. Perfect for both warrior women and screen starlets
in the making. You can see more of Saretta designs at the
Saretta website and also on
my bespoke jewellery
page.
Jewellery Wardrobe Tip - Begin to invest in rose and copper tone
metals
Charm
bracelets are big news again. Style mavens are already asking their grandmothers to dig out their gold charm bracelet from the 1960s.
If I were seeking a modern charm bracelet today I would head
straight to the Theo Fennell website and check out the
gorgeous selection there. Choose from gem encrusted
skulls, hearts, tusks.
Jewellery Wardrobe Tip - Get a Chain Charm Bracelet
Charm bracelets are
often a very good buy in second-hand jewellery shops, and since
they are mostly sold by weight, they disregard the value
of the individual craftwork in the charms. Some pure gold or pure
silver charms are also peculiar to
specific decades and jewellery styling like my gold charm
bracelet below.
If you cannot get a great vintage or second-hand gold charm
bracelet then try high street shops. Many are selling modern costume
jewellery versions of charm bracelets and even charm necklaces
as well as handbag charms.
These charm bracelets feature
pretty
Venetian glass, small charms, pearls and also crystals.
Both bracelets follow the
heart theme that is featured on many items for Autumn
2007/Winter 2008.
Another inexpensive buy is this colourful, pretty and
cheerful bead and coin charm bracelet from Avon.
Right -
Accessorize
heart cluster bracelet - £10/14.90 for Autumn Winter 2007 -
Magpie.
Extra Jewellery Tip - As a long standing charm
bracelet wearer I suggest you watch what you wear your charm
bracelet with, as delicate clothes can snag easily when pointed
charms catch on fabric threads.
Finally you could consider the charm bracelet as an investment
piece and start by getting the plain gold or white metal link
bracelet and then add charms as special occasions and events
occur.
I am fortunate to own this gold charm bracelet
shown left, that I was given as a teenager.
When I look at it now, I
fondly recall the events associated with several memorable
charms. The charms given as gifts on special occasions,
become special memories. Vintage charms of the era
include the golden coronation coach, the dancing shoes, wishing
well and an old boot.
Such items
become great sentimental pieces to hand down to future
generations. Vintage in the making.
For
an instant fashion fix this charm bracelet is easily found at
online ranges.
Just remember that for fall 2007/8 modern wrist wear is chunky,
bold and more than a little kitsch. See more wrist wear on
the Watch page.
Special thanks to David of prshots.
Other images courtesy of New Look, John Lewis, Plumo, Rotary,
Avon,
TopShop, Saretta.co.uk, Heavenly Treasures, and Bulgari.
Header image courtesy of New Look.
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