Artistry in Accessories

I took a jewelry making class a few years ago at a local junior college for fun and I now have a completely different outlook on creative and unique jewelry. It's not easy to make jewelry that is truly new ans is still wearable and not too crazy (bad crazy). What I made in the class would probably qualify in the bad crazy department, but I was learning and when the sky is the limit, I tend to fly high. My not-so-stylish creations aside, I have lately been swooning over the jewelry coming into the stores that is truly art. Anyone can design silver hoop earrings that we have seen a hundred times, but few can make jewelry that stops you in your tracks and makes you think. Today, vibrant colors and big bold metals take the scene, and I couldn't be more pleased. As someone who adores statement and costume jewelry, this trend is definitely for me. I pine to see the sketchbooks of these designers and what goes through their creative process, what makes it to the stores and what creations are nixed. Who comes up with this stuff?!

TopShop Drop Earrings at Nordstrom $28
Ophelia Vine Encased Ring by Alexis Bittar $225
Bolts Clip Stud Earrings by Marc Jacobs $68


And who could forget one of my all time favorites in the colorful jewelry world - Kate Spade! That gal sure isn't afraid to mix prints, colors, and styles.

Pinata Park Round Drop Earrings by Kate Spade $78

Pueblo Style Multi Strand Necklace by Kate Spade $248

Bungalow Bouquet Cluster Drop Earrings by Kate Spade $98

And last but not least, I found this cool shop on Etsy - Necklush. It's a mix of necklaces and scarves, and for some, I'm not sure which is which, but that's the beauty. This creative site features braided, twisted, and draped scraps of fabric to make wearable and unique art. Now that's what I'm talking about! What do you think? Would you wear these? I would in a heartbeat!

Collar Necklace Braided Choker by Necklush $55
Braided Chunky Bracelet by Necklush $37
Infinity Scarf Necklace by Necklush $80

Now that I'm inspired and have my creative juices flowing, I think I'll go sew for a bit. Thanks for Reading!

Love,
jenna

Lace is Back, but Old isn't

Aww... It's been a while. It's good to be back, folks! On my long hiatus from blogging, I have made quite a few life changes - job, apartment, boyfriend, cat, life goals... just to name a few. But we'll discuss this later. Right now, let's get to my most recent fashion purchase/dilemma/challenge, shall we? I came home from one of my favorite bargain designer stores (my new job doesn't have me exactly rolling in the dough) totally excited about my new ivory lace shift dress purchase. I felt it was Jackie O meets Audrey Hepburn. My boyfriend had a different opinion. He said, "Doesn't that look like that tablecloth you inherited from your grandma?" After I finished cursing the day he was born, I set out to prove him wrong; that a classic look can come back in a way that is fresh and modern, and not grandma-ish. For day time, I will wear it in a summery and slightly edgy way. I shall pair it with a tan branded belt and matching platform wedges. The earrings will make the statement and really pull it into 2013. The bracelets will balance the metal of the earrings and voula!

Horkelia Shift Dress by Anthropologie

Juicy Couture Spike Linear Drop Earrings at Macy's $48

Serpentine Bangle Set by Forever 21 $9.80

Reese Woven Belt by Elise M $34

Lappas Wedges at Aldo $80

And for evening? I'll keep the bangles and swap the braided belt for a skinny black one, trade out the shoes for something more dressy, and add a perfectly fitted blazer if it's chilly out. I'll remove the earring and add a statement necklace that is anything but old looking.

Lasered Fan Necklace by Anthropolgie $218

Bead Chain Braided Belt by Forever 21 $4.80

Essi Heels by Aldo $100

And there we are. Take that, opinionated boyfriend! 

Love,

jenna