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

Scales, Fangs, and Venom... Yes Please!

They say you should face your fears, whether it's heights, commitment, or broccoli. Since I can't really emulate big bodies of water with accessories (besides the obvious blue tones), let's go with my second biggest fear... snakes. I think it started in that scene from Indiana Jones and escalated. Below are a few snake-inspired pieces of jewelry, but a variety of providers (I'm talking Iosselliani to Target). Now all I have to do is conquer the water thing, but I'll save that for another day when I can think of a good excuse not to.


I love Ankasa's latest jewelry, especially this slithering and scale-full necklace that will easily become the center of attention. Look through the other jewelry pieces on the website when you get a chance too; don't worry, this is the only one that bites.

Iosselliani Silver Necklace


Play like Medusa and have snakes coming from everywhere! This snake ring wraps around your fingers... let's just hope it doesn't squeeze too tight.

Sterling Silver Snake Ring


Last in the sequence is a set of earrings I found on Etsy. They aren't quite as obviously snake-ish as the last items, but I can definitely see it.

Artisan Earring Posts


Snakes definitely aren't new to fashion, but they still give me chills if I see a too-realistic armband and the like.


Love,
jenna

Gloomy Me...

Not in the mood for butterflies and cherries on top today. I'm looking at dark and edgy pieces, with attitude. I'm usually a cheery and colorful person, but for today, we're going dark and dramatic on this post. I love the following pieces. They are for the fashion forward and courageous; today I feel like I could almost pull them off. Check them out (especially the ring) and let me know if you are also feeling like dark colors, ice-cold stones, and a few spikes here and there this evening.



Ankasa Black Ribbon Dress



Moselle Bag



Dominique Cohen Black Tourmaline Ring



Dolce Vita Braxton Bootie


Love,
jenna

A Variety of Vintage

Maybe it's the after Valentine's Day blues or maybe just the cloudy weather, but I feel like looking at vintage jewelry. There's just something about it. You know it has a story, but it won't tell you what. Maybe an old ring you find in an antique store was actually Queen Elizabeth's or maybe the necklace you find at a garage sale was worn by Joan of Arc. OK, that's not likely, but you get what I mean. There is more to vintage jewelry than just the metal and stones. Here are a few pieces I found on Etsy.com. Some are actually vintage and some just look it, but I love them all.



Three Bows are Better than One
The Elegant Peacock Locket
Steampunk Owl Locket Ring
Garden Bijouterie



Dogwood Flower Necklace
Vintage Glass Flower Earrings
Butterfly Locket Bracelet
Louise Earrings

Website Find: Charm and Chain

It's always fun to find up-and-coming designers that you like even more than the established ones. A while ago, InStyle magazine featured a small section of a spread to Charm And Chain. I over looked it at first, but quickly went back to that page. I checked out the website and fell in love. It's a collection of jewelry designers, both established and new to the scene, who sell their creations together on this site. They are all different, from classic and simple pieces to fun and wild concoctions. It is definitely a site worth checking out and gaining inspiration for all types of fashion, not just jewelry. Here are a few that I liked, all from different designers.

















To see more amazing jewelry like these, go to the website.

Whimsical Wishing in Winter

Dear Santa,
Here is my Christmas wish list in no particular order. Thanks for all your hard work up there and, as always, you're the best guy I know!



Paris Hilton Senorita in Blue



Ruffle Gloves



Ribbon Message Bikini



Abstract Scroll Bracelet



Ruched Sheath Dress



American Fashion Cookbook



Tinker Bow Large Satchel



Nightengale



Leopard Print Umbrella



Guilia



Sweater Jacket



Vanessa Pod Ring



Sizzling Red Bow Satin Clutch Purse


With love, Jenna

I Heart Lulu Frost!

Oh my gosh! I don't think I have ever come across a designer and been so overwhelmed. I saw one of Lulu Frost's necklaces in InStyle, which I adored, and decided to look her up. And what did I find? She's amazing! Not only is she 26 and already a fashion genius, but her work is so extremely beautiful, made of antiques that she finds. Because of this, each piece is one of a kind. Here is an excerpt from the biography on her website that describes all the fascinating items she uses:


"26-year old Dartmouth College graduate Lisa Salzer, a.k.a Lulu, creates each one-of-a-kind piece from found period antiques, including long-lost room numbers from the legendary Plaza Hotel, cut steel shoe buckles from the 1860's, forgotten keys, beautifully crafted locks and eschutcheons, chandelier crystal, watch fobs, rare Victorian charms and other resurrected finds."














Talk about a piece of jewelry that tells a story! I really recommend going to her site and seeing all of the other great pieces she features. These are just a sampling.

New Sexy Arrivals from GUESS by Marciano

Marciano's work with Guess has been stunning. Here are a few new arrivals with some of his classic work. His pieces are glam to perfection and sexy as can be. Let me know what you think and definitely check out the other items here.

Tory Burch's "Burch in Thailand" Collection

This month's Elle featured Tory Burch's new jewelry line that varies greatly from her well known ballet flats and simple jewelry. This work is cultural and exotic, exuding in feminine beauty.





These necklaces stood out to me, mostly because they feature soft ethereal feathers with hard and edgy shapes. You definitely have to be confident to pull these off in real life, but I really appreciate the look and, on a good day, maybe I could wear one well. I also really like that they tie in the back (neckLACE, get it?). With the perfect amount of sparkle and sophistication, these pieces are stunning.

Lacy Lady

Hey all! In the spirit of spring and romance, my current obsession is lace or lace-inspired patterns. Lace is sexy, yet very classic. Right now, I'm feeling like lace everything - lace headbands, lace curtains, everything! Anyway, here are a few pieces I found that go with my current mood. Let's not be afraid to be lacy ladies.



Bobbin Lace Racerback, $68
Lovely in Lace Bubble Dress, $179
Victorian Brooch, $22
Pamela Lace Platform Pump, $49.95
Small White Lace Necklace, $56

I Heart Cara Accessories!

I had never heard of Cara Accessories before today, but I came across the belt shown below at Nordstrom and had to see what else was out there. Now I love it all! Cara Accessories consist of jewelry, belts, headbands, the works! Let me know if you like them too.



Satin Belt, $31.90



Color Tile Bangle Bracelet, $38



Green Flower Headband, $25



Jeweled Pin, $105

Etsy Find: The Ardent Sparrow

Lately, I have been really interested in all of the Victorian inspired jewelry I have seen in stores, online, and especially in blogs. I love the layers of flowers and colors that go into these beautiful pieces. I was searching through Etsy for some of this jewelry and I came across The Ardent Sparrow. I immediately fell in love with their flower rings (and they all come at a very good price!). What do you think? Here are a few I really like...



WINTERSONG... Heartache Can Wait, Ring - $12
A Sense of Joy Fills the Air, Ring - $12
Bluebells, Ring - $12
WINTERSONG... Clarity Ring, $12
COME SPRING COLLECTION... Now All Things Smile, Ring - $12
COME SPRING COLLECTION... Steel Magnolias, Ring - $12
COME SPRING COLLECTION... First Bloom, Ring - $12
COME SPRING COLLECTION... As I Shall Search For Words, Ring - $12
What's Old Is New Again, Ring - $12

Etsy Find: uncharted

Oh, how I love creative people. This Etsy shop is so cute and clever. It's a simple idea but makes a big impact on an outfit. Uncharted covers simple pieces of jewelry in pretty handmade paper. Isn't it cute? Make sure to check out the site because there are a lot more.



Apricot and Plum Floral Wood Bracelet, $30



Katazome Zine Print Wood Earrings, $18



Red Lakta Print Wood Bracelet, $30



Wood Circle Petal Print Earrings, $15



Brocade Print Wood Bracelet, $33

Obsession: Betsey Johnson Earrings

If I were ever a jewelry designer, I would want to make jewelry like Betsey Johnson. I LOVE her earrings in particular. They are so feminine and creative. I love how she uses hearts, bows, animal prints, and colors all together to make some pretty incredible, and still quite wearable, pieces. Here are a few...



To go to her awesome website, click here.