Archive for Jewelry Fashion
A Passion for Piercing Fashion: the Rebirth of Plastic
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The words “plastic jewelry” sound so 1980s, right? Well it’s exactly that type of jewelry that’s been making a huge fashion comeback lately, but unlike those funky fresh, hot pink hoops from the days of In Living Color, this stuff ain’t your mamma’s throwbacks. Lucite and acrylic have come a long way, baby, and in the 2010s they’re about to bust out larger than life.
You may remember some pretty awesome lucite necklaces and earrings that have been bolstering this trend over the past couple years, like the beautiful Keith Haring creation from Beyonce’s “Move Your Body” video, or the “Classic Lucite Heart Collection” from Betsy Johnson. Lucite gives a fun and youthful look, and provides a plethora of styling options. From translucent tinted lucite, to mirrored, to brilliant chalky brights, the possibilities are nearly endless.
Jewelry Fashion Fix: the Nature of the Butterfly
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Of all the creatures in nature, the butterfly is amongst the easiest for we humans to identify with. But what puts it up there with man’s best friend? Put simply, the butterfly is special because of what it once was: an ordinary caterpillar.
In their larval stage, as caterpillars, butterflies aren’t much to look at. Their chubby, grub-like appearance could even be considered dowdy. After a short stint inside the cocoon though, a creature of considerably more beauty emerges. Newly reborn, with long graceful limbs, a slender torso, and brilliantly patterned wings, the butterfly is truly a sight to behold. And it’s exactly that magical ability to transform that makes these dainty insects so inspiring.
Given the modern beauty aesthetic and the bevy of ever-changing celebrity looks, it’s no secret that today’s women are becoming masters of quick change proficiency. The art of the makeover has risen to new heights. Perhaps that’s one of the reasons that nature’s maverick transformer has become inextricably associated with femininity.
Although the classic white moth and the monarch butterfly are arguably the most recognizable of this flighty species, butterflies, just like women, come in all beautiful shapes, colors, and sizes.
Monochrome Mania: prepare to Enter the Twilight Zone
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Today is Twilight Zone Day, and to celebrate the history of this awesome nod to retro noir television, we’re breaking out the black and white, so get ready to get down Sci Fi style. Retro fashion is usually simple and sweet, but the Twilight Zone represents the darker side of all things 1960s. These fun black and white plugs capture that gently creepy, Hitchcockian feel, but with the modernized twist of hyper-realism (’cause we all know the Twilight Zone is all about the twists)! Wear them with your favorite Jackie O shades and shrunken motorcycle jacket for a nod to yesteryear with a little right-now edge.
Meeting at the Met: What’s Punk Got to do with it
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The recent Met Costume Institute Gala saw a surge of well dressed celebrities, with a little extra edgy oomph surrounding this year’s big theme: punk. Or more specifically, “Punk: Chaos to Couture.”
Although many celebrity ensembles rocked the Met (including very pregnant reality star Kim Kardashian’s head to toe flower bomb) what really takes center stage at any punk soiree is the hardware, and this year’s jewelry additions certainly didn’t disappoint. The usual parade of studs and spikes took on new life paired with unexpected fabrics and more modern splashes of yellow gold replacing the standard cold steel. Even more amazing were the additions of several media normally reserved for anything but punk, like feathers, pastel beading, embroidery, sequins, silk, and tulle.
Baubles ranged from the understated, to the otherworldly, and as with any surprisingly modification-friendly fete, left us smiling at the prospect of finally having our alternative lifestyles understood by some major fashion houses. Rounding out some of the night’s favorites were Marc Jacobs, Topshop, Valentino, Givenchy, and Stella McCartney. Tattoos were left openly on display, with beautiful art highly visible on Paloma Faith, Kelly Osborne, Nicki Minaj, Lena Dunham, Eve, and several others.
To steal the new cleaner, post-punk style that was in full view at the Met Gala, ear cuffs, tarnished or antiqued chains, solid black spikes, natural stone jewelry, and oversized rings are all an excellent jumping off point. Pair with asymmetrical lines, geometric cut-outs, and well-tailored leather, and you’re on your way to fashion stardom.
Ear Candy: Ear Jewelry Trends for Summer – Tailored Style
Posted by: | CommentsNo matter what your style is you can find adorable ear candy to express yourself. From fun and playful, to natural tribal nomad, to classic glamour, and even work ready accessories, there’s a trend that is ready and willing to be your new signature style. Indulge in these brand new styles and find out what you need to buy this summer.
Statement Chandelier and Drop Earrings
Chandelier and drop earrings are perfect for a feminine and romantic feeling, They look fabulous with updos for a prom, wedding, red carpet, or any black tie or special occasion. Supersized chandelier earrings in gold or silver with precious or semi precious stones (and diamonds) are statement earrings. Victorian, floral, or geometric are common themes. Anything with a vintage feel is also a great classic staple in any girl’s wardrobe. Be ready for a raging party, classy special event, or even a fun girls’ night on the town.
For those of you with stretched lobes, there are now plugs that come with glamorous dangles already on them. It’s awesome that jewelry is being made to accommodate those of us who want to have the appeal of stretched ears as well as the glamour of pretty dangly earrings.
Au Natural Ear Wear
Wooden and stone earrings are popular for many reasons. The tribal look, bohemian, and with dread locks, etc. is everywhere right now. Natural bone, stone, and wood plugs and hangers look fantastic with this style. If you don’t have your ears stretched, wooden or bone stirrup earrings will give you a similar look. Stirrup hanger earrings are awesome; they are slightly larger than a regular earring, so some very minimal stretching is required. You line up the earring either side of your lobe and then insert the small stick-like piece through the hole so it is held into the ear.
Earrings featuring bone or stones like turquoise, jade, onyx, and amethyst are very popular right now as well. They look great with coordinated body jewelry and accessories. The southwest/native/tribal look is not going anywhere anytime soon. Going organic is more than just a dietary choice, natural stone and wood jewelry is also healthy for your piercings.
Neon and Mirrored Lucite Earrings
This eye catching trend is certainly 1980s and 1990s inspired, but with obvious modern updates. The introduction of vivid candy-looking plastics and fluorescent materials along with mirrored Lucite is a fantastic modern approach in keeping with the current fashion scene. Bright jewelry looks amazing with clean, modern fashion. Neon yellow, green, and pink are among the more well used neon colors this year. Geometric designs look amazing in these materials. Chevrons, circles, diamond shapes, and triangles are among the more popular designs currently.
Nice Spikes and Snakes
Two more themes that are everywhere this season are anything with spikes and anything with snakes. Spike jewelry and anything with snakes are two things that are normally considered more hardcore or bad ass, but now these trends are everywhere. They do not have the same meaning. Snakes commonly represent sin and temptation but now represent couture and high fashion. Serpentine accessories have been seen in most high end collections. Long, linear snake earrings can even be delicate and girly accessories.
Until recently spiked jewelry has been reserved for the punk and grunge community, but now it’s a little softer and more feminine. Women and men of all ages look great and feel more comfortable in spiked ear jewelry than ever before. Spiked hoops, studs, or spike covered saddle plugs can be paired with a sweet floral dress and pastel colored hair and makeup for an interesting new look.
Ear Candy: Ear Jewelry Trends for Summer – Classic Chic
Posted by: | CommentsNo matter what your style is you can find adorable ear candy to express yourself. From fun and playful, to natural tribal nomad, to classic glamour, and even work ready accessories, there’s a trend that is ready and willing to be your new signature style. Indulge in these brand new styles and find out what you need to buy this summer.
Stud Earrings
Every girl needs a good stud; don’t let your mind wander, I’m talking about stud earrings! From dainty diamonds to big time bling, stud earrings are popular for everyday ease. They are practical, subtle, and beautiful for any age. Stud earrings are versatile and can be worn from day to night while still being relevant and complimentary to either kind of outfit. Stud earrings come in a variety of styles and materials. 14kt gold are always a standard, as you can wear a pair of gold and diamond earrings to your wedding, prom, or even to work and they will always remain classic and brilliant. Letter studs are also very popular and great for gifts. Large flower studs, simple gemstones, cute little animals, bows, pearls, gold or silver ball studs, and many more styles are available.
Multiple Earrings
Multiple ear piercings are not out of the ordinary in this day and age. Combinations of 2-3 (or more) lobe piercings are extremely common. It looks adorable to wear graduated sized studs, with the smallest gem on the top and the largest on the bottom of the lobe. The cartilage in pretty much every part of your ear can be pierced; do not just limit yourself to just lobe piercings. The daith, conch, rook, helix, and tragus are just a few of the myriad of options for more unique ear piercings.
Multipacks of stud earrings are economical and smart for those of us with multiple ear piercings. I love the look of coordinated earrings. Multiple gem earrings going down the ear with a trendy ear hugging stud earring on the bottom looks fantastic. The ear hugging ” back dangle” studs are really popular right now. How they work is the stud goes through the front of the ear like normal, and the dangling part that hugs your ear is attached in the back. My favorites are the ones that say things, like the word love.
Chain Connections and Ear Cuffs
Punk fashion has involved chains for decades. Chains connecting multiple piercings create a web of desire. It looks awesome to connect an earring to a nose ring as well. Even if you only have a single ear piercing you can take part in this trend by using a earring to ear cuff piece of chain jewelry. This gives the illusion of a cartilage piercing. Ear cuffs are hugely popular this summer. From simple silver or gold cuffs, to dangle and elaborate chain cuffs, you can find them on the runway or on any young street fashionista.
Hoops and Tunnel Plugs
Hoop earrings are utterly classic and will never be out of style. You can get hoops in a plethora of small and large sizes. Large silver or gold tone basic hoops add a little bit of 90’s urban flair to your current style. Gold is making a huge comeback this year, so get on trend with some new hoops. I love the look of an ear full of graduated hoop earrings. You can say a lot with large ball hoop earrings. Show off your unique point of view by buying the earring in several colors and mix and match the designs to coordinate with your style.
Do you have plugs? Have no fear! Just because you have stretched lobes does not mean that you cannot wear trendy hoops as well. Tunnel plugs with hoops, especially embellished with beautiful drop dangles to create drama and glamour, are huge right now. The hoop sits in the middle of the tunnel to complete a dynamic look like no other.
Piercing Fashion Flash: East Meets West
Posted by: | CommentsNose Chains
Did you know that the nose chain originated in India? In traditional Indian medicine, or Ayurveda, piercing of the female nose is said to improve feminine health. In Indian marriage ceremonies, a chain would be worn reaching from such a nose piercing to the bride’s hair or her ear, and on the night of the honeymoon, the husband would remove the it. This signified the onset of a woman’s child-bearing years, and her social transition into family life.
Plugs
Ear stretching has occurred in nearly every culture since the beginning of time, but perhaps one of the most noticeable links to it can be found in Asia. That would be the iconic depiction of the Happy Buddha. You’ll notice that the Buddha’s ears are often depicted as having stretched lobes: this is to account for his prior life station as princely figure Siddhartha Gautama. The lobes are stretched, literally from the weight of his wealth, as those of high social standing often wore heavy golden earrings.
Wrapping up Mother’s Day: the Earth Mother Gift Guide
Posted by: | CommentsToday is Earth Day, and in honor of the planet, we’re getting ready for Mother’s Day with some sweet and natural gift ideas that will make earth mothers swoon.
For hip young moms with cool stretched ears…
Organic wood plugs are the way to go. Wood jewelry is eco-friendly because it’s made of natural, biodegradable material, and it’s piercing-friendly because the natural pores in the wood allow stretched ears to breath. Many who’ve made the switch from acrylic or resin tunnels to simple organic wood report a reduction in ear odor due to improved breathability.
For fun quirky moms who love bright color…
Shell necklaces are a fabulous fit. They combine the sustainability of found product integration with the brilliance of modern technology for a neat embellished look that makes any momma a little more of an earth mother.
For fabulously fit moms with cute pierced bellies…
Natural stone belly rings are where it’s at. Not only does natural stone have great durability and leave a far less reaching carbon footprint during fabrication, but it also provides a very unique and interesting look, as no two pieces of semi-precious stone are the same. Perfect for a lady who’s one in a million.
For stylish moms with a classic, unfussy fashion sense…
Feather earrings are an awesome update. Whether she prefers a natural look, or likes to stay modern with saturated hues, earrings made with natural feather are the perfect addition to a sleek and simple wardrobe. A great way to show momma bird a little extra love.
Piercing Fashion Flash: a Way with Words
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Raise your hand if you feel like giving a little lip. One of the funnest ways to backtalk (besides getting it tattooed of course), is with what you wear. It may not be a new fashion, but with the changing times, it’s definitely becoming a trend to get a little mouthy without saying a word.
As graffiti continues to develop into the chosen urban art-form, self expression is casting off the limitations of traditionally acceptable art. Words or imagery that play upon kitsch culture and popular media influence are rising in popularity amongst alternative artists who’ve begun to explore alternative media. Just some of the amazingly fresh techniques being pioneered by urban artists: origami shadow portraiture, found object graffiti, biochemical tableau, and sidewalk chalk illusionism.
Want your own bit of alternative art? Graffiti fashion and jewelry can help you make your own street statement; no artistic talent required.
Jewelry Fashion Fix: the Flash of the Mustache
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Break out the mariachi music and the marzipan; it’s time to live it up “like a sir” with a myriad of mustachioed jewelry that would turn even the most discerning handlebar aficionado green with envy.
The mustache isn’t just in fashion, it is fashion, and everyone who’s anyone has a secret stache. Wearing it out in the open on your lobes just lets everybody else know that your ears are cooler than theirs.
Belly baring season is in full swing, and the perfect accompaniment to rock hard abs, tummy tattoos, a stellar tan, or all of the above, is a little friendly mustache to make your stomach smile. Just think of your belly button as a tiny friend that needs a quick, kitschy makeover.
If you’d rather stick with the traditional mustache territory, no problem. Pierced septum plus carved buffalo horn equals major mustache love. Just pop on your monocle, put up your pinky, and rock it like a retro star. No grooming required.
