shell pendant

So while men are busy looking and thinking about valentines day gifts for her to bestow on their loved ones, us ladies are planning our outfits for that valentines day dinner date.  Even if you haven't had an invitation there's no harm in being prepared.  See what I mean about expectations?  Lets hope we are not planning in vain.  Keep it simple is what I always say so why not revamp an old number from your wardrobe with some dramatic handmade jewellery or chunky jewellery.   This shell pendant can be just what you need to glamorize that little black dress or that wrap dress.  A very ethnic jewellery piece that comes mounted on a thick silver snake chain, looks absolutely stunning!. Cut by hand, the shell is decoratively arranged on a disc pendant held in place by a polished silver clasp welded to the disc.  Click here to buy shell pendant online.

Handmade jewellery for a unique look

At a dinner function last night I had the worst scare. There was another guest wearing the same dress as me.  What a nightmare?  You know how you usually see female celebrities featured side by side in the same outfit with the caption "Who looks better?"  So there I was playing the same game in my head while trying not to rudely stare.  

I guess it was my fault for wearing my classic black wrap dress, long sleeved made from a bamboo blend.  Hers well I didn't get close enough to tell what material hers was made of.  So in a competition like this what does it come down to?  Body shape for one but then a well made and cut wrap dress can compliment just about any body shape.  So it was down to fashion accessories.  Luckily I opted for my handmade jewellery.  I explored my wild side and wore my ethnic and tribal understated animal print jewellery set in copper, an inch wide leopard print belt with gold buckle and my tiger print pumps. 

My worthy competitor I have to admit also looked quite elegant in a white pearl necklace.  So who won?  Both looks I felt were carried off well though I made sure not to stand shoulder to shoulder with her and have people speculate.  Amazing how jewellery especially handmade jewellery can set you apart from others even if you are wearing the same dress.

Classic contemporary copper jewellery

Growing up, accessorizing was straight forward.  Jewellery was simply earrings, chain, bracelet, ring, watches in traditional precious metals such as silver or gold and precious or semi precious stones.  The most you worried about was what carat gold it was. In some instances it was a matter of inheriting a brooch or watch from your mother, grandmother etc.

Now jewellery especially handmade jewellery has become more exotic, contemporary and chunkier made in a varying range of other metals such as copper and brass and materials like leather, clay and recycled material for example glass etc.  Categories such as ethnic jewellery, african beaded jewellery, copper jewellery are just some of the new categories that exist now.  Some of you when thinking about copper jewellery are reminded of simple copper bracelets worn for medical purposes and may not be thinking about the trendy fashion accessory like this handmade copper jewellery gift set entitled "Grapevine" that makes the most unique jewellery gifts for her.  

Plus size womens clothes

There was a time when larger women had trouble finding glamourous fashion to celebrate their shape and curves.  Certainly not the case if you are shopping at La Redoute en plus or taillissime. Now I find myself wising that I was bigger to fit into some those georgeous plus size clothing.  This print knit stretch dress by Marianne James for example really grabs me.  I love the colours and the ecletic use of fabric reminds me a bit of Desigual style clothing which I simply adore.

This trendy hand emboidered dress will really show up your curves and enhance your cleavage.  The knee high boots offer practical warmth and style.  Available from sizes 12-28.  Such a unique dress calls for unique fashion accessories or even ethnic jewellery. .

Accessorizing the nude trend with copper jewellery

Putting a look together is more than getting the clothes right. Accessorizing is absolutely key in pulling a look together and cannot be stressed enough.  Mind you, it's not just about jewellery but includes hair accessories, make up, belts, shoes, scarves and the list goes on.

When I'm going for the romantic nudes incorporating soft fabrics like chiffon and silk in cream and peachy tones then I do like to go for pearl jewellery like pearl drop earrings and pearl pendants.   But I do like the bronze and metallic accessories when it comes to accessorizing the nude trend as it is a great way of highlighting my outfit.   That's why I tend to go for copper jewellery which offers majestic peachy tones to my ensemble.  Not just any copper jewellery but ethnic style copper jewellery like this modern man copper bracelet which is both contemporary jewellery and ethnic jewellery in one and which will always be trendy.

Unique fashion accessories and your capsule wardrobe

A friend of mine just asked me to save her a georgeous burgundy pink beaded necklace, just in, that is perfect for an outfit she has.  She also tried on this turquoise beaded bracelet which looked great on her but then she said "but I don't have clothes to match this bracelet."  So I said to her, "why not start with the accessories and build an outfit from there".  Interior decorators find a focal point, be it fabric, a serving tray etc and create a theme around it for a room so what's to stop us from building an outfit from accessories up when it comes to fashion.

Strangely enough I'm never been deterred from buying unique jewellery and fashion accessories because I don't have an outfit in my wardrobe to match.  As long as it good quality, unusual, stylish and makes a statement I buy it and add to my wardrobe of fashion accessories.  When I bought this belt for instance I had no idea how I was going to wear this belt and with what.

  But I loved the pearl and burgundy colours, the plaited detail and the fact that it is a leather belt at a great price.  This belt sat in my wardrobe for months before I wore it.   The tribal necklace I have had for over 20 years.  At the time I bought it I didn't even know these fashion terms.  I simply liked the necklace because it seemed unusual and now 2 decades later it is still fashionable and I'm wearing tribal and ethnic jewellery.  Now that is what I call a classical jewellery piece.  The metallic handmade leather sandals just completes this look in style.

When I where these outfits without accessories nobody comments but I add the belt and suddenly the " aren't we glamourous comments" or "what's the occasion? questions start coming my way.  Don't take my word for it just try it and see how fashion accessories can really add glamour to simple outfits.

I'm not one for building a wardrobe in a day.  But overtime you can collect some fabulous statement fashion accessories that always get the desired response to make your day.  And I am getting the hang of this capsule capsule wardrobe concept as using the same belt and trousers with a different top simply creates a new outfit.  Versatile and interchangeable, the keywords for a capsule wardrobe.

Note to self must invest in a mannequin as I simply can't photograph myself wearing these clothes.  If anyone knows a good deal on a mannequin new or second hand please let me know.

Ethnic clothing spring summer 2010

There was a time when achieving the ethnic look meant exotic holidays in far away lands where you visited markets and bazaars and came away with the most unusual and treasured ethnic clothing and ethnic jewellery.  When your friends asked you "where did you get that" you would be talking about your recent trek to the Caribbean or the asian or african continents. Now when people admire your ethnic accessories it is more common to mention an online boutique or quirky shop in the UK where such ethnic treasures can be found.

Kenzo spring summer 2010 print look collection

photos from http://www.style.com/

The catwalks have been doing ethnic fashion for ages through fashion trends like boho, folk, graphic, prints, hippy chic, neon colours, block colours etc. So how do you achieve the ethnic look?   Like anything else to achieve the ethnic look you simply choose what works for you and if you are fashion conscious and are guided by what's hot on the catwalk then translate it into a wearable high street look as no doubt you may not be thinking of walking down the high street with tassels on your feet.  Ethnic accessories are a great way to achieve that ethnic look without looking OTT (over the top).

Louis Vuitton's boho and prints look for spring summer 2010

photos from http://www.style.com

Ethnic jewellery like copper necklaces, copper earrings can add loads of ethnic appeal to your outfit. So can handmade leather bags in unusual shapes and colours with unusual handles, beaded jewellery and colourful handmade leather sandals.

copper earrings, leather handbag, beaded necklace, summer leather sandals

Wearing Tribal and Ethnic Jewellery

Ethnic and tribal jewellery can be very elegant, sophisticated and stately especially the pieces that are like wearable art. Statement pieces like this Clasp Necklace oozes of dramatic appeal. This necklace is made using gold metal clasps to create a stunning Cleopatra like necklace that flattens out on the chest in majestic style.



Tribal and ethnic jewellery is a key element when trying to achieve the boho look or the folk look. The boho look is reflective of the hippie styles of the 1960’s. Essentially the boho look which emerged on the fashion scene in 2000 is an ethnic look that throws together clothing and accessories inspired by styles worn by native people from around the world.


Boho look

Maxi dress one of the key elements of the Boho look

The folk look which emerged on the catwalks in 2007 was characterized by the use of paisley prints, tassels and fringing detail and was a bit of a hybrid of the boho trend.


Tunic dress

Whatever your style, tribal and ethnic jewellery is a must for any wardrobe. Go for pieces that will make a statement time and time again and those that will team nicely with several outfits. Copper and brass jewellery for instance is a bit like gold jewellery which can be used to accessorize most outfits. This Modern Man copper bracelet is very tribal indeed.


Add interest to neutrals and monotone outfits with this statement fringe necklace using earthly colors.

Tribal and Ethnic Jewellery

African tribal jewellery is a big trend this summer. This rich ancient tradition from african heritage and tradition we see reflected in the embellished dress, the statement necklace and colourful accessories.

Ethnic jewellery is usually characterised by the use of natural materials such as shell, leather, seeds, nuts eg tagua nut jewellery, stone, bone, metals such as copper and brass and including gold and silver all ideally from sustainable sources. While the material used is important more importantly is the creativity in using these materials to design unique and special pieces of jewellery.


Copper jewellery like this handcrafted Bali Girl necklace is a fine example of ethnic jewellery. Just imagine the intricate work that went into making this handcrated medallion style copper and brass necklace which simply looks majestic.



Leather jewellery
Another popular style of ethnic jewellery is leather jewellery. Flower jewellery using leather to recreate special exotic flowers like orchids and hibicus that can be worn as jewellery is very imaginative. This hand painted orchid necklace intricately cut by hand is reminiscent of caribbean tropical holiday destinations and exotic holidays.


Tagua nut jewellery
Tagua Nut jewellery is another favorite that really captures the imagination. These South American nuts usually linked to Brazil and Colombia can be dyed to create splendid colourful nut beads. But again it is the way in which these beads are cut and strung together that creates the beauty and uniqueness of the pieces as in this colourful summer Tagua Nut Necklace.

Chunky Jewellery

It's amazing how one can change or update a look simply by assessorizing. With chunky jewellery back on the fashion scene assessorizing has never been easier or more fun. This trend for big bold jewellery started in 2008 and has become the new "it" jewellery for spring /summer 2009, a trend which is expected to continue throught the autumn/winter 2009.

Anna Sui, Louis Vuitton, and Dolce & Gabbana team bold jewellery with bright prints. Picture from http://www.fashionising.com/

Although this statement jewellery fashion trend in 2008 was to wear chunky jewellery and statement pieces with simple clothing, the trend for 2009 is eclectic matching up bold jewellery with bright colours. The key bascis for 2009 statement jewellery trend is geometric shaped jewellery, exotic and ethnic jewellery and semi precious jewellery. But eco and recycled jewellery like this handmade clasp necklace available from Munique Fashions can make as much of a statement and will certainly turn heads.

Designer Mana transforms black and light gold metal clasps into a stunning piece of chunky or statement jewellery. This Cleopatra like necklace flattens out on the chest in majestic style. Imagine the conversations you can have about this chunky necklace made from hair clips.

These handmade pyramid earrings made from triangles of hand-beaten brass and white bone are the perfect accompaniment for this clasp necklace and in keeping with the Egyptian theme. For the more retro look go for this deco necklace of two carved geometric pieces on a brass chain hanging in a v-shape. This art deco necklace is smooth, polished and made using recycled bone.


This handmade Coco Necklace made from smooth, concave circles of coconut shell, strung together in a chunky cluster makes for an even more exotic and ethnic jewellery look.

Team up with this Brown Horn Cone Bracelet handmade by skilled artisans in Nairobi. This tribal style bracelet combines polished brown horn, cone shaped beads to make this stylish chunky jewellery bracelet.

The credit crunch and your wardrobe

At this time when we are all feeling the credit crunch in some form or fashion (pardon the pun), should we remain addicted to buying throw away fashion or should we be building a quality and timeless wardrobe that can be re-invented by mixing and matching accessories?
It is all a matter of preference. For the younger fashion conscious wearer buying five low quality tops seems more sensible than buying one good quality top that will withstand numerous washing and is of a style that could be worn time and time again. For the more mature trendy woman adding to a wardrobe may seem more practical than investing in clothes that could only be worn a few times.

Yes, clothes are an investment. It is an asset like any other that projects image through branding and can label us as belonging to a certain group or class. While it validates by association it also differentiates by disassociation by setting us apart from those who do not belong to the group.
What does your clothes say about you? Do you only wear runway fashion, high street-high end fashion or high street - low end fashion? Or are your clothes as individual as you are? How will the credit crunch affect your purchases from now on? Don't be afraid to mix it up and shop by quality and not necessarily by label.

Here are 10 tips on building a wardrobe on a budget.

1.Remember a wardrobe on a budget is not built in a day but overtime.
2.Visit the sales and discount outlets and only buy items that flatter you and are of good quality. Do not be tempted to squander your money on items you will only wear a few times or never at all.
3.Shop by quality and not by label. Sometimes the high end stores retail the same basic clothing as the low end stores. The label may be different but the quality is the same and half the price. Have you never had persons ask you where you bought a certain item and when you mention a low end brand name their jaws drop in amazement? Yes, low end brands may retail many cheap items but some also carry a mid price range that can be of good quality and value for money even when bought at full value prices. Develop an eye for quality and look beyond the brand name.
4.Do not be a slave to fashion trends. Be guided by them but find your own style.
5.Look for unique and unusual items of clothing. For those who want to stand out from the crowd, if people ask you, "where did you get that?" - often enough then you know that you are doing something right. The internet is a good place to browse for items that you would not find on the high street.
6.Buy separates. Items bought do not have to match up in your mind with an existing item in your wardrobe. You will find the perfect accompaniment to the garment on a subsequent shopping expedition.
7.Don't be afraid to try new colours.
8.Arrange you wardrobe by colour and look at your colours. Interweave the colours and have another look. You would be amazed how looking at colours next to each other gives you a sense of what colours and patterns match up well together.
9.Accessorize your wardrobe with quality jewellery, handbags, shoes and belts. You can dress up simple clothing with unique and striking accessories. Handcrafted accessories are a must if you are looking to stand out from the crowd.
10.Read the washing and care instructions for your garments and do not simply commit everything to the washer and dryer. Quality clothes may not be the cheapest but they can be more cost effective in the long term.

For unusual, ethnic and funky jewellery visit  http://www.thesymphony-life.com/

Bracelet "Banana Leaf"