what's your idea of the little black dress?

Ah the little black dress!!!!.....  every womans must have wardrobe essential.  Conventionally the little black dress has usually been a slim fitting dress usually a black shift dress sleeveless and sometimes mini in length.  But ideally the little black dress should be in a style that flatters your body shape and size.

For me it is a simple cut dress that makes me look slim and georgeous after all black is slimming.  It's an every occasion dress that can be worn on its own or with simple accessories or jazzed up with bold statement jewellery depending on the occasion.  My classic little black dress these days during winter is a black long sleeved wrap dress, a simple, versatile and easy to wear dress which I love wearing with a pearl jewellery pendant. 

But who said the little black dress had to be all black?  This silk print dress may well become my next black number, a simple floaty dress with an even more stunning back view.   Will be georgeos accessorized with a pearl necklace or a simple rock crystal bracelet but is absolutely stunning on its own.

Sex and the City Movie 2 Trailer - meet the fashion personalities

There are few films and sitcoms that I can enjoy over and over again and among others like Frasier and Friends, Sex and the City is another.  Just last night I caught a snippet of the first Sex and the City The Movie again on Sky Movies and always manage to lol (laugh out loud) at the scene where Carrie beats "Mr Big" on the head with her bridal bouquet.  The first time I saw that scene I was saddened but each time after that it seemed hilarious.



What I like about Sex and the City is the glitz and glamour of the fashion personalities of the characters. The characters Samantha, Carrie, Miranda and Charlette are on the cutting edge of high fashion with their Prada accessories and Manolo shoes.

Samantha is the dramatic personality who loves to be noticed. She is a sensual dresser, likes architectural designs, bold prints, bright colours and statement jewellery. Any wonder that she is in P.R.



Carrie is very ecletic in her approach and for her anything goes. She is very versatile when it comes to dressing and can move from vintage to classic to dramatic in a heart beat.  With Carrie it is all about the shoes and everything else is as fluid as her writing.

Miranda is your classic personality and dresses just as practically as the lawyer in her thinks. She chooses well cut suits and classic fashion that never goes out of style. Her only extravagance really is her bright red hair which in the last season have been matched up with quite a few colourful outfits.

And Charlotte, your romantic personality who longingly awaits her knight in shining armour and the whole nine yards. Charlotte the home maker and stickler for etiquette iis your Brie Van Der Kamp from Desperate Housewifes. She is the perfect hostess, always immaculately put together with frills and ruffles, paisley prints, gingham binding, sweetheart necklines and lots of skirts cut on the bias.

New in at Munique Fashions

Looking for that perfect statement jewellery to wear at your Christmas Party? Or wondering what you can get for your loved one this christmas? Then look no further, Munique has the perfect christmas jewellery gifts and unique fashion accessories that you are looking for.

Here's a sneak preview of what's new in at Munique this christmas. For more new arrivals click here

This luxury charm necklace is very dramatic indeed and the wooden earrings simply stunning.



Visit us at http://www.thesymphony-life.com/ for more new arrivals.

Hurry whilst stocks last!

Jewellery Trends Autumn Winter 09/10

The predition for jewellery trends this autumn winter 09/10 at International Jewellery London 2009 is “big, bold and beautiful”. Or so says Fashion Director, Hilary Alexander who anticipates that the “Statement Necklace” will continue to be a must have accessory followed by the oversized mega bangle. She advises to be on the look out for jewellery inspired by ecletic and global looks including ceramic flowers, jewellery made from horn, crystals, coins and gold.


Beyonce certainly has the look already for autumn/winter 09/10 jewellery trend. See our range of chunky jewellery and statement jewellery at Munique Fashions.
International Jewellery London 2009 takes place from 6-9 September.

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.

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.

Diamonds are a girl's best friend

Which girl dosen't love diamonds or the idea of diamonds and its traditional significance? That said, I feel just as special when I wear individually handcrafted contemporary jewellery and perfect strangers approach me to ask "Where did you get that?"

I call this statement jewellery because it makes a statement about you the wearer, about your confidence and fashion sense. A stunning piece of jewellery which makes a statement each time you wear it ......... is priceless.

This turqoise beaded necklace entitled Turquoise dance is a stunning piece of pearl jewellery which incorporates a very stylish unique look with versatility, as it can be worn as a long necklace, choker or waist belt. How is that for contemporary?

Today's fashionistas or fashion conscious consumers according to Bobijou "are vying for the contemporary jewellery that are designed uniquely and refreshingly, using innovative and affordable materials which contain value, with certain style that can complement the look of an outfit. Silver has been extremely popular for its precious nature and affordable price."

This necklace and earring set entitled 'Veil of the Incas' is inspired by the Ancient Inca bridal veils. Peruvian artist Juan Contreras has created a stunning and exquisite silver jewellery gift set that is contemporary and unique.

So what do you have to lose, it's not diamonds but it is affordable and unique and it gets you noticed. Valentine's Day is fast approaching so ladies please don't let your partner run out and buy the first gift he sees. Point him in the right direction.

The Statement Necklace

This winter the statement necklace has been seen all over the catwalks. It is a beautiful piece of jewellery that should be worn with a simple and minimalist outfit to show it in its full glory. No other jewellery is required as this necklace much such a loud statement on it's own. This seasons trend is not confined to one type of statement necklace, as long as it makes itself noticed in terms of its colour, sparkliness, size or shape. There are so many options to choose from you are sure to find one that suits your style and outfit.

At 3.1 Phillip Lim - a contemporary take on smart style with elegant separates combined with a long necklace with coloured discs.

At Alexander McQueen - a stunning sparkly choker with distinct historical references.

At Dries Van Noten - a statement necklace in rich autumnal colours made of chunky multicoloured bangles.

At Gucci - the statement necklaces had a folk theme with a mass of gold and coloured coin like charms on a web of delicate chain.

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

At Munique Fashions - A silver 'Veil of the Incas' necklace designed by Perivian artist Juan Contreras and inspired by an ancient Inca bridal veil.

The Black Polo Neck Jumper

Top of my list of must have items for this winter is the black polo neck jumper. Not only is it lovely and warm in the cold weather, it is also extremely versatile. Black is a flattering colour that suits most people and also can help you lose a pound or two (in appearance). But the best thing about the black polo neck jumper is that it can be layered with other clothes or accessorised in lots of different ways for an interesting and trendy look.

Some of your favourite summer clothes can gain extra mileage by wearing with tights and a polo neck for the winter. Try wearing a floral summer dress with a polo neck jumper for your own take on this seasons winter florals. The Autumn Winter 08 catwalk shows were awash with black polo neck jumpers. At Prada, they were layered under lace. At Givenchy, they were teamed with black leather trousers, a tailored jacket and layers of chains and crucifixes. At Yves St Laurent they were worn with just about everything in a minimalist style.

A great reason for wearing a polo neck is that it is a great way to show off a gorgeous statement necklace as seen at Louis Vuitton. (picture from www.elleuk.com)

This Purple Amethyst, Swarovski Crystal and Silver Necklace and Bracelet will look amazing with a black or charcoal grey polo neck jumper.