Wishful Whimsy: Fantasy in Jewelry

~ “In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different.” – Coco Chanel

Every time you step out the door, whether you are racing to attend an important meeting or stepping out for a night on the town with your beloved, the way you personally express yourself is always on full display. As humans, and since time eternal, we are drawn to coveting the human form and are enthralled by watching other people to see how they dress or accessorize themselves. Have you ever seen someone gorgeously dressed walking down the street and experienced time just start moving in slow motion? The air smells sweeter as they pass and the day just seems all the better because they passed you by.

The latest fashion trends to hit the most exclusive boutiques from New York to Rodeo Drive are whimsical accessories that make even the plainest outfits get the attention that they deserve. Necklaces adorned with colorful handmade polymer beads and twisted to new gravity-defying lengths and bracelets created from copper and stone are just a couple of the latest pieces of jewelry to be seen on the streets and even a couple of catwalks. Adding a touch of fun and whimsy to your outfit is an understated way to show off your playful side and make a memorable entrance to any gathering.

When considering which types of jewelry you should buy remember the definition of whimsy, which is having a ‘quaint or fanciful quality’. There is no need to traipse downtown in a pair of rainbow stockings or with dozens of butterfly hairclips in your hair. There is a very fine line between adding a bit of flair and going overboard to make yourself look ridiculous. Follow these three rules for adding a touch of whimsy and panache to your everyday wear!

Less is More –

When dressing, choose only one or two pieces of fun jewelry to complement your outfit. Piling necklaces around your neck or layering bracelet after bracelet on your arm is overkill. It will make the whole ‘look’ you are striving for look messy and cluttered. Instead wear phenomenal jewelry that calls attention to itself because of its beauty and not overpowering strength. Jewelry made from wool and felt are the latest trends to appear on fall runways. Gone are the days where gold or silver are your only options.

Just Bag It –

The power of the perfect purse or bag cannot be ignored. A purse is so much more than simply a place to stow away your essential items like your cell phone or make-up. With a quality handmade leather or felt purse you can make a statement without saying a word. A gorgeous purse is the finishing touch for pulling the perfect outfit together. When purchasing a purse, hand sewn and crafted purses will stand the test of time a lot longer than factory spewed bags that won’t even get you through the season. Don’t skimp when it comes to quality craftsmanship, which will pay off very large dividends for you in the end.

Color Consciousness –

One of the most endearing things about quirky jewelry is the colors that they are created in. Gone are the days of matching your jewelry to your outfit. Quite the contrary! The hottest fashion trends today include wearing complementary colors that don’t match. Imagine pairing a purple dress with neon green jewelry or a plain white shirt with hot pink jewelry. Be conscious of your color choices when buying jewelry and dare to spin that color wheel!

Quality Counts-

Mass-produced and factory-molded jewelry is a thing of the past. Today’s fashionista is as environmentally conscious as she is trendy. Handmade designer jewelry is all the rage and as easy to get as making a couple of strokes on your keyboard. One of the best places to find gorgeous handmade jewelry at affordable prices is at Etsy.

Please drop by to my Etsy store at www.SoigneAtelier.etsy.com and you will not be disappointed.