Crossover dress with copper jewellery

Moving house is always a great time to de-clutter in theory. But this is far easier said than done when you are a hoarder like me. There I was having to make split second decisions on what's staying or going as we had to pack in a mad rush. I got rid of quite a lot in the end though in hind sight I felt it would have been far easier to just get the packers in even though I'm not always comfortable with strangers handling my stuff.

Clothes on the other hand is probably one of the easiest things to pack when moving as your clothes are simply transferred on their hangers from your wardrobe to the movers wardrobe boxes and drawers from your chest of drawers are simply transported as is.  Yet because I knew I had a luncheon date at one of Birmingham's finest a la carte restaurant, Edmunds,  a few days after moving, I left nothing to chance and took the precaution of packing my intended outfit this crossover dress by Autograph separately.  I also packed my brown high heeled leather sandals and fashion accessories to avoid the mad panic of finding the right head scarf and jewellery to go with this dress.  My biggest dilemma was deciding whether to wear my copper jewellery to accentuate this ruched wrap dress or my unique pearl jewellery.  In the end, on the day I opted for copper earrings and my bali girl copper bracelet as it was a gloriously sunny day out.

Stripes are such a timeless favourite, which means that this autograph cross-over v-neck striped drape dress will certainly be hanging in my wardrobe (when it's constructed again) for a long time. 

Cashmere cardigan

Don't know what it is with me and the colours brown, bronze and orange but I do like these warming colours especially in winter.  Maybe it's because I love copper jewellery so much. Again I found this lovely cashmere cardigan but alas 10 and 12 all sold out. I like adding special things to my wardrobe and this orange cardigan is indeed special yet practical and warm.  The frills really add a sexy girly feel to this cardigan and I can't say that I have any cashmere in my wardrobe.  I'm so good at justifying my purchases aren't I?

This frill cardigan is part of the per una speziale range so can't risk buying a size 14 as Marks and Spencer's sizes are generous and a cardigan like this I would imagine needs to fit pretty snugly to look and feel good. I could sometimes find myself fitting into a size 8 at M&S which is the most wonderful feeling since I'm usually fluctuating between a size 10 and 12.  That's the thing with online shopping if you do it often enough you can become a sizing specialist and know what size you should order depending on the store.  For instance when I'm online shopping at Zaras I find myself ordering medium and large especially when it comes to their jackets as their sizing seem to be a bit on the petite side.    

  

denim dresses - the latest denim must have this summer

Denim is a year round wardrobe staple that we can all admit to wearing, be it a pair of denim jeans or a denim jacket. But do you have denim dress in your wardrobe? I know I don’t. The denim dress is the latest denim must have this summer and it does not just stop at dresses. Stella McCartney in her spring summer 2011 collection in addition to a denim section of tunics and shorts has produced 70’s style A-line skirts which you can team with soft blouses like silk and denim blazers in boxy shapes to create the ideal work wear this summer.

Stella McCartney boxy shape denim dress spring summer 2011

While the boxy shapes do not appeal to me, I am already reaching for my brown leather belt and metallic brown leather sandals to complete the look. Copper jewellery really contrasts well with the denim look so I will finish off with copper earrings and maybe be a copper necklace or bracelet depending on which denim dress I choose and the occasion of course.  Here's my short-list of denim dresses from La Redoute.

It's summer so you can keep it cool with this lightweight denim dress with contrasting seaming to create a fantastic figure-hugging effect.  What I especially like about this dress is that it can be both dressy or casual depending on your accessories. My copper cuff bracelet and oval leather handbag is great for a casual look.  For a more dressy occasion my Peruvian silver jewellery necklace and earrings set and blue coral ring will be ideal. 

 silver jewellery gift set - necklace and earrings

stunning blue coral silver ring (adjustable)

You can create a very relaxed and laid back look with this Safari-Style Denim Dress.  A new take on your regular denim shirt dress and stylishly accessorised with brown leather belt and neck scarf.  I would only need a pair of copper earrings to complete this look.

I'm really liking this last look though I would prefer the wedged sandals shown above instead of the boots. Another ultra light softly flared denim dress accentuated with a crochet inset at the neckline.  A fabulous combination of two key trends this summer the crochet trend and the denim dress trend. 



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.  

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.

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.

Copper Jewellery

I remember when copper jewellery symbolised copper bracelets worn for medicinal purposes. Now copper and brass jewellery is one of the trendiest fashion materials worn today. And I can see why as jewellery designers are creating much more unique contemporary jewellery pieces using both copper and brass.

Like anything else copper jewellery can be dressed up or dressed down. This exquisite handcrafted copper and brass jewellery set entitled "grapevine" (necklace and earrings) is certainly dressed up mounted on a six strand seed. This set is simply breathtaking with stunning detailing given to the interpretation of the hanging vine on both necklace and earring. A perfect and timeless addition to your jewellery collection.



This "Thorn" copper necklace is mounted on plaited leather straps for a more casual look. This stunning creation of thorns within a necklace is handcrafted in copper and brass.


Brass with its muted yellow tone gives off the glow of gold as you can see in this handcrafted cuff copper and brass bracelet "Bali Girl". No doubt jewellery designers looking for cheaper alternatives to rising gold prices over the last 5-7 years turned their creative juices to copper and brass.

The intricate designs that jewellery designers can attain using copper and brass is simply breathtaking. This detailed interpretation of a bird handcrafted in copper and brass makes this piece very unique indeed.

Most good jewellery designers of copper and brass jewellery will coat their jewellery designs with a special coating to avoid tarnishing making copper and brass jewellery very easy to maintain. Coated or not brass is a relatively tarnish resistant metal and easy to clean as well.

You can clean your brass jewellery using hot soapy water. Alternatively lemon juice on it s own or lemon juice mixed with vinegar, salt or baking soda can be used. Sourmilk and natural unflavoured yoghurt are other options for cleaning your brass jewellery.

Spring into fashion

Spring into fashion with this Pure Linen Sleeveless Belted Dress from Marks and Spencer's new portfolio range. This linen dress is part of Portfolio's Monaco trend - a luxurious range featuring smart tailoring and elegant dresses. Sophisticated prints and flashes of gold add glamour against a striking palette of black and cream. This linen dress is also available in black and can only be purchased online from Marks and Spencer

While the green appears to be more of a casual wear, this same linen dress in black looks very dressy and would look stunning with Munique's Onyx, Lava Stone and Prith Bracelet

Complete the look in green with Munique's Bali Girl bracelet in shiny and majestic copper and brass and Munique's dot centric earrings.

Onyx, Lava Stone and Prith Bracelet



Bali Girl bracelet

dot centric earrings

Lady in Red

Step out in red this Valentine's Day with online bargains from Littlewoods. If your loved one is making the effort to take you out for a romantic dinner then wrap yourself up in this Ichi bandeau dress reduced to £18.00. This Ichi bandeau dress has a double layer styling with detachable ribbon detail and side zip fastening.

Look just as stunning in this diamante babydoll dress also reduced to £18.00. Perfect for the true romantics out there who look forward to this special day.


For those who want to be different then go for Love Label's embroidered strapless dress at only £21.50

Perfect for that romantic dinner at home or an evening out. Accessorize with Munique's Bali Girl Jewellery Set by Anderson to complete this look.

This simply majestic medallion style copper and brass jewellery set is handmade and will compliment the embroidered pattern on the dress.

20% Discount at Munique

Munique is offering a 20% discount across the entire boutique until January 12.

Buy now and choose from our wide range of handcrafted jewellery gifts including semi precious stones jewellery, copper jewellery, recycled and eco jewellery, stone/clay jewellery and leather jewellery. Compliment your unusual jewellery choice with a handmade Alpaca Wool Wrap or a suede handbag to get others talking.

Visit our website at http://www.muniquefashions.com and remember to use discount code 3009 at the checkout.
Offer ends January 12, 2009.

Munique’s exotic copper range

Munique’s exotic copper and brass collection is inspired by the flora and fauna of the Caribbean. This handcrafted copper collection by Anderson showcases dramatic pieces of art in the form of pendants, necklaces and bracelets that will get any girl noticed. For that elegant evening out, this Grape Vine piece will create drama at the neckline and have others asking you “where did you get that”. Complete with matching copper earrings and you have a perfect and timeless addition to your jewellery collection. Muniques products are specially handcrafted so we do not stock large volumes and are not on the high street. If you value differentiating yourself from the crowd then don’t wait … buy online at http://www.muniquefashions.com/

You're Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile

As it says in one of the songs from my favourite childhood musicals Annie "Hey, hobo man, Hey, Dapper Dan, You've both got your style. But Brother, You're never fully dressed,Without a smile!"

I love getting dressed up and one of the most important things for me about fashion is that it is fun! I like to wear clothes that make me happy and make me smile. If you want doom and gloom and misery, just watch the news. Fashion should not be taken too seriously. Try adding something a bit fun or a bit wacky to your outfit and see what a conversation starter it will be.

A great way of adding a bit of fun to your outfit is with colour and pattern. On a wet and windy dull grey, nothing makes me smile more than a bright pink top or some eye catching red shoes. Unusual hats are also great for a bit of fun (although not great on very windy days), they won't just brighten up your day but also everyone around you.

In case you are still not convinced here are some great reasons to smile:

1. Smiling makes you attractive - people will be instantly drawn to you

2. Smiling helps to relieve stress

3. Smiling is contagious - once you smile, others around you will smile too

4. smiling makes you look younger (no need for a face lift, just smile)

5. smiling reduces blood pressure

6. Smiling boosts your immune system

7. Smiling Releases Endorphins, Natural Pain Killers and Serotonin- so you will get a natural high

8. smiling will make you happy

So now there is no excuse, choose something fun to wear and don't forget your smile.

Selection of Funky Copper Jewellery and Rings at Munique Fashions

Pamela Mann 50 Denier Tights available in 25 colours