Flower jewellery accessorizes Marc Jacobs' S/S 2011 collection

Flower brooches and corsages just got bigger and trendier with fashion designer Marc Jacob accessorizing his spring summer 2011 collection with huge fabric flowers including leather flower waist belts to create real flash and flamboyance of colour on the catwalk.

Traditionally corsages are known to be worn at weddings and proms, those special celebratory experiences that only happen once in a lifetime. Corsages are usually worn on the wrists, lapels, shoulders and hair with oriental florals being a particular favorite of mine to be worn in the hair. But Marc Jacobs takes it a step further and glamorizes the neck and the waistline with super sized elaborate corsages and flower brooches in vibrant reds, pink, oranges and gold.

This super size floral look may not be new for some of us especially Sex and the City viewers who may remember seeing this over sized floral corsage look on Carrie Bradshaw in her arrival in Paris ensemble - a Sonia Rykiel Top and Skirt with large flower on the front. Carrie does like her corsages as you can see from the white corsage dress she wore in Sex and the City - The movie. 

What Jacobs does differently with his corsage and flower accessory look is to add huge colour and texture to the trend creating huge impact and intrigue. Munique’s handmade hibiscus flower leather necklace is right on trend for this flower jewellery look.  Handmade jewellery never looked better, painted by hand, this handmade necklace is as lifelike as it gets.  This flower necklace is also available in red, peach and gold.

And I just think that this butterfly brooch from Lupin handmade is just cute and gorgeous and so very apt for a spring summer look.

Artisan jewellery for summer

It's not usual that I decide on a look for summer or slavishly follow current fashion trends yet I find myself on trend this spring summer 2011 with the artisan look.  The artisan trend is in full swing this spring summer  with lots of crochet tops and dresses, aztec patterned bags, trousers in tropical prints with macrame, fringes and tassels being key indicators of this artisan style.  While I don't see myself investing in a pair of crotchet shorts in memory of the 70s there are lots of accessories like crochet ballet pumps, crochet cardigans or fringed suede bags to add a fresh new dimension to your summer wardrode. 

Me I can't get enough of the handmade  artisan jewellery especially my flora and fauna jewellery which is the perfect summer wardrode jewellery accessory in summer.  Flower jewellery like my handmade necklaces, rings and earrings are now right on trend for that ethnic look that I love so much.  My firm favorites have to be my leather flower necklace, blue coral ring and heliconia copper earrings part of what I call my exotic jewellery box collection.

Add depth to your summer wardrobe with artisan jewellery handmade like Munique’s leather flower necklaces which are hand painted and look just as life-like as the hibiscus flower and the orchid flower.  This flower necklace will certainly create a mixture of textures with your look this summer. 

Blue jewellery is not an accessory I had in my wardrobe until I added my blue coral silver ring to my flora and fauna collection.  This blue silver ring is very sophisticated indeed with tiny beads for the stamen and circular shaped petals.  Best of all it is adjustable.  This may not be a oval cut Ceylon Sapphire surrounded by 18 diamonds, set in white gold like Princess Kate's engagement ring but it is a sophisticated handmade silver ring from the very unusual blue coral.  

The artisan look is not just about the clothes you wear but can really be brought out with the right accessories.  When I want to look really ethnic I reach for my bali girl necklace which looks like jewellery out of ancient Egypt.  My bali girl necklace is made of copper and brass which is fast becoming my most worn jewellery metal simply because the colour of copper jewellery is so amazing and it goes well with most looks including the nude look, a fashion trend that is always in style it seems. 

Shop now for artisan jewellery, flora and fauna jewellery and flower jewellery at http://www.muniquefashions.com/

Flower jewellery - a good alternative to floral dresses

Spring and summmer always bring out the best in me as the flowers in all their varying colours spring up and people start dragging out their floral dresses and skirts as the fashion trends draws on nature and the seasons. Despite my hayfever it is my favorite time of year - the most colourful season when it comes to clothes and fashion accessories as we shed the black, grey, navy blues and other depressing tones so popular in winter for the brighter, lighter and more playful hues that actually exist on the colour wheel.

But let's face it, not everyone likes florals or thinks that it is flattering.  While some see it as very fun, fllirty and feminine others just think that it is girly and suited for children. I love it and the best thing about florals is that it is always in fashion.  For those who are not partial to the floral trend then flower jewellery is a good alternative.  In my last blogpost I spoke about about colour and mood and I can see flower jewellery having a soothing and calming effect as it can make you feel at one with nature especially with life like interpretations of floral jewellery representing the flora and fauna around you.

This turquoise flower brooch by Erickson Beamon was one of Michelle Obama's favorite accessories which she wore with many outfits almost like a signature piece. Choose flower jewellery from Munique's stunning range of copper jewellery and leather jewellery including flower necklaces all handmade to life like perfection. 

White cocktail dresses - spring summer 2010 fashion trend

If you were thinking of wearing a white cocktail dress to a spring or summer wedding then you will certainly be keeping up spring summer 2010 white beginnings trend.


Calvin Kleine minimalist white designs for spring summer 2010. Pictures from http://www.style.com/
White beginnings as a trend refers to the fact that several fashion designers including Pringle of Scotland, Gucci, Fendi, Osman, Calvin Klein and Yves Saint Laurent all commenced their spring summer 2010 fashion shows with a succession of all-white ensembles.

Yves St Laurent ruffle and lady like looks for spring summer 2010. Pictures from http://www.style.com/

Osman in particular did an all white spring summer 2010 collection with touches of gold on some designs. What he lacked in colour he certainly made up for in architectural designs and shapes. Who said white is boring?

Osman and models on the catwalk for spring summer 2010. Picture from http://www.style.com/

Other designers like Ralph Lauren may not have started their collection with a white ensemble but certainly interweaved them in their collection.

Ralph Lauren makes use of white organza coats, white caps, white waistcoat and white dresses to put his white outfits together fro spring summer 2010. Pictures from http://www.style.com

So don't shy away from white this summer. You can look absolutely fab in this Ellos off the shoulder dress white cocktail dress from La Redoute. With white keep it simple, minimal and go for statement necklaces like this leather flower necklace for maximum impact. What better accessory to symbolize spring and summer but flower jewellery.

Chunky Jewellery – a year round fashion accessory

Chunky jewellery is your year round accessory that looks great in the summer with all its bright eclectic colours and styles and is also wearable in the winter to add that accent of colour and statement look to heavier fabric and darker coloured clothing.
You can wear choker chunky necklaces over your roll neck tees and fitted knitwear and long chunky necklaces are ideal for cowl neck knitwear. Some fashionistas go for layers of jewellery to create that chunky necklace look. You may choose to keep it simple and chic with one piece that makes a statement and tells a story.

There is certainly lots to choose from when it comes to chunky jewellery. You can go for colourful african beaded jewellery, big flower jewellery made of leather, copper jewellery, semi precious jewellery and the list is endless.

Big and bold is one criteria for chunky or statement jewellery but for me it should also be unusual chunky jewellery with a quirky shape or style and made from sustainable materials.

How to wear floral brooches

Brooches have always been a much underutilized fashion accessory I think for two reasons. Brooches are usually seen as an accessory for the older generation and secondly people just do not know how to wear them to accessorize an outfit.

In the same fashion she popularized the shift dress, Michelle Obama has given a new lease of life to the brooch and in particular floral brooches which she uses to accessorize many an outfit. From what can be called the Michelle Obama Brooch Jewelry Trend, my favourite I think is this turquoise flower starburst brooch by Erickson Beamon seen here worn with two different outfits outfits.





It is therefore not surprising that flower jewellery is expected to be a main jewellery trend this Autumn 09/10 at International Jewellery London 2009.

Brooches can be worn as a neckline embellishment front and centre or at the side or even attached to a pearl or other necklace. Getting the colours right is also important as seen below a brown flower brooch colour codes well with this green Miss Sixty dress.


Here are some unique floral brooches for you to choose from. Trend or no trend I am sure you would agree these handcrafted flower brooches are simply exotic and will add a wow factor to your outfits.


This very life like orchid brooch is handcrafted in leather to reflect an orchid flower. This leather brooch is hand painted in the vibrant colours of this actual species of orchid.
Handcrafted leather flower brooch "Amaryllis" carefully cut and hand painted in the vibrant colours of this actual amaryllis flower. This brooch is available in gold, orange or brown.


This gorgeous and eye-catching 1928 enamel flower brooch with sparkling pink crystals at the centre is made from rose gold plated enamel in shades of pink. A vintage brooch at its best.

Summer barbecue dress

It’s that time of year when the barbecue invitations are rolling in. Some barbecues are planned well in advance and have become an annual event while many others are just impromptu depending on the weather. So be prepared with your summer barbecue outfits for those short notice barbecue invites.

The key to deciding what to wear for a summer barbecue is comfort, weather and style. Remember you are dressing for the outdoors and in Britain, summer does not always equate to sunshine. Be prepared with a light sweater in case it gets chilly. Go for a sweater that can easily tie around the waist or be used to sit on the grass.


If you have young kids then colourful summer dresses,summer blouses and summer dresses are great for hiding barbecue sauce stains from those young sticky hands. This gorgeously light and floaty print halter maxi-dress is perfect for that summer barbecue and would hide any grass stains if you were to sit on the grass.Or go for this this delightful layered wraparound knee-length skirt designed to fit all sizes.



Keep jewellery simple but thematic by going for flora and fauna jewellery or flower jewellery. Feel at one with nature in this orchid leather necklace or copper leaf necklace.






When deciding on footwear again think comfort and go for flat summer sandals or wedge heels. After all you are going to be walking on grass. These rose sandals are ideal for any summer barbecue and will get you noticed as well.