Summer necklaces – quirky and fun

 

summer necklace bohemian style

Summer necklaces just got quirky and fun at Munique Fashions.   Just in at Munique are these chunky and colourful necklaces perfect for that summer sunshine  or summer holiday that you just can’t wait to go on.   And it’s official, June 1st is the official start of summer and the sun is indeed peeping through the clouds this morning. 

 

While these necklaces are colourful and ”colour does improve your mood“, they are also quirky in a ”Sex and the City”  Carrie Bradshaw kind of way.  But you don’t have to be holidaying in Abu Dhabi to have fun with these quirky jewellery necklaces.  Nor do you have to share “Carrie’s” (Sarah Jessica Parker’s) eclectic and bohemian fashion personality to do justice to these necklaces. 

 

These quirky summer necklaces are very versatile and can be matched up with colourful outfits or simply worn with summer whites to make that  unique fashion statement.  I’ve been wearing my bohemian necklace practically every day with different outfits and getting the same responses –  people asking me where did I get that or telling me they like my necklace or simply staring.   So there is something to be said for quirky summer jewellery.

 

Munique's summer jewellery

 

A kid in a candy store is what I feel like when I look at all of these gorgeous colourful necklaces.  Other than being a magpie for colour, what gives these summer necklaces their quirkiness?   Size and colour certainly stand out,  but that aside, these colourful chunky summer necklaces are made from unique and unusual ceramic beads and stones painted in eye catching patterns and colours giving them an ethnic an exotic look and feel.  The necklaces are abstractly strung together in eclectic style on a ribbon that ties around the neck. 

 

Same but different is what you get with Munique’s summer jewellery collection of necklaces which are unique and stunning.  There is absolutely so much to choose from that there is a necklace to suit every fashion personailty and style preference. You do not have to be a lover of bohemian jewellery or favor Carrie Bradshaw’s sense of style to appreciate these ceramic beaded necklaces. What you do need is a unique sense of style and total individuality.  

 

Be sure to add these necklaces to your capsule summer wardrobe today and look fabulous and have fun wearing them to your next summer barbecue, summer wedding or summer evening out.   That said you do not need a special occasion to wear these summer jewellery necklaces.   At such great prices, I simply wear them everywhere. 

Copper jewellery perfect for the denim dress

 

summer denim dress

Denim, a timeless and ageless garment which knows no boundaries of age or gender, is so versatile and easy to wear.  Wardrobe favorites have to be denim jeans and denim jackets which women of all ages can wear.  But fancy adding a denim dress to your summer wardrobe?  Apparently it is one of the latest summer must haves for 2011 as popularized by Stella McCartney in her spring summer 2011 collection. 

Though McCartney churned out a boxy shape style denim collection including tunics, shorts, blazers and A line skirts which may not be to everyone’s liking, no doubt you can find a denim dress to suit your style and taste from online shops like La Redoute where I found this fabulously cute lightweight denim dress.  This ultra light softly flared denim dress accentuated with a crochet inset at the neckline combines two key trends this summer the crochet trend and the denim dress trend. 

copper bracelet handmade

So if you are wondering how to accessorize your denim dress, then my personal favorite is copper jewellery.  You will find that the bronzy colour of copper jewellery contrasts really well with denim especially when wearing other brown leather accessories like belts and brown leather sandals. 

Because this dress already has the crochet detailing at the neckline I will forego the copper necklace and opt to wear my copper earrings and cuff copper bracelet to complete the look.     

Click here to shop for more denim dresses from La Redoute.

Flower brooches and corsages just got bigger and trendier

flower necklaces and flower brooches

Colourful, fun, flair, fanciful, flamboyant, ethnic, elaborate, sophisticated, vibrant are all words that come to mind when I take in Marc Jacobs spring summer 2011 collection which celebrates floral accessories in a new dimension.  Jacob shrouds his models in huge fabric flowers, corsages, flower brooches and flower belts to add ethnic style and flare to his colourful collection devoid of neutrals this season. 

 Honestly some attendees at Princess Kate’s and Prince William’s royal wedding ceremony could have done away with tradition and taken a page out of Marc Jacobs collection and wear some hair corsages instead of hats or adorn their neck in scarves of flowers.

corsage dress worn by Sex and the City's Carrie Bradshaw

Carrie Bradshaw of Sex and the City fame will feel right at home in Marc’s summer spring collection as she is no stranger to the oversized floral corsage, flowers and flower jewllery in her style selections on this very popular sitcom.

hibiscus flower necklace handmade

So are you a flower fashion accessory convert yet?  I know that I certainly am and would be wearing this exotic handmade flower leather necklace the first chance I get which is right on trend for this look..

Artisan summer jewellery

flora and fauna artisan jewellery "sea shell"

Style and fashion is constantly evolving and there is a saying that the more things change the more they remain the same and maybe its a personality thing but there always seems to be constants in our lives which we always come back to.  I for instance can watch re runs of sitcoms like Friends, Frasier and Sex and the City over and over when there’s nothing else of interest on the 100+ channels that I pay for monthly.  Why I pay for hundreds of channels and only tune in to a few?  I can only presume that I am a creature of habit. 

And so like a creature of habit I always look forward to wearing what I call my flora and fauna jewellery in summer especially my flower jewellery like my handmade necklaces, rings and earrings. 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. 

Artisan style is a huge trend this spring summer 2011 with lots of crotchet this season but trend or no trend I love wearing artisan jewellery and not just for summer but all year round.  

Munique’s artisan jewellery is suited to all types as it is contemporary jewellery well made by hand.  Munique’s leather flower necklaces are hand painted and look just as life-like as the hibiscus flower and the orchid flower. The blue coral silver ring is very sophisticated indeed with tiny beads for the stamen and circular shaped petals. 

Copper jewellery is fast becoming my most worn jewellery metal. The colour is amazing and goes so well with most looks including the nude look, a fashion trend that is always in style it seems.  So Munique’s copper and brass heliconia copper earrings is my go to piece when it comes to earrings and can be worn summer after summer after summer not to mention year round.

Summer sandals and pedicured feet

 

red summer sandals

Warm weather,  sandal feet,  push toe shoes, flip-flops -  but are your feet ready for such exposure?  I’m looking down at my feet at the moment and I am simply horrified.  Definitely time for a pedicure if I intend to continue bearing my heels and toes in my rose leather sandals which is always sure to get others looking at my feet.

With such a stunning handmade leather sandal nothing is more off putting than scaly feet and overgrown toe nails.  An ideal time to use those spa vouchers from christmas I just have not made the time to use.   Don’t know if I will go for the regular pedicure or try the fish pedicure.  Can’t help but think that the fish pedicure could be a bit of a ticklish experience but I’m up for trying anything once.

Versatile barrel bag the new utility bag

Remember the “It bag” – that term applied to the designer handbag that you simply had to have?  According to Harriet Walker reporting in the Independent News,  the it bag has now been replaced by the utility bag. According to Harriet in her article “Why those in the know are no longer in with the It Bag“, such a bag is likely to be quiet, casual, anonymous and – of course – staggeringly expensive”.

The utility bag can be anything from a “simple plastic shopping bag”, a ruck sack, gym bag whose only attribute is that it is associated with a designer label and was shown on the catwalk.  So style,  fashion and overt label when it comes to bags is now replaced by practical, purposeful and no label with the only remaining characteristic being astounding prices.  

The overt designer label is now firmly out of fashion.  Now all you need is the talent, knowledge and keen fashionista sense to spot the designer made utility bag.  I guess the price will always be a dead give away.   But you have to wonder when next buying your utility bag – is it genuine designer bag or a knock off?  So pay special attention to your fashion news and what’s on the catwalk.

While there are many gorgeous designer must haves to be had, I can’t help but be reminded of the movie “Confessions of a Shopaholic” where Rebecca Bloomwood played by Isla Lang Fisher  runs up credit card debt in the vicinity of £20,00 outfitting herself in the latest Louis Vuitton top, Vivienne Westwood skirt , Miu Miu pumps and  Judith Leiber belts to name a few fashion designers.  She later sadly realizes that in many instances she was buying label and not necessarily quality.

the utility bag

At Munique we always advocate uniqueness and individuality over renown designer labels.  As such you can always buy quality unique handbags and handmade bags from www.muniquefashions.com Munique’s online boutique.  

My utility bag this summer is no other than this 70’s inspired, colourful and versatile barrel bag well made by Where from 100% cotton.  I can use this shoulder bag for most occasions. – yoga, gym, shopping, carry on, and best of all as a beach bag for the summer.  With handles, zipper and side trim all made from leather, I know that quality is built-in and that it does not cost the earth at £30.

It does not carry the price tag of the “utility bag” but it certainly serves it’s purpose and is stylish and funky with 100% cotton lining in the same tone of turquoise as on the outside of the bag.

40% off one day sale at munique

For one day only Munique is offering 40% off everything at Munique Fashions when you use discount code – mday – at checkout. 

Gifts for her and especially on mother’s day are all about saying how unique and special you are.  So why wait to join the hustle and bustle of shoppers on the highstreet this mother’s day weekend when you can have your unique gift for her delivered to your door?   

swarovski crystals pendant in sterling silver

With a whooping 40% off this sterling silver swarovski crystals pearl pendant in unique design mounted on an 18 inch sterling silver snake chain can be yours for £42. Exceptional value for a unique pendant and chain that will be treasured forever.   Shop now at www.muniquefashions.com

Your 40% discount can only be redeemed at checkout. To take advantage of this generous discount please enter discount code – mday – at the checkout. When you type the word – mday- in the discount code box at checkout and press return, your discount will be applied automatically. Discount code expires Wednesday March 30, 2011.

Choosing handmade jewellery for mothers day gift

Decided to get your mother some handmade jewellery for mother’s day? Handmade jewellery gifts for her on mothers day is always a fabulous choice.  But with so much to choose from, how do you buy the perfect mothers day gift?  Gifts for her and especially on mother’s day are all about saying how unique and special you are. 

volcanic lava pendant

So buy unique jewellery designs made from unusual materials like black wood, blue coral or volcanic lava jewellery you know she definitely does not have.  Have a think about your mum’s fashion personality.  Does she like contemporary jewellery pieces like this volcanic lava pendant which comes mounted on an 18 inch sterling silver snake chain?  Or is your mum more of an ethnic jewellery lover? 

Ethnic jewellery lovers will certainly find Munique’s copper jewellery selection very original and earthy.   If your Mum values uniqueness and impact she will be spoiled for choice at Munique Fashions with our range of individual handmade jewellery in contemporary and ethnic jewellery designs that makes a huge fashion statement.  So get her a munique gift voucher if you can’t decide.

Best of all the quality and craftsmanship of Munique’s carefully selected gifts for her means that your mum will be enjoying her unique jewellery gift for years to come.   Giving my mum jewellery gifts as presents is always a priceless feeling for me when I’m out with her and hear her say “oh my daughter gave me this necklace 5 Christmases ago”, as people do usually ask her “where did you get that”?

Recycle your unwanted jewellery into handmade jewelkery

Making your very own handmade jewellery through recycling your unwanted jewellery is a very popular option these days.  So I’m having a massive jewellery clear out.  We all spring clean our wardrobes at some point or another. But do we ever remember to spring clean our jewellery boxes?

recycle my unwanted jewellery

Since starting my handmade jewellery course, I find that I could reuse metals like silver, gold and even copper by melting and reusing for a new jewellery design.  All under supervision of course but it’s fantastic making your own handmade jewellery. 

All my unwanted gold and silver jewellery is finally coming in handy and I can even reuse my precious and semi precious stones. So far I’ve found pearl jewellery, swarovski crystals, jade and amber stones and other jewellery stones that I don’t know the names of, but which I will certainly be reusing in my new designs for a handmade necklace.

Now I not only have a jewellery box for my jewellery accessories but also a trinket box for my unwanted jewellery and I have not even gotten on to my beaded jewellery yet which is the subject for a whole new jewellery course.

Handmade jewellery – a conversation about fashion

handmade necklace "hibiscus"

I miss travelling to far exotic countries and am always reminiscent of my life 10 years ago when I travelled extensively throughout the Caribbean.  Back then I always made an effort to treat myself to some exotic fashion accessory my favorite being handmade jewellery of course but tee shirts and belts were also firm second favorites. 

My trips were always business related with not a lot of downtime for shopping but still I had to have something even if I bought it from the airport shops.  I usually found that when I eventually wore my exotic handmade necklace or bracelet back home someone would always ask me “where did you get that?” and that would automatically be the start of a conversation. Of course they would always be suitably impressed that I visited fabulous Trinidad and Tobago or picturesque Jamaica. But business travel is totally overrated.  I travelled so much that at times I never bothered to unpack my suitcase except for the dirty clothes of course and lets not forget my latest exotic jewellery gift to reward myself for all my hard work.  Living out of a suitcase was literally a reality for me then.

While travelling these days is a rare treat I can still feed my appetite for exotic jewellery and buy a wide range of unique handmade jewellery and accessories online from online boutiques like Munique Fashions www.muniquefashions.com  So my artisan jewellery collection is still growing so much so that wooden jewellery boxes handmade is fast becoming my new fetish. 

I can’t tell you how unique and special I feel each time I’m complimented about my handmade necklaces.  Now I never miss an opportunity to use the email a friend facility to send my husband jewellery gifts for her that I’ve found.  After all I know that he will be needing a birthday gift for her, a valentine’s day gift, an anniversary gift and a mother’s day gift each year for me.   So I’m just narrowing the choices when it comes to buying that unique gift for her.   This handmade leather necklace is next on my list of jewellery acquisitions.  Sounds like a business deal doesn’t it?