Jewellery
"Jewellery takes people's minds off your wrinkles." Sonja Henie
FCaNK tips for buying and wearing jewellery
- You should wear your jewellery; your jewellery should not wear you!
- Jewellery should add to or enhance an outfit, not overwhelm it.
- Avoid matchy matchy earrings, necklace and bracelet..be brave and make bold jewellery decisions. Even better, mix your jewellery around! Three or four different styled bangles are very in at the moment!
- On the whole, the bigger your bones are, the bigger your jewellery statement can afford to be. If you are narrow boned, wear slightly more dainty pieces. This is a general rule as I know some friends with narrow bones and huge personalities that can get away with the big jewellery statements... have a go!
- Vintage jewellery items are perfect for a mix and match style. Have a peek at Vintage Shopping for more inspiration.
- To work out whether you are big boned, have a look at your wrist and compare it with a few friends. You will soon see how your bones compare to others.
Spotlight on Jewellery Designers
Check out these jewellery makers! We simply love them!
Tiddly Pom Pom Designs
If you are looking for an entirely unique, vintage statement jewellery piece, look no further than Tiddly Pom Pom designs. Louise Taylor-Bowen, creator of Tiddly Pom Pom, eloquently combines beautiful vintage textiles and precious gems to create gorgeous accessories. Every piece is unique and designed from fabrics that she has spied out in Italian antique markets, vintage shops or that have been crafted by hand. Each design has a touch of history and a sense of soul and is extremely beautiful for a special occasion or a wedding. We will be writing a feature article on Louise's wedding designs towards the summer. Until then, here are glimpses of some of Louise's designs. Give Louise a call and speak to her about designing and making a bespoke piece for you or for someone you love. Check out Tiddly Pom Pom in our November Newsletter and our very own FCaNK Boutique. Louise can be contacted on 01453 834255 to design your fabulous statement piece.
Charlie Smith Jewellery
Charlie Smith's designs are refreshingly original and iconic one off pieces that ooze FCaNK appeal. From the precious materials, gemstones and metals that Charlie sources, to the way she crafts each unique design is just gorgeous. For your own bespoke piece of statement glam, Charlie will craft a unique jewellery accessory in the colours and style to suit your lifetsyle and your budget!Her prices are refreshingly reasonable, especially considering the design and workmanship that goes into each piece. She is becoming a fast favourite of celebrities and groovy magazines, so be quick and get your hands on one of these iconic pieces. Check out Charlie on her website, in our FCaNK boutique or in the FCaNK November '09 Newsletter. Charlie can be contacted by email on charlie@charliesmith.biz or on 07770 569307.
Jewellery For The Big Boned Person
The good news for big boned people is that statement jewellery doesn't need to cost you the earth. Primark produce fabulous moulded plastic designs that can really elevate your look. For something even more spectacular and original, take a look at Liberty costume jewellery.
Lola Rose gets top marks for her fabulous precious stone designs, we love her colour sense and day glamour style
If you are looking to make a statement, throw three strands of beads together rather than one. These can be the same or you can mix and match or contrast using your creative imagination.
Top Shop are still doing boho chic really well. So for ethnic, wooden accessories, this is certainly the place to be. Although the accessory department in flagship stores can be overwhelming, it can be a treasure trove of valuable finds especially if there is a vintage section.
Hoss Intropia is also a shop to check out. They have a amazing jewellery collection that is a creative and colourful cross between African and Norweigan styles! Sounds odd I know, but it is worth a look.
Tutti and Co have some great jewellery. although their website is a bit slow if you clikc on the best sellers list it will give you an idea of their designs. Have a party and you will have Fur Coat looks at No Knickers prices and a chance to catch up with friends.
French Connection are a step up in price. This is because celebrities are often caught wearing their jewellery. FCUK make great statement accessories; but for the price you pay you may want something more original or from a limited collection. Whistles statement jewellery is designed exclusively. It has limited production and therefore is probably better value for money.
For true original, vintage statement jewellery, Charlie Smith produces some fantastic designs at affordable prices that are one off and exclusive, so excellent value for money.
FCaNK Recommends:
The prices given are approximate and designed to give you a general idea of how much you will need to spend.
French Connection £11+
Charlie Smith £20+
Vintage Jewellery £30+
Miss Selfridge £4+
Top Shop £4+
Liberty costume jewellery £20+
Hannah Bedford designs are gorgeous too. We particularly love her statement ring from her 'Granule' collection.
Lola Rose £40+
Hoss Intropia £35-£65
Hannah Zakari is packed with unique jewellery that are unique, tongue in cheek and retro. Their jewellery bits and accessories give a little nod to this season's fashion passion for animals. We particularly like the 'Me Me Me' ceramics collection as well as the Las Vegas brooches and black and white camera jewellery. A perfect stocking present for either you or your teenage daughter's stocking is the graphic tee with Eiffel Tower prints and enormous fake bows. Take note that the celebs haven't discovered this site, so grab a piece before they find out! Your beneficiary will love you forever!
Mackay and Pearson jewellery are a brilliant find. You may buy their own designs or design your own bespoke piece for £100+. They are happy to melt down and use the metals from your own jewellery that you no longer wear. They also include any of your own gem stones in the design. How tremendously fabulously great value! FCaNK particularly loves their silver bangles adding a touch of sophistication for your own stocking or for someone you love!
MADE jewellery designs work alongside communities in the African continent and are at the forefront of bringing ethics to fashion accessories. The designers are particularly colour savvy and have developed some fabulous styling. We particularly love their collection now selling at Whistles.
For more ethical alternatives, check out Bottletop accessories. See our article on the genius of Bottletop in this newsletter.
For The Narrow Boned Person:
If you are bored of Accessorize, Banana Republic is a great alternative. They offer fabulous service, some great designs and presentation. Noa Noa and Cath Kidson offer vintage-heirloom appeal with delicate adornments. Surprisingly Phase Eight also produce some great fake jewels at very affordable prices that can add a touch of irony to an outfit.
Jigsaw produce some great designs for those of us with small bones and their work often pays greater attention to detail than huge bold statements. They lead the way for elegant, delicate and original jewellery that are affordable.
FcaNK Recommends:
The prices given are approximate and designed to give you a general idea of how much you will need to spend.
Noa Noa £10+
Tiddly Pom Pom Designs £25+
Cath Kidston £10+
Phase Eight £12+
Jigsaw £20+
Banana Republic £8+
V&A Gift Shop £8+
In summary:
- Match your bone size to your jewellery size.
- Don't just buy a single string of beads, buy three strings of beads or bangles to make an impact on your outfit.
- Aim for originality and be bold!
- Mix vintage with high street.
- Mix complimentary but not matching colours.
- Most importantly, have fun with your jewellery!
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