It's Wedding Season!

I have always LOVED weddings and everything about them.  The significance of two people joining their ultimately separate lives, and combining them into one big fluffy beautiful ball of light and love is always magnificent to me.  The overall feeling of joy that you experience for both the bride and groom and all the guests, is unparalleled. So you can imagine how ecstatic I was when an old jewelry client/ friend of mine asked me to be her wedding coordinator for her big day.  (I literally did a happy dance!)

Of course, this isn't my first dog and pony show. I have planned out several events, showers, and about 7 other weddings.  But it's been years since the last one, and I soon started to remember how much fun this whole process was.  Everything from picking out the colors of the wedding, down to the smallest details like the brides maid gifts.  And speaking of which, this is where this job began...

I started scouring the internet of up-to-date designer ideas on the perfect bridal set.  Of course her interest and appeal had to take precedence over any design idea.  Every time she purchased jewelry from me, whether it was for herself, or her friends and family, she would always go for the more simple pieces.  Elegant and simple, yet bold enough to make a statement.  It wasn't long before we found a series of beautiful baubles that would complete the look for her entire bridal ensemble.

For her, it was fairly easy to find a design that would compliment her form and her dress. She had me to help her with it!  But many brides don't have an actual stylist, so they pick jewelry that they "think" may look good.  The truth is that there are many factors that you have to take into account to make sure that you have the perfect accessories for the big day!  Here is an easy list of tips to follow to make sure that what you pick will look fantastic and put together and still make a statement...

The RULE of the DRESS-

This is going to be probably the biggest day of your life, and your dress has to make an entrance with you.  You want to make that you don't upstage the dress with big gaudy jewelry, especially if the dress has a lot of lace, or bead work.  There are, however, times that bulky bold jewelry can look good, but we will get to that later.  So first, things first...  lets look at your style of dress.  The most popular dress style today seems to be the sweetheart strapless style. The reason for its popularity is because it is slimming and elongates your neck and your chest and creates a pretty form for the upper body.  Because it allows for such a large area of your neck and chest to be framed out, it creates the perfect stage for an array of beautiful jewelry styles that drape or dangle below the neckline into the chest area. These styles include lariat styles that continue the lengthening effect all the way down to the bottom point of the sweetheart.  This is probably the most complimentary style of jewelry for this type of dress. With this look, you can also choose complimenting earrings that will flatter your facial frame.  For example, if you have a long face, go for stud style bold earrings that will balance out the elongated look.  If you have a short, round face, go for chandelier style earrings, or long clusters that will help to elongate your face. But don't go too long, you don't want them blending in with your necklace!  Here is a great example of a beautiful put together "sweetheart" look from Martha Stuart Living.

This style of dress is also great for Pendant or Cabochons on a simple chain.  It continues along with the elongated look and also creates a single focal point on your chest frame. This will also allow you to showcase a more prominent earring style as well.

Using a draped look of multiple pearl or crystal strands will also create a beautiful compliment to this style of dress.  You can use pretty much any style that will drop down below your neckline and end before your bust line.

The draped style or even the Pendant style can also be complimentary to the flat line bust dresses.  

Whether it has a slight sleeve or strap, or a full strapless, the abrupt stop that this style of bodice produces begs for a something to break-up the monotony!  HERE is where you can go totally BOLD!

You can choose anything from a lariat, to a drape, or even a peter pan collar look to really accentuate the nape of the neck down to the bust.  Here are a few examples...

Bracelets have always been very popular for wedding day jewelry.  Wearing a classic pearl or crystal collaboration is typically what you see being worn.  But more and more brides are going really bold on wrist wear on the day of their wedding!  Big flowers and rosettes are very popular this season.  Making bold statements with large colorful sea glass chunks or even shells coupled with large faceted crystals dangling down your hand really helps to bring a sense of uniqueness and style to your dress.

If you are going to go big and bold on your arms or writs, make sure that it DOES match your neckline and earrings.  You don't want to go way out there with the style.  For example, if you are wearing pearls and crystals with white gold or silver up on top, get complimenting bracelets with the same attributes.  Remember that your hands and wrists will be just as prominent on your person.  You ARE coming in with them bared to the masses while holding your bouquet, and of course when you are giving your hand to the groom for the "giving of the rings" portion of the ceremony and stay right up there during the reciting of the vows!  Here are some photos of great wedding bracelet ideas...

 

A Word About Pearls....

Pearls have to be the most popular style of jewelry to wear on your big day.  PLEASE make sure that your pearls match the color of your dress!!!  There is nothing more tacking and distracting than wearing a stark white dress with yellow or "antique white" pearls.  Now, I do understand that many people have special jewelry that may have been handed down from bride to bride in your family. And of course, these are those antique white, or creamy yellow looking pearls that are probably much better quality that what is being made today.  You don't want to choose your dress color based on the color of the pearls, of course. Especially if you want a smooth beautiful wedding white.  Don't worry, there is a solution.  You can STILL wear your handed down piece, (now pay attention) just as long as the REST OF YOUR JEWELRY HAS THE SAME COLOR PEARL IN IT!  Your earrings, and bracelets should match the pearl color perfectly so that it looks seamless.  Viola!  :-)

OR... you can always get a reputable jeweler to take apart the pearl strand and re-design the piece to include a "white element" into it like diamonds, crystals, silver, or even a few dramatically different white pearls.  This way you can still wear those beautiful AND meaningful pearls that your great grandmother wore on her wedding day, but made into something more modern and appropriate for the style of dress you chose to look your best in!

Remember that Trendy Trinkets can create your unique wedding jewelry in any style for your big day! Contact us with questions, or to place an order for fabulous jewelry that won't break the bank, but is sure to make a statement on your wedding day!

www.TrendyTrinkets.net - Time to get trendy!

2013 Summer Jewelry Fashion Trends - Blues, Greens & Nautical!

Summer is quickly approaching, and with it, some beautiful and unique new styles along with it!  If you are looking for a whole new look to go with those light summery dresses, look no further, cause Trendy Trinkets has your answer.

Looking at the palette of colors for this summer's fashion scene, we find a lot of ocean inspired colors.  Look for Royal and Navy Blue coupled with white stone or pearls.  Beautiful multiple hues of turquoise  paired with abalone and sterling silver also make an incredible complimentary blend that will go with practically any outfit!

Courtesy of Coco Channel

Another color which has been hot since spring and will carry along through to summer is MINT.  Yes, that awe inspiring color that reminds us of sea foam and reminiscent of 1950's fashion.  This color has been celebrated in everything from nail polish to pumps!  So why not wear it within your jewelry too!  This color can be found in several natural stones (if you are into stones.)  Turquoise comes in a color that is very close to Mint Green.  You can also find it within several variations of agates, like the sea foam agate or even chalcedony.  These stones come in several settings including earrings, rings and bracelets that really capture the luminescence of the stone.

Courtesy of HSN

GOLD has also grown in popularity again within the fashion jewelry scene.  The problem here is that REAL Gold is more expensive than it's ever been. So unless you have quite an expendable budget, you may want to turn your attentions to Vermeil (14K over Sterling Silver) or a good quality gold plating.  Many custom jewelers and designers are turning to gold plating because you still have that gorgeous warm glowing tone without having to spend loads of money on just one brilliant piece.  Be careful and choose wisely when picking out a "Gold" piece for your fashion jewelry through.  If you are told that something is "Real" 14k gold (and charging you as such) one really easy way to tell if it's "REAL" and not "PLATED" is by holding a magnet to it.  Gold and Silver and non-magnetic metals.  They won't stick to the magnet at all.  If it does... it isn't real.  It's as simple as that. 

Courtesy of TrendyTrinkets.net

Nautical jewelry has also made a complete come-back.  Anything sea-related is on the fashion hit list.  Look for chunky bracelet styles like fish and sea creature inspired charm bracelets, or leather wrap bracelets with fun closures like ships wheels or anchors!  For adornment around your neck there are several simple choices like a single Anchor charm hung sideways across the nape of your neck. Or, if you like the more dramatic look, go for large shells and pearls enhanced with metal fishy findings.  Once of my favorite nautical styles is using silk rope tied in several knots and then done-up with gold wire...simple, classy and goes with just about anything!

Courtesy of Vamoos

Just WATCH Me!

Wrist Watches have always been a staple accessory since they were invented in the early 17th century.  Whether they were spring loaded, gilded in gold, or encrusted with diamonds, they have always been treasured pieces of jewelry for everyone from the prince to the pauper.  Wrist watches have also gone through several style changes throughout time. When they were first created, the most sought after watches were thin in design and usually made out of some kind of precious metal. Of course, this particular characteristic made them too expensive for the normal hard working person to own. So watch designers started making them out of steel cases with leather straps with much simpler designs in order for the common person to be able to own at least one.

Alexandrite & Copper by Melissa Neyor of Trendy Trinkets

Today, watches have become much more affordable. You can even find them at most dollar stores fashioned out of rubber with cheap aluminum casings in multiple colors. An obvious perfect choice for a child to wear since there isn't a real investment to be made. But if you are more of a fashionista, (like myself), you want something unique and sassy that speaks volumes of your style and cache.  So you lean towards the major brand names like Fossil, Gucci, or good ol' Michael Kors.  And then you find yourself riding the wave of the commercialized styles that line the shelves at all the department stores.  And since they are typically more affordable than lets say, a Patek Phillipe, everyone is practically wearing the same watch.

Steampunk Gear watch by Melissa Neyor of Trendy Trinkets

But as of recently the fashion industry has seen an incredible change in trend. With the ever-growing population of new jewelry designers and individual watch builders, the possibility for uniqueness has become much broader. It's almost like we have hit a whole new renaissance for the ages!  Crafters and professional jewelers alike, are coming up with new innovative ideas for telling time. Take myself, for instance... I began making watches about 2 years ago. each watch is an individual work of art.  Whether the it's woven wire, strung semi-precious stones, leather or metals, these watches are all totally unique and are sought after at every festival or trade show that I attend.  (Hooray for me!)

This is what the population is craving. Unique time pieces that you can't find on store shelves and that haven't been commercialized!  And with the array of ideas that are floating around at art and craft shows and small boutique shops, you can most likely find a piece that is worth more in value, than it is cash out of your pocket.

For beautiful unique time pieces by me... Melissa Neyor of Trendy Trinkets, please visit my website at www.TrendyTrinkets.net and click on Etsy Exclusives to see what is available NOW!

Italian White Onyx, Sterling & 14K Gold on Copper by Melissa Neyor of Trendy Trinkets


Get out there, and get trendy!

Fashion Jewelry Trends for 2013!

The holidays are finally over and the new year is finally here. If you are a fashionista, like myself, you are already looking at style TV shows, perusing through store shelves and devouring fashion magazines from cover to cover. So to make it as easy for you as possible, and save you loads of time, here are the hottest trends to hit the run ways this coming spring.

Have you ever heard that your grandmothers jewelry was a thing of the past? Not anymore! Thee vintage look is totally in! It has had a complete make-over that has become the vintage-sheik style that we are seeing resurrected in the design industry. Beautiful pieces that boast all kinda of metals from brass to copper and even antiqued stainless steel. The jewelers are calling it gun metal,and I'm calling it the new must have this year! Flowers and faceted stones adorn these metallic beauties, and any color pattern you choose will look great with just about anything. Big and elaborate filigree necklaces, chunky cuff bracelets with semi-precious stones and crystals set in everything from Fleur DE Li's to swirls and hearts.


(Photo courtesy of Oscar De La Renta)




The next style trend is actually very classic, but now with a very colorful twist. Pearls have really never left the fashion scene. They have always been tried and true throughout time. But this year they have been made into more bold designs with bright colors aside from the traditional cream, black and white options. Now you can find these beauties in lavender, pink, burgundy, navy, olive... Even hot pink! And the best part is that you can get funky with them too! With so many creative ways to wear them, they can be dressed up with the little black dress for an evening out, in the board room with a classic suit, or just for daily use with jeans and a t-shirt. Stack them on your wrist in various sizes with stretch bracelets, where them on a long chain wrapped a few times around your neck, or find big chunky varieties on cocktail rings!


(Photo courtesy of beautips.info.com)



Turquoise has long been one of my favorite stones. Its gorgeous blue/green color with black and shimmering gold veins running through each piece make it a crowd favorite. Honestly, for me, it's never gone out of style. This year, the styles have been refreshed in creative flair and absolutely exotic. From smooth polished stones in a variety of shapes like hearts and crosses, to the more elaborately faceted versions being used in more intricate settings. Use large chunk bracelets in sterling silver. Or go bolder with a large cabochon embellished with copper and layer with pearls and onyx!  Either way you wear it, turquoise is a hit day or night and for any occasion!




Remember that style is what you make of it. Although we may love to follow trends and get adorned in the latest styles, make them your own by wearing them in unique ways that tell people that you too are a trend setter!

For unique jewelry and custom designed made for you, please visit my website at www.trendytrinkets.net. Time to get TRENDY!

The Newest Trends in Fashion Jewelry for 2012 Fall/Winter edition

Summer is almost over, and so are the dated styles that followed the fashion industry from 2010 to 2011.  Gone are the days of dark and drab and all those fancy feathers we saw in every piece of jewelry and head piece known to man!  As quick as it flew in last summer, thank goodness it flew right back out!  But all is not lost with the 2012 fashion trend. Here is my review of the new styles you can catch on the fashion jewelry scene for the up coming months and ways to use the jewelry you purchased last season and make it fresh with the newest trends.

First up, METAL!  Not your mama's 14K yellow gold stuff... We are talking copper, gun metal, brass and stainless steel.  Gorgeous new styles with big chunky chains coupled with stones and sparkly crystal balls. Or sleek industrial looking pieces with crystal embellished bolts and gears.  The steampunk movement hasn't faltered either.  Those great looking mixed media pieces that look like they were pulled together out of a time machine are still very popular.  If you purchased any of these pieces, either from myself or other jewelry designers last year, you can couple them with strands of pearls or layer several necklaces together for a trendy put-together look!

Next up are NATURAL STONES.  Big, Chunky natural cut stones are back on top of the fashion list for this fall/winter line-up.  The beauty of natural stones is that they come is such a wide array of colors and shapes, that no two will ever be alike!  To get good quality pieces is the most important thing. You don't want to head to a big box store to get these treasured finds. You want pieces that you can connect with on a personal level. Whether you choose the stone because it's your favorite color, or because it's your birthstone, make sure that you aren't buying cheap glass or plastic imitations.  This means that you will more than likely pay a bit more for a quality stone piece, but you know you will have something that will last a lifetime.  For example, one very popular stone is the Drusy or Druzy. Regardless of how you spell it, it's still the most fascinating stone you will ever come across.  The sparkly crystal element inside the quartz geode is where it comes from. And the larger the piece, the more rare and beautiful it will be. They typically come in white or black from the clear quartz and black onyx stones. But other variations (more rare of course) can be found. One of my personal favorites is the Titanium Druzy which comes from the peacock quartz crystal.  This very rare and unique stone has gradient colors of the rainbow in a metallic look!  Whether it's partially polished with small sparkle in the middle, or large cubic chucks, this is certainly one stone to behold!  Be mindful of those ebay deals coming out of the orient though.  Druzy can be dyed different colors, just like any quartz crystal can, and those are typically available for a fraction of what you would pay for REAL druzy. Look for local artisans and jewelry designers that work with druzy if you want to get something really special! Enjoying natural stones in several fashions is also fun! You can find them in big cocktail rings, to free standing pendants wrapped in metal wire or set in sterling. Even tiny quality cuts can be found on traditional dangle earrings.  The possibilities are endless!

LEATHER is also one of those elements which as stood the test of time in fashion accessories. Although todays looks are nothing but unique!  Sure you can sport that black leather strap necklace with a cheap metal pendant hanging from it, (if you are 16). But for the more discerning fashionista, leather brings in a whole NEW look!  Using good quality leather in jewelry is becoming more and more popular.  You can find leather and suede cut into flowers fashioned along a pearl necklace, or several thin leather cords in a variety of colors, all coupled as a multi layered necklace with brass and copper beads peppered along it's strands.  Thick braided leather bracelets are also very popular for both men and women.  You can find them as simple multi-wrap bracelets with stainless steel chunky hook clasps, or thicker single strands coupled with metal badges or flat polished stones.  I have also come up with some unique leather ensembles that have wowed art festival judges all over the U.S. by coupling braided leather and weaving crystals and pearls on a single strap! (see below for a photo)  Thick leather cuffs are also extremely popular and can be branded with different designs or embellished with rhinestones and studs.  Wear them by themselves, or couple them with several thinner leather wrap style bracelets for the latest trend!

And finally, HEARTS! Personally, I have always been fond of hearts in my jewelry. Whether it was a tiny addition to a chain full of charms, or a huge pendant made out of dichroic glass with rhinestone, Hearts have been a popular addition to any jewelry collection throughout time.  But after a while, you see the same exact designs over and over again. If you love hearts as much as I do, looking into hand crafted pieces that are unique and colorful is the key to the newest fashion trend. Big, bold pendants are the cream of the crop for this seasons styles. Choose contrasting pieces to compliment an outfit, like the hand molded polymer hand painted pieces that I make, to the more traditional metal hearts in subtle dangles on earrings. With hearts, you can never go wrong!

For more fashion trending news or to get some of the latest styles of season, you can visit my website at www.TrendyTrinkets.net or my Etsy shop  at http://www.etsy.com/shop/trendytrinketsbymely

You can also contact me for some unique pieces designed just for you!  Stay Happy and Get Trendy~!

Found objects

In my search for a muse, and some cheap garage sale items, we came across an estate sale on merrit island that showed some promise. In a small wodden box there were some hidden treasuresthat could be easily remade into some beautiful shabby sheek jewelry! One fantastic find was a solid copper cuff embelished with a brown leather strap. it was alittle dirty, but nothing a little letchup and elbow grease wont take care of. The leather was a bit tattered, so I will probably clip it off and add some silver or rose gold wire design into it. Cant wait to show off my newest creation. And for some more musing tomorrow!!!

An inspiratinal beach vacation!

It was time. Not to get trendy, but to have a restful vacation on the beach where I can dive into my book and bask in the sun. Im also looking for inspiration for a new summer line of accessories for this year. It seems that everything new and fresh has already been swept up by the large box stores and mass manufactured in china. I was taken back while parusing at target ghe other day when I found steampunk jewelry and chan lu bracelets for sale! Hence making it less unique and more commercialized.

So here I am, in deep contemplation while searching for my new muse.  On the schedule today is garage sale'ing! Lets see what this sleepy little beachside town has to offer.