Trend: Black Swan Jewellery Style

Fresh from it’s Oscar success Black Swan has been one of the biggest films this year with Natalie Portman winning an Oscar for her stunning performance.

Not surprising then that ballerina inspired fashion is popping up everywhere.  So look out for wrap tops, ballet pumps and even tutu’s appearing on a high street near you!

Feathers are also a big trend this season; and it doesn’t matter whether you wear them on a wrap, skirt, top, accent or hair band, wear a little or a lot, and you’re bang on trend.

In the film Natalie Portman wore a delicate little silver flower necklace, rather like this one.  Very pretty at first glance, take a second glance and you see that the Sterling Silver flower is carefully ‘sand-blasted’ to give a frosted effect. This is contrasted with a highly polished border. Perfect for when you’re feeling wonderfully feminine.

This bracelet (below) just says black swan to me; perhaps it’s the dark seductive black onyx stones highlighted with flashes of sparkling clear crystals and delicate freshwater pearls.  If you’re more of a white swan this bracelet also comes in an angelic white gemstone mix too.

Natalie Portman also wore a delicate pair of silver drop earrings similar to these petite pillow hearts.  As cute as a button, these mini hearts are all puffed up with contented love.

How To Wear The Black Swan Ballet Look

Think dark, seductive, glamorous and sexy and you’re there!  Wear this trend up close and personal with a simple strappy skintight vest, leotard or corset, they key is to make it figure hugging.  Bottom wise, it’s got to be a skirt; it’s short and its full, it’s tulle, feather or thick satin.

Wear with statement black onyx jewellery, preferably art deco style, as it will really pull the whole look together. Accessorise with sky-high heels and a jacket or hair band with feather detailing.  Word of warning, don’t go overboard on the feathers otherwise you’ll look more like a turkey than a swan!

How To Wear The White Swan Ballet Look

The white swan is, well, the exact opposite.  It’s delicate, innocent, pale and very interesting.  This look will work really well for those nude pieces you will have in your wardrobe.  Mix them with delicate blush pinks and ivory whites to create the colour palette for your look.  This season is not about matching it’s definitely more about an eclectic mix of textures and toning colours.

Add a little vintage style with freshwater pearls and marcasite jewellery or a little delicate sparkle with crystal gem stud earrings. Complete the look with a well-chosen feather accessory; a bag would work perfectly.

Get More from Your Jewellery

Ok, so you ate and spent too much over the festive period and, I don’t know about you, but I’m so over the cold, dark days of winter; I need a little spring in my step and I’m not talking about another trip to the gym!

So how to spend less, but get more from your jewellery?  The secret is to reinvent your favourite outfits by accessorising them with one key piece of jewellery that will work the new season’s trend. Then wear, wear, and wear it!

Now you’re wondering what this amazing key trend is that will transform your wardrobe?  It’s flowery, it’s folksy and it’s 70’s inspired… call it arts and crafts, call it home spun, call it what you like!  We’re talking flares, platforms, maxi skirts and florals, team it with a crochet knit if you dare!

Yes it’s still cold, but who says you can’t wear that flowery dress with a silky thermal underneath, a contrasting cardi over the top and teamed with tights and boots?  And what about that key piece of jewellery?

It’s got to be floral and I love this gorgeous venus rose necklace.  It’s just so versatile, it looks as great with jeans as it does with a cocktail dress, definitely makes a statement.  I’ve been wearing mine forever and its still drawing compliments, so if there is one piece of jewellery that has been value for money this is it!

But it’s a new year; new season (and it’s my birthday) so I’m going to treat myself, just can’t decide between these two exclusive handmade necklaces.  The first is the very cute little coy flowers necklace that will look great with a ditsy flower print dress.

Then there’s the utterly gorgeous handpicked necklace with its little asymmetrical flower to give it that little something extra – such a dilemma!

Capture the Romance of Paris…

…with this limited edition collection; the latest creation from the design studio at belong.

These unique pieces of handmade jewellery feature mother-of-pearl buttons from Paris with suede, semi-precious gemstones, Swarovski crystal and Sterling Silver.

“I love these buttons as they remind me of the wonderful weekend in Paris when we found this amazing vintage button shop.  I just couldn’t help myself; I was like a kid in a sweetie shop!  Et voila! The ‘Paris Café’ collection.” Dawn

Designed to sit snug against the skin, each piece features the fabulous, but gloriously simple adjustable ‘belong silver slider’* that makes getting the perfect fit effortless.

Available in three delectable colour ways, I love the the ‘Spice’ mix with its shimmering shades of orange, rich plum, chestnut and floral painted buttons, wood, Swarovski crystal and Sterling Silver.

Also available in the ‘Romance’ mix with mother-of-pearl buttons, suede, freshwater Pearls, black Onyx and Sterling Silver.  Plus the ‘Peacock’ mix with its blend of sky blue, cobalt and lime, highlighted by pieces of Turquoise and Serpentine.

*Small but perfectly formed, our Sterling Silver belong ‘slider’ allows the necklace to be worn at any length from approx 14″ – 32″, and to slip over the head comfortably, without the need for any other fastenings. Easy!

Be unique, be individual, wear your imagination…belong!

p.s. Get 15% OFF belong jewellery!  Just enter ‘BUTTONSW’ in the coupon box at the checkout.  Valid until 30th November 2010.  Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.

I advocate colour, and lots of it!

Vogue calls it the ‘dressing-up box’ trend, I think it looks rather like you’ve run into the fabric section of John Lewis and dressed yourself in it – but whatever you call, it makes me smile!

I love the clashing colours and patterns that only a supremely flamboyant person could carry off and Camila Batmanghelidjh, founder of the Kids Co charity, certainly pulls off this look with panache!

It’s so refreshing to see some wonderful vibrant colours in the winter palette.  Of course there is lots of choice on the high street but so many of us turn to the old trusty blacks, browns and greys when the season turns.

Ok, so black makes us all look slimmer, and that’s all well and good, but is it not just a little depressing sometimes?  So I advocate colour, and lots of it!

Ok, so I’m not suggesting you go for the whole look, unless you want to!  The way to go is multi-coloured jewellery, something to brighten up a winter day and bring a smile to your lips.

The added bonus of multi-coloured jewellery is that one piece of jewellery will go with so many outfits, now that’s value for money, make your jewellery work for you!

Hand strung with over a metre a half of semi precious gemstones this necklace is truly fabulous!  Who would ever have thought of mixing pink Rose Quartz, Citrine, Coral, Crystal, Amethyst, Blue Quartz, Turquoise, Garnet, Black Agate, Carnelian, Smoky Quartz and Freshwater Pearls … we would of course!  Add something unique to an outfit!

Looks superb with greys, rusts, neutrals, browns and black! The added bonus with this necklace is that as it’s made with semi precious you have probably got every healing property you can imagine covered and in one necklace.  So it makes you look good and can make you feel good too!  Maybe that’s why this necklace is called ‘Extreme Pleasure’?!

Brazilian designers, Brazilian men – you just can’t beat them – or perhaps I’m biased!  Anyway….this wonderfully chunky bangle is another amazing piece by Brazilian Designer Resende Sobral.  He creates jewellery using recycled polyester resin, resulting in a totally unique piece of jewellery.

They’re real conversation pieces too, and you can boast about how you’re doing your bit for the environment by wearing something which has been recycled!

Just for fun, these cute little Swarovski earrings are subtle yet stunning, light-catching pieces, oh so versatile.  Using the best (Swarovski) crystals with Sterling Silver – carefully chosen colours clustered together give maximum impact.  Light and easy to wear, they become like good friends to have around for any occasion.

Wear Purple With Passion this Winter

It’ rich, it’s sumptuous, it’s aubergine (or eggplant, as I read the other day; just doesn’t have the same ring to it I don’t think!!)  Or damson, plum, amethyst or royal velvet, whatever shade you choose, purple is definitely the next big thing this winter.

Purple make up is a must try this season and I can see myself trying a purple smoky eye or a damson nail polish.  I think I’ll have to draw the line at plum lipstick, even if I thought it looked great when I wore it in the 80’s!

The added bonus with purple is it looks great with this season’s other big colour stories, grey and navy, which sums up my outfit today.  Particularly loving my new grey suede fitflop boots, so comfy I’ve barely had them off. Definitely the best buy I’ve made in years – yes, they are that good!

This vibrant royal purple silk scarf is my all time favourite.  I wore mine with a red silk dress and received so many compliments!  It works just as well for a more casual look with your winter knits.

The wonderful thing about silk is that it gives warmth and insulation without the weight or bulk, perfect for those colder days ahead.  Hand woven from hand-spun and hand-dyed Thai Silk, these scarves are something that everybody should have!

Love on a large scale! This gorgeous Sterling Silver filigree heart necklace on damson organza is bang on trend this winter, and probably next, definitely a statement piece.  For best effect wear it fairly up close (and personal) to the neck with your winter maxi dress.

This simple yet stunning purple Amethyst necklace is part of our Wish Upon A charm collection.  Wear it as it comes or add a little sparkle with a gorgeous Swarovski crystal, or perhaps a silver charm, or even another gemstone. What the heck, you can add as much, or a little, as you wish!

That’s the beauty of the Wish Upon A Charm collection; you can create your very own necklace exactly as you choose.  It’s perfect for gift giving as you can create your bespoke necklace by choosing a favourite gemstone, birthstone or colour.  Or you can choose your stones by the healing properties they are believed to possess.

For example, Amethyst is known as the ancient healer of body, mind and spirit. It cleanses, purifies, restructures and renews. It is said to open spiritual and psychic centres, to reduce mental tension and to induce pleasant healing dreams.

Therefore it can be worn to reduce anger, impatience and nightmares. Amethyst helps to prevent over-indulgence and encourages the breaking of bad habits!

For more gorgeous purple jewellery check out our Damson & Amethyst Collection.

Fashion Fatigue?

If I see one more article telling me that I should be wearing an aviator (or shearling) jacket, a cape or a camel coat this season…..well let’s just say, enough already!

…and it’s all very exciting to hear that I should be wearing my maxi dress (or skirt) with my chunky folksy knit jumper, open toed sandals and scrunched down over the knee socks. I know this is fashion, but seriously, do you know anyone who would wear such an outfit?

New York, London, Milan, Paris; I think I’m having fashion week overload!

Strangely though my fashion fatigue seems to lift when it comes to watching the style wars between Dannii and Cheryl on a Saturday evening. Yes, I admit it, I’m an X factor fan, and I don’t care who knows it!

So what jewellery do I have for you this week? It had to be full on glamour!

Kicking off, one of my favourite necklaces’ that I think Dannii Minogue would love! It’s so sophisticated, classic & timeless! Gorgeously huge pieces of faceted onyx, hand strung with equally beautiful smaller pieces of facted black onyx and black agate. Feel sophisticated – look amazing!

For Cheryl Cole it has to be this gorgeous Veronica Vintage black onyx necklace, it’s darling! This is screen-siren personified!! Veronica Lake would have found this necklace irresistible!

This is one of the most wonderful examples of hand-crafted jewellery using Black Onyx that we have ever commissioned. Many different shapes and sizes of the gem have been brought together beautifully. An absolute dream to wear – don’t forget the matching earrings to feel truly special!

So let’s go for the set and finish off with a gorgeous matching bracelet that will work with both necklacs’. Sheer classic beauty, this wonderful real onyx bracelet can be worn very simply. Team with Swarovski studs in Jet and take over the boardroom or the ballroom – they’ll be hanging on your every word! Or make a statement and wear with this season’s luxe goth look! This bracelet is so versatile and as it’s made to our own design, it’s totally exclusive!

The Return Of The Snood!

The leaves are falling off the trees and there’s a definite bite in the air, autumn is here and at last I’m warm, thanks to knee high boots and woolly tights, it had to happen sometime!   I can’t wait to cuddle up in lots of cosy knits, and what a choice we have this season.

There are two major trends coming though, the first is oh so luxurious with its ultra fine texture, perfect for layering.  Wear with a silk cami, add some lace or ruffle detailing and these luxe knits will see you right through winter and into spring.

The second trend is for chunky knits, rather like the Arran jumper my mum knitted for me when I was a kid, so warm, but thankfully a whole lot less itchy! I particularly like the chunky knit snoods that are back in vogue and I have my eye on a gorgeous grey cable knit one, perfect for wearing around the office, as I find it rather chilly, perhaps a little odd when some of my colleagues are still wearing shorts!

Colour wise we’re looking at seductive smoky browns and passionate purples though to military grey and navy; add a splash of burnt orange to accent. Not forgetting the ongoing neutral trend with its tones of caramel, cafe au lait and blush, those silky chiffon tops you bought this summer will be ideal!

I love this shimmering leaves bracelet, made with over 100 little Sterling silver leaves, it feels absolutely gorgeous – almost ‘feathered’ – and looks utterly amazing on. The silver leaves interact with each other too, making a soft ‘shimmering sound’, if there is such a thing!  Wear it and let it appeal to all the senses (though I don’t advise you to eat it).

This exclusive, limited edition, necklace is just lovely with its ‘Little Forest’ silver charms, a truly enchanting necklace indeed! Featuring a little dragonfly, butterfly and pinecone in sterling silver, alongside hand-crafted dragonfly, leaf, heart and flowers made in Hill Tribe silver, which is even purer than Sterling Silver. All the charms are oxidised to accentuate the details of their intricate patterns.

If you’re the kind of girl who likes to match these delicate little dragonfly earrings are just the ticket.  Every so dainty these little dragonfly earrings match the necklace perfectly.  These come in both the shiny silver and the oxidised silver versions to match in with the necklace.  As it turns out they also match in with the Winter Garden and dragonfly necklaces’ too!

Too Early For Woolly Socks?

It’s August so it’s still summer, right?  So why am I so cold?!  One minute it’s glorious sunshine, perfect for that maxi dress and flip flops, then the next it’s freezing, and that maxi doesn’t look so hot with a chunky cardi over it!

I do find that transition between seasons rather hard work, and I know that layering is the key, but my problem is shoes.  Summer it’s easy, it’s flip flops, sandals, ballet flats.  Winter equally straight forward, it’s knee high boots and warm woolly tights (what I wouldn’t do for a pair of them right now!).

Today, as has happened a few times this week I’ve been caught out. Having found it rather warm yesterday I went for the dress, leggings, ballet combo and my feet are freezing!  But it’s too early to wear boots, and sandshoes really aren’t going to work with anything other than jeans, so what’s the answer?  Really, I have no clue!  Further research needed, I feel a shopping trip coming on!

I do love Autumn though, particularly the colours. All those wonderful warm tones of gold, through burnt orange and terracotta to the rich dark reds, I feel warmer just thinking about them!

These gorgeous little Swarovski crystal earrings just sum up Autumn for me.  Their jewel colours remind me of the flames from an open fire and feeling all toasty as I warm my woolly socked toes.  Carefully chosen, these rich vibrant tones of orange and red are clustered together to give these small pieces maximum impact!

Perfect for this A/W season’s cape trend this wonderful leaf brooch.  Textured to show all the delicate vein markings of a real leaf, with the ‘antiquing’ process emphasising the pattern to gorgeous effect.   Made in solid Sterling Silver it’s pretty versatile too as not only is this a gorgeous brooch, but you can also add a silver wire and wear as a necklace!

Yes, I do like a scarf, and this week’s is this lovely burnt orange shade.  Wear with all shades of brown to give it a kick, or try with golds, dark reds and greens to inject some colour into a grey day!  Hand woven from hand-spun and hand-dyed Thai Silk, these scarves are something that everybody should have! Gentle and light, they can transform an outfit with a shimmer of luminescent colour. All shades are truly gorgeous!

Grey: Surprisingly Chic for A/W 2010

Isn’t it odd how some things just come together, and often in such an unexpected way! I’m thinking particularly of my outfit for my sister’s wedding in a few weeks time.

I had imagined a jewel toned dress in a flirty knee length chiffon, what I have fallen in love with is a grey shift dress with large embroidered pink flowers down one side, poles apart!

It all started when I saw this gorgeous dove grey feather shrug, initially I was a little worried it would look more big bird than Hollywood, but I think I’ve nailed it!  Next came some funky shoes to match, with heels that I can actually walk in.

Then, on my way to the changing room, with an armful of jewel toned silk & chiffon, I saw it.  I knew it was the one, but I still had to try on everything else, just to be sure, you know how it works!  Now the only thing left to do is pick up a bag and, of course, some gorgeous jewellery!

This whole grey trend seems to have crept up on me with its chic neutral tones flying completely under the radar, then suddenly appearing everywhere.  It seems to stem from the minimalist trend that’s also coming through this autumn winter season.

I have to admit it’s not a colour that I would usually go for but I’ve been pleasantly surprised how stylish it looks.  It’s also such an easy colour to accessorize with almost any shade of pink working well.  I also like purple, mauve, black and white as accent colours.

Still need a little convincing?  Why not wear the trend in your accessories.  If you buy just one piece of grey jewellery this season the must have piece is this fabulous ‘Queen Of Hearts’ necklace.

This exclusive belong design is handmade using Murano Glass* hearts and Sterling Silver.  The plum version was featured in Vogue.com, and would itself work perfectly with any grey outfit.

A great contrast is pink and I love these lovely little Swarovski crystal stud earrings in rose pink.  So easy to wear with their shimmering sparkle looking equally good day or evening, smart or casual.  I guess that’s why they’re called ‘Essential’!

Perfect to finish off any outfit is this luxurious handmade silk scarf.  This one is storm grey and there are another 3 shades available in dove, mercury & silver, so you can find the perfect match for any outfit.

*Murano Glass is made by some of the world’s finest artisans on the small island of Murano, just off the coast of Venice, Italy.  These hand-made beads are renowned for their captivating, lustrous shine reflected from within.  Lovingly created, using century-old techniques, by encasing silver and gold foils within the glass that glisten as they catch the light.

Work the grey trend with 15% OFF Belong jewellery. Just enter ‘GREYW’ in the coupon box at checkout. Valid until 12/9/10

Glittery Jewellery for Starry Nights

Did anyone see the Perseid meteor shower last week?  It was a spectacular show of shooting stars, up to one a minute.  Don’t worry if you missed it, you can always watch online or see it for real next August!

I would love to say I was up watching it at 2am, but I was too busy stressing about climbing Ben Nevis at the weekend.  We managed to get 2/3 of the way up, I’m sure we would have reached the summit had we left earlier.  Of course now I have to go back to finish the job, think I’ll wait until the pain wears off first!

Although, I’m not really sure if I’m cut out for this outdoor lifestyle, there are just no facilities, where is a girl supposed to powder her nose at 2500 ft?!  At least I wasn’t seeing stars as I dragged myself up the mountainside!

The stars I do love to see, and wear, are in the gorgeous, glittering Sunstara gemstone.  Sunstara is not a naturally occurring gemstone but rather a man-made one that has been around since the European Renaissance.

Allegedly, early monks working at a glass factory near Venice were practicing alchemy when molten copper accidentally tipped into a molten glass container. This crystallized into thousands of tiny crystals and formed a melt with golden light sparkles. This formed the first goldstone.

Sunstara is like a very dark blue version of this. It resembles a very starry, clear night sky and looks truly magical!  With this gemstone you truly can hold the whole universe in your hand!

If you’re looking for something a little different you will love this exclusive ‘Rich Jewel Mix’ silver necklace, it’s just made for dark nights! This sumptuous mix of Swarovski crystals in emerald, garnet, amethyst and gold colours mingle on sterling silver ball chains with pearls in teal, peacock, purple and green.

Add in a couple of unusual beads which combine all colours, and top off with a faceted sphere of sunstara, which looks like it contains the whole starry night in one stone. As for finding an equally rich dark knight…just add a dark red lippy and watch him come running.

Since we’re on the whole universe subject, I had show you this fabulous Saturn globe necklace featuring the shimmering luminescence of Abalone (or Paua) shell in all its wonderful shades of oceanic blues, greens and purples, this is like a mosaic globe on a chain, with added silver!

The silver rings twirl independently around the globe, adding wonderfully to the overall mesmerising effect. Easily and effectively worn through the day, matching many different colours, this necklace will also steal the show at night!

For best effect this Sterling Silver necklace looks fabulous worn on a the long 35″ chain, which is also versatile as it can be wrapped around the neck twice for a shorter look or left long and luxurious, two looks for the price of one!

Needing a little inspiration?  Try our ‘Starry Night’ collection featuring Sterling Silver jewellery incorporating shades of black, alongside sparkly silver. From jet black Onyx jewellery, to Swarovski’s ‘Black Diamond’ crystals, and Sterling Silver jewellery with a ‘starry night’ feel.

I love this ‘truly scrumptious’ black necklace, with its wonderful mix of faceted black Onyx, Freshwater Pearls, Shell and Crystal.  This is one of those necklaces that looks so much better on than any picture we can take of it.  It is the perfect necklace for a night out, as the crystals and gemstones come to life when they catch the light.  Whether that light is candlelight, spotlight, or daylight, we’ll leave that up to you!