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A curated list of Spring and Summer's Top Five Jewelry Styles that will stay in your jewelry box for years to come!
With spring and summer at our doorstep, it’s tough to avoid being swept up in the excitement and temptation to buy everything on this Spring’s Hottest Trends lists. But in an effort to save you from chasing the rainbow of latest trends, we have curated a list of the Top Jewelry Styles for Spring and Summer 2016, focusing on those pieces which transition easily from season to season and that you'll wear for years.
Top 5 Jewelry Styles for Spring & Summer
The five styles listed here are pieces with a modern edge and classic aesthetic- choosing these will help ensure that you aren’t wasting time or money on over-the-top transient trends, but instead making savvy choices on jewelry that will stand the test of time. Being sensible with your resources doesn’t mean you have to be boring or feel uninspired with your jewelry. Au contraire! You can have your cake and eat it too!
It’s important to not solely follow the latest craze, instead be true to your unique style. Don’t think “I could never pull that off!” or “I love that, but it’s not me”. If you’re drawn to it, this means there’s something about that piece of jewelry that resonates with you- It IS you! It is YOUR style. Embrace your style and let it shine!
Threading a Needle
If you aren’t familiar with Ear Threaders, fear not, they’re not nearly as painful as they sound. A very fine, smooth bar (or “needle”) is seamlessly adhered to a delicate chain, and on the other end there is often a type of stone or pendant detail. You “thread” the earring through an ear piercing (or two or even three) and simply pull it through to the desired length. One style of earring has never given you so many different looks! This style is popular because of its feminine and unique charm, ease of wear and versatility.
Coming Up Roses
Rose Gold has regained popularity over the last few years, but thanks to Pantone’s 2016 Colours of the Year choices, Rose Gold is not only fitting in, but it is standing out! Rose Gold is not a fleeting trend that will come or go with the season; you will see it stick around for many years to come, and we have already caught a glimpse of it in upcoming fall/winter collections. This ladylike tone evokes both warmth and strength and easily mixes with your silvers and golds. Rather than committing to an entire Rose Gold jewelry collection, start with a bracelet or simple earring, and once you realize just how easy it is to incorporate into your daily go-to’s, try a necklace or watch.
Now Watch This
Biceps rejoice!! It’s time to put aside that cumbersome chain-link metal watch you’ve been wearing for the last five years. Give your biceps a break and opt for a thin, lightweight styled watch instead. Whether it has leather or flat metal-mesh bands, you will no longer need to roll up your sleeve to fit your bulky watch underneath; instead, you will roll up your sleeve to show off your classic, simply beautiful watch. (Tip: look for brands, such as Cluse, that feature straps you can easily change yourself.)
Heart of Stone
Stones of all kinds are showing up ten-fold in jewelry design. You can expect a range of coloured stones such as Aquamarine, Labradorite, Turquoise, Topaz, and pink or blue Chalcedony. At the top of its’ game, Moonstone is gaining popularity because of the cloud-like and dreamy feel. This particular stone is at home in any setting- formal or casual, and is a classic, yet modern, choice.
All things that sparkle continue to stand strong and make their way to every woman’s heart (and jewelry box!). Perhaps the large, in-your-face kind of sparkle is a bit much for spring and summer, but subtle touches are a great way to add panache to your wardrobe. Looking beyond the established Cubic Zirconia and polished diamonds, Raw Diamonds are gaining popularity thanks to their organic natural texture that lends to the distinctive shimmer and shine (many women are even opting for Raw Diamond engagement rings over the traditional smooth, polished cut diamond). Wearing jewelry with stone accents is a refined and fresh way to add natural elements, hints of colour, and a personal touch to each outfit.
Delicately Put
While bold statement jewelry still definitely holds a place in the jewelry department, delicate pieces that you layer are taking the spotlight. Whether thin gold cuffs piled alongside lighter weight chain bracelets, stacking dainty rings on every finger, or layering a number of delicate necklaces, this look is perfect with the season’s feminine feel of florals, subtle colours and airy fabrics. Combining dainty pieces of jewelry is the perfect way to create a harmonious statement look without overpowering warmer-weather outfits. (Tip: If the thought of layering jewelry overwhelms you, look for pieces that are already pre-layered.)
These Top Five Jewelry Styles for Spring and Summer are sure-fire designs that will update your wardrobe and become heritage pieces that you will love even longer than you loved velour jumpsuits, slap bracelets, and tube tops. Opting for jewelry that is modern yet classic, and refined yet effortless will ensure you don’t squander your resources, and you will feel confident and beautiful knowing that you chose jewelry that is true to your style and will be around for years to come!
If you have questions about any of the styles listed here, or would like tips on how to wear them, how to layer, or would like assistance selecting pieces to go with a particular outfit, don’t hesitate to reach out to Alayne at Apostyle. Beyond delivering a finely curated jewelry collection, we offer a full spectrum of free services including Personal Shopping & Styling.
I wrote this post in collaboration with Dote Magazine- a Calgary based lifestyle publication dedicated to "living a well styled and meaningful life." Dote is beautifully written and styled and the thought process put in to everything they do is amazing! You can read their issues online, as well as check out their latest blog posts here http://www.dotemagazine.com/
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We cover the top, and timeless, fashion and jewelry trends/styles for 2015.
Top Styles for Summer and Fall
Fashion, or at least trends, are as obsolete as any Apple product- when you finally give in to the idea of it and commit to purchase, a newer, better version comes out. While the current runways are showing a return to the 70's (a decade I love), and the 80’s (does “Fimo” ring a bell?), there are some styles that never seem to leave.
Instead of taking cues from the never ending cycle of fads, let’s look at some styles that are “in fashion” and showing up on runways, in magazines and available in stores (I happen to know of a really great online boutique…), but are classic enough to stand the test of time.
Lariat Necklaces
The lariat style has been touted as “the new statement necklace” by Harpers Bazaar. Vogue India claims it’s “the perfect accessory to amp up the sexy quotient.” While these proclamations may be true, there’s no denying that wearing a Lariat necklace is a unique look but extremely simple to pull off. It isn’t an out-there style that only Fashion Bloggers and Celebrities can get away with. The variety of lariat necklaces allows all of us to wear it to work, for date night, or for a casual Saturday outing.
Horny isn’t Corny
The tribal wave hit a couple years ago but is still going strong with hints of zebra and Aztec prints, and horns are taking their place in the spotlight. Known as a “lucky charm” the horn continues to be a strong staple in many different jewelry lines. Either as a pendant or dangling from your ears, it is a fun way to change up your everyday look.
Fringe Fest
Recently seen on the runways of Missoni and Tom Ford, fringe is showing up not only on shoes, coats and handbags, but also as the feature piece on necklaces and earrings. “The fascination with fringe continues…lending fluid movement to each limb.” (Harpers Bazaar). By incorporating tassels in to your jewelry repertoire you are instantly adding movement and length, and drawing the eye to wherever it hits. If you want to draw attention to your face and add some length, try a tassel earring. Or, if you’re looking to elongate your neckline or torso, go for a pendant.
Bling & Vintage Inspired Designs
Bling is back, baby! Go ahead and pull out those chunky sparkly rings from 2006, or your Grandma’s antique broach. You will not only see big and sparkly, but you’ll also notice that either vintage inspired designs, or authentic vintage pieces are being incorporated into modern jewelry designs. On the clothing end, the Victorian era continues to inspire designers through utilizing lace, high collars and ruffles.
From simple details like baguettes cut stones and lace, to authentic vintage shoe clips repurposed into earrings or a belt buckle, vintage and sparkly is here to stay. Move over hipsters, vintage is taking the reign.
In Chains
Delicate chains are refined, beautiful and classy. Worn as a short necklace, long layering piece, a thread-through earring or bracelet, the subtle chain can be dressed up or down. An Internationally recognized, and influential fashion magazine talks about the delicate chain necklace saying “An emphasis on the 1970’s has brought the pendant necklace back into the conversation- making a more subdued return on graceful, slim chains.”
Fur Baby
On a different note, there are a lot of things I’ve seen featured on the runways that cause a mixture of emotions such as revulsion, confusion and are straight-up hysterical. One of these “highlights” is the Hairy Shoe. Long, flowing hair (or fur), short and shaggy, or just touches, the hairy shoe seemed to be everywhere. One article I read stated “they are definitely super chic. They add the perfect amount of texture to any look…” This is a prime example as to why I don’t rely on magazines, or the runways, to give me fashion advice. This fur style was meant for Yeti, Alf and Chewbacca. Nothing else.
And then some…
I know you don’t have endless time to read a blog, but there are a couple other fashion highlights that I am personally excited about:
Plaid! I.Love.Plaid. Always have and always will. There’s something about the tartan print that is near and dear to my heart. This print has been around, and “in style” for decades. Plaid is beyond adaptable – it can give off a punk vibe, escape-to-the-cottage vibe, preppy vibe, equestrian, high-end… whatever direction you take it, it’s classic and timeless.
High Waists – I am so happy that high waisted pants are available again. Apart from being sick of showcasing my rear-end to the world when I lean over, sit, bend, or move, I love the way high waist pants and jeans give my whole silhouette a longer, slimmer look. Can’t go wrong with that!
