Has Glamor Gone Mad?
March 20, 2009
Because we are all a little mad…. and love to indulge in our glamorous fantasies. And designer Tom Binns supplies those fantasies with reality from his incredible couture collections. Born in Ireland, Binns completed the education necessary to acquire the skills of a proper jewelry designer and moved on to collaborate with Vivian Westwood and Malcolm MacLaren for his “punk couture” collection.
Creating designs with a “modern classic” feel, he continues to inspire glamor with a whole new twist. Classic with a modern twist is something I have always described my own style as, and seeing his designs makes me feel as though it is a part of my world. I love simplicity as it has its place, but a part of me is head over heels for excessive glamor such as these collections. From Dumont (pictured above and below), Rokoco, to Couture and more- each collection is fabulous and has its own unique character and feel to it.
Perhaps it is my fondness of Alice In Wonderland that continues to inspire me- I love charms and child-like memories represented in a rich and adult form, so when I look for charm bracelets, I want lots and lots of charms with a strong feel to each one. Colors, crystals, and clever twists of strands are things I am always looking for (which, is perhaps also why I adore LOVEMADDS so much, her designs are true and powerful, one of a kind and absolutely glamorous).
And from loaded up bracelets, I have also searched for ridiculously glamorous rings and necklaces. Needless to say, Tom Binns does not disappoint. Maybe glamor needed a little madness to inspire us all.
I know I am in love- and on the hunt! I am determined to capture these beauties for myself. They are too beautiful to be left alone.
(you know my fondness of hearts, elegance, and glamor… the “chain of events” necklace I am incredibly in love with!) To view more about Tom Binns and his incredible collections, visit his site for more.
Quite Seriously THE Most Fabulous Thing EVER
December 15, 2008
So seriously fabulous- I am ready to go all out with it! There is going to be some fashion talk on this one, that is for sure. And be fore warned, it is indeed only for the truly fabulous; for it is only they who can handle it.
I am freaking mad about madds- truly! Fell in love when I first spotted the pieces, I mean look at them they are gorgeous and perfect. Exactly what I want in my fashion and especially in my jewelry.
Style, she has it; and talent beyond amazement. I am proud to have discovered this new little luxury, and even more ecstatic to be presenting it directly to you.
This first piece I bought caught my attention right away, I love the mix of metal, gem, and mirror that is held beautifully with such a delicate strand on this necklace. The length is perfect, not too long; it rests exactly where you want it to be.
The mirrored guns (love em), skull, vial, and wing- a powerful combination and a nice balance. To me, I think there are two lights to everything… a light and a dark so to speak, even within ‘good and evil’ after all, who is to say which is which in a situation. Each has side and so to me this necklace reflects that and I adore it. Good isn’t always good, nor is Bad always bad- it is a user choice of how they handle things. People do bad in the name of good all the time, doesn’t really make it so either way.
And so this this next one also caught my eye in an instant- the little cherub charm against such a brilliant and bold color. It has a vintage charm attached as well with a luxurious blue colored stone. Adorable and a must.
Go visit http://lovemadds.com and be the judge for yourself- I know you will fall in love. I think ‘Tadi’ is next on my list, I cannot keep my eyes off of it, simply gorgeous.
PS Every year for Christmas I am always sure to buy myself a little something, you know- a present to me just from me. This is just the perfect present you give to yourself. I think I may surprise a friend with one even.. I know she will love it, especially since it is so one of a kind.
Things That Are Girly Like Candy & A Bow
December 13, 2008
I’m feeling a bit girly today, and looking through some of my accessories I found some fun inspiring pieces. One is a bow and the other looks like candy with a bow. Love it.
My friends always threaten to eat this one- if only they could. I love the color and style- it is very pretty and very girly in a playful sort of way. It looks like giant gum drops or something- I’m not sure but it looks delicious, ha.
The pink bow just adds extra charm I think. Quite lovely and it is something I do enjoy wearing.
And speaking of bows, here is a pair of adorable bow earings. The little beads that hang from the bow really add that special touch. I found these at a little Japanese shop (they had a red version available as well) and couldn’t resist them. They are on a black small loop so the bow hangs just below the ear. Quite the cute little accessory.
Hmm, looking at it the little beeds look like some sort of candy treat as well. A bit more subtle but still delicious in style.
Playing Game Pieces As Fashion Accessories
December 12, 2008
Such a cool little find that speaks for itself as a fashion statement; a mahjong (or mah jong if you prefer) bracelet. Game pieces are fun and add a unique and playful flair to fashion- in little bits of course, too much of anything is overwhelming.
My fiance found this bracelet some time ago (he has a great eye) and I love mixing it in with my style. Its rather large and its bold colors and contrast truly stand out.
People constantly ask me if I play mahjong- and I don’t, don’t even know where to begin on the game, but I do love the pieces.
Here’s another game piece turned jewelry accessory- the Jack of Hearts.
This one is more subtle and still has an elegant feel to it. I find it fun to blend it with my more delicate gold pieces and let the character in the center make its subtle appearance.
Jack, King, even Queen I suppose if you wanted to, but I think it looks most like the Jack to me. Its really quite fun. After having found these I tend to keep an open eye for more.
Let me know what you find as well- I love to see creative new twists on fashion, and often times subtle out of place appearances are key, as in this case it is all a game.
Black Beauty
December 10, 2008
Necklaces can be beautiful delicate works of art on their own with a bold statement to tell. Some can be more subtle while others are more intricate. Sometimes what separates one piece of jewelry from another is simply its name.
Being that it has one of course-like nail polish and its extra attractiveness from a unique and witty name. Lip stick and nail polish both usually have two names to identify each color with- one is a number, and the other is an unusual name. I know you can think of quite a few that have already caught your attention at one time or another- its fun. Vodka and Caviar from O.P.I. won me over with just the name alone (of course the color was sultry enough to match).
This gorgeous necklace does have a name, and its name is Black Beauty. So perfect and fitting for this piece, too. I love it- and the necklace itself is what caught my attention far before the name in this case.
I adore how the gems are of various sizes and dangle from different lengths- makes me think of a snowflake, especially it now being winter. They dangle like icicles and rest so elegantly from the neck- simply gorgeous. Absolutely a Black Beauty.
There is no doubt this piece will raise the bar of any otherwise simple cocktail dress. I am very anxious to incorporate this beauty in all sorts of fashion styles.
Feather Fashion
September 23, 2008
Feathers and fashion, they can be a nice compliment to one another or an absolute mess. I think some well thought out and creatively placed feathers can come together lovely.
No one wants to look like they are wearing a chicken suit or are nesting birds in their hair, but again- a few subtle touches are beautiful and elegant.
I found this bracelet a while ago as part of a set. I loved the colors and softness on a bangle, and it would work well with most any outfit, especially those of browns and neutral shades.
Now, the set the shop had suggested with it would have been far too much for me. I think they were trying to hard to make it work- a chain link necklace draped in matching feathers, large earrings with the same…. yikes. Even those two pieces alone were enough to scream coo coo. But the bracelet was nice and simple- I think that is definitely key.
Most elegant and fashionable pieces are simple, which makes them so bold and beautiful. I am all for feathers- in small amounts and worn well.
