Make Your Own Lace Necklace

The Savvy Girls Guide 

To Making Your Own Necklace

I am one of the least crafty people you can find, so when I wanted to do a DIY accessory post, I knew I had to get the expertise and advice of the creative and kind Nadia van der Mescht from Cupcake Couture. Nadia is a South African based arts and crafts designer, specializing in exclusive wedding accessories, exquisite vintage-inspired corsages and stationery. She creates one of a kind pieces according to your personal taste and wedding day theme. Here Nadia shows us how easy it is to make a beautiful and trendy lace necklace. 

Step 1 & 2

Step 1:

Gather what you will need:

A piece of lace – you can find some at a haberdashery or even search for a vintage piece in your grannies sewing box.

Pliers

A small, sharp pair of scissors

Small jump rings:  available from most craft or bead shops

Chain: 

Lobster clasp

Step 2

Put the jump rings onto the ends of the chain using the pliers.

Step 3 & 4

Step 3Make a small hole in the lace.  Make it slightly away from the edge so that the jump ring doesn’t rip through.

Step 4

Thread the jump ring with the chain attached through the lace.  Do the same on both sides.

 Step 4 & 5

Step 5

Pull the chain to a peak at the centre this will allow you to find the middle easily.  Bend open a link and add the lobster clasp and jump ring.

Step 6:

This shows how it should look once done.

And Voila!

All done! An easy DIY with a pretty result

Special thanks to Nadia for her lending her time and skills to this guest post. I hope it will inspire you to create your own unique neckpiece.

Tuesday Thrills - Genevieve Motley Jewellery

I am always proud to feature South African designers on my blog. Especially when they are as talented as Genevieve Motley. This Durban-based jewellery designer has a flair for modern and unusual designs. She creates enchanting and unique earrings, brooches, pendants and rings, all handcrafted using materials like Jacaranda wood and perspex. 



I like that she provides jewellery lovers with an alternative to flashy and more ostentatious pieces. Her whimsical pieces define 'simple beauty', and are inspired by elements of nature, such as flowers, rabbits, hearts and birds. Genevieve's swallow motif has become somewhat of a signature piece amongst local fashion fans. These are some of my favourite pieces from her extensive collection.

1. Ivy and bird engraved heart-shaped chain. R155

2. Anchor and swallow chain, available in black or white perspex. $18 / R140

3. Vintage camera heart-shaped brooch. $12 / R110

4. Heart-shaped ring with cherry blossom design. Also in wood. $16

5. Wooden bunny brooch. Also in black perspex. $12 / R110

6. Adorable deer-shaped pendant and chain. R130

7. Engraved flower studs. $12 / R110

8. Crown cut-out perspex chain. $12 / R110

9. Quaint wooden birdcage chain. $18 / R140

10. Colourful printed bird pendant & chain. R140

11. Cute wooden teapot brooch. $12 / R110

12. Round birdcage earrings. Also in wood. $16 / R130

13. Wooden swallow with metallic heart charm. Chain included. $15 / R120

14. Decorative cut-out heart pendant in perspex. Matching earrings available. $15 / R120

15. Flower earrings delicately cut-out from wood. Matching pendant available. $13 / R110





To purchase one of these charming pieces of jewellery, visit Genevieve's online store at Etsy. See more of her stunning designs on her website, where you will be able to locate a stockist in your area. The Genevieve Motley brand also offers overseas shipping.





Happy Shopping!

Tuesday Thrills - Vera Bradley Laptop Bags

Laptop Bags

by Vera Bradley



If you've grown tired of that basic black vinyl laptop case, let me introduce you to Vera Bradley. This accessories company was created in 1982, after founders Patricia Miller and Barbara Bradley noticed the need for more feminine looking travel cases. 30 years later, the Vera Bradley brand continues to inject fun and colour into the luggage industry, producing duffel bags, roll-on luggage, school backpacks, toddler bags and laptop cases, which I've featured today.
 



Their signature style is based on quilted cotton travel bags in unique prints and vibrant colours. Prettily patterned on the outside, with a padded interior lining and safety straps, Vera Bradley laptop bags are designed to protect your favourite gadget in style. Utterly girly, slightly rustic and easily functional.








1. Mini Laptop Case in Twirly Birds Pink. 11 1/4" Width. $52 / R423.30

2. E Reader Sleeve in Suzani. 8" Width. $32 / R260.50

3. Laptop Portfolio in Happy Snails. 17" Width. $82 / R667.50

4. Mini Laptop Case in Buttercup. 11 1/4" Width. $52 / R423.30

5. Laptop Portfolio in Baroque. 17" Width. $82 / R667.50

6. 17" Laptop Sleeve in Mocha Rouge. $45 / R366.30

7. Mini Laptop Case in Night & Day. 11 1/4" Width. $52 / R423.30

8. Attaché case in Folkloric. 14" Width $88 / R716.30

9. E-Reader Sleeve in Rhythm & Blues. 8" Width. $32 / R260.50



These prices are quite competitive compared to what we get in stores here in South Africa. All the patterns are interchangeable, each bag type/size is available in every print. If you like a specific theme, you will be delightful to know that there is also stationary, wallets, umbrellas and cosmetic cases to match. So you can colour coordinate all your personal portable gadgets. To see the full range, visit verabradley.com. International shipping is available via Barnes and Noble.

Happy Shopping!

Jimmy Choo Winter 2011

Jimmy Choo Bags & Shoes

Fall/Winter 2011 Collection



Jimmy Choo's Fall/Winter 2011 collection has already made countless red carpet appearances, thanks to shoe-loving socialites and actresses. The latest range is every bit as glamourous as we could expect, citing a 70's French film noir inspiration. A balance is maintained between wearable winter boots and staggeringly high heels. There are even a few ballet flats thrown in for good measure. 



The craftsmanship is exquisite; beautiful shapes are sculpted from luxurious fabrics like velvet, suede, leather and lace. Metallics and leopard print are also a common theme. Besides for the conventional black and nudes, there are sumptuous sandals present in opulent jewel tones. I've been spellbound by the embellished evening sandals, which glitter with crystal covered mesh. Each gorgeous pair of heels is accompanied by a matching belt and handbag. I like the red and black box leather quilted ones. Which are your favourites from this collection?

Have you gotten your cheque book out yet? These heavenly pairs of heels are available for purchase from jimmychoo.com

Tuesday Thrills - Eugenia Kim Hats

Eugenia Kim

Hats & Hair Accessories



A beautiful hat tops off any outfit with glamour and sophistication. It's one of the easiest accessories to use. You just have to slip it on and immediately your entire look is up-ed a level. It's also a brilliant concealer of bad hair days, which is how Korean born milliner Eugenia Kim's brand was born. Eugenia cleverly disguised a bad haircut using a red feathered hat that she made at New York's Parsons School of Design. Her unique design was noticed by Soho boutique owners, who were were so impressed, that they wanted to see more. It seemed she had found her calling, and from there she began a hat-design business.



Eugenia uses luxurious fabrics and quirky, interesting embellishments on her hats. She also designs headbands, scarves and mens hats. Her CFDA-award winning hair accessories have been seen on the likes of Sarah Jessica Parker, Gwen Stefani, Nicole Richie, Madonna, Princess Madeleine of Sweden, Chloe Sevigny and many other A-list celebrities. She has also collaborated with fashion designers like Michael Kors and Ralph Lauren, creating exclusive designs for their runway shows. We can also get a piece of designer hair-wear with Eugenia's commercial-friendly range, as shown below.

1. Max Gold Leaf Fedora. A khaki felt hat with distressed metallic grosgrain band and bow. $275 / R2035 

2. Kurt Fedora. A camel coloured mohair har with chain and braided leather detail. $297 / R2198

3. Max Fedora. A black 100% angora hat with twisted pleat grosgrain band. $297 / R2198

4. Max Pine Fedora. A sassy grey fedora with felt band and feather detail. $275 or R2035

5. Max Sequin Fedora. One of my favourites, a mink felt hat with glittery sequined chiffon band. $319 / R2360

1. Keely Small Ruffled Barrette. A 100% silk leopard print fascinator with twill bow. $77 / R569

2. Lila Braid Headband. An antique silver braided metal-mesh headband with ostrich feathers. $99 / R732.

3. Keely Small Ruffled Barrette. A gunmetal barrette with sequined silk bow. $99 / R732

4. Daniella Sequin Headband. A gunmetal or champagne coloured headband in sequined silk. $99 / R732

5. Farren Asymmetrical Bow Headband. A purple and green watercolour silk headband with large bow. $88 / R651

1. Gabriella Portrait Fedora. A black felt hat with a wide ribbon band and ostrich feather. $341 / R2523

2. Carly Floppy Hat. An olive wide brimmed felt hat featuring a tiger striped feathered band. $319 / R2360

3. Honey Felt Floppy Hat. A chocolate brown mohair hat adorned with feathers, sequins and a roped band. $385 / R2849

4. Cassidy Boho Fedora. A brown angora-felt hat with wide ribbon band. $341/ R2523

5. Zoey Hat. A sable shaded bohemian hat with gold studded band and asymmetrical brim. $319 / R2360

These splendid pieces are available from various online shopping boutiques like Saks, Net-a-Porter, Asos, Bluefly and Singer22. The prices vary slightly on each site, and the more delicate hats can't be shipped overseas. Visit the Eugenia Kim website to see more of her mens and womens range.

Tuesday Thrills - Theodora & Callum Scarves

One of my favourite accessories is a pretty scarf. There are so many wears to wear them and a well-matched, beautifully draped scarf can brighten up any outfit. When it comes to designer scarves, Theodora and Callum are the brand to have. Based in New York, this design duo are creatively influenced by exotic cultures and locations like Bali, Morocco, Turkey, India and the Mediterranean. Their use of colours and eclectic, ethnic prints are a testament to their intercontinental inspired collection. 

Theodora and Callum scarves are loved by celebs like Heidi Klum, Jessica Alba, The Kardashian crew, Minka Kelly, Selma Blair and Julia Roberts. The 'Multi Tie All' scarves impress with their versatility - they can be worn as sarongs, dresses, shawls, scarves, skirts or even be used as a beach blanket. There is also a line of 'Wearable Art' scarves, that are all crafted, printed and designed by hand. The styles and prints are so distinct and unique, that you can spot a T&C scarf anywhere. The use of soft, luxurious fabrics like cashmere and linen render them slightly pricey; however each one is a timeless, investment piece. Theodora and Callum also make matching shoes, espadrilles, jewellery and bags. 

These are some of my favourite scarves from their current range.

1. Magenta Theodora Lattice Fringe Scarf. Love the vibrant pink colour. $69 / R486

2. Pink Multi India Fringe Wearable Art Scarf. $59 / R416

3. Wisteria Theodora Lattice Fringe Scarf. $88 / R620

4. Purple Multi Ikat Tie All Scarf. $175 / R1233

1. Teal Multi Tiger Key Wearable Art Scarf. $155 / R1092

2. Blue Multi Navajo Tie All Scarf. $175 / R1233

3. Cobalt C Cashmere Scarf. $298 / R2100

4. Blue Multi Paisley Wearable Art Scarf. $89 / R627

1. Blue Multi Monaco Metallic Stripe Scarf. $49 / R345

2. Pastel Multi Ombre Jersey Scarf. $79 / R557

3. Rose Theodora Lattice Fringe Scarf. $88 / R620

4. Purple Multi Feathers Wearable Art Scarf. $89 / R627

1. Camel Multi Paint Burst Wearable Art Scarf. $155 / R1092

2. Olive Theodora Lattice Fringe Scarf. $88 / R620

3. Olive Multi Batik Leaf Wearable Art Scarf. $89 / R627

4. Black Multi Leopard Wearable Art Scarf. $155 / R1092

Visit the Theodora and Callum website to see more of their 'visually stunning' designs. And while you're there, click on the 'Ways to Wear' icon, which provides you with instructional videos on different ways to wear scarves - looped, knotted, belted, braided, draped, as a cape, dress or skirt. It's really enlightening, you will find so many more ways to multi-task the scarves you already have. 

The online Theodora and Callum store only offers postage in the US, but you can purchase your T&C scarf from Singer22, as they provide shipping around the world.

Sparkle I Love: Five and Two

I love these gems from a great line called, Five and Two. Its all designed by the lovely BrianaRose. This accessories line is just cool and chic with a slight edge. These pieces truly speak for themselves. Check out her Etsy Shop and learn a little more about these nature inspired gems.

XOXO,

Candy

How cool is this? Don't you just want one?

This is one of my Favs!

Photos from Five and Two

Royal Wedding Hats

Elaborate hats and fascinators were the essential accessory at today's Royal Wedding. 

VIP guests wore many versions of the headpiece, from the stylish to the outright insane.

Top Row:

• Princess Eugenie wears a bold blue headpiece with purple flowers and a spray of white feathers. Princess Beatrice wears an outrageous structural hat in beige. Did she borrow it from Lady Gaga? Both royal disasters are by milliner Philip Treacy.


• Spain's Princess Letizia matches her dress to her sweet pink tulle-topped hat.


• Princess Marie-Chantal of Greece wore a light blue Marie-Antoinette inspired headpiece, decorated with rosettes.


• Victoria Beckham opted for an oval pillbox hat with twisted accents in navy blue.


• Princess Victoria of Sweden looks classy in a simple coral wide-brimmed straw hat.

Bottom Row:

• Lady Frederick Windsor dons a sculpted navy blue hat with loops and twirls.


• Spanish beauty Miriam Gonzalez Durantez wore an exotic floral creation in orange. She is the wife of Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg.


• British socialite Tara Palmer-Tomkinson looks ridiculous in this bright blue tear-shaped hat. Can she even see properly? She is accompanied by her sister Santa,  who wore a flamboyant floral nest.


• Royal bride-to-be Zara Phillips holds on to her larger-than-life black hat with large flower attached to one side.


• Chancellor George Osbourne's wife, Frances wore an elaborate black and white feathered fascinator.

Dolce & Gabbana - Winter Collection 2011

Dolce & Gabbana

Autumn/Winter Collection 2011



I had stars in my eyes (literally), when I saw the Dolce & Gabbana runway show on FTV. Stars and musical notes have never looked this grown up. The Italian designers have turned this unexpected punk-rock print into high-end fashion. Add the essential D&G animal print and sparkle, and you have an exuberant, sexy and harmonious collection for Winter 2011.



Masculine vs Feminine

The two main themes of the show alternated between masculine and feminine designs. The colours were basic black and white, with some grey thrown in. Suits had tailored or oversized coats with large collars and lower-rise, slimmer-fitting pants. The masculine looks were enhanced with trilbies, suspenders, vests and ties. Feminine dresses were form-fitting in stretch charmeuse, lace and sheer star-print fabrics.

Chiffon and Shimmery Shades

Long chiffon dresses in yellow, turquoise and orange with pussy cat bows elevated the feminine theme. Another prominent feature on the runway was sequins - sequined dresses, tuxedo jackets, trousers and blazer lapels. Vivid purple, deep teal, gold and metallic grey added some colour to the catwalk.

The Accessories

The jewellery was a continuation of the pop-rock music theme with star-shaped earrings and neckpieces. Miniature pouches were worn on waistbands. Animal print, paillettes, chains and piano keys adorned clutches and leather handbags. Pointed-toe heels in bright shades and prints were worn with ankle socks. Brogues were given a make-over with neon colours, leopard print and sequins. 

Blake Lively For Chanel Handbags

Chanel Mademoiselle Handbag Collection 2011

Featuring Blake Lively

Blake Lively has come a long way since we first saw her in The Sisterhood of The Traveling Pants. In the movie she played a soccer playing, tank-top wearing tomboy. A far cry from the stylish Serena van der Woodsen we all know on Gossip Girl. These days, Blake is not only a style icon, but also the face of Chanel's Mademoiselle Handbag Campaign for 2011. 

This upper-east side mademoiselle is the latest muse of designer Karl Lagerfeld, who created the line with her in mind. The mood of the photo shoot is dusky and minimalistic, so that optimal focus is placed on the bags. The collection sees a modern take on the classic Chanel bag. 

This quilted wonder is a timeless and high-end accessory, perfectly suited for both casual and formal attire. All the bags in the range have a rounded trapeze shape and are available in red, deep blue, gray, black and white. The glossy red one has my name on it :)

Tuesday Thrills - Victoria Beckham Eyewear

Sunglasses Spring/Summer 2011

by Victoria Beckham



Victoria Beckham has had a far more successful career as a fashion designer than a solo artist. Besides for just denim, dresses and handbags, she has now extended her design expertise to sunglasses. Her Spring/Summer 2011 collection features a chic and diverse range of sunglasses. 



All pairs are hand-made and have a classic, yet modern appeal. There are styles to suit all tastes and face shapes, from aviators and wayfarers to square and retro designs. Aside from basic black, earthy colour has been added to the range in moss green, gray and taupe. 

1. Perfect Square Smoke - A transparent gray crystal frame with graduated brown lens.

2. 18 Carat Gold Classic Aviator - Limited edition gold-metal framed aviator with a layered 18 carat gold lens.

3. Modern Cat Black - A classic black cat-eye frame with solid black lens. Very Audrey Hepburn.

4. Silver Visor - Silver wrapped frame with graduated brown visor lens.

5. Modern Cat - A light gray lamé cat-eye frame with mirrored gray lens.

6. Classic Aviator Midnight - Simple metal frame with tonal purple mirrored lens. Very hip.

7. Silver Wayfarer - A white and silver acetate frame with dark solid lens.

8. Large 'V' Taupe - A taupe coloured oversized frame with graduated lens and signature 'v' shaped brow.



These sunnies are stylish and provide 100% UV protection. I like 3 for a timeless look, 2 for some shine and 6 to jazz things up. The sunglasses sell from R2 440 to R5 500 on Polyvore. 

Tuesday Thrills - Bejeweled Blackberry Covers

Accessorize your phone according to your outfit with these sparkly stunners. These crystal encrusted phone covers are designed specifically for Blackberry phones with stylish owners. They come in psychedelic fun colours and designs that will jazz up your phone while also protecting it from scratches. 

These phone covers are available at R150 each, which includes postage to anywhere in South Africa. You can place your order here.

Bigger is Better...Jewelry that is

Forever 21.com

I am starting to get into accessories again. I remember awhile back when I was in love with chandelier ear rings. Then, I began to get more into my outfits and forgot about the accessories. I love my stud earrings but I knew that I had to change it up. So I have most recently bought some great pieces that I wanted to share. I love a chunky necklace that can go with anything. It definitely makes any outfit. Now, I have never been a real ring wearer. I always take them off and I never really feel comfortable with one on. But now I thought to try them again. Cocktail rings are my favorite. They are a great way to a something special to an outfit without going overboard. Now if you are low on funds like me, I found some pieces at the always affordable Forever 21.