Flower jewellery - a good alternative to floral dresses

Spring and summmer always bring out the best in me as the flowers in all their varying colours spring up and people start dragging out their floral dresses and skirts as the fashion trends draws on nature and the seasons. Despite my hayfever it is my favorite time of year - the most colourful season when it comes to clothes and fashion accessories as we shed the black, grey, navy blues and other depressing tones so popular in winter for the brighter, lighter and more playful hues that actually exist on the colour wheel.

But let's face it, not everyone likes florals or thinks that it is flattering.  While some see it as very fun, fllirty and feminine others just think that it is girly and suited for children. I love it and the best thing about florals is that it is always in fashion.  For those who are not partial to the floral trend then flower jewellery is a good alternative.  In my last blogpost I spoke about about colour and mood and I can see flower jewellery having a soothing and calming effect as it can make you feel at one with nature especially with life like interpretations of floral jewellery representing the flora and fauna around you.

This turquoise flower brooch by Erickson Beamon was one of Michelle Obama's favorite accessories which she wore with many outfits almost like a signature piece. Choose flower jewellery from Munique's stunning range of copper jewellery and leather jewellery including flower necklaces all handmade to life like perfection. 

Winter Coats that will get you noticed

The mornings are now cold, though it still brightens up in the afternoons these days. But we know that it is officially Autumn and I am already layering up and looking to choose a new winter coat to add to my capsule wardrobe. I want something to keep me warm as well as look fashionable.

Practically I must be able to layer up my coat depending on the temperature and style wise my coat must be able to pull a look together.

Here are some favorites I have my eye on. Vivid reds and vibrant purples have been popular this season on the catwalks and so I have my eye on this Hooded Cape Coat. I like the architectural design and the exaggerated structural shape of this coat and know that I will be able to wear it for years to come.

Another vibrant purple coat is this Long Line Coat below by MARIANNE JAMES. It has a lovely shape with its fitted waist and flare bottom. I especially like the big hooded collar to snuggle up in style.



Now this Rainbow Coat is very Michelle Obama looking and sure to get you noticed when you are out and about even if you are not the first lady. This single breasted, statement wool coat has a full satin lining, and bright contrast binding.


Last on my list so far is this Jazzy Trench Coat. The animal print which is always fashionable certainly appeals to me. May not be the most practical coat when it comes to warmth but I can certainly layer it up with some wool and cashmere sweaters and jumpers.


Did I say last on my last? Well I meant second to last because for me the most versatile coat is a wrap and I know that this alapca wool wrap will go with everything and will certainly keep me warm. What do you think?

The Pearl Necklace - a must have jewellery accessory

If you thought pearls were old fashioned and something your granny wore, well think again. Pearl necklaces are certainly right up their among your top timeless fashion accessories and are no longer only to be worn by the rich and famous like Audrey Hepburn, Jackie Kennedy, Princess Diana, Michelle Obama and Sarah Jessica Parker to name a few.

So how do you wear the pearl necklace? It is all a matter of style, occasion and the look you want to achieve.

Pearls are an ideal accessory for the black shift dress – always a classy elegant look. Michelle Obama famously wears the classic short double strands pearl necklace in this official portrait of the first lady photo released by the white house Feb 27, 2009.


While pearls have been traditionally white, cultured freshwater pearls are available in various colours and shapes which gives the option of wearing pearls grouped in alternating colours like this medium length multi strand coloured pearl necklace worn here by “Carrie Bradshaw” Sarah Jessica Parker to achieve a more casual look.


Keeping it simple, elegant yet casual is Actress KEIRA KNIGHTLEY at the world premiere of her movie Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. A jean clad Knightly is wearing a single strand of mixed white South Sea and black Tahitian pearl necklace made of baroque pearls. An opposing combination - jeans and pearls - but it certainly works.

Katherine Heigl of Grey's Anotomy fame is the picture of glamour in this multicoloured choker pearl necklace.

Like any other fashion accessory, pearls can be dressed up or dressed down. Layer your pearls with other necklaces like Ann Hathaway in the Devil wears Prada for an eclectic haute couture look.

The looks are endless but the appeal is universal and owning your very own pearl necklace is not as expensive as you think. The availability of cultured fresh water pearls have made pearls very affordable. Of course salt water pearls are more expensive but there are many creative and uniquely designed cultured fresh water pearl necklaces to choose from.
This pink and peach round pearl necklace with champagne crystal pendant is simply exquisite. Individually wound with wire by hand, the highlight of this necklace is its stunning faceted champagne crystal pendant. At only £39.99 now that's affordable for a lifetime fashion accessory. Click here for more affordable pearl necklaces to achieve your look.

How to wear floral brooches

Brooches have always been a much underutilized fashion accessory I think for two reasons. Brooches are usually seen as an accessory for the older generation and secondly people just do not know how to wear them to accessorize an outfit.

In the same fashion she popularized the shift dress, Michelle Obama has given a new lease of life to the brooch and in particular floral brooches which she uses to accessorize many an outfit. From what can be called the Michelle Obama Brooch Jewelry Trend, my favourite I think is this turquoise flower starburst brooch by Erickson Beamon seen here worn with two different outfits outfits.





It is therefore not surprising that flower jewellery is expected to be a main jewellery trend this Autumn 09/10 at International Jewellery London 2009.

Brooches can be worn as a neckline embellishment front and centre or at the side or even attached to a pearl or other necklace. Getting the colours right is also important as seen below a brown flower brooch colour codes well with this green Miss Sixty dress.


Here are some unique floral brooches for you to choose from. Trend or no trend I am sure you would agree these handcrafted flower brooches are simply exotic and will add a wow factor to your outfits.


This very life like orchid brooch is handcrafted in leather to reflect an orchid flower. This leather brooch is hand painted in the vibrant colours of this actual species of orchid.
Handcrafted leather flower brooch "Amaryllis" carefully cut and hand painted in the vibrant colours of this actual amaryllis flower. This brooch is available in gold, orange or brown.


This gorgeous and eye-catching 1928 enamel flower brooch with sparkling pink crystals at the centre is made from rose gold plated enamel in shades of pink. A vintage brooch at its best.

The shift dress and Michelle Obama – Autumn Winter 09 Fashion Trend

The classic shift dress was very popular on the catwalks for autumn winter 09/10 collections as designers went for the wearability factor. The silhouette cut of the shift dress achieves a look of slenderness whatever your size.

This classic 1960’s look made popular by style icons such as Jackie O and Audrey Hepburn back in the 60’s and more recently by First lady Michelle Obama who wore this Michael Kors sleeveless black shift dress in her first official portrait as First Lady.


More than the recession factor, no doubt fashion designers would have taken their cue from Michelle Obama who in years to come would be labeled the fashion icon who popularized shift dresses 08/09 as she blazed the campaign trail outfitted in off the rack and designer made shift dresses.



Below is a black sleeveless shift dress by Michael Kors from his Autumn 09 Collection.


This white shift dress from Victoria Beckham's Fall 09 ready to wear collection is chic and elegant.



An embellished shift dress from Thakoon's fall collection 09.

Smart Investments – Autumn Winter 09/10 fashion trends

Among the key trends for fall 09/10 was what http://www.style.com/ labelled as the smart investment trend which bought classic fashion back on the runways. Smart investment fashion refers to fashion not just for today or this season but looks and outfits that could last a life time in your wardrobe without becoming dated. The keyword being timelessness or timeless fashion.

The key to these classical designs is the combination of creative and practical design with varying textures and classic fabrics like silk, pinstripe, tweed and camel. Among the basic pantsuits, dress suits and skirt suits was a huge range of coats like this luxurious cozy camel coat by American black fashion designer Stephen Burrows which can only be described as a must have smart investment piece.




This sleek, chic and modern pink shift dress by Australian born fashion designer Martin Grant is the perfect silhouette, sculptured style for First Lady Michelle Obama.



You can always rely on veteran American fashion designer Ralph Lauren to design lifestyle quality designs with essential wearability. This tweed variation combination outfit aptly reflects inspirations of heritage and English values and could easily have been worn in the eighties.



Narciso Rodriguez whose designs have been famously worn by First lady Michelle Obama produced some bold coloured and practical designs like this green skirt suit. I remember wearing a jacket like this back in the nineties. See what I mean about timelessness and wearability.


All pictures from http://www.style.com/

Michelle Obama at the American Ballet Theatre

Michelle Obama is still the centre of attention on the fashion scene with her recent appearance at the American Ballet Theatre held at the Metroplitan Museum.

In the audience from the fashion industry were designer Ralph Lauren, the former model Iman, editor Anna Wintour of Vogue and Carolina Herrera among others.

Here's what some had to say about the first lady's style of dress.

The Grecian style dress

It always amazes me how fashion recycles itself. Styles you swore you would never wear again after the 70’s or 80's is revamped on the catwalks year after year after year and we find ourselves wearing them again. Now fashion designers are going even further back in time to the roman days and so we have the Grecian style dress making a comeback on the catwalk.

Runway looks from Chadwick Bell, James Coviello, Elie Saab, Valentino and Kenzo Pictures from http://www.fashionising.com/

We had Michelle Obama appearing in her Grecian styled inaugural ball dress designed by Jason Wu. But the Grecian dress is not only about the off the shoulder or cold shoulder dress but is also characterised by the flowing draping silhouette effect including grecian knots and halter cuts.


Not quite Michelle Obama's inaugural dress but this Draped Grecian Style Wedding Dress is both feminine and elegant. This full length wedding dress is beautifully designed and detailed with a draped and pleated front and deep V at the back. An exclusive, luxurious look from Autograph for your wedding day.



If you are looking for your classic black versatile number then this Dyer Grecian Jersey Dress by Malene Birger is the perfect day-to-evening saviour if ever there was one. This works beautifully with simple accessories and flats or for a more glamorous look for evening - the plunging neckline allows for a statement necklace like Munique's Veil of the Incas silver jewellery gift set.


This One shouldered, grecian dress is the perfect party dress falling just above the knee. Made from 100% organic cotton, this wide, gathered shoulder strap and ruched neckline dress is belted at the waist.




Or if you had a longer evening dress in mind for your night out then try this Teatro embellished Grecian dress with embellished waist detail.


Perfect with Munique's handmade Rose Sandal in metallic bronze leather.

Michelle Obama Wears Thakoon Panichgul

Donna Rico, Maria Pinto and Isabel Toledo - what do these three American fashion designers have in common? They have all been worn by Michelle Obama en route to the White House. Yet another designer with the privilege of dressing Michelle Obama is Thakoon Panichgul.




Who is Thakoon Panichgul?
Thakoon Panichgul was born in Northern Thailand. He migrated to the United States at the age of 11 and grew up in Nebraska. Thakoon became a fashion writer after graduating from Boston University. He then went on to attend the Parsons School of Design subsequent to launching his first collection in 2004. Panichgul received a nomination from the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) in 2006. Although a newcomer to the American Designer Fashion scene, Thakoon Panichgul's collection is widely stocked in the United States, Europe and Asia including Canada, the Middle East and Russia.



How is Thakoon different?
According to his website's bio, "Panichgul has a talent for blending distinctly different influences into his work, imparting a feminine spirit into a youthful, sporty line. The result is clothing that projects poised elegance with an underlying hint of playful wit."

His style has been described as "quirky" having piped a beige trenchcoat with black lace. According to Gill Hart in her article "From the Obama-dress to Lace-edged Trenchcoats & Floral Prints" - "Since his appearance on the fashion scene 4 years ago, American designer Thakoon has quickly become a favorite with celebrities and stylists, whose customers include Rachel Bilson, Demi Moore, and Sarah Jessica Parker. He has become known for sensual, feminine designs that are modern and innovative, which also reflect his Asian roots."

Michelle Obama wears Thakoon Panichgul
Michelle Obama who was usually described as a frugal dresser (having worn Donna Ricco's $148 high waisted black and white print dress) splashed out on this occasion as Thakoon's outfits are usually estimated to be in the region of US$1500.


This is the US$1,250 silk “reverse kimono” dress worn by Michelle Obama to the Democratic National Convention the night her husband accepted the party’s presidential nomination in August.

Michelle wore Thakoon's slim bodice and A-line skirt in raspberry, lavender and black at the Democratic Convention to join husband Barack Obama on stage when he officially accepted his Presidential nomination on behalf of the party.

Michelle Obama in her Donna Ricco Dress

A couple of weeks ago we indicated that we will be posting blogs on the american fashion designers worn by Michelle Obama en route to the white house. Last week we featured Maria Pinto. Today we are taking a look at Donna Ricco. We hope you enjoy this article entitled "Who is Donna Ricco".



Donna Ricco is yet another designer dragged into the spotlight by First Lady Michelle Obama then wife of Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama. Prior to the election Michelle Obama wore Ricco's Sleeveless Banded Waist Short Dress when she appeared as co-host on the TV Program "The View". Needless to say, this dress worn by Obama which cost $148 off the rack sold out overnight at the White House/Black Market Boutiques.

picture from http://www.donnaricco.com

What's so special about this dress?
The dress is pretty simple, made from a stretch cotton sateen in a black and white print. There are two black bands between the bustline and waistline. It has a square back and a scooped neckline. It is a sleeveless dress with straps wide enough to fit bra straps. As I said, a pretty simple dress made special by the fact that it is worn by Michelle Obama. Though this is not a completely fair statement as Ricco's designs provide a timeless elegance designed with all body shapes in mind. Her dresses are well made from quality fabric.

The only accessory Michelle wore with this dress was a flower brooch on the left strap of the dress. If you wanted to accessorize this dress you can go for either black and white accessories. Resist the urge to go for pearls and try something different like a spatial choker necklace in a clear iridescent colour which changes depending on the lighting.

Who is Donna Ricco?

Ricco taught herself to sew as a teenager and has been in the business for 20 years. She has had formal training in Fine Arts at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and joined the fashion department at Mount Mary College before moving to New York to pursue her dream of becoming an american fashion designer.

In an interview with TODAY's Meredith Vieira Friday in New York, Donna Ricco commented "I'm very happy. I'm very surprised. I had no idea she would be wearing this dress. But it's sort of a natural happening for me, because I've been designing dresses a long time. We ship a lot of dresses to the stores, and I'm happy that Michelle chose this dress to wear on 'The View.' "
Although Donna Ricco had been producing dresses for twenty years, it took one wear from upcoming fashion diva Michelle Obama to send her sales through the roof and have her designs acknowledged by the american fashion media and the public.

While not available in England, Ricco's designs are stocked in Ireland, Barbados, Bermuda, Canada, and the United States. It was most interesting to learn that Ricco's designs were stocked in Barbados not only because I am from the Caribbean myself but also because Barbados is a small island in the Caribbean with a population of 282 thousand. Who would have thought?

Maria Pinto - American Fashion Designer

Michelle Obama and Mario Pinto
If it's one thing Michelle Obama cannot be accused of is being selfish, as she has taken not only herself but a string of fashion designers to the white house with her. Maria Pinto is just another American fashion designer who has benefited from Michelle Obama's iconic fashion sense.

Obama started wearing Pinto's designs back in 2004 when her husband was running for the senate. Pinto's big moment came when Michelle Obama choose to wear a turquoise dress designed by Pinto to give her speech at the Democratic Convention in Denver at the Pepsi Centre on August 25, 2008

Accessories and Michelle Obama
This turquoise dress was simple but elegantly made to closely silhouette Obama's shape. With a slanting V neckline to the shoulder, this simple dress was dramatically accessorized with a large brooch or ornament (in the same colour) fixed to the front of the dress at the neckline. This look is a testament to the way in which handcrafted accessories or statement Jewellery can lift an outfit.

The woman who makes Michelle Obama look good
Pinto has been labeled the "Woman Who Makes Michelle Obama Look Good" by Linda Lowen on about.com women's issues. Below are other Pinto Designs worn by Michelle Obama on the campaign trail.

Who is Maria Pinto?

Michelle Obama and Maria Pinto pictured on left
Pinto 51, is a Chicago based designer and has been in the fashion industry for 16 years. She was forced to close her business in 2002 due to bankruptcy. This was further compounded by a bout of ill health. Despite these adversities, Pinto re -emerged even stronger in 2004. In June 2008 she opened a boutique in her home town Chicago in the West Loop at 133N. Jefferson St.
Maria was always keenly interested in fashion and at age thirteen was creating and sewing her own designs and even sewed her own high school prom dress. Pinto worked in the family's Italian restaurant business until the age of 30 when she enrolled at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Pinto also studied at New York's Parson's School of Design and the Fashion Institute of Technology. Subsequent to this she worked with fashion icon Geoffrey Beene, in New York before branching off on her own.

Pinto's 2009 Spring Collection




Pinto's design and fashion accolades
Pinto's website states that, "She has received many prestigious design and fashion accolades throughout her career, including the opportunity on two occasions to design seductive costumes for the Joffrey Ballet's Recorde Per Due (2002) and Age of Innocence (2008); the Best of Fashion Award, Chicago Magazine (2000); and the Gold Coast Fashion Award, previously won by Anne Klein, Donna Karan and Bill Blass (1998). In 2009, Maria Pinto will be honored by the Anti-Defamation League as the recipient of their Women of Achievement Award, and the School of The Art Institute's Legend of Fashion Award." (As published on Mario Pinto's website)

Mario Pinto is yet another rising star in the american fashion design scene thanks to Michelle Obama. Michelle Obama with her unique accessories and individual exotic designs is fast becoming a conversation with style which starts "where did she get that"? - Because when Michelle Obama dresses that's what people are asking. Especially since her off the rack choices make it affordbale for the masses to follow her style of dress and keeps her in touch with society.