Sustainable Jewelry: Natural Stone Accessories

By Paige McKirahan

In the jewelry industry, we have been using gemstones and other types of stones for centuries as a way to add some va-va-voom to any piece. Diamonds, emeralds, rubies, and sapphires are just some of the types of naturally occurring stones that are extremely common in accessories and bejeweled pieces. But what about a more natural approach to this sparkly fascination?

Continuing with our conversation of sustainability, this discussion of naturally occurring stones is more so pointed towards those that are of the crystal variety; crystal stone jewelry has become increasingly more popular in the past decade as more people have begun to use them for their magical and healing properties. Their natural, rough look contrasts gems entirely and offers an element of eccentricity to any outfit.

Natural stone pieces are organic and go perfectly with our desire to purchase products that aren’t detrimental to our environment. They typically are not chemically treated and boast raw edges; this gives the pieces a true from-the-Earth feel and even if the stone’s rough appearance is smoothed, they still possess a magical aesthetic with more subdued undertones. Want to add a little bit of natural healing to your whimsical wardrobe? Check out our collections!

From Catholicism to Couture: The Fashion Cross

By Paige McKirahan

Fashion is like a religion for some, so it is only customary that it finds inspiration in true religious symbols. Moving away from its original use as a Christian icon, the cross has now made its mark in the couture world. The “fashion cross” is definitely not a new phenomenon, but people now more than ever are wearing it purely for aesthetic purposes. Starting in the ‘80s, the popularity of this symbol as an figure in the fashion industry exploded as the punk movement made controversial pieces cornerstones in their style. If you have ever seen pop culture and haute couture icons Madonna or Lady Gaga on stage, you have definitely seen this trend on display.

Lady Gaga and Madonna sporting crosses

(photo credits to thecut.com)

The cross has been referred to as the “ultimate shape”; whether they are used in a true religious context or not, their wearers seem to be fascinated with the object’s spiritualism. This symbol can be worn to make a statement that is thought provoking or even to express artistic interest. Bolder variations are a hit with rappers and performers alike, and they prefer to wear them covered in diamonds. Crosses are commonly seen on necklaces and rings, while also being the inspiration for thousands of clothing designs worn by everyone from celebrities to your favorite street style aficionados. 

Nevertheless, there are those who are religious and choose not to wear the symbol, while there are other that don’t wear it simply because they fear it would be offensive. In the wake of this year’s Met Gala, an event whose entire theme was based upon the intermingling of Catholicism and fashion, brought this conversation of right and wrong to the forefront. This fundraising affair for the museum saw the artists from all mediums step out in cross-covered ensembles from Versace to McQueen. There were even over 50 pieces given directly from the Vatican for the exhibit that went hand in hand with the religious theme.  

Madonna in her element at the 2018 Met Gala

(photo credits the dailymail.com)

Despite the controversy surrounding the use of religious motifs for fashion contexts, it is obvious that the past few decades have changed the standards regarding what is fair game in the world of trends. Head over to our collection and find a wide array of cross accessories that are sure to add some flair to any outfit!

Floral Patterns Bloom in Fashion

By Paige McKirahan

From Dia de los Muertos style to spring classics, florals have always been one of fashion's most beloved patterns. In jewelry and clothing alike, this natural motif can be traced back hundreds of years; of course, they were present in many ancient cultures dating back to the 12^th century, but we saw the true culmination of this aesthetic in the 19^th century. At this time, textile production saw a huge increase on account of the Industrial Revolution. This paired with the newfound “floral language” boosted botanic influence tenfold and echoed romantic themes from the past. This "language" essentially used specific flowers and arrangements to send messages that could not be spoken aloud in Victorian times. Victorian age society saw its peoples begin to carry floral dictionaries and exchanged “talking bouquets” that could be worn as fashion accessories.

Later in this century, we saw Impressionists and Art Nouveau enthusiasts alike take interest in East Asian art styles that featured exotic floral patterns. They can be credited with starting a trend surrounding Orientalism that spanned until World War II. This 20^th century interest was transformative; floral motifs became popular in the accessory world and we saw a burst in the use of florals as a whole. Tropical aesthetics seen in the ‘50s and ‘80s along with hippie style in the ‘60s and ‘70s were huge trends and true indicators of their time.

Presently, flower patterns have established themselves as part of “eternal fashion”: their longstanding popularity has never faltered and there are a wide variety of patterns appealing to all styles. Read on to see five of the most prominent floral patterns in fashion to review for this upcoming spring! 

Abstract:

These florals tend to be lively scenes that use shapes, lines, and colors to create abstract patterns. 

Art Nouveau:

This floral style was birthed from the Art Nouveau movement that was characterized by its feminine and liberated aesthetic.

Retro:

Retro florals tend to be in muted tones with a more geometric style. They feature strong bursts of color, and are reminiscent of the fashion in the 1960s.

Geometric:

This style of botanical pattern uses different shapes and colors to create bright designs that hint at floral motifs. 

Ditsy: 

Ditsy motifs include small flowers in an all-over design, creating a simple but fun pattern. 

For all of these styles and more, check out our floral collection and let your style bloom!

Color and Fashion: Mood

By Paige McKirahan

Welcome back, TalkingFashion readers! Does our last black and white article have you feeling down? Did the Pantone colors make you feel energized and excited? Artists and psychologists alike have come to the conclusion that colors tend to have a powerful effect on one’s mood and emotions. Like clothing, color can be an impactful communication tool that can convey feelings and prompt action; we have to ask now, though, how exactly does color affect our moods and behaviors?

Despite the fact that the perceptions regarding the emotional effects of color are relatively subjective, some have deep rooted connotations. For example, warm colors such as red, orange, and yellow can evoke a range of emotions from comfort to anger. Cooler colors, such as blue, purple, and green, tend to prompt feelings of calmness or sadness. In fact, blue is considered to be the most highly favored color; its association with good things like clean water, clear skies, or beautiful gemstones give it this popular reputation. People typically prefer colors that they associate with things they consider to be good or things they love, and this preference can influence their purchases tenfold.

Even though it seems as if there should be a wide range of research supporting claims about color and their connotations, the psychology behind color and mood is relatively undocumented. Regardless, it is important to continue delving deep into the study of these preferences in order to further understand human nature. Read on below to see how each color is said to affect emotions (as well as some pieces in our shop that can help you test the effects of these hues)!

Black:

Though black tends to be highly associated with feels of evil and unhappiness, it can also have more positive connotations regarding power, professionalism, and mysticism.

Blue:

Other than sadness, blue is commonly associated with good things like calmness, loyalty, and tranquility.

Red:

Some feel that red can correlates to more intense emotions like passion, aggression, love, or excitement.

Green:

Envy is one color most widely associated with green, but it can also prompt feelings of hope and success.

Yellow and Orange:

As one of some of only colors with no real negative connotations, yellow and orange hues both tend to cue feelings of happiness, optimism, and energy.

Purple:

As a cool color, purple has undertones that point to luxury, wisdom, wealth, and royalty.

White:

When looking at white, expect to associate it with ideas of purity, innocence, and cleanliness.