She Sells Cowrie Seashells by the Sea Shore

written by Morgan Watkins

In the cold winter months ahead, it’s safe to say that we could all use a little bit of warmth and sunshine in our fashion lives. But how do you incorporate the spirit of the sea into an everyday look? Accessorize with cowrie seashells! Along with being sleek and chic, these natural, nautical pieces carry with them great symbolism and history. Keep on reading to get the low down on cowrie shell accessories.

Most commonly found on continents and islands of the Indian Ocean, cowrie shells were utilized by many as currency. Holding monetary value in ancient Asia, Africa, Oceania and even North America, these shells could be used to acquire necessities and goods such as clothing and food. During the height of the West African slave trade, slave owners could buy slaves with this currency.

Juxtaposing the sinister trade going on in Africa during the 17th century and beyond is the beautiful meaning within the cowrie shell. African cultures associated these smooth shells with the Goddess of protection, as well as the strength of the ocean. In fact, it is believed that those who are attracted to the cowrie shell are actually descendents of ocean spirits. These shells also symbolized destiny and prosperity, as they were worn on the hips of both African women and the women of Ancient Egypt to increase female fertility. These girdles could be worn during labor as well as a way to promote a safe delivery. Even when analyzing the shape of the cowrie shell, one could make the distinct connection of the shell’s shape to the shape of a pregnant woman’s belly.

Along with encouraging prosperous fertility among women, these shells could be utilized to provide protection for women and children from evil spirits. The dead even adore the cowrie shell, as they have been found worn by corpses in Ancient Egyptian and African tombs in the form of simple bracelets and necklaces. It is said that they can continue to protect the dead as their spirits leave the physical world.

Whether wearing these shells as a means of protection or fertility, or simply to add easy breezy beach vibes to your look, wearing cowrie shells are an effortless way to reconnect with the ocean no matter how far off the coast you may be. Want to shop some of our best bohemian pieces? Head over to talkingfashion.net to peruse our stylish shell accessories!

References:

“Cowry Shell Necklace.” ​The Smithsonian: The National Museum of American History​, http://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/search/object/nmah_1066631.

Prieto, Anayeli. “Cowrie Shells In Ancient Egypt: From Money To Motherhood.” ​StMU History Media​, 28 Mar. 2017, https://www.stmuhistorymedia.org/crowie-shells-from-money-to-motherhood/.

“SYMBOLISM: THE COWRIE SHELL.” ​Everything Soulful ​, 22 Mar. 2016, https://everythingsoulful.com/symbolism-the-cowrie-shell/.

Figural Accessories (And Why We LOVE Them) by Morgan Watkins

For fashion lovers across the world, accessories add a bit of joy and pizazz to everyday life. It’s not a coincidence that women adore receiving handbags and jewelry as gifts: accessories make people happy. But out of all the jewelry out there that could make a girl smile, figural jewelry is at the top of the food chain. With their cooky shapes and fun motifs, figural accessories are the perfect way to spice up any dull outfit. Keep on reading to get the lowdown on these fun fashion pieces.

Although figural jewelry has been created since man first began constructing jewelry during B.C. times, it was around the 1940s that figural jewelry reached vast popularity among the masses. Accessories became a way of accessing happiness in otherwise dark times, as The Great Depression had just run its course and World War II was at its heyday. Thus as a means to inject a bit of sparkle and sunshine into the mundane, downcast nature of everyday living, figural jewelry was a great fashion escape.

(Image from https://talkingfashion.net/products/starfish-figural-sparkling-sea-hair-pin-accessory)

For those who are still a bit unsure about what figural jewelry and accessories are, they’re basically pieces that depict figures such as animals, human shapes, fruit, flowers, and more. The most common form of figural jewelry is the brooch or pin, but necklaces, bracelets, and rings are also apart of the figural family. These whimsical pieces can be fashioned with all kinds of materials, ranging from sterling silver floral pins dazzled with multicolored gems to simple copper rings topped off with beaded strawberry shapes.

(Image from https://talkingfashion.net/products/whimsical-watermelon-fruit-novel-approach-pink-gree n-figural-wooden-handcrafted)

Bringing the witty, fantastical fun of figural accessories into the modern world is notable and revered designer Betsey Johnson. Most famous for her out of this world handbags, Betsey is a vintage goddess designing for the most fearless women in fashion, including the likes of Katy Perry, Rachel McAdams, and Taylor Swift. Her bags have come in a gaggle of varying shapes, colors and sizes, ranging from bright pink flamingo crossbodies to typewriter inspired shoulder bags. Johnson keeps an air of magical whimsy both in stores and on the runway, finishing off her shows with spontaneous cartwheels that are as gleeful as her designs.

Amulets: Jewelry for All by Morgan Watkins

Arguably the oldest form of jewelry known to man, the amulet is a timeless accessory that was loved and worn by many. This jewelry carries significant power and symbolism for people and cultures worldwide, and comes in just a variety of shapes and styles. Want to know just how old this jewelry is, and what it means to those around the globe? Read on to learn the qualities and characteristics of amulets, and what make them such special pieces.

The first amulets are speculated to have come about in 4400 BC, and came in the forms of necklaces, bracelets, rings and more. Before the discovery of gemstones and metals, early amulets were constructed of natural materials like feathers, stones, bones, twigs and tree bark. Commonly featured within this type of jewelry were figures of animals and human forms, which were most popular around 4400 to 2000 BC. Around 2030 BC, carved gods and deities hung from the necks and wrists of amulet wearers as forms of protection.

(Image from https://talkingfashion.net/collections/necklace/products/ethnic-necklace-warthog-camel- handmade-vintage-jewelry)

While the main purposes of amulets were style and security, every culture has their own unique symbolism attached to the jewelry. Ancient Egyptians, for example, often donned the scarab amulet. Modeled after the dung beetle for its ability to reproduce offspring by administering its eggs into waste, the scarab represents transformation and resurrection, or the ability to make something out of nothing. The scarab was also associated with the god Khepri of the rising sun, who symbolizes creation and rebirth. Scarabs gained popularity throughout all of Egypt, which carried over to ancient Mediterranean territories, inspiring Greeks to adopt amulets into their daily fashions.

(Image from http://astromic.blogspot.com/2013/02/scarab-beetle-of-ancient-egypt-mystery.html)

Along with serving as protective devices for amulet wearing individuals, this jewelry also held great significance in religious realms. Commonly sported by Christians and Catholics alike is the ever popular crucifix amulet. Most commonly worn in the form of a necklace, this jewelry piece serves to protect while also proclaiming the wearer’s unwavering faith. Another popular religious amulet worn proudly by the Jewish community is the Shield of David, or as it’s better known today, the Star of David. Middle Eastern cultures often associated triangles as possessing protective, or shielding, powers, hence the double triangles that form the well known accessory. Also widely adored among those of Judaic and Muslim faith are amulets of the Hand of Miriam, or the Hansa as it’s referred to by the Berber tribe. This symbol depicts the notorious all seeing eye, which protects the wearer from bad energy and evil spirits. On the other hand, Hindu and Islamic peoples favored the Haldili, a jeweled pendant which symbolizes the Tree of Life. This image represents all that is divine and protects the wearer from grief and heart palpitations.

(Image from https://talkingfashion.net/collections/necklace/products/copy-of-roman-catholic-rosary-pr ayer-beads-necklace-religious-jewelry-2)

Recently, these amulets have found their way back into modern fashion and onto the runway. The Met Gala’s Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination proved that angelic amulets have their place in high fashion, as revered Vogue Editor-In-Chief Anna Wintour accessorized her all Chanel ensemble with a sparkling crucifix necklace. Also drawing inspiration from popular amulet symbolism, Gucci’s Spring/Summer 2018 show featured a massive tote depicting the image of the third eye, while Alessandro Michele’s models walked down the runway with a third eye painted on their foreheads for his Fall/Winter 2018 collection. Even Gigi Hadid admitted to carrying her own third eye amulet to ward off bad vibes and envy.

(Image from https://media.vanityfair.com/photos/5af0cf499a03a97c8fb8a4db/master/w_960,c_limit/A nna-MET-Gala.jpg)

Whether worn as a means of protection or for aesthetic reasons, amulets are lovely accessory staples with a rich, lengthy history, which is nothing to scoff at. So if you’re in a pinch and need to get rid of any bad juju lurking in your life, give a symbolic amulet a shot! Who knows? It could end up protecting you, and looking fabulous, of course.

Want to shop vintage accessories online or sell a dazzling amulet secondhand? Check out talkingfashion.net to browse our wide array of jewelry, accessories and selling options!

References:

Bartolucci, Marisa. “JEWELRY WHY AMULET JEWELRY HAS BEEN SPELLBINDING US FOR MILLENNIA.” 1stdibs, https://www.1stdibs.com/blogs/the-study/amulets/.

Chamberlin, Corbin. “The Evil Eye Amulet Makes a Glitzy Comeback.” Vogue Arabia, 9 May 2018, https://en.vogue.me/fashion/evil-eye-spring-2018-fashion-trend/.

Craig Patch, Diana. “Egyptian Amulets.” The Metropolitan Museum of Art, October 2004, https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/egam/hd_egam.htm.

Faith & Fashion by Morgan Watkins

Although styling looks with religious jewelry is not a new concept, it seems to be  having a major moment in the fashion universe. The latest Heavenly Bodies Met Gala and exhibit resulted in looks so exquisitely sultry, it should be a sin. But what are the true origins of Catholic inspired fashions, Christian cross necklaces and other religious dressings that have been commodified for the general public to wear? Keep reading to learn more about religious jewelry.

The Cross

Cross necklaces have been a symbol of faith for followers of Christ since the times of the Roman Empire in the 4th century. Not only does this powerful accessory show Christian, or Catholic, faith, but it also serves as a form of spiritual protection for the wearer. These necklaces can also be gifted to individuals at baptisms and confirmation ceremonies, with simple crosses or embellished ones showcasing diamonds and even birthstones. For decades, the spiritual significance associated with cross jewelry has faded as icons in pop culture, like Madonna and Billy Idol, have turned the spiritual items into fashion fads. Cross necklaces have also been worn in political contexts to criticize popular religious beliefs that work towards shaming women for their individuality and sexuality. But no matter the rhyme or reason for wearing necklaces with hanging crosses, a lot can be said about their staying power in the fashion world. Paired beautifully with delicate lace, cross necklaces can create a look so stunning, you’ll be in heaven.

Prayer Jewelry

(Image from https://www.malaprayer.com/blogs/news/everything-you-need-to-know-about-mala-pray er-necklaces)

Prayer jewelry quite possibly holds even more religious significance than cross necklaces, and have not been brought into mainstream fashion as a superficial accessory. Various religions hold onto beaded necklaces representing various purposes. Islamic prayer beads typically have 100 beads, while those of the Baha’i religion have 95 or 19, with a grouping of 5 beads hanging below. Sikhs, Hindus and Buddhists wear what are known as mala prayer necklaces, which are worn not only around the neck, but also around turbans and wrists. Malas typically have 108 beads made of natural materials like sandalwood and lava stone, and are said to have originated in India during the 8th century. Mala became popular in countries like China, Korea and Japan before hitting Europe during the late Middle Ages in the shape of the Catholic rosary. Roman Catholics, like most other religions utilizing prayer beads, used rosaries to count prayers and other acts of worship, as well as provide security. These necklaces characteristically feature 59 beads, but before beads came around, a popular way of keeping track of prayers was by tying knots or fastening berries, pebbles and/or bone discs onto necklaces.

Fita do Senhor do Bonfim

(Image from http://www.sensationalcolor.com/color-meaning/color-meaning-symbolism-psychology/b ahia-bands-brazilian-wish-bracelet#.W7-v8WhKhaQ)

Similar to prayer necklaces, Fita do Senhor do Bonfim, or ribbon of Bonfim, are essentially wish ribbons. Dating back to 1809, the ribbons, also known as Bahia bands, were originated by the African religion of Cadomblé. They were initially called “measure of Bonfim” because their size equated the length of the arm of the Jesus Christ statue perched upon the main altar of the Bonfim Church in Salvador, Brazil. Measuring 47 centimeters long, Bahia bands are commonly worn around the left wrist, on the ankle, around hats and necks, and are even tied to the gate of the Bonfim Church. When tied in three knots, a wish can be made. Customarily, the ribbon is gifted to an individual and is tied to the receiver’s wrist by the gifter. The band must fall off the body naturally over time, or the wish will not come true. These accessories also represent good faith, and the color of the band symbolizes specific orixás, or divine forces of nature. For instance, the color red represents passion and strength, yellow equates to success and intelligence, and orange signifies courage, energy and joy.

Accessories like the ones mentioned above can have deep meaning for a variety of people and cultures around the world.While appreciating the artistic and aesthetic elements of religious styles in fashion isn’t a sin, it is crucial that everyone, from runway connoisseurs and everyday individuals, know and respect the rich history behind the symbols they wear.

References

Coscarelli, Alyssa. “Is It Okay To Wear Religious Symbols For Fashion?” Refinery29, 4 May 2018, https://www.refinery29.com/cross-jewelry-trend.

“Everything You Need to Know about Mala Prayer Necklaces.” Mala Prayer, https://www.malaprayer.com/blogs/news/everything-you-need-to-know-about-mal

A-prayer-necklaces.

Ribeiro, Patricia. “A Traveler’s Guide to Bonfim Church.” Trip Savvy, 30 June 2017, https://www.tripsavvy.com/bonfim-church-salvador-brazil-1467851.

Smith, Katie. “Bahia Bands: Brazilian Bracelet Color Meaning.” Sensational Color, http://www.sensationalcolor.com/color-meaning/color-meaning-symbolism-psych ology/bahia-bands-brazilian-wish-bracelet#.W7-yEGhKhaS.

Pedal to the Metal by Morgan Watkins

Fashion is all about standing out from the crowd, and the metallics trend sits at the height of this sentiment. Shiny style statements made across the world’s catwalks serve as sci-fi thrillers of fashion – they get your adrenaline pumping, catching your eye and dragging it quickly down the runway, as if you’re in an alien driven spacecraft flying through a solar system of beaming moons and glowing meteors. If you want to take a rocketship ride into our favorite metallic looks, keep on reading.

Driving into some of the most dazzling shows from Fashion Week SS19, our first stop is Rodarte. While metallics are commonly associated with edgy vibes and sleek, futuristic designs, Rodarte took a softer approach. Using voluminous metallic ruffles that glistened alongside romantic floral hair arrangements and picturesque earrings, Kate and Laura Mulleawy were able to take the metallic trend and turn it into a shiny, breathtaking dream.

(Image fromhttps://www.vogue.co.uk/shows/spring-summer-2019-ready-to-wear/rodarte)

(Image from https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0004/9184/7739/files/RM-SS19-LOOK35_1500x2400px -500Kb_720x.jpg?v=1537112700)

This intergalactic journey would not be complete without taking a stop at the edgy Balmain SS19 show. Models fitted with metallic over-the-knee boots, sculpted silver belts and sexy casted bodices married with asymmetric, reconstructed denim brought a fiery fierceness to the Parisian catwalk. Olivier Rousteing’s contemporary couture silhouettes were styled to perfection with sleek handbags and chunky metal bangles so divine that Cara Delevingne returned to runway, opening the show in a chrome crop top paired with heavenly white trousers and a matching long line jacket, with shoulder pads fit for an 80s queen.

(Image from https://www.crfashionbook.com/fashion/g23511537/every-look-from-balmain-springsum mer-2019/?slide=28)

In the accessories sector of our space travel, Milan Fashion Week produced stunning shoes that were out of this world. Attico’s Spring 2019 collection was nothing short of spectacular. Golden cowboy boots, accented stilettos, and metallic platforms round out just a few of our favorite glossy styles from the Italian line. And we couldn’t possibly forget about Chanel’s chic metal chain belts at Paris Fashion Week, contrasted by girly drop earrings spelling out the brand’s notorious name.

(Image from https://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/spring-2019-ready-to-wear/attico/slideshow/collection#9)

Looking to style this trend, but don’t know where to begin? Don’t fret or fear – talkingfashion is here with some street style inspo to kickstart your voyage into the metallics universe. If you’d like to start small, the easiest way to dive into a new trend is with jewelry and accessories. Try out some layered silver necklaces, or belts with metal hardware to test the waters. If you’re looking to make a bit more of a splash, highlight a basic outfit with a pair of metallic booties or an eye catching clutch.