Jewellery Week Special: Grace Hamilton

June 17, 2012 § 1 Comment

On Thursday 14th I had a pleasure to attend a launch event for Jewellery Week’s main exhibition – Treasure. You can read more about my experiences in the tweet session I did the day after by following @fashionwishlist. This post is about one of the most striking jewellery brands I met during the event.

During my chat to Grace Hamilton a few things became clear.  Firstly, she is a fun and exciting person and her character reflects well in the jewellery. Secondly, her creations are all about inspiration: shape inspired by love of sculpture and a scene from the fish market where on the display was a box of live eels that were slowly intertwining with each other, while colours come from her travels to distant lands of African continent. And thirdly, she is very meticulous when it comes to her jewellery as every step of the creation process is done with her own hands – from dying the yarn to crocheting each item for days at a time (some of the pieces take 2 days and hence are priced around £295, while others including the central necklaces on the photo above take a week and are around £750).

Colourful and well, big, Grace Hamilton necklaces take center stage of the outfits being the statement pieces that tie together the look. They are perfect for the eccentric fashion lover and for one off special looks. And they could not be more perfect for summer wedding season for all those searching for striking and memorable jewellery that would go well with the urban wedding theme. I can totally see myself wearing a knee length simple T-shirt shape silk dress in some vibrant colour and one of Grace Hamilton necklaces. Perfection.

To find more about the brand visit their website and Grace Hamilton’s own blog.

The Fashion Bicycle

June 14, 2012 § Leave a comment

This bicycle, unlike any other sporting equipment fully deserves a place in My Fashion Wish List as this is no ordinary bike. Created in limited numbers it might be the hottest accessory of the summer and it is brought to us by Dolce & Gabbana. The designer duo, Domenico and Stefano are both big lovers of healthy life style hence it is not surprising that they went a step further in promoting sporting activities. The Animalier bicycle reflects the designer brand through and through – from iconic leopard print, to black bell engraved with the logo, to 24k gold branded plate on the leather seat. It is indeed a piece of luxury. The bicycle is designed for ladies only as it features low cut female frame. Style-wise it is very traditional – based on artisan creations it does not have any gears or other fancy modern features. But even the will to pay £1450 for the designer bike will not guaranteethe purchase: the exact number of bikes produced is unknown, but only a handful of stores in major cities around the world will have it on offer. If you are head over heels for it, I suggest you get yourself down to brand’s London boutique asap for more information on availability.

And in case you do purchase it, or indeed if you are just inspired by iconic animal print, there is a whole range of printed accessories to choose from and below are my picks:

  1. Sunglasses,£150 at SaksFifthAvenue.com
  2. Blackberry sleeve, £90 at net-a-porter.com
  3. Belt, £240 at net-a-porter.com
  4. T-Shirt, £254 at farfetch.com
  5. iPad Case, £140 at net-a-porter.com
  6. Scarf, £229 at farfetch.com

(Discounted) Designer Holiday

June 12, 2012 § Leave a comment

Nowadays with rise of websites offering discounted holidays we are all on the look out for bargain price for luxury get away. And inspired by this trend and the fact that there are only 10 sleeps left until I leave London for 9 days of sun, sea and partying, I decided to compile 3 perfect holiday outfits that are all about bargain and luxury. And there is no better place to look for such combination than my favourite discounted designer website TheOutnet.com.

Below I put together a comfortable outfit for travel purposes which originally cost £1653 but is now yours for £734.15 giving you a 56% discount; hot beach or pool ensemble which was £1349 and is now available to purchase for £633.20 giving you a 53% discount; and a summery party outfit that will get you ready for tropical cocktails and holiday romance originally at £1305 but currently with The Outnet discount of 56% at £568.

I hope this post will leave you feeling ready for holiday and inspired to create your own fashionable outfits. Check out TheOutnet.com for thousands more discounted designer pieces. 

  1. Twenty8Twelve by S.Miller T-Shirt, was £85 now £29.75
  2. Marni Leather Tote, was £480 now £240
  3. Linda Farrow Luxe Acetate Aviator Sunglasses, was £449 now £179.60
  4. Levi’s Made & Crafted Low-Rise Jeans, was £135 now £74.25
  5. Day Birger et Mikkelsen Cardigan, was £179 now £80.55
  6. NewbarK Flor Leather Shoes, was £325 now £130

  1. Melissa Odabash Aurora Maxi Dress, was £380 now £171
  2. Victoria Beckham Cat Eye Sunglasses, was £275 now £123.75
  3. Jets by Jessika Allen Coutryside Bikini Top, was £105 now £57.75
  4. Jets by Jessika Allen Coutryside Bikini Briefs, was £79 now £43.45
  5. Bernardo Moon Leather Flat Sandals, was £155 now £77.50
  6. Kenneth Jay Lane Tasseled Bead Necklace, was £150 now £67.50
  7. M Missoni Printed Canvas Tote, was £205 now £92.25
  1. Venessa Arizaga Flash Charm Bracelet, was £270 now £135
  2. Pour la Victoire Neala Suede Sandals, was £215 now £107.50
  3. Diane von Furstenberg Lauristel Ruffle Dress, was £450 now £157.50
  4. Nicole Fendel Belle Brass Drop Earrings, was £170 now £68
  5. Beirn Watersnake Crossbody Bag, was £200 now £100

Chavin Jewellery

June 7, 2012 § Leave a comment

For decades now happiness brought about by material things has been questioned in our society and many started to promote the abandonment of materialism for higher and elevated aims in life like altruism.

Many of you might immediately question the reason a blog that seems to be promoting all things bad in the world (aka consumption) with a title like My Fashion Wish List will suddenly start discussing materialism in a negative light. Indeed as a fan of fashion and shopping it is extremely hard to say no to earthly desires of consumerism. Yet nowadays more and more fashion brands are turning altruistic and we no longer need to make a choice between purchasing things we love and being green or helping others. Think of all the organic brands, charitable items and fair trade fashion that has emerged in recent years and you will be convinced that a start on a journey to more sustainable and fair fashion world is already in progress.

That is why it is once again my honor to promote not just a brand I fell in love with due to the quality and trendiness of their designs, but because they stand for something bigger, because they represent one of those altruistic companies that from the origin aim to not just serve the customers of the developed world, but help the people of developing countries where the goods are produced with grassroot schemes that really make the difference.

Ana De Costa, an award winning designer who graduated from Central St. Martins is known for creating one-of-a-kind jewellery after gaining experience at Theo Fennell and one of my favourite jewellery brands Erickson Beamon. However inspsired by Peruvean jewellery making traditions she also designs for the ethical brand CHAVIN, which this blog post is about.

Made in Peru under strict environmental and human rights refulations these items are not just people- and environmentally-friendly but they give back to the community, not through donations but teaching sustainable skills and educating locals. And while the whole range thus has a positive impact on the people of this South American country, the new range of bracelets goes further. These ‘caring bracelets’ (numbers 1 and 3 on the pictures) are a part of a campaign to raise money to help women through SOS Children organisation that works in the area. Each bracelet is named after a Peruvian mother who is benefiting from the scheme by learning sustainable skills that improve the economic position of her family in the long run.

All in all, the fashion world must be thankful to Chavin Jewellery for setting a great example of producing high quality, trendy fashion items while at the same time looking after communities they are made in. Hopefully even more brand will soon follow.

Below are my favourite pieces from the range. Read more about the brand and shop their products at their website.

  1. Otilia Oxidised Sterling Silver Jaguar Flower Caring Bracelet, £54
  2. Rose Gold Vermeil Double Jaguar Head Ring with Rubies and Sterling Silver Band, £108
  3. Cynthia Rose Gold Vermeil Jaguar Pattern Caring Bracelet, £72
  4. Oxidised Sterling Silver Blue Topaz Gemstone Cocktail Ring, £310.50
  5. Jaguar Oxidised Sterling Silver Bangle with Black Diamonds, £229.50
  6. Rose Gold Vermeil Small Jaguar Flower Necklace, £153

Inspired By The Times Past

May 25, 2012 § Leave a comment

Statement earrings are my total weakness. Not that I wear them much to tell you the truth. When I put a pair on, usually simple diamond earrings suitable for daily wear, I get stuck in them for months. I just don’t take them off – not for parties or even showers and bedtimes. For me, a change of earrings requires a specific mood (I am just lazy when it comes to earrings), and it does help when the substitute earrings are inspiring.
And that is exactly why I am head over heels in love with Dicha Jewellery and their statement earrings. The company was established in 2009 by two business partners Diane and Chantal who previously worked together on fashion and beauty brands. The pieces manage to be striking but not in the ‘wear-once-with-that-specific-outfit’ kinda way. They are classic and timeless as the designs are inspired by (and often made with) antique statement pieces. Indeed such timelessness combined with attention-drawing effect makes me abandon my usual laziness towards earrings’ swap!
Below are my picks from the current collection, to explore other jewellery inspired by the times past or for purchases visit their website.

  1. 40’s inspired Carola, £350
  2. Silver and Agate Mira, £215
  3. 30’s inspired Vina, £350
  4. Pink Agate creation Ciara, £338
  5. Selia Deco design, £300
  6. Cornelia (very Prada-esque), £350

Tough As Nails

May 11, 2012 § Leave a comment

If I was getting married, not that I am planning to in the near future, I would not want the whole affair to be ordinary. That’s because a lot of people get married, about 250,000 people in UK each year, and standing out of this very large crowd would indeed be hard. So when it comes to wedding bands I would not want them to be simple and ordinary. That is why I got so inspired by Cartier’s recent reincarnation of 70’s rebellious ring design – Juste un Clou – which is shaped as, well, a nail. I sense this might cause disapproving sighs on the other side of the screen but let me explain my reasoning.

  1. Being so original they satisfy my need to have extraordinary wedding affair (and when I say extraordinary I really don’t mean grand wedding, simply different).
  2. Idiom ‘tough as nails’ comes to mind – and with currently high divorce rates, who would not want a bit of symbolic toughness in their marriage.
  3. They have two designs as if they are made for a couple – bride can wear diamond encrusted ring and groom more simple tougher version.
  4. They are made from 3 different metals: gold, white gold or rose gold allowing you to choose your favourite medium (and if you have seen the latest Apprentice, when I say medium I am not talking about the person you use to contact the other side, Adam).
  5. And last but not the least – it’s Cartier! So even if they are different and rebellious, they ooze class and will attract a lot of attention to your ring finger.

Above pictured rings in white gold are priced at £2,675 and £1,625 respectively.

P.S. To my boyfriend: please don’t freak out and read anything into this.

Bikini Season – Sorted!

May 9, 2012 § Leave a comment

Walking down the street in London one afternoon my attention was drawn to double-decker red bus that was covered in bright and colourful posters of beautifully shot swimwear campaign. On the closer look I was surprised that the brand advertised was not luxurious Tara Matthews or Melissa Odabash, it was H&M.

In the recent years, possibly changing to satisfy more picky economic depression influenced customer, H&M have been stepping up their game and the current campaign is another example of winner tactics that lures consumer into the stores. The range called Swimwear Sensation, is just that – sensational. Absolutely beautiful, luxuriously looking pieces are all available at the customary to H&M low prices making it easy to walk out of the store with a bikini set costing less than £20. One word of warning – from past experiences H&M swimsuits don’t usually last past one holiday, they simply loose shape, but then again at those prices you should not be expecting more, plus I’m all up for changing swimsuit collection after every holiday!

Here are my favourite picks: top 3 look great in a matching set, but bottom 3 look more exciting if mixed and matched and include an accessory or two. Visit online store to view the whole range and the associated inspirational videos and pictures.

1. White and Grey Geometric Print Bikini Top £12.99 and Bottoms £7.99
2. Marble Effect Bikini Top £12.99 and Bottoms £7.99
3. Golden Beige Bikini Top £9.99 and Bottoms £7.99

4. Fashion Against Aids Necklace £9.99, Bikini Top £9.99 and Bottoms £7.99
5. Ten Pack Bracelet £3.99, Bikini Top £9.99 and Bottoms £3.99
6. Hair Clip £1.99, Bikini Top £9.99 and Bottoms £7.99

We Dream of Ice Cream

May 7, 2012 § Leave a comment

Maybe its just a logical continuation of a massive pastel trend or maybe it is an interesting micro trend on its own. Whatever the case, fashion developed quite a liking for ice cream recently! Mulberry S/S12 campaign set (seen above) was covered in ice cream while Louis Vuitton campaign featured models indulging in frozen sundaes. But ice cream being used as a prop is not the end of the obsession – ice cream prints, embellishments and even ice cream shaped jewellery can all be found both on high street and in designer boutiques. And the main two players in the game are Mulberry and Topshop, each providing us with a choice of ice cream themed items at various price points so you can get your hands on the yummy goodies whatever your budget. Below are my delicious picks from both brands.

  1. Topshop Crop Sweat, £24 – love the cropped length – exposed midriffs is a trend on its own!
  2. Mulberry Grey Marl Vest,  £100 – so multifunctional, I’d wear it with jeans on the weekend and add to a work skirt and jacket combo for more casual look (for those who don’t have super smart work places of course).
  3. Topshop Printed Slit Back Shirt, £32 – possibly the cutest printed shirt of the season.
  4. Mulberry White Vest, £100 – white version of my beloved multifunctional vest.
  5. Mulberry Sunglasses and Ice Cream Necklace, £170 – barely visible but nevertheless there!
  6. Topshop Ice Cream Collar, £20 – silly statement necklace, perfect for adding eccentric feel to your look.
  7. Mulberry Pale Gold Metal Pin, £70 – it’s been a while since pins were at all fashionable but this one hits the nail on the head!
  8. Topshop Drop Earrings, £6.50 – perfect summer day accessory!

The Hottest Affordable Jewelery

May 2, 2012 § Leave a comment

Twitter is great. Especially when it connects you to things you are interested it. Just yesterday I came across Regal Rose jewellery on twitter and I could not wait to share it with you. I am not their first fashion fan – indeed their jewellery has been featured in various fashion magazines over the years including InStyle, Cosmopolitan, More, Now, Ok and The Observer. There is an obvious reason why – it is hot trendy and super fashionable without the hefty price tag! And its all thanks to wonderfully creative twin sisters – Rebecca and Louisa Warwick who set up the brand in 2008 and follow all the trends that inspire their great collection! Below are my favourite pieces from the website, but there is so much more for you to discover! Just visit regalrose.co.uk!

  1. Molly Large Acrylics Collar – probably the most important accessory of past year, £29
  2. Alexa Chunky Gold Chain – the affordable version of hot accessory I previously blogged about here, £16
  3. The Punk Collar – the black version, absolutely a must have, £17
  4. Mento Green Crystal Ring – the cocktail ring, totally trending as blogged about here, £22
  5. Lana fine Silver Chain Ring – possibly named after Lana Del Rey as she is a fan of double rings, £24
  6. Kesi Agate Stone Cuff – statement piece that adds the needed fashion factor to any outfit, £14
  7. Siew Fluorescent Yellow Earrings – bright colours are totally this season, so add some as your ear pieces, £23
  8. Keira Full Spiked Ear Cuff – the rock chic accessory, £14

Lestie Lee

April 25, 2012 § Leave a comment

Diamonds are the girl’s best friend, sang Marylin. And this Hong Kong born, Saint Martins educated jewellery designer agrees! After studying gemmology her fascination with diamond cutting process inspired designs of her London made jewellery label that pays a tribute to the special form of carbon. Cute, stylish and very interesting indeed! And where can you purchase them, you might ask? On Myflashtrash.com of course – online jewellery store ran by ex-Made in Chelsea actress Amber Atherton. If this is what she quit the scripted reality show for then hats of to the girl, she is doing a brilliant job and if you haven’t already do look around the website, there are so many hidden gems waiting discovery!

  1. Diamond Trillion Charm Ring, £140
  2. Diamond Cage Ring, £182
  3. Heart and Oval Diamond Charm Pearl Bracelet, £384
  4. Diamond Cage Stud Earrings, £168

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