Friday, July 31, 2009

Damask Patterns: The Season of the Damned and the Beautiful

Would you ever consider going out looking like your Aunt's Victorian curtains? That would be so tacky right?

But as you see this baroque influence everywhere from graphic design to fashion, the industry has given the Damask pattern the royal treatment again and the Old World charm of ornate patterns is now visble from cakes, clothing, accesories and jewelry.

Albeit, tastefully done.




Damask Dresses

This is definitely not your Aunt's shabby sofa where Mr. Dorian Grey would perhaps die a thousand deaths!


The trend is everywhere, just fab I guess!


Sabrina's Wide Ornate Diamond CZ Bracelet


Bangle Damask

Friday, July 24, 2009

Wear your Lucky Charm!

Luck is what we define it!

If you can avail of a mm or cm drill bit or if you're skilled enough to poke a hole into your lucky charm then you're all set to wear it on your wrist, neck or ears! Funny, how luck has often been attributed to jewelry or anything we can have close on our skins.

You don't have to limit yourself to Kabbalah bendels, Chinese red trinkets, rabbit's foot, coins, stone amulets, crystals to have lady luck on your side. Sometimes all it takes is some ordinary item or object that would remind you of that special moment. An item from a life altering event, an unlikely piece from one of your successful pursuits. A trophy you may call it.

For instance, Joey, this art student I know, has this pair of bent spoon and fork for bracelets as his good luck jewelry for exams. My cousin Gina has this chip of wood from Boracay that reminds her of her wedding day and how lucky she felt. My friend Ligaya has this authentic Mangyan jewelry handmade on her neck without any snaps or locks. Its like an evil eye to ward off spirits. She hasn't taken the thing off for ages, I think. But it has kept her very Zen.

These forms of jewelry can easily uplift your mood, calm you and ease worries away. Good luck charms can help you put things in perspective and remind you of what's important. More than luck, it gives you that positive reassurance. Before you know it, you may start to experience a streak of good things coming your way.


Sterling Silver Red Jade Saddle Ring
The Chinese believe that Jade gemstones bring good luck for the bearer.

Sunday, May 17, 2009

The Charming Allure of Steampunk Jewelry



I think one of the most unique Etsy jewelry artists I have come across is thesteampunktrunk.etsy.com



You can really see the vision and love labored on each piece, eclectic and elegant Victorian jewelry- an ode to the era of gaslight and mechanical turbines.



Of course, a popular concern of any steampunk enthusiast would be the amount of radium dust found in such old parts, right?

Well steampunktrunk assures us that she has tested all materials and finished pieces with her handy dandy Geiger Counter. Okay with that out of the way, you can clear yourself of any irrational fears on radiation poisoning and don a Marie Curie inspired steampunk cuff.

Visit her blog http://thesteampunktrunk.blogspot.com/

Her shop thesteampunktrunk.etsy.com

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Are you Brave Enough to Brave Quiapo on Holidays?



I took this foto last Christmas. I also experienced going to Wellmansons during the procession of the Black Nazarene (really not a good idea). So I didn't bother going last Holy Week.

Getting there is easy via LRT, its the crowds that really get to you. The possibility of a stampede happening is not far fetched, or getting robbed of your cellphone while helplessly being squished between vendors, devotees, kargadors with sweaty manpits. This can totally ruin the festive spirit of Quiapo for you.

So avoid Hidalgo Street on Holidays and take the C. Palanca Street instead that's the street behind SM Carriedo. ( See Map )

After going through the bead shops, you can get a bag load of veggies at the street market for P100.

One street vendor that's not hard to miss is the lady tranny who wears a divine corset-like bodice. The She-male of Quiapo dons green eyeshadow, Twiggy-inspired false lashes and a plastic tiara. He sells panties at 3 pieces for P100. I should have taken a snap, maybe next time when I'm brave enough to pull my cell phone out for shot :)

Goin' Gaga Over Memory Wire



Gradeschool kids just love memory wire. Just poke the beads through the wire and you're done! Well moms have to seal/knot the ends though.


I can make like thirty bracelets in one go. They're easy and fun to make! They remind me of slinkies.



Saturday, May 2, 2009

Chanel goes Steam Punk!

No this is not Japan Fashion Week! This reverence to steampunk and nod to knits comes from the House of Chanel.


A tinge of the Victorian silhouette




Knitted hats and lace chokers




Pris-like tights from Bladerunner
and a stethoscope-like necklace



Gentlemen in fierce coats with ruffled cuffs

Oldtimer Karl Lagerfeld is responsible behind this fab collection.

Bib Necklaces from Paris Fashion Week Spring 2009


A bold statement piece from Christian Lacroix


Louis Vuitton Accessories, Paris Fashion Week Spring 2009

Lanvin glamour
These beautiful bib necklaces are the highlight of their Spring collection


Ornate damask patterns on muted mauve


Bring on the drama!

Dig the Beads

Transparent gemstones



Botanicals from Chanel



Gaga for Geometrics

I love the Burberry geometric bracelet!

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