What Is Style?

What defines someone’s style? Is it a certain color scheme, distinctive patterns and fabric or maybe whimsical accessories that makes a woman stand out from those around her? I have a dear friend who rocks the 50’s era. I’ve seen her in an updated Rosie the Riveter jumpsuit complete with bandana, also a flared skirt pin curled hair, red lips and nails. No matter what she is wearing she is a knock out because she has found her look and embraces it with aplomb. 

It has been said that there is nothing more sexy than a woman with confidence and I believe that to be true. Style can take years to refine as a person samples the market place arriving at an intersection of self expression and attitude. I am old enough now that I don’t have to be a slave to fashion. This comes through confidence in knowing who I am and what I want to project to the world, but it didn’t happen over night. When I first began designing jewelry my pieces were extremely understated and looked like everything else that was out there. As my design ability grew, so did my confidence in what I wanted to project as an artist. 

I love bold, colorful statement necklaces, a fiesta for your neck! Switching from heavy beads to fabric allowed me to play around with textures without adding weight. In the summer I treasure hunt estate sales picking up vintage fabric from the 40’s through 60’s. I also love unique fabric from other countries and have yards of fabric from Mexico with my favorite Day of the Dead motifs. I combine my hand-made fabric flowers with vintage brooches and accessories, especially enamel flowers from the 60’s. These are bold eye-catching designs that are very fun to wear with jeans, a dress, a suit jacket or sundress. Don’t think that you can only wear these necklaces with black as they also look great with patterned tops and dresses. Mix and match for a truly unique look. Ninety-six year old business woman and interior designer Iris Apfel is a demi-god in the fashion world. With her signature coke bottle glasses and feather boa, she accessorizes to please herself, "Life is gray and dull; you might as well have a little fun when you dress.” So in that spirt, add color to your life; wear a bold necklace and most importantly look in the mirror and enjoy what you see.