A clever dresser, be they male or female know that actual fashions, in terms of clothes and such, change over the span of a few seasons. The really quick changes occur with accessories, and in order to stay truly trendy one needs to update that bracelet, pendant, ring and earring collection as often as possible. Today we turn to online jewelry store Bottica.com for a sample of their current offer and an analysis of the trends to come, during the spring – summer 2012 season.
Animal Motifs
It’s all about the animal instinct this season, whether in bronze, silver or in the gold-plated version. Be it on pendants, rings, bracelets or necklaces, the animal kingdom reigns supreme in the spring-summer 2012 season. There are certain animal popular favorites that are bound to make a massive comeback, where jewelry motifs, patterns and designs are concerned. For one thing, there is the ever-wise owl, fierce lions and tigers and bold, unbridled horses. Fashionable jewelry with animal motifs can be combined into virtually any outfit. Of course, they work great in a bohemian hippie look, with floral patterns or massive paisley prints. Combine them with moccasins, fringed suede vests and lace tights, plus a breezy dress, or a knitted one for colder days. Let your hair loose or tie it back into a chic, messy chignon. Alternatively, if bohemian is not your cup of tea, go minimalist, with sheer leggings or tights, a big loose t-shirt or sweater and a single piece of jewelery, for an inspired statement.
How ‘bout Those Gems?
Gems can never go out of style, the legend goes—and the legend couldn’t be closer to the truth. It’s just trends and fashions that change, bringing one type of semi-precious stone to the forefront of the fashion world instead of the other. This season will definitely signal the comeback of the pearl, combined into hipster vintage looks, most of them inspired by Audrey Hepburn’s Miss Holly Golightly. Of course, pearls are not the gem-loving fashionista’s only alternative, as you can always go for a soft-pink quartz crystal or a massive ring which brings together rhinestone and onyx. Turquoise and coral, while not semi-precious gems, are stones in wonderfully vivid colors that can brighten up any outfit, irrespective of style.
The Hippie Hippie Bangle
Bangles in tons of rainbow shades will continue to be a popular favorite, since it doesn’t take much of an effort to match them with one’s outfit. On the one hand, you can opt for up to ten bangles made of wood wrapped in multi-colored string, or you can go for two or three larger ones, hand-painted with floral or geometric patterns. Possibly the coolest thing about bangles is that they can make any outfit seem careless, yet stylish, youthful, yet timeless. They add an India-inspired brand of spirituality to the way one dresses, in a manner in which few other accessories can claim to do so.
The Odd Pendant
Pendants that hang low, well below the bust line, have been making headlines on the (street) fashion scene for at least three seasons now. You can either match them with your earrings or an applique on a chic hair barrette, or wear them as a solitary piece. The coolest thing about low-hanging pendants is that they come in the most innovative of designs, be they messages in a bottle, hardware tools, cutlery, owls, vintage steampunk-like watches or… basically anything else a jewelry designer’s imagination can think up. The jury is still out on whether silver or gold should be the material of choice this season, and both have their advantages, in truth. Gold is perfect if you want to spark up the night with a little bling. Meanwhile, silver has a subdued charm, reminiscent of princesses, the fairytales of yore and other wonderful fantasies. Bottom line: go for whatever floats your boat, you don’t even necessarily have to match the pendant and necklace with your earrings or the rest of your jewelry.
Skulls Ahoy!
Skulls used to be strictly hardcore punk. Then the mainstream gobbled up that musical trend, and they became as teenage emo as can be. Think back a few seasons ago, when skulls were everywhere, from belts and key chains to bags and sneakers. The skull still reigns supreme as the top favorite design motif this season, yet it has taken on all-new uses. Skulls are now being ironically (?) employed in delicate filigree designs, bracelets with suede or velvet straps and even cufflinks, for the more dapper of the gentlemen out there.
