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Style Folio
10 Looks to Get the Party Started
Party season has begun which can bring a mixed bag of nervous excitement with wardrobe anxiety. Selecting your wardrobe can be the difference between making a grand entrance and having a good time or becoming an observer at a forgettable scene. In order to accommodate your potential range of dress code requirements, here are 10 ways to get your party wardrobe started:
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Graphic Crystals
This is the season to get graphic. I’ve paired graphic prints with clear crystal quartz and black thread statement jewelry. Like life, graphic fashion is not black and white. Pops of color, neon preferred, bring life to these strong black and white graphic ensembles. Try these sample ensembles and create your own graphic prints. The clear crystal quartz earrings and coordinating clear crystal quartz cuff work for graphic touches.
Here are a few looks to stimulate your imagination:
Fall Into Blue
Vibrant hues of blue really rock my world. My love for blue and the physiological affect it has on me are the catalysts for this mesmerizing creation. One day I laid out an array of gemstones to create something new and this necklace literally manifested in this design – sans editing.
Since cobalt blue is a season color stunner, it seems that this color rocks a lot of peoples’ world. As I review the fall forecast, it is natural for me to consider the past. The history of the lapis and jade gemstones used to create this trend statement necklace are as magnificent as the design.
Latina Magazine has graciously featured this necklace in their first trend list on their “7 Fabulous Fall Trends to Try” feature published on page 47 in their September issue. Color trends are such a fun part of design forecast. Pantone does a great job of outlining seasonal fashion trend colors with comments and designs by fashion leaders. The following examples of how to wear this necklace include some of the other trend colors as well as trend patterns. Find your inspiration.
The ancient Sumerians of Southern Mesopotamia were greatly inspired by lapis lazuli abundantly found in Afghanistan. Lapis is commonly referred to as the “feel better stone” for its properties that are believed to aid physical and creative vitality including dreaming. During the 3rd millennium B.C., lapis was a gemstone in strong demand for exotic and rare adornment materials. In fact, it played a pivotal role in Middle Eastern trade.
In Asia, with China positioned as the dominant power, jade was the coveted gemstone. The Chinese have venerated and worn jade for over 5,000 years. It is believed that the Chinese character for King may have symbolized a string of jade. Those who could afford jade carried it with them at all times. Chinese poets called it the concentrated “essence of love.”
Most people think of China as the key and only source of jade, but it is also found in Canada and the United States. Green jade is probably the most popular color. However, it can be found in hues of orange, brown, blue, cream, white, lavender, red, gray and black. Bright green jade is found in Burma.
Clearly, this necklace possesses a regal essence - thanks to its gemstones - which is why I named ‘Blue Star’. It can only be purchased here for under $200. There is only one owner for this beautiful necklace. Hopefully, it will be you. May it rock your world with more love, vitality and creativity.
Here’s How You Can Wear It
As fall approaches, the call of the ocean beckons my soul for one last visit. To savor the sand. Salute the sun. Feel the magic of the seashells that roll through the water and land at my feet. My shell collection is a prized one. Not every shell is perfectly whole, but each is perfectly created with healing energy. Seashells are organic gems. For centuries, they have been judged by the same criteria as gemstones of mineral origin: for beauty and durability. Archeologists discovered the first use of bone and ivory in carvings as utensils or tools during the Upper Paleolithic Period. Over time, seashells have become valued objects for decoration. According to the Smithsonian, seashells have been identified as the inspiration source for the Rococo French art movement. As they say, there is nothing new under the sun. However, I think it is fun to explore the history of what we adorn ourselves with and why. What is new, is the interpretation of seashells in this necklace. Although it looks like it will cause you pain, it will not. It is lighter and softer than meets the eye. It’s healing powers are magnificent. Its fashion sense is timeless. As the Style Folio tradition, there is only one of this necklace in inventory. Here are some dressy to casual ways to wear it. The beautiful of style is that how you wear it is up to your imagination and artistic interpretation. If you need more ideas, just contact me. If this is yours, claim it now.
Since its BC beginnings, it has served as a source of seduction, charm, purification and enrichment. Lace is a decorative element that has existed in fashion and interiors since the 15th century with some historical reports recording its presence in Egyptian tombs around 2500 BC. Lace has some serious longevity through human existence and has had a role in nearly every civilization’s decorative arts. Lace has always had a powerful allure in fashion. It symbolizes purity and femininity in bridal designs. It exudes sex appeal and power in low-end to luxury fashion designs. It serves as a decorative accent in interior design. Although, these simple facts may not be a surprise to you, the historical evolution of lace might pique your interest. In the 15th century, lace’s prominence rose as the preferred decorative detail amongst European royalty, religious and political dignitaries. In fact, lace became the source of spectacle amongst the elite class. At one point, lace was exclusively available to society’s “deserving ones.” These “deserving ones” frequently wore detachable lace cuffs and collars to accessorize multiple garments. These flexible design details signified portable wealth in society. A few reports indicate that some people resorted to squandering their personal fortunes to acquire more lace. The value of lace was on par with gems and physical property and was included in wills and estate plans. Perhaps this seemingly bizarre behavior stems from the fact that during this period, lace was fabricated with linen, silk, silver and gold threads. Today, the chosen material is cotton. However, there are still multiple types of lace and materials used to create it and people of all backgrounds go crazy for it. Fashion trends proclaim that it is indeed the thing to wear. Learn about the seven types of lace here. This Fleur Noir necklace design expresses a blend of powerful femininity with a touch of sexy. The black silk and lace flower adorns three strands of gorgeous fresh water pearls. The necklace serves as the focal point for the following classic and edgy looks created on Polyvore (connect with Style Folio). As with all Style Folio jewelry, there is only one of these available to reflect its owner’s unique style. Will you be the one to own this one-of-kind necklace? Sunday Dressing
Rock N Roll
Lace + Stud Dress
Time for Tea
Rubber Lace Funk
Roses remain the ultimate flower to express love. If you love this shimmering rose quartz necklace with hilltribe silver rose and accents, then you might wear one of these picks: The color orange is already on Pantone’s trend list. However, when Jennifer Aniston recently rocked that stunning Vivianne Westwood orange dress at a recent red carpet event, she elevated the color to an entirely new stratosphere of global appeal. Today’s orange isn’t a ’70’s chic Tupperware tone. It has a fresh hue that adds class and color for a variety of looks. Here are some fun ideas to wear one of StyleFolioJewelry’s tastiest orange statement pieces created from vintage Italian glass, enamel and gold-plated chain with tassels: Have you ever seen a woman wearing a great outfit only to see something that was not quite right? The shoes are too bulky, the jewelry too big, the fabric too taut, too many conflicting patterns and the list continues. Well, here is how you can balance your apparel texture and “weight” with that of your jewelry to look polished every time. In this example, the short-sleeved sweater and skirt both have fabric texture. This texture gives the illusion of extra weight. In order to balance the illusionary weight of the garments, I’ve accented this ensemble with a coordinating bold necklace and cuff set. In the cuff, the hammered sterling silver nearly repeats the weave in the wool skirt. Both pieces plus the shoes pull together the colors, style and “weight” of this look. Add the cape for extra dramatic flair or as a season transition item. So, the next time you dress and accessorize, be certain to pay attention to the over “weight” or bulk of your clothes and jewelry. Remember to repeat patterns and pay attention to fabrics and shine. The Oscars are always Hollywood’s homage to beauty, fashion and film talent. This year, I was pleased to see flawless beauty, exquisitely executed fashion choices and jewelry worn with perfect harmony. Here’s my overview of the top accessory wearing ladies and why their jewelry choices impeccably aligned with their body blueprint™. Natalie Portman Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images - 2011 Halle Berry Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images - 2011 Jennifer Hudson Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images - 2011 Celine Dion Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images - 2011 According to Pantone’s color trends, coral rose makes the cut as a top 10 spring hue. It is the foundation color of this plaid dress and the coordinating orange seashell and moonstone jewelry. I’ve paired it with the grey sweater to make this ensemble work for winter. Store the sweater as the weather warms up and you are instantly ready for a vibrant spring. Take the exotic orange shell cuff and earrings, along with its corresponding necklace, from the office to the beach to a formal affair. Style is up to your interpretation. Add these pieces to your one-of-a-kind jewelry collection today. One of my favorite textile pairings during winter is of wool and leather. I love layering textures, accentuating silhouettes and combining styles. I pull it all together with an outstanding piece of statement jewelry. This gray and black ensemble is so rich with all of these elements. Cold weather should never stop a woman-in-full from pronouncing her glory. Duplicate this look with items in your closet. But, add the exclusive Style Folio black onyx and jet floral set, with pearls and shiny moonstone accents. Find the jewelry on sale, here. There’s only one. The holiday season is the time to dress with some razzle and dazzle. Try a chic combination of bold color with exquisite gemstone jewelry to add extra spark to your winter wonderland. One of the exciting elements of design is mixing the unexpected to create something extraordinary. This southwest inspired necklace of turquoise and coral is infused with traditional tribal cues of bone and cowrie shell. You can buy the one and only necklace like it here. I think that wearing this piece requires a bold outlook wrapped in something unusual like the outfit below that mixes patterns, colors and textures: Turquoise is a global gemstone favorite admired by cultures from Asia to the Americas. Smoky quartz is a gemstone that is carries balancing and negativity blocking energies like turquoise. Together, they are a powerful spiritual and aesthetic combination. I was captivated by the slivers of turquoise and the brown hues that permeate the gemstones. When I found these round and oval shaped brilliant smoky quartz gemstones, I thought that the color, texture and size elements made a stunning statement. With four casual creations from the sophisticated combination of turquoise and smoky quartz, you can create a look that fits your lifestyle and your budget. Find these one-of-a-kind pieces in the Southwest Sizzle Collection. Ah, you can smell it in the air. The scent of a new year is like the scent of a new car. Its aroma just captivates you and seduces you into opening yourself up to new, unlimited opportunities to live the life you’ve always imagined. Last year, that new car smell faded quickly into a pungent odor. In other words, 2009 didn’t go quite as well as I had hoped. I recently invested my time to figure out why. That time is really like a private moment-of-truth. My moment-of-truth was the realization that I allowed my creativity, focus and personal will to wander done the road of self-doubt like never before. I am the type of woman who knows exactly what I want and aim to get it. I’ve been this way since I was three. And now a few decades older than three, it was startling for me to meander down the self-doubt road. This year, I vow to hightail it away from the out-of-focus, self-doubt terrain onto my usual path of stealth focus and creative exhibitionism all executed with my signature unyielding tenacity. My new plan is revisiting exactly what I want to manifest - body, mind and spirit. Since I obviously love jewelry and gemstones, I pulled out my favorite citrine necklace to give me some spiritual anchoring as I embark on my new and improved state of being. As I reread some of citrine’s characteristics, I thought that you might want to know how you can benefit from this knowledge as well. One thing is for certain, I wasn’t the only one on an unwanted path last year. But, then again, we always have control over what we want to manifest. Enjoy these characteristics of citrine and use its power to give you want you want and new in 2010. About Citrine Citrine fosters many physical and spiritual attributes to aid its wearer. Its vibrant light energy aids you in areas of clarity, creativity and personal will. When you need that extra persistence power, that personal will, to really deliver on ideas, citrine’s energy can aid you. If you vacillate between your ideas and courses of action, citrine can bring you the clarity you need to focus and anchor your thoughts to clear actionable steps. You can also spark your imagination through its powers to exert even more creative energy to bring your concepts and visions to fruition. Happy New Year! Here’s my necklace (OK I’m wearing three but who’s counting?) Last summer I heard a single mother of three tell her story about losing everything she had in a flood. As the flood waters were raging towards her home, she did what any loving mother would do. She took care of her children first by cramming a laundry basket full of as many clothes and shoes for them as she could. Only until they reached the car to get away from the ever rising waters, did she realize she didn’t pack anything for herself. The only items that she had were the clothes on her back and the shoes on her feet. Even those, she couldn’t keep because they had been contaminated by flood waters. Thankfully, this woman had family members to stay.She was also fortunate enough to still have a job to go to and had access to work-appropriate clothes through her family members. At that moment, as a woman fortunate to have an abundance of wardrobe options, I realized that I had to do something to help women like her. I’ve been her to some extent. After surviving the 1994 Northridge, CA 6.9 earthquake, I understaod that sometimes you just need a shower and clean change of clothes to begin to recovery your sense of humanness. And that is where the ‘Purge to Splurge’ program began. Please take a few moments of your valuable time to read more about this program and how you can help rebuild other women’s closets by recycling your jewelry and earning rewards for participating. What I enjoy about turquoise is its versatility. This necklace features some unusual shaped turquoise chunks paired with splashes of red coral to create an unforgettable statement necklace. An outstanding and unique piece can really jolt a wardrobe revival. It can spark the desire and need to break a dull routine of combining the same wardrobe options. This spark of energy is one reason why I love jewelry. Adding a necklace like this one will instantly add new creativity and style to your existing wardrobe. If you find yourself in a rut, break free by trying new styles and color combinations like these featured below. Go ahead, just try it. You might really, really like it. Why is it that a few simple strands of these marine marvels always envelop a woman in a cloak of style, grace and class? Historically, every culture placed high value on pearls even during abundant supplies. Woman of modest and substantial means draped themselves in pearls, sometimes from head to toe. In 15th century Europe, women wore hairnets (called “frets”) of gold threads adorned with pearls. In southern Russia, Jewish women owned black velvet caps embroidered with pearls. In both instances, these pearl- adorned pieces were considered significant enough to serve as legacy bequeaths for daughters. Throughout the time, it is believed that wearers of pearls experience a reduction in angry, pessimistic or depressing thoughts. Pearls are said to have a calming effect on the wearer and bring peace and emotionally stability. Find pearl jewelry throughout the site by searching with the keyword ‘pearls’ or visiting the Bridal Bliss and Pastel Paradise Collections. Pearls seem to beckon to women of all ages, style personalities and social backgrounds. You can buy the earrings and necklace featured in these samples here. Below are three ways to add one-of-a-kind, affordable pearl jewelry pairings to your wardrobe possibilities: Turquoise has long been synonymous with Native American culture and Southwestern region. It has an entrancing quality with its various sizes, shapes, colors and textures. In researching this gemstone, I found some interesting information. Turquoise was first mined over 6,000 years ago in the Sinai Desert. Turquoise stones were used in jewelry and furniture in the Middle East, Asia and Africa. It is a mineral that has no particular shape. What is a dichotomous, yet intriguing fact about turquoise is that it is a water rich mineral, yet forms only in dry regions of the world. It is said that the finest turquoise comes from Iran where it has been mined for 3,000 years. The world’s largest deposits are in the United States, particularly the Southwest. For gem healing purposes, turquoise is used for protection, courage, creative expression and emotional balance. Enjoy these ideas on how to wear this cosmopolitan cool necklace according to the many roles in your life. Buy this necklace here. We all know that she’s a risk-taker who revolutionized the fashion industry and transformed the way women wore dresses. In this podcast, I share with you her life philosophies that just might transform your life as well as your wardrobe.
Orange is an energy boosting color that definitely attracts attention as well. It is a color that induces a happy disposition and invokes a sense of curiosity. It stimulates enthusiasm and creativity and represents vitality with endurance. Orange symbolizes hospitality, sincerity and thoughtfulness. Here are the various ways the orange mother-of-pearl and moonstone necklace, cuff and earrings in the Floral Bloom Collection can be added to a variety of wardrobe styles: White Suit Patterned Sundress Fuchsia Fun Go Green Tropical Breeze Funky Night Out White Pop Here are some easy suggestions on how to combine your current wardrobe with vintage pieces featured on this site in the ‘Vintage Viewpoints’ Collection: In my inspiration blog, I shared a photo of a piece of jewelry that I was in the process of designing. What started off as a tray full of round green turquoise, chunky green nugget turquoise, chunky blue nugget turquoise and some sterling silver accents, transpired into this chunky necklace and coordinating bracelet found in the Southwest Sizzle Collection. I am constantly surrounded by beautiful sources of aesthetic inspiration. Nature, fashion magazines, art, people, cars; the references are endless. When I find images and words that drive my creative juices, I post them on inspiration boards. These boards serve as creative reference points for my designs. However, my greatest inspiration comes from the gemstones and materials that I use when I create a piece of jewelry. I rarely sketch my designs. Instead, I am moved by each of the stones to create the statement jewelry that you find on this site. Here are a few of my personal items: One bridal tradition that remains consistent is wearing pearls. The Greeks believed that pearls symbolize love, happiness and purity. They also believed that wearing pearls would take away the bride’s tears to ensure marital harmony. Historically, every culture placed high value on pearls even during abundant supplies. Woman of modest and substantial means draped themselves in pearls, sometimes from head to toe. In 15th century Europe, women wore hairnets (called “frets”) of gold threads adorned with pearls. In southern Russia, Jewish women owned black velvet caps embroidered with pearls. In both instances, these pearl- adorned pieces were considered significant enough to serve as legacy bequeaths for daughters. Pearl’s historical symbolism is their ability to stabilize negative thoughts and feelings like anger, depression and pessimism. Jewelry has always been a statement of personality, style and power. Even the earliest known civilizations exhibited a desire for personal adornment, using jewelry as an expression of their rank. These ornamental findings show that as each society advanced, their jewelry also developed a distinctive style that reflected their cultural voice. Women’s jewelry includes rings, necklaces, cuffs, bangles, arm bands, bracelets, head pieces, ankle bracelets, brooches, headpieces and more. Materials and technology account for the style, type and size of jewelry that has been created and worn throughout time. Metals such as brass, copper, silver, gold and platinum are typically used. Precious and semi-precious stones are prevalent in most designs. However, plastic beads, glass, ribbon and other components are used to create jewelry. Throughout history, women have used jewelry to pass on to future generations. Heirloom jewelry is still quite common. The creation of women’s jewelry continues to evolve with cultural, economic and natural influences along with designer innovations. Is a variety of quartz that contains both amethyst and citrine sectors in the same crystal. Also known as trystine or by its trade name as bolivianite. Jade defines two minerals, nephrite and jadeite, of similar appearance but different chemical composition. Both minerals are found in a wide range of shades of green, brown, yellow, grey and pink and may be either translucent or opaque. They may be milky or cloudy in appearance and sometimes speckled with tiny black spots. Howlite is always an opaque white or gray color with black web-like veins or streaks. It is often dyed and can be easily confused with Turquoise. The profusion of their culture was as vast as their empire. Egyptian influence soon found its way west, to Crete, and merged with the Mediterranean Minoan civilization. Minoan history is marked by three distinct periods of evolution in the design and craftsmanship of jewelry. Even though most of their historic treasures were devastated by earthquakes, and there were numerous and extended lapses in the creation and production of jewelry, each period marked renewed zeal for the design, manufacture and use of jewelry. Although their jewelry style was similar to the Greeks, each Minoan period introduced new developments in design and workmanship. The most notable development in the first period includes larger-sized beads shaped primarily as spirals, seashells, flowers and beetles, stamped out in their choice material: thin sheet gold. To create this look, craftsmen beat thin gold foil around other materials, often beads. Designs were also included on diadems, pendants and daisy-headed hairpins, and remained quite simple. Their simplicity was most likely due to the unavailability of natural resources like gold and gemstones. Natural resources did increase in the next period, and workmanship advanced even more. During this later middle period, skilled craftsman introduced the use of filigree and granulation. Filigree is the process of decorating a surface with patterns of wire. Granulation is the process of decorating a surface, generally, with minute balls. In fact, granulation is considered one of the most amazing technical advancements in the ancient world. The process remained fairly rudimentary until the Etruscans later perfected it. Historians discovered that during this period pendants and rings flourished in style, size and design. Leaves and animals were common themes in pendant ornamentation. Rings gained in popularity, as did the increasing size of pendants. Soon craftsmen were applying the traditional craft of seal-cutting, typically reserved for necklaces, to ring design as well. The availability of new materials, such as lapis lazuli and a variety of other stones, grew and enabled designers to extend their skill set into faience (essentially glazing) and cloisonné (outlining designs with thin wire and then filling in spaces with cemented slices of gemstones) settings. The designs, techniques and gemstones from this period reflect a strong Egyptian influence. The most influential style progression of the third period was characterized by a shift in design detail and fashion. The stone of preference became the Indian Sardonyx, which holds a rich pattern of parallel brown and cream colors. Diadems lost favor with the fashion crowd, and were quickly eclipsed by hair-pins featuring intricate floral patterns. Earrings made their debut with simple gold hoops - which remain a classic jewelry staple to this day. The art of seal-cutting reached unprecedented heights. Intricate seal designs of single figures were replaced with complex human figures, ceremonies, animals and more. Many of these seals were featured in rings, believed to be strung on cords and hung around the neck. The trendy way to wear necklaces during this period was from shoulder to shoulder, rather than draped around the neck. The Heracles knot, or reef knot, became the most widely adopted motif center of nearly all jewelry. Serpents, sirens, peacocks, doves, and Victory and Eros were also featured in pendants for earrings. All designs were cultural symbolizations of daily life, often with a strong Egyptian influence. The Minoans were creative and industrious people whose design and craftsman contributions ebbed and flowed with the impact of natural disasters and the availability of materials. Despite their setbacks and lack of materials, their imaginations and work ethic helped them to thrive. What they started was later perfected by the awe-inspiring Etruscans. Their remarkable story is next. Yvette Craddock is the managing member of StyleFolioJewelry.com, an accessory web site devoted to helping women define themselves through bold, modern and luxurious jewelry. It has been here all along. His traits are part of my DNA. So what do I have that I regard as so special? Listen and learn about his gifts that have and continue to keep me inspired.
Its uncut color is a dirty grey. But when cut, it is usually blue in color. When placed at various angles, the color can change tremendously showing a metallic luster and beautiful sheen. The reemergence of the ’80’s seems to be permeating the fashion, art and music worlds by experimenting with its range of punk edginess to refined splendor with a new millennium twist. DKNY is celebrating 20 years of great design with a short film that pays homage to the ’80’s cult classic “Liquid Sky.” Check out the fashion house film’s neon imagery set to hypnotic music. And then there is the queen of androgyny herself - Grace Jones. She silences her 20 year absence from music to strike a polarizing pose for the cover of V Magazine’s Spring issue. Her signature amplified attitude and provocative look is as intoxicating today as it was when she took center stage during the asymmetric silhouette decade. Recently, artists have been paying tribute to Stephen Sprouse with the launch of a book that celebrates his short-lived but creatively fierce life. He set a tone for the ’80’s fusion of graffiti punk and fashion pop that designers are emulating today. There is an element of the decade that symbolized glistening elegance, unabashed taste and cultivated style that is coming full circle as well. Women are rediscovering that period of refined and unapologetic feminism packaged in power-claiming frocks. Should pads, hourglass silhouettes and regalia resembling Dynasty days, seem to be making a triumpant catwalk comeback. So, it’s official. The ’80’s are back! Choose your range of artistic expression with a modern interpretation from a decade that danced with danger and decadence. What did an arranged meeting and assigned writing exercises do for me? Find out more in this pod cast.
Like your love for each other, your sugar’s jewelry should sparkle brightly. The necklace has just that touch to make it remain close to her heart. Freshwater Pearls, Swavorski Crystals and this outstanding Druzy pendant create a mesmerizing triple strand combination. The photo doesn’t do it justice. As I reflect on the influence of my mentor Alan, aka giorgio, I am compelled to share his views on style and life. I’ve classified them as giorgioisms. Stay tuned as I channel his words. From an uncompromising aspiration to achieve in a world which too frequently rewards conformity and mediocrity. The giorgio collection has always been strikingly individual. Definitively iconoclastic. Decidedly a classicist. Layered, stacked, draped, pinned or crowned, jewelry has always been a statement of personality, style and power. Even the earliest known civilizations exhibited a desire for personal adornment, using jewelry as an expression of their rank. These ornamental findings show that as each society advanced, their jewelry also developed a distinctive style that reflected their cultural voice. What is known today about ancient jewelry has quite literally been unearthed. Most often, ancient jewels have been found buried with the dead or in hidden caches, most likely secreted during uprisings and wars. Excavations show that both men and women wore jewelry - and lots of it. Both genders wore earrings, arm bands, bracelets, bangles, necklaces, head pieces, ankle bracelets, brooches, rings and more. Headbands were prominent amongst royals and attendants. Full body adornments and common layering of multiple pieces was part of their daily dress. In death, especially amongst royals, they were adorned to the hilt with jewelry worn during life. Even the poor were buried with simple necklaces. Read the first part in its entirety - Fashion Collaborative. Druzy is formed when water carrying dissolved silicia is forced into a rock cavity and quickly cools. The tiny crystals that from form this are called Druzy. So, what are you going to do with your new year? I decided that I’m not dressing in depressing grey garb despite the big R word. No, honey, I’m going to live it up and have some fun. Life marches on one way or another and I’m doing it to the beat of my own drum. So, it’s appropriate that I kick off the first ‘09 ‘Folio Files’ with this piece. Feathers = frisky. This mineral may be blue, violet, pink or brown. If it contains a streak it will be white. It is transparent to translucent. It is attributed to helping one to speak his/her mind. Is a pale blue and white banded variety of Agate. Agate is actually a derivative of Chalcedony. It can be obtained in all sizes through the world. It is proclaimed to have qualities that balance yin and yang energy. Metallic is marvelous darling, just marvelous. Silver metallic is also a magnet for excitement and can double as a disco mirror chip in a pinch. Why is it that a few simple strands of these marine marvels always envelop a woman in a cloak of style, grace and class? Historically, every culture placed high value on pearls even during abundant supplies. Woman of modest and substantial means draped themselves in pearls, sometimes from head to toe. Why is it that a few simple strands of these marine marvels always envelop a woman in a cloak of style, grace and class? Historically, every culture placed high value on pearls even during abundant supplies. Turquoise is said to bring good fortune to those who wear it, and apparently people feel the same about its influence elsewhere. Turquoise is a hot trend item in home décor right along with its presence in jewelry design. Sounds like good fortune is on the upswing everywhere.
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Vibrant colors can boost your mood like vitamin C can boost your immune system. And in the case of orange, a color that denotes hospitability, you can warm up the environment you inhabit. Orange became a popular color right after 9/11. Studies showed that its warmth appealed to people as they searched for hope. This look is rock fantasy meets Palm Springs poolside bling. The color Cobalt blue and shoulder length earrings are making more pronounced appearances on designer runways and red carpets. The classic color combo that anchors both ends of the greyscale spectrum comes out in full force. Exciting presentations include goth vibes, bondage wraps, wavy ruffles, lace and tulling, strip and dot ensembles and everything in between. Now is the time to amp up your closet classics and bring out a new classic twist. Get graphic with these combinations. Casual Style Graphic + Green The name “iolite” comes from the Greek word for violet. Gem quality Iolite varies in color from sapphire blue to blue violet to yellowish gray to light blue as the light angle changes. Typically thought of as blue, sapphire can also be colorless, green, pink and a range of other hues. It is mined in parts of the US, India, Russia and countries throughout Africa. In ancient Greece and in the Middle Ages, there was a belief that sapphires cured eye diseases and served as an antidote against poison. It is September’s birth stone.
Brass has been used throughout time as decoration for its bright gold-like appearance and its nearly tarnish-resistant properties. Back in the day, polished brass was often used as a mirror. Brass has likely been known to humans since prehistoric times. In the German village of Breinigerberg, an ancient Roman settlement was discovered where a calamine ore mine existed. Thus, brass was produced by melting copper together with calamine, a zinc ore.
Note: This image is actually 22k plated gold over brass.
StyleFolioJewelry.com introduces its Bridal Bliss Collection. The collection fits the most demure or dramatic bride-to-be. Some pieces are designed to add the just-there touch and others are created to play center stage, second to the bride’s breathtaking beauty. Think of the collection as tradition with a twist. If you consider yourself a fashionista, then chances are you are a Folioista™ too. What is a Folioista™? A devoted StyleFolioJewelry.com™ patron who loves the original, stylish, jeweled treasures featured on this site. Every purchase counts towards your style revolution. Is a massive stone, typically of deep-blue color, but sometimes with mottlings of white. It is an expensive mineral and crystals with vivid color are even more valuable. It is dull except when given a polished surface. Is a solid organic substance exuded from pin or fir trees. It is formless and translucent and generally yellow to brown. Clothes, cars, shoes and hangbags are just some items that seem to work best in the decadent color black. Black has always been associated with mystery, intrigue and power. Pure black onyx is common and probably the most famous variety of quartz. A variety of precious opal that is transparent to translucent and is reddish-brown to orange-red in background. Sometimes shows iridescence when viewed in certain directions. Highly coveted for its apple-green to deep green color, Chrysoprase is a gemstone variety of chalcedony. It is composed of crystals that remain undetectable under normal magnification. This gemstone is found throughout the world in Australia, Germany, Russia, Arizona, California and Brazil. The fashion world continues to be enamored with all things native, especially the cultures throughout the African, Oceanic and Asian parts of the world. This fascination continues through Fall ‘08 which I’ll chat about in a future issue. The Artistic Tribe collection pays tribute to the outstanding creativity prevalent in these cultures with a modern day twist. “If one is good, more is better”, professes my friend and designer Mary Jane. She took the words from right out of my mouth. Layering your jewelry is a fun way to add visual imagery and dimension. Baubles come in many shapes, sizes, stones and textures and when they are mixed together, magic happens. Plus, ladies, you know that you can never have too much shimmer to go with that shake! A massive, amorphous copper mineral of blue to green color that is sometimes confused with Turquoise. The name comes from the Greek chrysos, “gold”, and kolla, “glue”, in allusion to the name of the material used to solder gold. Get kissed with silky hues of rose, caramel, cloud, clay, taupe and dove. Showcase these colors in rich fabrics from chiffon to satin. Embody feminine fantasies in draping, billowy designs or something a bit more masculine tempered by fabric weight and color. Add some sheen for an overall luminous affect. Demure meets rock star. Silver, gold, pewter, bronze, copper and black are all metal colors that prominant shimmer this season. Sequin and lame metallics are reinvented to play with a mix of hues, textures and silhouettes to make this trend bang and not bonk. Try basic black with metallic accents like this example. Or get a bolt of blue. Designers continue to play in gardens to find sources of inspiration. Clothes this season are designed with a new range of floral motifs. Enjoy the new interpWinter whites, rose quartz, periwinkle, dove grey and classic crème are all labeled the new neutrals presented in structured silhouettes with power and poise. Try some inspiration in this feminine ensemble. This shape has a wide hairline and fullness below the cheekbones. Adding length creates balance with this shape. Longer than wide with a jaw that is narrower than the cheekbones, this shape offers the most versatility in hairstyle and jewelry options. This face shape is characterized by a small or narrow forehead and a rather large pouchy-appearing jaw line. Add length and volume around the mid-chest area to offset the difference. This shape is an elongated oval, characterized by long and narrow bone structure. The forehead and chin are proportionate. Add width to the cheekbone area. This face shape features a wider forehead than chin. Balance this shape by adding volume to the chin area. A shorter version of the rectangle, this face shape is proportionate from the forehead to the jawline. This face shape is proportionate from forehead to chin with an angular jawline. It is an extended version of the square face shape. Virtually a reversal of the V-triangle, an A-triangle face features a broad, square jawline with a slightly narrower forehead. Add length to decrease the broadness of the jawline. Similar to a diamond-shaped face, a V-triangle face has a wider forehead and a narrow chin. Balance out the shape by focusing on fullness around the chin. This shape features a narrow chin and forehead with wide cheekbones. Balance out the shape by focusing on fullness around the chin. Comes in an assortment of colors, however the natural hues of brown and black are most common. Is an opaque, blue-to-green mineral that has been prized as a gem and ornamental stone for thousands of years owing to its unique hues. It is a water rich mineral yet only forms in dry regions of the world. It is extremely flexible and favored by artisans because it serves as an excellent carving surface. Is found in a variety of colors due to its complicated and varied chemical composition. It is commonly found in black but other colors include blue, red, pink, green, brown and yellow. Has a glassy luster. Pure topaz is transparent but is usually tinted by impurities; typical topaz is wine or straw-yellow. They may be made white, gray, green, blue, pink or reddish-yellow and transparent or translucent. A variety of Epidote, a complex mineral, and is generally a pale-green color when first mined. However, they typically are bluish-violet and sometimes other hues. Material ranging from pale brown to virtually black. Color results from natural radiation, and radioactive mineral grains ensconced in massive quartz are often surrounded by a ‘halo’ of smoky quartz. Its color ranges from pink to blood red. Only diamonds are harder than rubies. Lab-created rubies have been around since the 1890’s and are difficult to distinguish from natural. Is a variety of the gem Olivine that is golden-green; but also ranges in shades from dark green to yellowish-green and can even be brown, black or colorless. The most valuable of all organic gems, pearls have been prized for their delicate iridescence and unique forms for at least 6,000 years. Pearls are formed when a foreign body such as a grain of sand or a parasite becomes trapped inside the shell of a mollusk. Pearls are relatively soft, but their concentric structure and organic binder give them great toughness. Due to the nature of pearls, they are susceptible to dehydration and exfoliation. There are two types of opal: 1) precious or noble that is iridescent and 2) a common opal characterized by a white, milky appearance with numerous sub-varieties. Opal ranges from clear through white, gray, red, orange, yellow, green, shore, blue, magenta, rose, pink, slate, olive, brown, and black. Of these hues, the reds against black are the most rare and dear, whereas white and greens are the most common. Is a cryptocrystalline form of quartz. The colors of its bands range from white to almost every color. Pure black onyx is common, and perhaps the most famous variety, but not as common as banded onyx, which contains bands of white, tan and brown. Onyx is originally an Assyrian word meaning ring, and so could refer to anything used for making rings. An opalescent variety of orthoclase (a major rock forming mineral) and some other components give this stone a blue or white sheen known as a schiller. Is a variety of natural glass and is transparent and bottle-green to greenish-brown. It is used as a gemstone when faceted (cut) and polished. The real mineral is almost white and can resemble pale bronze. It is generally cut and mounted in a fashion to enhance its surface sparkle. Is transparent and lilac-blue, violet or pink. The stones sometimes resemble pink topaz but are lighter and softer. Photo credit: Eurico Zimbres Is an opaque mineral from the quartz family with a smooth surface that can be highly polished. When the colors are in stripes or bands, it is called striped or banded jasper. Jasper can appear as an opaque rock with shades of red due to mineral impurities. Jasper is also brown, yellow, green, blue and purple. Traditionally red in color, garnet is part of a group of minerals that includes six main varieties. The chemical composition of garnet influences its many colors and shades.
Shell Shock
Lace Lattice
Rose Wear
Rose Thorns by StyleFolio featuring army pants
Fresh Squeezed Orange Appeal
Orange and Purple Swirl by StyleFolio featuring leather hobo shoulder bags
Orange and Grey by StyleFolio featuring leather handbags
Orange Stripes by StyleFolio featuring a short sleeve tee
Orange Soda Pop by StyleFolio featuring christian louboutin pumps
Orange+Brown+Blue by StyleFolio featuring cotton dresses
Combining and Balancing Textures and Weight
Floral UFO by StyleFolio featuring a houndstooth coat
Why These Women Wore It Right - Oscar Jewelry 2011
She makes pregnancy so beautiful. Here Tiffany & co. tassel earrings were prefect for three reasons:
1) They color coordinated with her gown and skin tone.
2) The size of post and dangling ball section is about the same size as her eyes thus repeating the shape and size that create harmony.
3) The earring length was about the size height as her ear thereby creating a natural balance from top to bottom.
She consistently scores an “A” in Oscar style. Her jewelry is classic, but illustrates so eloquently the simple rule of matching earrings to the size and shape of your eyes. The shine of the diamonds reflect the white of her eyes. She just glows.
The newly svelte Ms. Hudson is stunning. Her gown graces and accentuates her curves in all of the right places and ways. Her earrings work for the same reasons as Natalie’s do with one addition. The earrings shape at the bottom, balance out the width of her hair and forehead line. Her choice in wearing a single cuff on one wrist and two on the other add more sparkle, but balance out the details in her gown. Her cuffs create balance in her hip area. The two medium size cuffs worn together give the appearance of chunky jewelry but match the new scale of her body. The size of her ring works for the same reason. The single bangle is worn next to the widest and most detailed part of her gown to complement and not compete. The two cuffs, bangle and ring all work together to create harmony with the hip/thigh area of her gown in relation to her body scale. Bravo!
It looks like she skipped earrings, but her necklace choice was spectacular and works perfectly for her. Here’s why. She has a long narrow face and the necklace creates harmony with the length because the pendant falls at her perfect placement point. A placement point is measured by repeating the length of your face from forehead to chin and then finding the corresponding distance in your bodice area. Draw an imaginary line and that becomes your placement point. The pendant shape and width then provides further balance by visually matching the widest part of her face. By using these two rules together, she created harmony between her body blueprint™and her jewelry. Gorgeous!
Spring Forward in Coral Rose
Plaid Me by StyleFolio featuring logo handbags
Winter Florals and Frocks
Oxford Edge by StyleFolio featuring heel pumps
Razzle Dazzle
Plush Purple V2 by StyleFolio featuring clear crystal jewelry
A Little Tribal. A Little Southwest
Turquoise and Smoky Quartz Accessory & Wardrobe Ideas
A New Year for New Manifestations
Citrine is typically a lemon to golden yellow that derives from volcanic and other earth activity. That other activity must be magnetic because it is an attractor of abundance and wealth.
The Story of the Single Mother, The Flood and the Birth of ‘Purge to Splurge’
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Chunky & Funky
Alexander McQueen dress, $1,425
Franco Sarto boots, $129
Fendi bag, $1,980
Turquoise and Coral Necklace, $450
Coral and Turquoise Earrings, $50
Farfetch.com top, 579 GBP
Antonio Marras top, 360 GBP
Topshop.com skirt, 35 GBP
Gianni Barbato boots, 713 EUR
Turquoise and Coral Necklace, $450
Doma jacket, $620
Steven Alan blouse, $160
Debenhams.com jeans, 20 GBP
Charlotte Russe boots, $40
Linea Pelle belt, $150
About Pearls
Explore the Possibilities with Pearls
Chloé coat, $2,270
Chloé dress, $1,380
Dsquared2 shoes, $770
Buti tote bag, $830
Pearl and Gold Vermeil…, $215
Derek Lam jacket, $1,990
Burberry pants, $350
Diane von Furstenberg blouse, $245
Jenni Kayne shoes, $495
JJ Winters shoulder bag, $163
Donna Karan sweater, 720 EUR
Rich & Skinny jeans, $191
Tory Burch boots, $495
By Malene Birger glove, $285
Henrik Vibskov scarf, 124 GBP
About Turquoise
Cosmo Style Ideas
Image Influencer Series: Diane von Furstenberg
7 Ways to Wear Orange Statement Jewelry
A tailored white suit works for the office from spring to fall. Work this suite with a pump or a ankle boot, switch your handbags and add a zesty pop of richly textured orange mother-of-pearl and moonstone jewelry for the last unforgettable touch.
How to Wear Vintage
From Idea to Reality
Design Inspiration
Color Stories - colors and textures that inspire me and tap into trends
Cool Jewelry designs
The beginnings of the red, white and blue necklace.
This is in the works.
This too is in the works.
Pearls
Women and Jewelry
Jet (G, O)
Ametrine
Jade (MI)
Howlite (MI)
The History of Jewelry - Part II
Image Influencer Series: Drive, Discipline and Competition - Dad
Labradorite (M)
Fashion Flashback - Return of the ’80’s
Image Influencer Series: Bari-Ellen Ross
Dripping in Druzy for Valentine’s Day
Giorgioisms
In the Beginning - There was Jewelry
Druzy (CC, M)
Frisky Feathers & New Video Tips
Image Influencers Series: Alan aka giorgio
Dumortierite (M)
Blue Lace Agate
Image Influencer Series: Mike Tyson
Metallic Marvels
Pastel Pearls and Black Friday
Pastel Pearls
Good Fortune
Image Influencer Series: Oscar de la Renta
Orange Crush
Cobalt Chic
Black and White
Black+White - by StyleFolio on Polyvore.com
Iolite (MI)
Sapphire (G, M)
Brass (M)
Bridal Bliss
Folioista™ Program
Lapis (MI)
Resin (O)
Flower Power
Mexican Fire Opal (G)
Chrysoprase (CC)
Natural & Native
It’s Time to Shine
Chrysocolla (M)
Flesh and Fantasy
Flesh for Fantasy - by StyleFolio on Polyvore.com
Metal Heads
Black + Metallic - by StyleFolio on Polyvore.com
Bolt of Blue - by StyleFolio on Polyvore.com
Flower Power
Flower Power - by StyleFolio on Polyvore.com
Round
Oval
Pear
Oblong
Heart
Square
Rectangle
A-Triangle
V-Triangle
Diamond
Wood (O)
Turquoise (MI, S)
Tourmaline (G)
Topaz (MI, S)
Tanzanite (MI)
Smoky Quartz (MI, S)
Ruby (MI, P)
Peridot (MI)
Pearl (O, P)
Opal (G)
Onyx (MI, S)
Mother of Pearl (O, S)
Moonstone (MI, S)
Moldavite (C)
Marcasite (M)
Kunzite (M)
Jasper (MI, CC)
Garnet (M)
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