Ten ways to wear it! 

The Jewellery Edition
So you have collected, nay amassed a small mountain of semi-precious gems as well as the odd piece of bizarre costume jewellery and accessories. Or perhaps you have that one off piece’s that has been collected whilst back-packing through Peru or Thailand, or been picked up from your favourite online boutique; market stall finds that you just have not been able to part with! Many of us are a little Magpie-like when it comes to our accessories. 

Then there are the ‘favourites’, a few key pieces that we love to wear over and over. However after a while even the most beautiful necklace or set of bangles can become a little bit staid.  So how can we keep these pieces fresh? By stylishly recycling them of course! Your accessories have more style possibilities than first meets the eye! Especially when it comes to experimental style: The possibilities really are endless! Here are our top ten tips on ways to wear your favourite bits and pieces:

Wrapping and layering- long necklaces look amazing double wrapped around your neck, but why not try that long beaded necklaces wrapped around your wrist? It will give the illusion that you are wearing a set of elaborate bracelets. Layering a mix of bracelets is a key season trend so mix it up with other bracelets you have for a fun festival look!

Pinning- Brooches are back big time, especially with the re-emergence of vintage fashion. For a bit of old school glamour try pinning a retro style brooch on your bag, at your waist, of with a scarf. At the base of a Trilby hat is a great way to wear your pin back brooch! One of the most versatile styles of accessories jewellery around; it’s surprising what you can get away with. 

Bangles - As well as being on wrists why not try being a little eccentric with your bangles? Take that ultra-long beaded flapper style necklace and knot a bangle in it for an unusual and bohemian looking piece of statement jewellery! It’ll be a real conversation piece.  

On keys-have at odd Murano glass/Lamp work beaded earring left, after the other one went missing? Instead of throwing such a pretty bead away, why not try attaching it to a key ring? This would make a beautiful jewelled item that you will see all the time on your key chain, an ultra-easy way to brighten up every day.  

Bag charms- Bag decorations are a fantastic way to jazz up that plain colour block work bag. Just clip it on the strap of your bag or the link for a bit more personality for the corporate day. Like brooches, bag charms are a versatile style of personal adornment, some of the more elaborate ones can be added to a long chain for a statement necklace look too. 

Belt up!  A clever way to create the illusion of having a smaller waist is to use a brightly detailed necklace as a belt. The eye catching colours and shapes will attract the eye to the waist making it almost a avant garde show piece in its own right. Depending on the style of the outfit this idea can work wonders when worn loosely with a long gypsy style skirt, or as an added extra with that 1980’s inspired body con dress.

Hair Style - Have you got that old choker style necklace that just doesn’t do it anymore? Perhaps it’s lost a link? Don’t throw it away! Fascinators can be a wedding guest staple and this is the perfect opportunity to make your own! Take the centre piece of the choker and using bobby pins fasten in your hair for a more individual look!

Arm Cuffs-If you are like many petite women and have tiny wrists then the chances are that many bangles will not fit, feel uncomfortable and slip off your hands easily. Very annoying. Especially when you spot that gorgeously intricate silver tone bangle! So why not use it as an arm cuff? This would look very pretty especially with that lovely sleeveless Grecian style dress. There is no shame in going for that ‘Warrior princess’ style!

She’s a right scarf- A wonderfully versatile piece of clothing, the humble scarf really is the winner when it comes to experimenting. As a headscarf, hair bando, neck scarf tied loosely or tightly around the neck you can’t go wrong! How about wrapping your patterned silk scarf around your hair, add a brooch to go with it and create an arty vibe that keeps your neck cool this summer!

Waist not Want Not! Remember that old scarf that you were too in love with to give away? Along with a retro style chunky 80’s inspired metallic belt and some random clip on charms you could make an interesting piece of waist art! Try loosely braiding the two together and adding the charms for an eclectic/retro/stylish addition to your outfit. Try your ‘new belt’ around a t-shirt and over a boyfriend style cardigan!

See you soon!

Hema

Lingerie ;)

Lingerie….painful and practical, or sensual and seductive?

Recently I have found myself thinking about Lingerie, amongst other equally important subjects, of course. Lustrous undergarments have remained popular across continents and throughout centuries. The Egyptians, Greeks and French professed their enjoyment in wearing intricate undergarments since time began, and today the world of Victoria’s Secret dominates many ladies’ lives. Indeed, I must confess, the purpose of lingerie, and the effect it  has on people, intrigues me.

Initially I've thought lingerie was simply gendered undergarments, both unnecessary and uncomfortable. I mean, are we supposed to be putting on a panto with these laced, frilled and feathered slinkies? Surely these midnight satins only serve for a mere moment in time, as before we know it they will be tossed away to a holier place.

But after various discussions with different friends, and my own little journey of discovery…I may be starting to view lingerie as having many different purposes, some practical, and some more passionate.

It all boils down to how lingerie makes us feel. Whether im riding solo, or having fun for two, I always make sure I wear what makes me feel good and dare I say it, sexy. Lingerie can come hand in hand with women’s sexual freedom, to express themselves and enjoy their bodies.  I get a cheeky kick from knowing that underneath my office attire, my modesty is preserved with sensual satin. Sod it, its not Victoria’s secret its mine! Not only do these fabrics make you feel special, but the right fitting underwear can turn you into the Mona Lisa, and your bedroom the Louvre. Well, Mona wasn’t a looker bless her, but you understand my point ! She (or he - as we all know the Mona was based on a man) was and is a centrepiece in the history of time, and had Leo Da Vinci under her (or his) thumb. The right fitting panties can emphasise your assets ie) give you a bottom that you initially don’t have, and make you feel a bit glorious.

If you feel sexy underneath, this will radiate to the outside world. When someone is confident in their own skin, they have that sparkle in their eyes, it shows in their walk and talk.  In fact, Marilyn Monroe’s famous wiggle when she walked, was due to her underwear, pinching certain areas where the sun don’t shine. Each woman has her own idea of beauty, to some, beaded and jewelled underwear is teasing and personally some lingerie can be a little too tacky for my taste. Keep it classy ladies! I'd choose delicate silk any day over dodgy dominatrix disasters. ..no offence to those with nocturnal fetishes.

I do think something so private, can also be beautiful and elegant, giving us that striking silhouette. Yet, we could argue the very idea of lingerie is just another societal and cultural pressure that women succumb to, and that men have it easy with their cheeky basic briefs and Y fronts (each to their own)…while we are spending time and money in order to feel airbrushed when facing both them and of course our favourite friend, the mirror. Bastards. 

However after much deliberation, I feel that lingerie can serve as both practical and sensual, giving you longer lithe legs, and ample bosoms whilst also carving a confidence you never knew you had. Adam and Eve perused the holy Garden starkers with nothing more than a cheeky leaf preserving their modesty, so clearly the evolution of lingerie has come a long way. However when talking intimacy and nocturnal adventures, seductive and enticing lingerie is more like unwrapping an exquisite present, I mean the best part is underneath is it not?  Well ladies and gentlemen I'll conclude my stream of consciousness with a final thought, and that is that with or without our sensual undergarments, we should feel beautiful and confident just the way we are. Lady Gaga says we were born this way, I’ll agree with her on this one.

Peace & Love

M


www.houseofbeth.com

Ethical Jewellery

 Ethical Jewellery

Want something a little bit different for that birthday gift? Or perhaps just for yourself?

Ethical Fashion is for you! Ethical and fair trade jewellery pieces can be found with such a diverse array of influences. We here at the House of Beth love the cultural inspiration from the exotic colours and shapes out there!   

House of Beth offers a range of jewellery from Ethical designers, Jennifer Sturrock’s strand necklaces are beautiful worn alone or stacked up for a more bohemian chic look, great over any earthy or pastel toned cardigan. Her three stranded loop necklace is a must to complete any summer look. 

A  Alicia specialises in jewellery made from a variety of ethically produced materials combined with vintage fabrics. This necklace in particular is a superb piece to go over a simple black or white vest top for a bold and bright impact this summer, perfect for that stroll along the beach before a sultry evening barbecue with friends.

Another House of Beth designer Justine Silverstone uses an array of beautiful stones to create her pieces. It’s impossible to resist the stunningly bright and happy colours of her pieces, delicate but at the same time bold. Justine’s designs are so very versatile and bring elegance to everyday living. The last thing on our minds when going out shopping or on the school run is accessorising, but with these pieces you can look fabulous without even trying.   

The intricate pieces from Arabel Lebrusan are made from recycled silver and gold. This stunning necklace would go well with anything, a wonderful daytime look teamed with simple t-shirt and jeans as well as an elegant addition to go with that sleek little black dress for those all-important dinner events.

Manumit's glass and silver jewellery is handmade Chilean jewellers. Their works goes towards helping to gain much needed business. The colours found in the jewellery stand out bright, bold and would add everyday glamour to any outfit. Team a pair of beaded earrings with a spaghetti topped vest with long gypsy style skirt for instant bohemian chic.

The beaded jewellery range that Manumit also specialise in is made in India by a group who works with deprived sections of society. The group works together to fight exploitation, poverty and illiteracy which I think you will agree is a battle well worth fighting!

Not only will you look fabulous in any one of the features pieces but also know that because of your actions someone somewhere is closer towards getting a fairer wage, better working conditions and the well-deserved recognition. The only way to go is ethical!

What's in a smell?

Well, everything. Every whiff of every scent can arouse memories in a  moment for us. Not only can sweet scents and potent fragrances we wear act as a magnet to others, but they can bring us back to fonder times….where passion and not so forgotten lovers are relived fresh as ever, in our minds once again.

In the words of Don Draper (Madmen), "Nothing can beat the sweet smell of Nostalgia, which is delicate but also extremely potent." It only takes a familiar scent on a stranger passing by me, to bring me back to my forever young 15 year old self, whose insecurities clouded almost everything. That first perfume I wore, when I had my first kiss on the Adriatic coast, even the butterflies flutter back to me when I smell that scent again. 

Not only is our sense of smell deeply connected to our memory, it also has the power to create our sense of self, at a particular moment in time, our essences individuate us.

Polkadots

Hello my ethical stars. Today I’m taking the true meaning(s) of Polkadots. Polkadots are simply sporadically placed dots, frequently used in fashion, right? Wrong. Although for the consumer, a billowing polkadot dress is fabulous for both the summer sunshine and winter wonderlands, to Yayoi Kusama, polkadots represented a whole new field of thought, observation and a poignant insight into her very own psyche. This topic has been inspired by my recent trip to the Tate Museum, which opened my eyes to the hidden significance of art and passion behind the clothes we purchase and so frequently flaunt.

My lazy Sundays took a creative turn when I spontaneously decided to visit Kusama’s surreal exhibition. A truly unique artist, Kusama has lived voluntarily in a psychiatric institution since 1977, and much of her work explores obsession and a desire to escape from her psychological trauma. Kusama uses her art to share her experiences, as my friends and I witnessed first hand through her ethereal installations that immersed us in her obsessively charged vision of endless dots and infinitely mirrored space.

Is Less More?

The question is, do we appear more beautiful if we keep our attire modest or is a little vibrancy and a flash of skin more exciting? Some would say what is concealed is more mysterious and beautiful to the eye of the observer. However the eye of the observer is indeed a very subjective one, and in my opinion showing some skin, and I’m not talking Nuts magazine, rather a gently exposed shoulder or the delicate contours of one’s back; can be visually stimulating enough to get blood pumping at a dangerously faster speed. Although we can indeed control what we wear, we cannot control the oogling, stares and various animal noises our ‘look of the day’ may attract.

Let’s face it, sometimes the image we wish to project comes with unwanted attention. Not so long ago I chose to wear heels matched with my flamboyant faux fur to work. Other than the fact that it was minus something degrees and my own breath was freezing before my eyes, I felt like this outfit would give me a lift on a soggy Monday morning. Lunch time approached, and as soon as I stepped out of the office, I immediately fell under a strange scrutiny predominantly from men. Asides from the critical glares from the odd woman clasping her toasted Panini; male A) hissed at me in the street and male B) asked me if I was sure I didn’t want a Banana with my lunch? No Sir, just the Granny Smith I have placed in front of you. Gracias and Adios! Forever preferably? Except that won’t happen because I see you every day at 1pm: Awkward.

GREETINGS BETHLINGS,

My name is Marina and I come with love, insight, and a passion for fashion. (Ethical of course)

My aim is for you to gradually get to know me through my little snippets and posts on this blog – although just to let you know in advance that  'normal' doesn’t really toot my horn so expect some eccentricity and a bit of cheek. Nothing that Beth can’t handle!  

 I recently rummaged through House of Beth’s delights, and the first thing I noticed was that these clothes feel like your old friends; each one had a certain story and energy to them. These eclectic and intriguing garments exude a sweet nostalgia, providing you with an instant connection. This is what fashion, and the heart of my wardrobe, represents to me.