THE JEWEL STREET EXPERIENCE

I recently left my job in the jewellery industry to move back into fashion, after a 5 year stint spent working with all that glitters. It was whilst working in London's jewellery quarter, Hatton Garden, that I developed a passion for independent jewellery design and discovering upcoming names in the industry. Contrary to belief, earning dollar in the jewellery trade isn't easy, margins are tight and only a small handful of designers make a name for themselves. Here lies the case for supporting independent designers and investing in talent in the UK - which in turn brings ethical benefits - invest in quality trinkets and adornments and they will stand the test of time. Which leads me to Jewel Street, my new virtual go-to for jewels. Described as an online market place, the new jewellery e-tailer enables customers to buy straight from the designer. JewelStreet invited me to trial the website [I'm now the proud owner of an exquisite pair of Anna Byers earrings] and I'm really impressed. The curation of brands on the site is A+, just about all my favourite designers make an appearance. Check out Lestie Lee, Astrid and Miyu and De Anna Kiernan for starters. It's the kind of website you can spend hours browsing and discover treasure upon treasure. To get you started, here's the LFF edit of my favourite pieces online now: 

Top from L-R: 1. Gold Prism ring pendant, Sonal Talgeri-Bhaskaran, £145. 2. Black rhodium honeytags earrings, Gia Belloni, £186. 3. Indian teardrop stacking rings, Sophie Breitmeyer, £610. Middle from L-R: Long shard earrings, De Anna Kiernan, £95. Gold vermeil deco earrings, Anna Byers, £195. Bottom from L-R: Golden sparrow ring, Jana Reinhardt, £129. Shiny wishbone necklace in rose gold, Astrid and Miyu, £29. Hope stacking rings, Faye Marie Jewellery, £165. 

WEARING ANNA LOU OF LONDON

As a blogger, there's no bigger buzz than when a brand you're a fan of gets in contact with a request to collaborate. I don't think I will ever become jaded about that aspect of the job. So when Anna Lou of London got in contact recently to ask me to be a brand ambassador, I was a super happy girl. For those of you unfamiliar with them, ALOL is a British jewellery brand which specialises in bespoke pieces. But unlike many jewellers, Anna Lou's monogrammed pieces are affordable, offering a luxe personalised touch at a great price. The brand also retails costume jewels in eye-popping brights manufactured in perspex for a kitsch-chic look. As a brand ambassador for ALOL I was tasked with picking five pieces from the site that reflected my personal style. 

5 WAYS TO UPDATE YOUR LOOK FOR SS13 ON A BUDGET

Just because you're feeling the pinch this month doesn't mean you can't start to try some of the new-season trends. If (like me) you're on a self-imposed shopping ban until payday, then console yourself with these 5 cheap and cheerful SS13 outfit updates:

1. Co-ordinate your Jewellery

Statement necklaces and oversized jewelled earrings have been big trends for quite a few seasons now, but for SS13 the new way to wear your jewels is to co-ordinate them. Take inspiration from the Gucci catwalk and match your oversized earrings to a statement necklace for an instant update.


Gucci SS13 Catwalks
Image source: style.com



 2. Mix it up

The artfully mismatched look has been a growing trend for a few seasons now. The real selling point of this playful style is that you can update your look on cheap by simply by finding new outfit combinations in your existing wardrobe. For the ultimate inspiration on how to style this trend, look to US brand J.Crew for a masterclass in inventive fabric, texture and pattern combinations. Take your first baby steps into this trend by pairing a breton stripe t-shirt with floral pants or skirt.



J.Crew SS13 Collection. Image source style.com.

3. Get lippy

Bold lips in juicy shades of fuschia and tangerine were allover the SS13 catwalks, I especially loved the orange/pink smudged lips at the Holly Fulton London Fashion Week show. Don't disregard a dark claret lip either, the gothic trend is still going strong.

1. Topshop lips in Tease, £8.
2. Topshop lips in Infrared, £8.
3. Topshop lips in Brighton Rock, £8.
4. Topshop lips in Hazard, £8.

4. Tie-dye nails

Created by nail guru Sophy Robson and debuted on House of Holland SS13 catwalk, this technicolor trend can be achieved by mixing up any colourful nail polishes you have to hand. Look for Youtube tutorials to nail (excuse the pun) what will be the perfect manicure to debut at your summer festivals. 

House of Holland SS13 nails. Image source: kissandmakeup.tv

5. High Brow

Take your style cues from supermodel cutie Cara Delevingne and trial the bold brow trend in your new-season beauty look. I've spent the last few months forgoing plucking my eyebrows and  pencilling them in to achieve thick face-framing brows. I have to say I'm really pleased with the difference a strong eye brow can make to your whole face, it has the power to make the eyes look wide eyed and awake, even after a heavy night out!

Cara Delevingne at the Missoni SS13 show.
Image source: Style.com

6 OF THE BEST: SS13 NEON EARRINGS

A neon pair of earrings is an affordable and easy way to add a pop of colour to your January wardrobe. The fluro look will continue to be a big trend for SS13, so now is the perfect time to invest in eye-poppingly bright costume jewels. To style this look I'd wear my neon earrings with neutral classic pieces, say a beige trench coat or a grey marl sweater, for an unexpected twist on the trend. Here are six of my favourite styles available online now:

1. Beaded jewel swing earrings, ASOS, £15.
2. Shourouk Mia earrings, Matches Fashion, £338.
3. Tom Binns Riri earrings, Net-a-porter.com, £440.
4. Curb chain & gem drop earrings, ASOS, £10.
5. Premium neon deco earrings, Topshop, £30.
6. Neon green chandelier earrings, New Look, £6.99.

LFF LOVES: ASOS' AW12 STATEMENT JEWELLERY

For the best statement jewellery on the high-street this season, look no further that ASOS’ seriously luxe AW12 offering. 

Featuring colourful jewelled earrings and quirky statement necklaces, ASOS have a plethora of adornments to update your winter look. To style this trend for now, mix up your look and pair your jewelled accessories with a casual grey marl sweater for that perfect high/low combination. 

1.Premium flocked gemstone necklace, £50. 
2.Midnight bug necklace, £20. 
3.Crystal shard burst necklace, £50. 
4.Jewelled moon doorknocker earrings, £20.
5.Winged stone collar necklace, £40. 
6.Bee door-knocker earrings, £15. 

SIX OF THE BEST: JEWELLED EARRINGS FOR AW12

If SS12 was all about the off-the-wall statement earring, then AW12 belongs to jewelled, luxurious adornments set with coloured crystals and faux-gems. Look out for faceted stones in an array of colourful jewel tones to tap into this trend.

This is both a fun and versatile trend that will multitask in your AW12 wardrobe; pair with simple knit to add some dazzle to your daywear and offset a stylish shift with finese for cocktail hour. Here's my pick of the best styles available at the moment:

 
1. Lanvin vintage-look earrings, Matches, £495.
2. Jewelled vine drop earrings, ASOS, £20.
3. Frankie bling earrings, Kurt Geiger, £30.
4. Kenneth Jay Lane crystal drop earrings, The Outnet, £55.
5. Jewel bauble earrings, ASOS, £18.
6. Shourouk DS Montana earrings, Matches, £305.

SIX OF THE BEST FRIENDSHIP BRACELETS FOR SS12 & BEYOND

A HUGE trend in fashion and jewellery at the moment is layering up friendship bracelets. Personally, I am a massive fan of this trend because it is an easy and fun way to add some interest, colour and individuality into your everyday wardrobe. The key to getting the layered look right is to mix luxe with low-cost; a handmade friendship bracelet contrasted against an expensive designer timepiece looks both modern and interesting. Here's a perfect example of the trend in action from one of my all-time favourite bloggers, Taylor Sterling of Sterling Style.

With some gorgeous designer and high street friendship bracelets out there at the moment, shopping this trend is a whole lot of fun. Here's some of my favourite styles:

1. Aurélie Bidermann peace charm bracelet, net-a-porter, £65.
2. Purple skull bracelet, Kabiri, £45.00.
3. Evil eye friendship bracelet, Astley Clarke, £135.00.
4. Lapis Lazuli Bea bee bracelet, Cinderela B, £35.
5. Daisy Jewellery 24CT Gold Chakra bracelet, my-wardrobe.com, £86.00. (30% of all sales goes to Breakthrough Breast Cancer.)
6. Luxe neon sea bamboo bracelet, Cinderela B, £22.

GORGEOUS, AFFORDABLE JEWELLERY BRAND ALERT: MEET CINDERELA B

On Tuesday I headed to Spitalfields to visit the showroom of up and coming designer jewellery label, Cinderela B. The Cinderela B brand was founded by British designer Rachel Jackson, who set up the label following a life-changing gap year spent travelling the world. It was whilst in South America that Rachel formed a lifelong friendship with an inspirational local lady called Cinderela Bracante, who consequently taught Rachel how to make jewellery, and from whom the label takes it name.

The Cinderela B showroom itself is a gorgeous little haven near Brick Lane where I was served french fancies and tea from fine china whilst viewing the adorable South-American inspired designs and receiving a fuss from Rachel's pup, Raffy. To say the majority of the collection is gold and silver plated, with many designs incorporating gemstones, the prices are extremely affordable with a bestselling dainty Bea Bracelets costing just £25. So to get you inspired, here are just some of the stunning designs that caught my eye.

Bea Bee choker necklace

Liberty print bracelets

Pom pom necklaces

Refreshments Cinderela B style

Bea Bee bracelets

Founder and designer Rachel Jackson with
showroom pup Raffy!

A statement piece from the Vintage Couture range

A close-up of the Bea Bee necklaces

More Bea Bee collection

Bea Bee earrings

Raffy the Cinderela B pup

Wearing my beautiful Amazonite Pom Pom necklace

Continue reading after the jump for an interview with Cinderela B designer Rachel Jackson...

SIX OF THE BEST STATEMENT EARRINGS FOR SS12

When it comes to earrings for SS12, the bigger, brighter and brasher the better! The statement earring is a huge trend for the season; as seen at Dolce and Gabbana where the design duo sent pasta-bow shaped earrings down the catwalk, and Prada where oversized resin rose and crystal pieces complemented the 1950s-style collection. Once the preserve of Pat Butcher and your kookily-dressed high school art teacher, the statement earring is now well and truly on-trend, so to get you started here's six of my favourite pairs.

1. Miu Miu plexiglass lightning bolt earrings, net-a-porter.com, £90.

2. Tom Binns small dot dash Swarovski crystal earrings, net-a-porter.com, £155.

3. Circle triangle drop earrings, Topshop, £8.50.

4. Rose and faceted tear drop earrings, ASOS, £10.00.

5. Marni at H&M earrings, Ebay.

6. Bijoux Heart opal and Swarovski crystal earrings, theoutnet.com, £155.

POP YOUR COLLAR: STATEMENT NECKLACES FOR EVERY POCKET

A simple way to refresh your look this season is with a statement collar necklace. Whether you opt for a pretty ribbon-tie bib necklace or an edgier, chunkier chain number, a statement necklace can 'fashion up' simple shift dresses, sweaters and shirts. My dream purchase would be a Marni collar; Marni necklaces are a worthwhile investment because they are classic collectors pieces that will never date. But for now I'll have to put the dreams on hold and settle for some of stylish high street alternatives that tap into the trend without the hefty pricetag.

1. Beaded Collar Necklace, Dorothy Perkins, £15.00
2. Ribbon and Gem necklace, New Look, £17.99
3. Bib-style Necklace, Mango, £39.90.
4. Jade Chunky Stone Necklace, Tallulah Tu, £28.
5. Midnight Purple Margery Necklace, Marc by Marc Jacobs at mywardrobe.com, £225.00.
6. Lucite and Horn Embellished Bib Necklace, Marni at Net-a-porter.com, £340.

THOMAS SABO EXOTIC ISSUE PARTY

Chelsea's most fashionable residents were out in force last Thursday for the Thomas Sabo Exotic collection launch party in the King Road flagship store. Lafashionfolie blogspot was overwhelmingly excited to be in attendance, and I'm not ashamed to say that was partly because of the promise of an appearance from Made in Chelsea stud Spencer Matthews.




Thomas Sabo's Visual Merchandiser Charlotte Fotheringham enjoys the party

  And the night did not dissapoint, Thomas Sabo put on a glamourous event, cementing the brand's reputation for hosting fantastic parties. The dazzling oriental- inspired jewellery collection was complemented by champagne, sushi canapes and an Oriental Geisha to entertain the fashion press, bloggers and PRs in attendance. My best dressed of the night award went to Darkwah Kyei-Darkwah of Bienvenue a la Clique blog in a red blazer, dickie bow and velvet slipper ensemble.




best dressed Darkweh Kwei Darkwah

 





Darkwah's fabulous velvet slippers with lion motif

  As an unashamed uber Made in Chelsea fan, my highlight of the evening had to be when Made in Chelsea's Spencer Matthew arrived with co-star Jamie Laing in tow! The boys were in the mood to party after wrapping filming for the second series the day before, but were remaining tight lipped on the upcoming events the show, with Spencer saying 'I could tell you, but you'll need to watch to find out!'

Yours truly and Jamie and Spencer



In my new Topshop trench alongside Spencer and Charlotte



View the fabulous Thomas Sabo exotic issue collection on Thomassabo.com.

HOP TO THE SHOPS

I always forget what a wonderfully optimistic season Spring is until it finally arrives and reaquaints me with the joys of the season; daffodils, longer, lighter days and fluffly little lambs to name but a few. Today Spring has definitely arrived in London and it has got me thinking it's time to inject a breath of fresh Spring air into my wardrobe. And what better way to do it than with the iconic emblem of the season that is the easter bunny? This adorable sterling silver bunny pendant from Thomas Sabo is the perfect springtime accessory, and the more I see it at work (I work in Thomas Sabo UK head office) the more I feel I need it in my jewellery collection. Pick up your bunny at Thomassabo.com here.

FLUORO FANTASTIC!

Something tells me the fluoro trend is going to be big news next spring/summer, so I'm really hoping Santa stuffs the above Marc by Marc Jacobs chunky chain link bracelet with interwoven neon yellow cord into my stocking this Christmas. Come the new season I predict fluoro accessories will be must-haves pieces, after all, they will perfectly update our wardrobe's for the new season, adding a vibrant pop of colour to winter's neutral colour palette. Pick up this natty number at Net-a-porter.com now, and reap the benefits next year. Click to buy.