Charmed, I'm sure: Joy jewelry

Charm jewelry--a relic of bygone eras, a token of love and appreciation, extreme bauble goodness that can, at times, be overdone, or just wrong. That is, unless the charm jewelry is done by Denaz of Joy (username JoyandJewels on Etsy).

We aren't exaggerating when we say we like every single thing in her store, much like most of our favorites. Certain artists just have 'the touch' and they express their vision in a way we can incorporate into our daily lives. Based out of Devon in the UK, Joy jewelry has a look all it's own, and is a refreshing breath of air and whimsy. If you like granny's jewelry box, Extasia, and faery dust, you'll feel right at home wearing Joy.

What initially caught our eye was the vintage lucite flower garden. Very rarely do we run across a charm bracelet that is COVERED with stacked flower beads. Flowers upon flowers with bold and bright color combinations, this bracelet isn't for sissies or shrinking violets--it matches with everything and is basically like Springtime on your body 24/7. We love the sneaky pearl accents!

When we stopped drooling over the bracelet, we proceeded to look at the other goodies in the shop and discovered these black and blue crystal earrings. Placed on kidney wires, they are long, sparkly, and an unusual color combination that is eye catching. We love their regal appearance and feminine glamor, not to mention that the shapes look great together.

And finally, a truly cool piece of art--a collage necklace. The white clay rose is focal part and is surrounded by brass flowers with swarovski crystal hearts. The chain is woven pearls and copper beads, which is romantic, whimsical, and stunning. All together the colors, textures and shapes make a winning combination, perfect for fancy occasions or adding a little something special to your day.

Be sure to check out her other items...we have a feeling we'll be seeing great things from her!

Embellishments to wed for

Tying the knot. Gettin hitched. Jumping the broom. Whatever you want to call it, it's usually one of the most stressful and glamorous days in a womans life. Combine all of the opinions of well meaning relatives, a sundry of dresses to weed through, a plethora of choices to make regarding food, location, and invites and most people want to run to the local City Hall to get it done painlessly. Whatever your location--church, beach, City Hall, or your backyard, there's something appropriate, beautiful and handmade to help you tie your look together before you tie one on with your new spouse!

Glamor girls, check these out: camellias by Irina Floret, of Floreti, are handmade of silk and placed on a comb featuring three 4" diameter flowers with beautiful green leaves. These would look well with a simple upswept hairstyle, adding both fullness and drama without being complicated! We also like Floreti's Lily headwear, which feature two lilies on barettes, which can be worn together or separately for a variety of looks. These are a fabulous find for any bride that wants flair without having to spend 4 hours in a chair at the salon...if you can do a chignon, just add some flowers and get down that aisle!

Get fascinated. Fascinators add both drama, mystery, and flair, while cutting back on fussiness and time spent getting ready. This fascinator by KissCurl features a short veil of scalloped edged tulle and shaped millinery veiling, toeing the line between traditional and subversive sex appeal in a way that mom would approve of and grandma won't cringe at. (In fact, grandma might try to steal this bad girl from you...you know how saucy some of us get with age!) Handmade in the UK, KissCurl's designs are a wonderful option for the retro-inspired, yet definitely glamorous, bride. Below are two featuring veils in white, but be sure to check out her other designs for your bridesmaids or yourself...they're inspired without being overwhelming.

Feathery decadence. We're particularly inspired by these feather hair pins by Mezzo. While not something most brides would instantly think of on their wedding day, feathers scream couture, decadent, and edgy...for real fashionistas! As shown on the model, they add incredible impact without a lot of weight or fuss and are insanely afforable. Paired with a veil or worn on their own, they are gorgeous, and we don't think your bridesmaids would complain if you were to insist that they wear them!

The bride wore black: the indie girl wedding dress

What's the one day you can wear the most outlandish dress, demand and receive the most sumptuous jewelry, and be the center of attention, all without being called a diva or primadonna? Your wedding, that's when!

Those of us that don't sew our own dresses, make our own invites, or design our own bridal and bridesmaids jewels need not worry. We at HMF have been doing some digging, and here's what we've come up with.

Subversively sexy brides may want to wear black, or something white, but unusual. There's no rule that you're not allowed to be vamp on your wedding day, provided you bring a healthy smattering of class to the occasion. After some digging, we unearthed Black Beauty Bustle Gown by Stephanie Madesh, a New York based designer.

We love the romantic detailing on this one--strapless, but sweetheart, with a corset underlining (much like gowns worn by celebs on red carpets), rustling taffeta and a bustle that isn't overdone. Available in black, white, and ivory, each is made to your specific measurements.

Then there's Jaqueline by Minna K, which reeks upper class elegance. It features a drawstring, drop waist, evocative of evening gowns from the 30s--so chic and utterly timeless. This one would work well for an outdoor wedding, city hall, or as the dress for the reception.

Wai-Ching clothing is a blessing for brides and bridesmaids everywhere. The designer, Chrissy Wai-Ching (based out of Seattle, Wa), selects, hand dyes, and pieces together fierce creations for a highly original, yet wearable piece of art, which take about one to three months to make. We love the Satori dress, which features a collage made of silk and stretch materials and is completely yummy.

I am diva, hear me roar. Jewelry by Sonya Coulson Rook

There are times when a piece of jewelry is more than simple adornment--jewelry can be art. It can evoke emotion. It can make people stop, stare, and attempt to hump your leg. Metamorphosis, a line by Sonya Coulson Rook does all of that and more.

In a world where beautiful things can mean oppression of the less fortunate, where 'beauty' is commercial to the point of vain sterility, it's always exhilarating to come across artists that create something so extraordinary it takes your breath away.

Sonya Coulson Rook had us the second we saw her feather cocktail ring. It is so glam, so faboo, so amazing, words are feeble in comparison. With all the spiky animal sensuality of a feathered boa, the cheek and splendor of marabou slippers and the supa-calla-glamourous of Auntie Mame's over the top baubles, the Feather Cocktail ring is a show stopper!
Watch yourself, ladies, because she also designed an impressive lariat with--you guessed it--feathers. Combining ruggedly sexy rolo chain, which is oxidized for an organic, industrial effect, the feathery lariat is provocative pretty, saucy and elegant all at once. We picture this one with heavy eyeliner and fiercely defined hair.

Last but not least, her delicious antique lace earrings, which feature oxidized sterling silver hoops (with a pebbled surface) accented with brass flowers and pearls. Like the queen of the garden, these earrings stand out in a not-so-soft but devastatingly womanly way. Divina.

That's just a little intro to some treats available at her Etsy shop, but please check out her website as well and get acquainted with Metamorphosis.