Friday, January 27, 2012

NAVAJO NUANCE

I was trying to think of a stronger word than "love" to describe how I feel about Navajo fashion. Maybe the fact that my boyfriend jokingly nicknamed me "Sacajawea" is the best way I can describe my obsession to this fantastic style.The bold colors, the strong lines, the geometric shapes are just a few of the reasons why I'm so drawn to it.





I work in an Interior Designer's showroom specializing in fabrics. Our new fabric of the season: Navajo Print. I'm sure you could imagine my excitement to this fantastic new addition. Below is a photo of a fabric very similar to ours.

This Navajo trend is quite casual, which doesn't always coordinate with my work attire. So my feather earrings and fringe vest are not a 9-5 (Mon-Fri) accessory for me. I do, however, think it's important to show off your personal style at work while remaining professional at the same time - Especially since you never know what spontaneous after work plans can sneak up on you.

Since I'm not always wanting to be dressed like I'm going to Coachella, I decided to create a necklace that embodied the Navojo style but with a little touch of sophistication. 


When I made this piece, my inspiration was a dream catcher and a bow and arrow - Thus the arrow head and circular pendant. Best part about it: I plan on wearing it today and tonight.
(33 inch 14k gold filled chain. Gold non-tarnish wire. 16k gold pendant/charm. Green onyx stone)
Price: $45 


For Questions: Email nikkicolton@gmail.com 
To order, please visit my shop on etsy:  http://www.etsy.com/listing/93690912/navajo-necklace

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

GOLD IS GOOD

Style is quite fickle, as am I. I can remember, years ago, absolutely despising gold jewelry and here I am today with a mass collection of jewelry dominated by the color gold. Gold has the ability to look both modern and vintage, which is one of my favorite qualities about it.

Making jewelry has been a "learn as you go" process. Yet, the one item that always keeps me coming back to the bead store is yards (and more yards) of 24k gold filled chain. I was amazed to learn that the average long necklace uses approximately 3 feet of chain - So you can only imagine how quickly I use it up. The store I visit sells gold chain by the yard/foot with dozens of different spools to choose from (see picture below). 





I've truly grown to love these shimmering strands of gold (I suppose Mr. T and I have that in common) and I'm always thinking of different ways to use it. My latest creation: Long gold chain earrings (see below).




(16k gold plated hooks. 14k gold filled chain. Non-tarnish gold wire. Sea foam amazonite stones)
Price: $40 per pair  (available in Turquoise stones on request) 


For questions: Email nikkicolton@gmail.com 
To order, please visit my shop on etsy: http://www.etsy.com/listing/93775047/14k-gold-chain-earrings

Monday, January 23, 2012

TOO MUCH IS NEVER ENOUGH

I love the look of layered bracelets, stacked rings and multiple necklaces intertwined. Beaded, braided, embellished, gold or silver-anything goes when it comes to layering. The more you have, the better it looks.  It seems everything is better in groupings: Social outings with friends, 3 course meals, or TV marathons of your favorite shows.





I like to think this layering effect creates the illusion of a very wide bracelet, which is probably why I'm also so fond of wide/chunky cuff bracelets. They're playful, bohemian and both casual and dressy at the same time.

Below is an array of my custom cuffs. I love how each color has such a different personalty.






I had been on the search for the perfect cuff for months until I finally created my own. I love the look of the hammered gold against the colorful stones. The best part: It looks great with jeans and a tee-shirt or a LBD.
(Gold coated brass cuffs. Non-tarnish gold wire. Natural stones)
Price: $40 per cuff, available 2" width or 1.5" width,  custom color per request
Email nikkicolton@gmail.com to place order 


AS FREE AS A BIRD

I'm always looking for common threads in fashion. It seems like there's always one "it" detail surfacing everywhere you look. The claw, the talon, whatever you choose to call it, is an eye catching detail at its very least. I love its harshness and anti femininity.






"Style is an expression of individualism mixed with charisma. Fashion is something that comes after style"
-John Fairchild


So here is my hand-made tribute to the talon. It may not be as daring as the crazy nail (pictured above), but I like its playful edge. I think it will add some bold fun to my wardrobe.
(34 inch/14k gold filled chain. 16k gold plated charms. Non-tarnish wire wrap)
Price: $35  

For questions: Email nikkicolton@gmail.com 
To order, please visit my shop on etsyhttp://www.etsy.com/listing/93690166/gold-talon-necklace