Brooch Bouquets

While trolling the Internet, we stumbled on this unique twist on a bridal bouquet:

Isn't it fabulous?! It's made of costume jewelry! Fantasy Floral Designs takes your old favorite floral brooches (or your new soon-to-be-favorite) and creates a gorgeous

bouquet that will last as long as your memories of the big day!

The bride can even pass out pieces of her bouquet as thank you gifts to her wedding party!

This is such a great idea, in my opinion, because even though I'm a sucker for fresh flowers, I prefer to invest my money in pretty things that don't die. ;)

Check the selection at Rhumba Jewelry for the right piece for your brooch bouquet!

Lucky Jewelry

Lucky charms are fun and fashionable! Even if you're not superstitious, it doesn't hurt to don one from time to time. For fashion's sake, at least.

Here are a few traditional charms to choose from:

Horseshoe

A horseshoe is considered lucky because of its shape, relative to that of a crescent moon, which was regarded as a protective shape in ancient civilizations. Because horseshoes were often made of iron, it is also a symbol of strength. There are seven holes in a horseshoe, and many regard seven as a lucky number due to its many references in ancient and religious texts. The luckiness of the horseshoe may also be attributed to the horse itself. One wears a horseshoe in order to invoke a horse's steadfast and bold qualities.

Jade

In Chinese culture, jade is believed to be the only material that contains both yin and yang qualities - and as such, links the physical and spiritual worlds. Jade is worn to absorb bad chi, and protect against sickness. Because of its link to the supernatural, it is believed to guard against evil spirits. For these reasons, babies are often given a jade bracelet at birth.

Ladybugs

It's unclear exactly why ladybugs are considered lucky. I'd like to think it's because they're incredibly stylishly-outfitted insects. :)

Ladybugs are most likely considered lucky because they are natural predators to garden pests, so ladybugs in the crops mean a good growing season.

Everybody eats, so perhaps that's why nearly all cultures see the ladybug as good luck!

Hand of Fatima

This symbol is popular among Middle Eastern, North African, and Jewish cultures. It is also know as The Hand of Miriam, The Hand of Hasma, and The Hand of Khamsa. It is said to ward off the "evil eye." You know the "evil eye." It's that look other people give you when they are envious of your fabulousness.

Khamsa in Arabic means "five". There is an Arabic phrase that is supposed to nullify bad luck, loosely translating to "put five fingers in the evil eye."

In Jewish culture, the symbol represents the five books of the Torah. It is also said the symbol reminds people to celebrate God with all five senses.

It is believed that the evil eye can be so strong, it causes illness and death to those it is directed towards. Wearing the Hand of Fatima is like telling all that negativity to "talk to the hand."

The Italian Horn/ Corno

The Italian corno is another defense against the infamous "evil eye." Corno means horn, and is believed to reference the ancient Roman moon goddess Diana, who was also protector of horned animals (she is often depicted running with deer), nature, and childbirth. Young women would wear the horn to invoke the goddess' protection, especially if she is expecting a child. Often referred to as a chili pepper by those not familiar with the lucky symbol, as it is often seen in red, the color of fertility. Though it is originally a pagan symbol, the corno still a popular symbol of good luck among Roman Catholics.

Elephant with Trunk Pointed Up

The "Trunk Up Elephant Charm" is a popular lucky symbol in created by the West, though the origins of its mysticism are rooted in Eastern culture. The Hindu god of luck, Ganesh, has an elephant head and man body. His trunk is often depicted pointing upwards. Perhaps when the British colonized India, they adopted this cultural icon, though manufactured an elephant animal because they did not simultaneously adopt the religious beliefs. The trunk points upward because some European cultures believe that if a lucky symbol points downward, your luck will run out.

Egyptian Scarab

The Ancient Egyptians believed evil was everywhere, which is why they had so many rituals and wore amulets - to ward off the evil and change their fate to fortunate. The scarab is modeled after the dung beetle, which is unappetizing, I know, but these insect's instinctual rituals are interesting, and I can see why the Egyptians would use them as a symbol of good luck. Dung beetles build their nests by rolling, well, dung. The eggs are buried deep in the center of their dung-nest-ball and mature as the dung dries in the sun. When the babies are mature, they spring forth from the darkness of their dung nest. Thus, they are closely associated with new beginnings, self-creation and the positive energy of the sun. The scarab was sacred to the ancient Egyptians, and is seen beautifully depicted throughout the ancient culture's art, myths, and elaborate tombs.

Four-Leaf Clover

Last but not least, the four-leaf clover is considered lucky because it is a rare find. There is approximately one four-leaf clover for every 10,000 common three-leaf

clovers. Legend has it that the first woman, Eve, carried a four-leaf clover from the sacred Garden of Eden. Each leaf has been given meaning: hope, faith, love, and luck.

Some people are quick to dismiss the powers of a lucky charm. Some believe you create your own luck.

Perhaps when you wear "lucky" jewelry, you, yourself, c

reate an air of confidence around you because you believe in its magic - so much so that positivity and good fortune are naturally attracted to you.

Basically, when you look good, you get lucky.

Everyone can believe in that.

;)

Lucite - Icy Clear Is So Hot Right Now

Modern lucite takes on the classic pearls as the new "wear-with-all" neutral accessory.

vs.

In your wardrobe, it is imperative to have at least one "wear-it-with-everything" accessory - a "go-to" neutral piece that adds extra emphasis to your work wear, glams up your casual wear, or subtly compliments your evening wear.

For many women, that "go-to" accessory was pearls - their neutral color (often white) adds just enough glamour and style to any outfit its paired with.

What we've seen on the runways this year, however, is lucite.

You may remember the gorgeous Jennifer Hudson rocking the trend at the 2010 Grammy awards, adding a new twist to the classic "black-and-white" look. The result - sleek, modern sophistication.

Dubbed by fashion magazines as the "new pearls," lucite jewelry is quickly catching steam as this year's hot trend. Its purposeful lack of color gives the accessories unlimited wearability, punctuating an outfit with shine and sparkle, without over-taking it. It adds dimension to an otherwise one-dimensional look. Wear it alone for a elegant look, or get a little funky and layer it with metal accessories or ribbons.

If you're going on vacation and can only pack one piece of jewelry, a lucite piece may be the answer to your problems - since clear is a neutral and automatically "goes" with everything. Depending on how you wear it, lucite can be the focal point of your outfit, even though you can see right through it.

If you can't tell, I've kind of fallen in love with the look of lucite. Seems to me, in lucite, you can make a fashion statement without saying a word.

But that's my opinion. What do you think? Is lucite the new pearls? Do you follow the lucite jewelry trend?

Tell us what you think in the comments below!

The Rhinestone Diaries (Ep. 1)

Blanche could not believe her eyes.

"Where did you get it?"

"It doesn't matter," Maximillian said, "It's yours now."

She reached gingerly to pick up the Clear Rhinestone Bow Pin. The icy clear stones shone with a rainbow of colors. Blanche sighed. It was as if she were staring into an Aurora Borealis. Her eyes filled with tears.

"Oh, Maxi, it's huge!" she exclaimed.

"But amazingly lightweight," Maximillian interjected, "and it has a safety clasp enclosure so it's sure to stay with you through the good times, the bad times, and definitely the most fashionable times. Just like me."

"Oh, I absolutely love it!"

She grabbed the huge rhinestone bow pin and affixed it to her bright blue cashemere scarf. The rhinestones did their duty and shone with the beauty of all the stars in the sky. She took a few steps around the room. Then a few more. She watched these lights as she moved and swayed; the tiny spots of white seemed to dance with her. She giggled like a child playing hide and seek for the first time.

"Maxi, it's simply gorgeous! It must have cost a fortune!"
"Don't worry about those affairs, dear," said Maximillian.

She needn't know that it did not.


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This original fashion jewelry opera blogisode was brought to you by www.rhumbajewelry.com
Glitter On!