Religious Jewelry

Two things that I hope are going to be big: Denim shirts and religious jewelry.







When I was shopping through the Nina Ramone shop, I knew I just had to have this cross necklace in all its layered and multi-cross glory. I have a strange fascination with religious jewelry btw...they seem to bring such protective power to the wearer.

The designer Dana was telling me more about the "For the Faithful" necklace that I'm wearing...Apparently there's a little superstition behind it.

"While ripping apart vintage jewelry to make other pieces, if they had any type of religious medallion, cross or part of a Rosary, I would save them. I thought if I would dispose of them in any way it could be bad luck. I was even very leery about taking apart a Rosary to use the parts I needed. Once I had quite a few, I decided to put them all together in one design, thus eliminating the bad luck from disassembly and bringing good luck to the wearer."

vintage denim shirt, old navy tube dress, cross necklace by Nina Ramone, forever 21 vest and brogues, paneled leggings by milk

Don't forget to enter the Nina Ramone fashion giveaway HERE to win your choice of a $30 gift card or necklace worth up to $60!!! :)

Also AlphaBetaChic readers get a
special 10% off discount code
"abChic"
when shopping at Nina Ramone

Meet Nina Ramone + GIVEAWAY

Seriously guys, I'm obsessed with statement necklaces. Layers upon layers of chains, beads, and babubles just scream my name constantly. So naturally I want everything from Nina Ramone which makes some major multi-chain and tangled necklaces. I love how edgy bullets and antler horns always can get thrown into her mix of necklaces so seemlessly. There's also the fact that she really plays on asymmetry in most of her designs so the pieces are really one-of-a-kind! Check out my interview with Dana of Nina Ramone, and find out how you can win one of her lovely pieces!



What is your name? Where are you from?
My Name is Dana Valente I am from a small town called Leechburg, 45 minutes north of Pittsburgh, PA.



Tell me about Nina Ramone!
Nina Ramone is named after my beautiful female German Shepherd, Miss Nina Ramone...and to me it sounds poetic! It all started in October of 2008. I began making jewelry for myself, for friends, and for fun. I had gotten so much positive feedback, someone suggested I get involved with Etsy. I used to make jewelry all the time when I was younger, so I think it was natural that I ended up going back to it, once I was older and more focused.



Can you describe your creative process? What are some of your inspirations?
I get a lot of pieces from antique shops, estate sales, and strange off the wall kind of places.
I am always inspired by my mother and grandmother, since playing with their jewelry was my favorite past time when I was a child. I can find inspiration for design ideas everywhere really. There are times I find myself making my own interpretation of something that catches my eye. I can be inspired by something I see in a magazine to a rock in my garden . I tend to study things a little closer these days and find myself wondering, Hmm... What can I make with that?



How long have you been designing? Do you have formal training?
I have no formal training. I have been designing things my whole life and not just jewelry. My father is an amazing carpenter among other things and my mother is an amazing seamstress and artist. I think I ended up getting my creativity from both of them.



I noticed most of your pieces are one of a kind. At what point and how do you decide that a piece is ready?
I try to mix vintage or recycled materials with new pieces. A lot of times I will only have one of something, so I can’t recreate it even if I want to. I personally like having things that no one else can ever get, so that adds to the aspect of trying to keep all pieces one of a kind. I usually wear a piece around my studio to see how it looks and feels. I will hang it on my mannequin and just stare at it. It may sound silly, but the jewelry will tell me when it’s finished.



What kind of girl do you imagine wearing your pieces? How often do you wear your own designs?
I wear my own designs everyday. Even if it is just a simple pair of earrings. If I have somewhere special to go, I will make something to complement my outfit. I imagine that the women who wear my designs are outgoing, outspoken, intelligent, fearless individuals who enjoy life and don’t take things too seriously. I did have the honor of designing a wedding day necklace for a customer. It was her something old and something blue. I custom painted a vintage brooch and used it in the piece. That is such a wonderful feeling, to know that on one of the most important days in this woman’s life, she is wearing something that I made especially for her.



All your pieces are certainly statement pieces, including the cowl neck scarves!!! How important are accessories in any outfit?
Most of my designs look great paired with a simple tee shirt, making the jewelry itself the “outfit”. I love accessorizing! As far as the cowl scarves go, yes, they are a bit of a statement. However, when you live in Western PA and have to deal with cold winter days, they are more practical than anything. I wear mine all the time, even in the house near a drafty window. They are so warm and comfy.



What advice do you have for girls that may be a little shy to wear such bold scarves or necklaces?
Go for it! You only live once, so you should always be yourself. If you like something, wear it. Don’t let anyone else dictate who or what you can be. People often say things to me like “ Well, that looks great on you but I could never pull something like that off”. That is bull, if you are confident in yourself and who you are you can wear whatever you like and will shine from within.

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Win either a $30 gift card or a necklace worth up to $60 from Nina Ramone!!!
AlphaBetaChic x Nina Ramone
Fashion Giveaway Rules

To ENTER
+1 Visit Nina Ramone HERE and tell me what's your FAVORITE ITEM
+1 Follow my blog via Google Friend Connect HERE

For EXTRA Entries
+1 Add Nina Ramone to your favorite Etsy sellers (include etsy username)

+1 Heart as many of your fav items in the Nina Ramone Etsy store (+1 entry for each item you heart, include item link)

+1 Comment on any of my older outfit posts (but not limited to) here, here, here, here, here, or here (+1 for each comment, include post name)

+1 Blog, Twitter, Facebook this giveaway as many times as you like (+1 entry for each, include links)
For Twitter use "Win a $30 gift card to Nina Ramone on @PresidentP3's fashion blog http://bit.ly/NinaRamoneGiveaway!"

+1 Add me to your blogroll (include blog url)

LASTLY +15 FIFTEEN ENTRIES
if you purchase something using this
special 10% off discount code
"abChic"

Don't forget to post a separate comment here for EACH entry!!! You can enter as many times as you like!

*Please include links to your blog post, twitter/facebook status, etsy username, email, or Nina Ramone product page when necessary so I can verify your entry and/or contact you if you win!!!*

Open internationally. This giveaway ends on May 23, 2010 at midnight! Good luck!

Zac Posen for Target Ruffled Skirt

Navy plus olive green is one of my favorite color combinations.



As usual, the clothes from the designer Target collaborations were really ill fitting. This Zac Posen for Target dress that I'm wearing is actually a black bodice with a separate ruffle blue chiffon skirt worn over it. Of the two, only the added skirt is probably worth keeping as the main black dress is so inflexible and very stiff to wear. There was a version in red, but I didn't like the pinkish shade to the dress.



BTW I'm really loving translucent, lucite jewelry. Bejewelled Bespoke has a few options like this and this. Clear jewelry matches everything!



And I've been searching for ear cuffs! I finally came across Zannedelions which has a huge selection of different styles. I love how Zannedelions pieces are really simple yet elegant. Usually I associate ear cuffs with tons of chains and more of an edgier look but most of the pieces in the Zannedelions store seem like cuffs I could wear with a more formal outfit like today. Also no chains means its really lightweight and it doesn't feel like when you wear heavy earrings.



Rachel Roy top, skirt from Zac Posen for Target, Bejewelled Bespoke necklace, Target shoes, Zanedelions ear cuff

Bejewelled Bespoke Fashion Giveaway Winner

Thank you for participating in the
AlphaBetaChic x Bejewelled Bespoke Fashion Giveaway!
The winner is #290 Jessica!

Hell's Angels

Latest after work hobby has been DIY-ing chain harnesses and other shoulder draping jewelry. And I've decided, with the right chain colors, body jewelry goes with everything.









Anna Sui for Target top (for sale), H&M white skirt, DIY shoulder arm chains, feather hair piece from Japan, Forever 21 shoes

Flower Garden for my Hair

Remember how I was in Japan last summer? I finally pulled out one of the yukatas I bought in Nara and decided to wear it as a jacket to Mother's Day brunch in Old Town yesterday. When I was visiting Japan, seeing girls (and boys) wearing yukatas was not an uncommon occurrence (is this double negative allowed grammatically?). Huge yukata revival over there apparently, I like!



I really like pairing long jackets with short dresses so that the hems are relatively the same length.



And looooook I'm wearing a flower crown!!! I got this one from Royal Menagerie, this cute little boutique which I've featured before here and here. I love wearing pretty things in my hair, it makes me feel a little better that I don't brush my hair or attempt to do anything interesting with it. Hair is instantly more interesting if you affix something lovely in it, right? I say more flowers the merrier, how about a flower garden in my hair?! Figuring out a blog-worthy outfit usually takes up most of my time getting ready that I never have time to do anything to my hair!



And because I always feel like something is missing if I'm not wearing a necklace of some sort, I paired the outfit with this delicate necklace from Inez Designs. I feel like sweet little necklaces should be worn against a white backdrop so it'll still pop out and you don't seem necklace-less.



Kimono jacket bought in Nara (Japan), BCBG dress, Inez Designs necklace, Royal Menagerie flower crown

Meet Bejewelled Bespoke + GIVEAWAY

Always being on the lookout for bold, attention-grabbing jewelry, I've been pretty obsessed with Bejewelled Bespoke, an aptly chosen name for a boutique featuring jewelry that makes a statement without speaking a word. The bib necklaces from Bejewelled Bespoke not only fulfill the essential bejewelled, glitzy, and glamorous factor for my dress up ocassions but also work for casual tshirt days.



What is your name, and where are you from?
My name is Tricia, and I am from Sydney, Australia. However, I have a Malaysian heritage and just over 1.5 years ago, I took a leap of faith and moved to Hong Kong with my partner - which is a city I had previously never set foot in!



Tell me about Bejewelled Bespoke!
Bejewelled Bespoke is all about handmade statement jewelry that is bold and lavish, yet at the same time, timeless and elegant at affordable price points. I have a penchant for anything sparkly, attention grabbing and colourful which is where “Bejewelled” came from. “Bespoke” is because every piece is lovingly handmade and if I know the person I am creating it for, I tend to add a little something to a piece to suit them.

What began as a hobby creating jewellery for myself, slowly grew to designing and making jewellery for friends and as gifts. When I moved to Hong Kong, I found that random people were stopping me on the street or friends and acquaintances here were asking where I bought my jewellery from. My partner suggested that I start designing jewellery for sale so I begun with a catalogue which was forwarded on to friends and that was very successful. I then opened my Etsy store in March 2009 after only being a buyer on Etsy, and in a few months I was busier than ever juggling my corporate day job with my Etsy store! A year on, I have had the opportuntity to participate in craft shows, exhibitions, and fashion shows here in Hong Kong, as well as the opportunity to have my jewellery featured in magazines like Country Living and Jewelry Affaire – and I have to say that it is certainly a full time endeavor on top of what I do during the day.



Can you describe your creative process? Where do you find your materials? What are some of your inspirations?
My creative process is totally haphazard! Anything could inspire me – whether it is nature, colour, the raw materials themselves, my wardrobe or the need to look different from everyone else. My favourite jewellery designer is Miriam Haskell as I love how her pieces are incredible timeless, elegant and lavish – three factors which I try to incorporate into anything I design. And I adore Matthew Williamson’s brilliant use of colours in his creations. My apartment is littered with half finished pieces which I call “work in progress” – each has its own place on a large corkboard pinned along with all my sketches. I have another corkboard with finished pieces awaiting judgement or to be photographed. Even though I live in Hong Kong which has two suburbs bursting with craft, gemstone and fabric supplies, I also purchase my materials from Etsy, and have my metals manufactured and plated in Australia and the US. I have a particular soft spot for vintage Miriam Haskell stampings and pearls. With every new city or country I visit, I always try to find something new to add to my supplies – whether it is purchasing Thai silk in Bangkok or vintage handpainted cloisonné in China’s antique flea markets. The funniest moment I ever had when collecting supplies was stopping in the middle of a 30km adventure race (I had at this point been bruised and battered from running down a gorge, and falling off the side of a hill on a mountain bike) to pick up seaglass and shells which I spotted running along the beach. My team mate didn’t know what to say!



How long have you been designing? Do you have formal training?
I have been designing, drawing, painting, crafting and sewing ever since I could remember. I have designed and made everything from my own clothing, carpets, table linen, pottery, and of course jewellery. I was always the chronic “doodler” – I drew in the margins of my notebooks at school, included pencil drawing in my projects, doodled on the tables, and the habit has continued as an adult…at my corporate day job, I sometimes find myself sketching the design for a new necklace or earrings next to meeting notes. I never had formal training as a designer but instead graduated from university with a double degree in Finance, Accounting and Computer Science and then went on to become a qualified Chartered Accountant.



I’ve noticed that most of your necklaces are very bold, and could very easily be the most attention grabbing part of any outfit. What is the importance of accessories/necklaces in an outfit?
Jewellery and accessories should be an expression of a person’s individuality and I believe that by choosing the right jewellery/accessories, it could completely transform an outfit or look. A feminine and girly look versus a dramatic and glamorous look could be achieved using different jewellery and accessories but with the same dress. For example, accessorizing a classic wrap dress with a necklace from the Bejewelled Bespoke’s Lace Collection would create a feminine look. On the other hand, selecting earrings or a necklace from the Bejewelled Bespoke Luxe Collection to pair with the same dress would create a dramatic look. Moreover, I have even transformed a dress which I have worn many times into a completely new dress by adding a statement necklace like the “Night at the Oscars Necklace” which looks like it is could be part of the dress.



In terms of necklaces, is there such thing as too big or too small?
As long as the necklace or necklaces complement the outfit as well as suits the wearer’s personality and preferences, there really isn’t such thing as too big or too small. Just as long as what you choose to wear makes you comfortable and confident, it should not matter!



What kind of girl do you imagine wearing your pieces? How often do you wear your own designs?
The Bejewelled Bespoke girl/woman is one that is not afraid to express her individuality through accessories. She is modern and elegant, and is continually looking for ways to set herself and her outfit apart from the crowd. I wear my designs almost every day – whether it is a statement ring like “The Pure White Rose Ring” with my corporate day job attire or, something more attention grabbing like the “Girls’ Night Out Rosette Necklace” and the “Piece de Resistance Earrings” at parties, dinners and other social functions.

Win a necklace from Bejewelled Bespoke!!!
AlphaBetaChic x Bejewelled Bespoke
Fashion Giveaway Rules

To ENTER
+1 Visit Bejewelled Bespoke HERE and tell me what's your FAVORITE ITEM
+1 Follow my blog via Google Friend Connect

For EXTRA Entries
+1 Add Bejewelled Bespoke to your favorite Etsy sellers (include etsy username)

+1 Heart as many of your fav items in the Bejewelled Bespoke Etsy store (+1 entry for each item you heart, include item link)

+1 Blog, Twitter, Facebook this giveaway as many times as you like (+1 entry for each, include links)
For Twitter use "Win a fashion giveaway necklace worth $60 frm Bejewelled Bespoke on @PresidentP3's fashion blog http://bit.ly/BejewelledBespokeGiveaway!"

+1 Add me to your blogroll (include blog url)

+1 Follow me on Twitter @PresidentP3

Don't forget to post a separate comment here for EACH entry!!! You can enter as many times as you like!

*Please include links to your blog post, twitter/facebook status, etsy username, email, or Bejewelled Bespoke product page when necessary so I can verify your entry and/or contact you if you win!!!*

Open internationally. This giveaway ends on May 15, 2010 at midnight! Good luck!

[[UPDATE 05/16/10]] Thank you for participating in the AlphaBetaChic x Bejewelled Bespoke Fashion Giveaway! The giveaway and comments section are now closed. Please check out this week's giveaway :)

Inez Designs Fashion Giveaway Winner

Thank you for participating in the
AlphaBetaChic x Inez Designs Fashion Giveaway!
The winner is #55 Bunny B!

Grayscale

Grabbed brunch at the always packed Toast on 3rd Street. The breakfasts aren't as spectacular as the crowd would suggest, but it's one of those places that just makes you feel happy sitting out and chatting under the umbrellas on a nice sunny day. It also helps that you can easily follow up brunch with a convenient shopping stroll at some chic overpriced stores next door!



Anyways, cropped tops have been pretty trendy for a while, but the big problem I have wearing cropped tops is my lack of a toned stomach. It definitely accentuates muffin-top ness so beware! Also, I seriously cannot eat a big meal while wearing a cropped top for fear of food babies.



And to keep my outfit colors grayscale, I decided to wear my princess crown necklace from Grigio Design. So many people thought it was Juicy Couture haha but its even better because it has a little skull on it in the middle. I love skulls/pirates combined with ultra feminine and girly things.



Charlotte Russe cropped sweatshirt, Forever 21 harem pants, Grigio Design necklace, Forever 21 shoes, Michael Kors handbag

The Roosevelt Hotel

Dropped by The Roosevelt Hotel followed by a mile long trek to Vanguard on Friday for a birthday party wearing new acquisitions including this lovely resin necklace from PONO by Joan Goodman and cutout dress by Rachel Roy.











This PONO by Joan Goodman piece has been my go-to necklace for the past few days. The resin is almost opaque so it's not a harsh, flashy black color. It's simple round-edged kernel block design makes for an effortless, understated complement to any outfit. It really is something that appeals to all ages, I can totally see tons of people wearing this.

[[UPDATE 05/06/10]] BTW I just found out you can buy tons of discounted PONO accessories HERE.



Cutouts + leopard? OMG love. I really like the two different patterns layered over each other too. The layer below is kind of like a cow or dalmation pattern.



dress by rachel roy
vest from forever 21
necklace courtesy of PONO by Joan Goodman
shoes by jessica simpson

Grigio Design Fashion Giveaway Winner

Thank you so much for participating in the AlphaBetaChic Blog x Grigio Design Giveaway! The winner is #253 Lynn!

Meet Inez Designs & GIVEAWAY

Even though I love wearing bold statement jewelry, sometimes you just need something sweet and girly to complement your Sunday afternoon outfit. Nothing too heavy, just a few cute charms. Inez of Inez Designs designs jewelry that does just that. Check out my interview with her and find out how you can win a necklace or bracelet from her store too!



What is your name? Where are you from?
My name is Inez Tan and I am from Sunny Singapore, Asia.



Tell me about Inez Designs!
Inez designs is edgy, modern and unique. I have always been attracted to the darker side of beauty. I love working with metallic colors, ie, gold, silver, gunmetal, brass and some splashes of brights. Charms add a lot of personality and stories to all my jewelery pieces. Each piece has a story to tell. For example, the "Bullet, Spikes & Heart" necklace (above) is a lethal, love affair necklace. Think 'Love me, Spite me, Shoot me'!



Describe your creative process.
My creative thoughts can come anytime. It can be a movie that inspired me, an old photograph, my girlfriends dressing up, a meaningful song, whimsical creatures and so forth. I will then visualize in my head and start experimenting. I work with a lot of chain textures, little trinkets, charms, felt, vintage fabric, buttons, and lace. My materials are sourced from vintage markets all around the world when I travel, and local suppliers. I focus a lot on quality and uniqueness in the designs that are one-of-a-kind. All my jewelery are handmade with love!



How long have you been working on Inez Designs?
I started sketching and making things when I was a kid. For InezDesigns, I just started on it about 4 months ago. I do not have any formal training in jewelery design. I read books and experimented on my own pieces. The most important part of this process is 101% commitment and passion. A couple of months ago, I quit my full time job as a Fashion Merchandising Manager to pursue my passion. Now everyday I wake up with excitement and positivity.



I noticed you use "swallows" in a lot of your designs. Any particular reason?
Swallows are beautiful and graceful. When they sing, they express some form of excitement that I find unusual and whimsical. Sadly, some species of swallows are threatened with extinction due to habitat loss. But I like to juxtapose the graceful swallows with something more dangerous like a bullet or spikes.



What kind of girl do you imagine wearing your pieces? How often do you wear your own designs?
I imagine the girl to be quirky, playful and rebellious. A bit of a rock and roll star attitude. I wear my designs all the time. Charm necklaces, chunky bracelets and bib necklaces. The necklaces above and below are my favorites!




Win a necklace or bracelet from Inez Designs!!!
AlphaBetaChic x Inez Designs
Fashion Giveaway Rules

To ENTER
+1 Visit Inez Designs HERE and tell me what's your FAVORITE ITEM
+1 Follow my blog via Google Friend Connect

For EXTRA Entries
+1 Add Inez Designs to your favorite Etsy sellers (include etsy username)

+1 Heart as many of your fav items in the Inez Designs Etsy store (+1 entry for each item you heart, include item link)

+1 Blog, Twitter, Facebook this giveaway as many times as you like (+1 entry for each, include links)
For Twitter use "Win a necklace or bracelet from Inez Designs on @PresidentP3's fashion blog! http://bit.ly/9aE2Ar"

+1 Add me to your blogroll (include blog url)

+1 Follow me on Twitter @PresidentP3

Don't forget to post a separate comment here for EACH entry!!! You can enter as many times as you like!

*Please include links to your blog post, twitter/facebook status, etsy username, email, or Inez Designs product page when necessary so I can verify your entry and/or contact you if you win!!!*

Open internationally. This giveaway ends on May 9, 2010 at midnight! Good luck!

[[UPDATE 05/10/10]] The giveaway and comments section are now closed. Thank you for participating in the AlphaBetaChic x Inez Designs fashion giveaway!