Getting it together

With Eid round the corner, as I sit thinking about how I’m going to match my bangles and jewellery, it suddenly crossed my mind that many of you out there might be absolutely clueless or feel hopeless, because let’s face it most of the time when we really like something its over our budget! Of course for me personally, for the past few years there’s only one shop that really springs to mind and that is The Lotus London (based in green street) I had previously shopped in Bees a lot and although I’m still a huge fan of their quality and service here’s what’sI like about Lotus...

Most people are usually rushed when they are trying to match, because first of all trying to even find that perfect outfit can take forever, you’ll only want to do justice to it by matching beautiful accessories alongside it. But when you’ve already spent so many hours shopping, you don’t want to then go into another dozen shops. With lotus, once you find a piece you like, you can incorporate colours from your outfit. Another brilliant thing which I just love about their jewellery is if you don’t want it as, for example, a hand piece then not to worry they’ll turn it into something else for you, like perhaps earrings (as demonstrated below). 

Many times when I have liked a Jewellery set, there might have been a part of it which I didn’t like so I had to ditch the whole set altogether or buy it and resent that one part of it I wasn’t too fond of, but since I’ve come across Lotus, that feeling has faded away.

As you can see they have so many designs to choose from, of course these are only a small part of their collection (you can view more when you pop in to their store) and the amount of ways you can use these pendants is shocking!! Not only do you have the option to wear it in whichever way you want, (because I know many of yous may not like purchasing earrings anymore because of the hijab) but you also have the choice for the colour of the gemstone! And yes, I've already gone and snapped up one of these for myself to wear in every possible way I can think of!! I will, of course blog about that seperately, till then I'll leave you to figure out which one I chose ;)

Kareena Kapoor for Parineeta Jewellery

As for bangles a lot of people I know always match a completely new set however it is not necessary to spend so much. I’ve found that since I started to colour co-ordinate my bangles in a box it’s become more cost efficient and easier to match up. I know it can be tough when you break the set and try to put it back together and you just don’t remember how it was originally but that’s the beauty of it - by challenging yourself, you are actually building up your skills on how to match bangles, also when you play around with bangles, it can help you to figure out your own preference on how you like your set to be. For example do you like it in blocks or do you prefer it in the stripy style? You can even take inspiration from the internet or maybe someone you know? I personally love how Kareena wore the bangles, on your left, with this outfit, and still waiting to try that style for an occasion! But if you’re really not up for that, then there’s another solution - take a picture of the set before you colour co-ordinate, it’s as simple as that.

I don’t always need to buy bangles anymore, I have now come to a point where my bangles

collection is large enough for me to mix and match and I only ever buy just a few odd pieces here and there, when I don’t have those colours at all. As you can see from the picture that I am quite the bangles fan, personally I like to match up bangles for two hands. By putting them all in this co-ordination, I am allowing myself to visually seperate the types of bangles I have and how I can re-use them for another outfit. And yes you can buy this box from Lotus, I purchased mine a few years ago on sale (apart from the box on the left) so I couldn’t tell you the price I’m afraid.

On my next post I will be sure to show you my outfit for Eid and how I matched my accessories...


Till then have a browse on their page:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Lotus-London/132439993466962?fref=ts

Trick or treat

Coming from an embroidery background I "discovered" something very interesting and no matter how many types of embroidery I look at or how regularly I am looking at fashion trends, I always find myself under the same dilemma. If you’re someone as fussy as I am with the items in your wardrobe I’m sure you’ll have felt the same too! How many times have you gone shopping, looked at something and thought it was absolutely beautiful.. had a closer look and realised actually no its not that beautiful?..or worse - came home with it and then realised it’s actually not how you saw it on your first glance? Just incase you hadn’t figured out why this keeps happening.. heres my take on it!!

It’s a very simple eyetrick which can occur in two different formats. One is the colour on colour combination when the fabric (background) and the embellishments are of the same colour. It becomes difficult to distinguish the details of the pattern at first glance, so naturally you do have to take a closer look, from personal experience, when you look at these kinds of embroidery it always looks good from far!! 

Of course sometimes the craft is genuinely a masterpiece but other times it can be embroidery that was simply just banged on without too much thought given to it. The best way to know if the embroidery really is outstanding is to be able to view it on a different colour but as most things that’s easier said than done! However, I did manage to find this one image where you can see the difference for yourself.

  As you can see on the left, the colours are all very similar and it automatically gives a more richer more elegant vibe in comparison to the dress on the right. I guess thats another thing, something about the whole colour on colour look gives a more expensive feel. Colours on a whole is very important when it comes to embroidery and fashion, when the right combination is used it will look good regardless!
With this particular dress the embroidery is completely effortless, different sizes of diamantes simply just scattered yet still captures a sense of elegance. Although I have to mention that this only works so well because its been tightly stitched, had it been just sprinkles then it would lose the rich vibe altogether. Which brings me to my next point...
The other eyetrick for embroidery is when the embroidery is very full and intricate we automatically perceive it to be stunning because without realising we’ve actually appreciated all the effort that must have gone into the production however that still doesn’t change that behind all that hard work the pattern may not actually be as pretty as conceived. And sometimes there’s so much detailing that its hard to even make out the pattern at all!

Heres just a few examples to give you a better idea of what I mean!  

Here's some designs that I personally loved..

(Marchesa 2013)

The shoes definately worked better, I didn't personally like the fringe idea on the dress but you can't deny that the embellishment is just stunning on both these peices!

(Dolce and Gabbana Fall/Winter 2013)

(Givenchy 2010)

With this one again the dress clearly is a catwalk piece, so not something you'd really wear but I just loved the detailing of the embroidery and can imagine the heavy stone works just blinging.

Although it may have its disadvantages it can still definately work for your advantage as most people won't bother to look so closely, but for future reference I would recommend for all the embroidery lovers to next time take a second look and really decide if you do like the embroidery. Don't be fooled by the first glance! And as I have shown you above some designers really do get it spot on.

My apologies for any unreferenced picture above as none of them were mine :)

Glitz and Glam

I found this beautiful image last year and as soon as I saw it I had a vision: I literally saw the whole wedding in this theme! More and more brides recently have been casting red aside and going for something different, and it definitely gives the guest something to talk about. We asians attend so many weddings each year that after a while it doesnt matter what the bride is wearing - if its red - we almost stop taking notice of the details...who agrees?? This theme in particular is certainly bold and eyecatching and will only take a daring bride to pull this off! Weirdly enough when I saw it I was able to imagine everything from how the venue is decorated, invitations, shoes, clutch bag and even the cake but I couldn't understand how the actual bridal outfit would be fashioned. Ironically enough not long after, I came across an image of Karishma Kapoor dressed in Sabyasachi - this was it!!

Abslutely stunning and no other designer could have done justice!! I personally LOVE  it. I have since then been watching him develop on his designs and the more I see the more I fall in love with this whole theme! Ofcourse gold is such a flexible colour, it could be paired up with any colour and still look great but in order to keep the whole classy feel I would stick to champagne and tones of nude. Ok! Enough jibbar jabber for now- time to show you all a glimpse of what it is I see :) We've already had KK do the starter posing as the model bride now lets get her some shoes and clutch to go with that outfit :P

 

Shoes are from Karen Millen: Crystal metallic asymmetric court shoes £110, alot of brides have recently opted for Jimmy Choo, but I guess these are slightly more affordable for the bride on a budget

Crystal metallic asymmetric court shoe

 

(I wish I knew where I found this image - if it wasnt obvious already..I want!! This clutch bag is perfect and definitely cant see this theme without it!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=doGdE4MViJI

I have provided the link for the tutorial, this makeup look was absolutely inspired. The perfect combination of glamour and sophistication. Clearly a job well done to Nura!!
Naturally the next step is to think about jewellery and that's always a tough one. Personally I would say don't go for too simple BUT at the same time go for something you could make use of again.

(Lisa Ray still as beautiful as ever!) I initially couldnt figure out how to match jewellery to this outfit because lets face it no-one wants to drape their head or neck in a line of sequins! But this really is perfect (apart from the pearls though). I think for this look it should be champagne crystal drops. Much more fitting to the theme don't you think? I did also find one other look that was very much similar....I'm a huge fan of Kyles Collections and when it comes to matching they definitely always spring to mind first. I just knew they would have something fitting for, well, any occasion!! And they did! Still mainting the feel of drapes with a large stone in the centre and in the perfect shade too.

Jewellery: Amrapali & Kyles Collection
As seen in Asiana wedding Summer 2013

Just something I thought would be fun :) French manicure is always classy. But this is just as gorgeous. Gold tip with the right amount of sparkles. Elegant is all I have to say!

 

And when you look and feel so beatiful you'll want to walk in to a beautiful venue too!! I really don't know how I managed to find this but really gives a rich feel doesn't it? Ofcourse it's not always so easy to make your entire venue match but thats doesnt mean you cant decorate!! I'm thinking maybe DIY cushions made out of shimmer gold fabric the table setting. Bare in mind for that to work you need to keep everything else simple so it doesnt clash with our glittery friend!! 

And finally your loved ones. Don't just sparkle on your own. Let them feel a bit glam too, after all its a wedding!! Not too much work on the saree yet just the right amount to help them fit right in. Picture perfect right? Its is a very westernised theme in an obvious way but I for one cant wait for it to kick in to the Asian trend!!

My apologies for any unreferenced picture above as none of them were mine :)

card sizes

Ok so its been a while since I last blogged, please do excuse- new to this and been tons busy (which Im sure is every bloggers fave excuse- but its true!) I have LOADS to share but don't know where to begin!! So here goes. . .

As I mentioned in my last post I plan to share with you some of the cards that I myself have designed which I hope will be liked - suggestions are more than welcome as I do love to experiment!! 
Here are a few samples ONLY. . . more can be found via twitter/facebook/instagram also quicker updates on there too

(Large pink stone inspired by vintage wrought iron)

(Heavily embellished in Pearls!)

(Working with different coloured/styles of stones)

I recently started working in paperchase and OH MY GOD. . . it is like a crafters heaven, inspiration just everywhere, which is exactly where I have recently been developing some new ideas. So far I had only been working on white cards at the size of business size cards but after seeing all the lovely colours/sizes in paperchase Im just bursting to try

out some new things theres just so many colours to choose from! The smallest white one is the one Im currently using as you can see the othe sizes are quite different especially the DL (not sure if I want a canvas that big...) but I do like the idea of having different cloured backgrounds especially with these matching envelopes...WAY too cute! (All cards are from paperchase EXCEPT for the white one) After a whole lot of research I FINALLY managed to find a company that does custom made cut cards meaning I can choose my card size, which I am very excited about - more sizes means more ways to experiment! 

I guess my cards sizes are quite small in general anyways but I think its perfect for the occasion (a mendhi occasion that is) and as they say "all good things come in small packages:)"

Dont forget to browse my other designs find me on facebook/twitter/instagram username:

  crystalcraftscc

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