Spring/Summer 2013 Trend-Black and White

B&WThe strongest advantage to the combination of white and black is that there is no wrong way to arrange the two. Since the classic tint and shade are so simple individually, it’s practically impossible to incorrectly marry them. This point was strongly shown on the spring/summer 2013 runways with practically every designer creating garments in patterns of black and white. Of course, no one did it more successfully than Marc Jacobs,  with both Marc Jacobs and Louis Vuitton. He had everyone running for the graphic striped dresses at Marc Jacobs and cubed ensembles at Louis Vuitton.  Karl Lagerfeld kept it classic Chanel mixing oversized white pearls on black strapless dresses for ready-to-wear. For Chanel’s couture collection, the trend was more subtle on dresses with black sequined bodices and white skirts. At de la Renta, every pattern of black and white was used, from floral to striped to polka dotted.

At Our Secret Designs, we believe that the joining of black and white is never wrong. Excited by the trends, we created our owns combinations with crystal quartz, wood, and onyx beads. If you’re bold enough to mix prints and patterns, complete a printed black and white ensemble with one of our necklaces from our “Onyx and Alabaster” collection. On the other hand, if the occasion requires a more demure look, let the necklace be the focal point of an all-black outfit. Whatever way you choose to go, keep in mind that spring/ summer 2013 is no time to play it safe. As we saw on the runways, it’s all about having fun and getting creative.

Looks from Our Secret Designs “Onyx and Alabaster” Collection:

3051202 8101107 12141101

 

Happy Holidays

As it does every year, the holidays have crept up on us here at Our Secret Designs. Like many, we’re scrambling to complete our shopping lists, bake scrumptious cookies, and decorate our abodes with gallons of glitter. However, we decided to take some time to help you save time and offer some wonderful gift ideas!

Jewelry is a timeless, personal gift for any lady on your list. Whether they prefer strictly metals or chose to adorn themselves in precious stones full of color, we have plenty to offer! Browse our Fall 2012 selections and take a look at our newly added Holiday collection! While your glancing, don’t forget to pick some things to add to your wishlist! Happy Holidays!

Some Holiday Items

Image

Image

Image

Image

Fall 2012 Jewelry

The endless days of summer are behind us, with fall fast on its heels. After scorching temperatures, the cool breeze of fall is more than welcome. To accommodate the comfortable cold of fall, encompassing coats, comfy scarves, and toasty boots are brought out of storage. Gone are skin-bareing dresses, skirts, and sandals. While the change of seasons brings a change of attire, one item of personal adornment is consistent: jewelry. Of course, not all of your summer jewelry can be worn into fall-shell embellished necklaces don’t mix with the falling leaves of October. To compliment the changing of seasons and apparel, Our Secret Designs has produced new offerings of jewelry for fall. Ten new collections are available, each named after the common color of each piece. Sienna is the name of the primarily brown collection, Prismatic  is for the multicolored jewelry, and Ultramarine for the blue pieces. Each collection offers the standard bracelets, necklaces, and earrings, in a variety of semi-precious stones and styles. For those who embrace the darker tone of fall, take delight in the deep violets of our Violaceous collection. Those preferring to brighten up fall, look to our Vermillion collection, with necklaces in vivacious reds. As custom, there is something for everyone, just browse the Shop to find which pieces speak to you! At Our Secret Designs, we welcome the change of season, if only for the excuse to buy new jewelry!

Fall 2012 Collections

Image

Image

Image

Image

Image

Image

Image

Image

Image

Image

Our Secret Designs Summer Markdowns

Be sure to check out new markdowns on select jewelry! 20% off on 50+ items and free shipping if you order online between now and Monday, August 13! Get your hands on these great deals before they’re gone!

Aside

Metals and Stones- Gold Vermeil

Our Secret Designs loves using 14 karat gold vermeil due to its beautiful and luxurious looking quality. It is pure sterling silver coated in gold making it more practical and affordable than pure gold, which is rare and extremely sought after. In fact, most gold discovered throughout history is still in circulation. A fun fact is that the Incas and ancient Egyptians believed it to be a product of their gods. It was cherished by all but only worn by nobility.

photo via tomandlorenzo.com

photo via tomandlorenzo.com

Metallic Gold was a hot trend in this fall’s collections. Seen everywhere from Eli Saab and Marchesa to Michael Kors and Prabal Gurung, it is making a statement on red carpets and on the street. If wearing a metallic gown isn’t your style, go for a bold piece of gold jewelry. It is a classic metal that can be worn for any occasion. Whether it be a fun pair of tassel earrings or a simple gold chain. Gold is a staple of Our Secret Designs jewelry so if you’re looking for a great statement piece you’re in luck! Check out our online store today and keep an eye out for these new pieces coming soon.

Metals and Stones- Crystal Quartz

Quartz is the most common mineral on the planet. It is often called the “Universal Crystal” because it is the most recognized kind of crystal. It comes in a large range of colors and varieties, including Amethyst, Citrine and Rose Quartz. The ancient Japanese believed quartz was formed from the breath of a white dragon, and that it represented perfection. Australian Aborigines even used quartz in rain rituals. Another interesting fact is that spheres of clear quartz have been used as crystal balls, for predicting the future, since the middle ages.

Our Secret Designs is very fond of quartz because it comes in so many beautiful, natural forms and colors. This is why you’ve been seeing the stone featured in many of our recent designs. Quartz always adds a little shine to any outfit because it catches the light just enough, without being as flashy as pure sparkle. Coming soon in the fall, we’ll be featuring more fun designs with brilliantly colored quartz. But for now, be sure to check out the beautiful quartz designs we have in our online store. My personal favorite is this necklace featuring strands of gold-coated crystal quartz. Perfect for day or evening!

Metals and Stones – White Agate

White Agate has been used since ancient times and its name is derived from the river Achates in Sicily. It was the stone of warriors and was among the earliest used for healing and bringing good luck. Agate can be found in all colors and many patterns, although green and blue are especially rare. The creamy White Agate is an incredibly versatile stone, which makes it perfect for use in jewelry.

This summer season and on the runways for the fall, we are seeing a lot of brights and bold patterns. In Lanvin’s spectacular fall ready-to-wear show, Alber Elbaz paired gorgeous, oversized necklaces and mirrored pendants with colorful evening wear, fur and leather. But be careful, pairing colorful accessories with such bright looks can cause the unique quality of each item to be lost. So for everyday looks, when you’re not walking the runways in Paris, mixing neutrals with brights or patterns is important. Having a bold necklace in white can be just as striking and special as one in red or blue. We have some new items in the store that feature White Agate and are perfect for any stylish woman’s ever changing wardrobe.