Stylish Jewellery Trends In The UK

Accessories never go out of style, especially jewellery. Hair and shoe clips are enjoying popularity this season as well as conventional accents for ears, necks, and wrists –all adding style and class to any ensemble. Jewellery makes an excellent gift for any occasion. It can define and change the entire look of an outfit. It’s also an affordable alternative to purchasing a new wardrobe.

Earrings bring attention to the face even while wearing the plainest T-shirt and jeans or gliding across a ballroom in the most elegant evening gown. Earrings brighten up a smile and add a glimmer to the eyes. Studs are always in fashion but clip-ons have made their comeback. Modern styles are the most comfortable clip-on earrings ever. Their classic pearl clip-on earrings are tasteful and beautiful.

Arm Bling is Bigger than Ever!

Since the dawn of human existence women have been wearing bracelets and other adornments on the wrists and arms. Bracelets are a big fashion trend, including cuffs and bangles. They add glamour to the simplest outfits and make a unique statement for each woman who wears them. Bracelets of leather, crystal or baubles are also quite popular.

The trend is to wear multiple bracelets that stack in a complementary fashion next to each other on the wrist. A thick artistic bracelet or a shimmery metal band can act as a solo piece or wear multiple coloured bands for a more contemporary look.

 Bracelets come in all textures and colours. They add a wonderful dimension to any look and are classically simple or elegant and can be layered for inches over the wrist. Leather, wooden beads, and stretch fabrics add to the diverse materials used in today’s trends. A silver, pearl, or crystal bracelet will compliment a glamorous ensemble. Wear a chic cuff bracelet for a bolder statement.

Necklaces and pendants can accommodate any neckline. They add shimmer and bring attention to a blouse or camisole. Choose from an array of styles –silver chains or leather straps, multiple chains or lariats. Clothing can be dressed up or dressed down depending on the kind of necklaces and accessories worn. Plain patterns or simply cut dresses blossom into the latest fashion with the right jewellery.

 Brides Shine in Pristine Pearls & Courtly Crystals

 Bling is alive and well especially in bridal accessories. Current trends include classic teardrop earrings –stunning on any bride and can be very affordable. Studded or clip-on drop earrings make any bride feel gorgeous. Hair accessories are big on the “must have” list.

Other pieces seen walking down the aisle include:
• Exquisite pearl chokers, necklaces and earrings
• Sparkling clips to spruce up shoes
 • Hair pins and combs with pearl or crystal accents
• Swarovski crystals, pearls or classic silver cuff bracelets
• Sashes & belts adorned with jewels

Your ultimate day of radiance will sparkle all the more with Swarovski crystals and freshwater pearls that add luxurious definition to your wedding trousseau. Pearls complement any skin tone and aren’t just for your grandmother anymore! They’ve become a traditional bridal accessory.

Hair accessories are more popular than ever. Hair vines and tiaras in pearls and crystals top off the right dress. Headbands and ornaments decorate silky strands of hair pinned up or free flowing and loose. The right accessories make the modern bride the centre of attention that every woman wants to be on her wedding day. A great example of UK jewellery trends are seen in the work of Justine Murray with a dazzling mix of vintage and contemporary pieces in the collection.

Jewellery never goes out of style and some trends are hotter than others. Jewellery in the UK includes the most popular looks of the season. The latest fashions are accented by glittering, sassy, glamorous, simple, charming, unique, or fun-to-wear jewellery.

Wedding Attire – What to Wear as a Wedding Guest

Being invited to a wedding is exciting! Isn’t it great receiving an invitation in the post?  If you’re anything like us, the first reaction when a wedding invitation drops through the letterbox is ‘ah, how lovely’, quickly followed by ‘but what am I going to wear?’ Weddings are a celebration and it is time to start planning your outfit for the event. Thanks to the myriad of social networks and photo apps out there, dressing for weddings has never been harder. After all, no one wants to be seen on Facebook as a ‘fashion failure’!

 

Over the years I have learned a few tricks of the trade and some basic etiquette on proper wedding attire.

 

Here’s some basic advice for what to wear to a wedding:

• Subtlety is best – simple, pretty romantic

• No white or ivory, this the bride’s day to shine

• Don’t wear black to morning or noon nuptials

• Definitely no jeans

• No sexy or revealing clothing, keep it classy!

 

Pay particular attention to the wedding invite. Is it in formal language with flowing engraved black script on a heavy cream paper? Odds are the wedding will be similarly formal. Does it cheekily ask you to come see them get hitched? Wedding guests should look for a nice casual outfit. And of course, it may tell you directly on the invitation - black tie, casual attire etc. The colours on the invitation may also give you an idea of the chosen wedding colours and if this is the case, then the chances are the bridesmaids and even the mothers of the bride and groom outfits will include these colours. Try to find out what colours the mothers are wearing and, as a guest, try to avoid these colours. It’s a big day for the mums as well and they want to stand out in the photos as much as the bride.

 

I have broken down the various dress codes below and listed some suggestions under each to make planning your outfit less stressful! Enjoy!

 

If it is black tie..

 

Black tie weddings clearly are the dressiest kind. This is my favourite dress code because you get to look glam and bring out those jewels that are normally locked away. Opt for a simple evening gown or an elegant cocktail dress, with dramatic jewellery and styled hair. Evening gloves and a red lip usually go perfectly with this dress code.

 

If it is semi-formal..

 

Semi-formal is one of the most popular wedding dress codes, but it can be a little confusing. I recommend wearing a cocktail dress or a fancy blouse and skirt with classic jewellery, such as double strand pearls. If it is semi-formal dress code, but the wedding is taking place during the day, opt for light colours and fabrics and simpler jewellery, perhaps vintage inspired earrings.

 

If it is beach formal..

 

Attending a wedding at the beach doesn’t mean that you should wear your swimsuit and cover up. You should still dress to impress while considering the elements (sand, sun, water). A simple dress in a solid colour or light floral print will look fabulous. Accessorise it with a leather wrap bracelet.

 

If it is casual..

 

Casual weddings are often fun and intimidating. You can dress comfortably, but not in jeans and a T-shirt. Think snappy casual or business casual when picking out your outfit. You can’t go wrong with a cute sundress or blouse and skirt. Wedges or dressy sandals are appropriate, but keep it classy by avoiding flip flops.

 

The key to dressing to impress for this occasion is not to equate formal with uncomfortable. Another good tip is to ask a friend to take a photo of you in your outfit, then you can make sure it doesn’t go see-through under the flash of a camera: the wedding photos will be around forever, so don’t forget that there will be a lasting reminder of what you wore. Of course if you have any questions at all on what a dress code means or what accessories you should pair with your outfit, call or e-mail Disgraceful Grace and we will be happy to help!

How to Choose Your Bridal Accessories

Bridal accessories are a lovely way to add character and charm to your gorgeous wedding gown. They complete your wedding day look and make you look fabulous from head to toe. The popularity of bridal accessories has resulted in an extensive variety of options, ranging from classic pieces to statement necklaces.

There is no clear yes or no answer when it comes to bridal accessories and the best thing to do is trust your gut instinct, but our tips on how to choose bridal accessories below may help you make the decision a little bit easier.



1. Choose accessories that meet the following criteria 

• complement the wedding dress
• fit your personality
• match the theme of your wedding
• align with current trends

2. Research accessory trends in/on 

• bridal magazines
• bridal blogs
• fashion shows
• real life weddings
• celebrities
• Royal Family

If you are having trouble identifying the bridal wedding accessory trends for 2012, you can use our cheat sheet below.

Wedding Accessory Trend Cheat Sheet 

Some notable UK wedding accessory trends for 2012 are: 

• intricate necklaces with pearls and beads
• birdcage veils -feminine jewellery
• vintage inspired jewellery
• fabric hair flowers
• white or ivory evening gloves
• lace and satin clutches
• Swarovski rhinestone sash for wedding dress
• pearl bracelets
• crystal cuff bracelets

If you still feel lost, follow our number one piece of advice: wear what you love! Don’t feel like you have to accommodate anyone else or copy a celebrity style if it is not your own. Feeling confident and comfortable on your wedding day is very important, so always keep that in mind. Of course you can reach out to Disgraceful Grace if you need any help selecting the right accessory for you! We love to help our brides feel beautiful on their wedding day.

Olympians Who Met Their Spouse Under the Five Rings

Olympians train their whole lives to bring home a gold, silver or bronze metal, but some get really lucky and bring home something that they didn’t expect, a spouse!

Read about the Olympians below who found eternal love at past Olympic Games.

1. Marc Seliger And Maureen Heagany

Olympic hockey goalie Marc Seliger met his now wife, Maurren Heagany at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah. Maurren Heagany was working as a volunteer in a coffee stand when she caught the hockey player’s eye. They started speaking when Seliger mentioned that he liked the music playing in the coffee stand, and Heagany offered to burn a CD for him. When she gave him the disc, she wrote her email address on it. Soon they exchanged phone numbers and, eventually, vows. She wore gorgeous bridal wedding accessories on their big day.

2. Sharron Davies MBE and Derek Redmond

Sharron Davies, British swimmer and well known personality, and British sprinter Derek Redmond, met at the Olympics in Barcelona, and married two years later. Sharron is known for her fabulous style, so she probably rocked a stunning birdcage veil. Rumour has it that she always wore some elegant evening gloves with her wedding gown.

3. Harold Connolly and Olga Fikotová-Connolly

The hammer throw gold medallist in the 1956 Olympics, Harold Connolly, married Olga Fikotová, a discus thrower from the country formerly known as Czechoslovakia. Their romance became the subject of international scrutiny and the couple’s requests to marry were denied several times before they were successful, but they finally had the wedding of their dreams.

4. Nadia Comaneci and Bart Conner

Romanian gymnast Nadia Comaneci captured hearts across the globe after her history-making perfect 10 in the 1976 Montreal Games. Future husband Bart Conner, on the other hand, had already been won over. It took 14 years and a harrowing escape from communist Romania for Comaneci and Conner to meet again. The gold-medalist couple married in 1996 and it is no surprise that her bridal accessories were spectacular. These are just a few examples of Olympians that found love under the five rings.

There are plenty of additional stories of men and women Olympic athletes that have fallen for each other and walked down the aisle to say “I do.” Wedding days made gorgeous by their love for each other and topped off with pretty wedding accessories and thoughtful wedding party gifts.

Planning a Vintage Themed Wedding

Adding vintage aspects to your wedding or planning an entire vintage themed wedding are both great ways to bring the romantic, emotional and sweet sentiments of the past to your event. Vintage pieces are an excellent addition to any wedding. They can be included in just about every little detail of your special day, from the invitations to the dress.

Read our vintage suggestions for each of the major wedding components below.

1. Invitations

Save the dates and invitations present you as a couple and give your guests their first glimpse at your wedding. Keep them in line with your theme by choosing vintage inspired save the dates and invitations that transport guests back in time. Antique or old fashioned invitations have a unique design that often exudes romance, inspiration and beauty.

2. Venue

Outdoor venues are a great fit for vintage themed weddings. The dreamy trees, mild earth tones and beautiful sky backdrop all add to the old time feel. Indoor venues can also be turned into a vintage inspired space. Considering adding a parachute to the ceiling or decorating with lanterns and candles to keep the space in line with your theme.

3. Centrepieces

Soft colour flowers, such as light pink, light purple and ivory roses, in small vases, lace dollies and antique frames are all great vintage centrepiece ideas. Writing the table numbers on glass mirrors or quilled paper adds to the look of the centrepieces.

4. Dress

Lace, sleeves and drop waists are all characteristics of a vintage dress. You can find a legitimate old timey dress from the 1920s, 1930s, 1940s or 1950s to wear or select one that is inspired by that era. Many bridal designers are creating dresses with an antique feel, so you should be able to find a variety at your local bridal boutique.

5. Veil

Birdcage veils and other vintage inspired hair pieces can really complete your look. Our birdcage veils combine elegance, charm and an old time feel. Whether you opt for a mini bird cage style veil or a longer length bird cage style veil, you are sure to look wonderful on your special day.

6. Jewellery

Wearing antique inspired jewellery, including drop necklaces, crystal pendants and pearl earrings, are the perfect way to finish off your vintage look. Bardot crystal bracelets and detailed cuffs are great for brides that prefer not to wear a necklace with their wedding gown.

7. Accessories

Lace gloves, white short gloves and mid length satin evening gloves all fit into a vintage themed wedding. Gloves are a romantic way to accessorize your wedding gown and a unique twist on traditional bridal accessories. Another stylish accessory that fits perfectly into the theme is an ivory lace evening bag.

Wedding Anniversary Gift Ideas

Wedding anniversaries are a big milestone in your marriage and a great way to shower each other with presents and love. Plan a romantic evening with your spouse to celebrate and give them a memorable gift that they will truly cherish. To really impress your spouse, follow the traditional anniversary gift guide, but get creative with your choices.

Read our suggestions for fun, unique spins on the traditional gift list below.

1st Wedding Anniversary 
Traditional Anniversary Gift: Paper 
Some fantastic ideas for a lovely first wedding anniversary gift are:

• Printed wedding photos 
• Love letters to each other 
• Gift card for UK fashion jewellery
  
• Airline ticket 
• Printed hotel reservation 

2nd Wedding Anniversary 
Traditional Anniversary Gift: Cotton 
The ideas below are some of our favourite cotton gifts:

• Monogrammed bed linens 
• Cotton gloves 
• Clothing
• Throw pillows

3rd Wedding Anniversary 
Traditional Anniversary Gift: 
Leather Leather gifts can be a little harder to choose.
Use our ideas below to wow your spouse.

• Leather bracelets 
• Leather handbags 
• Leather wallets 
• Leather briefcase 

4th Anniversary Wedding Gifts 
Traditional Anniversary Gift: Fruit or Flowers 

• Fruit basket 
• Bouquet of flowers 
• Flowering house plants 
• Fabric hair flower 

5th Anniversary Wedding Gifts 
Traditional Anniversary Gift: Wood 

• Wood furniture 
• Bonsai plant
• Wooden jewellery box 
• Wood bead stretch bracelet

Glove Etiquette – Disgraceful Grace Occasion Wear

Evening gloves have been adorning the forearms of elegant ladies for centuries as a formal style statement. For years, ladies strictly adhered to defined etiquette, but now the evening glove is entering a fashion peak and pretty much anything goes!

Here at DG we encourage individual style, so we think you should adorn your gloves with glee and wear them with whatever makes a statement about you. But how can you indulge your devilish side and flout convention if you don’t know what is deemed right and proper in the first place. So, here’s a bit of DG ‘rule sharing’ so that you can gauge your individual level of rebelliousness!

Choosing the Right Pair
The traditional measurement of gloves is brilliantly contrary – it is given in buttons, regardless of whether buttons exist on the glove! Broadly speaking, there are three main glove length categories: wrist (8 buttons), elbow (16 buttons) and full length, known as opera gloves. Full length gloves may be to the mid-bicep (22 buttons) or full shoulder (30 buttons). Tradition dictates that the length of your gloves should be determined by the length of your sleeve. For short or no sleeves, you must wear long gloves and for long sleeves, short gloves are the only refined option!

The colour of your gloves is also dictated by etiquette. Traditionally, lighter coloured gloves were worn with light coloured dresses, and dark gloves reserved for dark gowns. These days, you can coordinate the dress and glove colour, or throw caution out of the window and don’t restrict yourself at all… opt for a colour you think looks fabulous!

When to Wear Them
Conventionally, formal evening gloves were worn for any formal or semi-formal event such as weddings, parties, galas or of course, the opera! A lady is supposed to arrive wearing gloves and continue wearing them throughout the celebration. It is entirely proper when:

• Socialising
• Dancing
• Shaking hands
• Getting kissed on the hand
• Waiting to receive food

It is also appropriate to wear elegant formal jewllery, such as formal bracelets, (a cuff style bracelet looks fabulous over long length evening gloves), but opinions are divided over whether to wear rings over gloves. Traditionalists think it vulgar but fashion encourages statement cocktail rings in flagrant abandon of such reserve!

When Not to Wear Them
It is absolutely not the done thing to wear gloves while eating or smoking – ‘twas always thus! …which is why Holly Golightly (AKA Audrey Hepburn) in Breakfast at Tiffanys seen clutching a fat laden pastry and take-away coffee in opera length evening gloves is the ultimate elegant rebel - while her food faux pas is endearing, even her disgraceful character employs the iconic cigarette holder to smoke while wearing the gloves!

Etiquette dictates that when nibbling hors d’oeuvres and sipping cocktails, it is acceptable to simply remove one glove and eat with that hand. When sitting down to eat, it gets more tricky…the rule here is that you should remove both gloves and place them on your lap under your napkin. Some gloves save you from this – known as mousquetaires, these gloves have an opening at the wrist consisting of 3-5 buttons allowing the wearer to discreetly slip her delicate hand through. However, this style relies on a swift tidying up of the flappy hand section to avoid an embarrassing satin dunk into your soup! If you opt for traditional mousquetaire gloves, the trick is to be sure to tuck the empty hand portion into the forearm of the glove without appearing as though you’ve grown a wrist hump – not a good look! Ladies in bygone days managed it, so it must be achievable, but then they coped with corsets and a distinct lack of lycra as well!

How to Remove Them
This is where you are at greatest risk of a social faux pas. Traditionally, ladies are expected to put on gloves in the privacy of their own homes. It just doesn’t do to be seen dressing in public and even worse to tease with a public display of burlesque style removal! The pressure moment is in removing gloves for dinner, no tolerance for getting it wrong here! Teasing displays or unladylike tugging at the glove is frowned upon – what is needed is a temporary dropping back from the party to allow for a private, smooth peeling of the gloves from the hand in a discreet fashion. Loosen from the top of the glove and gently move down and pull off completely from the hand, as opposed to the fingertips.

If after all of this, you’re up to the challenge, then join us in adorning this devilishly elegant accessory - find a pair of elegant evening gloves today and look and feel disgracefully graceful!