London

Upon my recent trip to London, I made a good few worthy observations that I don’t think most stores here have picked up on just yet. Okay, so they all know about color blocking but that was being spoken about last summer season anyway, so no points for that one. I was actually surprised that it was still so big for Summer 2011. Nevertheless, this is the case, so big, bright and bold, and don’t be afraid to wear clashing colours ala the pic in my previous blog post.

Image courtesy of topshop.com

Image courtesy of Stellashops

The trend I am excited about is 70’s glam, and I proved my allegiance to it by buying a pair of denim bellbottoms and serious platforms whilst abroad. I cannot wait. I, for one, am sick of skinny jeans. They’ve been around way too long and they are not really as friendly to girls of my hippy proportions. This new trend will see me looking shapelier and taller – yeah and yeah! With this look go blouses with waist ties and large shades and hoops. Luckily I have all these in my closet, so with the platforms and jeans I am trend ready.  I’d advise buying a pair of neutral platforms to wear with this trend as well as tie in with any colour blocking look.

On the jewellery front, there’s a strong push towards pieces featuring animals, and more than that of the saffer designers who are quite partial to doves and rabbits. I most like the big cats, (think Maisson Panthere de Cartier for peasants).

Image courtesy of Cartier

I didn’t mind the linked elephant necklaces. I even spotted some pighead rings and bangles, hmmmmmm….those were too much for me. I would side with the Muslims on this one.  There was the cutest monkey ring at Topshop that I wore for the full hour I was in there, till, I decided that it may just be novelty and we all know what happens with that… I wish my winter weight had the same effect, then I’d be able to wear the cheeky shorts with high waists that I spotted around. Remnants of a skinny summer in London.

It looks so cute on! Wrapped around your finger and looking up at you. Image courtesy of Topshop

The black and very grim looking long pleated skirts seen this winter get replaced by pretty coral or green ones. I searched and searched but didn’t manage to grab myself one of these. Best paired with a simple fitted tee or short tent vest.

Animal prints also huger than I thought, if you are like me and feel like a fresh divorcee in a tiger print dress, then go for a printed scarf instead.

It’s my civil duty to mention that palazzo pants are huge, although I will not be wearing them. For those of you who are lucky to be built like rakes, go wild with these fun, flirty pants this season.

As a parting shot, Id like to mention the cheeky shorts were often paired with patterned sheer pantyhose. My fave was when worn with polka dot hose. Check out the pic I sneaked on the tube. Till next time…remember…ornate is awesome J

Evolution. The Constant Climb

This is just a quick update to explain my absence and indicate when my posts will be back full force. I felt that the quality of this blog would be greatly increased by adding pictures, and, since I didn't want to punish you all with bad quality images, I decided to take a blogging hiatus till I could improve my picture quality. I am now pleased to announce that this will be possible  at the start of the new month J. Finally we can move from descriptions to images, and as they say, a picture is worth a thousand words.

In the meantime, I have been developing a new range, all original designs and in sterling silver. Just the thought of these pieces bring me a huge sense of pride and excitement for Jinn’s future. I will post pictures at month-end to sate you all. I don’t want to say too much. Come back soon to see what is in store. Remember, patience is a virtue and I promise it will be worthwhile.

Things I am loving right now:

This Dior Rose ring – Pink Diamonds set in Rose Gold… Note the band that fits around it. *swoon*

This citrine nugget ring – Image courtesy of she's electric

This entire look! – Image courtesy of Pinterest

The Buzz on the Streets

This week I decided to talk more about what else is happening in the fashion world. By the mere fact that sunrise is later and evenings are getting chilly, we can safely say that we have entered Autumn. With that comes new autumn trends.. Yay J. Orange has been pegged as the new autumn colour for a while now. I had a feeling, but since its being spoken about by numerous sources, its confirmed in my books. Although I’m more of a blue person, I’m quite eager to get my orange on. Not terracotta, not burnt orange, but that 70’s bright orange that just screams at you. I think I may just incorporate some orange leather into my pieces at some point…Once I’ve completed the Jinn rings’ range I recently embarked on. On blogs, there are two that I’d like to recommend. One is www.rushe-row.blogspot.com, a very talented evening gown designer who has just recently launched her label, and www.inthefashionloop.com , Mr. Price’s fashion blog. I do think Mr. Price is underrated in this country due to the fact that it caters to the lower end of the market. One thing this store always gets right is stocking the key fashion pieces for the season long before any other store, even of high trend caliber, stocks them. I swear if they instituted a high end division I would be named Most Loyal Client sooner than you can say fashion addict. On another note, although, yes, I was waxing lyrical about Kate’s ring a post or two back, I am getting so tired of the constant buzz about this wedding. Am I alone here? Anyway…

5 Things I am dreaming of today:

1.       A personal cobbler – where to find the next Jimmy Choo, hidden away in some derelict building toiling away like Rumpelstiltskin.

2.       A new hairdo  - something unique, colourful, fashion-forward.

3.       A pair of red velvet Errol Arendz pumps – A modern day Dorothy… Mama loves playin’ dress-up!

4.       Black, bold D & G Cats Eye sunglasses.

5.       A spontaneous trip to Moz – People just don’t agree to things on the spur of the moment anymore…tsk…tsk..

Tomorrow my Easter holiday commences, spending time with Mr. Jinn and soaking up that beautiful Cape Town sun while it lasts!

Till next week, don’t forget… Ornate is awesome!!

Evolution, baby!

I had a fantastic weekend, all because of 5 hours of blissful belonging. Waking up to a bad mood, I went for a class and created 2 flawless silver bands. This is  the start of new things for Jinn, as I will soon be able to add a range of quirky, unique rings as a collection. My excitement is beyond verbal expression. For now I am still having fun creating all the pieces my heart desires. My plan for one of them is to set one of my gran’s brooches as the focal point. It is so pretty; a crystal framed inlay of delft porcelain –  Can. Not. Wait. The other I plan to set a howlite cross in the centre, using a claw setting. This one may become a staple in my ring range.  Once I am done with me (does this sound selfish?), I will move on to creating dreamy pieces for all of you. This is all in accordance with the prophecy  that Jinn will have beautifully crafted, unique hooks on all the earrings, and interesting form and function to some parts. I have up till now been constrained by what the market had available, but now my world has opened up and I will finally have absolute creative freedom.

Ornate just became more awesome!! :-D

Mememe

For pretty pics of the Mememe JHB Launch, check out http://missmillib.blogspot.com/2011/04/they-came-they-saw-they-toasted.html?spref=tw. 

:-) Ornate is awesome!

When one door closes, another opens

Its been a while since I posted on the blog. There are a few happenings that I will joyfully discuss today. Firstly, a new collection has been born J. The inspiration for the range is a blend of military, antique and ethnic. Lots of leather in muted tones, shaped either boldly or into shields and hearts, mixed with antique little silver charms to form pieces that call out to be noticed. We’re talking cuffs, bold earrings, militaria pendants and pins. This range can be found at Mememe jhb.

They officially opened their doors on Friday, and I had the pleasure of attending the launch on the previous Wednesday. Wow, was it a party. Uju entertained the crowd whilst everyone enjoyed the  perpetual flow of chilled Pongracz. Jinn’s pound coin collection is also stocked at this divine store.

Now on to less exciting news. Sadly I also announce the closure of India Jane. This obviously means that Jinn pieces will no longer be found out in the serene town of Kalk Bay. I have however set my sights on a few stores closer to the CBD so cross your fingers in hopes of possible partnerships J

In my most recent jewellery observations I have concluded that The Princess Di ring is about to become as popular as it was back in the early 80’s, since William and Kate have revived it. Its gotten me thinking how I could do an African spin on the same design. Hold on because I think this is going to be a beaut!

Have a good week, people… and always remember.. Ornate is awesome!

Authenticity in all Aspects is Key

Observations today... So many people live life totally acceptant and are party to living it synthetically. They live on fast foods, drink soft drinks, and wear polyester whilst their wives rock weaves and acrylic nails. They have dinner parties catered for by Woolies, but hey each to their own. There is an unappreciated value in slow cooking a good roast, sharing your efforts and tastes with your friends, whilst enjoying a glass of aged merlot, that a Franschoek winefarmer has created for your pleasure over a couple of hard grueling years. Who can argue with the feel of a pure silk dress, born of a worm's cocoon. These things to some are important, and are easily lost in this fast paced lifestyles we find ourselves caught up in. Life to others is like instant coffee, open the sachet... add some hot water, some powder milk and your done. Bleh.

So this is Jinn Jewelry. Its about a whole, made up of parts that had lives, stories,and a history. Semi-precious stones, freshwater pearls, woods, and leather are used as focal points to Jinn's pieces. Many pieces have trinkets that wont be found anywhere else in the world. They are odds and ends that have been collected over the years for their uniqueness, and have finally found their place.

As of last tuesday, Jinn is officially stocked at India Jane, Kalk Bay. The collection is still very summery as anyone in Cape Town will tell you that the mother city is only just starting to show herself for all her sunshiny beauty. There is a prevalent mexicano feel, with lots of turquoise and antique looking coins, perfect with those linens and white cottons.

Feel the joie de vivre. One should always be living for, working for, buying, wearing and thinking along the lines of legacy and things that last forever. Authenticity is key.

Birth and Death, The Yin and Yang that can never be separated

The first breath, first cry from a baby's mouth... This is it, in a newfound electronic body. The proud mother is looking into her baby's eyes and they scream out the infant's name, out of the brown/green iris... It speaks to her soul and says... "Jinn". As would any momma, dreams occupy her mind. Dreams of what may come of this child. There is a faint blueprint, let's call it a powderblueprint. Jinn will walk on the less battered path. Jinn will bless starving fashion lovers at various levels of their hitherto unmet needs. It would not be vain to say that this space has evolved into somewhat of a vacuum till now.

In Taoist philosophy, Yin and Yang arise simultaneously from a state of  emptiness, moving in tandem till a state of quiescence is reached... The death here is an end to the struggle for local products that are produced timeously and in line with international trends. Its an end to mass produced, dictated-to-by-some-dull-fashion-buyer accessories being the only ones available. Stillness will be reached when one is no longer left wanting, searching.

Over and above the powderblueprint of young baby Jinn's life, there are hopes for a not-yet-seen trendy men's range, and a bespoke range which would be able to meet almost any need a Jinn lover may have, from bridal needs to unique pieces for the forward thinking, non-shepherd following amongst us.