Trend Watch: Crochet Chic

I’m an old fashioned girl with a love of fashion and the craft of design. 

Each season I’m in awe of what designers are inspired by and how they interpret emerging trends.  We can thank fashion powerhouses Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana and Issey Miyake for elevating crochet to a new level of chic this past Spring, by highlighting the humble art in their runway collections.  The trend continues to be one of Summer’s must haves. 

I’m not at all surprised to see this craft making a resurgence of popularity.  Women are craving unique pieces that give them a sense of nostalgia with a modern twist.  Crochet is rooted in the past, when women would create beautiful things for their homes and their loved ones.  People are drawn to handmade items that are uncommon and special.  The success of stores like Anthropologie and the Etsy community are a testament of that.   

Crochet style has evolved in a sophisticated, romantic and delicate way - far from it’s chunky, craft fair look of the past.  You can find it on everything from shoes to jackets, but I am in love with the stunning jewelry out there created by incredibly talented artisans.  A search for “crocheted jewelry” on Etsy will unearth hundreds of special pieces – with something for everyone.  It was nearly impossible to choose only a few to highlight for this post, so I encourage you to spend time sifting through the amazing pieces. 

One of my favorites is this romantic cuff bracelet by Whiteswallow.  It’s hand crocheted from natural handspun wool yarn and decorated with a handmade satin fabric flower, containing 3 faux pearls in the middle and it’s fastened with a vintage mother of pearl button.

Other standouts include these pretty necklaces, also found on Etsy.  The first is a vintage floral design by Seaworthysend and the second is a crocheted bib-style necklace by Fancifuldevices that really makes a statement. 

I also adore these charming hoop earrings with crocheted roses by BiKay and the pretty headband by Parvana.

   

 

I prefer a more subtle appearance for crochet on clothing – like this feminine, lightweight vest from Anthropologie.  The styling of this piece here is casual and fresh for summer – but the best thing is I can envision it in many other ways.  Great find.  Also found at Anthropologie is a sweet sweater by Moth, with crocheted flowers adorning the collar.  It makes a great layering piece over dresses or with a tee and jeans.

Have I inspired you to find a crocheted piece of your own yet?

Celeb Style: Jessica Biel

 Jessica Biel’s Classic Beauty

As a longtime fan of actress Jessica Biel, I’ve enjoyed watching her style evolve over the years.  As a teen star, she carried a pretty girl/tomboy image wearing mostly jeans and tees.  Over the years, she has transformed into a stunning trendsetter that fashion lovers flock to for inspiration and designers swoon over to wear their garments. 

From casual to glam, she rarely misses.  A few of my favorite looks:

    

 

 

 

Jessica’s best accessory…Justin Timberlake