Hipanema

Pottering around the Brighton Lanes this week I came across HIPANEMA, the new brand to be stocked in one of my favourite boutiques, Lavender Room.

The brand came about after two Parisian girls met in Rio and were inspired by colours found on ther travels. They endeavoured to bring the colours home in their suitcases and the company has certainly done just that! A collection of bracelets and bikins in bold and striking  colours that are perfect to accessorise the summer season. The bracelets are a great concept for those, like myself, that always have a wrist full of trinkets, especially in the warmer months of adventures!

The very chic magnetized clasp offers a great alternative to the holiday bracelets. Souvenir bracelets go from being a post-holiday drag, that have to be tied and untied, to being a real ethnic fashion accessory which livens up summer wardrobes.
 
Made from pearls, seashells and multicolored thread, the HIPANEMA bracelets come in a variety of different styles, colours and themes. The ribbons from Bahia mix with the legendary Copacabana bracelets and quartz stones with various seashells.
 
These cuffs can be worn double or triple. The more the merrier! At €65 a piece they are not the average high street buy but for me that's what makes them special. Not everyone will be wearing them and they are the perfect day to night accessory- shorts, little white dress or summer florals straight to a party dress!

I thought I'd share some of my favourites with you, which is your fave? I'm hoping that I can treat myself to one over the summer months if I manage to find a job and get a little bit of a break from the student lifestyle/bank account!!













The bracelets, and the rest of the range of bikinis, can be found here. Happy shopping!

I lost my heart to Union

While my wrists are normally adorned with festival bands, bracelets and ribbons, I'm not a big jewellery wearer. I struggle to find classic, statement pieces that are timeless yet wearable. Both my 18th and 21st birthdays were spent wandering from Harrods to Harvey Nics to Selfridges trying to find something that jumped out and was special; and that moreover, wasn't Links.
 

These days it is just as much about statement accessories as it is about a killer dress or suit. With seasonal changing trends a piece of jewellery or a statement accessory, that is timeless enough to work across seasons and be simultaneously wearable is a rare find. A few weeks ago, I came across Union. Situated in the Brighton South Lanes, the store is not only filled with incredible pieces, gorgeous accessories and lovely staff but the collection is indeed wearable. And most certainly statement. These are the kind of pieces that would make a Little Black Dress.
 

The shop has been renovated with vintage display cabinets and props and product images are dotted about on the walls. Minimalistic and yet inviting its difficult to know where to look first!

Kansas Short Necklace
Union says: A real statement piece, it combines Miquella's signature silk-wrapped crystal chain and chunky knot design. We love this necklace worn with a T-shirt, skinny jeans and your best leather jacket.

Navajo Violet and Emerald choker
Union says: Hand woven violet, emerald and gold plated galvanised glass bead choker. This colour-popping creation is guaranteed to add glamour to any autumn/winter outfit.

Gina Twist Blue Bracelet
Union says: The Gina Twist Blue cuff screams extravagance and style whether worn on it's own or stacked up with other cuffs. Featuring blue satin cord, 24 carat rose gold plated chain and Bex Rox engraved magnetic clasp.



Pretty Tough Tose Gold Honeycomb cuff
Union says: Pretty Tough honeycomb brass and gold plated cuff. This stunning rose gold plated bracelet is wearable, and effortlessly chic. Whether you are wearing this for a night out, a special occasion or with daywear, you won't need any other accessories! Cuff width is 4 cm and length is 19cm when laid out flat.




Union and their incredible pieces - I really do want them all - were one of the designers  at the Sussex Fashion Soc Charity Fashion Show in November of last year and I could't resist sharing these gorgeous shots with you.

 

 

 

The brand was only established in 2011 and I think it's definitely one to watch! Especially when I finally manage to get away from student budgets and into the 'real' world...

You can see more of the pieces on the Union website - www.unionjewellery.co.uk - or alternatively visit the store on Union Street in the South Lanes, Brighton.