Rachel Burklund Designs

Archive for the ‘knowledge’ Category

Valentine’s Day: how to be jeweled with style

Wednesday, February 2nd, 2011

This Valentine’s Day turn up the heat with a few subtle jewelry, fashion and style tips. Valentine’s is just another reason to look amazing, splurge a little on yourself and charm your sweetie to heaven. So here is what I recommend.

First, your outfit must read sexy yet sophisticated. Men like to see a little skin so that they feel teased and tempted, yet this should be done in a classy, elegant way. The best choice this season is a long sleeve dress with a low neckline, a one-shoulder draped dress or a fitted printed dress. Here are my inspirations.

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Second, your jewelry should be sexy. It should draw attention to your neck, your bust or shine in a way to compliment your outfit. These are my top picks for sexy jewelry. I also like to mix and match wearing an assortment of new and vintage jewelry, to create an eclectic look that states you know how to dress. Try this with vintage bangles or large over the top clip-on earrings and the jewelry below. First featured is the Double Line Necklace, the Asymmetric Tassel Earrings and the Bi-Quartz Gunmetal Bracelet.

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Lastly, add some shimmer to your make-up routine. Add body shimmer to glow and create a “look” with your make-up, accentuating your most radiant feature. If it is your eyes, wear lashes that are sexy and tasteful. If it is your lips, dare to wear a bold dark color of red wine or burgundy.

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Enjoy! Have fun, be bold and daring and try something new! Happy Valentine’s Day!

Summer 2010 Jewelry Trends. What to wear NOW!

Monday, May 24th, 2010

Check out this video on what to wear now for statement pieces and timeless classics. These jewelry pieces, all designed by RB Designs, are ideal for going to the beach, styling around town or for special occasions such as summer weddings, this video will give you some knowledge of what is happening now. Stay current and forward wear jewelry.

Items featured for reference. Black horn crystal necklace, Chunky Agate button necklace, Agate bracelet w/ silver circles, Draped Pearl Earrings, Long Gold Laureate Necklace

Engagement Rings Seattle: the good the bad and the beautiful!

Tuesday, March 9th, 2010

ring blog

I have had many requests for unique, one of a kind engagement rings that are custom creations specifically designed by the customer. Of course this option to step out of the norm is always available, but how do you go about it and how can you guys take this step with confidence. It says so much to your fiance if you take that extra step and be creative and original. So here is how you do it.

1. The stone. Diamond, sapphire, ruby, pink diamond? Do your research to find out what type of stone she prefers. More than likely she will let you know, but make sure you know if she is a diamond girl or likes something unique and original like a colored stone. See the gemstone guide here.

2. The design. Take my purchasing jewelry quiz for Men to find out which categories your girlfriend falls into and use this information to give the jewelry designer lots of characteristics about your girl. It is important for the jeweler to know who we are designing for and what types of jewels your girlfriend currently wears, so the ring reflects her personality and taste.

3. The details. This is your chance to be original and make a ring that is one of a kind for your fiance. Add a small detail that reflects your relationship or beliefs. For example, one ring I am currently working on allows the stone to shine through to the skin verses shine on the metal. This detail was inspired by an Indian belief giving energy and a good omen to the wearer. These ideas can give so much meaning and personality to the design.

4. The process. Often times I work with people who like having the one on one relationship with the jewelry designer. It is nice to have a constant contact to bounce ideas off of and to have someone who walks you through the process. It is a huge step to get engaged and even more of a decision to purchase a ring, so designing one can make the process flow easily and be exciting to have a hand in the end product.

The Good: You have the ability to work with a designer and create something original.

The Bad: After awhile all the rings in stores start looking the same.

The Beautiful: Your end vision is always a brilliant reflection of your relationship!

Diamonds more than beautiful stones: Can they heal?

Thursday, March 4th, 2010

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Diamonds are the most sought after stone, they are radiant, brilliant and stunning to the eye. We all light up over a beautiful clear, nicely cut diamond, but is there something else drawing us to these stones besides the elegant way they make our jewelry shine?

Diamonds are the first crystal on earth. “Diamond crystals are over 3.3 billion years old and when a diamond crystal resonates, it induces energy into the carbon atoms of living cells that are in close proximity”, according to www.diamondenergetics.com. Since we are also made up of carbon energy, diamonds have been used in meditation as energy healers to raise and clear our energy bodies. They aid in psychic abilities, clear chakras and help balance energy.

Diamonds are the stone of love, they offer spiritual aid, trust, confidence, peace and act as an emotional stabilizer. It is no wonder that diamonds are the stone of engagements and weddings. The energy that diamonds give off helps to promote clarity and opens up the crown chakra for spiritual enlightenment.

Diamonds have amazing properties, but it should be stated that our true power lies within ourselves, diamonds and gemstones can be aids to enhance energy, but the truth is within us. Diamonds have more than meets the eye and it is exciting to analyze the various healing properties of diamonds to see why we are attracted to them. What is your favorite stone? Check out Jewelry 411 and read about gemstone knowledge to find out more about the energetic properties of stones.

Colorstrology: What colors are influencing your fashion and jewelry choices?

Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010

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So you know that color is the most important aspect of design; it is the beginning and the first point of notice. When shopping color draws us to various pieces, when designing, laying out the color story is the starting point. Our lives revolve around colors, so what do they say about our style?

In this story I will lay out various color tendencies and what that says about who you are and how that reflects your style. Then you can make the decision to try new colors and change your fashion, one hue at a time.

All about black

Black is the most popular color in fashion. It is easy, slimming and goes with everything. Chanel and the little black dress made women gravitate towards the simple sexy feeling wearing black elude. We all wear black and love the effects of a sexy evening gown, but what about the everyday cotton shirts and dark denim. When worn in cotton, black looses its sexiness. So if you are wearing black all the time, what does that say about your style?

Black gives the feeling of strength, attitude and power. See this article by David Johnson on color psychology for a more in-depth look as to how colors affect our moods and reflect our personality. Johnson describes black as being a power color, but underneath power, there is usually the opposite. If black is your color of choice, ask yourself if you are hiding under the color, or wanting to achieve a slimming look. We all wear colors for different reasons at different times, yet being aware of our inclinations can add so much value to our fashion sense.

Nudes and Whites

Wearing nudes or whites are most often worn in summer time with light weight fabrics. White is seen as a pure color representing femininity, honesty and trust. Tan or beige colors are often associated with the outdoors in hiking or safari looks, however tan and beige are also associated with khaki pants and casual attire.

Our mood is generally fresh, light and upbeat when wearing these colors, offering a sense of trust to coworkers or a sense of ease. These are welcoming colors that promote conversation and enthusiasm. According to Christian Boehm, VP of merchandising and marketing for the Tom James Company, earth tone colors portray a person who is down to earth and understanding. They are your best rapport building colors. “Earth tones are a good choice for anyone meeting with an unhappy client or investor, or reviewing an employee, meeting with a small business owner or attending a staff meeting,” commented Boehm.

Bold colors

When wearing bold colors on a regular basis you are inviting playfulness to your wardrobe. Each color has a different meaning, which can be further analyzed here. Inviting multiple colors into your life means that you attract change, movement and evolution your style. When you try new colors that are current or just new to you, you are working in a direction of evolving and growing your look. You like change and are not afraid to try new styles.

Only One

If you are the type of person who always wears burgundy or loves purple and wears it regularly, this can mean several things about your style. One you know what looks good on you or two you are afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Being identified for a color can be very predictable and safe, it is well calculated and does not require change, risk or trial and error. Many people wear black all the time and that is their thing, or some people might identify with blue because they have blue eyes.

People might perceive you as closed or set in your ways if you wear the same color all the time. If this is you, look deeper at your choices and see what your “color” might say about your personality.

How to evolve your color style?

Wear all colors, be flexible, try new colors and add adventure to your look, think playful, fun and exciting when purchasing new jewelry and clothing items. If there is a bright orange necklace or magenta skirt in the stores or on the runways that you love, try it, it never hurts to take a chance, and if it does not work, try another color!


Colorstrology from Pantone click here to find your color.