One of the least expected and most charming trends that started in mid-2009 was the advent of the ratty little rope bracelet as a fashion forward accessory. Alyssa Norton did the designer, It-Girl swanky version:
These are gorgeous. But for those of us who couldn’t in good conscience spend a ton of money on a piece of jewelry that literally frays, I looked in earnest for a cheaper version. The problem with rope bracelets is that because I never take them off when I shower, they started to smell like a combination of mildew and my wrist, which I guess doesn’t always smell so hot. I then found and bought, for under $60, a rope bracelet with charms on it that I never take off but somehow doesn’t smell weird, by the designer Dogeared.
It has bling but doesn’t appear to be trying hard, which is the fashion faux pas I commit most frequently. Rope bracelets look best layered over other bracelets, so here are some cute ideas.
Links of London friendship bracelet:
Ettika Multi-colored rope and rhinestone bracelet:
Good for: If you want to look laid back but rich, like say, Matthew McConaughey’s girlfriend or something.
I love your descriptions of your fashion sense… Because I relate way too much. Trying too hard=always me. I dig the Ettika bracelet. Now all I need is Matthew McConaughey to complete the look. That’s not trying too hard, right?
Andrea | October 4, 2011 |
i want to make a friendship bracelet again! but hanging out with a thread safety pinned to my sock doesn’t seem appropriate at 35…
lynn @ the actor's diet | October 4, 2011 |
Hello Mindy.
Yes, those of us who have sported the hemp, the bit of climbing rope, the friendship bracelet are all too aware of the “smell of wrist.” It’s like having a Teva sandal on your wrist, always. It’s worth it for me to have something to fiddle with when stuck in meeting, elevator, bus, keyboard, insomnia.
I don’t think I could Matthew McConaughey, however. Too needy.
Melina
Melina | October 4, 2011 |
Hi Mindy, I love these types of bracelets too. Miracle Icons, made by the super sweet Miss MaryJo Pane in NYC, started the line in response to a friend who was ill, after 9/11, and they look like something you would like, along the lines of these pieces. Have a wonderful day, and thanks for all the laughs!!!
Cyndi | October 4, 2011 |
could i wear that bracelet even if i don’t want to be matthew mcconaughey’s gf? i’m waiting around for mark wahlberg. in this case, what kind of bracelet should i wear instead?
Whitney Soup | October 4, 2011 |
OMG I adore that matthew McConaughey’s girlfriend inspired bracelet! Also, I’m totally using that reference as I way to describe what I’m looking for in stores from now on. Any retail clerk worth anything will know exactly what that is, right?
irene | October 4, 2011 |
Friendship bracelets rule! Try buying a handmade one versus a machine made bracelet or one made by a child in the Third World. Etsy, is full of bracelet makers - myself included!
Rebecca | October 4, 2011 |
I feel like Martha would take this bracelet business into her own hands and whip up a rope bracelet of her own, in probably a very nautical/new england fashion. Have you found any DIY videos/blogs for all of the unemployed college grads out there?
Miss Lace | October 5, 2011 |
Just wanted to pop in and say Congrats on your book! I am so excited to read it. I love you on the Office.
Love the jewelry you posted here. As a jewelry designer writing a book using cording and lace, I’m excited to see these styles are popular even in Hollywood!
lorelei | October 5, 2011 |