This summer, for those who are able, will be about having fun and cutting loose. That will look a little different for everyone, whether it will be traveling to a far-off destination, visiting with family for the first time in over a year, or hosting a backyard barbecue.
Since consumers are more willing to take on debt post-COVID-19, it would make sense that some would take luxury vacations, or even spend a pretty penny on memorable high-end jewels. After an unnatural amount of time spent concealed at home in our sweats, we want to be seen, and that could mean finding occasions to get decked out in our finest attire.
But consumers don’t need a hefty wallet to have some fun with jewelry this summer, and color will dominate the scene in a myriad of price ranges. One of my favorite current styles: the summer camp for grown-ups vibe, a trend that was discussed here in early May.
You’ll find designers putting their signature spins on the aesthetic, resulting in a wide assortment of materials. The assortment featured today, from Richmond, Va.–based brand Elsie Frieda, is gloriously colorful, affordable, beyond fun, and nails the DIY style (except it’s way better than anything many of us could make at home, especially me).
My favorite pieces are the chokers, with their rainbow varieties of thread in tropical and neon color combinations. The hoop earrings are big standouts for summer, too, with that particular style of earring being hugely popular (yet again) as we move into the hottest months.
The pieces are handwoven and often use an African record bead pattern, with some utilizing beads made from vinyl records. Others incorporate heishi beads found in the markets of Ghana.
There’s a lot to like about this happy bunch of jewels, and a free-spirited consumer yearning to douse themselves in colorful wares might want to collect them all. The good news is that it’s relatively affordable to do so. A visit to the brand’s website may even have shoppers adding one of its jubilant face masks and beaded mask holders to their carts (because many of us are still wanting to wear them, and that’s A-OK!).
Elsie Frieda was founded by Chrissy Harrison in 2018 and debuted with a collection of heishi bead jewels made in partnership with women in Ghana. In addition to its main line, the company designs pieces to benefit special causes such as Breast Cancer Awareness and Feeding America.
Top: The Ranny | At the Copa necklace with African vinyl record beads, $255; Elsie Frieda
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