TERAPROOF:User:johndolanDate:11/05/2010Time:13:57:30Edition:12/05/2010WOWwow120510Page:2
Zone:EW1
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(YHQLQJ (FKR Wednesday, May 12, 2010
EW1 - V1
Orla Murphy tells COLETTE SHERIDAN why dramatic colours, pearls, and silver are the key trends in jewellery to liven up any wardrobe
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CCESSORISING with dramatic statement pieces of jewellery is the key to giving your wardrobe a whole new lease of life. So says Douglas mother-of-two Orla Murphy, who runs a business selling jewellery at fashion shows, house parties, coffee mornings and charity luncheons. Always interested in fashion, she noted that there are a lot of people selling inexpensive jewellery which is of poor quality. At the other end of the spectrum, beautiful jewellery tends to be costly. On holidays in France and the US, Orla spotted reasonably-priced and very striking costume jewellery. That was the genesis for her business which she set up 12 months ago, selling jewellery which comes from these countries. Her necklace and earring sets start at F30. Orla keeps an eye on fashion trends. “What’s really big on the catwalk this year is big, bold, dramatic jewellery. Sarah Jessica Parker is great for wearing this kind of jewellery with every day clothes,� says Orla who is looking forward to the latest Sex and the City movie which will be a trend-setter. She adds that Sarah Jessica Parker “is great for layering. She can wear a couple of necklaces together; a long one and a shorter one. She also loves big chunky bracelets.� Orla says a lot of the celebrities on the red carpet are going for chandelier earrings and cocktail rings. “These rings can have a flower on them or a big red stone. They’re very dramatic. Cheryl Cole loves her chandelier earrings. If you look at any of the episodes of The X-Factor, you’ll see her wearing long dangling earrings and cocktail rings. “The big dangling earrings are very much for going out to special occasions such as a wedding or a ball. Diamante chandelier earrings work very well for these occasions.� Women need confidence to wear dramatic jewellery. “There’s no point in buying jewellery that’s going to stay in the drawer. The jewellery I sell will make you stand out from the crowd which will give you the confidence to make an even bigger statement the next time,� she says. Pearls too, have made a comeback thanks to Michelle Obama who wears them in a variety of colours to great effect. “Jackie Onassis was well-known for wearing pearls, as was Princess Diana. They probably had the real thing. Michelle Obama wears fake pearls, not only in white, but also fabulous coloured ones such as brown and gold. They’re very elegant.� As well as wearing pearls for special occasions, Orla says they’re great for work wear. “They can really dress up a suit.� Silver is also going to be a big theme this summer, says Orla. “Gold is always popping up but I think silver is going to win out. Turquoise jewellery is very much in fashion also. You can wear a pair of jeans, a white T-shirt and a turquoise necklace. It’s a great look. “Maxi dresses are also in. “Long necklaces look good with them. They have an elongating effect.� While women may not be flashing the cash and spending big money on their wardrobes, Orla says that reasonably priced jewellery is very popular. “It’s an affordable way to bring your wardrobe up-to-date.� Orla’s online store, www.orlamurphyjewellery.com goes live at the end of the month.
Jewellery seller Orla Murphy with a selection of her pieces. Picture: Eddie O’Hare
Big and bold is the look for 2010