Necklaces easier on and off : Arthritis : Wheelchair Fashion
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Style and fashion are not ruled or defined by ability, age or size
I'm a jewelry designer, and I have a shop on Etsy. I've got a special desire to make items easier to wear for women who may have disabilities, or any problems getting things on and off. Some of us are just getting a little older. Manipulating small parts seems trickier. Maybe we're asking for help with our necklaces more. We want alternatives, and we just don't have the time to fuss with things that are difficult to manage.
When I talked to friends about why they like their Kindle Wireless Reading Devices
so much, one reason often top on the list is that they're much easier to carry than the books themselves, and how easy they are to read, that they can adjust the font size. (Sometimes they're easier to hold and read, particularly if you're a fan of an author such as Stephen King. :-))
Everyone has her own specific situation and different things may work for different people. I've come up, with the help of a research and talking with friends, a few ideas on how to make necklaces more 'user friendly' to those of us who have a harder time with small clasps or with maneuvering to reach around behind us, etc.
No Lifeguard on Duty, above, is a 34" necklace that may go over-the-head. Blue and white lampwork glass patterned beads, freshwater pearls, Swarovski crystal, turquoise beads and sterling silver bring the piece together.
What I'm doing isn't really for the disabled. For one thing, 'disabled' is such a broad term. Also the population is aging, our bodies are aging. The items are attractive and the little helpful points do not make the jewelry scream 'adaptive,' but are just built into the design. The biggest compliment to me as a designer would be for persons with physical limitations to wear the jewelry comfortably and happily, and in so doing, feel better about themselves. Also, my goal is for everyone, regardless of physical circumstances to wear the jewelry. I don't want any of the jewelry to be desirable only because of its adaptive qualities.
Other designers of jewelry, clothing and other products are very in tune with real women and their needs. We need everyone we can get being more and more inclusive. This lens will offer suggestions on easier on and off necklaces. I'm also offering some general beauty and fashion information and inspiration for real women.
This lens will be updated regularly and it's one in a series of lenses planned. I'd appreciate getting your feedback in the comments section at the end of this lens. How could jewelry items and accessories be made easier for you? Which types do you use now because they work better? Do you feel underrepresented in the world of beauty advertising, fashion shows and the like? Perhaps when people more seasoned designers and entrepreneurs enter the industry other demographics will be served more.
When I talked to friends about why they like their Kindle Wireless Reading Devices
so much, one reason often top on the list is that they're much easier to carry than the books themselves, and how easy they are to read, that they can adjust the font size. (Sometimes they're easier to hold and read, particularly if you're a fan of an author such as Stephen King. :-))Everyone has her own specific situation and different things may work for different people. I've come up, with the help of a research and talking with friends, a few ideas on how to make necklaces more 'user friendly' to those of us who have a harder time with small clasps or with maneuvering to reach around behind us, etc.
No Lifeguard on Duty, above, is a 34" necklace that may go over-the-head. Blue and white lampwork glass patterned beads, freshwater pearls, Swarovski crystal, turquoise beads and sterling silver bring the piece together.
What I'm doing isn't really for the disabled. For one thing, 'disabled' is such a broad term. Also the population is aging, our bodies are aging. The items are attractive and the little helpful points do not make the jewelry scream 'adaptive,' but are just built into the design. The biggest compliment to me as a designer would be for persons with physical limitations to wear the jewelry comfortably and happily, and in so doing, feel better about themselves. Also, my goal is for everyone, regardless of physical circumstances to wear the jewelry. I don't want any of the jewelry to be desirable only because of its adaptive qualities.
Other designers of jewelry, clothing and other products are very in tune with real women and their needs. We need everyone we can get being more and more inclusive. This lens will offer suggestions on easier on and off necklaces. I'm also offering some general beauty and fashion information and inspiration for real women.
This lens will be updated regularly and it's one in a series of lenses planned. I'd appreciate getting your feedback in the comments section at the end of this lens. How could jewelry items and accessories be made easier for you? Which types do you use now because they work better? Do you feel underrepresented in the world of beauty advertising, fashion shows and the like? Perhaps when people more seasoned designers and entrepreneurs enter the industry other demographics will be served more.
Contents at a Glance
- Usability, Style, Meaning
- Sophie Morgan, Kelly Knox, Modeling
- Wheelchair Fashion 101 e-book
- Other Ways of 'Fastening'
- Make it long
- Types of Clasps
- Chloe Fashion & LIfestyle Magazine for Disabled Women
- Little Girl at Anvil, Vintage Valentine
- Bracelet Buddy
- Memory Wire: Is there really magic in the things she does?
- Poll: Magnetic Clasps: A Sticky Subject?
- Photography of Jewelry and Beads
- Alternatives to Necklaces
- Front Toggle Clasp: "Mint Mocha Swirl"
- Izzy Camilleri Fashion Designer's New Collection of Adaptable Clothing
- Special Handmade & Vintage Items
- Integrated Fashion Show
- Amazon Search: Adaptive Hair Products ...or anything at all
- Modeling, Britain's Next Missing Top Model
- Wheelchair fashion
- Please share your ideas & tell us what works for you?
Usability, Style, Meaning
Since my disability, I began to talk to other women who had disabilities or chronic illnesses who also struggled with their jewelry. There were three things that came up again and again in conversation pertaining to jewelry.
1) First was always the ease of wear and use which comes down to the construction of the pieces themselves. You want the pieces to take ease of use and wear into consideration while not affecting their look. Attractive clasps, particularly ones that are large, easy to open and close, in front or on the side, save the trouble and pain of trying to reach around behind you or twisting the necklace around.
How heavy is the piece? We've always needed to consider weight with earrings, and different wires and backs may be used to counteract some of the weight there. But the weight in necklaces, bracelets and other jewelry may be a consideration when shopping. If you already have a back or neck problem, you don't need a heavy necklace to add to the strain. Stylish chunky pieces could be made of lighter-weight components, organic items, for instance. I have a black and white piece called I'll be sailing right behind. It's in the 30" length, but can be created in different lengths.
2) The style. If I am disabled and perhaps use an assistive device, it's especially important to me to draw attention to my face in some cases with a necklace or pair of earrings that reflect my style. You're less about name dropping and more about showing off your personal style, one that means something to you, expresses you as an individual.
3) Lastly, the meaning in the components themselves. What are the healing qualities associated with the gemstones used? Is it made with your birthstones? Are there charms with inspirational messages or names? A locket for you to place a photo or memento? Is there a number that is significant? These add a lot to the personal meaning of any piece of jewelry. Awareness jewelry of different types becomes something you may think more about.
Image is of Keeping it off is the hard part, a necklace of mine in the 30" length.The necklace has complementary earrings, shown. The necklace is made of ebony wood large open polished beads, mother of pearl discs and sterling sliver. I use the open circle in several of my designs. The circle, particularly open, may have a lot of meaning as well as serve as a striking design feature.
Suggestions about what works for you is always welcome.
Anna May Wong, 1920s
Britain's Missing Top Model
Stylish, sassy, chic ... disabled? Eight young disabled women discover what it takes to be a model - but which of them will win a photo shoot and appear in a top fashion magazine? Britain's Missing Top Model. "Eight beautiful disabled girls, desperate to be models, battle it out to win the prize of a fashion shoot in top style magazine Marie Claire, photographed by Rankin."
Wheelchair Fashion 101 e-book
Tiffiny Carlson
If you're looking for a more in-depth look at wheelchair fashion, consider purchasing my e-book: Wheelchair Fashion 101.
It covers everything from where to buy long jeans to finding wheelchair-appropriate wedding dresses.
Tiffiny Carlson is an Editor and Contributor for Chloe Magazine. Her blog, BeautyAbility is full of great information and a fun read. She also hosts No Free Rides: An xAble.com Lifestyle Show for Women.
"Tiffiny Carlson is a well-known writer in the disability genre community and is excited to be contributing to such an exciting start-up. Tiffiny is C6 quad, resides in Minneapolis, has an unhealthy obsession with David Bowie, and will NEVER, ever reveal her age." -- from Chloe Magazine
It covers everything from where to buy long jeans to finding wheelchair-appropriate wedding dresses.
Tiffiny Carlson is an Editor and Contributor for Chloe Magazine. Her blog, BeautyAbility is full of great information and a fun read. She also hosts No Free Rides: An xAble.com Lifestyle Show for Women.
"Tiffiny Carlson is a well-known writer in the disability genre community and is excited to be contributing to such an exciting start-up. Tiffiny is C6 quad, resides in Minneapolis, has an unhealthy obsession with David Bowie, and will NEVER, ever reveal her age." -- from Chloe Magazine
- Wheelchair Fashion 101 e-book: Learn how to adapt your wardrobe | BeautyAbility
- Learn how to adapt your wardrobe If you're looking for a more in-depth look at wheelchair fashion, consider purchasing my e-book: Wheelchair Fashion 101. It covers everything from where to buy long jeans to finding wheelchair-appropriate wedding dresses.
Cost: $15.00 To Purchase....
Other Ways of 'Fastening'
- The Lariat, which may be made in different lengths and to 'connect' different ways -- often left up to the person who's wearing it
-
Memory Wire: memory wire necklaces work on the principle like a cuff bracelet, fitting most neck sizes since they're flexible. You simply wrap the necklace around and it conforms. It's perfect for plus sizes and for those women with who have trouble reaching up and around to put on more traditional necklaces since this piece has no clasp to fiddle with. Memory wire is more comfortable and user-friendly to get on and off. Memory wire can be used for rings, bracelets and an assortment of necklace designs.
An example is a necklace I call, Is there really magic in the things she does? It incorporates Swarovski crystal and an artisan-created lampwork sugar focal bead. - Cuff-Style: This may be accomplished with memory or other wire, with actual hinges, or it may just be a flexible open-style piece. It tends to form to the body, and be easy on and off since there's no clasp at all
- Stretchy cord or memory wire can be used to make a necklace or bracelet slide on or off with ease. Sometimes these solutions can make a piece more economical along with being more comfortable to wear.
- Depending on your circumstances, a necklace where the pendant or featured piece hangs down a ways in the back may work better for you. If you have trouble finding this type of necklace, try looking through wedding sections of shops. Bridal gowns have low backs and a trend is to have pieces featured in the back since guests tend to be looking at the bride's back.
Make it long
Long necklaces are in vogue right now and they're also a perfect antidote to many of the problems some of us face getting necklaces on and off. They're also favored by plus-sized women as they can be flattering and worn in different ways, sometimes looped around more than once. It's great when a piece gives you options for different looks.
Depending on the style of necklace it may also be knotted or even worn diagonally over one shoulder. There are a lot of ways to wear a long necklace, it's up to you.
Depending on the style of necklace it may also be knotted or even worn diagonally over one shoulder. There are a lot of ways to wear a long necklace, it's up to you.
Thelma Todd, 1920s
Types of Clasps
- Larger sized clasps can be really helpful
- Placing the clasp in the front makes a lot of difference to those of us who have trouble with arms and shoulders, who have trouble reaching around the back or twisting to get a necklace on. There are so many decorative clasps now, they can be the pretty pendant at the center of the piece.
- Choose an easier to manipulate clasp such as an S clasp, toggle or box clasp, something that doesn't require fine motor skills, something that doesn't require you to see and work with something that is too small.
- Zippers: There are necklaces that are made with actual zippers or with zipper-like closures which may resemble the lariat. They may be made of cloth or metal.
Adaptive extras
- Extender chains: Extender chains can be made in many different lengths and styles. They may be made out of different materials, including cost-effective styles. One chain may go with a specific piece of you could get one chain to switch out between necklaces. A larger clasp, many are decorative, may be used to add ease of closure along with the added length.
- I'm seeing more and more bracelet/necklace combos where you can wear them separately or attach the two together to create a longer-length necklace. These are fun to make and wear. Designers' creativity in design may also serve to help in making something easier to wear.
Little Girl at Anvil, Vintage Valentine
Bracelet Buddy
An extra 'helping hand'
The Bracelet Buddy
is a tremendous help with getting bracelets on and off. The clip at the end of the bracelet Buddy secures one end of your bracelet. With the other hand wrap the bracelet around your wrist.Image from Amazon.com
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Memory Wire: Is there really magic in the things she does?
ImagineMDD
A stunning black lampwork 'sugar' bead is the focal point of this piece, surrounded by large semi-round black freshwater pearls, super sparkly Swarovski vitrail and clear crystals, sterling silver beads and smooth black seed beads.
Closed with 'String'
String, ribbon, suede and leather cords and the like allow for many non-clasp alternatives that can run a wide range of styles
- Tie in a bow for easy closure but also the length of the necklace is up to you, too
- An assortment of knots that can be loosened and tightened
1930's Prediction of Fashion in 2000
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Poll: Magnetic Clasps: A Sticky Subject?
These clasps aren't advised for people with pacemakers. Pregnant women and some others should consult doctors before using.
I'd appreciate hearing any comments, any experiences you've had good or bad with magnetic clasps in the Comments section at the end of the lens.
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Alternatives to Necklaces
You don't have to wear necklaces at all of course. If you find it difficult or no longer want to wear necklaces, there are fashionable alternatives. I've heard of a few from friends.
- Scarves are really popular. They come in a lot of styles, vintage silk, and modern crochet and knit are popular.
-
A lot of tops come with sequins and rhinestones already on them. Some are made to look like necklaces, some not. You put on the blouse and you've got the bling right there. :) Do you know anyone who has a Bedazzler Stud & Rhinestone Setter
or has the BeJeweler Pro: Professional Swarovski Hotfix Rhinestone Applicator Kit/Embellishment Tool?
Then you're cooking with gas!
- I have one friend whose tattoo is her fashion statement these days.
- Accessories that are carried or worn on your body such as handbags can be works of art in themselves, there are talented artists who specialize in them in a wide variety of styles. This is especially a great idea for any of us who have to carry supplies of any kind with us. May as well have a pretty purse to put your gear in.
- Other pieces of jewelry may be an option. Rings, earrings, bracelets, brooches. Cuff bracelets that are made to be warn around the upper arms are striking and attractive options, too.
- Designer bling for your handbag, your keys, your camera, etc has never been as hot as it is now. There are beautiful handmade dangles that you can get to hang from your purse for instance. Often it can be customized. Don't let your cell phone go unaccessorized. :-)
- Hair combs, headbands and fascinators are spectacular and are often easy on-off choices.
- Eyeglass leashes and badge lanyards are being made in many different styles these days and they're definitely as much a piece of jewelry as much as any necklace or bracelet out there.
- Don't forget about belts. Some scarves and some of the longer, larger chunky chain necklaces may double for a belt, too. Get creative.
Louise Brooks
Front Toggle Clasp: "Mint Mocha Swirl"
This toggle-front necklace is more comfortable and user-friendly to get on and off, especially for those women with who have trouble reaching up and around to put on more traditional necklaces that clasp in the back. It's quite a lightweight piece and not too long but long enough so it would work over different necklines on shirts and sweaters.
The large decorative enameled copper toggle clasp also is a size that easier for those of us who might find smaller clasps a bit difficult to manipulate. This will be one of those pieces we can put on without asking for assistance. The clasp is the work of Minnesota artisan C-Koop.
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Short-waisted? Wearing a low-slung belt the color of your pants or skirts lengthens your waist like magic.
Chunky calves? Avoid capri pants and mid-calf skirts like the plague.
Poochy belly? A V-neck top will bring the eye up in the most flattering way, as long as it doesn't cling.
And hundreds more tips keyed to your figure and how to make it look its best!
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